Recovery Is Possible

Episode 59 - Interview with Dustin Hawkins, Indian River County, Florida Fire/Rescue

Suicide is a very difficult topic, but today's episode addresses the issue head on. This powerful interview gives you the thought process and solution from someone who has been there. Dustin Hawkins is a Chaplain and Fireman with the Indian River County, Florida Fire and Rescue. He gives us a front row seat to this issue, and shares with us his powerful story.

This episode is sponsored by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com

Episode 58 - People, Places, Things, and Situations

Early sobriety can be negatively affected by people, places, things, and situations. A listener asked what was meant by this because they hear this phrase quite a bit at recovery meetings. In this episode I explain what this phrase means and give practical ideas to help one stay sober.

This episode is sponsored by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com

Episode 57 - Brendan McDonough, Member of the "Granite Mountain Hotshots" and CEO of Holdfast Recovery

Brendan McDonough is the lone survivor of the Yarnell Hill fire tragedy in 2013. Today he is a public speaker and works with numerous non-profits for veterans, police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services. Brendan joined the “Granite Mountain Hotshots” in Prescott, AZ after being a hopeless heroin addict when Superintendent Eric Marsh decided to take a chance on him. Ultimately, Brendan became the lone survivor of a freak fire on June 30, 2013 in Yarnell, AZ that killed 19 of his fellow firemen.

The story of Brendan and these brave firefighters was made into the feature film “Only The Brave” which was released by Sony Pictures in 2017 and features a cast that includes Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, and Jennifer Connelly. Brendan is currently the CEO of Holdfast Recovery located in Prescott, AZ. Find out more at: holdfastrecovery.com

Episode 56 - What Do You Do When A Friend Suggests Not Taking Medication?

Some people feel that taking medication is cheating in a recovery program. In this episode I answer this question from a listener.

This episode is sponsored by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com

Episode 55 - Getting to the Heart of Getting Sober

The steps to sobriety differ for each person. In this episode, I answer several questions from a listener and walk through what worked for me: What was your turning point to get sober? What was your thought process prior to a relapse? What motivates you to keep trying and to not pick up the first drink?

Episode 54 - The Spiritual Side of Wellness: Chaplain Dan Vickey, Ohio ASSIST

We must take care of all aspects of our life when it comes to wellness. This includes our spiritual development. This is certainly true for people in recovery, but is true for everyone no matter what their profession. Chaplain Dan Vickey discusses the importance of spirituality in a wellness program with me, and the importance of programs like the Post Critical Incident Seminars.

Episode 53 - Interview with EMS Captain/Chaplain Jeremy Hurd, Palm Beach County Fire and Rescue

The issue of suicide is receiving a lot of attention lately. This has been a tough year for everyone, but especially for our First Responders. This fascinating conversation with EMS Captain and Chaplain Jeremy Hurd helps us put this issue into perspective, and lets us know there is help for those who are suffering.

This episode is sponsored by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com.

Episode 52 - Interview with Dave Sinclair, Author and Transformational Journey Support Coach

Dave Sinclair is an author and Transformational Journey Support Coach. He recently authored a book titled “Numb? Break Old Habits, Escape The Rat Race. Live Your Ideal Life.” This was a fascinating interview, and I know you will not only learn a great deal about life in recovery, but have fun as well! To find out more, go to davesinclair.ca.

This episode is sponsored by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com.

Episode 51 - Interview with Todd Crandell, Founder of Racing for Recovery

In this episode we explore the many options people have in their recovery journey. Todd Crandell has been an inspiration through his own journey in recovery, and today he shares his vision and passion in how Racing for Recovery emphasizes diet, exercise, and wellness to help people not only get well, but stay well. To find out more, go to racingforrecovery.org.

Episode 50 - Do Drug Courts Work? Interview with Judge Nelson W. Rupp, Jr.

Often we do not want to get well until we have felt enough pain. But do Drug Courts work? Listen to this fascinating interview with Judge Nelson W. Rupp, Jr. to find out how effective courts are and the miracles that are happening in people's lives.

This episode is sponsored by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com.

 

Episode 49 - Interview with Helen Hill, LISWS

Helen Hill discusses the services of the Ohio Assist Program, specifically Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Many attendees swear by this treatment, but how and why does it work?

This episode is sponsored by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com.

Episode 48 - FBI National Academy Instructor Suzanna Hasnay Discusses Resiliency

Resiliency is critical to wellness and dealing with all that life throws at us. In this episode I interview Suzanna Hasnay who taught with me at the FBI National Academy. Suzanna discusses how and why resiliency is important for our life, career, and recovery.

This episode is sponsored by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com.

Episode 47 - Interview with All Points North Lodge CEO Noah Nordheimer

In this episode I speak with Noah Nordheimer, CEO of APN Lodge located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains near Vail, Colorado. APN is working to tailor programs for their clients and explore revolutionary recovery modalities such as Deep TMS and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. APN is working hard to develop programs that address issues for various groups and performs extensive follow-up with their clients. Listen in to find out how they are doing it. Find out more at apnlodge.com.

Click here to find out: Why Should You Choose Luxury Rehab?

Episode 46 - Katrina Discusses Relapse

We do not have to relapse, but if we do, we can learn many lessons. Katrina discusses what she did.

This episode is sponsored by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com.

Episode 45 - Interview with Deborah Wolf

Deborah Wolf was one of the first women in the Metropolitan Police Department, Washington, DC. She discusses her life, career, and recovery from alcoholism. Deborah wrote a book about her experiences called "Center of Mass".

Episode 44 - Interview with Dr. Beau Nelson, FHE Health

In this episode, I discuss the incredible work that FHE Health is doing for people who are struggling with addiction and mental health issues with Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Beau Nelson. FHE's work is truly cutting edge, and they apply technology and techniques that are paving a new path for treatment. If you’re trying to decide if treatment is necessary, listen in.

This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com.

Episode 43 - Interview with Darren Loki McGarvey

Darren Loki McGarvey is an author, rap artist, and broadcaster located in Glasgow, Scotland. I interview Darren about recovery, the drug death epidemic in Scotland, and what can be done to help those who are suffering from addiction. Darren is the author of the 2018 Orwell Prize winning and Sunday Times Bestselling Book, Poverty Safari: Understanding the Anger of Britain's Underclass. Find out more at darrenmcgarvey.com.

Episode 42 - Ask Yourself These Questions

People ask me these questions all the time. Am I an alcoholic? Am I an addict? What do you think? Let's talk about this.

Episode 41- Interview with Mike N.

Mike N. just celebrated four years of continuous sobriety. Mike tells us what he did, and what his life is like now.

Episode 40 - Part II Suicide Awareness with Mark Pfetzer

Suicide is a growing problem and many do not get help because of the stigma associated with Mental Health issues. There is hope, and we discuss how to help yourself and others through difficult times. Find out more at guardianinitiatives.org.

Episode 39 - Part I Suicide Awareness with Mark Pfetzer and Jarrod Slindee

Mark and Jarrod are going to be rowing across the Atlantic to raise awareness about suicide. Let's find out how they plan to complete this feat. Find out more at guardianinitiatives.org.

Episode 38 - Interview with Katrina from Florida

Katrina from Florida just celebrated 30 days of sobriety!!! Let's find out how she did it.

Episode 37 - Part II Interview with Christina Van Meter

In this episode we continue Christina's experience with Virginia Tech. This episode demonstrates how parents in recovery are involved and supportive of the pursuits and desires of their children. In recovery, all things are possible and you too can be there for your children.

Episode 36 - Part I Interview with Christina Van Meter

This interview is not necessarily about recovery. Christina discusses Virginia Tech, The Corps of Cadets, and Air Force ROTC. The reason I am including this interview is so you can see how the lives of children are so much more enriched when those around them are involved in their lives and support their hopes and dreams. In recovery, you can do this too!

Episode 35 - Interview with Jim M.

Jim M. is a Vietnam Veteran, a former Police Officer, and survivor of sexual abuse from a priest. Jim discusses recovery from alcoholism and how good life can be.

 

 

Episode 34 - Abstinence is the Key

There is a lot of talk about being able to moderate use. This episode discusses this dangerous viewpoint and why it is not a good idea.

Episode 33 - Spinning/Exercise and Recovery

Diet and exercise in recovery are important. I discuss how I became involved in teaching Spinning classes and how this helped with my recovery.

Episode 32 - Recovery and the Pandemic

During the Pandemic we have to double down our efforts to stay connected. Addiction is isolation, and we have to work to combat loneliness.

Episode 31 - What If Someone Sees Me at a 12-Step Meeting?

Lots of people are afraid to attend a 12-Step meeting because they are afraid someone will see them. In fact, that is why a lot of people don't attend in the first place. Let's talk about this.

Episode 30 - Non Al-Anon Resources for Families

My guest describes Non Al-Anon resources that helped her cope with her husband’s drinking.

Episode 29 - Interview with John Taylor: HIMS Program for Pilots Who Need Recovery

In this episode John Taylor describes a program for Commercial Pilots who need to be in recovery. Find out more at himsprogram.com.

Episode 28 - Discussion with Frank Runles: Lies We Tell

Retired FBI Agent Frank Runles and I discuss Statement Analysis and how we lie about addiction to ourselves and others.

Episode 27 - Interview with Steve Click: Ohio ASSIST Program

I interview retired Ohio State Trooper Steve Click about how the Ohio ASSIST Program helps First Responders deal with Critical Incidents. Find out more at dpsohioassist.ohio.gov.

Episode 26 - Interview with Jesse Wysocki: COO of the McShin Foundation

In this episode I have a discussion with Jesse Wysocki of the McShin Foundation. This foundation was featured in the documentary "Anonymous People" which was produced by Faces & Voices of Recovery. Find out more at mcshin.org.

Episode 25 - Tom O'Connor Explains How FBI Agents Association Helps

Tom O'Connor from the FBI Agents Association discusses how they help employees and their families during difficult and often tragic times. Find out more at fbiaa.org.

Episode 24 - Interview with Pauline Kinsman: Recovery Dundee, Scotland

In this interview Pauline talks about the family side of heroin addiction. Pauline discusses the problems associated with heroin, and how the issue is being addressed by the National Health Service. Find out more at recovery-dundee.

Episode 23 - Interview with Lisa Taylor: Ohio State Highway Patrol (Retired)

In this episode we discuss the horrific injuries Lisa sustained in a motorcycle accident that ended her Law Enforcement career, and how Lisa was able turn the incident into something positive. Lisa wrote a book called "Was It Irony...Or Was It God?"

Episode 22 - Interview with Eilidh from Recovery Dundee

In this episode we discuss heroin addiction with Eilidh and her experiences with the National Health Service (NHS). Eilidh describes the help that Recovery Dundee has provided her on her journey to recovery. Find out more at recovery-dundee.

Episode 21 - Part II Interview with Philip Rutherford: Faces & Voices of Recovery

In this episode we discuss the great work being done by Faces & Voices of Recovery. Find out more at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org.

Episode 20 - Interview with Heidi Marshall: Leading At-Risk Employees

This is part one of a two part series where Heidi Marshall tells us her story and her work at the FBI Academy.

Episode 19 - Part I Interview with Philip Rutherford: Faces & Voices of Recovery

Today I discuss the work of Faces & Voices of Recovery with COO Philip Rutherford. Find out more at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org

Episode 18 - Part II Interview with Sharon Webster: Recovery Dundee

Today I do Part II of an interview with Sharon Webster of Recovery Dundee in Scotland. We discuss the great work they are doing for the people of Scotland, and how recovery needs to be embraced and promoted. Find out more at recovery-dundee.

Episode 17 - Part I Interview with Sharon Webster of Recovery Dundee in Scotland

I interview Sharon Webster of Recovery Dundee. This community organization works to combat addiction in Scotland and is based in Dundee. Find out more at recovery-dundee.

Episode 16 - Interview with President/CEO Cliff Richards from Valor Station, Augusta, GA

In this episode, I interview Cliff Richards, President/CEO of the Hale Foundation, about Valor Station in Augusta, GA. Valor Station will be the first standalone treatment center devoted to our nation's first responders. Find out more at thehalefoundation.com.

Episode 15 - Change Your Thinking Change Your Behavior

I discuss how your thinking can get in the way of your progress. We need to think the way the winners do.

Episode 14 - Interview with Mark DiBona from Blue H.E.L.P.

I interview retired Patrol Sergeant Mark DiBona. Mark discusses how he overcame two suicide attempts and is living a joyous and fulfilling life today. Find out more at bluehelp.org.

Episode 13 - Back To Basics

It seems we are forgetting about the basics of recovery in meetings. I discuss my observations and thoughts on why the basics are so important.

Episode 12 - Quit Cold Turkey or Not

Many people ask whether it is a good idea to quit a substance Cold Turkey. In this episode I discuss my thoughts on this subject.

Episode 11 - What Is a Bottom?

I get asked about what the meaning of a "bottom" is frequently. Here is an explanation of the term.

Episode 10 - Addiction Stigma: Choice vs. Disease

Many people struggle with whether addiction is a choice or a disease. I address my thoughts on this subject.