LIFE BEYOND OUR WILDEST DREAMS recovery podcast

DISCOVERING MY SISTER LESLEY HAD A DAUGHTER AND I HAD A NIECE AND MY NIECE HAD GREATS WAS A SHOCK DO NOT KNOW WHY AS WAS SO FOCUSED ON LOCATING LESLEY NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT HER HAVING CHILDREN ... SO FUNNY NOW ...I AM A BIT SLOW AT TIMES WHAT A SURPRISE GINA HER HUSBAND WILL AND THIER CHILDREN MY GREAT NEPHEWS KOLTON AND JAX AND GREAT NIECE ADDI OF COURSE BEING AN AUNTIE WAS AWESOME AND US LIVING IN SAME PROVINCE SO NICE TOO AS LESLEY RESIDES IN MEXICO WITH HER HUSBAND BRUCE BEING GREAT AUNTIES RIGHT AWAY AWESOME THE KIDS ARE FUN TO WATCH AND THE FIRSTS HAVE BEEN A BLAST ALL HAVE SUCH INDIVIDUAL PERSONALITIES SO THIS IS A SERIES OF QUESTIONS AUNT AND NIECE OF THIS LAST YEARS JOURNEY .. ENJOY SUBSCRIBE LISTEN PASS ALONG AND LEAVE A COMMENT ... THIS ENTIRE EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN BEYOND MY WILDEST DREAMS I THANK LESLEY AND GINA FOR SHARING THEIR EXPERIENCES AS WELL IN THIS REUNION .. THE LAST UPDATE WILL BE DONE IF LESLEY AND I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET AGAIN IN PERSON THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR INTEREST AND FOR YOUR SUPPORT THIS LAST YEAR

SISTERS LOST AND FOUND AFTER 41 YEARS SHARE HOW THE FIRST YEAR BEING REUNITED HAS BEEN THE LESSONS AND THE CHALLENGES HOW FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE RESPONDED AND HOW THEY HAVE BUILT THEIR NEW RELATIOSHIP NOW AS OLDER SISTERS SHARING THEIR HISTORY AND HERITAGE AND LIFE EXPERIENCES THEIR LIFE EXPERIENCES VERY DIFFERENT AND AT THE SAME TIME PARALLEL ITS NOT AS EASY AS YOU WOULD THINK BUT BOTH AGREE THE RISK WAS WORTH IT AND THEY WILL HAVE A LIFETIME TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER AS SIBLINGS NOW SOMETHING THAT WAS ON PURPOSE TAKEN AWAY FROM THEM BOTH BY THEIR SHARED PARENT THEY TOGETHER NOW THEY WIN NEVER SAY NEVER NEVER GIVE UP

GREAT CHAT AS ALWAYS WITH PODCASTER AND CHEF ANTHONY CAPOZZOLI HE LIVES IN FLORIDA WITH HIS WIFE AND TWO YOUNG SONS HE IS IN RECOVERY NOW 6.5 YRS AND HAS MADE MANY LIFESTYLE CHANGES AGE 53 HE NOW HE GETS UP DAILY AT 430 TO DO HIS CROSSFIT EXERCISE HE KEEPS A DAILY ROUTINE HE THEN DOES ALL HIS COOKING FRESH FREE OF FILLERS AND ADDITIVES AND PRESERVATIVES HE IS A BIG BELIEVER IN CLEAN EATING HE MAKES EVERYTHING FROM SCRATCH HE DONATES A LASAGNA A WEEK TO A FOOD PROGRAM HE DELIVERS ANONYMOUSLY A LASAGNA AND FRESH LOAF OF BREAD TO A FAMILY IN NEED HIS WAY TO GIVE BACK TO HIS COMMUNITY HE SHARES HOW FOOD CHANGES AND CLEAN EATING HAS IMPROVED HIS SONS BEHAVIOURS AND SLEEP SO MUCH WAS DISCUSSED IN THIS SHORT WELLNESS EPISODE DO NOT WANT TO MISS IT SUBSCRIBE LISTEN AND LEAVE A COMMENT AND SHARE

WORLD KNOWN ARTIST A PHILANTHROPIST AN ORDER OF BC RECIPIENT AS WELL AS THIS YEAR RECIPIENT OF THE ORDER OF CANADA 2024 JOE WAS BORN OCT 10-1957 AS BROCK DAVID TEBBUTT IN VICTORIA BC HE IS ALWAYS WELL DRESSED COMPLETE WITH FLUEVOG SHOES FROM HIS COLLECTION COMPLETE WITH HIS PEARLS ALWAYS GREETS YOU WITH A SMILE AND A HUG TO JOE YOU ARE NEVER A STRANGER ONLY FRIENDS HE HAS NOT YET MET HE IS A TEACHER AND EDUCATES ALL ON HIV AND AIDS HE PARTICIPATES IN A HUMAN LIBRARY WHERE ALL CAN ASK ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT HIV AND AIDS ANFD HIS 40 YEAR JOURNEY AS A SURVIVOR HE SUPPORTS LOVING SPOONFUL CHARITY AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS HE DONATES HIS ART TO RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITIES HE IS ALWAYS GIVING BACK A REAL CITIZEN OF THE WORLD THANK YOU JOE FOR YOUR SUPPORT TO US ALL IN THE LGBTQ2S + COMMUNITY AND FOR SHARING YOUR WELLNESS JOURNEY WITH US TODAY IT WAS AN HONOUR TO HAVE YOU ON MY PODCAST CHECK OUT JOES ART WORK ON HIS WEBSITE JOE AVERAGE.COM FOLLOW HIM ON FACE BOOK UNDER BROCK JOE TEBBUTT AND HE IS ALSO ON INSTAGRAM I JOE AVERAGE NOT AT ALL AVERAGE AN AMAZING HUMAN WHO HAS CHANGED MANY LIVES INCLUDING MINE AND CHARLEYS THANK YOU JOE

TODAY MATT GREEN JOINED ME FROM PENZANCE UK WHEN MATT WAS EXPERIENCING INCREASED DRINKING HE DECIDED HE WOULD TRY RUNNING AND DURING THOSE TIMES STAYED SOBER AFTER REALIZING THERE WAS A BIGGER PROBLEM WITH THE ALCOHOL HE DECIDED TO GET SOBER AND HAS NOW BEEN IN RECOVERY 5 YRS HE HAS RETURNED TO RUNNING AND COMPLETED HIS FIRST 1/2 MARATHON TODAY HE WORKS FULL TIME HE IS AN ACTIVE FATHER OF TWO AND RUNS MOST DAYS HIS DIET HAS CHANGED AND HE IS A STRONG BELIEVER IN BALANCE USES APPS FOR CALORIE COUNTING MY NET DIARY AND FROM COUCH TO 5K AND THAT MONITORS HIS ACTIVITY BUT NOT IN EXCESS HE CONCENTRATES ON BALANCE WE DISCUSS SOME OF THE BARRIERS AGE AND OUR MINDS THAT SOMETIMES MAKE GETTING ACTIVE HARD AND ARE THEY IMAGINED OR UNIMAGINED THE SENSE WE ARE NOT ENOUGH OR COMPARING AND IMPORTANCE TO SHARE OUR EXPERIENCES WITH OTHERS BE PROUD OF THE DAY WE ARE IN AND WHAT WE DO START OVER THE NEXT DAY ENJOY MATTS JOURNEY IT IS NEVER TOO LATE ... AND TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY FOR US ALL A CLEAN SLATE

Darren joined me today to chat about lifestyle changes and his weight loss journey the last 5 years Darren is from Kent in the UK He began his journey around the time we met in 2020 He talks about his therapy dog Trevor He talks about how he got off his couch and started getting active slowly and tips for motivation He shares apps and diet info importance of choosing the right foods for you and educating ourselves He talks about how hard it is to see changes in ourselves but the importance of showing up and results come very informative and you do not want to miss the first interview in this series subscribe listen and leave a comment

RECOVERY HAS MADE ME WHO I AM TODAY MADE ME THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF ALLOWS ME TO BE THE BEST LIFE PARTNER I CAN BE AND WIFE THAT CHARLEY DESERVES THE BEST FRIEND AND SUPPORTERS TO THOSE IN NEED IT ALLOWS ME TO BE VULNERABLE AND OPEN NOT CLOSED OFF AS I WAS FOR SO LONG IT ALLOWS ME TO LEAVE THE PAST IN THE PAST IT ALLOWS ME TO BE THE BEST SISTER AND AUNT NOW IT ALLOWS ME TO GIVE SOME HOPE TO THOSE WHO ARE FEELING HOPELESS AND REMIND US ALL A LIFE BEYOND OUR WILDEST DREAMS IS HERE FOR US ALL .. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/denise-mcdougall/message

@Jlove3336 is a favourite of us all and regular supporter of recovery posse on twitter I met J on twitter 3 years ago and it has been amazing to see her growth her helping others and being of service to us all She is a mother of two grown sons and lives in Jersey J talks about going from not wanting to live and almost dying to wanting to embrace all life has to offer now ..living beyond her wildest dreams everyday she talks about the things she as earned in her recovery accountability freedom self love and self care and loving and caring for others J is on fire with her recovery and her life and cant wait to see how she continues to live beyond her wildest dreams Such an honour to meet her face to face and hear her contagious laughter and true spirit you will want to experience some of that she is exactly in person who she is on twitter that authentic honest raw so give her a listen please subscribe to the podcast rate and comment let the guests know their service matters --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/denise-mcdougall/message

Mary Beth is the author of FROM JUNKIE TO JUDGE This is an amazing story of her life as a meth addict at age 16 and living with substance use disorder many years to recovery at age 32 Mary Beth talks about her trauma and ptsd and anxiety and abuse all being factors in her substance use disorder She talks about how the 12 steps did not work for her in its entirety she did not believe in a higher power or other elements of the program she was told she would not make it that 12 step was the only way she refused to accept that and searched and found other options for her She incorporated many things to make recovery work for her and has worked for her for the last 29 years She is a board member for LifeRing Secular Recovery As well as on the board for She Recovers Foundation She is a graduate of Berkley Law School and was appointed a federal administrative law judge in 2014 and retired in 2020 She lives in the San Francisco Bay area Mary Beth has her website you can follow her there there is a list of where she will be appearing for book signing in the USA and Eastern Canada We hope one day to welcome her to western Canada Follow her on twitter @MaryBeth_O please listen subscribe leave a rating or comment Most important please pass along on social media so others can hear Mary Beth's amazing story full of hope --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/denise-mcdougall/message

JOIN US FOR A CHAT ON LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE IN SOBRIETY ATTENDING EVENTS ALONE ...SINGLE .. GOING FROM A PLACE IN ACTIVE ADDICTION OF NO SELF ESTEEM OR CONFIDENCE TO A PLACE IN RECOVERY WITH CONFIDENCE AND EXCITEMENT AND JOY WHERE YOU NEVER NEED TO FEEL ALONE WE DISCUSSED HOCKEY THE CANADIAN SPORT EH WE DISCUSSED SINGLE PARENTING AND HEALING CO PARENTING WE DISCUSSED AN UP COMING TRIP TO SCOTLAND ALONE AND THAT IS BEYOND BECCA'S WILDEST DREAMS AND TO MEET TWITTER AND RECOVERY POSSE FOLKS ALONG HER WAY FOLLOW BECCA ON TWITTER @UnashamedAlc AND HER PODCAST UNASHAMED ALCOHOLIC NO MATTER WHAT YOUR WILDEST DREAMS ARE IT IS POSSIBLE IN RECOVERY BIG OR SMALL WE KNOW ONE THING NONE WILL BE POSSIBLE IF WE ARE NOT IN RECOVERY PLEASE LISTEN SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A COMMENT THANKS BECCA FOR STOPPING BY TODAY --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/denise-mcdougall/message

MIA ST JOHN 5X WORLD CHAMPION BOXER Mother of 2 children Julian and Paris St John ex wife of Kristoff St John Author Advocate for mental health Mia can be found on twitter @MiaStJohnBoxer her foundation website MiaStJohnfoundation.org Mia lost her son Julian 2014 to mental health and addiction 2019 Kristoff St John her ex and her children's father died due to alcoholism Kristoff was an actor and played Neil Winters on Young and Restless for many years Both she and Kristoff were very public people and so her grief her loss and her relapse after 30 years of recovery was all very public Mia has been instrumental in changing the protocols in mental health hospitals and continues today to be an advocate also for her daughter Paris this is an episode you do not want to miss ..we thank Mia for her contribution today and wish her all the very best going forward please subscribe listen and leave a rating and pass along on social media Mia book Fighting For My Life a mothers journey through loss and grief --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/denise-mcdougall/message

Steven R AKA as Twitter @Steven90947134 Active member on twitter #recoveryposse From Edinburgh Scotland U.K. Steven joins me to discuss what brought him into recovery 10 years ago in 2013 How his life has changed from addiction to contentment How he is present today in his life for main life events LIKE .... his mothers death weekly visits with his dad and present for his partner all gifts of recovery and acceptance of things he can not change great chat finally thanks Steven for your positive non judgmental posts each day for us all on twitter they enhance my days and my recovery as we said the path does not matter just as long as people live and get in recovery we will support them as best as we can --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/denise-mcdougall/message

TODAYS PODCAST IS A RESOURCE FOR THE RECOVERY COMMUNITY MICHAEL JOINS ME HE IS A MEMBER AND BOARD MEMBER OF LIFE RING UK LIFE RING IS A SECULAR RECOVERY PROGRAM HE INTRODUCES US TO ITS CULTURE AND DISCUSSES THE BASIC 3 S'S OF THEIR PROGRAM 1.SOBRIETY 2.SECULARITY 3.SELF HELP THEY HAVE NO OPINIONS ON RELIGIONS OR H.P. THEY ARE A SELF HELP GROUP THEY ENCOURAGE CROSS TALK AND ARE ABSTINENCE BASED THEY ENCOURAGE DEVELOPING A STRONG RECOVERY PLAN AND BELIEVE THEY BELIEVE IN SELF EMPOWERMENT PEER GROUPS MICHAEL BEAME AWARE OF LIFE RING IN IRELAND AND WHEN MOVED TO SCOTLAND THERE WAS NO FORMED GROUP AT PANDEMIC HE STARTED IT IN SCOTLAND AND WELCOMES ANY SUPPORT TO GROW THE PROGRAM THERE HE CAN BE REACHED AT LIFERING.UK PLEASE SUBSCRIBE LISTEN AND COMMENT --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/denise-mcdougall/message

MELODY SHARES WHAT SHE HAS EARNED IN HER RECOVERY SHE HAS BEEN WORKING AT HER OWN RECOVERY AND HELPING OTHERS WITH THEIRS FOR 28 YEARS SHE IS A MENTOR AND FRIEND TO MANY SHE WILL SPEAK TP ANYONE SEEKING OR MAINTAINING RECOVERY I MET HER 2 YEARS AGO WE HAVE 68 YRS OF RECOVERY BETWEEN US A MIRACLE MELODY IS MARRIED SHE IS A MOTHER OF 3 AND GRANDMOTHER AND GREAT GRANDMOTHER MELODY WANTS TO REACH AS MANY AS SHE CAN AND TELL PEOPLE GIVE YOURSELF A CHANCE FOR RECOVERY GET THE GIFTS I HAVE TODAY SELF RESPECT AND TRUST AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND FRIENDSHIP AND A RELATIONSHIP WITH A HIGHER POWER MELODY HAS HEALTH ISSUES AND DOES NOT LET THAT STOP HER IN ANY WAY OF BEING OF SERVICE TO OTHERS THROUGH TELEPHONE AND ZOOM SHE IS THERE TO LISTEN ANYTIME HER PRAYER FOR YOU IS TO GET WHAT SHE HAS BEEN GIVEN A LIFE BEYOND HER WILDEST DREAMS LISTEN ENJOY SUBSCRIBE AND LEACE A COMMENT OR RATING --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/denise-mcdougall/message

SPIRITUALITY FOR PEOPLE WHO HATE SPIRITUALITY AN INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR P.CASEY.ARRILLAGA WE DISCUSSED HOW THERE WAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN THIS BOOK ANSWERS TO MANY QUESTIONS ABOUT SPIRITUALITY WE DISCUSSED CAN YOU BE SPIRITUAL AND BE AN ATHEIST AS WELL WE DISCUSSED HOW WE CAN MAKE A LIST OF WHAT WE WANT IN A HIGHER POWER WHEN SEEKING ONE UNIQUE TO US WE DISCUSSED OUR HUMAN NEED FOR CONNECTIONS AND THAT SPIRITUALITY IS A SENSE OF CONNECTION TO SOMETHING GREATER THAN OURSELVES WE DISCUSSED THE ROOTS OF OUR SPIRITUAL SKEPTICISM - CONDITIONING FAMILY UP BRINGING BAD EXPERIENCES WITH RELIGIONS THE BOOK TALKS ABOUT SCIENCE VERSES SPIRITUALITY AND SO SO MUCH MORE ...A MUST READ IF YOU ARE IN RECOVERY IN ADDICTION OR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF PEOPLE WHO ARE THE BOOK IS FOR ANYONE SEEKING SPIRITUALITY CASEY CAN BE FOUND ON HIS WEB SITE CASEY AUTHOR.COM HE HAS A BLOG LISTEN TO HIS PODCAST ADDICTION AND THE FAMILY THAT HE CO HOSTS WITH HIS WIFE KIRA BOTH WERE IN ADDICTION FOR 10 YEARS TOGETHER AND NOW BOTH ARE IN RECOVERY TOGETHER FOR OVER 20 YEARS --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

We welcome back Dr Gigi Langer and she has just released her new book LOVE MORE NOW She is author of the book 50 WAYS TO WORRY LESS another amazing book Today we covered some of the things that BLOCK us from LOVE some are environmental from family of origin and conditional We discuss THE FOUR BARRIERS TO LOVE We discussed THE PRICE OF URGENCY We discussed POLITICAL CONFLICT AND WORLD EVENTS HOW THEY CAN BLOCK US PERFECTIONISM ,OVER COMING PROCRASTINATION ,MAKING CHOICES GROWTH PRACTICES AND DAILY ROUTINES TRUE AUTHENTICITY it is all here in this amazing book Gigi can be found on her website above she as a blog check her out today Subscribe and Review on Amazon Apple Spotify Anchor any platform you listen to your podcasts --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Today I spoke with Alicia Gordon from Thunder Bay Ontario she is a 38 year old woman in recovery for 18 months Alicia did a video and a podcast with CBC in January 2023 with Logan Turner She is a young criminalized woman entering back into society in recovery she talks about what that takes each day to get back on track her challenges and struggles and victories and wins she is now working with the ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY IN THUNDER BAY ONTARIO CANADA she was first introduced to them behind bars she is now a front line worker giving back to the society she took from This is a raw and real story of raising out of the flames of addiction into the sunlight of recovery ..please listen subscribe and comment and rate thanks for listening and pass Alicias story along --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Anthony took us through his day clean and sober today In addiction his days often ended at 4 am now they start at 4 am He shares how these changes have improved behaviour with children and over all health He shares how important it is to pass his Italian culture language and cooking down to his own children all things he loved he learned from his grandmother and can do now today because he remains committee to his recovery and has a recovery based home one filled with peace and serenity He shares his structure his work out his contributions to his family so they all now live a healthier and cleaner life --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Becca joined me to discuss her 5 year recovery journey Her life as a sober mother to two young sons The total freedom from alcohol and the stigma and living her life in recovery loudly and openly so others done suffer in silence She shares her victories her accomplishments her hopes a life ahead of her to live her best self and live a life beyond her wildest dreams She shares what a gift it is to have the guests she does on her podcast and that enhances her recovery so much --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Tom shares his honest account of what recovery is like today Tom had 25 years recovery he relapsed and has returned He shares how much his recovery means to him today and how it is different He lives his life the best life beyond his wildest dreams Lessons of great gratitude you do not want to miss his amazing story of resilience --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Hosts Carson and Pat join me to discuss old meets new in the recovery podcast arena They share their experiences and recovery journey as new in sobriety and hosts of this podcast questions they like to ask their twitter audience they turn into podcast episodes a new fresh podcast give it a listen --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Simona formerly from Vancouver now lives in Sofia Bulgaria joins me to discuss what her recovery journey has been like We met 2017 in a local room fast became friends She reminded me of my younger self purple hair and all Fast forward 5 years I find her living a life beyond her wildest dreams She came to the rooms to get relief there she got tools to live by She got a safe place and safe people to be around Her story doesn't end with abstinence but rather with the clarity she needed around her relationship with substances a unique story hearing about the benefits anyone can get from a recovery program Listen Subscribe and you can leave s review on anchor Thanks for Listening --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Karen fellow Canadian and hometown girl from Vancouver she shares her 10 year sober anniversary with me A decade of sobriety Her 30 gratitudes in 30 days Her travels all over the world

This is the coverage of my experience in years 11-39 in recovery The gifts the challenges the losses The Joys the Victories the wins We can stay sober under any and all conditions if we reach out ask for help get out is self help others we day do what I can not do alone Thank you for listening to my experience I hope it gives someone done strength and hope Awareness that mental spiritual and emotional relapse can be as bad as crippling as picking up as the addiction is in our minds our solution and healing is with each other I am so grateful

I share my experience strength and hope and victories these episodes are broken into 4 decades each decade unique in its lessons and experiences like 4 separate recoveries this episode is about the beginning days the struggles the leaving everything old behind people places and things for a new path of recovery at times feeling alone but always a worthwhile choice The people the changes the stories of new recovery new love a new life Enjoy hope you can relate to some of the feelings knowing that everything passes and gets better if we stay the course we do recover sometimes in spite of ourselves please listen subscribe and review retweet you can follow on Twitter or fb --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Darren aka @dazlarrr joins me today to kick off season 2 on the podcast. Darren shares what freedom and connection he has in recovery What strong and important relationships have been made from Recovery Posse on Twitter these last few years and how meeting Matt and soon Shirley and those from recovery hour LGBTQ meeting has enriched his life We talk about how important it is to have FUN to not be in recovery and miserable Darren recently celebrated 3 years he is free from addiction from self loathing from regret join him in Freedom pick your own path and walk it into a life beyond your wildest dreams Be who you want and do what you want without the chains of addiction --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Melissa shares her story of the depths of her disease to the sunlight of her recovery a mother a daughter a caregiver it's all here She was removed from her home in her addiction separated from those she loved and now back at home where she belongs a story of horror of pain of hope of love of healing --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Gail joined me from Lancaster and shared her journey of 42 years of recovery with me She is one of the fabulous 40 the women I interviewed who all had over 40 years sober Gail shared what. her first meeting looked like all those years ago She shared what she has learned and earned in recovery She shared what she does on a daily basis to maintain her continuous sobriety Her wisdom her humour and her commitment to her recovery was so refreshing give Gail a listen let her know her contribution was appreciated as was all the contributions of all the guests Gail is the last episode of season 1 and this is episode 41 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Renee is 49 yrs sober lives in New Mexico she sponsors Meg who is 45 yrs sober in may and. lives in Lancaster PA Meg sponsors Jill who lives in Florida she is 41 yrs in December They all met in Naples Florida in 1981 have been friends all these years They share their experience strength and real HOPE they talk about earning degrees careers marriages ending marriages being reunited with family healing and above all their real message is the long fulfilling lives they have had beyond their wildest dreams it was an Honor and a pleasure to interview these women true trail blazers they all held the light on the path for me and all women after me you won't want to miss this episode please pass along to women in recovery these are our true recovery elders all spoke of living lives of gratitude and having hearts filled with love and joy and passion --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Soberdoesntsuck aka LIZ amazing member recovery posse lives with her husband dog and cat in Seattle Washington Sober 29 yrs in recovery from anorexia and love addiction Liz shares living every day with chronic pain under any and all conditions and a drink is not a solution Liz has a daily gratitude newsletter and her website She is a real advocate for all seeking recovery Her infectious laugh her sarcasm and humour are raw what you see is what you get true honest raw recovery a must listen a strong example for women in recovery today proud to call her friend thanks you for your service LIZ give her a listen she's a priceless hidden gem in our posse village --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Ruben a friend I met 2 years ago in a Canadian zoom recovery meeting joins me to talk about his recovery disciplines and practices Father of a daughter and friend to many Ruben discusses his unique path his decision to do the next right thing each day to show up for his daughter and family and friends to be present He applies the same discipline to his recovery that he has in his exercise regime as a result he gets the benefits of his efforts love Ruben's caring spirit for all humans you won't want to miss this quiet spiritual man tell us how his life is beyond his wildest dreams today please listen subscribe rate and pass along to others --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

George shared with me the loss of his wife Jane who was also sober 13 years she passed suddenly Dec 30/ He shares how despite her sudden death he stays sober under any and all conditions How recovery posse and recovery hour people have supported him How life is different with his children and grandson a real look at there is never a good excuse to drink even his wife's death George is courageous honest and an amazing example if walking the walk you won't want to miss it he even swears at the end upon request Love this man and his program --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Shirls as we know her shares her experience strength and hope as a single other of two daughters She lives in England She celebrated a special anniversary this year she is always available for any who seek recovery she has helped me so much this last 2 years you won't want to miss this episode she shares a letter she received from her daughter re how happy they are she is sober today very emotional and such a gift to her and to us she also has her healing cat --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Cheri sober since sept1/2014 and her son Mathew sober since Oct24/2018 share what it's like to get peace serenity and accountability through working their program Most importantly the change in their relationship as Mother and son and also the ripple affect it has had on their entire family husband wife children grandchildren mother in law all relationships are better today because they are better people Genetic cycles are broken they are available for their families and each other an entire family healed by one person not picking up that drink you won't want to miss this episode of truth and inspiration and hope those who recover together stay together This podcast name was recently changed based on my observations and experiences with this family and they showed me something I never experienced which was families do recover thank you cheri and Mathew for your service to me and others --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Our own recovery hour and recovery posse Meg She shares her story of giving her son Matt up for adoption in 1967 and they were reunited in 1996 both were in recovery an amazing story of families that do recover please give her story a listen you won't want to miss it Meg will be back soon with a group of ladies all over. 40 years sober for another podcast so keep your ears and eyes on Meg she is a trailblazer Matt is an amazing father and husband and son in recovery and never says no to service --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Wendi Aka Drink More Water and on Twitter @starting2bsober. Talks to me about getting sober in the covid pandemic and on zoom meetings She talks about the. Not Yets she had a career a family a home her bottom was higher than some but always aware some of these consequences just had not happened yet Wendi is a mother of two adult children and lives in Texas you will love her honesty during this share she is kind generous and always there to help on recovery posse anytime someone seeking recovery needs help --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

David lives with his wife and two children in Kentucky he shares with us today his story of losing EVERYTHING in sobriety Dry vs SOBER he did more damage and lost everything he cared about being a dry drunk We discussed losing our sponsors this year and having wonderful new people in our lives now and how important recovery posse is daily to us both please listen subscribe and pass along available on Amazon apple Spotify and many other platforms please leave reviews and comments on Twitter on platforms you listen or on FB and live that life beyond your wildest dreams --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Nikki shares with us her shift in her recovery now celebrating 19 months this week.A different recovery mental emotional she discusses being a narcissistic survivor and tells about her new you tube platform please listen subscribe and rate and can leave reviews in Twitter DM or Facebook can listen now on Amazon apple Spotify and many other platforms Nikki is a wife a mother of twin girls age 12 and lives in England uk --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Adam founder of Mind Body & Sole UK gives us an update on 2022 he shares with us some of the things he was able to do for those in need during the holiday season basics of food and heat he discusses his new mental health and addictions support group starting Feb 5 4 pm uk time send him message email or Twitter for codes or contact me and the podcast and we will get you in touch with him Mind Body & Sole celebrates their 1 year anniversary and Mind Body & Sole merchandise is in every country but Russia so support this important cause each item you purchase helps many help Mind Body & Sole be a success in 2022 and their merchandise to open the mental health conversation with all who see the logos --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Angela and I discuss covid and zoom and how it has changed our recovery we share our experiences of complacency and coasting to renewed and recharged Angela discusses being newly retired and having to maintain structure in her recovery and how wonderful it is to find this new energy at this later stage of her recovery she discusses her mother Monica's recovery sober many years before her passing and up to her final day she was being of service to others we had a great example from Monica for us both in our journey she was a trail blazer and lived her life beyond our wildest dreams --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Wendy gives us an insight to her newly released book out this week Write Pray Recover her own story of substance use disorder and trauma and her holistic integrative approach to recovery it is a interactive book with thought provoking questions for the reader to use as tools in their own recovery path. Also she shares her S.W.I.M and S.P.E.A.R. Programs book available On her web site And on Amazon --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Joined this morning Patricia Osterhoudt explaining to us how flowers for Matt started Matt's birthday is January 15 she marks his 25 birthday tomorrow White flowers given to someone in your life that has shown you kindness let's make this day a special one the poem is amazing Pat reads enjoy Happy Birthday Mathew --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Patricia discusses being in recovery with her son Matt she gives us a insight on mother and son sharing the recovery journey She shares Matt's death and legacy with me but more importantly his amazing life please check out Matt's Movement .com order a pair of Matt's Wings to support this platform and Patricia's work and education on substance use disorder and mental health disorder please listen subscribe and post on your social media --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

This episode I talk with Anthony about his recent close encounter with relapse how he has developed a design for living that addresses his mental health and is allowing him to grow in his emotional sobriety within his recovery village a courageous vulnerable and authentic interview please give it a listen and pass it along write a review in Denise's DM or on Twitter let Anthony know his journey is important and that we hear him --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Sharing the desperation and isolation of having the Shame and stigma of mental health anxiety depression PTSD OCD and carrying those secrets in long term recovery crawling my way out of a dark hole 25 yrs sober to the light struggling daily to maintain my sanity and sobriety there is hope where there is light if you can use your words and someone hears you it is possible to be healed --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

May 6-1946 - March 23-2021 A Life Lived Beyond Her Wildest Dreams in recovery living a life of love and service for 52 years A life well lived A job well done Rest now Dear One Gone but Never Forgotten forever in our hearts --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

Wendy shares her story of a 40 year drug addiction and now her 9 years of her integrated recovery she shares the importance of mental Health and self care checks and she has earned many degrees and certifications but what she has earned most is the love and respect of her children and her grandchildren They Have the gift of only see her in recovery now she discusses the importance of mental health and substance use disorder and co occurring disorders Her book to be released in dec 2021 is titled WRITE PRAY RECOVER check out her website harmonioushealth4life.com for all her workshops and integrated recovery tools --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

We discuss candidly mental health recovery from. Depression resulted specifically from deep grief and life's losses infertility and the death of a child chris shares her experiences with depression the cultural expectations and finding safe recovery spaces amazing woman a solid support to the recovery posse community really don't want to miss hearing her share please show your appreciation by going to podcast at apple and leaving a written review letting our guests know they are making a difference subscribe while you are there --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

If you are adopted and in recovery and struggled with these issues this is a great book on addiction adoption child sex abuse prostitution and most importantly ….healing in recovery we do recover a day at a time and do get to live a life beyond our wildest dreams --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

This episode for our recovery on mental Health looks at the organization NAMI a walk through of all the mental health resources available from weekly meetings to peer support to training on line a great resource for dual diagnosis like myself with addiction and anxiety and depression Rachel is a fierce advocate really worth a listen we are trying to make resources available so people do not have to suffer in silence or alone please listen subscribe and leave a written rating on apple --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message

A wonderful conversation with founder of Mind body & sole uk a non profit organization helping those in need through financial support and sports Adam is clean and sober for 5 years from alcohol and cocaine and during covid he created this safe space for men seeking recovery his logo on his merchandise is based on the mind and his love of the adidas casual culture he along with Matt ship merchandise all over the world the funds all going completely to the people in need a heart warming interview of how one man who from his own experience decided to reach out and help others and what he has found is peace of mind healthy body and a big soul (and sole) one person lifting another up a person at a time and if you love football for sure give a listen a humble man just passing g along what was freely given to him look for him on Twitter Facebook Instagram Or email help@mindbodysole.uk --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denise-mcdougall/message