Finding Hope
By Amy LaRue
Join Amy LaRue as she dives into what it looks like to truly Find Hope. As the Finding Hope Coordinator for Hope is Alive Ministries, Amy knows firsthand what it's like to love someone in addiction and recovery. Join her as she talks with guests who are on the same walk as her, and even some incredible individuals who have themselves fought through battles with addiction. Do you have a loved one lost in the web of addiction? This podcast will give you the help and resources needed as you begin a recovery for yourself. For full video episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw-iQnnntor4XmDrHcxzCMhex_LhRk7-I&si=tP8MCLtZfAb1uagR
If you’ve been to a Finding Hope meeting or listened to this podcast for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed something: somehow, almost every topic leads us back to boundaries. But why are boundaries so important? Because healthy boundaries help protect our spiritual, mental, emotional, and financial well-being—and when we don’t have them, we can quickly find ourselves overwhelmed, exhausted, and carrying things that were never ours to carry. In today’s episode, we’re talking about what happens when we live without boundaries, what a boundary actually is, how to begin setting them, and what it looks like to establish firm, healthy boundaries without guilt. Learn more at: FindingHope.today
What an incredible 2026 Run For Hope! In this episode, we’re celebrating the people, teams, and stories that made this year’s event so meaningful. With 1,501 participants across five markets, 68 teams, participants representing over 15 states, and 160 lives honored, this was about so much more than a race. Listen to hear why this race matters. Donate: GiveFH.com Learn more at: FindingHope.today | HopeAfterLoss.today
In this episode, we're unpacking some of the most meaningful phrases we hear at Finding Hope and how they can bring peace, perspective, and healing as you love someone struggling with substance use disorder. Learn more at: FindingHope.today FHRetreat.com HALRetreat.com
On today’s episode, we’re joined by Finding Hope member Lesli Baker. After marrying her husband, he found sobriety, and Lesli believed he was “fixed.” But when she got COVID and lost her sense of smell, their world shifted, and her husband began drinking again. Searching everywhere for answers and support, Lesli eventually found connection and community through Hope is Alive and Finding Hope. Today, Lesli and her husband are each walking their own paths of recovery—learning, healing, and holding onto hope in the middle of it all. Whether you love someone battling addiction or are navigating your own recovery journey, Lesli’s story is a reminder that setbacks are not the end of the story. There is HOPE! FindingHope.Today HopeAfterLoss.Today FHRetreat.com HALRetreat.com
Whether you're struggling to forgive yourself, forgive someone who has hurt you, or you're carrying years of guilt, grief, or resentment because of a loved one's addiction, this episode is for you. In this episode, Amy and Darcie unpack what Scripture says about forgiveness, clear up common misconceptions, and remind us that forgiveness isn't excusing the hurt—it's releasing it to God and choosing the freedom He offers. You'll also hear highlights from this year's retreat theme, Redeemed Tears: Every Tear Seen. Every Tear Held., and be encouraged by the reminder that God meets us in our deepest pain with His grace, redemption, and hope. FHRetreat.com HALRetreat.com RunForHopeRace.com FindingHope.Today
Many of us have done it without realizing it—we've tried to help our loved one by protecting them from consequences, giving money, making excuses, or stepping in to fix problems. But when does helping become enabling? In this episode, we discuss the definition of enabling: doing for others what they can and need to do for themselves. We explore why families enable, how enabling can unintentionally fuel addiction, and the difficult reality that shielding our loved ones from consequences often delays the very change we hope to see. We'll examine common enabling behaviors, practical examples of healthy support, and how to begin setting boundaries rooted in love rather than fear. If you've ever struggled with guilt, worry, or the desire to rescue someone you love, this conversation will help you better understand the difference between helping the person and helping the addiction.. FindingHope.today FHRetreat.com HALRetreat.com RunForHopeRace.com
In this heartfelt episode, Amy sits down with Danielle, a Finding Hope leader in Colorado Springs, to talk about the devastating impact addiction has had on her life and family. Danielle vulnerably shares how she lost her dad to the disease of addiction, watched other family members struggle, and later faced the heartbreak of her own son battling addiction. Through the pain, Danielle also shares how Finding Hope became a turning point in her healing journey—helping her break free from shame and guilt and giving her the courage to share her story openly. Her honesty, faith, and hope are a powerful reminder that no one has to walk this road alone. This episode is for anyone who has loved someone struggling with addiction and needs the reminder that healing, community, and hope are possible. FindingHope.Today HopeAfterLoss.Today FHRetreat.com HALRetreat.com runforhoperace.com
This podcast explores the hidden trauma loved ones experience while caring for someone struggling with addiction. We discuss how PTSD and complex PTSD can develop through ongoing emotional and physical trauma, including overdoses, manipulation, fear, abandonment, and chronic stress. The episode highlights common triggers, long-term impacts on mental and physical health, and the silent battle families face behind closed doors. Through real-life stories, education, and hope-filled resources, we remind listeners that healing is possible through support, boundaries, self-care, faith, and trauma-informed recovery tools. FindingHope.Today HopeAfterLoss.Today FHRetreat.com HALRetreat.com
In today’s episode, we sit down with Keven Kohs who is celebrating 3 years of sobriety—and this conversation is as real as it gets. With honesty, vulnerability, and incredible courage, he shares his journey through addiction, the breaking points, and the moments that led him towards recovery. This isn’t a polished story. It’s a real story of hope. FindingHope.Today HopeAfterLoss.Today FHRetreat.com HALRetreat.com
Addiction. We’re not talking about the typical roles like mom, dad, or sibling. We’re talking about the roles we adapt in order to survive the chaos, pain, and uncertainty that addiction brings into a family. These roles may help us cope in the moment—but over time, they become unhealthy for both us and our loved one. The good news? Once we can identify these roles, we can begin to break free from them and step back into who God truly created us to be. FindingHope.Today HopeAfterLoss.Today FHRetreat.com HALRetreat.com
What happens after your loved one gets sober? In this episode, Darcie joins Amy to talk about the reality families face once sobriety begins. While sobriety is a huge step, it is still normal to feel anxious and worried. We discuss how addiction affects the brain, why healing takes time, and what healthy communication and boundaries look like during recovery. FindingHope.Today HopeAfterLoss.Today FHRetreat.com HALRetreat.com
On today’s episode, Darcie joins Amy to talk about what self-care truly means—not the version culture promotes, but the kind that sustains your mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. We discuss recognizing when your wellness tank is full, half-full, or empty, and practical ways to refill it through boundaries, self-awareness, and healthy habits. FindingHope.Today HopeAfterLoss.Today FHRetreat.com HALRetreat.com
On today’s episode, Darcie is back, and we’re diving into one of our favorite lessons from Finding Hope—Parallel Feelings. After hearing testimony after testimony from people in recovery and from loved ones, we began to notice something surprising: both groups often experience many of the same emotions, but respond to them in very different ways. In this episode, we unpack the parallel feelings and traits of those who love someone struggling with substances and those who are battling addiction themselves. As we name the similarities, we discover that awareness isn’t meant to bring shame—it gives us the opportunity to pause, extend grace, and choose healthier patterns. Understanding these parallels can soften hearts, break cycles, and move us one step closer to healing for everyone involved. FindingHope.Today HopeAfterLoss.Today FHRetreat.com HALRetreat.com
On today’s episode, we’re joined by Hope is Alive staff member Courtney Davis. Courtney shares her role at Hope is Alive and how addiction has personally impacted her life. Together, we dive into a question many families wrestle with: Is addiction a brain disease, or is it a choice? Courtney walks us through her research on addiction and the brain, helping bring clarity to a topic that is often misunderstood. Whether you’re personally affected by addiction or supporting someone who is, this episode offers wisdom, facts, and understanding. FindingHope.Today HopeAfterLoss.Today FHRetreat.com HALRetreat.com
As a new year begins, many of us think about fresh starts, goals, or resolutions—but does a new year really bring lasting change? In this episode, we reflect on a powerful quote from Shane Pruitt "A new year doesn't make a new you, if you keep living the way you've always lived. A new you only happens when you let an eternal God take over, and He changes how you live." This is especially true for those loving someone struggling with addiction. We talk about what real change might look like—meeting your own needs, taking a courageous step to attend a Finding Hope meeting, or simply learning more about what Finding Hope is all about. If you’re longing for rest, healing, or a fresh start, we also invite you to sign up for this year’s Finding Hope ( FHRetreat.com ) or Hope After Loss retreat ( HALRetreat.com ). FindingHope.Today HopeAfterLoss.Today
The holidays can be filled with stress, expectations, and triggers—especially when addiction has impacted your family. In this episode, I’m joined by Shane Edwards, one of our incredible Finding Hope leaders from Kansas City, to talk about how we can move from simply surviving the holidays to truly thriving. We’ll cover: Managing expectations to reduce stress and disappointment Setting and respecting boundaries (even during the holidays!) Letting go of control and trusting God’s plan Finding support instead of isolating Choosing joy and creating new traditions This holiday season, give yourself permission to slow down, breathe, and remember the true Hope this holiday season. FindingHope.Today HopeAfterLoss.Today You are NOT alone. It's NOT your fault. There is HOPE!
In this episode of the Finding Hope Podcast, host Amy LaRue sits down sit down with officer Mark Woodward from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. Mark shares his expertise on the latest drug trends and gives insight into the work he does to combat substance use in our communities. But this conversation goes beyond the statistics. Mark opens up about what personally brought him to Finding Hope and why he is passionate about supporting families affected by addiction. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to better understand the truth about drug trends and steps you can take now if your loved one is struggling with substances. FindingHope.Today HopeAfterLoss.Today You are NOT alone. It's NOT your fault. There is HOPE!
In this episode of the Finding Hope Podcast, host Amy LaRue sits down with Darcie Stephens to unpack the Serenity Prayer—discovering what’s in our control, what’s not, and how to surrender it all to God. We’ll explore its history, biblical roots, and three key truths: • Serenity to accept what we can’t change • Courage to change what we can • Wisdom to know the difference Whether you’re loving someone struggling with addiction or simply navigating life’s chaos, this episode offers peace, courage, and clarity. FindingHope.Today HopeAfterLoss.Today You are NOT alone. It's NOT your fault. There is HOPE!
In today’s episode, Amy is joined once again by Darcie Stephens as they share highlights from our Run For Hope event, then dive into the healing practice of journaling. Learn more about upcoming Finding Hope Retreats at FHRetreat.com and Hope After Loss Retreats at HALRetreat.com FindingHope.Today HopeAfterLoss.Today You are NOT alone. It's NOT your fault. There is HOPE!
In this powerful episode, Amy LaRue is joined again by Darcie Stephens to explore a deeply personal and challenging topic: trust—how it’s broken, how it’s rebuilt, and how it ultimately must be surrendered to God. Together, they unpack what happens when trust is lost in relationships impacted by addiction and the freedom that comes when we let go and surrender. Learn more about upcoming Finding Hope Retreats at FHRetreat.com and Hope After Loss Retreats at HALRetreat.com FindingHope.Today HopeAfterLoss.Today You are NOT alone. It's NOT your fault. There is HOPE!