Sober Not Boring

You Ever Catch Yourself Saying “I Wish I Had…”?

That feeling—of wanting more, of feeling like what you have isn’t enough—it’s sneaky. And according to Chaplain Heidi Woldhuis at Outreach 419, it’s also deadly to your joy, your relationships, and your walk with God.

In this message, Craving More: The Secret Life of Envy, Heidi peels back the layers on the 10th Commandment (“Do not covet”) and lays bare how comparison poisons our con...

“It Was Just a Little Lie…” But Was It? This last week at Outreach 419, Chaplain Heidi Woldhuis took us deep into the Ninth Commandment: “You shall not bear false witness.” But this message wasn’t about courtroom testimony—it was about the everyday truth distortion that chips away at trust, character, and community. Lies we tell to protect ourselves. Half-truths that save face. Exaggerations that make us look better. Gossip that ...

Addiction is not a moral failing—it’s a brain disease. And recovery isn’t just possible, it’s powerful.

In this keynote at the historic Ridglea Theatre in Fort Worth, Texas—delivered to addiction treatment professionals during a fundraiser for Gemini Recovery Community—Gary K shares the raw truth about addiction, recovery, and the brain science that explains why people can’t “just stop.”

With over 29 years in long-term recovery, G...

Not every Emmy story comes from Hollywood. This one comes from recovery.

In this unforgettable story, Gary K shares how a late-night intervention with a sponsee turned violent—and how that same moment led to him receiving an Emmy award. From being literally hit over the head with it to being gifted the Emmy years later as a symbol of transformation, this tale is as wild as it is inspiring.

It’s proof that recovery isn’t boring—some...

The Powerful Journey of Addiction and Recovery by Gary K: Keynote at Sober Fest 2024

In this deeply personal and educational talk, Gary K shares his harrowing journey through addiction, highlighting the devastating effects of various substances such as alcohol, marijuana, opium, and crack cocaine. As the keynote speaker at Sober Fest 2024, he recounts his numerous attempts to get sober, including stints in detox centers, jail, and...

“You don’t need a weapon to murder someone—you just need your words.” That was one of the heavy-hitting truths Chaplain Heidi dropped this week at Outreach 419, and it made the whole room pause. This message isn’t about judgment—it’s about reflection. Are we tearing people down behind their backs while shaking their hands in public? Are we guilty of gossip, slander, or silent bitterness that quietly poisons relationships? “Socia...

The Unforgivable Sin? Finding Peace with Your Past

Ever wondered if you’ve messed up too much to be forgiven?

In this powerful message, Chaplain Heidi Woldhuis takes on one of the most misunderstood topics in faith: the so-called “unforgivable sin.” With honesty and compassion, she shares her own wrestling with guilt, shame, and the deep-rooted fear that some sins might be beyond grace.

But here’s the truth: “Those sins that have y...

What YOU Do Matters...Your Life Is Speaking—Whether You Know It or Not

On Father's Day at Outreach 419, Chaplain Heidi Woldhuis delivered a powerful reminder that what you do matters—even when you think it doesn’t.

“So many of us think, ‘I’m not important, I don’t matter.’ But everything you do creates a ripple effect in someone else’s life.”

Through stories of history, heartbreak, and redemption, Heidi calls us to live with intent...

Part 2: A Guide to Loving Yourself... and Others 📍 From the Series on Emotions | Outreach 419 | Speaker: Chaplain Heidi Woldhuis

"Why do we hate things that are different than us? Why do we hate?" That question sits at the heart of this message—and Heidi doesn’t hold back as she gets real about the walls we build and the people we push out.

With her signature honesty and heart, she shares, "I will always die on the hill of loving ...

"You are worth loving—right now. You’re not missing anything. You’re not lacking. And your life isn’t wrong."

This message isn’t about surface-level self-help or quick fixes. It’s about the deep stuff—what you see when you look in the mirror, and how to finally make peace with it.

In A Guide to Loving Yourself… And Others (Part 1), Chaplain Heidi Woldhuis delivers a raw, funny, and deeply moving talk about our struggles with insecu...

“I’m not gonna sit and long for what I lost… when I’ve been doubly blessed.”

This Mother's Day message from Chaplain Heidi Woldhuis goes far beyond flowers and photo booths. It's for the moms who are grieving, the ones navigating estranged relationships, and those who carry shame from their past but still long for healing. Heidi opens up about the loss of her own mother, the heartache of broken connections with her children, and th...

🎙️ Brian C. Gets Honest About Finding Purpose, Support & Real Recovery at Outreach 419

Brian wasn’t sure about coming out to Outreach 419 at first — “It’s out in the middle of nowhere,” he laughs — but he took the chance… and everything changed.

“This place? It’s just love. That’s the best word I can use,” Brian says.

From cutting trees and cleaning up dinners to stepping into meetings and working the 12 Steps, Brian found mor...

🎥 Kenny K. Gets Real About Recovery and the 419 Community

Kenny K has been part of Outreach 419 from the beginning, and he sat down with me to talk about what this place really means to him.

“This is a nonjudgmental place,” Kenny said. “I can take a nap, have something to eat, ask questions, and I’ll get help finding the answers. 419 is a stress-free environment. If you don’t know your next step—this place will help you figure it ...

Overcoming Insecurity and Self-Loathing: A Faith-Based Approach

In this episode, Chaplain Heidi Woldhuis of Outreach 419 delves into the topics of insecurity and self-loathing. Drawing insights from Psalms and the story of David, Heidi explores how these feelings are not from God and how they can destructively influence one's life if left unchecked. She discusses the harmful effects of comparison, jealousy, and envy, providing scri...

Finding Family Again – Karol’s Story at Outreach 419"

When Karol first came to Outreach 419, she had lost her family and was searching for something most of us long for—real connection, real community, real hope. In this heartfelt conversation, she shares how stepping into Outreach 419 helped her heal, build relationships, and find a new sense of belonging without the shame or stigma of her past.

Karol talks about how the food and ...

Loneliness and Depression – A Message We All Need

This past Sunday, Heidi shared one of the most honest and heartfelt messages yet at Outreach 419. She opened up about the reality of loneliness and depression—how they sneak in, how they isolate us, and how they can quietly pull us away from who we’re meant to be. She didn’t shy away from the tough stuff. Instead, she leaned in, shared personal experiences, and reminded us that real...

🔥 “I Was Fresh Out of Jail” — Ashley’s 1-Year Sober Story 🔥

This time last year, Ashley was newly released from jail, unsure of what came next.

Today? She’s one year clean. She's earning her high school diploma. And she’s walking in purpose with a goal of becoming a recovery coach.

“The community is the base of it… the love that’s given with it… it just keeps showing itself more and more.”

Ashley didn’t just get sober—she found...

Brian's Journey: From Addiction to Recovery at Outreach 419

In this inspiring episode, join Robert and Brian as they delve into Brian’s incredible journey from addiction to recovery. Broadcasting from Outreach 419, a recovery community center in Fenwick, Michigan, Robert and Brian discuss the challenges and triumphs of Brian’s life. Brian shares candidly about his troubled past, his time in the military, struggles with substance ab...