Geno Ray

Native As I Can Be

Geno Ray

  • Episode 13: Pastor Kenji Nitta, Part One

Episode 13: Pastor Kenji Nitta, Part One

Sunday 7th December 2025

Explore faith, identity, and mental health with Pastor Kenji Nitta. A candid conversation on spirituality's role in recovery.
Explicit
61 minutes
Informative
Inspiring
Honest
Compassionate
Engaging

About this podcast

Native As I Can Be
Author:
Geno Ray
Overview:
Categories:
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Relationships & Community
Healing Relationships
Religion & Spirituality
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
28 (View all)
Rounded Button Dark
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

Faith, Identity, and Healing with Pastor Kenji Nitta

Episode Overview

  • Faith can provide meaning and purpose in life.
  • Religious beliefs may both aid and hinder mental health.
  • Community plays a crucial role in recovery.
  • Understanding cultural influences helps shape identity.
  • Spirituality can offer strength during challenging times.
"I realised someone asked me if I wanted to go to the ministry, and I just asked what that was. And it turns out you can read the bible and help people full-time."
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? In this engaging episode, Geno Ray sits down with Pastor Kenji Nitta, a long-time friend and seasoned minister, to chat about faith, mental health, and the challenges of maintaining a mixed identity. With over 25 years in ministry, Kenji brings a wealth of experience, blending his love for theology and behavioural studies with a laid-back approach that makes deep topics accessible to all.
The conversation covers Kenji's journey into Christianity, sparked by a practical decision and a mystical calling, and how his multicultural upbringing shaped his worldview. Kenji shares anecdotes from his past, including his relationship with his father and the influence of various cultural backgrounds on his life. He also touches on the intersections between faith and mental health, discussing how religious beliefs can both aid and hinder emotional well-being.
The episode offers a candid look at how Kenji balances his pastoral duties with his studies in clinical mental health counselling, aiming to provide holistic support to those he serves. The discussion is peppered with humour and relatable insights, making it an enjoyable listen for anyone interested in the complexities of faith, identity, and healing. As Geno and Kenji reminisce about their shared history and explore profound themes, you'll find yourself reflecting on your own beliefs and experiences.
Whether you're seeking guidance or simply curious about the interplay between spirituality and mental health, this episode is sure to resonate. So, what drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? How can faith shape our understanding of mental health? Dive into this episode to find out.
alcoholfree.com
Published by The Mindful Drinking Company Limited
4 Providence Court, Pynes Hill, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5JL, England
Registered in England and Wales.
Company Number: 1195057. Vat Number: GB320915135.
Registered address as above.
© Copyright 2005-2025 The Mindful Drinking Company Limited.
All Rights Reserved.
alcoholfree.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.