Casting Light

It's another Dan, Doug, and Deb episode today on Casting Light. Doug is incoherent as ever as we discuss our internal monologues and allowing ourselves to be proud of "little" accomplishments, and having acceptance for where you're at. We also talk about finding a purpose, therapy, the correctly adjusted astrology calendar, child labor, and Debbie's dumb inconsistent standards for action movies. Watch full episodes and clips on our Youtube page.Casting Light is on TikTokCasting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Intro music by PVNCY

Today we have Justin, a former client of the Guiding Light Recovery program from 4 years ago. We talk about mammals, semantics, evolution, social media addiction, dopamine feedback loops. Doug also recounts how Justin (who was in his third month of the recovery program when Doug came in) taught him an important lesson in telling him to shut up. Watch full episodes and clips on our Youtube page.Casting Light is on TikTokCasting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Intro music by PVNCY

Today we talk with Jordyn Bowman. She is a med student at Grand Valley State University and was recently awarded the Solstice Scholarship, which gives $500 to a GVSU or University of Michigan department of physical therapy student which they must then gift to another individual or cause. Jordyn had an epiphany that helping men and women struggling with substance abuse disorder was her cause to champion and sought out local organizations that can facilitate that. After researching she found that Guiding Light was the place that resonated with her most. We talk about why substance abuse treatment is so important to her, the ways in which our society treat it and how we can do better, and how loved ones, like her, are affected by this disease. We also try to wrangle as much free doctoral advice out of her as possible. Learn more about the Solstice Scholarship here.Watch full episodes and clips on our Youtube page.Casting Light is on TikTokCasting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Intro music by PVNCY

We had a banger of an episode this week with Guiding Light client Tim. We talk about his musical career in the American penitentiary system and have a nuanced discussion on the failures and shortcomings of incarceration in America. Beyond that we talk about what Tim's life looks like now in recovery and how he wants his future to look. Part of his future involves becoming an amateur ghost hunter which we are all about- also Prison Break was a good show. Watch full episodes and clips on our Youtube page.Casting Light is on TikTokCasting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Intro music by PVNCY

We've had some scheduling issues and had to scramble to get this out. Luckily we were able to run down the hall and grab Guiding Light intake manager Jalen to come on for another episode. It's the first warm spell of the year and we talk about how we're taking advantage of it, and how difficult it can be to do so in sobriety. We're also all over the place this episode and, admittedly, this and our last episode is more filler/fluff than we're comfortable with these being. We appreciate all of our listeners and we have some cool guests and entertaining episodes in the works, we promise lol. Watch full episodes and clips on our Youtube page.Casting Light is on TikTokCasting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Intro music by PVNCY

Just another Dan, Doug, and Debbie episode. We're having fun. Watch full episodes and clips on our Youtube page.Casting Light is on TikTokCasting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Intro music by PVNCY

Today we have Gwen and Jake from Camp Henry, a West Michigan summer camp serving the community since 1937. The connection between a camp for children and adults struggling with substance addiction? Clients of the Guiding Light Recovery program have been coming to Camp Henry for years. The reason is because the value of "play therapy," stepping outside of your comfort zone, and remembering how to have fun in sobriety is something that counselor's like our guests are experts in facilitating. We talk about the value of being a kid again in recovery, and how important it is as a means to not take yourself so seriously. If you are interested in learning more about Camp Henry go to www.CampHenry.orgWatch full episodes and clips on our Youtube page.Casting Light is on TikTokCasting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Intro music by PVNCY

We're talking about sadness. Daniel, Debbie, Doug, and returning guest Jalen talk about dealing with the ups and downs of life in recovery, and how we all handle things differently. Talking about how our "mental breakdowns" look different now, and how it is important to have a way to check in with yourself. We also talk about Doug's tracksuit, jacuzzis, weather, and Debbie's beef with a certain West Michigan coffee chain. Check it out here if you are interested in learning more about Guiding Light's sober living housing for women.Watch full episodes and clips on our Youtube page.Casting Light is on TikTokCasting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Intro music by PVNCY

We are glad to have returning guest Tori, and for the first time have the women outnumber the men on the pod. Tori recently moved in to Guiding Light's new sober living housing in Grand Rapids MI as a house manager. We talk about the problems of sober living housing, being "a dollar sign" instead of a human being in recovery, and the problems one faces in early recovery when moving in to sober living and still having to "live like a junkie." We also talk about how recovery has changed our moral compass, and the corresponding problems that can cause for us. Check it out here if you are interested in learning more about Guiding Light's sober living housing for women.Watch full episodes and clips on our Youtube page.Casting Light is on TikTokCasting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Intro music by PVNCY

Today we sit down with Chaz, a former community member of Guiding Light Recovery. We talk about the concept of "investing in pain," and taking full-advantage of the desperation that drove us to attempt sobriety. We also talk a lot about emotions, and how in early recovery one of the biggest surprises and reliefs can be how feelings come rushing back and how daunting it can be. Other topics discussed include snowmobiling, Daniel's work ethic, and Doug's new slogan for GLR. Casting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to https://guidinglightworks.org/ Check us out on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@casting_light... Audio-only episodes available on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6vzYMFf... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0... ...or pretty much anywhere else. Intro music by PVNCYhttps://soundcloud.com/pvncymusic

Ayy we're glad to be back from our new year's hiatus, happy 2023 everyone. We thought about what would be a good episode to return with, and we landed on our producer, Doug, having a difficult and personal conversation with his father, Jim, about his addiction to be compelling entertainment fodder. We talk about how Doug was, in hind-sight, an addict from a young age, and how that affected his development. We see the perspective of addiction from the other side, of parents, and how they deal with having a son or daughter struggling in that manner. Doug's Dad recounts how he rejected a lot of advice he got about how to deal with his son, and said it was his job "to keep him alive and have a safe place to be until he was ready to get better." We talk about how this bucks a lot of the conventional "tough love" wisdom of many in the recovery community, but Doug concedes that it is likely the only reason he is still alive today. ALSO - An announcement, we will no longer be doing weekly episodes, and will be moving to releasing eps on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month...sorry, me and Debbie have real jobs too. Watch full episodes and clips on our Youtube page.Casting Light is on TikTokCasting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Intro music by PVNCY

Happy holidays everyone, we will be back January 27th. Watch full episodes and clips on our Youtube page.Casting Light is on TikTokCasting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Intro music by PVNCY

Today we have our guest Luke. Luke got sober at a young age and recalls one of the things that propelled him to do so was the encouragement of others in the program wishing they had done so when they were in his position. We talk about how it is easier now than ever for young people to get sober, and how the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health in our society is getting better. Other topics include spending the holidays in the psych ward, true crime, the spiritual principle of humility, and practicing patience and understanding with people who "aren't ready yet." Watch full episodes and clips on our Youtube page.Casting Light is on TikTokCasting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Intro music by PVNCY

Today we have guest Andy Bob, and special guest-host and Daniel's replacement, Nick. Andy Bob went through Guiding Light Recovery over three years ago and has come back to talk about the life he's been living since. We talk about being in active addiction and the obsession of finding the "one thing" that will fix everything, be it medication, location, new job, new relationship...anything other than putting in the actual work to fix your problem. Other topics include being "high functioning," the ups-and-downs of day-to-day life, mental health, and going to rehab. Watch full episodes and clips on our Youtube page.Casting Light is on TikTokCasting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Intro music by PVNCY

Today our guest is Sam (Doug's sponsor). Topics discussed include the double-edged aspects of having strong beliefs, the importance of therapy/sponsorship, the pros and cons of being "harsh" with someone you care about, and what "knowing" really means. Also we discuss how much of a mess and difficult and annoying Doug was in early sobriety. Watch full episodes and clips on our Youtube page.Casting Light is on TikTokCasting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Intro music by PVNCY

We have a very special Thanksgiving themed episode this week. Returning guest DJ, Debbie, and Doug discuss the importance of boundaries with friends and families. We also talk about how sobriety has changed the way we celebrate the holidays. Watch full episodes and clips on our Youtube page.Casting Light is on TikTokCasting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Intro music by PVNCY

Today we sit down with Paul, whom Doug initially expresses skepticism towards because he got sober younger than he did. Topics discussed include the importance of having meaningful relationships with others, living a fulfilling life, what "fun" is (and how difficult of a concept this is to grasp in early recovery,) what it means to be "functioning," and the difficulties of putting yourself out there as you get older. Watch full episodes and clips on our Youtube page.Casting Light is on TikTokCasting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Intro music by PVNCY

It's the all-male Casting Light team again with Dan, Doug, and returning 3-peat guest Ryan. Topics discussed include...you guessed it, substance abuse... We talk about how we are all in our 30s and in college. We also talk about a phenomenon that many of us experience in rehab and early recovery, which is the belief that 'hey I've been sober for 2 months, I bet I would be really good at helping other people get sober now.' Ryan discusses how he fought that instinct out of rehab and the path he took to eventually working with peer-support in the Department of Corrections before becoming a Recovery Coach himself at Guiding Light. Watch full episodes and clips on our Youtube page.Casting Light is on TikTokCasting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Intro music by PVNCY

Jimmy came to Guiding Light over 3 years ago seeking treatment for alcoholism. Like many of us in recovery, relapse is a part of his story, and while we do go into that it doesn't define who he, or any of us are. We talk about what is working for us today, and why the life Jimmy has built for himself since then is worth staying sober for. We touch on how the decision to relapse is made long before one picks up again, and how deceptive the brain can be even in sobriety. Jimmy also recalls when Doug came into Guiding Light a few months after him and recounts a tale of his embarrassingly large and delusional ego. Watch full episodes and clips on our https://www.youtube.com/user/grlifeonthestreet (Youtube page). Casting Light is on https://www.tiktok.com/@casting_light_podcast (TikTok) Casting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to https://guidinglightworks.org/ (GuidingLightWorks.org) Intro music by https://soundcloud.com/pvncymusic (PVNCY)

Today our guest is Christian, a current client at Guiding Light Recovery. In this episode we discuss high school, disassociating, homelessness, the periodic table, autonomy. We also talk about the mindset shift one has to make in sobriety where life can no longer be defined as something that always happens to you, and moving forward requires one to take responsibility for their agency. Watch full episodes and clips on our https://www.youtube.com/user/grlifeonthestreet (Youtube page). Casting Light is on https://www.tiktok.com/@casting_light_podcast (TikTok) Check out the Guiding Light https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrandRapids/StridesForUnity5K (Strides for Unity 5k) on October 23rd 2022 in Grand Rapids MI. Casting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to https://guidinglightworks.org/ (GuidingLightWorks.org) Intro music by https://soundcloud.com/pvncymusic (PVNCY)

Today we sit down with Brett, a Guiding Light Recovery alumni. We break down how recovering from a crippling addiction to drugs and alcohol is a lot like the beloved 1986 Atari video game Frogger. This was not Brett's first time in treatment but it is the first time, by his own admission, that he is doing it for himself. Topics discussed include being a father in recovery, being willing to reach out for help after a relapse (and how as addicts we have a tendency to over-inflate our importance in other people's lives), self-love, copyright laws, elder berries, Mount Rushmore, hibernation, etc.... Watch full episodes and clips on our https://www.youtube.com/user/grlifeonthestreet (Youtube page). Casting Light is on https://www.tiktok.com/@casting_light_podcast (TikTok) Check out the Guiding Light https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrandRapids/StridesForUnity5K (Strides for Unity 5k) on October 23rd 2022 in Grand Rapids MI. Casting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to https://guidinglightworks.org/ (GuidingLightWorks.org) Intro music by https://soundcloud.com/pvncymusic (PVNCY)

Dan, Debbie, and Doug sit down to ostensibly talk about life coaching and sponsorship in recovery, but get off the rails pretty quickly. Other topics discussed include depression, therapy, dealing with living a new life beyond survival mode, men/women in society, Philip K. Dick novels...and genocide. Watch full episodes and clips on our https://www.youtube.com/user/grlifeonthestreet (Youtube page). Casting Light is on https://www.tiktok.com/@casting_light_podcast (TikTok) Check out the Guiding Light https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrandRapids/StridesForUnity5K (Strides for Unity 5k) on October 23rd 2022 in Grand Rapids MI. Casting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to https://guidinglightworks.org/ (GuidingLightWorks.org) Intro music by https://soundcloud.com/pvncymusic (PVNCY)

Our first ever all-male episode, also maybe one of our worst..or best depending on what you're in to. We're in the process of building a new studio and Doug is mad about it, so we're recording in Ryan's office. We sit down and discuss that old friend that makes you revert to your immature self, the pros/cons of drug legalization, and what we wish someone had told us when we were younger and started using. *Also, the next few weeks are going to be tough getting episodes out since we do not have a formal spot to record, we will try to keep content coming out weekly but we may not so...sorry to our 5 listeners, we promise you will get your Casting Light fix soon enough. Watch full episodes and clips on our https://www.youtube.com/user/grlifeonthestreet (Youtube page). Casting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to https://guidinglightworks.org/ (GuidingLightWorks.org) Intro music by https://soundcloud.com/pvncymusic (PVNCY)

Our guest today, Kevin, came in to Guiding Light over 3 years ago not with the intention of getting sober but of having a roof over his head for the winter. Despite our prodding he "doesn't know what happened" but somehow he is a great example of what success and moving forward in recovery looks like. We discuss the systemic issues of chronic homelessness, and how Kevin was able to break out of that cycle. We also talk about what we would do if we could regress to age 12 again, and Daniel recalls a surreal encounter with a raccoon when he was homeless. Watch full episodes and clips on our https://www.youtube.com/user/grlifeonthestreet (Youtube page). Casting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to https://guidinglightworks.org/ (GuidingLightWorks.org) Intro music by PVNCY https://soundcloud.com/pvncymusic (soundcloud.com/pvncymusic )

Jalen is 22 and getting out of rehab at Guiding Light Recovery (GLR) tomorrow. GLR is a 4-month inpatient substance abuse treatment program provided to men in Grand Rapids, MI. at no financial cost...and is the namesake of this podcast if you didn't know. Also, to make things weirder, Debbie is Jalen's Life Coach and Doug is his sponsor. We talk about how his experience coming through GLR and the unique way it is structured. Doug shares a really dumb thing he did as a recovering alcoholic because of his "artistic insecurities." Debbie talks about her own recovery from an eating disorder and the role she plays in her client's journeys. Also, we discuss how, atleast for Jalen and Doug, rehab was unironically, incredibly fun. The ability to share in the insane experience of being grown adults voluntarily locking yourselves out of the world because you can't stop killing yourself is hilarious when you think about it. Watch full episodes and clips on our https://www.youtube.com/user/grlifeonthestreet (Youtube page). Casting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to https://guidinglightworks.org/ (GuidingLightWorks.org) Intro music by PVNCY https://soundcloud.com/pvncymusic (soundcloud.com/pvncymusic )

No guest, it's just Dan, Debbie, and Doug today. Are we getting off topic? Maybe. You can't talk about recovery all the time though I mean nobody wants to hear that. Topics discussed include consciousness, perception, control, social work, academia, psychology, panspermia, existentialism...all sorts of stuff. Watch full episodes and clips on our https://www.youtube.com/user/grlifeonthestreet (Youtube page). Casting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to https://guidinglightworks.org/ (GuidingLightWorks.org) Intro music by PVNCY https://soundcloud.com/pvncymusic (soundcloud.com/pvncymusic )

Debbie is sick, so it's just the guys and our guest Lauryn. Things get good right out of the gate as Daniel describes a subset of women as "basic" to which Lauryn immediately pushes back on. We had a ton of fun and had a very off the cuff but productive discussion about gender, generational trauma, privilege, parents, and learning to stop living as a victim. Watch full episodes and clips on our https://www.youtube.com/user/grlifeonthestreet (Youtube page). Casting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to https://guidinglightworks.org/ (GuidingLightWorks.org) Intro music by PVNCY https://soundcloud.com/pvncymusic (soundcloud.com/pvncymusic )

Today we sit down with Independent artist and singer Robert Hawkins. We talk about life in recovery and his struggles getting through the pandemic with his sanity intact. We discuss depression, mental health, creativity, and the importance of spirituality in sobriety. Also Doug turns the coaching tables on Daniel and his vehement refusal to accept accolade. Check out Robert's music @ https://linktr.ee/iamrhawkins (https://linktr.ee/iamrhawkins ) Watch full episodes and clips on our https://www.youtube.com/user/grlifeonthestreet (Youtube page). Casting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to https://guidinglightworks.org/ (GuidingLightWorks.org) Intro music by PVNCY https://soundcloud.com/pvncymusic (soundcloud.com/pvncymusic )

So it turns out ice-skating is a surprisingly apt metaphor for recovery. Today we sit down with our guest Megan and discuss how important it is to re-think the concept of self-will in early sobriety. Talking about how the values instilled in us by contemporary society, namely that we have to be completely self-reliant and cannot ask for help, actually can significantly hamstring an addict trying to get sober. We also share some jail stories, some homeless stories, and whether you would want a dog or a cat with laser eyes. Casting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to https://guidinglightworks.org/ (GuidingLightWorks.org) Intro music by PVNCY https://soundcloud.com/pvncymusic (soundcloud.com/pvncymusic )

Today we sit down with our guest Nick to talk about the insanity of active addiction and the issues surrounding addicts in the American criminal justice system. Also how he broke that cycle for himself, and what he thinks needs to change about it. Lots of brain science and psychology in this episode too. We also talk about quantum computing, aliens, and the James Webb telescope. Casting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to https://guidinglightworks.org/ (GuidingLightWorks.org) Clips/full episodes are available on our https://www.youtube.com/user/grlifeonthestreet (Youtube channel.) Intro music by PVNCY https://soundcloud.com/pvncymusic (soundcloud.com/pvncymusic)

Daven Crump is the Director of the Guiding Light Recovery program. He is a Grand Rapids-native but recently moved back here from Chicago. Even though we are skeptical of his "clinical" background, it's clearly invaluable having him here doing the important work of running Recovery at Guiding Light. Honestly, this episode got very off the rails. We talk about his passion for substance abuse treatment, but also about carjackings, conspiracies, piano lessons, and starting our own cat therapy business. Daven, we would love to have you on again another time when we're more on our A-game. Casting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Clips/full episodes are available on our https://www.youtube.com/user/grlifeonthestreet (Youtube channel.) Intro music by PVNCY soundcloud.com/pvncymusic #sobriety #sober #podcast

Today we sit down with our guest, Tori, to talk about her experience with MRCNA, the Michigan Regional Convention of Narcotics Anonymous, which was held recently in Grand Rapids. We had a brutally honest discussion about the allure of relapsing and why it's so hard to stay clean. Topics include the importance of not judging your thoughts, the importance of getting involved in service work in early recovery, and maintenance for the mind, body & spirit. We also learn that all 4 of us experience the "call of the void" which is the apparently common psychological phenomenon in which one gets "the feeling when you stand in a high place and think about jumping, but don't actually want to and don't actually do it." To learn more about MRCNA check out: https://michigan-na.org/mrcna/ Casting Light is a production of Guiding Light, a free in-patient substance abuse treatment program offered to men in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to GuidingLightWorks.org Intro music by PVNCY soundcloud.com/pvncymusic #sobriety #sober #podcast

Happy to welcome our first not-a-man guest Jada on this week's episode of Casting Light. Jada is a huge personality in the recovery community of Grand Rapids, MI. and has been an inspiration to so many men and women in early sobriety. Jada's connection with Guiding Light began when she started facilitating group workout classes with the men of our Recovery program over a year ago. We talk about defense mechanisms, making the transition from early to long-term recovery, and the connection of physical and mental health. Jada is a certified personal/nutritional trainer and the owner of Jada BOOM Fitness which you can check out at facebook.com/jadaBOOMfitness To learn more about Guiding Light you can visit https://guidinglightworks.org/ (www.GuidingLightWorks.org) Our intro music is produced by PVNCY: https://soundcloud.com/pvncymusic (soundcloud.com/pvncymusic) ...also Doug said he would put his beats in the shownotes...https://soundcloud.com/doogie_schnauzer (soundcloud.com/doogie_schnauzer)

It's the Doug & Doug show. Daniel is out this week, so it's just Doug and Debbie sitting down with our esteemed guest...Doug. Our guest Doug and producer Doug actually went through rehab at Guiding Light together over 2 years ago. We talk about how the concept of getting 1% better everyday in early sobriety. How it takes time to hit the inflection point where one's life becomes worth staying sober for, but when it does how worth it it is. We talk about the importance of community, and whether or not everything happens for a reason. Whether it's a coincidence or not, it's important to practice gratitude for the actions ("good" and "bad") we may or may have had no control over that led us to where we are now. Guiding Light is a free substance abuse treatment program in Grand Rapids, MI. To learn more go to: www.GuidingLightWorks.org You can watch clips/full episodes of Casting Light on Youtube @ https://www.youtube.com/user/grlifeonthestreet

Today we sit down with David Halvorson, founder of the Windy Willow Foundation, a Grand Rapids-based non-profit dedicated to a more focused and actionable step working towards the goal of bettering the community of mental health initiatives. Or as he puts it: "Windy Willow is a project that is working daily to make it better." David founded Windy Willow in college after experiencing the loss of close friends to suicide and seeing the huge blind spots communities have when it comes to mental health and access to resources. On this episode we discuss "brain science", the importance of community, and talk frankly about the dying model of traditional non-profits and how the concept of perpetual growth can distract organizations from making a positive impact. We also learn that some sharks can swim in freshwater. Support Windy Willow @ windywillowco.com To find out more about Windy Willow Foundation check out windywillowfoundation.org Also, Windy Willow is having a golf outing on August 13th, get the details https://www.facebook.com/events/265737745561513/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%2252%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22[%7B%5C%22surface%5C%22%3A%5C%22share_link%5C%22%2C%5C%22mechanism%5C%22%3A%5C%22share_link%5C%22%2C%5C%22extra_data%5C%22%3A%7B%5C%22invite_link_id%5C%22%3A1059551998249752%7D%7D]%22%7D (here) and sign-up https://events.golfstatus.com/event/945f552b-6b21-41df-8cd7-3a31fcdab1bb/details/registration-details?fbclid=IwAR0tRrBkrYeFUJF_Oh2zGUBGcNI_unhJd0oisBArOZcvrFQNLQjY7QbaUyI (here.)

Victor has been sober for 4 years but came to Guiding Light following a severe mental health crisis during which he "laid in bed for 18 days" and found himself seriously considering suicide. Following a welfare check by local police he decided to go to a crisis residential center, and then to try his luck getting into the Guiding Light Recovery program, which he heard about through a friend in a 12-step support group. We talk about the benefits of therapy, being a "dry drunk," and the importance to getting to the roots of your issues in recovery beyond just the substance-abuse problems. To Learn more about Guiding Light go to: www.GuidingLightWorks.org You can watch full episodes/clips on Youtube @ Casting Light Podcast

Today we sit down with Nick, who has been at Guiding Light as a client-or rather, a community member- for 4 months. We talk about rehab, and how tough it is to not leave when you get here, when "every fibre of your being" is telling you to do what you've always done and run away from your problems. The longer in active addiction, the harder it becomes to face your demons, something Dan, Doug, and Nick all have personal experience with.

Today we sit down with Dan Post, a Michigan representative of The Phoenix, a national non-profit that provides an active community for men and women recovering from drugs and alcohol. Dan coaches free exercise classes out of 8th Day Gym in Grand Rapids available to anyone in or out of recovery, the only requirement to participate in Phoenix events is 48 hours of sobriety. We also talk about how Dan got to where he is today, the importance of having meaningful relationships and community support in recovery, and how he works to provide that for those that want it. We also discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in sobriety and Doug's blatant hypocrisy. If you want to get involved with The Phoenix as a participant or volunteer you can go to: https://thephoenix.org/ Or you can download The Phoenix app available in the Google Play or App Store.

We sit down with Guiding Light life coach and former recovery client Ryan to discuss his recovery from severe alcoholism. We drill him on the chicken or the egg situation with regards to his brush with liver failure at 23 years old; "was it the whiskey or the 5000mgs of tylenol a day you were taking because 'your liver hurt?" We talk about what's been keeping him going the last 4 years of sobriety, justifying your disease, and the importance of feeling good physically in recovery.

We sit down with Guiding Light life coach Mike Ryan. Discussing how it's never just as simple as "putting it down" when it comes to getting sober. Also Doug and Daniel try to parse out the difference between a "stand" and a "stan." Watch Clips/Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/user/grlifeonthestreet Learn more about Guiding Light: https://guidinglightworks.org/ Watch Mike's Story on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/610748933 (https://vimeo.com/610748933)

DJ went through the Guiding Light Recovery program and recently celebrated a year of sobriety. We talk about rituals, fun in addiction, and hiding who you are not only from others, but yourself as well. Debbie discusses the interesting psychological crossovers from her struggles with having an eating disorder to the struggles many face with addiction. We all have something. Watch Clips/Full Episodes: https://linktr.ee/casting_light_podcast (https://linktr.ee/casting_light_podcast) Watch DJ's testimonial: https://vimeo.com/661237633 (https://vimeo.com/661237633)

What happens when you get together a recovering alcoholic, heroin addict, and under-employed social worker to record a podcast? You get Season 2 of Casting Light, a podcast from Guiding Light...so we decided to take things in a different direction this season and to find a medium within which we can talk more conversationally about the complexities of life in recovery from the perspectives of those living it. We may not know what we're doing but we hope you can join us on our journey as we figure it out. To find out more about Guiding Light go to: www.GuidingLightWorks.org To watch full episodes of Casting Light you can go to our youtube page at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCby7CmFijj-PJpSjq5jW4lA

Pat came to Guiding Light 7 months ago and recently moved out to Iron House, our sober living apartments in Kentwood. After struggling with alcoholism for years and coming in and out of treatment multiple times, he decided he finally had enough and mustered up the courage to call us.

April Harrell is the Director of Organizational Leadership and Development at The Job Post, a social enterprise of Guiding Light. The Job Post is a full-service talent placement firm, specializing in full-time, sustainable work. It exists to serve men and women in their quest for consistent work and new job opportunities. We believe at Guiding Light in giving people the means to support themselves, which is why at The Job Post all available placements are required by us to be paid a sustainable, livable wage of at least $15/hr or more.

Scott came to Guiding Light five months ago. Struggling with chronic alcoholism, destitution, and homelessness had finally taken enough of a toll on him that he had reached his rock bottom. Despite personal tragedy and gnawing uncertainty about his life, he stuck it out and has hope today for a better future.

A big piece of recovery is stepping into uncomfortability. It's safe to say Jim was very uncomfortable arriving at the doors of Guiding Light 6 months ago. Making the decision to get sober is one of the most difficult and uncomfortable decisions a person can make, and learning to embrace this change is the key to getting better. This was certainly the case for Jim.

Donnie came to Guiding Light in September of 2021 after waking up in a Three Rivers emergency room after a drinking binge. He later discovered he had already been there for three days. He didn't know what to expect, but knew he had to do something about his alcoholism. Today he has found hope, strength, and a life worth looking forward to. Sponsored by Treadstone Funding www.TreadstoneMortgage.com

“When people ask me what it's like in here I say it's not about singing hymns, it's about recovery first.” Scott has been working with men in the Guiding Light Recovery program for years now since his own son was in the program. He holds weekly book studies and also works as a Spiritual Director, offering clients one-on-one guidance through the first steps on the long road of sobriety. Sponsored by Treadstone Funding www.TreadstoneMortgage.com

Listen to episodes of Casting Light at: GuidingLightWorks.org/Podcasts Woody has been working with men of the Guiding Light Recovery program for years now. Being in substance abuse recovery himself, he has been mentoring and “giving guidance” to men as they embark on the journey of sobriety. Volunteers like Woody, who give their time and patience to men at this crucial stage of their recovery, is an integral part of our program. Sponsored by Treadstone Funding www.TreadStoneMortgage.com

Brad was called to Guiding Light years ago when he started mentoring men in our Recovery program. As a man in substance abuse recovery himself, Brad understands the importance of community, paying it forward and giving the support to others that he received so freely himself. Sponsored by Treadstone Funding www.TreadstoneMortgage.com

Dan came to Guiding Light 9 years ago after realizing he couldn't keep living the lie that he was a "functioning drunk." After graduating the Recovery program and spending 18 months at Iron House, Dan has been able to rebuild his relationship with himself, with others, and with God. Sponsored by Treadstone Funding www.TreadstoneMortgage.com