The Addicted to God Pod

Sarah Annie Schneider
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Society & Culture

Welcome to the Addicted to God movement — where you (or someone you love) can discover that God is the only worthy Higher Power, how to truly find Him, and why He alone is the healthy, life-giving addiction your soul was made for. I’m not a scientist, doctor, researcher, or Bible scholar.   I’m just a girl with an addictive personality who loves Jesus and the Bible — and who has spent over a decade mentoring and teaching incarcerated women.  My burning passion is helping people who feel defeated by life find real victory over worldly addictions through freedom in Christ. Whether your struggle feels “small” (sugar, caffeine, approval, scrolling…)   or it has already cost you relationships, health, freedom, or nearly your life — there is real hope here. No shame. No judgment. Just honest stories, biblical truth, and practical steps toward lasting change. Come do life with us.   Subscribe and share so we can walk toward real freedom in Christ together.

  1. 9h ago

    No Testimony Without a Test | Brian's Story

    Brian grew up on a dairy farm in Suring, Wisconsin, milking cows 360 days a year, with his only days off spent at Lake Lundgren Bible Camp. He gave his life to Jesus at age seven, but when he left the farm for college, he ran hard in the other direction. Toys, bars, and adrenaline led to marijuana, then cocaine, then crack, yet sat in a church pew; living a double life. When his wife caught him for the third time, his marriage ended, and God brought him to his knees. In this raw and honest conversation, Brian shares how he ran to the Word three hours a day, cleaned house physically and spiritually, and finally saw that his marriage, his job, and his addictions had all become idols ahead of God. Brian also walks through the gospel from start to finish: we have all sinned, Jesus paid the price, and saving faith has to reach the heart, not just the paper. He shares the verses he has said more than a thousand times, the faithful mentors who prayed with him for two years, and what his life looks like today: remarried, raising a blended family, and sharing the gospel on his breaks at UPS. In this episode: Why harbored sin keeps our prayers from being heard (Psalm 66:18)How God disciplines those He loves, and refines us like silverThe "Rhema word" that carried Brian through: "Be still in the presence of the Lord" (Psalm 37:7-8)Why worship is a weapon when the enemy attacksArrow prayers, the ACTS model, and guarding your eye, ear, and mind gatesWhy Christ-centered recovery made the differenceGiving God your best time, talents, and treasuresIf you feel stuck, hopeless, or are living a double life, this episode is for you. God leaves the 99 to go after the one, and He is not done with your story. Share this episode with someone who needs hope today, and choose the better addiction. CONNECT WITH SARAH Websites: https://addictedtogodpod.com | https://sarahannieschneider.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahannieschneider/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedToGod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahAnnieSchneider Substack: https://substack.com/@sarahannieschneider Has Jesus transformed your life? Share your story or ask a question: addictedtogodpod@gmail.com #AddictedToGod #ChristianPodcast #FaithOverAddiction #AddictionRecovery #CelebrateRecovery #Testimony #Jesus #Redemption #ProdigalSon #Freedom #BibleStudy #ChristianTestimony

  2. Sep 29

    When All Is Lost, Everything Is Gained | Maddy's Story

    She had three DUIs in two and a half years. She'd buried her grandfather two days before the last one. That night, alone in a holding cell, 23-year-old Maddy was done. She was ready to give up on life itself. Then God spoke: "I need you to fight this fight." Instead of taking her own life, Maddy said, "Lord, take my life." And He did. In this raw, honest conversation, Maddy shares how she went from losing her grandmother and her faith at age six to growing up as the daughter of alcoholics and workaholics. When sports, the only healthy addiction she'd ever known, were taken from her, she filled the emptiness with weed, alcohol, opioids, ecstasy, acid and anything else that would numb the pain. She survived a highway motorcycle crash, overdoses and six months in jail, including a week in segregation. But in that cell block, she started reading her Bible every day, leading prayer before meals and bringing the presence of the Lord into one of the darkest places imaginable. Maddy then chose the hardest road: a nine-month stay at Adult & Teen Challenge, a strict faith-based recovery program. Today she is more than 18 months sober, her family is closer than it has ever been, and she says God has done more in those 18 months than in the 24 years before them. Sarah and Maddy get real about what surrender actually means: taking off the coat of labels the world puts on you (alcoholic, criminal, addict) and putting on what God calls you, which is redeemed, loved and worthy. They talk about why the devil wants you stuck in your past, why following Jesus isn't a yellow brick road, and why the people who hurt your feelings with the truth are the ones worth keeping. Maddy also shares what her daily walk looks like as a new believer, and why God will take your one verse a day. If you're still in it, saying, "I want to stop, but I can't," Maddy has a question for you: "What do you have to lose that you haven't already lost?" You are not alone. You are never too far gone. This is not the end of your story. RESOURCES MENTIONED: RightNow Media (video Bible studies Maddy listens to, often free through your church): https://www.rightnowmedia.org Adult & Teen Challenge (faith-based recovery): https://teenchallengeusa.org If you are having thoughts of ending your life, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) to talk with someone right now. Read Maddy's bio at https://addictedtogodpod.com CONNECT WITH SARAH Schedule with Sarah: https://sarahannieschneider.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahannieschneider/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedToGod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahAnnieSchneider Substack: https://substack.com/@sarahannieschneider Has Jesus transformed your life? Sarah is always looking for guests who have transferred their addiction to Him. Email your story to addictedtogodpod@gmail.com #AddictedToGod #ChristianPodcast #RecoveryStory #FaithAndRecovery #SobrietyJourney #Testimony #JailMinistry #TeenChallenge #AddictionRecovery #Redeemed #NativeAndChristian #ChristianTestimony #Sober #Surrender #FaithOverFear #JesusSaves

  3. Sep 22

    You're Not Trash to God | Dr. David Pendergrass PhD

    What if more Bible verses aren't the answer — and the unhealed shame underneath is? Sarah Annie Schneider welcomes her first guest from outside her own community: Rev. David W. Pendergrass, Ph.D. — author, biblical specialist, and pastoral counselor who has spent more than 20 years sitting with people in grief, trauma, addiction, and broken marriages. David twice walked away from the faith intellectually during his studies, and that dark season now fuels his compassion for skeptics and for Christians who still feel like frauds. What he sees over and over: We don't know what to do with distressing emotions — so we stuff, shop, drink, control, or perform.Almost everyone carries unresolved grief, usually from childhood.Shame whispers that you're flawed, unlovable, discardable. Addiction rides that cycle."I'm a good person" usually means "I'm better than someone." Jesus is the standard, not Hitler.Church isn't a club for perfect people. A disciple denies his will, takes up a cross, and comes under Jesus' training (Mark 8:34).Your earthly father can warp how you see the Father — and more verses won't heal a wound that still needs grieving. David walks through an honest path, not a magic one: acknowledge where you actually are. Grieve it. Let one safe, mature believer validate the pain without excusing the sin. Then ask the two questions underneath every compulsive habit — What am I trying to avoid? What am I afraid would happen if I stopped? He also speaks to betrayal you didn't choose. The betrayed spouse is not to blame. Adultery is biblical grounds for divorce; reconciliation is possible only after real confession, repentance, and the long rebuild of trust — and even then it is grace, not a debt owed. GUEST — Rev. David W. Pendergrass, Ph.D. Author | Biblical Specialist | Pastoral Counselor Website: https://www.DavidPendergrass.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.davidpendergrass Start there for his books, counseling, and teaching — including the Mathetes discipleship workbook. CONNECT WITH SARAH & THE ADDICTED TO GOD MOVEMENT Website: https://addictedtogodpod.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahannieschneider/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedToGod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahAnnieSchneider Substack: https://substack.com/@sarahannieschneider Email: addictedtogodpod@gmail.com Support: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/addictedtogodpod Be a guest: email addictedtogodpod@gmail.com with your story. Until next time — choose the better addiction. #AddictedToGod #Shame #ChristianCounseling #PastoralCounseling #FreedomInChrist #Healing #adultery #Betrayal #trauma #Christianpodcast #BiblicalTruth #Pastor #guestinterview

  4. Sep 15

    Pete's Alcoholism: Hiding In Plain Sight Ep.30

    Pete grew up in church with godly parents—and still had no relationship with Jesus. After his dad died when he was 12, then his mom years later, anger, identity loss, and daily drinking filled the hole. He hid in plain sight as a husband, dad, and funeral director… until his little girl looked at him one morning and said, “Dad, you stink.” That sentence became God’s invitation: Come home. It’s okay. In this conversation, Pete shares: - How grief, pride, and “I can fix me” became a daily addiction - The first terrifying 12-step meeting—and what was still missing - The Sunday he felt his heart physically move during an adult baptism - The Tuesday morning he and his wife Kim gave their lives to Christ together - Why recovery only made sense once Jesus became the Higher Power - Practical first steps if you’re stuck: ask for help, step into the light, and start with “Please” If you’re hiding, numb, or convinced you’re not worth saving—this episode is for you. Want to talk with Pete? Email me at addictedtogodpod@gmail.com and I’ll connect you. Has Jesus transformed your story? I would love to hear it. Connect with Sarah Annie Schneider Website: https://addictedtogodpod.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahannieschneider/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedToGod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahAnnieSchneider Substack: https://substack.com/@sarahannieschneider Email: addictedtogodpod@gmail.com Share this with someone who needs hope. Let’s choose the better addiction. #AddictedToGod #ChristianPodcast #RecoveryInChrist #FreedomInChrist #ComeHome #Testimony #AddictionRecovery #FaithJourney #JesusSaves #TransferYourAddiction #ChristianLiving #HopeAndRedemption #BibleStudy #NewBeliever #RelationshipNotReligion #MensFaith #SobrietyInChrist #GodsGrace #VictoryOverTheDarkness

  5. Sep 8

    What a Pastor, a Chaplain & a Former Atheist Have in Common Ep.29

    A pastor. A jail chaplain. A former atheist. Three men whose lives could not look more different on paper — and yet, as I sat with their stories from the last three episodes, I couldn't stop seeing the threads. The same God, doing the same kinds of things, in three completely different lives. That's not a coincidence. That's a pattern. And patterns are God's fingerprints. So this week it's just you and me, pulling on five threads that run through Pastor Brian's, Christian Jensen's, and Chaplain David Myers' stories — and honestly, through mine too. These aren't just nice stories to admire. They're invitations.  The five threads:  1. Growing up in church is not the same as knowing God — proximity is not intimacy. (Matthew 15:8, John 17:3, Matthew 13:23) 2. The stripping was mercy — a recession, a bankruptcy, a fire, a hidden addiction - was an idol, and God was clearing the ground (Psalm 119:71, Romans 8:28). 3. Whatever you're hiding isn't meant for shame — it's meant for the light. (Ephesians 5:13-14, James 5:16). 4. Nobody gets free alone — God always sends people. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Proverbs 13:20) 5. Freedom is built one ordinary day at a time — nothing takes over your life unless you do it every day. (Mark 12:30, Psalm 1:3, John 15:5) Leave this episode with a four-step starter plan for this week, borrowed straight from our guests — one Proverb a day, prayer with no script, one hidden thing into the light, and habit stacking.   📖 Mentioned in this episode: Andrea's blog on the four soils at addictedtogodpod.com, and the Live Free Podcast with Josh Howerton (the "map carriers" episode, Aug 24, 2026). ✨ Share this episode with someone who feels stuck or hopeless — you never know how God might use it to spark freedom in their life. CONNECT WITH SARAH: • Website: https://addictedtogodpod.com • Instagram: @SarahAnnieSchneider — https://www.instagram.com/sarahannieschneider/ • YouTube: Sarah Annie Schneider | Addicted to God (subscribe!) — https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedToGod • Facebook: SarahAnnieSchneider — https://www.facebook.com/SarahAnnieSchneider • Substack: Sarah Annie Schneider — https://substack.com/@sarahannieschneider Has Jesus genuinely transformed your life? I'd love to hear your story — email me at addictedtogodpod@gmail.com. This is not the end of your story. It's the beginning of your rescue. Choose the better addiction.  #AddictedToGod #ChristianPodcast #RelationshipNotReligion #BibleForBeginners #SpiritualDisciplines #DailyDevotional #FreedomInChrist #AddictionRecovery #HopeAfterAddiction #ChristianCommunity #FruitOfTheSpirit #GraceOfGod #NewMerciesEveryMorning #ChooseTheBetterAddiction #WithGodAllThingsArePossible

  6. Sep 1

    Jail Is Like Heaven? Meet Chaplain David Meyers (ep. 28)

    What if the most relational, unguarded, hope-filled place you've ever been… was jail? Today I'm sitting down with my friend and "ministry boss" — Chaplain David Myers of Fox Valley Jail Ministry at the Outagamie County Jail, where I've mentored women for over a decade. David never went to seminary. He was an accounting major who ran businesses, hit every worldly marker of success - then watched it all get stripped away. In the wreckage, he started devouring Scripture for hours a day, praying with open hands, and feeling an unmistakable pull toward men in jail. Doors kept closing - until one unexpected conversation, one interview, and one supportive (if slightly stunned) wife later, God put him exactly where he belongs. David surprisingly describes the jail as "like heaven." People are at the bottom. The guard is down. The soil is soft. Men who spent years performing toughness finally tell the truth, receive love, and become the hands and feet of Christ for each other. If you've ever wondered whether God can use a messy past, a mid-life crash, or a jail cell — this episode is for you. It's also for the person sitting in their own private prison of addiction, regret, or "I'm not good enough." You are not alone. You are not too far gone. And His mercies really are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God" (Mark 10:27). ✨ Share this episode with someone who needs hope. Then visit my brand-new website, addictedtogodpod.com, and leave a review to help this message reach more people. CONNECT WITH ME: • Website: https://addictedtogodpod.com • Instagram: @SarahAnnieSchneider — https://www.instagram.com/sarahannieschneider/ • YouTube: Sarah Annie Schneider | Addicted to God (subscribe!) — https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedToGod • Facebook: SarahAnnieSchneider — https://www.facebook.com/SarahAnnieSchneider • Substack: Sarah Annie Schneider — https://substack.com/@sarahannieschneider Has Jesus genuinely transformed your life? I'd love to hear your story — email me at addictedtogodpod@gmail.com. #AddictedToGod #ChristianPodcast #JailMinistry #PrisonMinistry #ChristianTestimony #RedemptionStory #HopeAfterAddiction #SurrenderToGod #FruitOfTheSpirit #FreedomInChrist #JesusSaves #NewMerciesEveryMorning #GraceNotLaw #ParentsOfProdigals #ChooseTheBetterAddiction

  7. Aug 25

    A Man's Hidden Eating Disorder — A Conversation with Christian Jensen (Ep.27)

    On paper, he had it all together: dean's list student, All-American national champion athlete, the "good guy" everyone admired. Underneath? An angry atheist who lost his dad at 15, buried his grief to be "the man of the house," and hid a binge eating disorder that no one knew about. Christian Jensen — a husband, father, non-profit executive — shares his powerful testimony about how God used strong Christians to turn him from himself and his own logic toward healing — not only from childhood trauma and the defeat of a hidden eating disorder, but into a devoted addiction to God and His Word. His story expanded my insight: strongholds don't check your gender. And the enemy does his best work in the shadows. In this episode: • How losing his father at 15 turned Christian into a self-described "good atheist" — serving, achieving, and performing while unresolved trauma built up underneath • The hidden binge eating addiction he carried for years — and why so many men are silently suffering with what we assume is a "women's struggle" • The coffee shop girl whose first-date question was "What do you think about God?" — and why she refused to date him because Scripture warns believers not to be "unequally yoked" (2 Corinthians 6:14) • The December night he physically could NOT pray — until he pulled over, fell to his knees on a Highway off-ramp, and surrendered his life to Jesus • Bill, the builder who rebuilt more than a burned-down house — and the worn little New Testament that planted a seed years before it bloomed • Why confession is the doorway to healing: "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed" (James 5:16) • Christian's low-barrier first steps if you're still hiding a struggle: open a Bible, find one trustworthy believer, and just start talking to God — no script required Here's the truth: as much as you think you're hiding it, God already knows. And He is not waiting to punish you — He is waiting with open arms. "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God" (Mark 10:27). CONNECT WITH SARAH: • Website: https://addictedtogodpod.com • Instagram: @SarahAnnieSchneider — https://www.instagram.com/sarahannieschneider/ • YouTube: Sarah Annie Schneider | Addicted to God (subscribe!) — https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedToGod • Facebook: SarahAnnieSchneider — https://www.facebook.com/SarahAnnieSchneider • Substack: Sarah Annie Schneider — https://substack.com/@sarahannieschneider #AddictedToGod #ChristianPodcast #ChristianTestimony #AddictionRecovery #EatingDisorderRecovery #MensMentalHealth #FreedomInChrist #BreakingStrongholds #JesusSaves #FaithJourney #NewBeliever #BibleForBeginners #GraceOfGod #ConfessionAndHealing #WithGodAllThingsArePossible

  8. Aug 18

    Addiction & The Bible: Conversation with Pastor Brian

    I've dreamed of this episode since before Addicted to God even launched. Today I'm joined by my senior pastor — Pastor Brian of Alliance Church in Appleton, Wisconsin — and friends, this conversation is full of biblical wisdom and insights. Together we dig into the question at the very heart of this movement: What does the Bible actually say about addiction? In this episode: • Why addiction is really an ancient problem with a modern name — when anything in creation takes the place of the Creator, we hand over the dominion God gave us (Genesis 1:26-28) and we become like what we worship (Psalm 115:4-8) • Why NO ONE is above addiction — our hearts are "idol factories," and the humblest, most mature believers know they'd be right where any addict is, if not for the daily grace of God • Why willpower and guilt can't set you free — you don't need a better checklist, you need a Savior (Hebrews 12:2) • How God's rejection is actually our protection — the story of God's kindness in closing doors • How to build daily habits ("liturgies") that literally change what you love — because nothing takes over your life unless you do it every day • The answer for anyone thinking "I'm too far gone for God to forgive me" — and why Jesus' blood "speaks a better word" (Hebrews 12:24) • Which book of the Bible Pastor Brian would hand someone opening it for the very first time - and more! Friends, if you've ever felt like your struggle disqualifies you from God's love, this episode was made for you. Jesus said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible" (Mark 10:27). Resource Recommendations: • You Are What You Love — James K.A. Smith: https://a.co/d/01mqqn8T • Building New Habit Loops — James Joffrey: https://a.co/d/02NFG2oD CONNECT WITH SARAH: • Instagram: @SarahAnnieSchneider — https://www.instagram.com/sarahannieschneider/ • YouTube: Sarah Annie Schneider | Addicted to God (subscribe!) — https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedToGod • Facebook: SarahAnnieSchneider — https://www.facebook.com/SarahAnnieSchneider • Substack: Sarah Annie Schneider — https://substack.com/@sarahannieschneider • Guest stories / questions: www.addictedtogodpod.com Support this podcast: buymeacoffee.com/addictedtogodpod Has Jesus genuinely transformed your life? Have you experienced what it means to fully transfer your addiction to Him? I'd love to hear your story — Complete this guest intake form: https://www.addictedtogodpod.com/guests/intake/

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Addicted to God movement — where you (or someone you love) can discover that God is the only worthy Higher Power, how to truly find Him, and why He alone is the healthy, life-giving addiction your soul was made for. I’m not a scientist, doctor, researcher, or Bible scholar.   I’m just a girl with an addictive personality who loves Jesus and the Bible — and who has spent over a decade mentoring and teaching incarcerated women.  My burning passion is helping people who feel defeated by life find real victory over worldly addictions through freedom in Christ. Whether your struggle feels “small” (sugar, caffeine, approval, scrolling…)   or it has already cost you relationships, health, freedom, or nearly your life — there is real hope here. No shame. No judgment. Just honest stories, biblical truth, and practical steps toward lasting change. Come do life with us.   Subscribe and share so we can walk toward real freedom in Christ together.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Annie Schneider
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sarah Annie Schneider

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