The Personal Freedom Podcast with Mac Dohm

The Navy Method for Surviving Your Worst Days | Military Resilience Instructor | Kyle ShepardOvercoming Loss, Building Mental Resilience, and Finding Freedom Through Life’s Hardest Moments What if the greatest challenges in your life weren’t simply obstacles to overcome, but opportunities to become someone stronger, wiser, and more intentional?We spend so much of our lives trying to avoid stress, discomfort, failure, and suffering. But what if our constant pursuit of comfort is actually preventing us from becoming the people we’re capable of being?In this episode of The Personal Freedom Podcast, I sit down with Kyle Shepard, a Navy officer, military resilience instructor, Doctor of Audiology, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, former Guinness World Record holder, husband, father of four, and creator of The Resilient Mental State.Kyle and I have connected twice through my Porn Free Millennial podcast, but this conversation takes us deeper into his personal journey and understanding of freedom.During our discussion, Kyle shares how his passion for helping others navigate stress developed into a mission to teach resilience — not simply as the ability to endure hardship, but as the capacity to manage, recover from, and grow because of it.But perhaps the most powerful part of our conversation comes when Kyle opens up about the loss of his unborn children and the strain that grief placed on his marriage.He describes how his instinct to suppress his emotions and appear strong nearly drove him and his wife apart. It wasn’t until they began intentionally reconnecting through honest conversations, prayer, and time away from technology that he began to understand what true strength required of him.We also explore how modern technology, social media, instant gratification, and our increasingly comfortable lifestyles can quietly disconnect us from the values and relationships that matter most.And throughout it all, Kyle offers practical tools for building resilience, managing stress, and becoming more intentional about the way we live.In This Episode, We Explore* What personal freedom really means: Why freedom begins with understanding your values and aligning your actions with them.* The power of intentional stress: How deliberately embracing manageable discomfort can develop resilience.* When suffering changes everything: Kyle’s experience with pregnancy loss, grief, and rebuilding emotional connection with his wife.* Mental toughness versus emotional strength: Why suppressing emotions isn’t the same as managing them.* A Guinness World Record journey: How a simple burpee challenge eventually became a world-record achievement.* The danger of constant comparison: Why social media can turn healthy competition into unhealthy dissatisfaction.* Our addiction to comfort: How smartphones and instant gratification can interfere with meaningful relationships and personal growth.* The importance of real community: Why genuine human connection matters beyond our digital lives.* Practical stress-management strategies: Cognitive reframing, conscious breathing, and creating space between a stimulus and your response.* Faith, purpose, and resilience: How prayer, self-reflection, and personal values can help us navigate life’s most difficult seasons.The Bigger LessonOne of my favorite themes from this conversation is the distinction between having good intentions and actually living according to our values.We can tell ourselves that family is our greatest priority while spending hours distracted by our phones.We can claim to value personal growth while continually avoiding uncomfortable situations.We can believe we’re supporting the people we love while never taking the time to understand what they actually need from us.And we can spend years chasing success without ever asking ourselves whether we’re pursuing something that truly matters.Kyle challenges us to examine that disconnect — and that personal freedom isn’t really about eliminating every obstacle, responsibility, or uncomfortable experience from our lives — it is quite the opposite, it is learning how to face them. We may not get to choose every hardship we face, but we can work toward becoming the kind of people who respond to those hardships with wisdom, courage, and compassion.About Kyle ShepardKyle Shepard is a Navy officer, Doctor of Audiology, military resilience instructor, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and coach, and former Guinness World Record holder.With more than a decade of military service, Kyle has dedicated much of his professional and personal life to understanding how individuals can effectively manage stress, recover from adversity, and grow through challenging experiences.He is also the creator of The Resilient Mental State, a Substack publication and podcast focused on resilience, intentional stress, personal development, and living a meaningful life.Above all, Kyle considers his roles as a husband and father his most important responsibilities.Connect with Kyle:* Substack: The Resilient Mental State * Podcast: The Resilient Mental State* November Intentional Stress/Breathing ChallengeJoin the ConversationDo you believe suffering can make us stronger, or does it depend on how we respond to it?I’d love to hear about a challenge in your life that changed the way you see yourself or the world around you.Share your thoughts in the comments. Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.Stay resilient.— Mac DohmReal People. Real Stories. Real Freedom.About The Personal Freedom PodcastWhat does it actually mean to live free?That’s the question at the heart of The Personal Freedom Podcast.I’m Mac Dohm, and after navigating a difficult divorce, I made the decision to pursue a different kind of life.I bought an RV, packed up my belongings, and hit the road with my two dogs, Bo and Viggo.What began as a new chapter gradually became a deeper exploration of personal freedom.Through conversations with veterans, adventurers, entrepreneurs, authors, counselors, and everyday people pursuing extraordinary lives, this podcast explores what happens when we challenge expectations, confront adversity, and intentionally choose how we want to live.We talk about faith, purpose, relationships, recovery, adventure, meaningful work, and the courage to pursue something beyond the conventional path.Because personal freedom isn’t simply about doing whatever you want.It’s about building a life worth living.Break Free. Stay Free. Be Free.RV Life_Digital Nomad _Fisherman that is trying to be a better Hunter_Lover of poems and songs_An enjoyable drinker, eater, and breather_A man who is rebuilding something greaterThere are RainBos in the storms.Signing Off,The Personal Freedom Podcast, Mac Dohm🎙️ Read, Watch, Listen & Connect* Watch on YouTube* Read, Watch & Listen on Substack* Listen on Apple* Listen on Spotify* Contact / Guest Inquiries: [email protected] to The Personal Freedom Podcast for new conversations about personal freedom, resilience, purpose, and intentional living.🤝 Support The Personal Freedom PodcastOne of my goals with this podcast is to create a platform where people can share their stories, perspectives, experiences, and lessons with others.If you enjoy these conversations and want to support the show, consider exploring the affiliate partners below.How You Can Support the ShowStarlinkI’ve been using Starlink for nearly four years while living and traveling in my RV, and it’s been an absolute game changer!Whether I’m working remotely, recording podcasts, publishing content, or exploring somewhere off the beaten path, Starlink has helped make my nomadic lifestyle possible.If you’re considering Starlink for your RV, van life adventures, remote work, or home internet, you can support The Personal Freedom Podcast by signing up through my referral link!Here’s how it works:* You receive a FREE month of Starlink service with an eligible referral.* I receive a referral reward that helps support the continu… Get full access to The Personal Freedom Podcast with Mac Dohm at thepersonalfreedompodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Is Your Ego Keeping You Trapped? | Ukrainian-Born Author Alexander SemenyukFrom Ukraine to America, Alexander explores how faith, fatherhood, and storytelling reveal the invisible prisons we build for ourselves.What if the greatest obstacle to personal freedom isn’t the world around you, but the person staring back at you in the mirror?We often associate freedom with the ability to do whatever we want, whenever we want.But what happens when the things we believe make us free become the very things keeping us trapped?For Ukrainian-born author Alexander Semenyuk, genuine personal freedom requires something far more challenging than simply escaping external restrictions.It requires humility, self-awareness, a willingness to learn, and the courage to confront our own ego.In this episode of The Personal Freedom Podcast, I sit down with Alexander to explore his journey from Ukraine to America, his experiences as a father and Christian, and the creative philosophy behind more than 30 writing projects.Alexander immigrated to the United States as a teenager in 2001, learning to navigate a new culture and language while developing a lifelong fascination with literature, history, and human behavior.Today, his writing spans horror, historical fiction, thrillers, dystopian stories, and Christian literature.But our conversation goes far beyond books.We discuss the invisible prisons of ego and addiction, the transformative experiences that shaped his faith, the challenges and rewards of fatherhood, and why becoming a better writer often begins with becoming a more observant, humble human being.In This Episode, We Explore:* Alexander’s childhood in Ukraine and immigration to the United States in 2001.* The challenges of adapting to a new culture and learning English.* Why personal freedom isn’t simply doing whatever you want.* How ego, addiction, and destructive habits can become invisible prisons.* The relationship between humility, curiosity, and lifelong personal growth.* How fatherhood changed Alexander’s understanding of responsibility and faith.* His family’s experience with his son’s serious heart condition and unexpected recovery.* How reading Silence influenced his Christian faith.* The creative process behind more than 30 writing projects.* Why Alexander sometimes questions whether he actually enjoys writing.* The importance of historical research, observation, and authentic storytelling.* How Edgar Allan Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, and Arthur Conan Doyle influenced his work.* Why perfectionism prevents aspiring authors from finishing their books.* How storytelling helps us understand people whose lives are different from our own.The Bigger LessonFreedom isn’t always about escaping the world around us. Sometimes it’s about escaping the prisons we’ve created within ourselves.One of my favorite moments from this conversation came when Alexander challenged the conventional understanding of personal freedom.We often assume that freedom means having unlimited choices.The freedom to drink whenever we want.The freedom to indulge our desires.The freedom to pursue whatever makes us feel good.But what happens when those choices begin controlling us?What happens when the habits we defend as expressions of freedom become dependencies we can no longer escape?Alexander raises a fascinating question:Can we genuinely call ourselves free if we’re prisoners of our own ego?Perhaps one of the greatest obstacles to personal freedom isn’t another person, a political system, or our circumstances.Perhaps it’s our unwillingness to recognize our own limitations.Our resistance to learning.Our attachment to being right.Our inability to acknowledge when we need to change.Throughout our conversation, Alexander returns to the importance of humility, curiosity, and personal growth.And I think there’s something powerful about that.Whether we’re discussing addiction recovery, Christianity, creative pursuits, or relationships, the willingness to examine ourselves honestly is essential.Because sometimes the most meaningful freedom begins when we stop defending the person we are and start becoming the person we’re capable of being.About Alexander SemenyukAlexander Semenyuk is a Ukrainian-born author whose writing explores history, human psychology, faith, and the complexities of the human experience.After immigrating to the United States in 2001, Alexander developed a passion for literature and storytelling that eventually grew into more than 30 creative projects.His work spans multiple genres, including horror, thrillers, dystopian fiction, historical fiction, and Christian literature.Through his Substack publication, The Lighthouse, Alexander shares his writing, creative perspectives, and reflections on literature and life.He is also a husband and a father whose experiences with family and faith have deeply influenced his understanding of personal freedom.📚 Alexander’s Books🇺🇦 Ukrainian Boy — Latest Release🕷️ City of the Spider📖 The Breath✨ The Illuminated🌊 Paradise HarborSubscribe To & Follow Alexander on SubstackThe LighthouseCarnivore LiftingAuthor WebsiteAlexander’s Books on AmazonAbout The Personal Freedom PodcastWhat does it actually mean to live free?That’s the question at the heart of The Personal Freedom Podcast.I’m Mac Dohm, and after navigating a difficult divorce, I made the decision to pursue a different kind of life.I bought an RV, packed up my belongings, and hit the road with my two dogs, Bo and Viggo.What began as a new chapter gradually became a deeper exploration of personal freedom.Through conversations with veterans, adventurers, entrepreneurs, authors, counselors, and everyday people pursuing extraordinary lives, this podcast explores what happens when we challenge expectations, confront adversity, and intentionally choose how we want to live.We talk about faith, purpose, relationships, recovery, adventure, meaningful work, and the courage to pursue something beyond the conventional path.Because personal freedom isn’t simply about doing whatever you want.It’s about building a life worth living.Break Free. Stay Free. Be Free.RV Life_Digital Nomad _Fisherman that is trying to be a better Hunter_Lover of poems and songs_An enjoyable drinker, eater, and breather_A man who is rebuilding something greaterThere are RainBos in the storms.Signing Off,The Personal Freedom Podcast, Mac Dohm🎙️ Read, Watch, Listen & Connect* Watch on YouTube* Read, Watch & Listen on Substack* Listen on Apple* Listen on Spotify* Contact / Guest Inquiries: [email protected] to The Personal Freedom Podcast for new conversations about personal freedom, resilience, purpose, and intentional living.🤝 Support The Personal Freedom PodcastOne of my goals with this podcast is to create a platform where people can share their stories, perspectives, experiences, and lessons with others.If you enjoy these conversations and want to support the show, consider exploring the affiliate partners below.How You Can Support the ShowStarlinkI’ve been using Starlink for nearly four years while living and traveling in my RV, and it’s been an absolute game changer!Whether I’m working remotely, recording podcasts, publishing content, or exploring somewhere off the beaten path, Starlink has helped make my nomadic lifestyle possible.If you’re considering Starlink for your RV, van life adventures, remote work, or home internet, you can support The Personal Freedom Podcast by signing up through my referral link!Here’s how it works:* You receive a FREE month of Starlink service with an eligible referral.* I receive a referral reward that helps support the continued growth of The Personal Freedom Podcast.* We both get to enjoy a little more freedom!🚐 Get Starlink & Support the Show!Thank you for helping me keep the wheels turning, the conversations flowing, and the pursuit of personal freedom alive!Art Gallery:Check out my nomadic art gallery for pictures, posters and prints showcasing my life on the road! Use the Cod… Get full access to The Personal Freedom Podcast with Mac Dohm at thepersonalfreedompodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Can you love Jesus, serve in your church, and still secretly struggle with pornography addiction?For years, Rebecca J. Riley lived that contradiction.A former teacher and school counselor, Rebecca was actively involved in her Christian faith while privately battling pornography, unwanted sexual patterns, shame, and eventually other addictions. Behind the appearance of a faithful Christian woman was someone desperately asking God one question:“Why can’t I just stop?”In this powerful conversation on The Personal Freedom Podcast, Rebecca shares her personal testimony of addiction recovery, childhood trauma, religious shame, and rediscovering the grace of Jesus Christ.Rebecca is also the author of Why Can’t I Just Stop? Understanding Unwanted Patterns, Renewing Your Mind, and Walking Toward Freedom with Jesus, a book exploring the deeper emotional and spiritual patterns that can keep people trapped in unwanted behaviors.In This Episode, We Explore:* Rebecca’s hidden struggle with pornography while serving in Christian ministry.* Growing up in purity culture and how shame shaped her understanding of God.* Why women struggling with pornography addiction often suffer in silence.* Childhood trauma, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and the cycle of addiction.* The relationship between shame, secrecy, isolation, and relapse.* How therapy, recovery communities, and Christian faith helped Rebecca rebuild her life.* Why breaking free from addiction requires more than willpower.* The overlooked influence of erotic literature and sexualized entertainment.* Understanding God’s grace without ignoring personal responsibility.* How renewing your mind can transform your relationship with God and yourself.* Why freedom in Christ doesn’t mean never experiencing temptation again.* Rebecca’s journey from hiding her story to writing a book that helps others.The Bigger LessonFreedom isn’t the absence of struggle. It’s learning where to turn when the struggle comes.Rebecca spent years believing she needed to fix herself before she could fully approach God.But her recovery journey challenged that belief.What if shame isn’t what leads us toward freedom, but one of the very things keeping us trapped?What if the first step toward lasting change isn’t hiding our brokenness, but bringing it into the light?Rebecca’s testimony reminds us that recovery is not simply about eliminating unwanted behaviors. It’s about confronting the wounds beneath them, building healthy connections, and discovering an identity that isn’t defined by addiction or past mistakes.If you’ve ever struggled with pornography addiction, religious guilt, compulsive behaviors, childhood trauma, or feeling unworthy of God’s love, this conversation is for you.Whether you’re a man or woman navigating addiction recovery, a Christian wrestling with shame, or someone supporting a loved one through recovery, Rebecca’s story offers encouragement and a different perspective on what freedom can look like.About Rebecca J. RileyRebecca J. Riley is a Christian author, former teacher and school counselor, and ministry leader who shares her personal testimony of overcoming addiction, shame, and destructive patterns.Through her writing, speaking, and faith-based ministry, Rebecca encourages others to confront painful experiences, renew their understanding of God, and pursue freedom through Jesus Christ.Rebecca’s Book: Why Can’t I Just Stop? Understanding Unwanted Patterns, Renewing Your Mind, and Walking Toward Freedom with JesusFollow Rebecca on SubstackVisit Rebecca’s WebsiteAbout The Personal Freedom Podcast🎙 Real People. Real Stories. Real Freedom.Hosted by Mac Dohm, The Personal Freedom Podcast features authentic conversations with people who have faced life’s challenges, taken risks, rebuilt their lives, and discovered what personal freedom means to them.From addiction recovery and faith to entrepreneurship, relationships, personal growth, and adventure, every story offers a different perspective on living a meaningful life.📺 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday!👍 If Rebecca’s story resonates with you, LIKE this episode, SHARE it with someone who needs encouragement, and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations about personal freedom.Question for YouHave you ever felt like you needed to fix yourself before you could approach God?How has shame affected your ability to ask for help or pursue freedom?Share your perspective in the comments. Your story might encourage someone who is still struggling in silence.About The Personal Freedom PodcastWhat does it actually mean to live free?That’s the question at the heart of The Personal Freedom Podcast.I’m Mac Dohm, and after navigating a difficult divorce, I made the decision to pursue a different kind of life.I bought an RV, packed up my belongings, and hit the road with my two dogs, Bo and Viggo.What began as a new chapter gradually became a deeper exploration of personal freedom.Through conversations with veterans, adventurers, entrepreneurs, authors, counselors, and everyday people pursuing extraordinary lives, this podcast explores what happens when we challenge expectations, confront adversity, and intentionally choose how we want to live.We talk about faith, purpose, relationships, recovery, adventure, meaningful work, and the courage to pursue something beyond the conventional path.Because personal freedom isn’t simply about doing whatever you want.It’s about building a life worth living.Break Free. Stay Free. Be Free.RV Life_Digital Nomad _Fisherman that is trying to be a better Hunter_Lover of poems and songs_An enjoyable drinker, eater, and breather_A man who is rebuilding something greaterThere are RainBos in the storms.Signing Off,The Personal Freedom Podcast, Mac Dohm🎙️ Read, Watch, Listen & Connect* Watch on YouTube* Read, Watch & Listen on Substack* Listen on Apple* Listen on Spotify* Contact / Guest Inquiries: [email protected] to The Personal Freedom Podcast for new conversations about personal freedom, resilience, purpose, and intentional living.🤝 Support The Personal Freedom PodcastOne of my goals with this podcast is to create a platform where people can share their stories, perspectives, experiences, and lessons with others.If you enjoy these conversations and want to support the show, consider exploring the affiliate partners below.How You Can Support the ShowStarlinkI’ve been using Starlink for nearly four years while living and traveling in my RV, and it’s been an absolute game changer!Whether I’m working remotely, recording podcasts, publishing content, or exploring somewhere off the beaten path, Starlink has helped make my nomadic lifestyle possible.If you’re considering Starlink for your RV, van life adventures, remote work, or home internet, you can support The Personal Freedom Podcast by signing up through my referral link!Here’s how it works:* You receive a FREE month of Starlink service with an eligible referral.* I receive a referral reward that helps support the continued growth of The Personal Freedom Podcast.* We both get to enjoy a little more freedom!🚐 Get Starlink & Support the Show!Thank you for helping me keep the wheels turning, the conversations flowing, and the pursuit of personal freedom alive!Art Gallery:Check out my nomadic art gallery for pictures, posters and prints showcasing my life on the road! Use the Code FREEDOM for 20% off.https://macnomadicfineartfromtheroad.pic-time.com/Ritual OrganicsSun Tallow – Whipped Beef Tallow Face Cream with Non-Nano ZincProduct Description from Ritual Organics’ website:One step. Done. Moisturize, nourish, and shield from UV in a single swipe.Clear Zinc Tech: real UV defense, no chalky ghost face.6 ingredients. Grass-fed whipped tallow, organic jojoba, non-nano zinc, vitamin E, organic rosehip, organic lavender. The end.Non-greasy, non-comedogenic, all skin types, including the dramatic ones.Skinimalist & non-toxic: no fragrances, parabens, preservatives, or mystery chemicals.90 days to fall in love. if… Get full access to The Personal Freedom Podcast with Mac Dohm at thepersonalfreedompodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Can You Really Make a Living Writing? || Substack Entrepreneur || David McIlroyCan you really make a living writing? What does it take to turn your passion for writing into a sustainable career, grow an audience on Substack, and build a life with greater personal freedom?In Episode 21 of The Personal Freedom Podcast, host Mac Dohm sits down with Ireland-based writer and entrepreneur David McIlroy, creator of How to Write for a Living Substack & Podcast, for a thoughtful conversation about entrepreneurship, self-employment, financial uncertainty, and the opportunities available to independent writers in today’s digital world.David shares his journey into entrepreneurship, the experiences that shaped his career, and how writing and Substack have opened doors to new opportunities, meaningful relationships, and greater independence.But working for yourself isn’t always the dream that social media makes it out to be.There’s the uncertainty of not knowing when your next paycheck will arrive. The sleepless nights wondering how you’ll pay your bills. The responsibility of creating your own opportunities. And the challenge of balancing financial security with the desire to live and work on your own terms.Together, Mac and David explore the realities of building an independent writing career, the importance of community among creators, and how artificial intelligence is transforming the future of writing, entrepreneurship, and content creation.Their conversation also raises a deeper question about our increasingly digital lives:Are we using technology to create greater freedom, or are we slowly becoming dependent on the very tools that promise to liberate us?This is more than a conversation about making money writing or growing a Substack publication.It’s about defining success on your own terms, recognizing the trade-offs of independence, and building a life where your time, creativity, and relationships matter more than simply chasing another paycheck.In This Episode, We Explore:* David McIlroy’s journey into writing and entrepreneurship* What it actually takes to make a living as an independent writer* How Substack creates opportunities for writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs* Building an audience and developing a sustainable writing career* Why community and genuine relationships matter for content creators* The benefits and challenges of self-employment* Trading the security of a 9-to-5 for entrepreneurial independence* The financial uncertainty and sleepless nights that come with working for yourself* Creating authentic writing that resonates with readers* The role of artificial intelligence in writing and content creation* Using AI tools while preserving creativity and your unique voice* Why human connection matters in an increasingly automated world* The growing influence of smartphones, algorithms, and social media* How digital distractions can interfere with real-world experiences* The relationship between financial independence and personal freedom* Why becoming wealthy isn’t necessarily the same as becoming free* Building a career and lifestyle around your own values and prioritiesThe Bigger LessonWe often associate personal freedom with financial independence, becoming our own boss, or escaping the traditional 9-to-5.But is working for yourself necessarily the answer?Entrepreneurship offers tremendous opportunities. The ability to set your schedule, pursue meaningful projects, choose who you work with, and build something that belongs to you.Yet those opportunities come with trade-offs.Financial uncertainty. Responsibility. Risk. And sometimes, a different kind of dependence.David’s experiences offer an important reminder that freedom doesn’t necessarily mean becoming wealthy or abandoning traditional employment.Sometimes, it’s simply about reaching a place where you have enough independence to make meaningful choices about how you spend your time.And in an age where artificial intelligence, social media, and digital technology increasingly influence our behavior, protecting our freedom requires something more.Intentionality.The willingness to think independently, create authentically, build genuine relationships, and participate in the world beyond our screens.Because personal freedom isn’t just about escaping the things that limit us.It’s about building a life worth living.✍️ About David McIlroyDavid McIlroy is an Ireland-based writer, entrepreneur, and creator of How to Write for a Living, a Substack publication focused on helping writers develop their craft, build audiences, and explore opportunities to earn an income through writing.Through his writing and involvement in the Substack community, David shares his experiences with entrepreneurship, independent publishing, and the challenges of building a sustainable creative career.His work explores both the practical and personal sides of writing for a living, from creating content that connects with readers to navigating the uncertainty of self-employment.David’s perspective reflects a broader philosophy of independence: that success isn’t necessarily measured by how much money we earn, but by the choices and opportunities our work makes possible.📝 David’s Substack — How to Write for a Living🔗 David’s Substack Profilehttps://substack.com/@thedavidmcilroy 🎧 David’s PodcastResources & Topics MentionedSubstack: A publishing platform where independent writers and creators can build audiences, publish newsletters, and offer paid subscriptions.How to Write for a Living: David McIlroy’s publication exploring writing, audience development, and opportunities for independent creators.Artificial Intelligence & Writing: The growing role of AI in content creation, productivity, and the future of independent writing.Entrepreneurship & Self-Employment: The opportunities, responsibilities, and financial realities of building a career outside traditional employment.💬 Join the ConversationWould you trade the security of a steady paycheck for the freedom to work for yourself?Or do you believe it’s possible to build something meaningful while maintaining the stability of traditional employment?David’s story also raises another important question:Does becoming your own boss automatically make you freer, or can entrepreneurship become another form of dependence?I’d love to hear your perspective in the comments.If this conversation resonates with you, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to The Personal Freedom Podcast.You never know who might need to hear David’s perspective as they consider pursuing their own creative or entrepreneurial path.About The Personal Freedom PodcastWhat does it actually mean to live free?That’s the question at the heart of The Personal Freedom Podcast.I’m Mac Dohm, and after navigating a difficult divorce, I made the decision to pursue a different kind of life.I bought an RV, packed up my belongings, and hit the road with my two dogs, Bo and Viggo.What began as a new chapter gradually became a deeper exploration of personal freedom.Through conversations with veterans, adventurers, entrepreneurs, authors, counselors, and everyday people pursuing extraordinary lives, this podcast explores what happens when we challenge expectations, confront adversity, and intentionally choose how we want to live.We talk about faith, purpose, relationships, recovery, adventure, meaningful work, and the courage to pursue something beyond the conventional path.Because personal freedom isn’t simply about doing whatever you want.It’s about building a life worth living.Break Free. Stay Free. Be Free.RV Life_Digital Nomad _Fisherman that is trying to be a better Hunter_Lover of poems and songs_An enjoyable drinker, eater, and breather_A man who is rebuilding something greaterThere are RainBos in the storms.Signing Off,The Personal Freedom Podcast, Mac Dohm🎙️ Read, Watch, Listen & Connect* Watch on YouTube* Read, Watch & Listen on Substack* Listen on Apple* Listen on Spotify* Contact / Guest Inquiries: [email protected]… Get full access to The Personal Freedom Podcast with Mac Dohm at thepersonalfreedompodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Breaking Free From Porn Addiction, Shame & Silence || Author John Giertz || The Personal Freedom Podcast Ep. 20What happens when pornography addiction follows you for decades, damages your marriage, and leaves you questioning your relationship with God?In Episode 20 of The Personal Freedom Podcast, host Mac Dohm sits down with author and poet John Giertz for an honest, deeply personal conversation about pornography addiction, sexual shame, Christian faith, repentance, and the long, uncomfortable journey toward healing.John shares his lifelong struggle with pornography and sexual addiction, the devastating impact on his marriage, and how even separation from his wife wasn’t enough to immediately break the cycle of addiction.But his story doesn’t end there.Through faith, brotherhood, accountability, and an unexpected journey into writing poetry, John began discovering what it means to confront shame, embrace vulnerability, and pursue genuine personal freedom.His experiences inspired his book, The Slow, Uncomfortable Space: Where God Asks Us to Stay, a collection of poetry and reflections exploring pornography, repentance, forgiveness, and the difficult work of healing.Together, Mac and John discuss why addiction thrives in secrecy, how shame can distort our relationship with God, the importance of honest Christian community, and why forgiveness doesn’t necessarily erase the consequences of our decisions.This is more than a conversation about overcoming pornography addiction. It’s about rebuilding your life, rediscovering your faith, and learning to live without hiding from your past.In This Episode, We Explore:* John’s lifelong struggle with pornography and sexual addiction* How addiction, secrecy, and shame affected his marriage* Why losing his marriage wasn’t enough to immediately stop the addictive cycle* The difference between shame, guilt, repentance, and forgiveness* How pornography addiction can distort our relationship with Jesus Christ* Why Christian men need authentic brotherhood and accountability* The role of recovery retreats, support groups, and spiritual community* How writing poetry became an unexpected outlet for John’s healing* The inspiration behind The Slow, Uncomfortable Space* Why men struggle to express vulnerability and emotional pain* The importance of honesty and transparency in addiction recovery* Finding freedom in Christ while accepting the consequences of our choices* Why genuine healing often happens in uncomfortable placesThe Bigger LessonSometimes the most difficult part of recovery isn’t giving up the addiction.It’s learning to confront the shame, grief, broken relationships, and uncomfortable truths we’ve spent years trying to escape.Pornography addiction thrives in secrecy. Shame convinces us that we’re beyond forgiveness, that our past defines us, and that nobody could understand what we’ve done.But recovery requires something different.Honesty. Vulnerability. Accountability. Repentance.And the willingness to remain present when everything inside us wants to run away.God’s grace is available, but that doesn’t mean the consequences of our decisions simply disappear.John’s story reminds us that personal freedom isn’t always about escaping uncomfortable circumstances.Sometimes, it’s about discovering who we can become by walking through them.📖 Get John Giertz’s BookThe Slow, Uncomfortable Space: Where God Asks Us to StayA powerful collection of poetry, Scripture, personal reflections, and writing prompts exploring pornography addiction, repentance, Christian faith, and the long process of healing.Whether you’re struggling with pornography addiction, navigating the consequences of betrayal, or searching for a deeper relationship with God, John’s writing offers encouragement for the journey.📚 PURCHASE JOHN’S BOOK🎁 FREE E-BOOK GIVEAWAY — FIRST 10 VIEWERS!John has generously offered a free digital copy of his book to the first 10 viewers who claim it!Claim your copy here:https://www.johngiertzwrites.com/free-ebookLimited to the first 10 eligible claims. Availability may change.About John GiertzJohn Giertz is a Christian author and poet whose writing explores pornography addiction, sexual shame, repentance, faith, and the long journey toward healing.Drawing from his personal experiences with addiction, marital separation, and spiritual growth, John writes candidly about the struggles many men carry in silence.His book, The Slow, Uncomfortable Space: Where God Asks Us to Stay, combines poetry, Scripture, and personal reflection to encourage readers to confront difficult emotions, seek authentic connection, and discover hope in the midst of brokenness.Through his writing, John hopes to remind others that healing takes time, vulnerability requires courage, and nobody needs to walk through recovery alone.🌐 John’s Website: https://www.johngiertzwrites.com/John’s Substack Resources Mentioned* Porn Free Millennial: My other podcast focused on breaking free together from porn.* Brushpopper PFM Episode: My discussion with Jim and Eric about our 2025 Brushpopper retreat at Jim’s ranch in Nevada. * Brushpopper Retreats: Jim & Eric’s website for hosted men’s retreats & speaking engagements* Finding Traction: Vern Tompke* Pastors on Porn: Vern Tompke* Porn Free Radio: Matt DobschuetzJoin the ConversationDo you believe shame keeps people trapped in addiction longer than the addiction itself?And how do we learn to accept God’s forgiveness when we’re still living with the consequences of our past?I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.If this conversation resonates with you, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to The Personal Freedom Podcast.You never know who might need to hear John’s story.About The Personal Freedom PodcastWhat does it actually mean to live free?That’s the question at the heart of The Personal Freedom Podcast.I’m Mac Dohm, and after navigating a difficult divorce, I made the decision to pursue a different kind of life.I bought an RV, packed up my belongings, and hit the road with my two dogs, Bo and Viggo.What began as a new chapter gradually became a deeper exploration of personal freedom.Through conversations with veterans, adventurers, entrepreneurs, authors, counselors, and everyday people pursuing extraordinary lives, this podcast explores what happens when we challenge expectations, confront adversity, and intentionally choose how we want to live.We talk about faith, purpose, relationships, recovery, adventure, meaningful work, and the courage to pursue something beyond the conventional path.Because personal freedom isn’t simply about doing whatever you want.It’s about building a life worth living.Break Free. Stay Free. Be Free.RV Life_Digital Nomad _Fisherman that is trying to be a better Hunter_Lover of poems and songs_An enjoyable drinker, eater, and breather_A man who is rebuilding something greaterThere are rainbows in the storms.Signing Off,The Personal Freedom Podcast, Mac DohmRead, Watch, Listen & Connect* Watch on YouTube* Read, Watch & Listen on Substack* Listen on Apple* Listen on Spotify* Contact / Guest Inquiries: [email protected] to The Personal Freedom Podcast for new conversations about personal freedom, resilience, purpose, and intentional living.Support The Personal Freedom PodcastOne of my goals with this podcast is to create a platform where people can share their stories, perspectives, experiences, and lessons with others.If you enjoy these conversations and want to support the show, consider exploring the affiliate partners below.How You Can Support the ShowStarlinkI’ve been using Starlink for nearly four years while living and traveling in my RV, and it’s been an absolute game changer!Whether I’m working remotely, recording podcasts, publishing content, or exploring somewhere off the beaten path, Starlink has helped make my nomadic lifestyle possible.If you’re considering Starlink for your RV, van life adventures, remote work, or home internet, you can support The Personal Freedom Podcast by signing up through… Get full access to The Personal Freedom Podcast with Mac Dohm at thepersonalfreedompodcast.substack.com/subscribe