Men's Divorce Recovery

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Men’s Divorce Recovery Podcast, we talk with Keith Cole—a Marine Corps combat veteran and author of Burnout: God’s Recovery Plan—about why burnout after divorce isn’t failure, but often the result of carrying too much for too long while trying to do everything right. We break down how the “just push through” mindset can quietly lead to emotional, physical, and spiritual exhaustion, why burnout is not a lack of faith, and how it can actually be an invitation from God to slow down, surrender control, and begin real recovery. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, numb, or worn out, this episode will help you understand what’s happening and give you practical steps to reconnect with God, regain your strength, and start rebuilding with purpose. Bible Verse Inspiration: Matthew 11:28 — “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Resources: www.RecoveryByFaith.com

PART TWO OF EPISODE In this episode we sit down with author and theologian Dr. Chad Bird to explore what it means to walk with God through failure, loss, and the painful aftermath of divorce. Drawing from his books Night Driving, Limping with God, and Untamed Prayers, Chad shares how Scripture speaks honestly about broken lives and wounded disciples. Together we discuss how men can face face regret without despair, rediscover their identity in Christ after divorce, and learn to pray again when faith feels fractured. Using stories from the life of Jacob, the raw prayers of Psalms, and the hope of the gospel, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that God often does His deepest work in our darkest seasons. If you're a man navigating divorce, carrying shame, rebuilding fatherhood, or wondering whether God still has a future for you, this episode will remind you that redemption is not reserved for the unbroken. Sometimes the men God uses most are the ones who walk with a limp. Resources: www.MensDivorceRecovery.org Finding Forgiveness Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-forgiveness/id1615813073?i=1000590135292

In this episode we sit down with author and theologian Dr. Chad Bird to explore what it means to walk with God through failure, loss, and the painful aftermath of divorce. Drawing from his books Night Driving, Limping with God, and Untamed Prayers, Chad shares how Scripture speaks honestly about broken lives and wounded disciples. Together we discuss how men can face face regret without despair, rediscover their identity in Christ after divorce, and learn to pray again when faith feels fractured. Using stories from the life of Jacob, the raw prayers of Psalms, and the hope of the gospel, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that God often does His deepest work in our darkest seasons. If you're a man navigating divorce, carrying shame, rebuilding fatherhood, or wondering whether God still has a future for you, this episode will remind you that redemption is not reserved for the unbroken. Sometimes the men God uses most are the ones who walk with a limp. Resources: www.MensDivorceRecovery.org Finding Forgiveness Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-forgiveness/id1615813073?i=1000590135292

PART TWO In this powerful episode of the Men’s Divorce Recovery Podcast, we sit down with a husband and father whose life was once defined by alcohol, drugs, denial, and the quiet slavery of addiction—but who found true freedom not through willpower, but through Jesus Christ. He shares what addiction really looked like behind closed doors, how it fractured trust and intimacy in his marriage, and the breaking point that brought him to surrender. Through an encounter with Christ, his identity—not just his behavior—was transformed, replacing shame with grace and self-destruction with purpose. As his wife also came to faith, their marriage was rebuilt on forgiveness, humility, and a shared commitment to Christ at the center. Together they are now raising two young children in a home marked not by chaos, but by redemption. This conversation offers raw honesty and real hope for men facing addiction, separation, or divorce—reminding us that no man is beyond restoration when surrender meets the saving power of Christ. Bible Verse Inspiration: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Resources: www.MensDivorceRecovery.org

In this powerful episode of the Men’s Divorce Recovery Podcast, we sit down with a husband and father whose life was once defined by alcohol, drugs, denial, and the quiet slavery of addiction—but who found true freedom not through willpower, but through Jesus Christ. He shares what addiction really looked like behind closed doors, how it fractured trust and intimacy in his marriage, and the breaking point that brought him to surrender. Through an encounter with Christ, his identity—not just his behavior—was transformed, replacing shame with grace and self-destruction with purpose. As his wife also came to faith, their marriage was rebuilt on forgiveness, humility, and a shared commitment to Christ at the center. Together they are now raising two young children in a home marked not by chaos, but by redemption. This conversation offers raw honesty and real hope for men facing addiction, separation, or divorce—reminding us that no man is beyond restoration when surrender meets the saving power of Christ. Bible Verse Inspiration: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Resources: www.MensDivorceRecovery.org

In this special year-in-review episode, Dale and Chris walk back through the full journey of Men’s Divorce Recovery in 2025 — beginning with the early uncertainty and fear that often mark the start of divorce and ending with hope, healing, and generosity. Together, they revisit key conversations on faith under pressure, emotional pain and deep sadness, redefining what a “win” really looks like, navigating anger and lingering love, blended families, high-stress marriages, and finding peace during the holidays. Drawing from every episode released this year, Chris and Dale reflect on the lessons learned, the patterns they observed in men walking through divorce, and the spiritual truths that sustained them. This episode is both a recap and a reminder: healing is not linear, you are not alone, and real restoration begins by remaining rooted in the enduring love of Christ. Inspiration Verse: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” — John 15:9 (ESV) Resources: www.MensDivorceRecovery.org

Please join us for this important Giving Tuesday episode.

In this short Thanksgiving episode, we share a few simple but meaningful tips for spending the holiday alone after a divorce. From giving yourself permission to feel, to creating intentional plans, to starting new traditions, these ideas are designed to help you navigate the day with grace, purpose, and hope. Whether you’re facing your first Thanksgiving alone or another in a long journey, this episode offers gentle encouragement and practical steps to remind you that healing is possible—and you don’t have to walk it alone. Bible Verse Inspiration: Isaiah 41:10 — “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Resources: www.MensDivorceRecovery.org

In this heartfelt episode, Dale reflects on the ten-year anniversary of his own divorce — a milestone that brings both pain and perspective. He opens up about the deep valleys of heartbreak and how giving ourselves permission to hurt is the first step toward genuine healing. Dale reminds us that Jesus never avoided pain; He entered into it with us. Through that truth, Dale offers encouragement for finding peace and forgiveness in God, along with practical insights for walking through your own season of suffering. Whether you’re in the middle of your pain or beginning to see light on the other side, this episode will remind you that healing is not just possible — it’s promised. Bible Verse Inspiration: Isaiah 61:1 (NIV) “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” Resources: www.MensDivorceRecovery.org

n this heartfelt episode, Chris explores one of the hardest questions men face after divorce — “What if I still love my ex-wife?” In the episode we unpack why feelings of love can linger, how to tell the difference between true love and emotional attachment, and how to release that love in a way that honors God. With Scripture, reflection, and encouragement, this episode helps men find peace in their past and healing in their faith. Bible Verse Inspiration: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” — 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV) Resources: www.MensDivorceRecovery.org

In this episode, we confront one of the hardest emotions men face in divorce — anger. Emotions are real, and like a thermometer, they reveal what’s happening inside us without defining who we are. We’ll talk about how emotions are morally neutral and how understanding them can lead to healing instead of destruction. Through biblical teaching, we’ll explore how God calls men to face their anger honestly and let it refine rather than consume them. Bible Verse Inspiration: Ephesians 4:26–27 (NIV): “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." Resources: www.MensDivorceRecovery.org

PART TWO In this episode of Men’s Divorce Recovery, Dale and Chris sit down with Ron Deal, director of FamilyLife Blended®, to talk about the challenges and blessings of life after divorce. Together they unpack the realities of step-parenting, the pitfalls that can lead to re-divorce, and the biblical principles that offer hope for men navigating blended families. With wisdom drawn from Scripture and years of ministry experience, Ron shares practical tools and encouragement for fathers, stepfathers, and husbands who want to lead with faith, patience, and grace. Inspiration Verse: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 Resources: https://www.rondeal.org/

In this episode of Men’s Divorce Recovery, Dale and Chris sit down with Ron Deal, director of FamilyLife Blended®, to talk about the challenges and blessings of life after divorce. Together they unpack the realities of step-parenting, the pitfalls that can lead to re-divorce, and the biblical principles that offer hope for men navigating blended families. With wisdom drawn from Scripture and years of ministry experience, Ron shares practical tools and encouragement for fathers, stepfathers, and husbands who want to lead with faith, patience, and grace. Inspiration Verse: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 Resources: https://rondeal.org/

In this episode, Dale and Chris sit down with Tim Rutledge, Director of LEAPS Training and a retired narcotics agent, to explore the unique challenges first responders face in marriage—and the difficult road many walk through divorce. Tim shares candid insights from decades of service, stories from the field, and practical tools to strengthen relationships under pressure. Together, they discuss how to build trust, communicate through stress, and find resilience and hope, whether you’re fighting for your marriage or navigating the pain of separation. Bible Verse Inspiration: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love." -1 Corinthians 16:13–14 Resources: https://www.leapstraining.com/

In this episode of Men’s Divorce Recovery, we explore the deep sadness that comes with the end of a relationship and how to navigate it in a healthy, God-centered way. Christopher Espinoza offers Biblical inspiration, practical tools, and encouragement for men struggling with heartbreak. Learn how to process grief, avoid common pitfalls, and take actionable steps toward healing, growth, and renewed hope. Scripture Highlight: Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Resources: www.MensDivorceRecovery.org

In this episode of Men’s Divorce Recovery, Dale Brown explores the question, "What does a win really look like after divorce?" Instead of chasing shallow victories, Dale unpacks five meaningful types of wins: gaining clarity, having passion, finding solidarity with others, making good decisions, and living with integrity. This episode offers a grounded perspective on success, growth, and healing during life’s most challenging transitions. Resources: www.MensDivorceRecovery.org Bible Verse Inspiration: Micah 6:8 (NIV): "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

We all face moments in life that bring us to our knees—days when it feels like everything we've built has come crashing down. In this solo episode, Chris gets real about what to do when you're living through the worst day of your life. Whether you're dealing with the shock of divorce, the loss of a relationship, or the weight of emotional pain, this episode offers both Biblical wisdom and practical tools to help you breathe, pause, and begin to heal. You'll learn how to name your pain, avoid destructive reactions, lean into community, and trust that your story isn't over—even when it feels like it is. Drawing from Scripture, real-life reflection, and grounded encouragement, this episode is a guide to surviving your lowest moment and slowly stepping into something new. You’re not alone. God sees you. And there’s still hope. Bible Inspiration: 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Resource: www.MensDivorceRecovery.org

In this powerful episode we sit down with Michael Mmunthali from Malawi, to explore the often-unspoken realities of divorce for men in African cultures. Michael shares his personal journey through heartbreak, cultural stigma, and healing—and how faith, identity, and community shaped his recovery. We will discuss the differences between divorce in the U.S. and Africa, the silence surrounding men’s emotional pain, and how the global church can better support men walking through the aftermath of divorce. Bible Passage Inspiration: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NIV) Resources: www.MensDivorceRecovery.org

On today's episode Dale discusses important parts of his book, The Daily Survival Guide for Divorced Men. Specifically Dale discusses what happens when you hurt during the divorce process. He looks at what happens to you mentally and physically when we are hurting, what we can expect during this phase of recovery, and what we can do about it to not sink too far. Resources: www.MensDivorceRecovery.org

INTERVIEW PART TWO In this powerful episode of Men’s Divorce Recovery, we sit down with Bree Sullivan-Howell, author of Crush Your Divorce and Keep Your Faith, to explore how Christian men can navigate the emotional, spiritual, and legal challenges of divorce without losing their faith in Christ. Bree shares personal insights, practical advice, and biblical encouragement for staying grounded, acting with integrity, and building spiritual resilience in the face of one of life’s hardest seasons. Whether you’re in the midst of a divorce or walking the long road of recovery, this conversation offers hope, truth, and the reminder that God is still at work in your story. Bible Passage Inspiration: Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Resources: https://www.sullivan-firm.com