EP 220: Austin and Becca's Story

In this episode of Unashamed, Unafraid, Austin and his wife Becca share how traumatic sexual experiences shaped their views of sexuality, secrecy, and control, and how that led Austin to pornography addiction. Austin describes hiding his compulsive porn use and masturbation due to fear and shame reinforced by religious shame, then later relapsing on his mission, engaging in digital relationships and sexting, and facing a highly shaming disciplinary process, including being labeled a “sexual predator,” disfellowshipped, and shamed by a therapist. Becca recounts being excluded from the process while engaged to be married, not learning full details years into marriage, while also navigating her own trauma and intimacy struggles. Through supportive therapy, Warrior Heart Boot Camp and Heart of a Woman Retreat, vulnerability, and surrendering to God, the two begin healing, rebuilding trust. Austin reaches nearly six months sobriety; they emphasize shared recovery, communication, and “Broken Together” as their song.Make a donation and become an Outsider!Follow us on social media! Instagram, Facebook & TikTokSubscribe to our YouTubeCheck out our recommended resourcesWant to rep the message? Shop our MERCH!  For more inspiration, read our blogDo you have a story you are willing to share? Send us an email! contact@unashamedunafraid.comTimestamps:00:43 Meet Austin and Becca01:53 Austin's Childhood Sexual Grooming03:25 Porn Exposure and Control05:23 Shame Culture and Secrecy08:02 Becca’s Sexual Abuse14:10 How Trauma Shaped Sexuality15:37 Vulnerability and Early Disclosure19:08 Mission Struggles and iPad Temptation24:34 Confession and Church Discipline28:29 Disfellowshipped and Silenced29:03 Therapy That Shamed30:41 Becca Left Outside35:34 Marriage Under Pressure39:28 A Bishop Who Got It41:15 Finding Real Therapy43:44 Warrior Heart Breakthrough47:26 Healing as a Team50:55 Rock Bottom to Surrender56:40 Broken Together