Disinfecting Sunlight

We’re crawling our way back. Just two more weeks.

What happens when a little boy is abandoned?  What happens when a little boy is abused?  Many turn to self-destructive behaviors like addiction.  Michael R. very bravely tells the story of where his experiences took him.  It was an honor to hold space for his story.If you would like to leave a comment on a particular episode or a suggestion, please leave us a voicemail at (214) 997-4985. To reach me via email: paul@disinfectingsunlight.comAlcoholics Anonymous - www.aa.orgNarcotics Anonymous - www.na.orgEpisode of The Oprah Winfrey show that we talked about and featured (all rights reserved by Harpo Productions) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbF0ZCu6y08None of the groups are affiliated or associated with Disinfecting Sunlight and are provided solely as resources for help.  I can be reached directly at paul@disinfectingsunlight.com 

Sarah Newbury joins us to talk about recovering from addiction, a bad marriage, and learning to live with bipolar disorder.  We also talk about coping with COVID.  If you would like to leave a comment on a particular episode or a suggestion, please leave us a voicemail at (214) 997-4985. To reach me via email: paul@disinfectingsunlight.comAlcoholics Anonymous - www.aa.orgNarcotics Anonymous - www.na.orgCoronavirus Support Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/3122945241050066/None of the groups are affiliated or associated with Disinfecting Sunlight and are provided solely as resources for help.  I can be reached directly at paul@disinfectingsunlight.comStay in the light,Paul

Randy Thomas, former VP of Exodus International and current Executive Director of Thrive LGBT+, joins us to talk about how he had to come out twice in his life from being an out and proud gay man to being a strong defender of the "Ex-Gay" Movement and finding his way back to the light...after 21 years.  It's a fascinating story and a brave one.If you would like to leave a comment on a particular episode or a suggestion, please leave us a voicemail at (214) 997-4985. To reach me via email: paul@disinfectingsunlight.comVisit Thrive LGBT+ online at thrive.lgbt (that's the entire web address) or at facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thrivelgbtAlcoholics Anonymous - www.aa.orgNarcotics Anonymous - www.na.orgNone of the groups are affiliated or associated with Disinfecting Sunlight and are provided solely as resources for help.  I can be reached directly at paul@disinfectingsunlight.comStay in the light,Paul

He's got the voice of a smooth jazz musician and a powerful story to go with it.  The thing that struck out to me in this interview was that there was never a lack of love and acceptance in his life, from the people that matter most.  I wonder how much power that brings to one's recovery. Listen and find out what I'm talking about.If you would like to leave a comment on a particular episode or a suggestion, please leave us a voicemail at (214) 997-4985. To reach me via email: paul@disinfectingsunlight.comAlcoholics Anonymous - www.aa.orgNarcotics Anonymous - www.na.orgNone of the groups are affiliated or associated with Disinfecting Sunlight and are provided solely as resources for help.  I can be reached directly at paul@disinfectingsunlight.comStay in the light, Paul

 If you like the show, consider a $5 donation to keep us up and running.  This can be a one time donation or a monthly one.  You can give here at paypal.me/disinfectingsunlightKari Ellingsen joins us to share her experience as a singer, writer, dancer, and actress who hit The Big Apple only to find a big addiction.  It took her two years to find her way back and boy, aren't we glad she did? If you would like to leave a comment on a particular episode or a suggestion, please leave us a voicemail at (214) 997-4985. To reach me via email: paul@disinfectingsunlight.comAlcoholics Anonymous - www.aa.orgNarcotics Anonymous - www.na.orgNone of the groups are affiliated or associated with Disinfecting Sunlight and are provided solely as resources for help.  I can be reached directly at paul@disinfectingsunlight.comStay in the light, Paul

Every once in a while an interview comes along that breaks, shakes, and awakes me.  This is the story of Christopher Stone, a 17 year old, from Santa Fe, Texas who went to school one morning and never returned home. His sister, Mercedez, has agreed to tell his story and the story of the family that now lives without him.Chris is one of 200 American students who have been killed by gun violence since Columbine in 1999.  If you think you know what that day was like from the reports you've seen in the media, you have no idea.  Grab a Kleenex and listen.  Our show is primarily listener funded.  Consider giving a monthly donation of $5 to keep us going: paypal.me/disinfectingsunlightStay in the light.

You don't need eyesight to see.  John Bramblitt proves that everyday.  He paints people he can't see with his eyes, but see with his hands.  He sees by feeling.  A combination of epilepsy and lyme disease left him blind by 30. This could've ruined his life, but he refused to let it.  He has two murals, one in Dallas and one in New York.  He's traveled all over the world teaching workshops on art, and he spent over an hour with me sharing his story.  I am beyond grateful for the opportunity.  If you want to learn more of his story or purchase one of his works, visit the links below:https://bramblitt.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Bramblitt/https://www.instagram.com/bramblitt/?hl=enOr if you want to buy his book:https://amzn.to/2ZV0TltOur show is primarily listener funded.  Consider giving a monthly donation of $5 to keep us going: paypal.me/disinfectingsunlightStay in the light.

If you like the show, consider a $5 donation to keep us up and running.  This can be a one time donation or a monthly one.  You can give here at paypal.me/disinfectingsunlight"A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. When those needs are not met, we don't function as we were meant to. We break. We fall apart. We numb. We ache. We hurt others. We get sick."Brene BrownJustin R joins us to talk about the trauma of being uprooted from his home in Texas to upstate New York, following a father struggling with alcoholism.  We talk about what happens to young gay boys when they do not feel acceptance or validation and how they numb that pain.  We talk about religious fanaticism and how traumatic that can be for children.  And we talk about how those forces combined led to a rough addiction and how he's found his way out.   If you would like to leave a comment on a particular episode or a suggestion, please leave us a voicemail at (214) 997-4985. To reach me via email: paul@disinfectingsunlight.comAlcoholics Anonymous - www.aa.orgNarcotics Anonymous - www.na.orgNone of the groups are affiliated or associated with Disinfecting Sunlight and are provided solely as resources for help.  I can be reached directly at paul@disinfectingsunlight.comStay in the light, Paul

“When you need to be loved, you take love wherever you can find it. When you are desperate to be loved, feel love, know love, you seek out what you think love should look like. When you find love, or what you think love is, you will lie, kill, and steal to keep it. But learning about real love comes from within. It cannot be given. It cannot be taken away. It grows from your ability to re-create within yourself, the essence of loving experiences you have had in your life.” ― Iyanla VanzantPatrick B joins us to talk about his journey from seeking intimacy in secret bars down back alleys to losing friends in the AIDS crisis to getting caught up in a crystal meth addiction.  He found recovery, and by doing his work, he found himself.  If you would like to leave a comment on a particular episode or a suggestion, please leave us a voicemail at (214) 997-4985. Alcoholics Anonymous - www.aa.orgNarcotics Anonymous - www.na.orgNone of the groups are affiliated or associated with Disinfecting Sunlight and are provided solely as resources for help.  I can be reached directly at paul@disinfectingsunlight.com

Heroes walk among us daily. This story is dedicated to the Walmart associates who became first responders and silent heroes that day, August 3rd, 2019.  Gilbert Serna, who many have deemed a hero, will tell us the story of that day from his eyes. A special thank you to all who contributed to this episode.  Texans are stronger than anyone who would try to divide us. Here are some numbers and places to turn to if you need grief counseling in the wake of this weekend's tragedy at Walmart:To speak to a counselor, text HOME to 741741 to be connected to a Crisis Counselor or call the Crisis Mental Hotline at 1-877-541-7905.You can call the Emergence Health Network Crisis Hotline at 915-779-1800.The VA of El Paso is urging any veterans who are victims or are family of any victims to call the Veteran Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. The El Paso Veterans Center is providing crisis counseling to all veterans in the El Paso area. They are located at 1155 Westmoreland Dr.. For more information call (915) 772-0013.

Billie Franklin is coming up on 3 decades clean from drugs and alcohol.  Her journey here was anything but easy though.  She's ready to shine some light on childhood abuse, living a double life, finding recovery, and the importance of boundary setting. If you would like to leave a comment on a particular episode or a suggestion, please leave us a voicemail at (214) 997-4985. Alcoholics Anonymous - www.aa.orgNarcotics Anonymous - www.na.orgNone of the groups are affiliated or associated with Disinfecting Sunlight and are provided solely as resources for help.  I can be reached directly at paul@disinfectingsunlight.com Share the show!

Cailey Baker of What It's Like Project joins us to talk about the traumas she's endured including a volatile childhood, a suicide attempt, and the death of two of her brothers.  She also talks about being in recovery and realizing that she's not actually an addict.  She also talks about her daily struggles with anxiety and depression.  Cailey has turned her pain into an outlet for others to share their own personal struggles with mental illness through What It's Like Project.  Visit links below for more info:http://www.whatitslikeproject.org/https://www.facebook.com/whatitslikeproject/https://www.instagram.com/whatitslikeproject/If you're in the Houston area and want to take part in What It's Like Project's next event, please email 3 examples of your artwork to info@whatitslikeproject.org, along with a description of how your artwork and artistry help fulfill our mission of removing the stigma of mental illness. We cannot wait to see your submissions. The event will be held on January 11, 2020. Not all submissions will be picked for the event.  

Doug joins us to prove that addiction doesn't always start with trauma.  He talks about growing up with instant gratification and how that fed into his addiction.  We also talk about how the current atrocities in the world affect the mental health of those who feel very deeply about others.  Please don't forget to support the show.  Share it.  Leave it 5 star reviews. Get a free audio book of your choice and a 30 day trial of Audible at www.audibletrial.com/disinfectingsunlight . If you're struggling, reach out to me: paul@disinfectingsunlight.com

Can you believe it's been 10 episodes already?! I feel like we're just getting started.  This episode contains some clips from previous episodes along with some never before released audio and lessons I've learned along the way. You'll also get to know me a little better and the reason why I say, "Girllllllll."Please don't forget to support the show.  Share it.  Leave it 5 star reviews. Get a free audio book of your choice and a 30 day trial of Audible at www.audibletrial.com/disinfectingsunlight . If you're struggling, reach out to me: paul@disinfectingsunlight.com

Shay Calhoun has a great life and a great husband, but rewind the clock 21 plus years and his world looked very different.  He shares with us the depths his addiction took him to and how he got and stayed clean for 21 years!  This is one of the funniest episodes thus far.  Please don't forget to support the show.  Share it.  Leave it 5 star reviews. Get a free audio book of your choice and a 30 day trial of Audible at www.audibletrial.com/disinfectingsunlight . If you're struggling, reach out to me: paul@disinfectingsunlight.com

PLEASE GIVE TO OUR FUNDRAISER IF YOU ARE ABLE.  HELP US SPREAD THE LIGHT.https://www.facebook.com/donate/698771117210146/Crystal M, my other BFF finally makes an appearance on the show.  This is a great interview spanning her time both in active addiction and in recovery.  We talk spirituality, the G word, and, of course, Brene' Brown.  You'll also hear how she walked through the fear of returning to a town synonymous with her using days and the lessons she learned from that experience.  Please don't forget to support the show.  Share it.  Leave it 5 star reviews. Get a free audio book of your choice and a 30 day trial of Audible at www.audibletrial.com/disinfectingsunlight . If you're struggling, reach out to me: paul@disinfectingsunlight.com

PLEASE GIVE TO OUR FUNDRAISER IF YOU ARE ABLE.  HELP US SPREAD THE LIGHT.https://www.facebook.com/donate/698771117210146/A tribute to Anne Marie Zamora who lost her battle with the disease of addiction, but left behind an amazing legacy including a son that left me speechless and a sister whose love for Anne Marie is palpable.  At a time when New Mexico was one of the worse states for opioid overdose, she got caught up like so many others, but her death is not in vain. The state has made significant strides in treatment for substance abuse. Her legacy lives on in her son as he works towards a higher education with an eye on practicing family law and her scholarship helps other nurses get through school.Thanks to Jason Lesperance, Nicole Barera, Tamara Engelbert, Nikki Clark, Velma Zamora-Thomas, Isaac Barela, and Anne Marie Zamora. If you would like to leave a comment on a particular episode or a suggestion, please leave us a voicemail at (214) 997-4985. What is a trauma egg and how can it help you?https://guillaumepetit-jean.weebly.com/blog/the-trauma-eggAlcoholics Anonymous - www.aa.orgNarcotics Anonymous - www.na.orgNone of the groups are affiliated or associated with Disinfecting Sunlight and are provided solely as resources for help.  Please don't forget to support the show.  Share it.  Leave it 5 star reviews. Get a free audio book of your choice and a 30 day trial of Audible at www.audibletrial.com/disinfectingsunlight . If you're struggling, reach out to me: paul@disinfectingsunlight.com

PLEASE GIVE TO OUR FUNDRAISER IF YOU ARE ABLE.  HELP US SPREAD THE LIGHT.https://www.facebook.com/donate/698771117210146/Episode 6: A Light Unto My PathPastor Curtis Smith of Trinity Metropolitan Community Church in Grand Prairie, TX joins us to talk about reparative therapy, the things we do while in shame, and the beauty of finding a church where one is accepted just as they are. Trinity MCC Meets Every Sunday at 11 AM933 East Avenue J, Grand Prairie, TX 75050You can visit their website at https://www.trinitymcc.orgOr like them on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/TrinityMetropolitanCommunityChurch/Please don't forget to support the show.  Share it.  Leave it 5 star reviews. Get a free audio book of your choice and a 30 day trial of Audible at www.audibletrial.com/disinfectingsunlight . If you're struggling, reach out to me: paul@disinfectingsunlight.com.  Join us on facebook at www.facebook.com/disinfectingsunlight. #recovery #podcast #podcasts #recoveryispossible #recoverywarrior#recoverywin #addiction #narcoticsanonymous #bloggerlove#bloggerlifestyle #disinfectingsunlight #courageovercomfort #daringgreatly#empathsofinstagram #teachersofinstagram #soulwork#mentalhealthrecovery #spirituality #religion #ministry #giftsofimperfection#vulnerability #shame #bravingthewildnerness #daringgreatly#thepathmadeclear#pride #pridemonth #lgbt #christianity

PLEASE GIVE TO OUR FUNDRAISER IF YOU ARE ABLE.  HELP US SPREAD THE LIGHT.https://www.facebook.com/donate/698771117210146/Kristine B joins us to share her triumph of 21 years clean from drugs and her early struggles of trying to stay clean while being a mom of young children. I had a spiritual awakening during the two day process of recording this.  I can't wait for you to hear it.  Links are provided below if you care to reach out to any of the organizations Kristine or I mentioned.  www.na.org - Narcotics Anonymousal-anon.org - Al-Anonadultchildren.org - Adult Children of Alcoholics/Dysfunctional FamiliesNone of the groups are affiliated or associated with Disinfecting Sunlight and are provided solely as resources for help.  Please don't forget to support the show.  Share it.  Leave it 5 star reviews. Get a free audio book of your choice and a 30 day trial of Audible at www.audibletrial.com/disinfectingsunlight . If you're struggling, reach out to me: paul@disinfectingsunlight.com.  Join us on facebook at www.facebook.com/disinfectingsunlight.

PLEASE GIVE TO OUR FUNDRAISER IF YOU ARE ABLE.  HELP US SPREAD THE LIGHT.https://www.facebook.com/donate/698771117210146/Nikki Clark shares her powerful story of not having her biological father around as a child, of moving to a new state and getting caught up in drugs and hustling.  Links are provided below by Nikki if you care to reach out to any of the organizations she mentions.   http://www.golifepointchurch.org/our-values/https://www.celebraterecovery.com/crgroupshttps://freedom.churchofthehighlands.com/https://www.na.org/None of the groups are affiliated or associated with Disinfecting Sunlight and are provided solely as resources for help.  If you would like to reach out to Nikki, her Facebook can be found at:https://www.facebook.com/HTownShynePlease don't forget to support the show.  Share it.  Leave it 5 star reviews. Get a free audio book of your choice and a 30 day trial of Audible at www.audibletrial.com/disinfectingsunlight . If you're struggling, reach out to me: paul@disinfectingsunlight.com.  Join us on facebook at www.facebook.com/disinfectingsunlight.  

Ronnie H, AKA Robot Ronnie, shares with us how the death of his mom led him down a dark path of self-discovery.  Please don't forget to support the show.  Share it.  Leave it 5 star reviews. Get a free audio book of your choice and a 30 day trial of Audible at www.audibletrial.com/disinfectingsunlight . If you're struggling, reach out to me: paul@disinfectingsunlight.com 

Joshua Korb of Korb's Custom Creations joins us to talk about how the incarceration of his mother changed the trajectory of his life and how it took him many tries to find his way back home or at least to the home he was always meant to have as a child.  Please note there is no korbscustomscreations website, but you can follow them on instagram.  Please don't forget to support the show.  Share it.  Leave it 5 star reviews. Get a free audio book of your choice and a 30 day trial of Audible at www.audibletrial.com/disinfectingsunlight . If you're struggling, reach out to me: paul@disinfectingsunlight.com

The Recovering Mother, Rhianna Korb, joins us for the long journey home.   Please don't forget to support the show.  Share it.  Leave it 5 star reviews. Get a free audio book of your choice and a 30 day trial of Audible at www.audibletrial.com/disinfectingsunlight . If you're struggling, reach out to me: paul@disinfectingsunlight.com