Recovery Media Podcast: A Conduit of hope, safety and trust.

Kevin Parker welcomes in Connor Duffy, host of the The Sober Plug, co-founder of Recovery Media and TikTok content creator. Connor helps those dealing with addiction through coaching, using his own life experience as a touchstone for how to work through and beyond addiction. Connor always felt that he was in search of something, looking to fill a void left by the early passing of his father. This led to decisions that were born out of a misplaced need for acceptance that quickly fostered a willingness to say yes to any and all opportunities. It is in many ways a familiar story to those that experienced early exposer to drugs and alcohol, but Connor serves as an example and resource to those struggling, reminding us- it can always be turned around.  The choice can always be made to seek help, to recover and to set yourself on a better path. TikTok: https://bit.ly/3daJhWB The Sober Plug: https://spoti.fi/31iluBp --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

The new host of Recovery Media Kevin Parker is here and brings you right into his life experience, the trauma's that led to his addiction and how he carries the message of recovery forward today. Kevin's journey of pain and introduction to drugs and alcohol started at a young age, finding himself physically and mentally broken by his early twenties. It was his support system, those willing to help him at his lowest point, that kept him alive even through the trauma of losing a limb. But it was through that experience and from that pain that Kevin finally began to learn who he was and the value he had to offer the world. Today, we learn Kevin Parker's story and going forward he will share the stories, experiences and support for all of those in recovery or dealing with addiction. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Louis and Jim hosted a Facebook live session to further the discussion on the more difficult elements of addiction. Both Louis and Jim share personal stories of how addiction impacted not only themselves but those they love and care for. Many have had the opportunity to meet Louis and Jim as they stand today, two people committed to their recovery and to helping those in need, but the path to that point was not a short journey. In all of these stories, the thread throughout is where their addiction took them, to the lowest points of their lives, before recovery became a true possibility. In that, both Louis and Jim continue the message of hope and support to those in need, no matter where they find themselves currently on the path to sobriety. linktr.ee/RecoveryMediaPodcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Louis and Jim bring another fantastic episode today, going beyond the 12 Step program. There are phases to recovery, and as you progress through the steps, as you bring your sole focus on to recovery, it is important to remember that there will need to be more, to create a healthy life. Jim and Louis discuss how the most important thing once in recovery, is recovery. But, there are varying long term forms of that process. The often pressing question becomes, what is life now without drugs and alcohol.? Mental and physical health through meditation, diet and physical activity helped Jim and Louis to expand their lives and provide additional areas of focus for their energy and time. As work, family, and the day to day routine re-emerge, that balance and awareness of your recovery must always be re-focused and integrated into an evolving life. Through all of this, the active awareness to never become complacent or comfortable in your recovery. You never get to put down the addiction, but you can make carrying it with you a much easier lift! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Louis and Jim continue the conversation with Chad Brown and his work both personally and professionally. The parallels between coaching, and the process of recovery bring to light the universal truth that in order to: overcome addiction, successfully work and communicate in business, set and meet personal goals; it all starts with self. Chad discusses the areas within his personal life that he wanted to change, to adjust his habits and perspectives to meet the world in a balanced and healthy way. The path to that is ever evolving, the steps taken never set in stone. In this way, Louis and Jim find the common ground in their own journeys, and the beauty of that process. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Meet Chad Brown! Chad thrives in conversation with the restless and relentless. He is a coach to executives, founders, and entrepreneurs at an L.A.-based firm, Take New Ground. Being a seasoned founder and entrepreneur himself in the media and ad world, he is intimately connected to the unique challenges and hurdles of those pursuing something bigger than themselves in business and relationships. There is reward in discomfort, and Chad is a living invitation into the discomfort that produces change, growth, and vitality. Chad lives in Utah at the foot of the Wasatch range with his sweetheart of 18 years and their three children. They spend their time camping, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and skiing. While Louis and Jim may come from different work backgrounds, the parallels in the emotional and personal journey, cross all fields- and provide a beautiful opportunity to learn and grow together! Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant: Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Louis and Jim welcome in Nick Barrios for a two part conversation about addiction and the different circumstances that create confusion, self doubt, and shame. Part 2 joins the continued conversation picking up a tumultuous point in Nick's life, and one that began his path towards recovery and to helping those in need. Nick Barrios is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Wellness Coach from Long Island, New York. He specializes in working with people with chronic pain, helping them get back to doing what they love, with who they love. He is an athlete, a writer, and a lover of philosophy, psychology, and spirituality. Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant: Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Louis and Jim welcome in Nick Barrios for a two part conversation about addiction and the different circumstances that create confusion, self doubt, and shame. Nick Barrios is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Wellness Coach from Long Island, New York. He specializes in working with people with chronic pain, helping them get back to doing what they love, with who they love. He is an athlete, a writer, and a lover of philosophy, psychology, and spirituality. Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant: Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Pulled from the Facebook Live Files: Matthew Forrest returns for a second appearance on the podcast! Matthew joins Louis and Jim to share a couple stories from his life. Neither start off on particularly high notes, but both serve as reminders of who and what we want to be in our lives. Being in a difficult position is never easy but as Matt explains, who we turn to for advice and guidance can be crucial in navigating uncharted waters. Seeking relationship advice from someone in a healthy partnership or asking for guidance in business from someone who has a successful work life balance that aligns with you, can bring healthy input to your decisions. Before any success can be found, we must first acknowledge being in need of help, and being willing to find the words to ask for it. It is hard to communicate personal shortcomings but through stories about shame and protecting himself from perceived judgement; a great life lesson is learned: Some of the darkest moments, with honesty to self and to those you trust, can bring the brightest days. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Meet Louis and Jim! As many listeners know by now, Recovery Media Podcast is the product of two human beings that have first hand experience in recovery. On today's show, hosts Louis and Jim tap back into those personal experiences and the different lessons they learned along their respective journeys. Taking time to reflect on the moments that brought the desire for change, the impact that the 12 step program had in that process, and the appreciation they both have for being able to share their stories, and journey of so many in recovery- is always at the forefront of their minds! Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant: Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Meet Albert Duarte! Jim welcomes Albert to the podcast for an emotional and powerful conversation. Albert is an Ontological Life Coach and Meditation Trainer & on the path to becoming a Transformational Trainer as well. He also has a 20-year background in the financial services industry as a life insurance agent. Through coaching and meditation, Albert helps people find their place of peace and life purpose. "The good and bad angels", as Albert puts it, always remained on his shoulders. The push and pull to and from addiction, led him down more than a few bad roads but thankfully Albert received his wake up call in 2015. By experiencing his own transformation, just 5 years ago. and overcame kidney cancer, a 13-year drug and alcohol addiction all at the same time without rehab, A.A or N.A. By the grace of God, Albert survived it all, and learned YOU create the life you want. The journey, for all of its twists and turns, has left Albert in gratitude for the experiences and led him to his purpose, helping others on their path to recovery as well. Jim and Albert only recently connected prior to this conversation. The vulnerability and openness they both lean into, serves as a reminder to always be willing to share your journey in recovery as it brings understanding, comfort and hope to those in recovery and those seeking to get on the path to sobriety as well. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Today is a unique episode with Louis Iacona and Jim Grant. There are many different views, perspectives and narratives around addiction. Johann Hari led a TED Talk that, in many ways, touches on points which Louis and Jim align with. However, nothing can be as simple as "right or wrong" "this or that". So much of what Jim and Louis discuss on the podcast is about nuance and the unique elements that make up a common overall story for those struggling with addiction. Louis and Jim discuss the definitive nature of the title, methods of punishment for addicts, "Rat Park" and misleading information that can lead individuals to make life choices with dangerous repercussions. They do acknowledge elements that Johann brings up which they feel are valid -- and, it is the simplicity in which he frames recovery that can be concerning. Addiction is not a paint by numbers process to recovery and can be dangerous to be presented as such. Louis and Jim flesh out thoughts beyond Johann's TED Talk, further highlighting the need and ability to dive into the details before identifying the unique solutions individuals need along their path to recovery. Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant: Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Meet Ryan Baum! Louis and Jim welcome Ryan Baum, a motivated and determined owner of Wellness Transitional Living homes, and who is in long term recovery from Alcohol and Drug addiction. His sober living homes are located in Suffolk county on Long Island in New York. They provide a safe and structured environment to help men transition back into society while maintaining sobriety. His life's passion is to provide individuals with an environment to find themselves and achieve greatness. Louis and Jim have great conversation diving into Ryan's story, his path in recovery and how he now serves in support of others. Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant: Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Louis and Jim welcome Aron Myers to the podcast! Aron experienced addiction as a child through his father and this molded his approach to life as an adult. He found himself dealing with rejection from a young age within his family and dealing with addiction (even with never having touched a substance). Aron developed a pattern of being a "forced giver" — not allowing others to give to him and always seeking approval through actions. He found himself unable to accept himself as being worthy of the love, admiration and community of those close to him. In his words, Aron needing to "be seen” rather than being comfortable with how he was seen. Ultimately this conversation is about the life philosophy Aron holds — helping people to create their own story, and honoring their own voice. This is an active decision Aron makes, taking responsibility to support those around him every single day. Aron Myers brings a passion and love to the conversation of support; of those in need, of those we care for, and of ourselves. Aron Myers is the Principal Leadership Strategist at A-Game Leadership and holds a master's degree from the Case Western Reserve University's, nationally ranked Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. He is an alumnus of Ideal Coaching Global and received training from the Mandel School of Nonprofit Management. Aron holds a certification as  Professional Certified Coach from International Federation of Coaches and member of the National Association of Social Workers, and has excelled in leadership positions for more than thirty years and has held senior leadership positions for over 20 years, including Chief Operating Office at a national AIDS service organization, National Director for Child Welfare Programs and currently is the Principal and Chief Leadership Strategist/Coach at the A Game Leadership Group. Aron is a seasoned coach working with individuals and organizations to create their professional and personal A-Game. As an alumnus of the foster care system from age five to adulthood, Aron knows what it means to persevere.  Aron utilizes his life story, clinical skills and coaching acumen to inspire and motivate the leaders. Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant: Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Meet Sarah Stinson! Sarah grew up in a family that battled addiction. Her brother led the way by getting sober 22 yrs ago. Her fascination in understanding human behavior led her to receive a bachelor of arts degree with a focus in psychology. Her first professional job out of college was working for Origins Recovery Center where they treat addiction with co-occurring disorders. Sarah fell in love experiencing and witnessing the evolutionary transformation of the male patients that recovered. She was inspired to powerfully choose sobriety after years of heavy drinking and struggling to be in relationship with an alcoholic. Today, she coaches and empowers people to live from their authentic selves and remove all the b.s. that inhibits their soul expression on this earth. Following this great conversation, Jim Grant discusses his new work shop on April 24th and 25th: "Heart of a Man." This is an opportunity for men to connect, look back at the past and how it impacts us today, and of course continue to to grow as human beings in our lives. Additional information can be found through Jim Grant's Facebook Page. Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant: Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

On today's episode Jim and Louis welcome in Jen Villarruel. For Jen, everything happens for a reason. Her father, even through all the pain and chaos of dealing with alcohol addiction, still had a tremendous, and even positive impact on her life. Being raised by a single mother, offered experiences that would create a thread throughout Jen's life. Her story is about seeking out: experience, structure, guidance and about creating her own path. Jen was seeking "normalcy" in her life, and when a surprise pregnancy came at the age of 19, it was family and friends who brought a support system, but also Jen's attitude and determination to "get my shit together." This moment was when all of Jen's childhood, her familial experience - was the catalyst to how she wanted her child to grow up. Again, Jen was met with struggles in raising a child with a parents in separate homes. But again Jen made the difficult choices, to acknowledge where she was struggling, admit her shortcomings and seek to be the best version of herself. The unconscious influence in her life, on the relationships she has cultivated, have always carried the weight in wanting stability and reliability. Not every choice is an active one, but Jen has a clear drive and dedication to having a different and positive life experience from the childhood she came from. Jen now works as an Inner Child Advocate and workshop facilitator, and also working on projects like Conscious Clothing, Coaching and Up-Coming Certified Breath Work facilitator. Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant: Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

In today's episode, Louis and Jim are joined by an old friend, Danielle Sweeney-Kirson. With an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Social Work and a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Danielle has dedicated herself to helping those in need. Her story and the stories of those she's working with overlap at different points — as with many guests, Danielle has her own path to and away from addiction. Danielle speaks to the societal perspective on alcohol and drinking and how it can make "normal social functions" difficult circumstances to navigate. She also shares with Louis the difficulty around people pleasing and self destructive patterns, not always simply the desire to drink or need for a release. Now, in recovery, Danielle speaks to her professional career and how through recovery she was better able to serve those in need. Danielle's career at Outreach Development began in 2003 after completing her internship and being hired full time as the Vocational Counselor. She was fortunate to have held a variety of positions within Outreach including: Vocational Coordinator, Aftercare Coordinator, House Manager, Clinical Coordinator, and, finally, Director in 2012 until taking maternity leave in 2015. Her first daughter Isabella was born November 24, 2015 followed by twin girls, Madison and Charlotte, in June 2019. Currently Danielle is a stay at home mom as well as private therapist where she has maintained a steady flow of clients specializing with adolescents and young adults. Her education, along with her personal experience in recovery, has afforded her many opportunities to learn and grow professionally. Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant: Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Today, Louis and Jim welcome in Danny Albert to the Recovery Media Podcast to discuss his experience with substance abuse. Danny speaks to how there is not always an extreme circumstance that triggers addiction, there can also be a cumulative impact over time. Danny grew up in a household with parents who believed they were doing "the right thing." Offering to try a beer or marijuana in a controlled environment felt like the responsible thing to do and yet Danny discusses the far reaching impacts for such a decision. The need to use a substance became a daily requirement for him, which led to skipping school and getting into more serious issues outside the classroom. In spite of it all, Danny found his way to college but ultimately into juvenile detention center following an arrest. His college experience lasted only a year and he eventually found himself bartending and elevating his substance abuse to heroine along the way. Danny talk about his daughter and how he was not in touch with her at the time. He was back living at home with his parents and finally bottomed out. He shares how recovery did not take immediately. He continued to blame others and abuse heroin. Finally, a call from his daughter turned things around for Danny. He shares how she expressed not wanting him to be sick anymore which led him to getting treatment. That was the beginning of his sober life, entering a sober living house — surrounding himself with positivity and people he loved and wanted to emulate. Danny finally committed to learning about himself — who he was and what he wanted his life to be. He is now a successful manager of a restaurant chain and paying it forward through his grassroots community recovery organization, Hero in the Fight which provides hope and support to those in recovery. Danny Albert: on Facebook Hero In The Fight | Herointhefight.org | herointhefight@gmail.com Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant: Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Today, Louis and Jim welcome Guy Fitzgerald into the Recovery Media Podcast. Sober since 1988, Guy brings an energy and enthusiasm to every aspect of his life. Guy is "an open book" and takes no issue discussing his past, his struggles and continuing to live in recovery. Guy was introduced to alcohol and drugs at just 9 years old — with the impact extending to all areas of his life. A self described, angry, lying, stealing young kid, what he lost in his youth was his love and enjoyment of sports and his attention and drive in school. Coming from a family, where other siblings were also abusing substances, Guy's issues went unaddressed until well into his college years. Underneath all the addiction was shame about himself. Their discussion highlights the evolution of AA and the difference in approach of getting sober. Guy acknowledges it ultimately needed to "bottom out" before he was willing to enter the room with a desire to clean himself up. His sobriety is through his own effort and his own desire to change. Though his personal experience, Guy believes that both life and people change and finding the best way to maintain sobriety looks very different for each individual. Today, Guy remains incredibly active, both physically and mentally — staying engaged with activities like golf, ski-ing, running, listening to podcasts and reading. A long time friend of Jim Grant, the conversation is also a reminder of the connections with people — the connections in friendship that allow us to have people we can rely on and trust to help stay on the path of sobriety. https://linktr.ee/RecoveryMediaPodcast Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant: Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

On today's episode, Jim and Louis welcome in Ray Ortiz, a retired military veteran and Substance Abuse Counsellor for more than 30 years. This conversation looks at the foundation, that is set from a very young age, and the role it can play in the addiction and abuse process. It took Ray's experience through the Outreach Program as a youth to have a mirror to his own life and learn what "should not be normal" for a child developing in the world. This continues the themes on Recovery Media Podcast around cognitive development, the ability for young children to process and understand trauma, and the very real impact it can have on a human if outlets and resources are not available to them. Jim and Ray have a long standing connection through their work as counsellors and they discuss the ways in which techniques and methods evolve and change over time. They talk about how, at the core, it's about being there and being in service of those in need and understanding there may be different techniques and methods as more science and research inform how we as a society approach addiction and its treatment. This is a reminder of the fight that it takes and the fight it took for Ray Ortiz to learn, grow, and move beyond the addictions he had to ultimately be able to put himself in a position to help those in need. Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant: Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

On today's episode, Louis and Jim welcome in Robb Kelly, PhD. Dr. Kelly is a renowned addiction consultant who believes in treating the problem of addiction, not the symptoms. He has worked for many years helping addicts and alcoholics to recover their lives from the disease of addiction. He has lectured on the subject of addiction at many high-profile universities, national conferences, public schools, churches, business organizations and hospitals, and is recognized as a leading authority on addiction recovery methods that are changing lives all around the world. Louis, Jim and Dr. Kelly discuss trauma and its cornerstone role in forming addiction. They also speak to: the label of "gateway" drugs being too broad a stroke, understanding the brain, and the trauma that set the stage for addiction. Dr. Kelly promotes the necessity of learning and understanding the ways to treat the individuals dealing with addiction. His journey, as with all of Recovery Media Podcast guests, is rooted in addiction. As a youth, alcohol was the mechanism of socialization for him and the substance that would thread through his younger life. As with most addicts, the solution is always somewhere else. Getting married and having a family were all efforts to "fix" the problem while never truly addressing the truth. When the bottom finally fell out, Robb was homeless and living on the streets for over a year. The kindness of a stranger, ultimately was the first step on his path to recovery. From there, it was his educational commitment, his desire to help others recover that has driven his life's work. Dr. Robb Kelly is passionate and committed to providing that education and treatment for permanent recovery for those dealing with addiction. Robb Kelly, PhD: robbkelly.com | (214) 600-0210 | Daddy, Daddy Please Stop Drinking Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant: Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Today, Louis, Jim and Will welcome Barbara Corcoran to the Recovery Media Podcast. Barbara brings so much to the conversation through not only her own history with addiction, but her journey in the field of recovery. Barbara is a credentialed CASAC, holds a master's degree from Mercy College in Mental Health, and is also certified in Holistic Health and Wellness with a CBT therapy certification. Sober since 1988, Barbara has a consistent thread of seeking to better understand how to serve those in need. The landscape of mental health and addiction has seen an internal and external perception shift over the years. Barbara speaks to the need for individual attention in recovery, as it is not only what we deal with on the surface but also the underlying issues that impact the ability to not only find recovery, but maintain it as well. Barbara speaks to making active choices in her career to ensure that her clients and the work of helping would always come first. This conversation also extends to generational experience — of upbringing and expectations from one age demographic to the next. It also speaks to how the recovery process must evolve to account for the ways in which we as a society have changed. Barbara represents the courage that we all have within ourselves. The courage to change — from addiction to sobriety; from one career path to another. Barbara reminds us the power of always remaining teachable and leaning into the areas in life we can improve. Barbara Corcoran: Recovery Dharma | Refuge Recovery Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant:  Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Jim Grant welcomes Charles Edmund Shockey to the Recovery Media Podcast. Charles began his recovery at 23 and, though there were moments relapse, he now celebrates 31 years in recovery. Jim and Charles discuss his youth and home life, the introduction to addiction, and the many unique experiences that shaped his perspective on life -- both through and following his struggle with substance abuse. Charles speaks on his active self-reflection, taking the focus off himself and learning, through practice, that a life in service of others offers incredible return on investment for himself. He communicates the value of "staying the course" and trusting that the faith you put in yourself and in those around you will serve to pull you through the everyday difficulties we all see. In recovery, Charles also returned to school, ultimately on a path to opening his Chiropractic practice, and is the founding member in ALTRU, continuing to live in service of others in need. Charles Edmund Shockey: ALTRU Center | facebook.com/AltruCenter | altrucenter.org | (646) 820-4754 Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant:  Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

On today's episode, Louis and Jim welcome in Jake Edelstein. His story sheds light on how family background and predisposition can be a foundation for addiction. Jake goes into detail on the substances that he abused, the lengths to which we would go to feed that addiction, and the strain it put on those closest to him. Jake describes the up and down battle in his late teens to early twenties — going in and out of hospitals, recovery, sober living centers, and ultimately psych wards from the ramifications of meth use. Much like Louis and Jim, in recovery Jake has found ways to positively impact and support those struggling with addiction. The long term "sober fraternity" speaks to the need to address the whole person, not just the addiction. Jake Edelstein: immersiverecovery.com | admissions@immersiverecovery.com | (949)-245-8625 Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant: Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Today on the podcast, Jim and Will welcome Mike DiNatale to share his story. Mike speaks to having every opportunity to get clean, what having been in and out of treatment centers was like, and finding himself homeless in Boston. He also speaks to having struggled with many substances, but specifically shares his battle with crystal meth and how it borough him to his lowest point. Mike also dives deep about being diagnosed with Bipolar 1 and his relationship to his mental health both when in addiction and how it is now a critical part of his personal recovery. Mike is a powerful example of the many different facets of recovery, the importance of mental health, the commitment to staying the path, and the message that you are not alone in this struggle. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Louis and Jim are joined on today's episode by Will Milligram, the third member of the Recovery Media Podcast family. They discuss Will's history with addiction, the recovery process, and how becoming a parent changes your perspective, your purpose, and your ability to overcome. Will dives deep into how family and closed loved ones provided the needed push to seek help as he saw how, even at a young age, his daughter was developing a perception and understanding that "something was wrong with daddy." While becoming a father gave Will purpose, it was ultimately his decision to want the change, to seek the help he needed, and to ultimately put trust and faith in a friend (Louis) to help lead him to recovery. Louis and Jim share their own experiences with addiction, recovery, and the thoughts and struggles that come up as you approach treatment. Jim and Louis acknowledge the personal shifts fatherhood has offered them. Opportunities to let go of a need for control and leaning into patience as a role model. Jim, Louis and Will share how recovery is not only for the individual but also for those around them. Making the choice to get help and get sober also allows loved ones to heal and come back into the recovering individual's life. To share in the joy of love and of reconnecting with family. Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant:  Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Louis and Jim welcome Matthew Forrest to the podcast. Matt shares how through his recovery he found the deep need in his life for unity, community and spirituality. He outlines his struggles with suicide and alcohol from a young age, as well as the beauty and value of the 12 step program. Matt speaks to how deeply his life was impacted by immersing himself in practices such as guided meditation, chanting and yoga. He also discusses the 4 Noble Truths derived from the Buddhist philosophy — specifically in the area of suffering: experiencing it, acknowledging it, learning and growing from it. Through illness and tragedy, Matt found additional opportunity to help others by asking the question: “What is this is happening FOR me?” From this came “Feeling O2 Good”, through which Matt continues to help in support of his community and those in need. Matt, Louis, and Jim also dive deep into what they've discovered we need as individuals in our lives — specifically the importance of day to day experiences. Matt tells a story of how even the smallest of moments or insights from those around you, can lead to some of the biggest understandings of ourselves and the path we want to walk. Matt Forest: o2good.com | sacredpeacockcbd.com Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant: Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

On today's episode, Jim and Louis discuss the difficulties of helping those suffering from addiction -- those who are not always ready to receive support. They both share personal stories of how their families approached confronting their addictions. Louis also goes into detail on the struggle of recovery when dealing with not only the addiction itself, but also the growing consequences that come year by year. There are lessons through all experiences, and while these learning opportunities are not always seen in the moment, both Jim and Louis reflect on what realizations and developmental plateaus they achieved along their path to recovery. Jim and Louis also take a moment to outline the purpose of this podcast -- including hearing from you, the listeners. Whether it is questions you have or issues you may be struggling with, Louis and Jim are continuing to grow this platform to reach as many people as possible to offer guidance, perspective, connection, and support. Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant: Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Jim and Louis are joined by Joe Belmonte, a personal trainer and addict in recovery. Joe shares his struggles with heroin addiction, the family intervention that led to meeting Louis, and how he is now approaching 5 years in recovery. In the second half of this episode, New Year's resolutions take center stage. Jim discusses what has kept him from making resolutions in the past, while Louis goes into the details of not only stating the resolution, but also the scheduling of actions needed. In both recovery and resolutions the common thread is commitment. Commitment in action and belief that you can continue to get better, and continue to grow as a person. Louis Iacona: Laguna View Detox | info@lagunaviewdetox.com | (866) 819-7187 Jim Grant: Jim Grant Coaching | jimgrantcoaching@yahoo.com | Facebook: Jim Grant Coaching Joe Belmonte: sbsmtraining2020@gmail.com | Facebook: Stronger Body Stronger Mind --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message

Welcome to the Recovery Media Podcast Trailer: A look at the brand new podcast launching of December 29th 2020 with a special New Year's conversation! This podcast is the thoughtfully crafted by Louis Iocana and Jim Grant. Jim is a former CASAC (Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor), a certified Coach, father of twin toddler boys and 30 years Sober in AA. Louis Iacona is a certified Interventionist and co-founder of Laguna View Detox as well as being 8 years sober in recovery. Together, Jim and Louis share the same vision of bringing conversations around addiction and the process of recovery to as many people as possible. In doing so, their goal is to provide a source of  experience, discussion and when possible - solutions for those struggling throughout the world.  Each week through their own stories and experiences, and those of their guests, Louis and Jim hope to be a source of inspiration and support for anyone in need. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoverymediapodcast/message