Faith & Feels

Rika Lopez
Faith & Feels

Faith & Feels is a podcast dedicated to exploring the intersection of mental health specifically sexual brokenness and trauma, with a special focus on the Asian American faith-based community. Hosted by Rika Matoba Lopez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), these episodes will cover interviews of ordinary people as well as professionals who share stories and lessons on struggles with love/sex/porn addiction and emotional/betrayal trauma. Whether you're looking for guidance, encouragement, or simply a space to feel seen and heard, Faith & Feels is here to create a safe environment where men and women alike can journey through healing and wholeness together. Our goal is to make tough conversations less taboo and to remind you that you are not alone. Join us as we explore topics often kept in the dark and work towards breaking cycles of shame and silence, with honesty, vulnerability, and hope. (*Side note : This podcast does not contain explicit material. Currently unable to remove the E sign)

  1. Ep.27 (Part 2) What is Inner Healing? A Conversation with Bob Morita

    3D AGO

    Ep.27 (Part 2) What is Inner Healing? A Conversation with Bob Morita

    In Part 2 of our poignant conversation with Bob Morita, we continue exploring the transformative depths of inner healing prayer. Bob shares how he guides others through Dr. Charles Kraft’s “Back to the Womb” exercise, a prayer practice that invites individuals to revisit their earliest experiences and encounter the love of Jesus even in the most hidden places of pain. He emphasizes the importance of asking three foundational questions during prayer: Do you agree that Jesus loves you?Do you agree that Jesus accepts you?Do you agree that Jesus always forgives you?These questions help open the door to receiving the truth of God’s love and breaking through the lies that often take root in wounded places. Bob also introduces the concept of Substitutional Repentance Prayer, where he stands in the gap between the prayee and the one who caused harm—offering an apology on their behalf, not to replace accountability, but to invite the Holy Spirit to bring healing, freedom, and restoration to the relationship between the individual and God the Father. In this sacred moment, Bob asks the question: “Will you give (the person who hurt you) to Jesus as the Judge?” The episode closes with a Spirit-led insight that deeply moves the heart—Bob invites the prayee to imagine Jesus stepping into their trauma, and then gently asks: “Will you allow Jesus to take your place?” These inner healing sessions can be incredibly emotional and weighty, but they are often where the deepest breakthroughs happen. Jesus cares for our whole being—mind, body, and soul—and desires to heal us emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. This episode is a powerful reminder of His compassionate pursuit of our wholeness. Recommended Resources: www.heartssetfree.org www.pihop.com www.heartsyncministries.org Books by Dr.Charles Kraft - "Deep Wounds, Deep Healing" and "Two Hours to Freedom" Email Bob Morita to schedule an inner healing appointment: bob.heartssetfree@protonmail.com *Music by Pixabay: "Delicate Reverie" and "Mixaund Sunrays"

    37 min
  2. Ep.26 (Part 1) What is Inner Healing? A Conversation with Bob Morita

    APR 14

    Ep.26 (Part 1) What is Inner Healing? A Conversation with Bob Morita

    In this episode of Faith and Feels, I sit down with Bob Morita, a retired Boeing engineer who now serves in inner healing and deliverance ministry with Hearts Set Free alongside Dr.Charles Kraft and Judy Taber. Bob shares his incredible journey—from working in the technical world of engineering to stepping into the spiritual realm of healing emotional wounds. We talk about how inner healing is key to true transformation and becoming more Christ-like, and how the Holy Spirit plays an essential role in that process. Bob shares powerful stories of healing and forgiveness, showing how God can bring deep change to our lives and most of all, our hearts. Our conversation also touches on the importance of community, the reality of spiritual warfare, and what it means to seek God when we feel broken. I hope this episode encourages you to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus and reminds you that healing is possible. Recommended Resources: www.heartssetfree.org/bobs-bio/ www.pihop.com/healing www.heartsyncministries.org Books: Deep Wounds, Deep Healing by Dr.Charles Kraft Two Hours to Freedom by Dr.Charles Kraft Takeaways: Bob Morita transitioned from engineering to ministry to serve Jesus. Inner healing is about transformation and becoming more Christ-like. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in inner healing. Forgiveness is a commitment to let Jesus be the judge. Healing of the heart is often more impactful than physical healing. Community support is essential in the healing process. Jesus desires a relational connection with us. Inner healing addresses emotional wounds from childhood. The process of inner healing involves inviting the Holy Spirit. Seeking God's heart is more important than seeking His hand.

    36 min
  3. Ep.25 Father's Love Letter (Slow Version)

    APR 9

    Ep.25 Father's Love Letter (Slow Version)

    Use this "Slow Version" for the purpose of Meditation & Breathing exercises. You can be creative in the way you listen to this... -Get a yoga mat, lie down, breathe in thru your nose then out thru your mouth, do this with a slow and steady pace. You can even do some stretches as you do the breathing exercise. -Listen to this on your bed at night time as your last "self care" routine. You will feel relaxed and rested as your breathe in and breathe out. Place your hands on your abdomen and if. your belly rises and falls, you are doing the breathing correctly. You may even fall asleep, and if you do,..mission accomplished! -You can go for a stroll in your neighborhood, at a park, or next to the ocean. Use all of your senses(taste, touch, hear, see, feel) to connect with your surrounding and your body. -Tune in while you're driving and take an especially long deep breath at the red light. -Are you folding clothes for your entire family? Play this in the background and remember the Father's deep love for you! After the letter reading portion ends, there is an unhurried time of instrumental music playing. During this time, bring yourself to the throne of HIs grace. -Are there words of gratitude you want to express to Him? -What words or phrases in the Father's Love Letter struck you or resonated the most with you? -Share a few minutes adoring Him, revering Him, and worshipping HIm. -If there are things you are wrestling with in your heart, even those things He cares about so lay them down at His feet. Be honest and direct with God. He loves your honesty and transparency. He will be honored that you took that step to open up to Him. *There's no hard and fast rule in tuning into this episode! The point is to create an intentional space in your environment to slow down and receive from God. May you be nourished, embraced, and poured into... by His tender love and care. He wants you to prioritize all of you....mind, body, soul! Be blessed! All credit goes to... www.fathersloveletter.com (fun fact : I just listened to this at night with my eldest son lying down on his bed, hugging side by side, and it was such a sweet and tender moment we shared together. After the letter reading portion ended, I said a short prayer over him affirming him of God's love and promises over him and his identity in Christ. My hope is that my son will recall these promises in the years to come as He draws himself closer to the heart of the Father where his faith will be not on sinking sand but on solid ground.)

    19 min
  4. Ep.24 Father's Love Letter

    APR 7

    Ep.24 Father's Love Letter

    Father's Love Letter was created by Fathers Heart Communications (founded by Barry & Anneliese Adams in 2000). Their vision was to spread God's love everywhere around the world. Since 1999, Father's Love Letter has been translated in over 125 languages. This letter has been instrumental in my spiritual walk personally and for friends, family, church community, clients and beyond. Please pass this on to anyone whom God puts on your heart to share it with! www.fathersloveletter.com In today's episode, I am reading the Father's Love Letter which is a little over 5 minutes. I leave an extra 4 minutes after the reading to provide listeners for a time of personal reflection and prayer. May these words of truth seep into your heart as the Holy Spirit reminds you of your identity in Him as sons and daughters of the Most High who is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, Immanuel. 2 Corinthians 10:5 "....we take captive every thoughts to make it obedient to Christ." Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things." Be blessed and encouraged as you ground and center yourself in Him! We easily forget "whose" we are depending on our circumstances and our swayed "emotions" so all the more, we must be vigilant and intentional in filling our minds and head space with God's truth and promises. You are deeply loved and immensely treasured my friends.

    10 min
  5. Ep.23 Real Talk with Pastor Deborah Flanagan

    MAR 31

    Ep.23 Real Talk with Pastor Deborah Flanagan

    In this episode, I sit down with Pastor Deborah Flanagan for a deeply honest and grace-filled conversation about love and sex addiction, compulsive masturbation, and the hope we can find in recovery. We explore the powerful role that childhood wounds, trauma, and shame play in shaping our sexuality—and how compassion, vulnerability, and spiritual tools can guide us toward healing. Deborah brings both pastoral wisdom and lived experience to this conversation. She’s a leader at Pure Desire Ministries, an organization that walks with individuals and churches through the journey of healing from sexual brokenness. As someone who’s walked the path of recovery herself, Deborah offers insight on how the FASTER Scale helps identify emotional states that precede relapse, and how true healing requires presence, community, and grace. We also talk about the tension between love addiction and love avoidance, parenting with acceptance, the holiness of sex and marriage, and what it means to be fully known without shame. If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles of fantasy, secrecy, or emotional disconnection—or you’re supporting someone who is—this episode offers encouragement, practical tools, and the reminder that you’re not alone. Topics include: Childhood experiences and their impact on sexualityThe role of trauma, shame, and convictionNavigating gray areas of sin and personal beliefsThe holiness of sex and marriageLove addiction, intimacy disorders, and relational dynamicsConflict resolution, emotional awareness, and vulnerabilityThe FASTER Scale and breaking the addiction cycle Recommended Resources: www.puredesire.org www.youtube.com/@PureDesireMinistries "Unraveled Kit" by Pure Desire Ministries, a curriculum online to help manage love, sex, and relationship addiction. www.iitap.com www.sexhelp.com PIxabay Music: "Exciting Day" and "Team Positive Day"

    58 min
  6. Ep.22 Hope and Healing After Betrayal with Annie Finch

    MAR 24

    Ep.22 Hope and Healing After Betrayal with Annie Finch

    In this episode, I sit down with Annie Finch, LMFT, CSAT, and CADC, a therapist at Riviera Therapy in Santa Barbara,CA who specializes in working with individuals navigating betrayal trauma, especially in the context of addiction. Annie shares her background and breaks down what betrayal trauma is, how it impacts people, and why group therapy can be such a meaningful part of the healing journey. We also talk about cultural dynamics around shame, how therapeutic approaches like EMDR can help, and what recovery can look like for those walking through deep emotional pain. This conversation is full of wisdom, hope, and reminders that healing and transformation are truly possible—even after betrayal. May you walk away with more insight and clarity on how to navigate thru betrayal trauma, whether this is your story or someone else whom you deeply care for. Recommended sites: www.rivieratherapy.com www.michellemays.com www.kristensnowden.com www.drgaboremate.com Recommended books: "The Myth of Normal" by Gabor Mate "Moving Beyond Betrayal" by Vicki Palmer *Pixabay Music : "Exciting Day" and "Team Positive Day" Takeaways: Betrayal trauma can start as early as childhood. Addiction often stems from underlying trauma. Group therapy provides a safe space for healing. Cultural backgrounds can influence the experience of betrayal. Shame is a common response to betrayal, especially in certain cultures. Therapeutic approaches like EMDR can aid in recovery. Healing can occur with or without the partner's involvement. Betrayal trauma can lead to questioning one's identity. Support groups can help individuals feel less alone. Recovery is a challenging but transformative process.

    38 min
  7. Ep.20 Understanding Female Sex and Love Addiction with Heather Cronemiller

    MAR 10

    Ep.20 Understanding Female Sex and Love Addiction with Heather Cronemiller

    In this episode of Faith and Feels, I sit down with therapist, speaker, and author Heather Cronemiller to explore the often-overlooked struggles of love and sex addiction among women. Heather opens up about her personal journey of recovery, the emotional triggers behind these patterns, and the importance of reparenting the inner child. We also discuss the role of fantasy in love addiction and the essential coping skills needed for healing. If you've ever felt stuck in toxic relationship cycles, struggled with obsessive love, or used relationships to fill a deeper void, this conversation is for you. I hope it brings you insight, encouragement, and practical steps toward healing. Heather is the author of "Going Deeper For Women: How the Inner Child Impacts Your Love & Sex Addiction" For info on her practice and background, log onto www.cronemillercounseling.com www.boldjourney.com/meet-heather-cronemiller/ Heather was also a featured guest on Youtube Channel "Conversations on Sex, Addiction, and Relationships" on December 14, 2024, interviewed by a panel of therapists, Tim Stein, Dan Drake, Jeanne Vattuone, and Wendy Conquest. Music by Pixabay "Exciting Day" and "Mixaund Happiness" Takeaways: Heather shares her personal experience with love addiction. The importance of identifying core emotional triggers in recovery. Healthy sexuality should enhance life, not detract from it. Support groups are crucial for those struggling with addiction. Mindfulness techniques can help ground individuals in the present. Reparenting the inner child is a key aspect of healing. Secrets keep us sick; sharing is vital for recovery. Coping skills and replacement behaviors are essential in recovery. The role of relationships can significantly impact recovery. There is hope for those struggling with love and sex addiction.

    42 min
5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Faith & Feels is a podcast dedicated to exploring the intersection of mental health specifically sexual brokenness and trauma, with a special focus on the Asian American faith-based community. Hosted by Rika Matoba Lopez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), these episodes will cover interviews of ordinary people as well as professionals who share stories and lessons on struggles with love/sex/porn addiction and emotional/betrayal trauma. Whether you're looking for guidance, encouragement, or simply a space to feel seen and heard, Faith & Feels is here to create a safe environment where men and women alike can journey through healing and wholeness together. Our goal is to make tough conversations less taboo and to remind you that you are not alone. Join us as we explore topics often kept in the dark and work towards breaking cycles of shame and silence, with honesty, vulnerability, and hope. (*Side note : This podcast does not contain explicit material. Currently unable to remove the E sign)

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