BUZZKILL Pod

In this special episode, I discuss how you can mitigate the effects of the Coronavirus situation can have on your sobriety. With plenty of tips and probing questions, I help you shift your mindset, your emotional state, your spiritual fitness and your physical ways so that you and recovery can thrive in this global situation.

In this episode I talk about all the things you can do to protect your sobriety and to take care of yourself during the holiday season. With all the parties, gathering and functions going on, it's important to protect yourself and your well-deserved sobriety. This is a quick edition of Buzzkill, so enjoy! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and have a wonderful New Year from Buzzkill!

In this fantastic (I'm biased - sue me) episode of Buzzkill, I talk to the wonderful and vibrant Jocellyn Harvey. She is writer, recovery social media influencer and also the creator of the Recovering Your Home process of decluttering yours space through the lens of energy. We talk about race and recovery, and the importance of finding others who look like you and understand you. And with that how we can be accepting of this and holding the space for those who are different than us. AND if that wasn't enough, Jocellyn has been kind enough to give you, the Buzzkill listeners, ***50%*** code for her Recovering the Home 40 page guide. If you want that system, go to: www.recoveringthehome.com and use the code: RTHBUZZKILL50 and that gets you the guide HALF PRICE. Thank you Jocellyn! You can also reach her at: info@recoveringthehome.com And her Instagram handle is: @sharingmysobriety And as usual, you can find me, Paul Silva, at paul@paulsilvacoaching.com

In this episode I talk about common misconceptions about addition recovery and why they are myths. I can't promise I don't get a bit riled up at some point, but there you go. I'm passionate about recovery, as are you. If you feel that you're getting a bum rap in terms of good, solid advice about recovery, then go no further. I got your back. If you have any questions about recovery, or recovery coaching, email me at: paul@paulsilvacoaching.com and I would be glad to talk to you about it. You can find out more about me and my services at: www.paulsilvacoaching.com You can also find out more my book and my OTHER podcast (this is why I get at 4 am daily!) at: www.longingforthespirit.com Thanks for being here!

In this episode, I talk about why it is so many people in recovery are attracted to running and pushing themselves on the trails and roads. I talk a bit of brain chemistry, community and other reasons we feel compelled to lace them up. I also talk about the potential pitfalls of getting out there. If you're a runner, recovery or not, there is a lot to gleam from this episode!

Sondra Primeaux knows creativity - seamstress, writer, podcaster, photographer, etc. and she also knows what it's like to tap into the spirit of creation without dipping into the spirit in the bottle. On this episode of Buzzkill, we talk about the power creativity has in our lives and how to express it, even if you think you have ZERO creative bones in your body (spoiler: you have a TON of creativity within you). Check out Sondra's work, including her podcast, The Unruffled Podcast, which she co-hosts with Tammi Salas, and where to find her on social media on her site: www.theunruffled.com

I am pleased as punch (non-alcoholic) to have the one and only Sean Paul Mahoney as my guest on Buzzkill Pod. He is the author of Now That You've Stopped Dying, a collection of fantastic essays based on his blog writings and other stories collected and published over the years. Sean is also the co-host of the queer recovery podcast Queer Mental Condition. On this episode we talk about Sean's book, we reminisce a bit about the blogging salad days and we get into the power of words in recovery - is "clean" an acceptable word? What about crackhead? Lush? We explore the language of recovery. And then we talk about our Christmas special ideas. It's all good. Links from show: You can find the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Now-That-Youve-Stopped-Dying/dp/1074801415) Queer Mental Condition Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/413944

What are sober influencers? What is sober curious mean? What are the cool kids doing when it comes to recovery and sobriety? And what does the traditional modes of recovery have to say about the way that recovery is going? Mentioned in the podcast: Longing For The Spirit: The Podcast :http://longingforthespirit.buzzsprout.com/ Email me at: buzzkillpod@gmail.com or paul@paulsilvacoaching.com for questions about recovery coaching!

Episode 50! The lost-but-not-really-lost episode of Buzzkill Pod! I reflect on this new episode and the NEW podcast that is to come. And as for the topic...ouch! I take on the juggernaut of Mommy Juice or the whole "Mommy Needs Wine" culture that seems to be pervasive on social media and beyond. Is it healthy? Or is it dangerous?

This is the final episode of Buzzkill, guys. Much love and blessings to you all.

This is an episode that I have been holding back on for a while, but I come to terms with my affiliation with 12 step recovery. Don't worry - there is nothing but love here, guys.

I talk about tips you can use when going out to those fancy or not-so-fancy shindigs and sock hops that involved alcohol and actually talking to other human beings. I also discuss re-framing what the holidays mean and keeping perspective. I also ramble. Govern yourselves accordingly.

In this episode I discuss the pitfalls of pain medication and how they can easily bring us down the rabbit hole of old behaviours and thoughts. I also talk about my new book, Longing For The Spirit, and twist your arms into buying it on Amazon.com on November 14th. Buzzkill Briefs: www.longingforthespirit.com IG: @longingforthespirit Twitter: @LFTS_Book Don't be shy - click away!

I talk about the deplorable act of 13th stepping - the entering of a sexual relationship with a newcomer in recovery by someone who has had considerable sober time. I speak about my concerns and feelings about it and also ways we can help combat it. I also give a shout out to two recovery folks who have great new books out: Daniel Maurer: Endure www.transformation-is-real.com Amy Dresner: My Fair Junkie www.amydresner.com Let me know your thoughts on 13th stepping: buzzkillpod@gmail.com

I look at the self-care in recovery. What does it look like? Why is it important? Included in here is the discussion of self-esteem and lack of. Also, I talk about snacking and napping...the highest forms of self-care. Amirite??

I talk about the journey to six years sobriety and also tackle the question of the week from last episode. New sounds and song! Buzzkill Briefs: Rebellion Dog Radio: https://soundcloud.com/rebellion-dogs

This week I talk about a surprise epiphany on my trip, the question of revealing or not revealing, and of course, the question of the week. Check it out, guys. It's not like you're that busy. Netflix can wait. Question of the Week: Is there a recovery buzzword or expression that really irks you? What is it, and how do you try and move past it? Or do you even bother? Let us know! email me at: buzzkillpod@gmail.com or call toll free at 1-844-249-2899

I talk about the nature and path of relapse. It's not fun, and it's NOT a part of recovery. But people come back from it, and they come back stronger. If you're coming back to recovery, or wondering what's up with relapse, please listen. Question of the Week: Are you open about your sobriety to everyone in your life? I am sure that most of our family and close friends know about it, but what about your co-workers? Your gym buddies? Neighbours? Let us know where you're at! You can email me at: buzzkillpod@gmail.com or call the toll free line to leave a delicious voice message: 1-844-239-2899

This podcast is a bit of this and a bit of that. Okay, not the most imaginative title, but give a guy a break. I can't be "on" all the time. Or maybe it's laziness. Or this cold. Regardless, I talk a bit about fellowship, about ruts, about the Q of the W, and bacon. So at least the bacon saves it. Buzzkill briefs: Check out Liv's fantastic blog while you're at it. You won't be sorry. And tell her I sent you. www.livsrecoverykitchen.com

I take a look at what it means to me to have a plan of action, and how opening myself up to what the universe can offer often leads me down paths of growth and change. I also read some listener feedback and play a few voicemails. Another Question of the Week too! Q of the W: who inspires you to live a better life? A parent? A spiritual guide or mentor? A musician? A fictional character? A teacher? Let me know - email at buzzkillpod@gmail.com or call toll-free at 1-844-249-2899.

In this hearty and beefy episode, I talk soup, yoga pants, and more importantly, the groovy and funky way the universe gives us hints and clues as to what the hell we need to do. Buzzkill Briefs: Drunkless Life: https://soundcloud.com/drunkless-life Question of the Week: What three things do you do on a regular basis to recharge your spirit? Let us know! email: buzzkillpod@gmail.com or call toll free at 1-844-249-7899

In his glorious, triumphant return* to podcasting, your host discusses the greatness that lies within us all. Warning: several sea / ship metaphors used, so if you're easily sea sick, please consult physician before listening. * = neither glorious nor triumphant.

If you're new and/or struggling, this is the one for you. I do some straight talk on how it was for me, what happened, and what it's like now. If you get anything out of this one, it's that you're worth it. You really are. Please stick around. We need you.

In this episode I share your answers to the question of who your greatest recovery ally is (and why) and I also go a little bit in depth on the importance of fellowship and leaning on one another. Buzzkill Briefs: Daniel Maurer: http://transformation-is-real.com/ Graham: https://guitarsandlife.wordpress.com/ Chris Freeman: http://www.sobercommand.com/force1

Get in your bouncy castle! In this episode I talk about the importance of laughter and play in our spiritual and recovery journeys. Question of the Week: Who is your greatest recovery ally...and why? Is it a sponsor? A spouse? A counselor? Perhaps a dear friend? No dogs or cats allowed in this week's answer!! Email your answers to: buzzkillpod@gmail.com OR leave a message at our toll-free number: 1-844-249-2899 (BUZZ) Looking forward to what you have to say!

I have the pleasure of talking to Stephen Girard - sober dude, recovery coach, recording artist, author, podcaster, former forest monk and all around groovy cat. Yes, I said forest monk. Stephen offers a few crazy moments in his drinking and drugging career and also some wisdom from his strong recovery time. You can find him at his home at www.realdealrecoverypod.com Please check it out!

I discuss the difference between activity and action, and the need to take action to make lasting changes.

In this podcast I discuss and share recovery books, from listeners and from my own library. Check out my list at: http://www.buzzkillpod.com/literature/ Also check out Claire Ruby Foster's new fiction book, I've Never Done This Before: http://sincerightnow.com/fiction-toc Patrick Melrose novels (trilogy) by Edward St. Aubrey - https://www.amazon.com/Patrick-Melrose-Novels-Never-Mothers/dp/0312429967

I discuss how letting go of external validations releases me from crippling comparison to others. Also, I kinda (but not really) rip on hipsters. But I love their music. Buzzkill Briefs: Check out Claire Ruby Foster's current work at The Recovery Revolution Online: http://sincerightnow.com/fiction-toc/

I discuss what it was like in the first 30 days, and oddly enough I received about 30 responses for this one - from phone calls to emails to tweets to Facebook comments and even a micro poem! Check it out - lots of wonderful experience, strength and hope coming from lots of recovery warriors. Buzzkill Briefs: Too many people to thank, but I did want to pass on blogger info and sites from some of the folks who participated: Shane Watson: http://silverladder.com/blog/ Daniel Maurer: http://transformation-is-real.com/ Liv's Recovery Kitchen: http://www.livsrecoverykitchen.com/ Mark Goodson: http://www.markgoodson.com/ Damien's blog: https://soberboots.org/ Abbie: https://abbieinwondrland.wordpress.com/ Question of the Week: What is your favourite recovery book? It can be a novel where there is recovery happening, or a character is in recovery. It can be a graphic novel, a memoir or a spiritual guide. It can even be something that doesn't have to do with recovery per se, but has helped you greatly in your journey! Leave me a voice message at 1-844-249-2899 (BUZZ) or drop an email at: buzzkillpod@gmail.com

The Rocket Man (aka Me) returns! It's been a few weeks, my dear cool cats. Let's jump back into things, shall we? This week I discuss the self of Self. Whoa, heavy stuff right? Not really. I also talk about candy. So that balances it out. Question of the Week - can you describe your first 30 days of recovery? A newcomer may love to hear what you have to say. Leave an email at buzzkillpod@gmail.com or leave a message at 1-844-249-BUZZ (2899)

(NOTE: I had put in the wrong voice call from Kristen on the first upload of this show. Thanks to Chris F. who pointed this out. My apologies to Kristen - the boo boo has been fixed. Now back to the show! April 29/16) On this Buzzkill, I share all YOUR hiding spots when you guys were being sneaky in your addiction. Where did hide your goods? Some classics are exposed here, and some really funny and strange ones too. I also talk about the whole idea of secrecy and how it corrodes trust. Buzzkill Briefs: Sondra - www.theunruffled.com Kristen - www.byebyebeer.wordpress.com Mark - www.markgoodson.com Dan - www.transformation-is-real.com Maggie - www.sobercourage.com Christina - www.soberunicorn.com Sean - https://soundcloud.com/sloshed-cinema-pod Question of the week: What place, person or thing brings you back to your using / drinking days in a flash? Is it a song? An ex? Share your thoughts: email: buzzkillpod@gmail.com twitter: @buzzkillpod phone: toll-free 1-844-249-BUZZ (2899)

In this episode, we answer the question: if you have stopped drinking and you're smoking marijuana, are you still considered sober? We have a few emails and our FIRST toll-free phone-in comments which attempt to answer that question. Great comments and of course, I add my two cents to the pile (Canadian currency, of course.) Thanks to everyone who chipped in with their thoughts! Buzzkill Briefs: Sean's podcast: https://soundcloud.com/sloshed-cinema-pod Question of the Week: What was your favourite place to stash your bottles or drugs? Leave an email at: buzzkillpod@gmail.com or call toll-free at 1-844-249-BUZZ (2899)

In this podcast I talk about the perils of isolating and how it can be dangerous for those who are in early recovery, or at any point in our journey. ALSO - I am introducing a TOLL-FREE number, where you can call and leave a message and be a voice in the next podcast! I would love to hear your answer to the Question of the Week (below). Just call 1-844-249-BUZZ (2899) and leave your thoughts. I will play them back on the next show! Question of the Week: You find out a friend of yours in recovery from alcoholism is smoking weed on the side. Not medicinal stuff, but to take the edge off, not to really get high. The question then is - are they still sober? You can call the number above, or you can email me at: buzzkillpod@gmail.com and I will read your responses on the next podcast!

I speak to Mark Goodson - poet, writer and blogger, about his work, about humility and what it's like to be a man in the 21st century. Please check out his work on his blog, which also has links to guest spots on other sites and blogs. Buzzkill Briefs: Mark's website - www.markgoodson.com Follow him on Twitter at: @ManInRecovery and he can be found on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/MarkGoodsonDotCom

Where is Paul these days?? He's right here, chillin' like a villain and talking about personal relationships in recovery. Relationships, namely romantic ones, can be tough at the best of times, but in recovery they are even more so. I mention some of the pitfalls of early recovery relationship and also about those who are in long-term relationships when they get into recovery.

I have the pleasure in speaking with Bob S, a recovering alcoholic and lust addict, who speaks candidly about his story and the damage his lusting and alcoholism/using caused him and his family. He also speaks about the healing that has happened in his recovery.

I talk about finding the passions and joys that bubble up after getting into recovery. My love of writing is discussed and how it carried me further into growth and discovery. We all have those groovy and wild and ordinary and magical things that speak to us once the noise of addiction dissipates. I share some of your pleasures in recovery. It's about doing the write thing {wink wink} Buzzkill Briefs: Graham's blog / website can be found here: https://guitarsandlife.wordpress.com/ Sean Paul Mahoney's Sloshed Cinema Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/sloshed-cinema-pod

Ok so this may be as rant-y as they come, but I like to think about it as being "passionate". I talk about the idea that our true journey isn't so much about being recovered, as it is about being fully human. Our struggles are unique in some ways, but overall our struggles as alcoholics and addicts are those of human beings everywhere else. Question of the Week: What three things have have surprisingly brought you joy since becoming sober? Can be the smallest thing or the biggest thing. Send your responses to: buzzkillpod@gmail.com

Everyone has a soundtrack to their lives, and being both in the grips of the grape and in recovery is no different. I share my thoughts on the power of music, and also share your personal choices of music before and after recovery. AND I announce the name for Lisa Neumann's fabulous book giveaway - "Sober Identity: Reprogramming the Addictive Mind". Listen up if it's your name I call! Thanks for all the musical choices guys - some wonderful songs out there of despair, hope and change!

I talk to the wonderful Lisa Neumann - author, blogger, life skills coach, recovery coach, founder of the Empower Recovery Center, Bioenergetic Health Practitioner and Theta Healing Practitioner. We discuss her book, her practices and her approach to coaching...and life. BOOK GIVEAWAY - Lisa was kind enough to give a copy of her book "Sober Identity - Reprogramming an Addictive Mind" for one of the listeners. To get a chance to receive a copy, go to the www.buzzkillpod.com website, and click on the "subscribe" button on the top. Enter your name and email address and you will be entered into the draw. One lucky winner will be sent a copy of Lisa's fantastic book. Enter today! Buzzkill Briefs: You can find Lisa at: http://empowerrecovery.com/ https://soberidentity.com/ Thanks to Lisa and please check out her work!

I have the pleasure of speaking to Chris Freeman, Recovery Program Coordinator and Media Outreach Administrator at the Power House Recovery Center in Houston, Texas. Chris has worked with countless men to help them on the road to a healthy and happy recovery, based on the 12-step program of AA. He has several lifetimes of "research" out in the field, and is very open about his own struggles and his own recovery. Buzzkill Briefs: Power House Recovery Center - http://powerhouserecovery.com/ Read some of Chris' stories on The Real Edition: http://bit.ly/1Kg0RY2 http://bit.ly/1mxtIeE And finally Chris can be found on Twitter at: @Yes2recovery

I look at the importance of goals, and the fears that surround them. I talk about my own goals and share some of the goals of some wonderful listeners. I look at the things that stop us from reaching our potential and finding our Authentic Selves. Question of the Week: What song reminds you of when you were active in addiction? What song symbolizes where you are now in recovery? Share away! I am looking forward in hearing what you have to offer up! Email me at: buzzkillpod@gmail.com

Not all anger is manifested in a rage that The Hulk would be envious of. I discuss how anger can present itself, and the ways to circumnavigate the raging ball of fire within. Lots of fantastic listener input on this show, who all share their ways of managing anger. Dig in! Buzzkill Briefs: Graham - https://guitarsandlife.wordpress.com/ Big H - @hdbigjourney Kat - @MoaningMomma Jane - @yujachingu Kristen - www.byebyebeer.wordpress.com Question of the Week: Where do you see yourself one year from now? How about five years? It need not be recovery related - just what goals / dreams you have for yourself. Or what do you want to see changed from within yourself at those times? 'Fess up! I would love to hear from those of you who don't normally respond - having new and fresh voices would be super-groovy! Email me at: buzzkill@gmail.com

Short, but chock full of goodness, this week's podcast talks about how you can change history! And no, this isn't some H. G. Wells thing happening here. Simply learning a few things can make a huge difference to our own stories and history. I talk about what has worked for me, and you get to hear me talk a little about some amends I have had to make. Oh, and there are some new stings and soundbites to look out for! (I have been feeling particularly jaunty this week.) Question of the Week: How do you manage your anger, when it crops up? Is there something you do deal with it? Let us all know! Please feel free to email at: buzzkillpod@gmail.com. Your confidentiality and anonymity is safe, if you so demand it!

Our first guest on the pod couldn't have been a better choice. Yours truly speaks with the wonderful and elegant Kristen Rybandt, blogger and recovery light extraordinaire. We talk about her story, how she started her blog and how life recovery has changed her inside and out. And we also chat about sugar...our fave topic! A lovely soul and it was pleasure to have her as our inaugural guest! Her blog can be found at www.byebyebeer.wordpress.com Buzzkill Briefs: Some of the blogs mentioned on this podcast: www.themiracleisaroundthecorner.wordpress.com www.guitarsandlife.wordpress.com www.runningonsober.com www.messageinabottleblog.wordpress.com http://sober-bia.blogspot.ca/

In which yours truly talks about the hardcore mind-body-spirit connection that is so vital to wellness and balance, especially in addiction. I talk about how and why I run, and what benefits moving the body can have on serenity. Plus, I almost cry. * *I don't cry at all. Question of the Week: Do you think Buzzkill should bring on guests? Or keep flying solo? My whole week's sanity rests on your shoulders. No pressure. Send your answers to buzzkillpod@gmail.com I will send little elves of energy your way if you email. I promise* *I don't promise

Is there a difference between being in recovery and being abstinent from alcohol? Isn't just being "sober" enough? Or does it mean something else entirely? I describe my experiences and observations on the one major difference between the two and how big an impact it can make in your recovery. Buzzkill briefs: I want to thank these cool cats for contributing their words of wisdom and insight to this podcast: Big H (my name for him): hdbigjourney (Twitter) Sara: @5arasmiles (Twitter) Question of the Week: no question this week guys - but stay tuned for next week's melon-scratcher!

In this episode, yours truly talks about fears, and how they hamper the spirit and our paths to being our authentic selves. I discuss this in the context of a sort of midlife crisis I have and there is also a murdering chainsaw in this episode. It has it all, really. Buzzkill Briefs: Contributors this episode were - Kevin - @1hevykevy (Twitter) Jane - @yujachingu (Twitter) Katie - http://singlemomaholic.com Cat - @MoaningMomma (Twitter) Susan - @susanroeder (Twitter) Aaron - @thewastedpoet (Twitter) Mary - @marybob143 (Twitter) Question of the Week: Do you feel there is a difference between being in recovery and being sober? Or maybe abstinence is enough? Is that sobriety as well? What say you? Leave your comments at buzzkillpod@gmail.com Always glad to here from you fine folks!!

I talk about gratitude and how we can shift our perspective using the simple tool of being grateful. I also talk about different ways to use gratitude as actions. And also poke fun at my American friends...just a touch. Buzzkill Briefs: Please check out www.sobercourage.com for fantastic posts, tips, tools and references for the newly sober or for those of us who need a tune up! Question of the Week: What are three of your great fears? Not just fears of spiders, or the dark or heights...but the heavier stuff. The stuff that stops you from moving forward, from shifting to another way of being...that kind of stuff. Send your tiny list to buzzkillpod@gmail.com. You can also DM me on Twitter @buzzkillpod, or if you're brave, you can leave them in the Sound Cloud comments below!

I look at how our addictions can come out in other ways, and in my case, how it comes out in food. A classic example of an addiction shifting into something else. A bit of a cathartic one guys, but hopefully not wallowing in self-pity (let me know if I missed that mark!) Lots of shout outs, so thanks to everyone who responded and shared their thoughts and stories. I really appreciate it. Question of the Week: no question this week (trick question?), as I am travelling for vacation, but promise to hit you all up sometime soon!