Meet My Therapist.. | Carl & Laura Lentz Tell All

[@TheBSideApp]

How did this speak to you? We want to know. Let us know! Carl & Laura Lentz have a vulnerable conversation with the therapist who walked with Carl over the last 4 years since his infidelity & life transition from Hillsong Church. Prepare your hearts & minds- this one is going to help a lot of people! Let us know how this speaks to you! Start your 7 day trial on the B-Side App today! www.bsideapp.com/pricing Want to give financially to the B-Side? www.paypal.com/paypalme/bsideapp Join our Discord: discord.gg/twESwgg9 Download B-Side today on Apple: apps.apple.com/us/app/b-side-app/id6469474522 Download B-Side today on Android: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bsideapp&hl=en_US&pli=1 Want to give financially to the B-Side? www.paypal.com/paypalme/bsideapp

[@lindseynicole9836]

You guys are incredible! This is so valuable. I’m blown away at how much this speaks to me. It’s so helpful to connect trauma to our behaviors.

[@debiwolek]

Doesn’t matter how vulnerable if there’s every excuse for sin. It wasn’t an affair, it was a lifestyle of sin for years.

[@wevers1978]

Curious if she is a Christian therapist?

[@RCGWho]

@@wevers1978 No.

[@debiwolek]

@@wevers1978 what’s a Christian therapist? Just asking because the Bible never makes reference to one but being in the word and prayer sets us free. Not digging up your past to find someone to blame for your sin. That’s what Adam did, blamed that woman

[@ClaraBowInThisLight]

Instead of going into the gray, retiring in disgrace, abandoning his family and never being seen again, Carl has started a conversation that has been desperately needed in the church for years. And for that I respect him.

[@debiwolek]

So admire him for admitting what he got caught doing. And now he wants to blame it on some kind of addiction. Instead of the sins of the flesh. It’s good that he’s knitting some thing that he got caught doing, but there’s a lot of other things he was doing that he never owns up to. It’s about being a minister of the gospel. He just wants to feel better about himself by all you people just clambering around him and applauding him because he’s got the mic again, he loves him a mic so he can just be heard. He needs to sit and listen.

[@bethbabasa3085]

You turned your mess into a message.🙏🙏🙏

[@srecreates]

same! women are taught “keep your man happy” in marriage but dont train or teach how. PLUS we judge people by the type of sex they have smh

[@debiwolek]

@@srecreates I’m so sick of it. Whenever somebody alludes to, it’s a wife’s responsibility to make her man happy I want to pull my hair out. We’re Christians and our joy comes from the Lord. The Bible said husbands Love your wives and wives Respect your husbands. You work out your sex preferences together in the bedroom. God made it pretty simple what we do you don’t have to make up weird stuff because that’s not God. If Man doesn’t have all this experience outside of his marriage, how does he know what his preferences is. He was sexually active before he got married so he was already sitting and doing weird stuff.

[@BunnyWatson-k1w]

Yes. Just think about men who don't cheat. Instead they stay with the wife and have bad sex for decades.

[@realtalkrob]

Carl you were at LIR (Love is Red) in like 2011-2012 and I was kind of security by the stage you smiled at me and shook my hand and said “God was proud of me” I’ll never forget that….im so proud of you my dude and been praying for y’all throughout this whole thing

[@ashleezhang3851]

So glad to hear someone who had not forgotten about the good stuff he did !

[@RecalledtoLife]

@@ashleezhang3851 Seriously. Carl shook somebody's hand at one of his Church-Lalapaloozas and told them "God was proud" of him. How would Carl know that God was proud of the stagehand? Where in the Bible is it ever recorded that God was "proud" of a person? Did he ever say to Paul, "Paul, I'm so proud of you." Or to Abraham, "Dude, you are one righteous fellow, I'm proud of you." This is the kind of Laodicean church babble that makes me nauseous.

[@lolalopez7657]

​@@RecalledtoLife agreed. How can someone else speak for God and know that God is proud of that person. We don't speak for God.

[@andyhilton9447]

Whatever is pure, lovely, think on these things… Sounds like it was an encouraging statement and lifted him up.

[@rayhabnduati6383]

​@lolalopez7657 but God speaks to us and through us🤷‍♀️ how do people prophesy then? Aren't they speaking for God?

[@hoolialynn26]

My husband and I had the BEST conversation last night after watching this. We went through a similar situation a couple years ago and there is still healing happening. Thank you thank you thank you for doing this. God bless you!

[@arvinsepehr9450]

The value these people are offering up to people (particularly the evangelical charismatic demographic) through these conversations is unprecedented. Beautiful.

[@Amanda.Slaton]

Can we have an episode with just Laura? That would be really helpful. ❤️

[@surprisesmom683]

Agreed!

[@politereminder6284]

That would go against the goals of this worldwide privacy tour

[@Kodak718]

The first two were with just Laura

[@Kodak718]

​@@politereminder6284how so when there are at least 2 episodes with just Laura. Someone's wrong 😂

[@hannahsarthub]

Unless you are saying just Laura and not Carl.

[@jennamartens5447]

This discussion is so needed it should be a prime time special.

[@csloan01]

This video hit me in so many ways. I was emotionally abused as a child and grew up thinking I wasn’t worthy of anything. I became an alcoholic/addict, which included sex addiction. I lived Carl’s story. Everything he mentions in the video, I experienced and is spot on. Lived a majority of my life in a cycle of shame and deceit. Shame blocks any intimacy. I destroyed relationships, a marriage, a family. This is the first time I have put the abuse I suffered as a child to my sex addiction. I always thought I was just a sick pervert growing up. This video is so powerful To be frank, I was not a Carl Lentz fan, but I am now. (Bigger Laura Lentz fan!) I love his therapist ! There is hope and recovery.

[@sephraim1]

This has helped me so much….as someone in ministry who can’t turn to anyone. This was healing for me, thank you Carl, Laura, Alex & The B-Side.

[@therealcolorguy]

Bot

[@lydsa9662]

Thank you for talking about this with a therapist who talks about the technicalities that go on inside a person that has been abused. There are people that lose their lives because of the frustration that no one understands what they’re going through. Well-meaning church people unintentionally do a disservice by putting down therapy. And instead ‘spiritualizing things,’ and brushing over real issues that people face, ignoring things, which is toxic. They do this because they have their own unresolved hurt inside of them. Hurt people hurt people. Healed people, heal people. Thank you for the deep work you are doing as a family ❤ it’s touching peoples’ lives.

[@blue5soror]

Oh this has risen to my favorite podcast. As a therapist my initial response was omg where is the therapists anonymity. Then I paused. I dialed in. This was superb. Oh this level of honesty is needed. Love how it was said you can say you are an addict and it doesn’t Diminish how you see God. But also how you say you hurt and then immediately bring a positive. Omg that Is exhausting to do. It’s a relearning we must do as Christian’s. We can say we hurt and just leave it. So so good. Blessings to you both. People who are doing the work are who I desire to have in my life. You can be saved and do zero work. ❤❤❤❤ bravo

[@paulachacon2708]

This episode is so powerful, having a third person that is so knowledgable and can add so much to the conversation can help everyone to have such a broader understanding of topics like this. Thank you for having these conversations, for adding so much to the church. This is so needed.

[@BraveMomsAcademy]

My second husband went to prison for life for crimes against children including mine. I can see my own trauma and compulsions and his heart and mind and compulsions…. There is still no confession even after being caught and caught deeply. I work with codependent women in recovery, and the marriages we see restored keep all the thoughts in the light and all the wounds are spoken THROUGH and created bonding, not destruction. This is a beautiful, pioneering conversation and it’s encouraging to hear it out in the open among believers. Followers of Jesus are familiar with our limited humanity and not afraid to walk hand in hand in that brokenness. Loving that this is public. Thank you.

[@DrMomsFarmacy]

Amen. Prayers for you and yours. For all those hurt and impacted by such pain and behavior. Im thankful you have used that experience to be a light in such a dark place especially for women these days. May God bless and keep you. Stay strong friend 🫂

[@ftlove2001]

Love Carl and Laura! This was a test that’s turning into a testimony! Healing so many lives through your story! Rooting for you guys all the way!!

[@princess.seenaire]

Everyone is talking about how Carl was cutting Laura off. No one observed that Laura was given very little screentime througout the session. For the first few minutes of the session, we could hear her voice but she wasn't shown until she asked a question.. which is wild. Also, we didn't get to see Laura in the last few seconds when Carl gave the "vote of thanks". That was unfair and unsettling for me, considering how intelligent Laura is and how brilliantly she contributed to the podcast. And most importantly, SHE'S THE WIFE!!!! Asides that, I've enjoyed all the episodes so far including this one.. they've been honest, raw and highly enlightening. More Grace to the Lentz Family

[@essie5262]

This is beautiful, thanks Carl and team❤❤

[@tumuhamekihembo]

Have so far watched 10 episodes of this podcast.. and I have loved each one of them This family is the true example that GOD doesn't waste pain, they went through pain, through fire and got refined. Now they share their story and through it lives are being touched I love the fact the therapist told Mr Carl to stop apologizing for his tears.. and I think that society puts shame on men who cry and yet they are also human beings who have emotions and one way to let out those emotions is through crying, love the fact that the therapist told him to not to suppress those emotions.. I hope other men can find such safe spaces May GOD bless the Lentz family and everyone watching their podcast

[@reneebananamusic]

I absolutely LOVE the real topics you are getting at. AMAZING how God is using you. God bless you Carl and family

[@glorious6779]

Wow!!! I'm only 20 minutes in and this is so helpful. I'm glad Karl you getting the help and able to help others. Your therapist is amazing 👏 ❤

[@Hotshotscott]

carl

[@kennypetrowski]

Thing is, this is still all about Lentz. He’s still the center of attention, building a massive audience with his (new) pearls of wisdom. If he’s not a narcissist, this sure is the perfect come-back for someone who thrives on narcissistic supply… no public accountability needed, no one can argue with his life experience, growing a potentially bigger celebrity on KZbin than he could have even in NYC). I’m all for people being redeemed and serving as inspiration for others. But let’s do it wisely. I’ve also watched people connected to The Meadows, the amazing rehab program that Lentz alludes to have attended in AZ, become legit honest, healthy people AND I’ve seen people remain manipulative con artists with recovery language. I learned a ton there.. one being the reality that addicts are fantastic liars, second that there is hope for pretty much anyone. Let’s be encouraged by Carl’s story but let’s also be wise and sober as his celebrity skyrockets due to this podcast.

[@hopeful3583]

So true! I think the podcast with his kids was very telling as well. He asked them how he has changed that already seemed a bit off for me and then he even asked them what they as parents did right in that situation and listened proudly to what the kids were saying. He said that would help the audience of course he didn't ask what they should have handled better. Also all this talk about brokenness, and the link to his abuse- I get that it plays into that but sin is still sin and he never talks about that.

[@kennypetrowski]

@@hopeful3583 I don’t want kick a guy who’s trying to live well, but the amount of comments here fawning over him is concerning. Great that he’s doing well.. but he’s hardly special (in fact that’s part of the problem if we keep feeding it). Celebrate his and Laura’s wins.. but also go to an open AA meeting to hear more real stories of redemption and recovery from garden variety recovering addicts. They’re all around you. Let’s not enable Carl’s narcissistic & addictive tendencies by fawning over him because at the end of the day Carl is just a garden variety addict in recovery.. he’s no more special than Bob down the street.

[@thabisilentleko3741]

I hear you. I think time will tell. The episode with his kids really made we wish that he was genuine and had changed, and would never put his family through such a thing again. As for accountability, in my opinion he’s not accountable to anyone else except for his family and those people he has entrusted to be his accountability people and God. He’s no longer a Pastor. He’s a former Pastor who is now a podcaster and whatever it is he does at Transformation Church. People should just tune in for the ‘pearls of wisdom’, take whatever they can, or not, and keep it moving.

[@RCGWho]

@@thabisilentleko3741 "pearls of wisdom" from secular therapy?

[@kennypetrowski]

Keep in mind, Lentz is creating a production here. He’s telling a story. What I’d love to know is who paid his $75k 45 day Meadows rehab bill (cost last time I talked with them)? If Laura was hustling doing Uber Eats, how is this guy still wearing Rolexs in these videos (at first glance I saw atleast a Datejust.. worth minimum $4k upwards of $40k if it’s a gold model and I think another).. I’m a watch guy so have no issue with dudes having nice things, but.. while your wife is Uber Eatsing to pay the bills? With the recent media campaign, who’s his publicist? You don’t get high profile podcast spots out of the blue and these are filmed so well, who’s financing the team to produce them? Again, all fine.. except this is strategic marketing for a comeback to public life. Glad he’s sober and no longer having sex with people he’s not married to, but let’s not be gullible to think this is just humbly telling his honest story. It’s an angle. And it’s prudent to not trust people who were con artists for years & years and after a 4 year hiatus come back with any angle.

[@ash29287]

I love them! They’re sharing so openly & helping so many people

[@rebeccaplante5100]

I see so many chains falling. This is so so good!! Thank you so much for your transparency and love. Praying that covers you all bc this is kingdom work.

[@normaswilliams]

This video is wrecking and freeing all at once. It’s powerful, vulnerable and desperately needed in the body of Christ. When we believe we can “pastor” couples w this type of dysfunction and pain, we miss the depth of knowledge needed to truly help. I pray God sends more men and women of God into fields like this. Especially ones the church is terrible about communicating from the pulpit. Brave Dr. Alex, Laura and Carl.

[@virtuouslrocks]

Thank you all for this. I have been sharing it with everyone who will listen! LOL This conversation is so needed. Well done and God bless you both. So grateful for you all! ❤

[@jannelljohnson8906]

This is a profile in Courage and Grace. I’ve followed your story. It takes so much more strength to stay and work. Most people don’t choose that path. God bless you and your family. God is a Keeper. ❤️🙏🏽

[@saraya322]

Loved this episode so much! It’s going to help so many relationships. Please bring your therapist back for another talk. 🙏🏼

[@sarahmaclean3354]

Loved this conversation. So many good points. Thank you for putting your recovery out there for others to - hopefully - find their own recovery and be challenged to live the truly free life God wants for us and stop hiding.

[@pangvidal]

I didn’t like this guy before and I love him now… truly authentic … you can tell 💯

[@therealcolorguy]

Please, enlighten me. How can you tell?

[@rebekahparker4647]

"This may be your real voice." I love that encouragement

[@theshiftmastersessions]

Thank you all getting real and covering an important topic.

[@jeffvlogs3503]

Hi guys Michelle from Australia You have no idea I'm a Christian I have been shamed by church's I have a truma past I'm in my 50's and hearing your testimony gives me a wow I hear you as I hear me.i have been so shamed by pastors many years ago AOG ect..let's just say. And now the penny is dropping and it makes me cross nothing is wrong with me my past of child hood abuse ect is the Y church never helped me.i love Jesus the Trinity and I'm so grateful for my relationship with God. Thankyou thankyou bless you both I admire your msg And I also want to say I know and understand what it is like to be named shamed and friends drop you.we are the problem right oh so wrong. Bless you both.

[@wellnesstree]

I really appreciate the insight into what these traumas do to the childhood brain. Thank you. I think it’s very courageous and humbling for the Lentz family to put their story out there.

[@RecalledtoLife]

He should out his "abuser."

[@Aaleah11]

Wow! Wow! Wow! Powerful episode. I’m so grateful for how God is working and moving through you all. Thank you for all that you are pouring out to help the Kingdom community

[@delanbarnes2083]

This episode was life changing! As my family and I are walking out this same process!! Thank you both for being so open to this call on your life. God gets all the glory! To your therapist amazing perspectives on the work. ❤❤❤

[@danielkim672]

Where is God and Jesus in these episodes? It seems like Carl and Laura are giving themselves the glory for the comeback and a secular therapist. Where is Scripture and the Church?

[@paulg3397]

Thank you so much for doing this podcast

[@rockygonzalez385]

Alex was saying some on point things! She said that people use addictions to calm anxiety. Thats so true! It's crazy that we as Christians are broken people, but most can't bring up their struggles because they will be judged by the church, that needs to change.

[@debiwolek]

The poor naïve souls that listen to this jargon and think it has anything to do with God and His Word or way of life. It’s nothing more than an avenue for Lentz to stroke his narcissism. I feel so sorry for his family because they are falling for it. Narcissistic behavior got him in this and is perpetuating it. He has to have the center of attention. My husband listened to 2 minutes and walked out of the room. He said if he ever hears his voice he’ll leave the room.

[@jillsalter6802]

He is creatively Manipulative. Not bringing in any biblical principles. I was apart of a ministry that a leader had similar issues and similar tactics to just right back into ministry. Not falling for it! Only the emotional will fall for this!

[@ZoeyBowling]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!! So appreciate what you all are sharing with us. So grateful! Redemption is beautiful!!!

[@feruzaafewerki-abraha9065]

This honesty is beautiful and it’s incredibly noble - God isn’t unclear about redemption and why I Iove him so much - praying you continue to put love first in your lives ❤ it’s changing the world and empowering so many without a voice

[@Itsaremr]

I am pregnant rn with a little boy and I really hope I remember to watch this when I am older to parent better. Thank you so much for this! A lot of us cannot afford therapy and hopefully one day my husband and I can for our little family. But anyways, thank you thank you for your vulnerability. God bless your family and Alex❤️

[@marlu6373]

you don't need therapy just read the bible and let your self transformed unlike this guy that used bible for finacial gain.

[@Itsaremr]

@@marlu6373 Wanting to do therapy doesnt mean I or anyone else has less faith in the word of God and the kingdom of heaven. Sometimes people just need to talk through some things with a professional that knows more than them (I would do Christian mediated therapy of course).

[@stacygutierrez1157]

This has been my favorite episode thus far. This really hit home - except this man was not my husband. I was playing the “wife role” living with him and doing all the things. My relationship with the Lord grew stronger through this relationship because I prayed soooo strongly for us, for him, for God to reveal to me if that is where I was supposed to be. Just as Carl said: if they are snappy or defensive then there are things going on. I prayed so hard and the Lord revealed the answer to me plain and clear and there was no way for him to keep his infidelity hidden. I pray that he gets the help he needs to dig deep and find healing in his trauma.

[@aroche9103]

I agree; God willing, your mature voice will come out, and a new phase of ministry ahead. That statement reminds me of a pastor who lived a double life spending $300k on prostitutes, and once it became public, he thought his ministry was over; however, in his words, looking back over the recovery period, he impacted hundreds of thousands of men struggling as well.His ministry had just begun! I've been married 24 years and by Gods grace have not crossed the line although its been super close!! because of my lack of maturity. I'm finally starting to mature after years of taking my wife for granted and being an idiot at times. I respect your journey guys and am a keen listener, its real yo!

[@SeanLawn71]

Well said!!

[@ma61king]

It should have been over, and so should Lentz's

[@aroche9103]

This is the Link to a video made by a ministry called Iam second, testimony of Nate Larkin a pastor who's true ministry started the day he got caught spending $300k on prositutes - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnTaaJSNiraYjbssi=qdFc7nqYK-FJ1WhM

[@harleighstringer]

@@ma61kinghave you ever read the Bible????

[@yvonnelarkin4572]

I totally agree with the fact that Carl sounds so full of wisdom pouring out of his heart and the love shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Spirit. God is a restorer, and he certainly has put the work in. There is liberty and it is good to stand fast in the liberty where Christ has made us free. God bless you and your family Carl and Laura Lentz and your three beautiful children.

[@RCGWho]

Wisdom=the fear of the Lord

[@lwedel3361]

I just turned 40 and in my youth, I was involved at both the city and hills campuses of HS. My time spent there shaped much of my 'Christian experience'. There are a lot of 'things' happening at HS (and associated acts) and I can say that walking away from the Institutional Church System (with their millions of little sectarian divides - fleshly, according to Paul, an apostle) has helped me walk with the Lord in sincerity. There is a huge difference in walking with God by faith (without being observed by religious people, platform or not), and being an adherent of Christian religion, with its programs and services. God does not exist within the boundaries of institutional Christian religion and since coming away from the sects, I have realized how much of what goes on within Christendom is fleshly and idolatrous. Harsh, but it is what I see. Whatever these leaders do for a salary, many humble believers do on a daily basis OUTSIDE the religious clubs which claim Jesus as their leader. If you want to serve the Lord, do so QUIETLY, offline and without your hand out begging for money. That is true servanthood.

[@knicholas8768]

Genuinely curious: what are you practicing as far as Christian fellowship?

[@lwedel3361]

@@knicholas8768 how did they hang out in the book of Acts. there is your answer. what we see today is Rome Repackaged. It is gross idolatry

[@thebeautybuilder2528]

I love this! What the enemy meant for evil God meant for good. What you and your family went through is helping many ppl! But you had to go through what you went through for this to be possible! ❤

[@shereebrugmann147]

I don’t know you Carl and Laura but I love you as a brother and sister in Christ. I’ve dealt with addiction personally so relate to Carl that way but also relate to Laura because Mom and Dad were missionaries and Dad was a pastor so my voice was stifled. I love my parents so much but their example was not about reaching out for help when needed. We were the ones that provided help so it felt like failure to ask for help. Now I know that God created us for community. Everyone needs help and sobriety is just the start of that. Thanks for your leadership in this.

[@betharnold2125]

I appreciate Laura’s questions.

[@seasondionne]

Hi Carl and Laura. I am enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the honesty and openness you have brought to your stories and your journeys. As a listener, may I suggest relistening to some episodes, like this one, and notice how often you, Carl, cut Laura off while she is still communicating her point. It can be hard for people to wait when they have something they feel is insightful to add to a discussion and perhaps don't want to forget it. So, they speak over someone else before that person has the opportunity to finish their thought. I encourage you to hold yourself back when you want to jump in with a comment. It is easy to dismiss what I just said as, "Well, we know each other so well, or She isn't offender by it, or she knows I wasn't intentionally cutting her off." Wife, friend, therapist, pastor, child...it's doesn't matter. Please respect someone enough to allow a person to finish speaking before jumping in with your two cents of knowledge and observation. Perhaps you aren't aware you do it as often as you do, Carl, but you do. Strong women will not respond well to it. I find myself wanting to celebrate how far you have come and how much you have grown, but then I am immediately put off by the annoyance of your interrupting habit. Intentional or not, it is rude and dismissive. It is likely just a habit the two of you have in your relationship dynamic, but I felt compelled to mention it. Laura already doesn't speak often. She isn't as verbose and grandiose as you are, Carl. That's fine. She doesn't have to be. That really is your thing. However, when she speaks, we want to hear her finish her thought, her sentence before you speak over her mid word. You showed so much patience with your children while they worked through verbalizing their thoughts and feelings on your podcast. I urge you to find the same patience with your wife as she works through verbalizing her thoughts and emotions. She doesn't need you to swoop in and be her thought savior. Wait on her voice.

[@coriettapadilla9977]

I can relate to Laura so much. I am proud of Carl and Laura for getting help and doing the work. I have been through this as well. My husband had an affair and it destroyed my whole being. If I didn't have faith in God idk where I would be. I do wish that my husband would have taken things more seriously but I am still trying to put in the work and sometimes I feel like it's just me. But I just wanted to say that I am proud of Carl for getting the help and allowing himself to be humbled. I was never a fan doctrinally of his but God is good and is a Sovereign God . He gets the glory for these two and I pray they keep going. It's good to see other couples fighting through such a devastating situation. God bless you two ❤

[@brightpage1020]

I'm glad I listened to this. Brought up some interesting plints in ways I hadn't thought of before. Thank you!

[@priscillasworrld]

wow!! this was so powerful!!! Praise the Lord, I feel like i need to watch this again to take notes, sooo much to take in, i love how vulnerable they were, I know this is impacting so many lives, Romans 8:28-29 . thank you so this! ❤

[@reneequental2703]

Some much to learn from. Married, single, widow, male or female. Thank You for sharing and inviting us into to refect and gain wisdom. ❤

[@starstar6777]

Oh my gosh this is so refreshing and is hitting me on so many levels.

[@kristellw5929]

So good! Truth and mature voice and the journey of recovery is a hero’s journey!

[@candicheeks3047]

This has been such an eye opener for me. It helped me to view my relationship with my husband and kids in a different way. Thank you Carl and Laura for being vulnerable, it’s a blessing ❤

[@Curious_Jess]

Another excellent episode. Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. This helped me so much. And you're right, she's pretty awesome!

[@jayneschwalger7554]

So impressed with Carl and Laura❤ really proud of them both xx God can turn the most hardest thing to bear into gold. So in awe of the brutal rawness of this very hard conversation. He lost his way, and like the prodigal son, found his way back ❤

[@maggiedeller2241]

This is powerful and I am thankful for you both and your therapist to have this conversation. Sadly, not everyone can see the other side as a couple when one is not willing to be honest and do the work.That is also a reality. As a couple, I do not see a healthy restored way forward unless both do the work.

[@aleciafedor1181]

Very good episode but every time he cuts off/interrupted his wife as she is speaking is very uncomfortable. She was making statements and I really wanted her to finish her thought.

[@stacyedwards92]

Yes!! This is great info regarding addiction/recovery but his constant cutting off/interrupting his wife makes me cringe.

[@naturalbrainandpain]

He is constantly talking, he knows it all. It’s honestly sad it’s like he definitely has not been humbled the show is way too soon. It’s like he just EATS IT UP all the attention. WOW wow he still makes me sick to my stomach even years ago I watched him and it’s still the same. Grieves my my heart tried to give him a few shots since recovery but he should likely NEVER be in leadership or have a show because addiction to hearing himself talk falls under ego attention seeking and self gratification. He’s still constantly talking to like explain or accuse his behavior. Lord I really do pray for this man of God but I can’t stand to listen to him please help him but it’s a no- go for me No More I’ve listen to a few podcast where he was on other shows to and yea it’s nice to be honest but it’s the intention of the heart and his motive still don’t feel pure and why have a show and specialist come on because he knows it all😂 his wife bless her heart but he still does not seem very humble or remorseful tell the doctor he’s gonna cry, but he’s holding it back. I’d like to see you cry so show some emotion for another human being.

[@naturalbrainandpain]

I’m only 20 minutes into the show and I can’t stand to watch anymore no way🫣🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

[@gregorybrousssard6975]

This is soooo good, so good, and heavy at the same time. This encourages me to help for myself because I want to be free from my secrets as a husband. This is what Christ wants for us, to know what true freedom and peace in Him. Please pray for me and I hope you guys continue this content because it is scary to be this transparent, but I can tell Christ is working through you guys with this information. Thank you!

[@emanueldl67]

1:10:24 "Sh*t" was not beeped out and we love it. Lentz is still preaching today and in a way better format: through his actions. Deciding to stay in a marriage where you feel failure is on your forehead is the hardest thing anybody could've done. Bravo, man! You are inspiring so many men today. We needed this. Thanks for sharing and please keep doing so. You're a living proof of God's grace.

[@emanueldl67]

@@RCGWho ‘Cause they’re having a real conversation with real emotions involved, and this is how that looks.

[@benmorgan9748]

Yikes

[@rociochavez8831]

Finally somebody explains why people in recovery say I’m celebrating my recovery in blank or I’m a recovering blank. Please say it louder for the people In the back aka the Christians in denial. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@tauilotalafaaoti6559]

What a beautiful conversation! Thank you for shedding light on these subjects. Amazing work! God be Glorified ❤

[@dawnmckinney3665]

❤❤❤❤ such a blessing! Thanks be to God for you two!

[@sheilataylor2733]

I'm so grateful for this podcast 🙌❤️

[@KevinWilliams-dy1sm]

Since the exposure the name Carl Lentz has been associated with disgrace and dishonour. This bold step and journey has brought more credibility and honour to his character. Hebrews hall of fame lists the heroes of our faith with this characteristic - “from weaknesses were made strong”. Thank you for walking this journey. I’m sure this is not a dysfunction you would have chosen but God has ordained it in order for millions of men to do a reality check and to be honest and real about themselves but most importantly to give hope knowing that you can overcome. Thank you Carl and Laura ❤️✝️❤️ in the power of the cross … “less the cross be emptied of its power” God Bless you as your pioneer ahead 🙏🏻 I’m all the way in Cape Town, South Africa 🤷🏻‍♂️ would love a sit down with you if you’re in the neighbourhood 👌🏻

[@kristellw5929]

I sooo appreciate this! Understand the brain issues, adrenaline, the self sabotage, risk taking, etc. And implosion’s

[@RecalledtoLife]

And the SIN.

[@bradyhadley4652]

These guys speaking to me way more than they ever did as pastors and hillsong.

[@yvonnelarkin4572]

I don't think they are depending on therapists too much. Just showing how much help we need and how the Lord provides all the help we need if we are willing to admit it and He opens the doors for us to get it.

[@RCGWho]

What did everyone do for centuries without Freud and Jung? Therapy is not a biblical construct. Mentoring and wise, godly counsel are.

[@Mercurychyld1]

Wow, great, great episode. Thank you so very, to all of you, for your humble vulnerability and for the information, and inspiration. May God continue to bless and look after all of you. 😌🌹🙏🏽

[@InnerviewProductions]

Praying & rooting for you guys ❤ Great episode!! So helpful!!

[@reneebananamusic]

best podcast on the internet.

[@luisadoamaral]

Just started watching the content you are putting out now and I have a few thoughts. On the one hand, I think there were so many other people that had to stay behind and pick up the pieces after everything that happened, and I hope that what comes after this eventually gets to them. With that being said, this is TERRIFIC content and the fact that you guys can even do this is such a huge thing, praise God for that. I know that millions of other believers who have also been abused have not had the same chance to unpack the effects in their lives and I hope that this is sign into the right direction.

[@valerieosborne16]

Wow. This is an eye opener. I’m going through the same thing right now with my marriage.

[@fr.nicholasvoelker2105]

1 John 4:16 We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Incline my heart according to your will, O God. - Speed my steps along your path. Good morning everyone. I wanna applaud you both in fact, all three of you for this very honest and respectful and charitable conversation. The Lord is doing great things in your lives and in your evangelizing others and God reward you may be protected during this new chapter of your ministry in your lives , God bless you all

[@ke753reej]

I know people keep saying it’s not about you, but I just discovered my husband’s porn addiction over a month ago and I feel like my whole world has been shattered. We’ve been married for several years and he supported and loved all the same anti human trafficking groups like I did, he was repulsed by porn in shows and movies with me, so I thought we were on the same page. After we had our first baby, he encouraged me to want to dress better for each other. I didn’t let myself go, but I was unaware of the booty exercise shorts and pants, and the cleavage crop tops. He bought me a bunch of things for Christmas. I’ve always enjoyed working out. Anyways, when our first turned one, we were pregnant again with twins. So within 20 months, my body gave birth to 3 babies. I’ve always had a small frame so I bounced back pretty quickly but my belly button doesn’t look the same and I have a bit of loose skin around my tummy. I’m a SAHM and pour everything into my family and raising them well. And every time my husband came home, he was always tired, irritated, angry. I’d make sure dinner was on the table and all he had to do was spend an hour with the kids before dinner and bedtime, because they hadn’t seen him all day. And after the kids were asleep, I always felt this distance between us. I would want to have sex and he would reject me probably about 85% of the time which I thought was strange because we are in our early 30s. He tried telling me his testosterone was low, and all this stuff. So I stopped wanting to have sex with him and when we would it would be so awkward because it had been so long and my intimacy with him had been shut down for so long, it just felt wrong. I always thought there was something wrong with me for wanting to have sex with my husband. Then it turns out, he’s a porn addict and doing it at work. And he was comparing my body with these porn stars. I’ve been told by many that I am beautiful and they can’t believe how good I look for having twins and 3 kiddos under 2. I feel like my body is a warrior and it has gone through so much and it is beautiful, but my husband’s unfaithfulness has broken me. So I can’t help but to think it kind of is about me…I’m a perfectionist so to hear him so these things is absolutely devastating. Can anyone relate?

[@Angelface11]

It's demonic and flesh. Get yourself centered on God. That's his problem. You are not the cause of someone's sin or demons and sounds like there's far too much fleshly issues going on in your marriage. Pray for him and get close to the Lord. Our lives are not about sex and how we look. Walk by the spirit. Yes it's good to be disciplined but not for sexual purposes. Your husband is perverting things and has spirit spouses because of porn. Pray for him and get those spirits off you too

[@eebinom]

“There’s no levels with sexual abuse.” It took me 20 years to admit I was SA by a parent. This work you are now doing is so important. As a child raised in an evangelical home, sex was never spoken about, it was tied to shame, and sinful. The church has done a terrible job setting people up to be sexually healthy individuals.

[@RCGWho]

In my opinion, many Christian's sexual hangups are not because their parents were too embarrassed to talk about it (though that is an issue). The issue becomes the association of the guilt/shame of premarital sexual sin with the sexual act. But since God isn't Brene Brown, shame is an appropriate response to sin. God can and does heal if we repent and pray through it.

[@RCGWho]

Also, the church isn't responsible to do sex ed any more than public schools are. I suppose they could train and encourage the responsible party, the parents, to do their duty. When the church has helped ala the Purity Culture thing, everyone flips out.

[@eebinom]

@@RCGWho agreed. It’s not the church’s responsibility to disseminate sex ed. however, the church has, historically, made sex a taboo topic, shrouded in shame. Sex is healthy and should not be associated with shame. If the church is going to have a lot to say about how one should not engage in sex, then it should have just as much to say about how to engage in sex.

[@RCGWho]

@monibee1980 It's very hard to lump thousands of churches together and say they all shrouded sex in shame. I think Catholicism has a weird issue with denying Mary ever had sex and pretending their priests aren't gay. The first issue is that the vast majority of parents are freaked out about having "the talk." I was thinking about this recently and wondering why. I think it comes down to the level of intimacy involved. It's so private, and it should be. There's also a God-given strong wall of partition between our sexuality and our children's. It's a no man's land between our and our children's sexuality to prevent incest. It goes both ways. You try to talk about it with your children and they say eeewwww and tell you to stop. (Unless you're really on it and talk about stuff really young) So everyone is weirded out about talking about sex. It's not because we are ashamed or we think or communicate that sex is shameful. We're just awkward because of all that I mentioned so we're silent. The silence is interpreted as shame and dirty. Church. They're usually teaching the Bible. Sex is in there, but no, pastors don't put sex therapy on the Sunday school schedule. They are going to have to address it now that society has gone sexually insane.

[@lennyboyko]

as someone who can relate to carl's childhood traumas, i have to say -- you can't work your way to true recovery, freedom, or healing. human ability and thoughts only go so far, especially with secular psychology (it often does not align with scripture which means it does not align with reality). psychology is not deeper than God's word. i'm not knocking therapy, but it's important to be discerning who you choose to work with, and to make sure everything being taught to you as truth and science aligns with God's word. he is the last word, period! i'm sure this therapist is very intelligent and well meaning, but many of her thoughts and conclusions are not biblical. also, i wish every church addressed biblical living in every aspect but you're right, some just give do's and dont's. but not all. if you're living whole heartedly for Christ and seeking him above all else, you will have a healthy sex life, and no one will have to teach you how, because it's natural and created by God. even with the worst background, experiences or tendencies, God can and does heal, guide and redeem FULLY. and just like in my experience, it doesn't mean it will always be easy or you won't get triggered or tempted or affected in the future, but you have complete freedom and healing in Christ. he is the only real hope.

[@rebeccaculver1008]

I agree. I wish this was more Christ centered. I feel like all the thanks for healing went to her instead of to Christ.

[@hopeful3583]

​@@rebeccaculver1008 so true. Unfortunately it's been that way in every single episode. They so often talk about therapy and how proud they are of each other but never of Christ they don't give him glory at all.

[@TrustJesus333]

Sadly, it is dressed up, but it is still deception.

[@danielkim672]

I agree. Carl and Laura gets a secular therapist and not a Christian one. They do all the hollywood things like go to expensive rehabs and create this slick videos. Yet where is trust in Jesus Christ? Where is God and Scripture? Where is the church? It has been all i have done this and i have done that. Me me me.

[@TrustJesus333]

@@danielkim672 Sadly, so much confusion nowadays.

[@kalaaybar1217]

This is very helpful. This is possibly the most impactful sermon for adulthood. I understand it wasn't a salvation message but I really relate to these topics growing up in the church. As an adult I was never properly prepared. Why is the human experience bad or spoken of in a negative way. So odd and I'm trying to be a better parent, wife, and support to young people in the work place. Good luck to all of us 🙏🏻

[@Daisy67-s7c]

Carl, Laura...this IS your lane. Of course, no one would choose it, but God knew He could entrust you Both with it. He knows what you are made of and what He Is making of you (Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6)...that you would let Him get the Glory that is due Him. Your "voice of wisdom" has come through much grief, as Ecclesiastes 1:18 states. My story is EXACTLY the same. My beloved, my marriage, 3 kids, ministry. All shattered. Every word you speak is 100% right. Every word. Ignore the skeptic's. Don't you quit!! I need you. If im the only one. I need you. No one understands ministry families...except other ministry families...and sometimes... not even them. The onslaught of the enemy is ruthless to take out His servants. God has given you a new "pulpit". Don't you quit!!!

[@johanniemeyer9579]

Once a cheater always a cheater is only if the person refuses to deal with roots who caused this in the first place

[@jsean13]

Sounds like.. there's no such thing as repentance then

[@francisisibor5020]

@@jsean13Did you even read the comment?

[@jsean13]

@@francisisibor5020 Did Jesus deal with the roots when he didnt stone the lady committing adultery? Or did he just love her and didnt condemn her? I wonder how different her life was after that.. Kindness leads to repentance

[@francisisibor5020]

@@jsean13Jesus is literally the healer! People get delivered from smoking and drinking in a moment in God’s presence…that doesn’t mean that others wouldn’t have to go through Godly sorrow. If it helps, repentance is a change of heart and mind….so repenting would involve dealing with the root problems. Some of these root problems might be healed supernaturally, some won’t. The goal of repentance is that the change necessary actually happens and we don’t just throw a blanket over something and say “I am really sorry for what I did”.

[@KrimsonRose87]

@@jsean13Jesus is the only one who knows what each one of us needs but repentance is the changing of our thinking about a way of life and how we do life.. from the way the age of darkness does things to the way the kingdom of God does things. That’s repentance. An everyday changing of our mind/thought patterns. Also not everyone has been deeply wounded but we all have had wounds that have been done onto us that do distort how we believe things are to be done or how people are and even projects how we view God. So yes, we all are dealt and are suppose to allow God to heal our broken hearts and bind up our wounds, sometimes He does it without the help of another member on the church and almost other times with the help of a brother/sister in Christ. You can’t just grab one example such as the woman caught in adultery and run with that saying that is the only way healing comes that leads us to repentance. The woman at the well, Jesus told her truth or king David even, God used a brother to expose the sin and wound that was done against him that caused sin in him. Kindness doesn’t come in a one size fits all form. It comes in different ways and sometimes kindness is calling out someone’s sin and the root to deal with so we can repent

[@kylietaylor1045]

This was sooo good! But Carl, please let your wife finish a sentence without talking over her!

[@elivaldez5781]

I love everything you are doing, I love the podcast and how they touch on topics that suddenly in the Christian world are topics that are difficult to address whatever the reasons, but I can't wait to listen to the episode what both Carl and Laura went trough in their relationship with God at that time in their lives, personally and in their marriage. Sorry for the English, I used Google Translate.. 😅

[@AshleyArmstrong-t4y]

I see a much more authentic Carl. He still obviously has work to do and its honorable to be so humble especially in the public eye. However, this is healing. Him being vulnerable, being honest and putting himself in his wifes shoes is what will make all the difference. I think our society has given men no space to show and feel the bad things that have happened to them along the way and they stuff it down. Just like it affects women, it will slowly affect men as they get older and it will lead to destruction. Bravo for the honesty and openness. This is exactly what people need to see when it comes to working out couples issues and with a professional that is non judgemental but validating them both. His wife has a beautiful spirit and I have no doubt she would have survived with or without him. This is why the story of Genesis is one of my favorites. God made woman to be mans help-mate. We need each other in different ways and together in a healthy space is an absolutely beautiful thing.

[@RecalledtoLife]

I'm not buying the newly discovered "abuse" story.

[@deborahrobles9723]

WOW!!!! I knew GOD was going to glorify through your life, through your marriage and through your family! This is PURE Christianity. Being human, being humble, living only by the power and grace of God through the Holy Spirit. No one can judge you if they can only see themselves, we are all sinners, we are all broken and slaves. That is the amazing love of God, he came for us, he rescued us. We are to live in humility like you guys are living! This is the way! God wanted you to speak and be what he chose you to be, a light of hope, a light of love, a light of believing. God loves you and will guide you all the way! He rescued you and didn’t let you die because the enemy is defeated and through the power of your testimony que will be defeated through you (as an instrument of God) in the lives of so much more people that are slaves and broken. God bless you!

[@jennyc5100]

Thank you so much.

[@rebeccaculver1008]

Do an episode with Laura only.

[@BLesT5]

Poor Laura.. asking some heartfelt and heartbreaking questions of the doctor. He keeps telling her how strong she is but she is very hurt and afraid.

[@mistybedwell5962]

Incredible.

[@zachdavis7536]

Great podcast! Thank you for sharing! JPII's Theology of the Body says a lot about our body as well. I would recommend looking into that as well! Christopher West does some great work about TOB as well!

[@nataliebowen8924]

So brave and so needed. Bravo ❤

[@roberteberhart9878]

Appreciating the vulnerability and transparency. Carl and Laura your story is a testimony of God’s goodness and Grace. Praying for you Carl and stop cutting your wife off while she’s talking.😂 But it’s all good. Happy for you guys.

[@gray_f]

What am amazing, insightful, much needed conversation. Thank you for this episode. The church doesn't do enough as far as talking about our bodies are built to enjoy this pleasure. It is hard going from abstinence to.... you can now have sex. There's no healthy transition. The shame that abstinence brings doesn't just go away when you get married. We need to do better for our kids and I'm here to learn!

[@dachater1]

Amazing and wise therapist!

[@BunnyWatson-k1w]

At 2:42. I am glad you found a good therapist. Too often Christians get referred to therapists who are ineffective at dealing with sexual dysfunction or sexual addiction. I also think many Christian women in particular are past victims of sex abuse or abusive relationships with men. Most fail to fully address these issues before marriage. This creates many problems in the relationship and bedroom.

[@jacquelinevaters9550]

Very informative and transparent!!

[@CornerstoneFreikirche]

So good. Thanks a lot and Greetings from Austria/Europe. Peter

[@FelipeMorales-nq4pg]

Thank you Pastor Carl!!!!

[@juanmonsalve8083]

So much respect for you Carl

[@thabisilentleko3741]

With every episode my admiration for Laura just grows more and more. Not because she stayed and supported her husband or forgave or whatever, but that her decisions were made from a place of such self awareness. And she continues to face this whole journey with that lense. I admire her so much. I hope Carl could still tackle the question of how he continued to preach living this double life. I don’t know if he’s ‘done the work’ to be truly introspective on that or not, but I am interested in how he convinced himself it was still okay to Pastor or preach. Did he just ignore the Holy Spirit/ his conscious? Or as part of his ‘cycle’, did he repent every time he had to prepare for and give a sermon? Living in sin brings a lot of shame. Even if it’s not out in the open yet, knowing that God sees what you’re doing and you’re disappointing Him weighs heavy on a person. I wonder how he preached past that.

[@jld4870]

Christ died for ALL our sins-past present n future. the statement that someone disappoints God because of their sins then by default we All disappoint God because we all sin. This false narrative is not of God!!! God is NOT a God of condemnation. Jesus is our bridegroom the church is his bride. What bride wants to approach her bridegroom if she thinks she disappoints her bridegroom. STOP falsely stating a gospel of condemnation it prevents believers from approaching the throne of grace boldly. We disappoint God when we shrink back in unbelief that His son’s shed blood was not sufficient to cover ALL our sins. Please be a Berean and read the word hear the gospel of grace given to Paul for the church (body of Christ). Teaching a false doctrine of sin consciousness is what will keep ALL in shame n condemnation-for any sin-it is what will keep believers in bondage and fear!!! The only thing that disappoints God is unbelief in the finished work of Christ. John 5:24 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” Galatians 2:19 “For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.” Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:21 “I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”

[@thabisilentleko3741]

@@jld4870 thank you for your correction. It was not my intention to speak a false gospel. I guess I can just rephrase my statement by saying, based on my experience when I was living in sin as a born again Christian, I FELT like I was disappointing God. I knew better, I knew that what I was doing wouldn’t please God and that did weigh heavy on me. Praise God that we are not condemned in Christ AND that His grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness.

[@jld4870]

@@thabisilentleko3741 Encouragement to understand the mystery of Christ as revealed to Paul by the risen Christ. Sister we are sinners we sin everyday God is not surprised-he sent his Son to pay our penalty for sin. The debt has been paid, God is pleased when we walk in the faith, belief that the sin debt has been paid in full by the shedding of Jesus blood. We are no longer under the law of death and condemnation. Son conscious NOT sin/law conscious sister. If led there are some ministers of God’s grace on utube. David Benjamin-Christian’s need the gospel, Eva saved by grace, salvation is easy to name a few. Join us u might just be set free from trying to please God! As he is already pleased with u as he sees Christ in u not your sins!

[@RecalledtoLife]

@@jld4870 You totally missed the point. The question the poster was asking was how could Carl continued to preach sermon after sermon while at the same time committing serial adulteries., How did he get up on that stage and preach when he had just climbed out of an adulterous bed? How did he justify that to himself? Did he mumble a quick prayer for forgiveness and then on with the show?

[@Rob559.]

Yes talk to them about all that but it’s important to emphasize purity which this talk lacks and missing.

[@ufink]

Yeah I’m confused too. They said to talk to your kids about exploring safely and criticized the church but didn’t give any solution really.

[@RCGWho]

​@@ufinkall secular solutions

[@hopeful3583]

They unfortunately seem to focus solely on secular methods and therapists je never mentions the power of the gospel, or gives praise to God, instead tells his children he is proud of them that they have a relationship with Jesus. Their faith surely seems very superficial at best.

[@Dsiy97]

Loved this episode, gleamed so many gems on how to help people going through addictions or dealing with betrayal in a relationship. Those talking about them telling their kids to be pure etc bible gospel etc! They said how the church views sex and sexuality can be triggering and the church doesn't discuss sex. The church only says stay pure and don't think about sex which isn't realistic! We are sexual beings denying that is harmful!!!