Podcast
Holy Wreckage
Hosted by Crystal · ENGLISH
Welcome to Holy Wreckage, a Christian podcast about healing,
restoration, and the redeeming love of God.
This faith-based podcast helps others heal out loud, find hope in hardship, and discover that no life is too broken for God to rebuild. Through raw testimony, addiction recovery stories, DNA surprises, trauma-informed conversations, and Spirit-led dialogue, Holy Wreckage reminds us that even in our wreckage, God is making something beautiful.
This is healing out loud… one wreck at a time.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Danger of Cultural Christianity: When You Know About God But Don’t Know Jesus
6d ago00:46:26Tap to summarizeD. Scott Smith grew up with just enough Christianity to think he was fine.Church was familiar. God was familiar. The language was familiar. Christmas and Easter counted. Being American meant being Christian. But underneath the surface, there was no real surrender, no personal relationship with Jesus, and no understanding of the gift of salvation. It was cultural Christianity — the kind that can make you feel safe while your soul is still asleep.Scott didn’t have the kind of testimony people expect. No addiction spiral. No dramatic collapse. No obvious wreckage everyone could point to. He was a good student. A good kid. The outside looked solid. But inside, he describes it as “internal dry rot” — the beam looked fine, but there was no structure underneath. Apathy, anger, and spiritual emptiness were eating away at what religion could never fix.Then Jesus made it personal.In this episode of Holy Wreckage, Scott shares how God pulled him out of cultural Christianity and into real faith. He talks about growing up around religion, watching God radically change someone close to him, and finally realizing that knowing about Jesus is not the same as belonging to Him.This conversation goes deep into the danger of being spiritually inoculated — having just enough Christianity to feel covered, but not enough surrender to be transformed. Scott also shares how God brought order into his life, why structure matters, and how learning to seek the face of God instead of only His hand changed the way he sees faith, purpose, and the kingdom of God right here in the middle of this broken world.Please consider donating toward Holy Wreckage 👉 https://holywreckage.com/donate/Thank you for watching, listening, subscribing, and sharing these stories of wreckage, redemption, and the God who still restores.Production CreditsTestimony by D. Scott SmithHosted by Crystal DunawayEdited by Matt SarmientoProduced by Holy WreckageRecorded in Riverside🎙️ Guest: D. Scott SmithLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dscottsmithFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessnetworkingtips/Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/d_scottWebsite: Confirm before posting — the website link provided appears to redirect to LinkedIn.📬 Connect with Holy WreckageWebsite: https://holywreckage.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@holywreckageInstagram: https://instagram.com/holywreckageFacebook: https://facebook.com/holywreckageTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@holywreckagePrayer Requests: https://tally.so/r/Np5XvjShare Your Story: https://tally.so/r/MeKNPADonate: https://holywreckage.com/donate/ #CulturalChristianity #ChristianTestimony #FaithJourney #RealFaith #SurrenderToJesus #PersonalRelationshipWithJesus #KnowingJesus #JesusChangedMyLife #ChristianPodcast #ChristianYouTube #FaithOverReligion #SpiritualAwakening #GodsGrace #KingdomOfGod #SeekGodsFace #ChristianEncouragement #TestimonyTuesday #RedemptionStory #FaithAndPurpose #HolyWreckage
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How God Rebuilt Her Identity After a Traumatic Brain Injury | Amanda Maddox Testimony | E11
3w ago01:16:08Tap to summarizeMost women carry invisible wreckage from their past — but what if your greatest mess becomes your most powerful message? Amanda Maddox’s story of trauma, faith, and transformation reveals the extraordinary power of trusting God through life’s darkest moments. After surviving a devastating car accident and suffering a traumatic brain injury, Amanda thought her life was over. Instead, God used her pain to redefine her purpose, healing her mind, heart, and identity along the way.In this raw and inspiring episode, you’ll hear how Amanda’s journey from chaos to clarity unlocked a profound understanding of who she is in Christ. We break down her battles with memory loss, hallucinations, aphasia, and feelings of worthlessness—showing that wounds don’t have to define us. You’ll discover how her faith grew stronger amid the storm, and how trusting God's process can turn your wreckage into a testimony of grace.Amanda shares her transition from a high school dropout, teenage mother, and EMT to a woman awakening to her divine calling. She explores the lessons learned from materialism, shame, and identity, and why God often allows fire to burn off everything that’s not His best for us. Her story uncovers powerful frameworks like the “Invisible Path” of trust—comparing it to stepping stones over a cliff—and reminds us that surrendering control is where true healing begins.This episode isn’t just about surviving trauma—it's about thriving through it. If you’re feeling lost in your own wreckage, Amanda’s story will ignite hope and show you how to find your purpose in God's restoration. Perfect for anyone wrestling with shame, identity, or the fear that their pain is too great to be redeemed—this is your reminder that with God, your story is still being written.Amanda Maddox is a powerhouse of faith and healing, whose journey through brain injury and spiritual renewal has inspired countless others to trust in God's transformative love. Her upcoming book, “I Am Who I Am in the Great I Am,” shares her journey in detail and aims to help women everywhere embrace their worth, find their voice, and walk confidently in Christ.If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this episode will remind you that your wreckage is the foundation God will use to build something beautiful. Your story matters, your scars are sacred, and your divine purpose is waiting just on the other side of surrender. Hit play and discover how your greatest mess can become your most powerful testimony of faith and victory.#FaithJourney #BrainInjuryRecovery #ChristianInspiration #HealingThroughFaith #PurposeInPain
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The Faceless Man: From Hollywood to Redemption | John David Gregory | E10
Apr 1300:49:33Tap to summarizeWho does the world want you to be today?In this powerful episode of Holy Wreckage, Crystal sits down with actor, author, veteran, and speaker John David Gregory to talk about the story behind his memoir, The Faceless Man. John David shares how years of hidden pain, identity struggles, addiction, trauma, performance, and chasing acceptance left him exhausted and divided inside. But God met him there and called him into truth, healing, and redemption.From Kentucky to Hollywood, from childhood abuse to sexual identity confusion, from male dancing, drugs, and destructive detours to surrendering fully to Christ, John David opens up with raw honesty about the cost of becoming who the world wants you to be. He talks about how his book was born in a holy moment of obedience, and how God used his wreckage to begin reaching others who feel lost, ashamed, stuck, or unseen.This conversation gets to the heart of identity. Not the kind built on roles, titles, appearance, success, or survival, but the kind forged through redemption. John David shares the question that once drove his life: Who does the world need me to be today? And this episode turns that question back on every listener: Who does the world want you to be today?You will also hear:-how God prompted him to finally write The Faceless Man-why hidden pain and unconfessed shame keep people trapped-the danger of detours that feel exciting at first but slowly destroy you-why men especially struggle to talk about pain, weakness, and healing-what it means that God calls the unqualified and uses broken people for His glory-encouragement for anyone afraid to step into what God is asking them to doThis episode is for the person who is tired of performing, hiding, pretending, or shaping themselves around everyone else’s expectations. It is for the one who has lived with secrets, shame, addiction, confusion, or regret. And it is for anyone who needs the reminder that redemption is still possible.Question to reflect on:Who does the world want you to be today?Maybe the better question is:Who is God calling you to be?Connect with John David Gregory:Website: johndavidgregory.comBook: The Faceless ManYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnDavidGregory-AList
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Stage 4 Cancer Miracle; Russ Hedge Shares a Tragic Accident, Loss, and Cancer | E9
Mar 3000:47:24Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode of Holy Wreckage, Crystal sits down with inspirational speaker, marketing coach, and author Russ Hedge. Russ shares his incredible testimony of surviving a near-fatal car accident at age 19, walking through the heartbreaking journey of dementia and cancer with his parents, and his own miraculous healing from Stage 4 melanoma. Through it all, Russ maintains an unshakable faith and a positive perspective, reminding us that while life happens, we always get to choose how we respond.Resources Mentioned:Russ mentions several resources and concepts that have shaped his journey. You can find his book, Life Happens and Then You Choose, as well as his YouTube series on his channels. He also discusses the concept of "The Divine Equation" by Chip Ingram.Connect with Russ Hedge:You can connect with Russ Hedge by visiting his website at russhedge.com. There, you will find links to his books, podcast, marketing coaching, and speaking engagements. www.russhedge.comConnect with Holy Wreckage:Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform. Leave a review and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today!www.holywreckage.com
Transcribe →What God Says About Mental Health, Addiction, and Healing Your Body | E8
Mar 1600:53:55Tap to summarizeWhat does the Bible say about mental health, addiction, emotional healing, and physical health? In this episode of Holy Wreckage, Dr. Laurette Willis shares how God brings healing to the mind and body through surrender, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit.Dr. Laurette shares her personal testimony of being delivered from alcoholism, smoking, compulsive overeating, and New Age practices, and explains why lasting freedom is not about willpower alone, but about surrender, sanctification, and the power of God working in us. Together, Crystal and Dr. Laurette discuss mental health, emotional regulation, journaling, cravings, addiction recovery, Christian wellness, and what the Bible says about healing your body and mind.If you’ve ever struggled with addiction, emotional eating, anxiety, self-destructive patterns, lack of peace, or feeling trapped in your own mind, this conversation will point you back to the hope, truth, and healing found in Jesus Christ.In this episode, we talk about:what God says about mental healthwhat God says about physical healthChristian recovery from addictionhealing from emotional eating and food cravingsrenewing your mind with Scripturethe role of the Holy Spirit in sanctificationjournaling, emotions, and nervous system regulationbiblical truth for healing the mind and bodysurrendering destructive habits to Godfinding freedom from chaos, guilt, and shameDr. Laurette also shares practical tools for:overcoming cravingsprocessing emotions in a healthy wayreplacing toxic thoughts with biblical truthbuilding healthy habits through faithpursuing Christian health and wellness without shameThis episode is for anyone looking for Christian help for addiction, biblical encouragement for mental health, faith-based healing for emotional struggles, and God’s truth about caring for your body.Find more resources at holywreckage.com/resources#ChristianMentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #BiblicalHealing #EmotionalHealing #FaithAndWellness #ChristianPodcast #HolyWreckage #RenewYourMind #FoodAddiction #MentalHealthAndFaith
Transcribe →Miscarriage, Anger & God: How My Loss Became Someone Else's Lifeline | E7
Mar 100:55:43Tap to summarizeIn this heartfelt conversation, Gigi Nieves shares her journey of loss, grief, and healing after experiencing a miscarriage. She discusses the emotional turmoil of navigating her faith during this challenging time, the importance of community support, and how God met her in her pain. Gigi emphasizes the significance of vulnerability and honesty in the healing process, encouraging others to embrace their brokenness and seek God in their struggles. Through her testimony, she inspires listeners to find hope and healing in their own journeys.#healing, #grief, #loss, #miscarriage, #faith, #motherhood, #vulnerability, #God, #testimony
Transcribe →Letting Go: When Marriage Falls Apart and Finding God in the Wreckage | E6
Feb 1601:27:19Tap to summarizeWhat happens when infidelity, trauma, and broken trust leave a marriage in ruins?In this powerful conversation, Todd and Amy Underwood share their honest journey through marital wreckage, emotional trauma, and betrayal, and how faith in God became the foundation for healing, forgiveness, and redemption. They open up about the cycles of infidelity, the unseen impact of trauma, and what it truly means to surrender control to God when everything feels lost.This episode explores marriage recovery through faith, the hard work of forgiveness, and how love and community can help rebuild even the most broken relationships. Todd and Amy’s story is a reminder that healing is possible, redemption is real, and God is present even in the deepest wreckage.In this episode, you’ll hear about:Marriage healing after infidelity and betrayalUnderstanding trauma and its role in relationshipsBreaking destructive cycles and rebuilding trustFaith, forgiveness, and surrendering control to GodHow love and community support marriage restorationFinding redemption when marriage feels beyond repair👉 Resources Mentioned in This Episode Looking for the books and tools Todd and Amy referenced? Visit our resources page here: https://holywreckage.com/todd-amy-underwood-1If this episode encouraged you, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share it with someone who may be walking through marriage wreckage and searching for hope.
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How Do I Find Wholeness in God After Divorce, Abuse, and Starting Over? | E5
Feb 200:31:28Tap to summarizeHow Do I Find Wholeness in God After Divorce, Abuse, and Starting Over?Divorce, abuse, and seasons of singleness can leave us questioning everything — our choices, our worth, and even God. In this episode of Holy Wreckage, we sit in the tension of broken relationships and honest healing, exploring how faith becomes an anchor when life doesn’t turn out the way we hoped.This conversation is for anyone who has walked through divorce, survived abuse, or found themselves starting over and wondering if wholeness is still possible. Together, we talk about self-reflection, responsibility, and what it really looks like to put God at the center of our healing — not as a spiritual bypass, but as a path toward restoration.Rather than rushing past the pain, this episode invites listeners to slow down, look inward, and allow God to heal the places relationships couldn’t. Wholeness doesn’t come from marital status or external validation — it comes from a deep, surrendered relationship with Him.In This Episode, We Discuss:Why divorce and singleness can be invitations to deeper healingThe role faith plays in healing from abuse and relational woundsThe importance of self-reflection and personal responsibilityWhy God must be front and center in relationships and decision-makingThe complexities of marriage and starting overHow true wholeness is found in God, not in another personNotable Quotes:“God is number one. He’s front and center.” “I didn’t check with God on that.” “Jesus in therapy, yes.”Episode Chapters:00:00 Navigating Life’s Unexpected Turns 01:45 Reflections on Marriage and Relationships 04:46 The Role of Faith in Healing 06:49 Understanding Singleness and Self-Reflection 10:25 The Complexity of Marital Decisions 13:19 The Journey of Healing and Growth 16:59 Overcoming Abuse and Finding Strength 19:57 The Importance of God in Relationships 26:22 Building a Strong Foundation in Marriage 29:06 Finding Wholeness in God 33:29 Navigating Blended Families and PrioritiesIf this episode resonated with you, subscribe to Holy Wreckage so you don’t miss future conversations about healing, faith, and finding God in the middle of life’s hardest seasons. And if you know someone walking through divorce, abuse, or starting over, consider sharing this episode with them — healing is better when we don’t walk alone.
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12 Steps Reimagined: Breaking Free From Addiction | E4
Jan 1900:42:39Tap to summarizeFreedom from addiction didn’t come from a single moment.It came through surrender, faith, and consistent choices that God used to transform my life.In this episode of Holy Wreckage, Crystal shares the 12 things she did to live an addiction-free life — not as a prescription for everyone, but as a testimony of how God healed her heart and led her into real freedom.We talk about:Why sobriety alone wasn’t enoughThe daily practices that helped break long-standing cyclesHow faith, honesty, and accountability sustained healingWhat God revealed about identity, surrender, and freedomIf you’re struggling with addiction, supporting someone who is, or searching for hope beyond behavior change, this episode offers encouragement and truth.Freedom is possible. Healing is real. No life is too broken for God to rebuild.This is healing out loud… one wreck at a time.🔗 Learn More & Support🌐 https://www.holywreckage.com 🤍 Support the podcast: https://www.holywreckage.com/donate 📩 Share your story as a guest on our show by filling out this short formAddiction Recovery, Faith Based Recovery, Christian Podcast, Healing Journey, Freedom in Christ, Testimony, Deliverance, Holy Wreckage, Addiction Free Living
Transcribe →Crystal’s Story: Trauma, Addiction, and the God Who Never Left | E2
Jan 100:19:48Tap to summarizeWhat happens when trauma takes root early, and addiction becomes a way to survive?In this episode of Holy Wreckage, Crystal shares her personal story of adoption, childhood trauma, addiction, and the long road to healing. From growing up in and out of homes, feeling unseen and misunderstood, and experiencing deep abandonment, to battling addiction for decades, Crystal opens up about the wreckage that shaped her life and the God who never walked away.This is not a story of instant miracles or overnight transformation. It’s a story of a faithful God who stayed, protected, provided, and redeemed — even when healing took decades.In this episode, Crystal shares:Her experience with adoption, instability, and feeling unseenHow trauma and addiction took hold early in lifeThe moment she first encountered the peace of GodWhy surrender, not striving, became the turning pointHow God redeemed relationships, restored family, and brought truth into the lightScriptures that anchored her faith during seasons of uncertainty and survivalIf you’ve wrestled with addiction, trauma, abandonment, mental health struggles, or faith questions, this episode is for you. It’s for anyone who wonders if God can still work in the middle of the mess, or if redemption is possible after years of wreckage.Subscribe, follow, and share this episode with someone who needs hope. And if God has met you in your own wreckage, we invite you to share your story.This is Holy Wreckage — where real stories meet a holy God. Healing out loud, one wreck at a time.
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