In this episode, Jonathan and David tackle a difficult but necessary topic: pornography and its overwhelming impact—especially among young men in the Christian community.

Drawing from personal experience, pastoral conversations, and biblical truth, they move beyond simply stating that pornography is wrong and instead focus on what it actually takes to pursue freedom.

They address the realities of addiction, the role of shame and isolation, and the practical and spiritual disciplines required to break the cycle. Most importantly, they point listeners back to the core truth of the Gospel: your sin is real—but so is your forgiveness, and your identity is not defined by your struggle.

1. Pornography is far more widespread and accessible than ever before

2. Most young men already know it’s wrong—but feel trapped anyway

3. The real question isn’t “Is this bad?” but “How do we actually fight it?”

4. Shame and isolation are primary tools that keep the addiction alive

5. Freedom is possible—but it requires intentional, ongoing effort

We hope this episode is helpful and encouraging to you, dear listener.

Please reach out if you need us:

jonathan@beunbound.us

david.rethemeyer@beunbound.us

As always,

Be Unbound

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Tamma Phillips

In this episode, Jonathan and David revisit David’s recent marathon. What initially looks like a missed goal becomes a powerful conversation about failure, growth, and redefining success.

David set out to complete his first marathon in 4 hours and 20 minutes. He finished in 5 hours and 15 minutes.

By the numbers, that’s a failure.

But is it really?

Through honest reflection, they unpack what actually happened—from unexpected heat and physical setbacks to gaps in training—and why falling short didn’t mean falling apart.

Instead, it revealed something deeper:

Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s often the path to it.

They explore the idea that:

• Failure is the price we pay for meaningful experience
• Goals can succeed and fail at the same time
• Growth requires pushing beyond what you’re guaranteed to achieve

The conversation expands beyond running into broader life lessons—career, education, relationships, and faith—challenging the cultural myth that success should be linear and predictable.

For anyone wrestling with disappointment, unmet expectations, or the fear of failure, this episode offers a refreshing perspective:

You’re not behind—you’re learning.

If you’re trying something hard, whether it’s a marathon, a career move, or a life decision, don’t expect a perfect outcome.

Expect to learn.

Because the people who grow the most aren’t the ones who avoid failure…

They’re the ones who use it.

As always,

Be Unbound

There’s a moment most people recognize, even if they don’t talk about it.

You look at everything in front of you—the responsibilities, the expectations, the people depending on you—and your first honest thought is:

“I don’t have the energy for this.”

Not later. Not after rest. Right now.

In this episode, Jonathan and David sit down with Abby Halberstam to explore what it looks like to live faithfully in that exact space—not after the struggle is resolved, but in the middle of it.

As a mother of ten, Abby brings a perspective shaped by constant demand, limited capacity, and the daily choice to keep moving forward anyway. One of the most compelling ideas she shares is a complete reframing of how we think about energy and motivation.

Instead of waiting until you feel ready, she argues that movement itself is often what creates the strength you need.

“You don’t have energy. You make energy.”

But this isn’t just about productivity or mindset. At its core, this conversation is about dependence—what happens when you stop pretending you’re enough on your own and start operating from a place of faith instead.

Because the deeper truth isn’t that you suddenly become capable.

It’s that you move forward anyway, trusting that your weakness isn’t the end of the story.

“I don’t have what it takes—but God’s strength is made perfect in my weakness.”

This episode is a grounded and honest look at responsibility, faith, and perseverance—not as abstract ideals, but as daily practices lived out in the middle of real life.

Thanks for listening.

And as always,

Be Unbound.