Porn, Betrayal, Sex and the Experts — PBSE

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Rating
4.4
from
191 reviews
This podcast has
328 episodes
Language
Explicit
No
Date created
2020/01/14
Latest episode
2026/04/21
Average duration
45 min.
Release period
7 days

Description

Two sex addicts in long-term successful recovery are ALSO world-class Counselors who specialize in porn and sex addiction recovery. Drawing on 40 years of combined personal and professional experience, Mark and Steve get RAW and REAL about HOW to overcome addiction, heal betrayal trauma and save your marriage. If you're struggling with addiction—we get it. Recovery is hard. We've been there. We'll help you take the fight to your addiction like never before. If you're married to an addict—we KNOW what it's like to nearly destroy a marriage! We'll help you understand the world of your husband's addiction and begin healing your betrayal trauma, regardless of what he decides to do. You don't have to stay stuck. You don't have to keep suffering. We've made all the mistakes so you don't have to. Take back your life. Take back your marriage. Let's do this together! This is the PBSE podcast. 

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Check latest episodes from Porn, Betrayal, Sex and the Experts — PBSE podcast


We Want a Family, But He Just Disclosed His Porn Addiction—Now What?
2026/04/21
In this episode (329), Mark and Steve address a submission from a betrayed wife whose husband has recently disclosed a porn addiction just as they were preparing to start a family. They acknowledge the immense emotional tension she is carrying: she deeply loves her husband, wants to support him, and has always dreamed of becoming a mother, yet now feels shattered by betrayal, comparison, insecurity, and fear about what pregnancy and parenthood would mean in the middle of such instability. They honor her sincerity and loyalty while also making it clear that her pain is real and that she is not overreacting by wanting to slow everything down. A major theme of the episode is that the husband’s recovery and the wife’s healing are not the same process. The speakers caution against the common mistake of focusing entirely on the addict’s struggle while minimizing the partner’s trauma. They explain that there is no clean finish line called “fully recovered,” and that healing is not about returning to life as it was before disclosure, but about moving through the grief, loss, and transformation this crisis has brought into the marriage. They stress that she must not abandon her own needs, boundaries, and healing in order to carry him, and that both individuals need qualified support, separate healing work, and a stronger relational framework built on truth. Mark and Steve are especially emphatic that this couple should not rush into having children. They explain that children do not fix instability—they magnify it—and that parenthood should never be treated as the automatic next step in a fragile, newly destabilized marriage. Instead, they recommend a deliberate pause on major life decisions, intensive recovery and betrayal-trauma support, clear stability markers, and a long-term pattern of proactive honesty, accountability, and emotional regulation. Their message is ultimately hopeful: the marriage is not doomed, and a healthy future family may still be possible, but only if it is built on a new foundation of transparency, healing, and integrity rather than on pressure, denial, or haste. For a full transcript of this podcast in article format, go to:   We Want a Family, But He Just Disclosed His Porn Addiction—Now What? Learn more about Mark and Steve's revolutionary online porn/sexual addiction recovery and betrayal trauma healing program at—daretoconnectnow.com Find out more about Steve Moore at:  Ascension Counseling Learn more about Mark Kastleman at:  Reclaim Counseling Services
more
He Says He Chooses Me... So Why Is He Still Thinking About Other Women?!
2026/04/14
In this episode (328), we address a powerful and heartbreaking question from a betrayed partner: how can her partner claim to love and choose her while continuing to have sexual thoughts about other women? We acknowledge the profound trauma this creates, especially given the timing during pregnancy and postpartum—a period of heightened vulnerability. The repeated disclosures of these thoughts have created a cycle of ongoing emotional injury, leaving her feeling humiliated, replaceable, and unsafe. We emphasize that her pain is valid and reflects real, cumulative trauma, not oversensitivity. We then explore the nature of these thoughts within addiction, distinguishing between occasional intrusive thoughts and deeply conditioned patterns of scanning and objectification that develop over time. While these patterns may be rooted in addiction wiring, they still cause real harm and must be addressed through meaningful recovery work. A major focus is placed on the “double bind” of honesty—where partners feel trapped between needing transparency and being retraumatized by it. We introduce the concept of therapeutic honesty, explaining that effective disclosure must be contained, structured, and focused on recovery actions rather than detailed recounting of harmful thoughts. Finally, we outline what true healing requires. For partners to heal, there must be stabilization—meaning the reduction of harmful behaviors and the end of ongoing re-injury. We also stress the importance of separating the addict’s thoughts from the partner’s worth, recognizing that his conditioning is not a reflection of her value. Rebuilding a sense of being “chosen” comes not through words, but through consistent, protective actions over time. We encourage partners to take control of the disclosure process, setting boundaries around what they hear, and remind them that their healing—not managing their partner’s recovery—is the priority. For a full transcript of this podcast in article format, go to:   He Says He Chooses Me... So Why Is He Still Thinking About Other Women?! Learn more about Mark and Steve's revolutionary online porn/sexual addiction recovery and betrayal trauma healing program at—daretoconnectnow.com Find out more about Steve Moore at:  Ascension Counseling Learn more about Mark Kastleman at:  Reclaim Counseling Services
more
He Turned Me Into Porn . . . Now I Don't Want Sex at All—Is This Normal?!
2026/04/06
This episode (327) centers on a betrayed partner who, after uncovering her husband’s secret pornography use, finds herself increasingly sexually averse despite his apparent efforts toward recovery. Her experience is compounded by a history of childhood sexual trauma and objectification, making the betrayal not just painful, but deeply retraumatizing. When her husband admitted to mentally replacing her with pornographic images and even attempting to shape her into those fantasies, it reinforced a lifelong narrative of inadequacy and comparison. We make it clear that her reaction is not abnormal—it is a natural and protective trauma response from a nervous system that has learned to associate sexual intimacy with danger. We emphasize that while the addict’s recovery is essential, it is not the same as the partner’s healing. True healing for the betrayed partner requires consistent, long-term experiences of safety—not just effort or apologies. Any form of sexual pressure must be completely removed, allowing intimacy to be rebuilt from the ground up through non-sexual connection, emotional safety, and mutual respect. We also highlight the importance of the partner reclaiming her sense of self—developing body autonomy and recognizing her inherent worth independent of physical appearance or sexual performance, which are often distorted by both personal trauma and cultural messaging. Finally, we address the central question of whether sexual desire will return. While it often can, we stress that it cannot be forced or expected. Desire is the byproduct of restored safety, trust, and emotional connection, and it emerges gradually when those elements are consistently present. We also encourage both partners to consider broader relational dynamics, including boundaries, empowerment, and collaboration in daily life, not just in the sexual realm. Healing is possible, but it requires patience, intentionality, and a complete shift away from entitlement toward genuine, mutual, and safe connection. For a full transcript of this podcast in article format, go to:   He Turned Me Into Porn ... Now I Don't Want Sex at All—Is This Normal?! Learn more about Mark and Steve's revolutionary online porn/sexual addiction recovery and betrayal trauma healing program at—daretoconnectnow.com Find out more about Steve Moore at:  Ascension Counseling Learn more about Mark Kastleman at:  Reclaim Counseling Services
more
The NECESSITY of Community in Recovery & Healing for Addicts and Betrayed Partners
2026/03/31
In Episode 326, we highlight the critical truth that both addiction and betrayal trauma are fueled by isolation and secrecy, making community an essential part of the healing process. Addicts often withdraw due to shame and fear of judgment, while betrayed partners frequently feel alone, confused, and unable to share their reality with others. This shared isolation deepens pain on both sides and reinforces destructive cycles. However, when individuals step into a supportive recovery community, they begin to break that isolation, realizing they are not alone and that others truly understand their experience. Community plays several vital roles in recovery. It normalizes the experience by helping individuals overcome “terminal uniqueness” and recognize shared struggles. It provides accountability, which is nearly impossible to achieve in isolation, and helps individuals stay aligned with their values and recovery goals. It also offers outside perspective, clears distorted thinking, and creates opportunities to learn and practice healthy relational skills. Additionally, connection with others has a direct biological impact, helping regulate the nervous system and reduce stress responses, which is essential for both addicts and partners navigating emotional triggers. Perhaps most importantly, community sustains hope when it is most needed. Recovery is a long and difficult journey, and there will be times when individuals feel discouraged or question whether healing is possible. In those moments, seeing others who are further along the path provides reassurance and renewed motivation. Community becomes a place where individuals can borrow strength and belief from others until they can stand firmly again on their own. Ultimately, this article reinforces a foundational principle: true and lasting recovery does not happen alone—it happens in connection. For a full transcript of this podcast in article format, go to:   The NECESSITY of Community in Recovery & Healing for Addicts and Betrayed Partners Learn more about Mark and Steve's revolutionary online porn/sexual addiction recovery and betrayal trauma healing program at—daretoconnectnow.com Find out more about Steve Moore at:  Ascension Counseling Learn more about Mark Kastleman at:  Reclaim Counseling Services
more
Why Does My Heart Keep Moving Further Away . . . Even Though He’s Finally Trying?!
2026/03/24
Episode 325 centers on a betrayed partner who feels increasingly disconnected from her husband, even though he has recently begun making genuine recovery efforts. After ten years of repeated cycles of acting out, partial truth, gaslighting, and temporary repair, her nervous system has adapted to expect instability and harm. When full disclosure revealed that she had only known a fraction of the truth, it shattered her sense of reality and safety. As a result, her emotional distancing is not irrational—it reflects a deeper awareness that love does not equal trust or safety, and that her internal system is now prioritizing protection over connection. We explain that what she is experiencing is a combination of delayed trauma processing and the loss of attachment safety. For years, she functioned in survival mode, unable to fully process the magnitude of the betrayal. Now, as her partner begins to show effort, her brain finally has enough space to release what has been suppressed. This can make recovery feel worse in the short term, as deeper layers of grief, anger, and pain emerge. Importantly, recent effort from the addict does not immediately create safety or rebuild trust—those are established only through consistent, lived experiences of honesty, empathy, and reliability over time. Ultimately, healing in this relationship is possible, but only under very specific conditions. The addict must create a genuinely safe environment through full transparency and sustained behavioral change, while the partner must prioritize her own healing and boundaries. A critical part of this process is grieving the relationship she thought she had, which allows her to align with reality rather than illusion. We emphasize that her reactions are valid, her distance makes sense, and she is not broken—her heart is responding appropriately to years of harm and is guiding her toward truth, safety, and authentic healing. For a full transcript of this podcast in article format, go to:  Why Does My Heart Keep Moving Further Away . . .  Even Though He’s Finally Trying?! Learn more about Mark and Steve's revolutionary online porn/sexual addiction recovery and betrayal trauma healing program at—daretoconnectnow.com Find out more about Steve Moore at:  Ascension Counseling Learn more about Mark Kastleman at:  Reclaim Counseling Services
more
Can I or We ever Heal from his Trickled Truths, Multiple D-Days and Ongoing Lies?!
2026/03/16
Many betrayed partners face the heartbreaking experience of trickle truth—when pieces of the truth about sexual betrayal emerge slowly over time instead of all at once. In this episode (324), we respond to a partner who experienced an initial discovery day involving pornography and prostitution, supported her husband’s recovery efforts, and went through formal disclosure, only to later discover evidence that he had lied during that process. The result was another devastating discovery day that left her questioning whether trust or healing could ever truly be possible. We explore how repeated dishonesty compounds trauma and why each new revelation can feel even more painful than the original betrayal. We also address several key dynamics present in situations like this, including the severe damage caused by ongoing lying, the role of hypervigilance and trauma triggers, and the importance of understanding why betrayed partners may react strongly to seemingly small behaviors, such as noticing their partner looking at other women. We further emphasize that physical aggression in a relationship is a serious safety issue that must be addressed immediately, because true intimacy and trust cannot exist in an environment where physical or emotional safety is compromised. Finally, we discuss what must happen if a couple hopes to rebuild after multiple discovery days. Healing is possible, but only when specific conditions are present: a complete and honest disclosure process, radical transparency, deep empathy from the addict, and consistent long-term recovery work. Trust is not rebuilt through promises or apologies but through reliable patterns of trustworthy behavior over time. When both partners are fully willing to engage in this process, even relationships that have experienced profound betrayal can move toward a future that is more honest, connected, and healthy than before. For a full transcript of this podcast in article format, go to:   Can I or We ever Heal from his Trickled Truths, Multiple D-Days and Ongoing Lies? Learn more about Mark and Steve's revolutionary online porn/sexual addiction recovery and betrayal trauma healing program at—daretoconnectnow.com Find out more about Steve Moore at:  Ascension Counseling Learn more about Mark Kastleman at:  Reclaim Counseling Services
more
Can Someone Who Lived a Secret Sexual Life for 40 Years Ever be Truly Sober?
2026/03/11
In this episode (323), we address a heartbreaking submission from a betrayed partner who discovered that her husband of over forty years had been living a secret sexual life throughout their entire marriage. After decades of pornography use, strip clubs, and paid sexual encounters—hidden behind a carefully managed public image—she now finds herself asking the question many partners face after long-term betrayal: Can someone who has lived a double life for decades ever truly change? We begin by acknowledging the deep trauma caused by this kind of discovery while also reminding partners that their integrity, devotion, and sacrifices throughout the relationship remain real and meaningful despite the deception. We also explore several common dynamics that help explain how someone can maintain this level of secrecy for so long. Factors such as male sexual entitlement, fear of consequences, control of reputation, immature emotional coping strategies, and emotional objectification often play a role in sustaining addiction and deception. These are not excuses, but they can help both partners understand the psychological patterns that allowed the addiction to persist for so many years. Finally, we discuss what real recovery actually requires in situations like this. True sobriety is not instant, and claims of having no urges shortly after discovery are often a red flag. Long-term healing typically involves years of work, including formal therapeutic disclosure, deep exploration of the addiction’s roots, radical honesty, and consistent accountability. While the road forward is challenging, both individual healing and relationship recovery are possible when genuine transformation takes place and trust is rebuilt through sustained action over time. For a full transcript of this podcast in article format, go to:   Can Someone Who Lived a Secret Sexual Life for 40 Years Ever be Truly Sober? Learn more about Mark and Steve's revolutionary online porn/sexual addiction recovery and betrayal trauma healing program at—daretoconnectnow.com Find out more about Steve Moore at:  Ascension Counseling Learn more about Mark Kastleman at:  Reclaim Counseling Services
more
Relationship Healing Lives or Dies on "Consistent Transparency!"
2026/03/04
(PBSE Episode 322) In relationships impacted by pornography or sex addiction, the greatest damage often comes not only from the betrayal itself but from the pattern of secrecy and withheld truth that surrounds it. Many betrayed partners find themselves repeatedly uncovering the truth through investigation rather than receiving honesty freely from their partner. Even when couples pursue formal disclosure and verification processes, it is often impossible to know the past with absolute certainty. Because of this reality, healing cannot rely solely on reconstructing every detail of what happened before. Instead, trust is rebuilt by observing what is happening now. The key principle that determines whether recovery succeeds or fails is consistent transparency. This means the recovering addict begins volunteering information rather than waiting to be asked, sharing emotional insights instead of just surface-level facts, and openly discussing fears, struggles, and progress in recovery. It also means abandoning a lifestyle of secrecy and choosing to live visibly and honestly within the relationship. Consistent transparency also requires actions that match words and immediate accountability for any dishonesty. Over time, these behaviors create observable evidence of change that partners can rely on. As openness replaces secrecy, the relationship gradually becomes a place where both individuals can truly know each other. In this environment, partners can move forward not based on unanswered questions about the past, but on the growing trust that comes from honesty, vulnerability, and consistent integrity in the present. For a full transcript of this podcast in article format, go to:  Relationship Healing Lives or Dies on "Consistent Transparency!" Learn more about Mark and Steve's revolutionary online porn/sexual addiction recovery and betrayal trauma healing program at—daretoconnectnow.com Find out more about Steve Moore at:  Ascension Counseling Learn more about Mark Kastleman at:  Reclaim Counseling Services
more
Guardrails or Walls? Moving from Sexual Aversion to Healthy Intimacy in Recovery
2026/02/25
Episode 321 addresses a vulnerable question from a man in recovery who fears he may have “overcorrected”—moving from sexual addiction to sexual numbness. After establishing over a year of sobriety, he wonders if suppressing his sexuality has led to aversion rather than health. We explain that this phase is not uncommon. Sobriety is essential, but it is only the beginning. When years of compulsive behavior have rewired the dopamine system, removing intense stimulation can initially feel flat. The brain and body require time to recalibrate, and during that process, desire may feel muted. We also explore the powerful role of shame and fear in suppressing healthy arousal. Many addicts carry beliefs that they no longer deserve sexual enjoyment because of the harm they caused. Unresolved shame can shut down vulnerability, which is essential for authentic intimacy. Additionally, medical variables such as stress and hormone imbalance should be ruled out, as libido is influenced by both emotional and biological factors. Healthy sexuality looks very different from addiction-driven intensity—it is relational, emotionally connected, and often built on appreciation rather than urgency. Ultimately, the goal of recovery is not sexual suppression but integration. Guardrails—healthy boundaries—are necessary to maintain safety, but walls built from fear prevent growth. As couples move from repair into creation, they can collaboratively define what authentic intimacy looks like for them. With patience, grace, and ongoing emotional connection, sexuality can evolve from something compulsive and destructive into a conscious, shared celebration of closeness and love. For a full transcript of this podcast in article format, go to:  Guardrails or walls—Moving from Sexual Aversion to Healthy Intimacy in Recovery  Learn more about Mark and Steve's revolutionary online porn/sexual addiction recovery and betrayal trauma healing program at—daretoconnectnow.com Find out more about Steve Moore at:  Ascension Counseling Learn more about Mark Kastleman at:  Reclaim Counseling Services
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He has the Right to Completely Screw Up His Life!
2026/02/17
In episode 320, we address a betrayed partner’s heartbreaking story of separation turning into divorce as her husband’s addiction spirals further out of control. What was supposed to be a wake-up call instead became deeper indulgence, leaving her feeling disrespected, confused, and searching for closure. We explore how addicts can reach a point where fantasy feels “authentic,” and how emotional immaturity, avoidance of discomfort, arrested development, and untreated mental health issues often drive such drastic decisions. While these factors may help explain the behavior, we make it clear: they do not excuse it. We then confront the painful but empowering reality that he has the right—through his autonomy and agency—to make destructive choices. Acceptance of that truth does not mean approval or forgiveness; it means recognizing what cannot be controlled. Betrayed partners cannot force recovery, insight, or maturity. Fighting that reality only prolongs suffering. True empowerment begins when the focus shifts from changing him to strengthening oneself. Finally, we address the complicated reality of co-parenting after betrayal. When children are involved, complete separation is rarely possible. We emphasize the importance of thoughtful boundaries, structured communication, and protecting children from emotional crossfire. Revenge-driven decisions often create long-term damage, whereas clarity-driven boundaries create stability. Though he may choose to “screw up his life,” the betrayed partner retains the power to heal, protect her peace, and build a stronger future for herself and her children. For a full transcript of this podcast in article format, go to:  He has the Right to Completely Screw Up His Life! Learn more about Mark and Steve's revolutionary online porn/sexual addiction recovery and betrayal trauma healing program at—daretoconnectnow.com Find out more about Steve Moore at:  Ascension Counseling Learn more about Mark Kastleman at:  Reclaim Counseling Services
more
When Betrayal is Confessed, What are Healthy Boundaries for the Partner & Addict?
2026/02/09
When betrayal is confessed, both partners are immediately forced into territory they never chose. In this episode (#319), we address a powerful submission from a man whose pornography use and delayed disclosure led to the end of a serious relationship. We unpack why betrayal permanently changes a relationship’s landscape and why healthy boundaries for the betrayed partner begin with space, agency, and the right to decide what future—if any—feels authentic. Boundaries are not punishments; they are acts of self-protection and clarity in the wake of shattered trust.  We also address a critical but often misunderstood issue: waiting for the “right time” to tell the truth. While many addicts believe delayed honesty is protective, we explain how it actually constitutes integrity abuse and creates layered, complex trauma for the partner. By managing the timing and flow of truth, the addict unintentionally manipulates the relationship and deprives the partner of informed consent. We emphasize that honesty at all costs is not about guaranteeing forgiveness—it is about preserving reality, which is the foundation of any healthy boundary.  Finally, we turn to the addict’s side of the boundary equation. Addicts do not get to set boundaries on betrayed partners—but they must establish uncompromising internal boundaries around truth, transparency, and integrity. We discuss what it means to continue recovery when honesty leads to rejection, and why authentic change must eventually be internally motivated rather than driven by fear of loss. Even when a relationship ends, living honestly prepares an addict to become a healthier partner in the future and prevents repeating the same cycle of deception and harm. For a full transcript of this podcast in article format, go to:   When Betrayal is Confessed, What are Healthy Boundaries for the Partner & Addioct? Learn more about Mark and Steve's revolutionary online porn/sexual addiction recovery and betrayal trauma healing program at—daretoconnectnow.com Find out more about Steve Moore at:  Ascension Counseling Learn more about Mark Kastleman at:  Reclaim Counseling Services
more
Can "Just Looking" Destroy a Marriage: Understanding Visual Sexual Addiction
2026/02/04
In this episode (#318), we respond to a deeply painful and thought-provoking submission from a partner married for fifteen years who discovered her husband’s long-standing pattern of visual sexual behaviors. While he insists he rarely masturbated, his compulsive scanning, voyeurism, and objectification left her questioning whether “just looking” could really constitute addiction—and why it felt so devastating. We outline how repeated denial, trickle-truth, and gaslighting created not only sexual betrayal but integrity abuse, leading to severe betrayal trauma marked by hypervigilance, loss of identity, shame, and emotional exhaustion. We then break down why addiction is not defined by orgasm alone. While climax powerfully reinforces behavior, sexual addiction is fueled by much more: anticipation, novelty, entitlement, secrecy, and emotional escape. Visual sexual behaviors can flood the brain with addictive neurochemicals long before orgasm ever occurs, training the brain to seek stimulation without intimacy. We explain how scanning and objectification allow addicts to bypass vulnerability while still receiving powerful neurological rewards, and how edging and prolonged preoccupation can become addictive in their own right. Finally, we address why visual sexual addiction often hurts partners more than masturbation. For many partners, “just looking” feels deeply personal—it involves comparison, preference, and emotional pursuit, not just physical release. We emphasize the vital distinction between sobriety and recovery, the necessity of full honesty through formal disclosure, and the importance of dismantling sexual entitlement rather than merely abstaining from behaviors. True healing, we conclude, requires integrity, empathy, and an intentional choice to move out of addiction and fully into relationship. For a full transcript of this podcast in article format, go to:   Can "Just Looking" Destroy a Marriage:  Understanding Visual Sexual Addiction Learn more about Mark and Steve's revolutionary online porn/sexual addiction recovery and betrayal trauma healing program at—daretoconnectnow.com Find out more about Steve Moore at:  Ascension Counseling Learn more about Mark Kastleman at:  Reclaim Counseling Services
more
From Shock to Self–Trust: Reclaiming Your Inner Truth After Betrayal
2026/01/27
In this episode (#317), we address one of the most destabilizing experiences betrayed partners face: the collapse of reality after discovering a partner’s hidden addiction. When betrayal comes from someone who appeared kind, loving, and emotionally present, the trauma can feel especially disorienting. Partners often question their intelligence, intuition, and judgment—but we make it clear that intuition cannot detect information that was deliberately concealed. Betrayal is not a failure of perception; it is the result of sustained secrecy, compartmentalization, and integrity abuse. Rather than focusing on whether the addict is truly in recovery or what the future might hold, we invite partners to gently shift their attention back to themselves. Grounding becomes essential in the aftermath of betrayal, as the nervous system is often locked in hypervigilance and survival mode. We explore the importance of pausing—not freezing—so that decisions are not driven by fear, pressure, or urgency. Authentic wants and needs are not ultimatums or selfish demands; they are expressions of self-truth that deserve to be honored, especially after trauma. Finally, we discuss what it means to reclaim self-trust. Loving another person authentically requires seeing them as they truly are, not just through hope or potential—but it also requires honoring one’s own authentic limits, capacity, and bandwidth. This episode is not about making the “right” relationship decision. It is about choosing a path that allows the betrayed partner to remain congruent, grounded, and whole. Healing does not require predicting the future; it begins by staying honest with yourself in the present. For a full transcript of this podcast in article format, go to:   From Shock to Self-Trust:  Reclaiming Your Inner Truth After Betrayal Learn more about Mark and Steve's revolutionary online porn/sexual addiction recovery and betrayal trauma healing program at—daretoconnectnow.com Find out more about Steve Moore at:  Ascension Counseling Learn more about Mark Kastleman at:  Reclaim Counseling Services
more
What Does "Proactive Honesty" in Your Daily Life & Relationships Look Like?
2026/01/20
In this episode (#316) we focus on the critical role of proactive honesty in healing relationships impacted by addiction, betrayal, and trauma. Proactive honesty goes far beyond “not lying”—it means leading with truth rather than waiting to be confronted, asked the right question, or forced into disclosure. When honesty becomes reactive instead of proactive, trust erodes, emotional safety collapses, and partners lose the ability to make informed choices. We emphasize that honesty struggles are not limited to addicts; partners can also drift into dishonesty through self-silencing, conflict avoidance, or fear of toxic reactions. We examine the many reasons honesty breaks down, including fear of conflict, shame, habitual deception, emotional dysregulation, and attempts to manage or control others’ perceptions. While these patterns may be understandable survival strategies, they are never harmless. Dishonesty—whether through outright lies, partial truths, minimization, or “everything’s fine” responses—undermines accountability, intimacy, and recovery. We explain why clarity equals respect, why intent does not erase impact, and how avoiding the full truth often creates repeated betrayals rather than preventing harm. Finally, we outline what practicing proactive honesty actually looks like: catching dishonesty early, naming wrongs clearly, telling the whole truth, acknowledging impact without defensiveness, expressing accountability without shame, backing words with measurable actions, and allowing the other person’s response without trying to control it. We also stress the importance of choosing appropriate environments for difficult conversations—without using that as an excuse to deceive. Proactive honesty is uncomfortable and challenging, but it is essential for rebuilding trust, restoring integrity, and creating relationships rooted in safety, authenticity, and real connection. For a full transcript of this podcast in article format, go to:   What Does "Proactive Honesty" in Your Daily Life & Relationships Look Like? Learn more about Mark and Steve's revolutionary online porn/sexual addiction recovery and betrayal trauma healing program at—daretoconnectnow.com Find out more about Steve Moore at:  Ascension Counseling Learn more about Mark Kastleman at:  Reclaim Counseling Services
more
No Bullsh*t—What’s ACTUALLY Blocking An Addict’s TRUE Change?
2026/01/13
This episode (#315) challenges the common illusion that visible recovery behaviors—meetings, therapy, sobriety streaks—automatically equal real change. Using a devastating listener submission as the catalyst, we explain why relapse after “recovery” often hurts partners more deeply than early betrayal: by that point, the addict knows the harm and still chooses it. We distinguish reactive recovery (driven by panic, fear, and consequences) from real recovery (driven by identity change, courage, and internal ownership), emphasizing that activity without transformation inevitably collapses. We then walk through the core barriers that block lasting change. These include terror of life without addiction, denial of full impact, unresolved trauma and powerlessness, attachment to the emotional rewards addiction provides, fear of standing fully in the light through accountability, and the belief that recovery is undeserved. Each barrier keeps addicts circling recovery without fully entering it—checking boxes while protecting the very patterns that sustain addiction. Ultimately, we argue that half-recovery is more dangerous than no recovery at all because it creates false safety and repeated devastation. Real change requires dismantling the lies addicts tell themselves about who they are, what they need, and what they deserve. True recovery is not about avoiding loss or appeasing a partner—it is about becoming someone fundamentally different. Until addicts are willing to face these internal blocks head-on, the cycle will continue. But when they do, real and lasting change becomes possible. For a full transcript of this podcast in article format, go to:  No Bullsh*T—What's ACTUALLY Blocking an Addict's TRUE Change?  Learn more about Mark and Steve's revolutionary online porn/sexual addiction recovery and betrayal trauma healing program at—daretoconnectnow.com Find out more about Steve Moore at:  Ascension Counseling Learn more about Mark Kastleman at:  Reclaim Counseling Services
more

Podcast reviews

Read Porn, Betrayal, Sex and the Experts — PBSE podcast reviews


4.4 out of 5
191 reviews
Kourtney_Erdman 2025/10/15
Grateful to you both!
Thank you so much for what you both do! For years my husband and I struggled with this heartbreak until one year ago when I discovered your podcast. I...
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junehope2 2025/10/11
Grateful
Thank you for showing there’s light at the end of the tunnel. When my husband and I are in a hard space coming to this podcast has been so helpful and...
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LDd194 2025/09/07
Deep gratitude
Steve and Mark have given me a roadmap in my journey as a betrayer partner. They have helped me find my voice. I have deep gratitude for the work that...
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-LifePath3- 2025/02/23
An absolute must!!!
I was in denial about my addiction until I listened to episode 1, “What is Pornography”. This podcast has helped me, and my Spouce, in ways I can’t ev...
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Mine craft 10253 2024/01/16
So relatable!!
Your latest podcast that covered not being able compete really hit home for me. I often times have a hard time putting my feelings into words and hea...
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vowsmeannothing 2023/04/11
Suffering
I’m the partner of a newly discovered Sex Addict for my entire marriage. What a shock to my heart and health. Suddenly my world is turned upside down ...
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tom jones lee 2023/08/10
Good but
Generally very good but way too many religious undertones, instead of strictly medical/psychological advice
Darrend7 2023/06/27
Seems to be getting shorter
This podcast has occasional great content, but it’s getting to be a 15 minutes worth of content and 5-10 minutes of commercials for the paid product. ...
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StephLC86 2023/06/08
Sexual Betrayal isn’t identified as ABUSE
While I appreciate the support for the betrayed partner is much greater than what you’ll find on other podcasts and platforms, the fact that sexual in...
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Adam1389 2022/11/16
Love this podcast
This podcast has provided so much insight and advice to me in my recovery journey. Thank you for what you do. I’m currently struggling after a relapse...
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