The Unfolding

Scott Spiezio: World Series Champion, Addiction and Surrender

  Scott Spiezio knew God. During some of the best years of his Major League Baseball career, he was surrounded by believers and openly sharing his faith. But after reaching the height of success, Scott moved away from what had kept him grounded. As addiction took hold, shame told him he was too far gone, while the mindset that made him a champion convinced him he could save himself. He couldn't. What changed everything was surrender.  Now Scott is sharing his story through his new book, The Hardest Comeback, and Spiezio, a documentary about his life. He hopes they will reach people who need to know that addiction does not have to be the end of their story.  Scott played 12 seasons in the major leagues, winning World Series championships with the Anaheim Angels and St. Louis Cardinals. Cardinals fans may remember the soul patch he dyed bright red during the 2006 championship run. But behind the success, addiction was taking hold. After 11 trips to rehab, Scott entered the hospital with a failing liver and only a 20-percent chance of survival.  Scott first shared his story with The Unfolding in 2023. Now, eight years sober, he returns with an update about restored relationships, people finding hope through his story, and how God is using the most painful parts of his past.  Show Notes:   Website: https://www.scottspiezio.com/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/spiezios/  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/scott.spiezio.96  Movie Website: https://spiezio.info/ 

Jaron Lockridge: "That lust... it was gone overnight." | Unfolding Short Stories

Jaron Lockridge spent years quietly struggling with pornography while wrestling with doubts about God. Then an unexpected sermon from Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell led to the most sincere prayer Jaron had ever prayed, and by the next morning, everything had changed. Now free from that addiction, Jaron is using his gifts as a filmmaker to tell honest stories about faith, struggle, and community. His new series, House for the Broken, is available on Amazon. 

Donovan Donnell: When Success Still Leaves You Empty: Page 288

  What happens when you finally get the success you wanted and realize it still is not enough?  For Donovan Donnell, the stage had always been a place where he felt seen. But after years of disappointment and rejection, his desire for attention and approval led him into the world of exotic dancing. He found money, recognition, and success, but none of it could give him the life he really wanted.  Donovan never completely walked away from faith. He still went to church and Bible study. But eventually, God asked him to walk away from the life he had built and trust Him with what came next.  This is Donovan's story of losing himself, surrendering to God, and discovering who he had been created to be. He also shares the message behind Designed to Succeed, his new book with Kevin Olusola of Pentatonix, about pursuing success without losing your faith, your purpose, or your identity.  Show Notes:  YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ1f7NOZ-Qk  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/donovandeedonnell/  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/donovandee.donnell.50  Website:  https://www.donovandeedonnell.com/  Book:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310370124?lv=shuf&channelId=520&plpRedirect=mhFallback#

Amber Albee Swenson: "This makes you more real to us" | Unfolding Short Stories

"This makes you way more real to us." That's what Amber Albee Swenson's kids told her after she finally opened up about her past. She had spent years teaching the Bible and leading her family in faith, but still carried silent shame that was creating distance. One conversation changed everything. Vulnerability became the key to deeper trust, healing, and faith.  Amber's latest book is called "The Key to Confidence". 

Jonathan Almonte: He Called Me a Mistake- Forgiveness, Identity & Finding Hope: Page 287

  Have you ever wondered if your past has already determined your future?  The circumstances of your childhood, painful family relationships, mistakes you've made, or words someone spoke over you can leave you wondering whether your future has already been decided. Jonathan Almonte knows that feeling.  Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Jonathan experienced extreme poverty, family brokenness, and rejection from his father. As a little boy, he dreamed of becoming a gang member because it was the only future he could imagine. Then everything began to change.  Jonathan shares how a local church, a Compassion sponsor who faithfully wrote letters year after year, and the love of Jesus transformed his life. He found hope where there had been despair and the ability to forgive the father who once told him he was "a mistake."  This episode is a reminder that your past does not have the final word. God is still writing stories of redemption.  Show Notes:  Website: https://compassion.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassion/  X: https://x.com/compassion  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassionintl/