Byron Rideau Talks Overcoming A Man's Worst Nightmare, Life After Divorce, Rediscovering Self + More 

This was hard to listen to because i was once just like Byron’s ex wife. I came back to my senses and got my man back tho. Took me a couple of months to realize I was tripping for real. I am lucky enough to have compassionate and patient spouse. He taught me unconditional love. I pray everyone gets to experience that kind of love in their life.

I have to sincerely give so much credit to Byron. You displayed such grace and maturity. You respectfully gave your side without disrespecting Mariah. Huge props.

I commend Byron for his honesty, vulnerability and transparency ❤️. The ppl commenting on her side, you can’t assume anything because she’s not here to speak. We can honor Byron for his strength without having to bash his ex wife.

This whole conversation, I am beyond honored to have witnessed this level of vulnerability amongst men. Respect all three of you for putting this out.

I need peace, grace, love, hope, joy, a savior, a healer, a comforter, and Jesus stepped in every single time I needed that. ~ Byron Rideau Byron, you're an amazing example of a young man after God's heart. God bless you on your journey.

Mariah has always been a sweetheart. He seems nice too. I pray God heals both their hearts. Marriage and ministry are hard.

The whole time listening to this podcast, I just keep hearing in my spirit . 2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. What the enemy meant for evil, God is going to turn it around for your good.

Awwwe, HE STILL CALLS HER MY WIFE. That says alot. It's really hard. I feel for both of them and I really pray they both find stability and come back together.

I love his honesty and transparency. I experienced the 0 to 100 he was referring too. When someone already has made up their mind, you may be willing to fight but they’ve already checked out. I really appreciate people who share their stories of heartbreak and gracefully. He didn’t bash her at all. He has the right to tell his truth like she does if she ever decides too. I’ve seen comments where ppl are taking little jabs at him. But please respect the fact you can tell your truth without it automatically meaning its coming against the other person. His story will help others! God will always get the glory.

I’m 20 years old I’ve never been in such a serious relationship but my relationship with God had been iffy for a bit and this just made me want to run back to God and not blame or point the finger at him all the time seeing people are going through much worse and Can say you know what life happended God and you still love me and want the best for me made me know I can get through anything

Marriages are under attack! I hate seeing them end:( I’m sure there was a lot of emotional damage from her parents divorce. He is very graceful.

Man 😭 they were my fav couple. I understand that divorce happens but it’s truly so sad when it happens like in this situation. Marriage is just tooo precious of a gem to quit on especially quitting without really having a reason. God bless you, I truly wish for Gods will and purpose to be revealed through all of this.

This was very timely. I am in the midst of my 15-year marriage ending. It's been so very difficult but if my pain can help someone, I am thankful that God would use me. I hadn't thought about that fully until now. This was a great episode!

Personally i feel like Mariah had so much change to deal with when they got married. Her parents had just gotten divorced, her dad was planning a wedding. She had a lot of new normals to adjust to. My heart hurts for them both. Really sad.

This episode was a blessing!! This is my first time watching this podcast but I had been following Byron's marriage from the beginning. His testimony is truly touching and shows how strong his faith is. I pray he continues to grow with Christ through his journey. I'm 25 and its so inspiring to see a young black male so faithful to God's plan and sharing the word. I will say it was slightly disappointing to see some of your responses to comments re: cheating or anything other assumptions towards Mariah. It seems wrong to entertain those. I do appreciate Byron not spreading negativity about her through this interview and I pray that God will guide Mariah through whatever path she is on now as well.

Byron, I’m so proud of you. You’re such a light to the world! As you probably are aware, I also endured a divorce in this family. My heart goes out to you. Mine started happening March 18th around the same time. I appreciate your description of the church and the different dynamics of responses, that honestly comforted me! It’s so evident you are a preacher, Byron. Everything you speak sows seeds into the hearts of those listening. God will multiply your joy tenfold. All we could do is love 110%! It takes two to say I do, and one to say I quit. Without God, I wouldn’t have been able to endure. He never quits! So thankful you’re turning your mess into a message! Your baggage into a badge. You should come out to AZ and be a guest speaker for Mark Driscoll! I’m apart of the worship team there! I too was a little traumatized when I stepped back into ministry, but a healthy church, healthy mentors, and friends and family who love unconditionally are the BEST gifts Jesus surrounds us with as we heal! Keep on preaching, brother. You’re anointed! Xx

As believers I think we can over spiritualise things. Generational curses are real but also Ignoring your gut feeling is also real

The divorce was a BLESSING for him. His next marriage will be purposeful & fruitful. He’ll be okay. He’s been vulnerable and has faced his trauma. I believe his ex-wife’s family wanted marriage for her more than she did and she used Christianity as the face to overshadow the fact that she truly didn’t want it at that moment. She liked being coupled, not married. This was cute. May he build his foundation on Christ and then move to the next phase of marriage & elevate in his own personal development. I believe they could’ve stayed together as well, but marriage is 100-100. He was more into it than she. ... Chris is hilarious 🤦🏾‍♀️ Hafeez continues to remain consistent. This was good 👏🏾

I just found out about this and I’m in shock. They were such a beautiful inspiring couple, especially a Christian couple. But I completely understand. I’m 23 just married and the first year of marriage is hard. I moved from Chicago go Texas for my husband and not having family in the same state other than your husband isn’t enough. God has been always in my heart but sometimes you do feel alone, especially as a women with past anxiety attacks or depression it’s easy to fall into a dark place and think that your marriage won’t work. But God is beautiful, having God in our marriage has helped us work through my dark stages. God has truly blessed me with my husband who is caring and understanding and never lets me feel like I’ve failed. But so much respect to Byron and Mariah because it takes strength to take this step in their lives and trust that God has a bigger plan for them.

I honestly came here because I was nosey, but I was truly blessed by this podcast. It taught me how to bless the people I may be in conflict with. No matter who has “done us wrong”, through the power of the Holy Spirit He will keeps us from speaking crazy about others. He will quiet our spirit, He will fight for us. Blessings to you all 🙏🏾

So eye opening, I remember the episode when they were both newly married and I admire their passion for their relationship. I hate that this happened. I will be praying for both of them. Byron is such a strong young man, God bless him.

Great Testimony Byron!!! (Generational curses, marriage/ divorce, transitioning, ministry, honesty, healing, grief, therapy and prayer) Thank you for being transparent and being a powerful influence and man of God. Aww the friendship between Chris and Byron is strong!!! I really liked the dynamic between all three of you...three men of God...growing, inspiring and learning through out life! Great episode Hafeez and Chris...Blessings!!!

Gentlemen you all are helping me and I’m 55 years old! God bless you all keep moving forwarded!

I hear so much maturity in his speaking

I really can't wait to see his redemption, joy return. This story broke my heart. Stirred up some personal things. Like Bryan, I'll always praise God for His faithfulness.

This was another great episode, I think divorce especially among young couples are hardly discussed from a standpoint. I thing you guys did an exceptional job as young Christian men of color to discuss such a topic in the way that you guys did ! Praying that God blesses you all as husbands, fathers and leaders of your families

This is exactly why people need to make sure they are on the same page and understand that marriage is WORK. Many times people are so in love with the thought of wedding/ getting married + thought of the label (having a husband and wife) that they dont realize its work! Same with relationships in general. If the person isnt willing to work at it with you, it will fail. Its requires work from both side. I feel so bad for him. Hopefully he finds someone who wants the same things as him and truly understands that love is work or that his ex-wife takes this time to grow and understand this and hopefully they can find their way to each other if that is what they want. Best of luck. Dont let this hinder the way you look at love or your opinion of marriage etc.

Loved watching this, I’m from Houston and started out as a believer in Lakewood church I knew about this couple and started following them on IG ever since, God bless both of them on their individual journeys. 💓

I felt Byron pain. I been through a divorce before (married 13yrs) it’s not easy during the healing process. The dope thing is if you grow & take personal responsibility from the divorce you WILL be a better person in the end. Now I’m happily remarried. I believe Byron testimony will help divorced men.

Guys, There is a lady so deserving out here for you...don't rush it...AND DON'T LOSE HOPE!

I really appreciate how you guys just let him speak. The interaction was great and it was interesting to hear the “fears” that men have. Byron was very respectful to his ex wife all while sharing his experience and it was super refreshing to see that. Great video guys!

I've been binge watching your videos for the past week. Everytime I drive anywhere I listen to you guys. You have edified me so much. I'm a 31 year old African woman navigating through life and being the best me I can be. It's encouraging to see other young black Men who are genuine and going through the same journey of Becoming as I am. Please continue your podcasts. They are changing lives. I mean it.

Thank you for sharing! I have been talking to my peers about relationships and marriages in modern generation. I noticed that women believe that men do not get heartbroken and that they are more likely to leave a relationship or a marriage. But, this just proves that men and women equally do get heartbroken, it's not only women. Men are human too.

I am really impressed with Byron and his humility, transparency and grace in dealing with his divorce and ex-wife. In think that his model for the marriage was his own parent’s longstanding marriage while her model was her parent’s troubled marriage and in particular Israel Houghton’s ambivalent attitude to his marriage vows to his first wife.

Is this guy Israel Houghton's former son in law??? Wow I though he and Mariah were still together. Wow. I hope they both find healing during this time

Quote of this episode: "No one is perfect. no one scores a 100 on the test of life."

I am so proud of you three men. I pray my 10 year old son be a strong man of God. Byron I will be praying for you. That pain is real. I honestly think she is in a celebrity space. I pray for her spiritual eyes. Thank you for honoring her when you spoke about her. Love you in Christ. God is real.

Knowing both of them via ministry i Greenville SC, there was so much going on with them, their age was also a factor. I pray peace for them both. They are both wonderful people.

I feel like Mariah wanted a wedding not a marriage (like a lot of 20 year old girls). I also want to know what he keeps hinting at when he says “when she told me what happened” “when she told me everything”

THIS IS CRAZY!! I can completely relate to him when I went through with my divorce. Romans 8:28 was the verse that I would repeat each day up until this day! We were also in ministry and I'm like him- was caught off guard and questioning God's plan for my life when I was going through it. But [thank God] for his love and presence I wouldn't be here either! This is such a great video for all those people going through divorce and still suffering the pains of it. Divorce is a painful season but not a permanent one! With God there is healing and hope! Great video guys... YES!!

Oh, boy. The intro beat was WAY too loud in comparison to the voices in this episode. I had my volume up to hear yall talking and it scared me, LOL

Great to hear his insight and share with us the pain and the lessons as well. It’s not easy to be this open and honest when something fails so I commend him for that. I also want to make mention having been around newlywed church leaders who are new youth pastors, or young adult pastors, or what have you, I think those type of roles within a church places a lot of extra stress on newlywed couples still trying to, as he said, learn to be married and work to stay married. Not only was he working in that space but soon after he was offered a HUGE ministry at the church in Greenville, new city, thousands of kids let’s say, all kinds of new challenges, giving 110% to the ministry and perhaps not realizing his wife wasn’t ready for that kind of commitment to be made, or they weren’t aware of how it would change their connection unless they took intentional steps to not become this divorced statistic. The spouse of the new pastor is alone a lot while the other is doing all they can to reach, teach; instruct, support their members. It takes a certain kind of person whose heart and mission is the same as the one who will lead, so that they don’t feel by themselves in their marriage; or as I’ve heard it stated in my friends’ cases that it seemed their spouses were married to the church and not them. At any rate I’m happy to see God has been with Byron and carried him through this dark season and know for sure he has greater things in store for him the future.

Congrats on making 3 years in January! I really appreciate this episode! You all were beautifully vulnerable and just to hear black men discussing love, loss, and family + friend relationships shed a new light. 39:08 it’s not that bad things happen to them it’s simply redirection. There is an even more amazing woman out here for this brother than he thought his ex-wife was and his journey is far from over. All of you are honorable stand-up guys and there are great gifts in your future.

The church is always so quick to pressure young couples into marriage. I’m 100% they would still be together if it weren’t for the fact that they got married so early on. Young people, please work on your career, and on yourself first before getting married. It will save you a lot of unnecessary stress (Been there done that).

This was so inspirational! Being under 30 and divorced, it was comforting to know that how I feel and where I am is totally normal. Even though I've had a lot of support from my family during all these, no one really understands how the process has been because they've never been where I am. But I'm encouraged and I will enjoy my 'incubation' period. I was also really encouraged by seeing that there are young men who love God and want to be married! It's so easy to get jaded, so it was nice to see these men say how they desire to get married and will endeavour to be the best husbands and fathers! May God truly bless you and thank you for allowing God to use you guys! Blessing!

My observation, I think Hollywood life was the main contributor for the divorce. I have listened to Mariah’s preaching, she is fierce! I pray that God open her spiritual eyes so that she can serve through her calling. I see that she’s been modeling her step moms Jewelry on the internet 🤦🏽‍♀️. I am not judging but I believe she felt she was missing a lot !! Actually she has changed a lot since she is now in CA with her dad and step mom. Byron God is good and you are strong!!

It’s so sad to hear about their marriage and I truly pray that Byron will continue in his Gods given purpose. Honestly, I think that the lure of Hollywood and that lifestyle played a part in it.

I didn't search for this video nor typed in The Roommates or Byron. No it wasn't recommended either. However, I clicked on it and said let me watch a few minutes...I ended up staying for the entire thing. This conversation was refreshingly honest, human and helpful beyond the topic of intimate/long-term relationships. It's also such a humbling reminder how we can plan our lives and how we think everything is going to be, but God always has the best plan for us. We never fall down, we fall into God's hands and His grace. Some people get up and run, others stay and vent to God, cry out to God, battle it out with God. And if we stick around a bit longer, He'll help us get back on our feet even stronger, more enlightened and more purposeful.

I used to follow the both and at some point wondered what happened!! Now I know! It’s part of life.

Man, this was a phenomenal talk. Thank you Byron for being so vulnerable, you shared your shortcomings, and you’ve encouraged us with your courage to face your situation and you’ve allowed God to help navigate you through this season. It’s refreshing!

I think that what Hafeez said is very common in all of us: i didn’t make the mistake but I still have to suffer the consequence.. thats the risk with marriage, u have to marry someone that is gonna be intentional everyday to fight for marriage.. it will only work when the TWO people in the covenant fight to honor God first and the covenant with the person they chose. The moment one of them Stops fighting, then we know it won’t work but that is the risk, and trust God that He works all things for out good.

Wow! So much respect to Byron! Thank you guys for this one. So pure and transparent

This is beautiful man this encouraged me to get through my breakup with my girlfriend. We ended on good terms and we have peace about it. God is good and I know He is gonna bless both of us. We are able to be friends and still be mutual. You hit it right on the nail tho just because we go to the same church and are saved doesn’t mean we are compatible. I learned a lot and matured because of this. Thank you guys for being obedient and doing this blessing more people then you will ever know.

It is so important to own your part in the demise of a relationship. From the POV of a woman, when you marry, you give up a lot of yourself. In our society, women give up their names, their bodies, their identity, their dreams…to be a “help-meet”. For women, marrying young is dangerous when you haven’t achieved the dreams God gave you. From the POV of a woman in the church, we are taught not to speak up or complain. The problem arises is that if you keep everything in, your husband cannot read your mind. The sadness is that she kept everything in until it was too late. He did not know that she was breaking. He kept on working and coming home to his wife. In his mind, he was “doing everything right”. But she was growing more and more resentful. Communication is everything. She should have spoken up earlier. I hope he realized that she lied to him. It was easier for her to tell him he did nothing wrong, take the blame and leave rather than tell him the truth. He hurt her with distance. He hurt her by not seeing and recognizing how much she was giving up. He hurt her by failing to see her and encourage her hopes and dreams even as she supported his. He hurt her by not reassuring her that she was still his priority behind God and consistently reminding her of that. His first ministry was his wife and marriage. He did not recognize that. And by the time she spoke up, she was already done. She spoke up when she was no longer afraid to lose him. It’s sad. It is essential that wives and husbands communicate consistently. They should always check in with each other. And the minute you feel distance, immediately pivot. Stop whatever you’re doing and attend to your first ministry. I wish them both well. I hope he has learned necessary lessons so that there isn’t a repeat performance in his current marriage. And I hope she learned to speak up in her relationships and to not keep things in.

Needed to hear this. Right on time. Going through the loss of my mom and a marriage. But God...He is the head of my life and my focus. Everything I have been through is for purpose and through my pain I will continually praise him and , pray and stay in the word.

I wasn't sure where this episode would go, but I'm glad I continued watching. There's so much learning and growing in relationship. I'm realizing you have to constantly communicate and check in with your partner. Just a temperature check.

I enjoy your guys podcast! As a Christian young lady I feel so glad that you guys put this type of content. We not perfect and we alll live and learn. I’m so glad Byron is so honest and genuine about everything. God bless him!

I'm sure it took him a whole deal of courage to talk about it so openly! The God who began a good work in him ,will finish it!! Praying for both him and Mariah!!

Don't ever believe that because your parents never got divorced that you won't or vice versa.

Big ups to Byron for being transparent and may this heal others. I pray he will be able to own his part in the divorce and learn from it so he can be prepared for the next relationship. Christians, please learn to be all the way real with your spouses and don't be who people want you to be, but be who you are. Be blessed.

This podcast was very touching, love the vulnerability of all 3 of you, the beautiful brotherhood. It's wonderful to see men like you all really do exist! Peace- Love - Blessings to you all

This really hit home for me. My ex husband and I are about to be 34yrs old and we were together for 12yrs. Me and my ex just had a 4hr ride and we got to really talk.

I would be interested to hear what the wife had to say.

Can you please get TONY GASKINS ON YOUR PODCAST! That would be amazing! PLEASE!

A sad situation all together..for you for her and for your ministry. Praying that you find your way and your purpose through it all

He will give you peace that surpasses all understanding!! Amen 👏

This was easily one of my favorite episodes! It was so inspiring to see the authenticity, the vulnerability, and wisdom that was demonstrated from you all. Also, to see you all pray at the end was so amazing. Thank you for reminding us that no matter what we go through in this life, God is always with us and working things out for our good. Be blessed!

Very interesting, I'm glad to see Byron's spiritual maturity through this trial, it's very inspiring

Hafeez reminds me so much of Sterling K Brown!!! Anyway this is the first video i have watched. And i absolutely love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Needed this ! Thank you for your vulnerability and transparency. Bless you ! Rooting for you and your journey ahead

Thank you for sharing your testimony 🙏🙏🙏, God bless... Praying for you and for her! It will get easier, trust Him!

This was GOOD! I appreciate him for telling his story. I'm sure God will bless him with his hearts desires, in due time.

This is one of my favorite podcasts from the roommates

Message well received and this definitely helped me! I am going through the aftermath of a break up and now an ending of a 10yr long friendship. Like you all, I felt like I did absolutely everything I could and my heart was in it 1000%...but clearly it wasn't enough. I was feeling bitter and somewhat cold. But seeing that I am not the only one who felt that blow and can explain the emotions as eloquently as you all did really changed my heart. God is removing the bad from our lives so we can grow and blossom in our purpose. I just want to truly thank you all for sharing your stories and insights. ❤️

Of course I don’t know if I’m right but sounds like she was being neglected in the marriage and put on the back burner to your career. You hen when she came to you and let you know how she was feeling but you kinda brushed it off and said we’ll talk to our marriage counselor soon and everything will be all good but y’all didn’t really talk about. As you said everything just went on like normal until she decided to leave.

I couldn’t imagine the pain

this was deep. thank y'all. wow, Byron, thanks for the gems of wisdom.

"Pain can become purpose." Thank you for this conversation. God bless you all.

I appreciate the honesty and vulnerability of this interview. I think they were not compatible, I notice he mentioned that he had moments he saw things and just overlooked them. Often when your young it’s very easy to over look things or hope that person will change. I also don’t believe a marriage should just be something you just stick out, she did him a favour! Had she stayed in the marriage they would have both been miserable, marriage should be an enjoyable experience. Is it hard absolutely but if two people are compatible they will over come those hard times.

I respected the fact that you are hearing men say, the y fear divorce and the heart break. I dont think people truly take into account that men feel and have those fears they battle as well. And if a woman never takes into account hes putting his heart out there as well; she will think shes in it alone (emotionally) and shes not. But overall, its warefare. Satan hates Kingdom marriage and you have to fight spiritually as much - more than you do emotionally. He doesnt care how we feel. 💖

Perhaps, she thought she made a mistake. 20 is very young in the grand scheme of things. You can want something, get it and realize you never really wanted it. To be fair, him putting work over his new marriage probably wasn't helping the situation. I'd like to hear her side.

They both now need to do Restoring the Foundations in order to break the curse of divorce

Wow...3 yrs for you but only 2 days for me. I just listened to them happy & excited now this

I feel like we need an alter call after this episode!!! This was sooo good ! And on time!!! And powerful!!

Your Testimony is my Testimony brother, Less the marriage but very very similar. Your Transparency will set this world free so grateful for you doing this and so grateful for the roommates giving a platform for such a great testimony to be shared. Love and respect yall brothers, stay blessed.

I hope they are both ok and have a good circle to lean on and therapists. I wonder if it was the marriage or the ministry? I would love to hear her side of the story. She’s just a baby girl. Very young on both sides.

I don’t know them personally but it could’ve been a combination of young age, people talking, him working to much, moving and being away from family, and generational curses.. they both are beautiful people and hope both them are able to find love again.....hopefully with each other again keeping my fingers crossed.

This was very helpful 2 me I've been divorce a yr and sum months now and it refreshing to hear about dofferent upbringing makes a difference..my ex parents were in a toxic relationship which the dad was the blame and trying to live a life that he lost while in prison for 10 and they eventually got a divorce ..fast forward now they back together and he still doggin her and pretty much doin the same b.s....my ex mom in law have the most faith in a person more than I ever saw...a d that made my wife feel a certain way and taking thing out on me that didnt have to do with me...also he parents kinda force this marriage on us..like "y'all been lovin togething for 4 yrs and y'all lovin in sin yada yada yada....they paid for this big expensive wedding with all the trimming and it only lasted a year...anyways thanx guys you guys are very needed and awesome 👍🏾

I really hope these guys do more episodes and follow up with this this has blessed a lot of people. I just thoroughly am so proud of them and enjoy hearing from their perspective thanks so much guys

This right here was gooooooooooood!!!!

Ohh thank you for this. This is exactly what is happening to me right now. Strangely I got married in 2016 too! Thanks again for sharing.

The therapist told them she was shocked they lasted a year... my question is, did anyone else, mentors, family, friends, etc. warn them? Why didn’t their marriage counselors pick up on these potential issues and tell them to date a little longer time? Idk. Just a thought.

I've been married for almost 10 years to my high school sweetheart my husband and when I heard about this situation I was heartbroken I don't believe its Gods will for them to be divorced the bible is clear about marriage period. I'm furious at this situation and my heart is grieved period...

AWESOME , AWESOME, AWESOME Episode! So good to see young black men not only representing Jesus but using their lives to help others to become better and live their best lives. You have truly shown how we are an imperfect people being LOVED BY A PERFECT GOD 👏👏👏 💚😁🙏🔥

This is so good and so needed. THANK YOU guys. Jesus help us make it! Wishing you and Jordan an amazing journey ahead x

Def sounds like an emotional disconnect. Shld hv sensed she wasn’t ok. How can you not know unless you put the marriage on the back burner. Men forget money and advancement isn’t all you bring to marriage although understandably it’s what husbands put the most focus on. Shepherd your wife not just the flock. If she was gone all the time in the early years of your marriage focused on xyz everyone wld hv said she was being a horrible wife and neglectful. Why does does that not apply to men as well?

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G Podcast!! Thank you all for sharing!

Aww so sad. She does not want to be married anymore to him. I’m sure she does want to be married again. I know he will bounce back. Just have to take it day by day.

I appreciate the young man for getting married young.

Beautiful... thank you for sharing 🙏🏾💕