Recovery is Possible Podcast

Episode 76 - Parents of Addicted Loved Ones

We spend a lot of time talking about the addict and the destruction caused by addiction. But what about the family? In this episode I speak with Kim Humphrey, Executive Director of Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL). Join me in this fascinating discussion and learn how you can take care of yourself during this difficult time.

Website: https://palgroup.org

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

Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger

Episode 75 - Let‘s Talk About Fear

Fear is a double-edged sword. It is often what drives people towards recovery and often it is also what keeps some people in recovery. However, fear can also prevent us from living a full and meaningful live. In today's episode, we discuss the ups and downs of fear and a simple way of managing it.

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

Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger

Episode 74 - Misperceptions That Get In The Way Of Pursuing Recovery

Many people have misperceptions about recovery that get in the way of pursuing a life of freedom and joy. Join me as I discuss this issue with Don Thiry, a fellow student at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Graduate School. Don describes the many facets of recovery and how you can find a path that works for you.

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

Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger

 

 

 

Episode 73 - Resolving Spiritual Skepticism In Recovery-Interview with Andrew Pierce

Andrew Pierce has a new book called "Resolving Spiritual Skepticism In Recovery" and discusses his views on the podcast. Spirituality is an issue that nearly everyone will need to address in recovery, and this is a fascinating interview that you will not want to miss.

Website: www.andrewgpierce.com

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

Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger

Episode 72 - ”Your Body Keeps The Score”

In this episode I talk with A.K. Dozanti, founder and creator of Life Saver Wellness. A.K. discusses "beating the burnout" and shares her experience as a former Deputy Sheriff and Criminal Court Victim Advocate who ultimately became a Yoga instructor, Life Coach and educator who combined all of her skills to build Life Saver Wellness.

Website: lifesaverwellness.com

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

Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger

Episode 71 - Getting Right Sized in Recovery

In this episode I discuss "Getting Right Sized in Recovery" with retired firefighter Ric Jorge of Palm Beach County Fire/Rescue. Ric discusses his amazing story of experience, strength, and hope and gives us some great insight into what successful recovery looks like, and which pitfalls to avoid.

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

Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger

Episode 70 - Using Imagery in Recovery

In this episode I discuss the use of imagery in recovery. Coming from a military and police background, I always found the use of symbols during milestones and celebrations helpful. Learn how I used this concept as a tool to help me, and maybe you will find it will help you too.

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

Episode 69 - Avoiding HALT: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired

In this episode I discuss one of the many tools you can use to help your recovery. The acronym HALT has long been used to remind ourselves of things to avoid in order to increase the chances of preventing relapse.

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

Episode 68 - KL Wells and VoicesInCourage

In this episode I interview KL Wells of VoicesInCourage. KL's mission for helping families and parents of addicted loved ones inspired her to launch VoicesInCourage, a community that provides instrumental resources for individuals who need to heal, connect and grow during the most challenging times.

Website: https://voicesincourage.com

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

Episode 67 - The Yeah Buts...

People come to recovery looking for solutions to their problems. After they arrive, they often hear "pearls of wisdom" and solutions that are tried and true for millions of people. Often, after being presented the solution, clients will say "Yeah, but...and then go on to explain how their plan is better. In this episode we discuss how your plan got you into treatment in the first place, and offer some suggestions on how listening, and willingness are the true solutions to recovery.

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

Episode 66 - Dr. Sachi Ananda of FHE Health discusses Recovery and First Responders

As Director of "Shatterproof," Dr. Sachi Ananda, Ph.D., LMHC, MCAP, is responsible for providing clinical direction to FHE Health's specialized treatment program for first responders. In this interview we discuss some of the innovative work FHE Health is doing such as neurorehabilitation and EMDR and how these modalities help in the recovery process.

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

Episode 65 - Can You Be Too Smart For Recovery?

People who are well educated and outwardly successful sometimes struggle with recovery because of their success. In this episode I discuss why this is a problem, and I offer a solution for those that are willing to put their egos aside.

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

Episode 64 - Willingness is the Key

Many people just do not have the willingness to listen to others and learn how they achieved sobriety. Ego, our perceived intellect, and stubbornness get in the way. In this episode we discuss this topic, as well as the importance of getting active and committed to meetings.

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

Episode 63 - Interview with Julie Yocca of Movement Forward, Inc.

In this episode I discuss how we can build a bridge between Law Enforcement and our Communities to help heal wounds with Julie Yocca of Movement Forward, Inc. Recovery from addiction is in everyone's best interest, and we talk about how we can work to address this common goal by recognizing the humanity in one another, and learn where we can work together to heal and move forward. We can recover from addiction as individuals, but we can recover as communities as well. Go to: movementforward.org

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

Episode 62 - Capt. Renee’ Peterson: Broward County Sheriff’s Office

In this episode I speak with Capt. Renee' Peterson of the Broward County Sheriff's Office. I had the pleasure of meeting Capt. Peterson while in Florida visiting FHE. Capt. Peterson oversees the Neighborhood Support Team where she works with community stakeholders, unifying efforts to meet their needs. Capt. Peterson is also working to improve wellness programs for officers to help them become the best public servants they can be. We also discuss the issue of addiction and mental health both in Law Enforcement and the community and the steps that can be taken to improve how these issues are addressed.

Email: Renee_Peterson@sheriff.org

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

Episode 61 - Progress Rather Than Perfection

In this episode I discuss questions I received from people who are in treatment. There is a lot of work people must do early in recovery, but people need to be patient as well. Progress rather than perfection is this week's concept.

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

Episode 60 - Family Support for the Addict/Alcoholic

My guest describes what she went through during her husband's active addiction, how she came to accept that addiction is a disease, and what she did to better care for herself and her family.

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

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.