Life Recovered with Garrett & Tamara

Garrett and Tamara sit down and discuss their life after Recovery   Recorded May 8, 2025

Its been four years since Tamara and Garrett first did Ayahuascha in Peru and Costa Rica.     We discuss our latest opinions on the complex topic of Psychedelics in Recovery(specifically recovery from our drug of choice-alcohol), the legality of psychedelic use in the US, and where we are four years after this transformative experience in both our lives.   Recomended reading:  How to Change your Mind---Michael Pollan Netflix Series:  How to change your mind    We are on YouTube!!  Check us out at this Link Here    Drop us a line at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com 

In a mostly lighthearted episode Tamara and Garrett catch up on what has been going on in their lives since we spoke to you last.  We discuss our in person meet up, our Thanksgiving gratefulness with families and our health.  We discuss what it means to be fully present, and riff on not being “lost in thought”.   We want to extend a very warm Merry Christmas to all of our family and friends.

Garrett has over five years and Tamara has over three years of sobriety under their  belts.  But they are by no means sages or recovery gurus, they  are just a couple of friends on opposite sides of the country Garrett and Tamara give updates on their lives and reflect on what has happened in the past year and a half, and how they are still remaining sober.   Garrett shares an insight over why he drank that he was not previously aware of and goes over his experience with the 12 steps Tamara shares how she is able to be fully present with her daughters and talks about how she is doing all the things that she never thought she would do if you asked her 5-10 years ago They both agree that quiet peaceful domestic life is awesome. They round it out with a few tips and tricks (sobriety hacks?) Please subscribe, rate and review our podcast and as always thank you for listening!

The long awaited rebrand and relaunch is here with the Garrett Riley Podcast.  And who better to kick it off with then Scott LeRette the author of the book "The Unbreakable Boy"  Available now on Amazon Please reach out to me anytime with any feedback or to be a guest on the show at garrettriley@gmail.com The best way to support the podcast is always to subscribe, rate and review, you know the drill!

This Episode marks the end (for now) of Life Recovered, as we launch a new project on June 15th 2021.  An old friend joins us to make the announcement.  Be sure to stay subscribed to Life Recovered to learn where Tamara, Garrett and Lauren’s new, limited-series podcast when it drops.  It's time for us to live in the light.  We hope to see you there!

Tamara and Garrett celebrate a milestone.   Please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast, it really helps us out! Comment on the podcast at  liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com   PS. Garrett forgot to run the audio through his microphone again so what you are hearing is picked up through the computer audio

After the small talk and banter ebbs Tamara and Garrett really get serious.  Well serious with some funny stuff thrown in too.  Here is the ego stuff Julia Christina talks about    The ego is there to protect us from shame and vulnerability but it actually prevents us from authenticity    Four Ps to know if your acting out of ego   Am I trying to prove something-that I have value Am I trying to protect something-fear of vulnerability or hurt What can I perfect-trying to protect that I am not a perfect human being Who can I please-getting other people to think I certain way about me so I can feel good about myself   Four Cs of authenticity    What can I create What can I contribute  How can I connect What can I cultivate  Saturday night live skits Garrett Mentions: The Will Ferrell disfunctional family dinner Maine Justice w Jason Sudekis Life Recovered no longer wants or accepts any donations!  But we still really want you to subscribe, rate, and review us! or email us at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode Tamara and Garrett are joined by Bree of the "The Self Healers Podcast" and the website  www.fullyhumanhealing.com  This is a standout episode and one you don't want to miss!! Email us at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com  if you would like to support us go to www.PayPal.me/aftertheelevator 

In this episode Tamara recounts the time she won a contest and got to go to the White House and meet George W Bush.   We talk about other things too, and you just get to eavesdrop on a normal conversation ....also Garrett forgot to switch the mic input to USB mic so his sound isn't its normal richness.     If you like what we do, consider throwing a couple bucks our way at PayPal.me/aftertheelevator  Email us at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com

We talk about what we did for Christmas and Garrett's trip to Idaho and Scott recording him while skiing backwards can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jtanhi6IyI Garrett forgets he already talked about the Waking Up App, and Tamara doesn’t remind him that he already talked about it in a previous podcast, so Garrett goes over it again. If you like what we do, consider throwing a couple bucks our way at PayPal.me/aftertheelevator this helps support our hosting costs.   Email us at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com  

After singing our new hit song we talk about gratitude!   We reflect on Christmas and talk a lot about Santa Claus and the Reindeer. We go into pop culture and have a great discussion on the Bachelorette We talk about Dogs, Daughters, and coffee, you know, no big whoop (also talk about emotional intelligence) “On the 12th day of Life Recovered, my true love gave to me…” 12: 12 Steps of AA 11: Doses of Naltrexone 10: Sparkling Waters 9: Meditations 8: Trips to Starbucks 7: Bags of Candy 6: on the ACE Score 5: Cups of Ayahuasca 4: New Age Gurus New Coping Tools People Who Trigger Me And a Podcast Bell for Tamara and Me!!   If you like the Podcast, throw a couple bucks our way at www.paypal.me/aftertheelevator (helps with our monthly hosting costs) Please subscribe, 5 star rate, and review!  It helps the podcast email us at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com

We talk about the Dodgers winning the World Series, mountain cabins, gratitude counter being reset for 2020.  Garrett talks about his trifecta of anxiety that he navigated thru and realized a good lesson on the other side of it.  Garrett muses about the good ole days before covid with his job related travel.   We talk about NXIVM again and point out how we will never stop talking about cults and maybe organizations that are on the "cult spectrum"  Tamara goes into her new job, and finds a nice work life balance.   We talk about shows we are watching in our pop culture segment:   The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix The Undoing on HBO Seduced on Starz The Bachelorette A Teacher on Hulu Tehran-apple Schitts creek nflx  On the rocks (movie on apple)  The Mandolorian-Disney + (nerd alert!!!) send us an email at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com   If you like the show why not throw a couple bucks our way at PayPal.me/aftertheelevator 

We unleash our real thoughts on the covid-schmovid nonsense that bugs us, and we go off on social media and the tech industry at-large while they’re at it. The New York Times describes this episode as ‘recklessly indulgent’ and we’re honestly concerned you’re still listening to us at this point. Disclaimer: This is NOT a political podcast. We think it’s a little ridiculous that things we have opinions about want to talk about are so politicized that we can’t touch them without assumptions being made about a whole slew of other things. So we ask that our listeners suspend reality for a minute and pretend that statements like “our rights are being invaded” or “covid is dangerous” DON’T automatically put you on one far side of the political aisle.   Email us at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com support:  paypal.me/aftertheelevator      

Garrett could not let this moment pass without documenting the fact that his partner Tamara now has one year of continuous sobriety!!     email:  liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com   support us:  paypal.me/aftertheelevator 

Tamara and Garrett talk about babies and most notably baby Joelles development, Garrett can totally relate to sleep deprivation as he is woken up nightly by a senile Labrador Retriver..we talk about diet, exercise, veganism, we throw in a couple "outlander" references, we go over hummingbird feeders, some sports talk, a little update on ayahuasca and psychedelics (again), and we round it all out with a discussion of the HBO show "The Vow" featuring the NXIVM cult and its leader Keith Rainiere AKA Vanguard.   Email liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com support us PayPal.me/aftertheelevator   

Tamara breaks down her beautiful experience of bringing baby Joelle into the world, she dispels certain myths and backs up certain truths about motherhood.  She talks about some cool baby things that she never knew existed.   Garrett is fascinated by the fact that Tamara has four sponsees and Garrett asks Chris Farley show like questions about what its like to be an AA sponsor.   Tamara loved our last episode, Garrett talks again about his fear of fish, and his love of coconut chocolate covered almonds.  We talk about Garrett's irrational fear of being a sponsor, we somehow swerve into talking about Rocky and then Baby Joelle needed her Mom! Show recommendations Garrett: Unwell (nflx) Homecoming (amazon) Upload (amazon) For all Mankind (Apple) Hannah (Amazon) --past shows Dexter, Six Feet Under, True Blood Show recommendations Tamara: Big brother, Wheel of Fortune, Love on the Spectrum (NFLX)----past shows Breaking Bad, The Good Wife, Big Little Lies If you want to comment on the podcast please send us an email at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com  and consider supporting the podcast by donating to   paypal.me/aftertheelevator 

Interview with Scott starts at the 21:54 mark   For the first time in Life Recovered history we have someone on the podcast who is totally outside of the Recovery Elevator Universe!  Garrett's friend and coworker Scott Stewart joins the show and we talk about everything from living in Idaho v living in SoCal to our weird similarities, and how our paths kept crossing in life.  We recount what is what like working for a Pharma company as Pharma reps back in the mid 2000s , we talk about Scotts take on alcohol (he has never had a drop in his life and we figure out why) and he may or may not tell a story or two from when Garrett was drinking at sales meetings.   Ladies and gentlemen we are so pleased to announce beautiful baby girl Joelle Young born to Tamara and Jordan on July 15th.  Tamara is beyond excited and both baby and mother are totally healthy and happy!  you can find Tam and pictures of Joelle at @tlphill on instagram.   Tamara will be back next episode!   Please subscribe, rate and review our podcast and send us an email at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com. and if you want to donate to the podcast to help with our hosting fees you can do so at paypal.me/aftertheelevator 

Life Recovered takes a break from all things current events, and (for the most part) from all things serious. Instead, Gar and Tam interview each other, and listeners can come along with them as they get to know each other better - histories, bucket lists, hopes, dreams... Sometimes, you just need a healthy dose of fluffy, lighthearted, sunshine and rainbows!  If you're looking for an in-depth discussion of the deeper matters that impact our the world we live in, this is not that episode! Re-join Garrett and Tamara next time for a return to life's more serious issues. Please send us an email. We LOVE your emails (and may read them on the podcast): liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com. Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator 

Chris Csar joins Garrett and they discuss how Chris has been able to process an unthinkable tragedy in his life, through using his tools and also getting into boxing.    We of course talk about Psychedelics and point out that Chris is directly responsible for introducing them to everybody and changing peoples lives.   We discuss whether there is a message in the whole Coronavirus nightmare, and thoughts on how to navigate it and stay sane.  I highly recommend Chris business http://saguaroscreenprinting.com Chris also highly recommends a book on psychedelics called Entheogenic liberation by Martin Ball, check it out on amazon here  We discuss movies, then do some housekeeping and Garrett reveals the direction the podcast is taking.   If you wish to be a guest on our podcast please email us at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com  If you like what we are doing, consider throwing a couple bucks our way at paypal.me/aftertheelevator 

Tam is a married woman! She talks about her nuptials and the story of her relationship journey leading up to marriage. Talk about an evolution of life in recovery... that's what this podcast is all about! Gar talks about his quite literal coming out... of his home in quarantine. He recounts his whirlwind trifecta of adventures - from San Diego, to a cattle drive, to the California Central Coast.  Tam is looking forward to her baby shower and watching her Titans in the (hopefully) upcoming NFL season. Gar is happy about letting his suppressed, quarantined geek out when he uses his Apple Watch Tip App. It's the little things... From stories of gratitude, to hopes for the future - this episode is just good for the soul. Please send us an email. We LOVE your emails (and may read them on the podcast): liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com. Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator 

Tamara and Garrett welcome Walter from Episode 29 and we quickly get caught up with him.  We talk about everything from spiritual self help to bitcoin, plus Walter learns what a doula is and we get an update on Tamara's wedding, impending birth, and even what her new last name is going to be.   Walter shares his exciting news of recently getting married and now living happily in a Brady bunch style household, all while sidestepping any remnants of the Branch Davidians from his home in Waco, TX.   We learn how Tamara has 3 sponsees,  We learn that Garrett left out a big part of his U2 story from episode 68..and the trio reflects on the trip of their lifetimes, the Peru trip and the Inca trail hike.   Walter shares a plan of how he is hoping for a Peru trip reunion, and Gar and Tam are open to it.....Ladies and gentlemen all this more can be found on LR 69 duuuude! send us an email at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com subscribe, rate, and review us on Itunes send a couple bucks our way at PayPal.me/aftertheelevator

On the day this episode was recorded and released, Garrett hit 3 years alcohol-free. Garrett reveals why this particular milestone is so special, talks about how he's celebrating, and makes the big announcement that he promised to deliver to listeners today. Tam and Gar discuss the memories over the past 3 years of his journey, and how distinct stages of life in recovery have evolved - and how Garrett himself has evolved. He also looks ahead and shares what this chapter entails. At 3 years sober, there's no place he'd rather be than here recording Life Recovered alongside Tam. Be sure to check out an amazing new podcast - straight from Garrett & Tamara's friend, Bree (featured on episode 51) - called "The Self-Healer's Podcast." It's highly recommended and available  on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Podcast and Spotify.  Please send us an email. We LOVE your emails (and may read them on the podcast): liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com. Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator 

This time, it's Tamara's turn to make up a COVID-19 question "game," and she and Garrett talk about their latest feelings and routines around the quarantine. Tam talks about her jimmy-rigged backyard swimming pool set-up, and Gar talks about days he spends by his actual swimming pool. Each of them have experienced changes that impact daily life - Gar with a new scope in his job, and Tam with a new focus on home and preparations for motherhood.  Since the two of them have a shared love of dogs, they happen upon a dog update segment. Garrett gives an update on how Raven is doing, and Tam shares a big curve ball about something she learned about her neighborhood dog, "Barnes Henry." The episode rounds out with their latest pop culture updates and favorites. Stay tuned for a very special episode 68, coming up on May 8th! Please send us an email. We LOVE your emails (and may read them on the podcast): liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com. Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator 

COVID-19 continues to drive the conversation, but Gar & Tam take a few different turns as they discuss its latest effects on the new day-to-day "normal" - both the sad and the uplifting. They cover everything from the reality of job loss, the return to life's simple pleasures, the delights of Costco and even the high school experience in the world of Coronavirus. Garrett talks about his beloved dog Raven, and her signs of old age. Tamara raves about her latest read, "Educated," and they discuss the stigmatization of a topic that isn't often discussed - family estrangement. This episode's pop culture review and watch list includes old favorites and new hits alike - Mrs. America, Little Fires Everywhere, Pawn Stars, Judge Judy, The Servant, Bosch, Ozark, Chappelle's Show and the anticipation of Season 2 of Dead to Me on 8th. Please send us an email. We LOVE your emails (and may read them on the podcast): liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com. Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator 

As the world changes, Garrett and Tamara take a moment to notice the purpose in what could otherwise be perceived as random and meaningless. They each have an incredible sense of gratitude when they realize the groundwork that has been laid for them to be able to walk through this Coronavirus crisis. The pair get a lot of inspiration for this episode from this article, and they pull out its valuable lessons to help us all shift our routines and mindsets to live well right now. They round out the discussion with their reviews of the epic Tiger King - as well as other shows such as The Morning Show, Devs, Little Fires Everywhere, and Insane Pools of the Deep. Please send us an email. We LOVE your emails (and may read them on the podcast): liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com. Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator 

The lovely Kymberly (also featured on LR 59 & 48) joins Garrett & Tamara to offer a therapist's take, as the three discuss coronavirus and its effect on mental health and sobriety. Gar, Tam and Kymberly talk about each of their experiences as the situation has evolved, and how they're coping. Kymberly also shares some great mindfulness and breathing strategies, as well as some themes she's seeing as people work to deal with mental health and sobriety during a world dominated by COVID-19. Lastly, each shares their personal gratitude and some good news... because, who couldn't use a little of that right now! For more on the Safe and Sound Protocol Kymberly mentions, you can visit this website to learn more: https://integratedlistening.com/ssp-safe-sound-protocol/. Please send us an email. We LOVE your emails (and may read them on the podcast): liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com. Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator 

A snippet from a New York Times interview with Ben Afleck caught Garrett's & Tamara's eyes, and they discuss a simple yet very real statement he made about the hole we all try to fill. Gar & Tam also share an announcement they heard last week of an end of an era of sorts. They also ponder whether people really are "good" or "bad" - or whether we're all just people doing their best. Garrett Talks about something he heard from his brother regarding Rich Rolls take on social media, (instagram in particular) Please send us an email. We LOVE your emails (and may read them on the podcast): liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com. Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator 

This week, Garrett and Tamara discuss the somewhat awkward transition from having a separate "recovery" bucket of life, to integrating all things into a singular, new way of life. They also share how and why they've changed how they engage with media, news and pop culture. It's all about having a CHOICE in how you live your life recovered! This episode is also full of Gar's and Tam's standard, random, (sometimes awkward) banter. Tamara attends her very first boxing title fight, and she finds out she's a "7" on the Enneagram (but what does it MEAN???). Garrett has a Sting-induced spiritual experience, and in a surprising twist, he has a serious case of Ichthyophobia (fear of fish). Joes episode is number 38 where he Hannibal lecters us Email liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com

Garrett and Tamara are BACK and bringing a new and refreshed intention to Life Recovered. Welcome to a new chapter of Life Recovered with Garrett and Tamara! The pair celebrate Gar's quadruple-digit sobriety as he hits 1,000 days! Tam is 13 weeks pregnant and celebrating all the changes and gifts of her completely new way of life. Gar is immersed in his Orange Theory workout routine, and Tam talks about how she takes care of herself and the human she's incubating. Life. is. good. Tamara and Garrett are both expanding their mindfulness practice with the Waking Up app (HIGHLY recommend), and they discuss a particularly powerful talk between Sam Harris and Richard Lang about the concept of headlessness. Tamara has discovered the Wim How Method and added an alkaline breathing technique and cold exposure to her practice. This episode features a LOT of love for and from some dedicated LR listeners. Gar and Tam send some shout-outs and read notes from Dave, Shelby, and of course - their main man Walter! * For a free month of the Waking Up app: https://share.wakingup.com/6f4657672ee1 * To hear Richard Lang talk about Headlessness, check out the interview here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/181-the-illusory-self/id733163012?i=1000462387211  * For more information on the alkaline breathing technique and cold exposure Tamara is practicing: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wim-hof-method/id890471578 Please send us an email. We LOVE your emails (and may read them on the podcast): liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com. Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator 

Garrett and special guest co-host Kris break down what is was like to be at the very first Recovery Happy Hour retreat in downtown Dallas.   If you are curious about what it is like at one of these retreats we lay it all out for you.   Why did we love this one so much?  Listen and find out!     drop us a line at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com with any questions or comments. 

Huge moment for life Recovered as our good friend Kymberly sat down with Garrett live and in person!  We talk about life, all things therapy, and maybe we might even have uncovered why Garrett drank..(or at least a big piece of the puzzle)  And Garrett asks a bunch of layman style therapy questions.  You don't want to miss this episode!   For more info about Brainspotting go to www.brainspotting.com and if you want to email Kymberly questions here you go... kymberly@midtown-counseling.com  And if you want to be the second person to ever email me and Tamara drop us a line at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com 

In this week's episode, Garrett and Tamara discuss a news headline that depicts shame culture and the human tendency towards gossip. They relate how this has surfaced in their lives, how certain groups that are susceptible, and how everyone is guilty at times of participating on some level. In other news this week in the lives of Tam and Gar - Garrett rides a horse and got whiplash and a minor concussion (two unrelated events), and Tamara wore a winter coat and a swimsuit in the same day. To round out this week's episode, Garrett has a breakthrough he credits to none other than Jesus Christ himself! Please send us an email (we LOVE your emails) at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com! Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator

After a 2-month hiatus, Garrett and Tamara reunite to introduce Season 3 of Life Recovered. And what a new season it is! After laying the groundwork for what listeners (all 6 of them!) can expect this season, Gar and Tam describe the changes that have transpired in their lives over the past 2 months - and the recovery path they’re on now. Life Recovered is and will continue to be a podcast about recovery from a deadly disease. The pair also highlight their recent experiences in “new age woo-woo” and their favorite benefits of these types of work. Healing methods discussed include: Reiki, Sound Baths, Anji, Circular Breathwork, Guided Positive Visualization, and Clarity Breathwork. Please do your research before jumping into these types of therapies. Please send us an email (we LOVE your emails) at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com! Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator

life Recovered has season 2 has ended and things are at a crossroads, after much soul searching I believe the podcast will continue before the year is out and we will launch season 3 Please send love and prayers to Tamara.   Stay Subscribed!!  

This episode is all about keeping it simple and lighthearted. Tamara and Garrett do their best to do just that, as best as they possibly can! Garrett and Tamara also do their level best to keep this one clean.  This episode features a brand new segment, which might become a recurring favorite - it's called, "Garrett and Tamara give each other positive affirmations." ****this is the final episode of season 2 of life Recovered please stay subscribed, season 3 will be coming before the year is up

Garrett and Tamara get back to the podcast's roots as Garrett shares his latest recovery theory - why he drank in the first place. He also discusses a recent conversation that sheds light on how sobriety conversations in various settings continue to be impactful, even after he's spent over 2 years in recovery. Garrett recounts his latest dream about his dog, Dodger (RIP), and Tamara offers her interpretation. Tamara then shares the 3 consecutive dreams she had, and Garrett goes deep on his translation of their meanings. Garrett is a huge fan of the Apple card, and Tamara continues to learn new things every day - this time, that their entire podcast format is loosely based on one of Garrett's favorite podcasts! "Most men lead lives of quiet desperation." -Henry David Thoreau Please send us an email (we LOVE your emails) at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com! Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator

John Cressler joins the podcast and we have a great conversation about recovery, marriage, surfing, adventure and much more!   Also, for the first time ever Garrett is stopped in his tracks as John drops a game changing insight.  You will not want to miss this episode I promise you! Please send us an email (we LOVE your emails) at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com!   Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes.   We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator

Tamara and Garrett are reunited and it feels so good (and a little weird). The reunited duo addresses the weirdness, and add to it a little bit. Garrett is dealing with a few new insights he received from the last podcast recording with John Cressler (out on Sunday). Tamara catches us up on where she is with her journey, going back to The Refuge and what she has learned.  Garrett tries to talk about Europe, but that gets sidetracked a bit (lol). Garrett plays a brand new, original song that no one has ever heard before about his Black Labrador, Raven. Please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast (we crave validation and are always happy when we get five-star reviews!).  Also consider actually sending us an email, (something that no one has ever actually done before since we switched to LR... you could be the first!): liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com  We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator

Very Pleased to have Bree "Sobriety 'Bella' Fuel" on with me as my co-host this week.  Bree and I have been through a lot together and in this episode we reminisce about where we were, the adventures we were a part of, and where we are today.     And did somebody say Ayahuasca?  Well Bree and Garrett reminisce about Rythmia, and Bree talks about topping off her tank.   Bree dispenses a lot of wisdom and provides a lot of hope in this episode and it's well worth a listen! Bree has hit 2 Years of Sobriety!!!!!!   (about halfway thru there is a slight echo, but keep listening, Bree talks pure gold)   Our email is liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com  and if you enjoy the podcast the best way to support us to subscribe/rate/review and tell your friends!

Cafe Jim drops in today to share his views on alcohol and food, social media, the Kennedy Assassination, and more!   liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com    Please Subscribe rate and Review us, it really helps out.     

Kris Oyen stops in as Garrett's cohost this week as Tamara is off having fun in the beautiful city of Montreal.  We talk about marriage, Eckhart Tolle, and then talk all about Spirituality, Christianity, Kris's journey from being Catholic to being protestant and having a more personal relationship with Jesus.  Garrett is spiritual, not an atheist, but not a christian either.  This is a fun one so strap in!   email liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com   please subscribe, rate, and review us as it helps the Podcast tremendously 

****Note the audio quality is not ideal for this episode, please bear with us as the content itself is well worth the listen*******  While Garrett is off galavanting in Europe Tamara scores the ultimate interview with Kymberly Stephens, MS, LPC, CETP, CCTP-II. Kym's accolades are too many to count, and Tamara and Garrett can both attest to the power of brainspotting, as they have both been fortunate enough to have one-on-one sessions with Kymberly.   Tamara interviews Kym about how brainspotting was discovered, how it works in the brain, and the benefits of it for trauma treatment and other uses. They even throw in some dream interpretation technique, just because she couldn't help herself! If you are anywhere near Fayetteville, Arkansas, we strongly recommend looking her up.  Please send us an email at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com  Please subscribe, rate, and review as this helps the podcast tremendously. Books mentioned on this episode:   The Body Keeps the score: by Bessel van Der Kolk

In this 1-year anniversary special, Tamara and Garrett recount the first year of the podcast. From After the Elevator to Life Recovered, from recapping another podcast to talking about their own recovery interests, from trial-and-error to a focused vision... As they discuss their favorite memories (and not-so-favorite moments), Gar and Tam reflect on where they've been over the past year - in their recovery journeys and in their relationship on the podcast. You won't want to miss this one! Please send us an email (we LOVE your emails) at life recoveredpodcast@gmail.com! Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator

Garrett's reading "How to Change Your Mind" and discusses a way of describing how psychedelics work in the brain in order to open it up to new patterns. He and Tamara relate it back to where they both are in their respective therapeutic modalities. Gar and Tam also discuss the "silver lining" of pain, specifically the loss of relationships. Garrett had a huge breakthrough with his therapist - so huge that she grinned and dismissed him! Tamara is continuing on with EMDR and remembering to be patient through the process. It takes TIME. Please send us an email (we LOVE your emails) at life recoveredpodcast@gmail.com! Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator

This week's episode brings some tough questions into the light. Garrett broaches the subject of a common question many people ask as they get deeper into sobriety - "Could I drink again?" What does it mean to toy around with the idea, and what do you do when you're faced with that question? Tamara questions a completely different aspect of recovery and relapse. Relapse has become a normalized part of early sobriety, as it often takes so many failures before finally finding the right kind of help to stay sober. But does it have to be THIS difficult to find the help you need? Is it possible to help people find it sooner, before they have to boomerang back to rehab multiple times? Garrett shares a moment of gratitude and reflection with us, as he has seen the benefits of sobriety come full circle in his family relationships, and Tamara is riding a spiritual high from the inspired weekend she shared with loved ones. Please send us an email (we LOVE your emails) at life recoveredpodcast@gmail.com! Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month. If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple of bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator

In this week’s episode, Garrett and Tamara catch up on the past two eventful weeks. Garrett spent time in Palm Springs with sober friends and irreversibly deleted his social media accounts. Tamara talks about the death of her longtime friend, and how it’s been mourning her as life continues to go on.   Both are getting a lot from therapy - Garrett with his regular therapist and recent, first brainspotting session, and Tamara with ongoing EMDR.   The podcast is briefly interrupted by a new (likely recurring) special guest, Rufus. And boy, is he a trip... Please send us an email (we LOVE your emails) at life recoveredpodcast@gmail.com! Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator

Tamara is off this week so Garrett talks about a great article sent to him by his friend Odette about Grey area drinking.   I also plug my friend Laurent and his help with Kim Goldmans stellar "Confronting OJ Podcast" if you are in to true crime.   Tamara will be back next week!   Liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com 

After a technology and social media addiction update from last week's episode, Tamara shares her impression of the EMDR process so far and describes inner child work - reading her inner child letters from treatment. Gar and Tam discuss the purpose and impact of this type of inner child work, and the podcast gets unexpectedly somber. After they gain back their composure, they quickly return to the latest life events - from socializing, to celebrations, to new tattoos! And there's a LOT to celebrate this week. The podcast hit 10K downloads last week (thank to all listeners for making it happen!), and Garrett celebrated 22 years of marriage to his beautiful wife, Tasha!  Pop culture this week is all about Black Mirror on Netflix - a personal favorite of both Garrett's and Tamara's. Gar is also still eyeball-deep in books, and he just read "The Law of Attraction" and is now reading "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone." Please send us an email (we LOVE your emails)! liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator

Garrett introduces the main topic of the week: behavioral addictions (aka “process addictions”). Specifically, technology and the harmful effects of social media. The good news? Since he has broken free of social media snares, he’s returned to his first love… reading!   The also discuss why trauma survivors gravitate to True Crime and other fear-inducing experiences.   Tamara talks about how her third week home from treatment has gone - including some major updates being back at work, starting EMDR, picking back up her step work and experiencing triggers and intense emotions.   Pop culture appearances on this episode include “Rocketman," “Aladdin," "Dead to Me," "On the Basis of Sex" and some upcoming Netflix premiers they’re excited to see return to the screen. Please send us an email (we love your emails). liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator

Garrett & Tamara are back for a new season, both literally and figuratively. Gar celebrated 2 years sober, Tam is back from The Refuge, and they’re both heading into this new season of life with new… BOUNDARIES!!!   They discuss Tam’s complex PTSD diagnosis and treatment, and the lasting impacts of childhood trauma. Gar shares the events that transpired while Tam was gone, and they announce a formal end to a previous chapter of their recovery… with special shout-outs along the way to many amazing friends and listeners.   Pop culture appearances on this episode include Avengers: Endgame, John Wick 3, Game of Thrones, Bill Maher. Please send us an email (we love your emails) at liferecoveredpodcast@gmail.com. Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes. We do this podcast for free. In fact, it costs us money each month.If you like what you hear, consider throwing a couple bucks in to support Life Recovered. We appreciate your generous support! paypal.me/aftertheelevator