Recovery Plus Podcast: F*ck Yesterday, Focus on Today

Dr. Chuck Smith works as an addictionologist in South Florida where he provides patient care including detox, residential, and outpatient management of addictive diseases. He is a graduate of Marshall University and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Smith has completed an Addiction Medicine Fellowship at the University of Florida. Dr. Smith is also a co-author of the book, Understanding Addiction: Knowing Science, No Stigma. Dr. Smith is an expert in the field of addiction medicine and has firsthand experience with the humiliation and shame that accompanies substance use disorder. Dr. Smith had a successful medical practice and lost everything including his ability to practice medicine due to his substance use addiction. After losing his medical license, everything else crumbled. He spent seven years to recovery, he sought treatment, then lived in a sober living house, and was able to be a certified drug and alcohol counselor, then got into a fellowship in addiction medicine. Now he practices medicine and teaches other physicians addiction medicine and what lifesaving questions to ask patients. Dr. Smith believes, “you can’t think your way into sober living, but you can live your way into sober thinking”. Key things discussed: 10% of Americans are at risk for substance use disorder – how we got this number. Key risk factors that can lead to substance use disorder. Understanding the brain and addiction - Vulnerable and damaged dopamine reward system – Prefrontal Cortex. Medical Training to physicians - screening tools – SBIRT (screen, brief intervention, and referral to treatment) and other tools. Effective treatment approaches for physicians, nurses, and pilots = 70% or more success rate. Sober Curious. The book is for education and those vulnerable to substance use disorder. The future. More about Dr. Smith: Instagram: @dr.chucksmith Website: https://helpsaddiction.com Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Addiction-Know-Science-Stigma/dp/17372520X

Dawn Comolly is known in the alcohol-free world as “Sober Fish”. Before her life transformed, Dawn was the ultimate party animal but slowly she had become bored of endless partying, sleepless nights, extreme emotions, two-day hangovers, toxic relationships, living in a fog and generally being miserable. During the summer of 2016, Dawn decided to conduct a personal experiment to spend the entire year of 2017, free from alcohol and cigarettes, and blog about her journey using social media. Dawn drank her last alcoholic drink on November 26, 2016. At the start, she fully intended to return to her old life in 2018, however her life changed beyond recognition and she could see no reason for going back! Dawn manages several online accounts, runs her own sober community and has recently qualified as a Positive Psychology and Alcohol-Free Coach, helping countless people get, and stay, successfully sober. For fun, Dawn loves traveling and this year will include trips to Dublin and Italy. She also enjoys writing, getting together with friends and spending time with her family. More information about Dawn: Website: www.soberfish.co.uk Instagram: www.instagram.com/soberfishie/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/soberfishie

Katy McLaren is an Enneagram business coach from Fort Collins, Colorado. After experiencing a very challenging and stressful 2019, the pandemic and a changing body, Katy began to question the role of alcohol in her life. This journey has focused on better understanding her triggers, re-shaping her friendships and improving her mental and physical wellbeing. Email: katy@insights-coaching.com Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/katymclaren-insights-coaching

Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, Jensen was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (AKA Mormon) until they were 16 years old. Unsurprisingly, in Mormon culture, alcohol is demonized. It goes against Mormon values to consume alcohol under any circumstances and people who drink were viewed quite negatively. Jensen developed a sincere fear of alcohol that was reinforced not only by their religion, but also by their mother. Eventually, they broke out of that initial perception of alcohol and learned to ask their own questions about what healthy and unhealthy relationships with alcohol might look like. Fast forward to 2023 and Jensen has had significant ups and downs in their relationship with alcohol. They still drink, but now with a lot more intention, regular breaks, and self-care. Jensen views alcohol as a drug that they use for celebration, play and release, but works very hard to avoid patterns of abusing alcohol as a coping mechanism as they and their current partner have done in the past. Now, Jensen runs a video production company focused on strategic storytelling for equity and sustainability called Risking Joy Productions. You can find them at riskingjoyproductions.com Instagram: @risking.joy Email them directly via riskingjoy33@gmail.com.

Welcome to Episode 36 of the Recovery Plus Podcast with your host Mei-Li Hennen, Drew Sullivan is an entertainment executive, seasoned talent agent and marketing representative with over 12 years of entertainment and speaking industry experience. Drew is a Senior Vice President at American Program Bureau, Inc. (APB) where he has been on both the marketing and the sales side since he started in 2015. However, outside of his professional success, Drew battled alcohol and cocaine addiction for over 15 years before getting sober in August 2020. He is the host and executive producer of Small Steps. Big Change. Podcast where he shares his own recovery journey, and highlights the stories of others who have used small steps to create their big change. At APB, Drew specializes in working with colleges, universities, independent schools and non-profits, helping them find the perfect speaker for their next event or conference. With over 50 years of industry experience, APB was founded to provide an open forum for individuals to voice their opinions and points of view. Today APB has the largest speaker roster in the industry, from entertainers and politicians to business leaders and renowned public intellectuals. Drew’s direct talent roster includes NYT best-selling author Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr., activist David Hogg, ABC’s Nightline’s Juju Chang and Byron Pitts, public intellectual Bishop William J. Barber, II, and ABC’s The View’s Alyssa Farah Griffin to name a few. Drew’s story was almost cut short due to a 15-year battle with alcohol and cocaine. In August 2020, Drew hit rock bottom, and was arrested for his second DUI in 10 years. Not knowing where to turn, and having already ran out of luck with most of his loved ones, Drew needed to find a solution before his life was ruined forever. Finding a strategy that would work for him had never been successful as both rehab and AA had failed in the past, and thinking they would suddenly work was unrealistic. Drew found that the answer was to slow down, get still, and start by making the first right move, or as Drew likes to call it, the first small step. By repeating this process and focusing on small steps, big change started to happen. It wasn’t long before Drew realized that this mentality is what everyone needs to do if they want to make a big change in their life, especially when traditional ways to solving problems doesn

Carrie describes her story as almost being sober and in recovery by accident. Before her successes, Carrie has experienced domestic violence, abuse, addiction, lost businesses and homes, has had chronic health problems and was a single parent with a special needs child, but somehow remained on her feet. Her journey began in martial arts. Unfortunate life experience led to her passion of teaching karate to evolve into the study of violence prevention, psychology, communication and even bodyguard training– among other related topics - in order to better prepare and empower women and children to avoid and escape the real dangers of the world. After working in the self-defense industry for over a decade, her efforts transitioned into ensuring moms have access to what they really need to know to keep them and their kids safe as well as confidently raise their children to be PREPARED to thrive in today's world. This lead to the creation of the Mama Bear PREPARED online course and most recently, the Mama Bear PREPARED Facebook group. Though she still enjoys teaching Kenpo karate, most of her time is spent in further training and learning as well as sharing information with private groups or at conferences, providing various forms of self-defense or related training, or giving personal instruction and coaching for families with specific safety related concerns. More about Carrie: www.beatingdisaster.com www.facebook.com/BeatingDisaster www.facebook.com/groups/MamaBearPREPARED

Welcome to Episode 34 of the Recovery Plus Podcast: F*ck Yesterday, Focus on Today! Joey Pagano is a Recovery Cowboy making a difference. Joey wears many hats: a professor, a drug and alcohol therapist and supervisor, a speaker, a veteran, a husband, a father, and an author of an upcoming book! No addict left behind: It’s a Recovery Medicine State of Mind available on April 25, 2023. Joey has been in recovery for almost a decade. His recovery has led him to get an MSW, LSW, and CRS. Joey is also an educator and is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Social Work (DSW), where he finds the time, which is remarkable! Joey also shares how his mother and father never gave up despite watching their son suffer from 22 years of addiction. He described his addiction as a hell he carried. He states, “addiction was a drill sergeant constantly giving orders to the point where I was ready to take my life.” He literally asked to be arrested at the police station to stop him from killing himself. He added, “I showed up for duty every day at the beat of the drum of addiction, without a lot of hope” Now, Joey talks about the importance of self-care, and how he continues to work on himself. Joey is definitely a force of nature and has found his purpose – which is to help people. His hell no longer exists. Take a listen to Joey’s recovery journey and how he has channeled his pain, into hope. More information about Joey: www.facebook.com/gratefulandclean www.Noaddictleftbehind.life Book Coming Soon: No Addict Left Behind available April 25, 2023, on Amazon

Peter O. Estévez was born in Mexico City, Mexico and at age 10, he and his parents, with 12 siblings migrated to the United States. Peter is an entrepreneur and partner in several companies in the energy, gas and oil sector in Mexico. Peter is also in recovery and his last drink was October 31, 2000. Peter pushed through illiteracy, poverty, abuse, and addiction. He is a philanthropist and an advocate for recovery and mental health, as well as the writer and author of his new book, “From Lies To Riches”. He is also the host of the top-rated podcast, “The Peter O. Estévez Show”. Peter’s life is more fulfilling and more fun beyond his decision to stop using. He says, “breaking the silence, breaks the secrets, and breaking the secrets, breaks the sickness. We are only as sick as our secrets.” Listen to how Peter broke a generation of silence and how he is mentoring others in the Latino community to do the same. More information about Peter: https://www.peteroestevezshow.com/ https://peteroestevez.com/ https://www.instagram.com/peteroestevez/?hl=en

In 2022, it was reported that there were a little under 40,000 pubs and bars operating in the UK, and declining due to change in consumer behavior - a first in UK history. Despite dropping numbers, British society continues to be heavily alcohol centric. For young professional men especially, the pressure to socialize with drinking is not only expected - its considered weak if they don’t drink. My next guest made the decision to stop drinking despite the odds. Matt Morris age 30, lives in London, and has been alcohol free since July 2021. Matt would always drink socially, both at work and with friends. But he was only drinking because that’s just what happened, not because he actually wanted to. He felt as if the choice was not there. Matt decided to take the choice back; claim back the independence that he had lost to alcohol over many years through most of his 20s. Making the final decision to stop drinking was exciting, but it hit him like a ton of bricks trying to live his old life in the same way, just without the alcohol. This drove Matt to set up Dry Spell - a blog that normalizes sober socializing. In Matt’s words, “it should be totally normal if someone doesn’t want to drink, occasionally or ever. No one should feel weird, left out, isolated or judged. If Dry Spell can make one person feel better about themselves and life choices, then that’s what this is all about.” More Information about Matt Morris: www.dryspell.uk

When you talk with Debi, you feel better about yourself because she has such warm, accepting energy. And her laugh is contagious. This side of Debi was hidden for years since she battled alcohol addiction. She believed for many years that she was broken, too old, and that it was too late for change. Debi was also diagnosed with adult ADHD. What she discovered was that she could change her belief, change her perspective, and love life again. Since what she calls, “breaking up with alcohol”, the aches and pains she blamed on aging disappeared. Her energy sky rocketed! Her grandkids love playing with and hanging out with the fun, vivacious Nonna! Debi now savors the sweetness and saltiness of her life. Her marriage is thriving. She’s growing a business. And she loves her “flawsome” self! Debi is a podcast host, a certified Mindset & Alcohol Freedom Coach, and a Baby Boomer on a mission to break the stigma she grew up with, around ADHD, Rethinking Alcohol, and Aging. More information about Debi: Website: www.jumpseatcoaching.com Podcast: https://jumpseatcoaching.simplecast.com

Kimberly Clark is a recovered addict and Navy veteran, choosing every day to be healed and operate in her purpose. Kimberly spent over 10 years in active addiction after a military sexual trauma and being diagnosed with severe PTSD. She was in and out of jail, rehabs and psychiatric units trying any and everything to get her life together. After almost losing her life, being on life support in 2020, on January 3, 2021 her life was saved. Now, she is a passionate Mindset Coach, Certified Peer Support Specialist, published author, motivational speaker, and state leader for a national veteran suicide awareness non-profit organization –www.mission22.com More information about Kimberly: YouTube: Motivation From the Heart - YouTube Website: https://kimberlycares.org/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/kimberlyclarkmotivates Book: Stuck Between Pleasure & Pleasing God – Amazon: Stuck Between Pleasure & Pleasing God: Clark, Kimberly Nicole: 9798218010737: Amazon.com: Books

Alex Wisch is a leading Peak Human Performance and Executive "Flow" Coach. He has worked with top industry leaders to optimize their businesses, maximize their productivity, create sustainable performance, improve their health, and elevate their leadership skills. In addition, he has helped companies turn ideas into multi-million-dollar revenue-producing opportunities, along with assisting large corporations to target strategic partnerships and investors. Prior to Alex’s successes, he battled over 8 years of crippling Major Depression that left him on disability, unemployed, and penniless. Doctors told him he should accept his situation and move on because they believed there was little hope he would get better. With a lot of grit, Alex defied the odds and soared out of the ashes into a life filled with unique accomplishments. Outside of business, Alex is an outspoken mental health advocate. He does yearly fitness feats to raise awareness and money for mental health. In May 2021, Alex wore a 24 lbs. vest and completed 1000 pull-ups, 2000 push-ups, and 3000 squats in 6 hours and 8 minutes, while raising $37,000. In May of 2023, Alex is planning to break the world record for most vertical feet rock climbed in 24 hours, being over 29,130 feet. Once again, his goal is to raise awareness around the stigma of mental illness and raise money for veterans' mental health. More on Alex: Website: WischFit.comLinkedIn: alexwisch Instagram: @wisch.fit

What are the benefits and risks using psychedelics to treat mental health issues or addiction? My next guest will address this question and many others, such as, does micro-dosing really work? You’ll be surprised. Dr. Rakesh Jain, is a psychiatrist, professor, speaker, and researcher studying benefits and risks using psychedelics as a treatment modality. Dr. Jain holds an MD, MPH, and attended medical school at the University of Calcutta in India. He then attended graduate school at the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston, where he was awarded a “National Institute/Center for Disease Control Competitive Traineeship”. His research thesis focused on impact of substance abuse. He graduated from the School of Public Health in 1987 with a Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree. Dr. Jain served a three-year residency in Psychiatry at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He followed that by obtaining further specialty training, by undergoing a two-year fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. In addition, Dr. Jain completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Research Psychiatry at the University of Texas Mental Sciences Institute, in Houston. He was awarded the “National Research Service Award” for the support of this postdoctoral fellowship. He serves on several Advisory Boards focusing on drug development and disease state education. He was also recently the Chair of the US Psychiatric Congress, held in Las Vegas, and for several years has served as a member of the Steering Committee for US Psychiatric Annual Congress. He is a recipient of “Public Citizen of the Year” award from the National Association of Social Workers, Gulf Coast Chapter, in recognition of his community and peer education, and championing of mental health issues. He was also recently awarded the “Extra Mile Award” by the school district, in recognition of the service to the children of the school district, and consultation to the teachers and counselors. Take a listen to this very informative podcast. Thank you Dr. Jain for your amazing work in the field of psychedelic treatment. More information about Dr. Jain’s research and other studies: Study Record | Beta ClinicalTrials.gov https://beta.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04040582?distance=50&cond=PAWS PAWS SURVEY (jainuplift.com)

Can watching movies about addiction and recovery help people kick the habit? That’s what Hollywood veteran Ted Perkins set out to discover as he battled against his own stubborn drinking problem. Barricaded in a bedroom with nothing more than an iTunes movie account, microwave popcorn and Diet Coke, he watched 100 movies in 100 days. And it worked. Thanks to the magic and power of story he was able to see his addiction in a radical new light and follow a non-traditional yet highly effective path towards successful recovery. Ted Perkins is the author of the book, “Addicted in Film, Movies we love about the habits we hate, and how they can help anyone recover successfully and lead a happier life”. In his book, Ted discusses how his Top 25 Best (and worst) films about addiction and recovery not only helped save his life, but also shares what vital lessons they may teach others in recovery, their loved ones, or the wider addiction recovery community in general. Ted Perkins is a former Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Studio executive, university lecturer, public speaker, Hollywood producer, virtual reality entrepreneur, and successful working film and TV series screenwriter. He volunteers his time as an addiction and recovery YouTube personality, sobriety mentor, and has helped thousands of people on their recovery journey through his blogs, videos and weekly SMART Recovery meetings. Ted has lived and worked in over 50 countries, and now resides in Los Angeles. He shares his story with humor, insight, and heart. Take a listen. www.addictedinfilm.com ted@addictedinfilm.com Facebook Page

As an adolescent, Brett struggled to find his place in the world and never really felt like I belonged. His solution was drugs and alcohol. That quickly turned into an addiction that completely took over his life. After detoxing in county jail he realized that he wanted more out of life than getting high. On December 26th, 2022 Brett will celebrate eight years drug and alcohol free, and we also discuss strategies on how to stay safe over the holidays. Brett started a podcast in February 2020 called Recovery Survey where he speaks with a variety of guests that have overcome addictions and mental health issues. In September 2021 he also helped started a live stream on Facebook – Recovery Revolution Live on Thursday nights and on Youtube. Brett’s goal is to spread the message that recovery is possible. If he can do it, so can you! Information about Brett Morris: Podcast: http://www.recoverysurvey.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=recovery+revolution+live Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1081316805999615/about

Veronica Weedon is an integrative health coach, Rapid Transformation Therapy practitioner, Hypnotherapist, and the Founder of Revival Health where she helps individuals heal holistically after toxic relationships. As a survivor of many toxic relationships herself, with devastating consequences on a mental, emotional, and physical level, Veronica is no stranger to adversity. After years of her own healing journey, she now helps clients uncover the root cause of their own destructive patterns, reform their beliefs, and transform their relationships and life through a program that addresses health on a mental, emotional, and physical level. Her mission is simple: to create a ripple effect of people so connected to their innate wisdom that their newfound freedom and empowerment not only allows them to create the relationships and life they want, but also becomes the inspiration for others to do the same. https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/why-is-it-so-hard-to-leave-a-narcissist https://www.divorcemag.com/articles/the-two-most-important-decisions-you-need-to-make-to-get-over-your-toxic-ex https://www.revivalhealth.ch/

Donnalynn Riley is a podcast host, and a Joy Coach who has ridden the roller coaster of life, and she has been sober since 1995. In sobriety, she met a lot of people who have been in dire straits, years and sometimes decades of degrading situations. One day when she was still drinking, she saw a woman twice her age working her way through a gallon box of wine and that's when she knew she would never be an old drunk - she could easily imagine jumping off a 10-story building, but not that. It was a moment that scared her right into getting help to get sober. Donnalynn knows how to choose joy consistently. From a career in the Broadway Stage in NYC to CEO of a multimillion-dollar corporation, the highs have been significant, and the walk through the valley equally amplified right down to the recent loss of her husband and house all at once. Understanding how to live in this world joyously, has been the guiding light for Donnalynn, resulting in finding beauty in every day. Podcast - http://findingyoursparkagain.com/ Podcast - http://findingjoylive.group Blog - https://donnalynn.blog/

Erin Faith the creator of The Oya Collective, LLC, is a woman who realized that she was living out of alignment with who she really was and what she was called to do. Many women have been conditioned to live a certain way, be a certain way, and do things that cause them to deny their authentic selves and purpose. Once she started the journey of getting in touch with who she really was, there was no looking back. She made the commitment that she would always strive to live life in alignment with her authentic self, even if it went against the norm. After prayer, research, and deep meditation, she was able to transform areas of her life and achieve things she never thought were possible! She has 15+ years of experience working in education and is a certified life and instructional coach. She lives in Maryland, right outside of Washington D.C and is dedicating her life to giving women the tools and resources they need to transform their lives, achieve their desires, and connect to who they truly are. Erin herself went through a life changing experience once she was able to leave the grips of a church that stripped her from her voice, and sense of self. Information about Erin: www.theoyacollective.com https://www.theoyacollective.com/podcast

Suz Giddens is a Breathwork Facilitator, Energy/Mindset Coach, Author, Speaker, and sometimes Adventure Seeker. Many years ago, as a leader in biotechnology, Suz found her passion in coaching. Suz originally started as a leadership and career coach. Today, Suz’s coaching feels more like an experience in whole body work. Suz blends techniques from unconscious and energy work, melded with mindset coaching and breathwork. Suz contributes her passion for coaching to a saying her grandfather always believed. “Pay it Forward” so that’s what Suz does through her coaching and breathwork practice. Suz shares that many amazing people have held her hands and guided her as she’s healed and shifted to a life she loves. Now, in turn, Suz pay’s it forward. She holds space and guides amazing humans to take powerful, intentional actions to empower themselves and create a life they deeply desire. More about Suz: https://opicoaching.com/ susan@opicoaching.com

Sometimes being a compliant patient, has consequences. Emily quit prescribed amphetamines (Ritalin and Adderall) for ADHD and has been clean for 3.5 years. Now she is closer to herself, and understanding who she is without medication. She also conquered her addiction to over-the-counter drugs such as Nyquil, ZzzQuil, and Melatonin. Emily is a Holistic Strength and Conditioning Coach. She has first-hand experience quitting medications and coping with diagnoses in natural ways through movement as medicine, nutrition, and stress management. Her passion lies in spreading the word about the ability that our bodies can heal itself if we allow it to. More information about Emily: Website: www.emilynaderfit.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilynaderfit/ Take a listen.

Cora lives by the sea in Northern California with her family pets and creatures of the land. In 2001 she graduated with a BS in nutrition. In 2014 Cora became an addiction specialist through Breining Institute. She is currently credentialed through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. When not thinking in metaphor and symbol she can be found either traveling or trying to help. Simply put, Cora does “village work” in human services, enjoys long walks in the forest, and finds writing as a tool that soothes her grief. Cora has a few books in the works. Her debut, Surface, is a grief/recovery memoir which came out June 2022. She is currently drafting a meditation book which is a companion to Surface as well as a World War II tale of survival, and love based on a true story. For more information about Cora: tinyurl.com/2ravc3wh

Samantha Lander, or Sam for short, is a St. Louis, MO-based single mom, personal trainer, and functional diagnostic nutritionist who DJs on the side. I don’t know if she would say this, but I would definitely say she’s not your traditional nutritionist. ‍ Sam used functional nutrition to heal herself from allergies, food sensitivities, hormonal imbalances, and parasites. She’s also founder of See Fit where she coaches people back to optimal health when they just can’t quite put their finger on why they feel bad. She is also very active on Social Media helping educate people in a fun way when it comes to being healthy. She has bi-weekly IG lives on all things health and wellness and LIFE. She has been on over 20 podcast educating people through her own personal journey and education. Sam also experienced addiction, and was addicted to meth amongst other things. Sam sold drugs and ended up in prison for two years. She had 13 years of sobriety and relapsed, however, she is now back in recovery. Listen to her extraordinary story of determination and journey back to recovery. More about Sam: www.seefitpt.com IG: seefitliving

In 2007, Melanie attempted to take her own life because she was suppressing 17 years of sexual abuse that resulted in mental health issues. She survived those dark moments. However, in 2011, Melanie was hit with more challenges. Melanie gave birth to twins, who are both disabled, and soon after became a single mom. She’s since recovered, by using tools that support her mental health and well-being. Now, Melanie is a mental health advocate, president at a non-profit organization, and founder of an IT consulting company. She now has a passion for spreading hope, joy and inspiration to those facing difficult times in life, to show them they aren’t alone, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. More about Melanie: (80) Melanie Oates | LinkedIn https://hereforareason.org/

Deb Masner is the founder of the Alcohol Tipping Point - a place to find free resources, tools, and tips to help you change your drinking. Deb runs 30 Day Dry Months where she helps people practice not drinking.She's a registered nurse, certified Health and Wellness Coach, SMART recovery facilitator, podcast host, and alcohol-free badass.For more information about Deb: website, Instagram and podcast. Contact her at deb@alcoholtippingpoint.com

Sam Perez is an author, and a television news reporter in Georgia. When she’s not filming news stories, you can find her trying out a new restaurant. This passion for food comes from her parents, who opened a restaurant & bakery DV8 Kitchen in Lexington, KY. The restaurant and bakery hires people in recovery from substance use disorder. Sam discovered that this community of people had stories of strength, grit, and hope. In an effort to share their experiences and start the conversation about the opioid epidemic, Sam wrote Deviate From Denial: Erasing the Stigma of Addiction and Recovery Through Inspirational Stories and is available now. Links: Book: Deviate from Denial: Erasing the Stigma of Addiction and Recovery Through Inspirational Stories - Kindle edition by Perez, Sam. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com. www.sam-perez.com

Dr Tara Jae is the founder and Executive Director of Youth Seen, an organization that concentrates on Queer and Trans Black, Indigenous, People of Color (QTBIPOC) mental health and wellness in Colorado. In this role, they serve as an advocate to decolonize mental health and wellness by providing greater access to resources for our community. In 2021, Dr. Jae co-founded and co-created Black Pride Colorado. Beyond their role as executive director, advocate and co-creator, Dr. Jae also consults with a wide range of nonprofits and organizations on the work of acknowledging, deconstructing and rebuilding systems from an equitable perspective. To add to the list of all the creative activities, Dr. Jae also serves as an executive coach, curator, an IDEA (Individuals Dedicated to Excellence and Achievement) curriculum developer and as a consultant for public media to provide accurate representation and perspective of our LGBTQ + BIPoC community in storytelling and media. For more information about Dr. Jae: https://youthseen.org

Dr Tara Jae is the founder and Executive Director of Youth Seen, an organization that concentrates on Queer and Trans Black, Indigenous, People of Color (QTBIPOC) mental health and wellness in Colorado. In this role, they serve as an advocate to decolonize mental health and wellness by providing greater access to resources for our community. In 2021, Dr. Jae co-founded and co-created Black Pride Colorado. Beyond their role as executive director, advocate and co-creator, Dr. Jae also consults with a wide range of nonprofits and organizations on the work of acknowledging, deconstructing and rebuilding systems from an equitable perspective. To add to the list of all the creative activities, Dr. Jae also serves as an executive coach, curator, an IDEA (Individuals Dedicated to Excellence and Achievement) curriculum developer and as a consultant for public media to provide accurate representation and perspective of our LGBTQ + BIPoC community in storytelling and media. For more information about Dr. Jae: https://youthseen.org

Coren Zai is a Las Vegas/ Los Angeles singer/songwriter that has performed all over the world she is an award-winning TV talk show host and vocal coach with students on Broadway on stages worldwide Grammy Award winning recording Artists and Film/television including The Voice and America’s Got Talent. Coren was a meth addict for 15 years and an alcoholic for 20 years. She recovered without a program and reinvented her life to become a successful entertainer and teacher. She found Buddhism and made powerful vows supporting 36 years of recovery.

“Making amends with our muse. I thought I lost my voice and music career, but I remembered the day I made the conscious decision to close my recording studio so that I could sell meth and use full time. I abandoned my music. But music was like an old friend, there waiting for me when I was ready to make amends. My voice is different, but I am different. My dreams are different, but I am striving for a different life.” Skip Sams is the Founder and Head Coach of Sober On Stage. He is an award-winning composer and multimedia producer. Skip has over 16 years of recovery from crystal meth, alcoholism, and bipolar disorder. In 2004, he was diagnosed with HIV. For over a decade, Skip has been defying these diagnoses and helping musicians and performing artists who have lost their technical skills, disconnected from their inner music, and whose spark of creativity has gone dark. It is his mission to help 10,000 musicians share their light and hope of recovery through 10,000 recordings and 100,000 performances by 2030. Skip last smoked a joint on April 20th, 2006, making his sobriety date 4/20. For more information about Skip, see below: https://skipsamsmusic.com www.skipsams.com www.mysuccess.coach

Dan Reeves was facing 6-20 years in prison and was on the verge of losing everything. Even with those consequences hovering, he was unable to stop consuming the very chemicals that put him in this position. He was sentenced to three years, one on home incarceration, one on probation and the third suspended pending successful completion of the first two. He did not spend a day in jail. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear, and Dan’s came in the form of an Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor, and the twelve steps which altered the course of his life forever. Dan is over 7 years sober, a sponsor, a yoga instructor, and hosts men retreats grounded in AA and spirituality, offering others a pathway towards recovery. For more information about Dan, please see the link below: https://spiritualunderground.org/index.html

Elizabeth healed from over 40 years of chronic pain, including anxiety, panic attacks, and 32 years of addiction to prescribed opiate and benzodiazepine medication. She now works to help others achieve the same healing that she experienced directly from the work she teaches. In addition, Elizabeth offers one-on-one and group sessions in stress and chronic pain management and addiction recovery, Ancestral Clearing®, trauma-informed yoga, and meditation. See below, for more information about Elizabeth: https://Elizabeth-Kipp.com Book: “The Way Through Chronic Pain: Tools to Reclaim Your Healing Power" https://elizabethkippcom.simplero.com/page/125986 Elizabeth's Blog: https://elizabeth-kipp.com/category/elizabeths-blog/

Kristina Mize shares her own road to recovery and how her inner healing is now helping others after years of experiencing abuse and neglect from her own life. Kristina is a reiki practitioner and counselor in N. California. She has a Master's degree in Psychology and loves helping people change their lives by blending therapeutic approaches with energy work. More information about Kristina, please see below: www.positivelifejourney.org

Matty, like several young people in their early twenties, didn’t miss an invite to drink, use, and party. However, Matty quickly learned that he was unable to stop the party high. So, the party turned to daily use, using at work, stealing to chase the high, which resulted in bouts of homelessness, emerging past trauma issues, sex work, mental health issues, and a suicide attempt. His goal is to offer his story in hopes to help others.

Meghan started a full-blown alcohol addiction at the age of 15. She started recovery at the age of 25 after entering rehab. Meghan now has almost 18 years of long-term sobriety. Her personal experience getting sober and starting recovery has been an incredible journey. She experienced very painful times, especially when she was getting healthy, and family members were not. Meghan learned the importance of boundary setting, while putting recovery first and instilling self-love. Meghan is a Life Coach focusing on boundary setting, breaking generational cycles, and how to starve distractions. For more information, please see below: https://www.meghandevito.com/

Melissa was addicted to sugar from childhood until her 30’s. She discusses how sugar took her down and ways nutrition replaced her cravings and how she changed herself from the inside out. Sugar is powerful and addictive. Many may think that sugar is really no big deal compared to drugs or alcohol. However, I encourage you to listen to Melissa’s story, as it overlaps emotions and struggles with anyone struggling to quit any substance that is controlling their life. Through her own battle, Melissa is now a certified holistic health coach and nutrition specialist helping women break unhealthy relationships with food, to help change their lives for the better. Melissa graduated from the Health Coach Institute as a Holistic Health and Life Coach in 2018 and is the proud owner of Free 2 B Coaching. She is a proud Boilermaker alumna living in Arizona with her husband, Chad and two kiddos. For more information about Melissa please see below: https://www.amazon.com/When-Grace-Found-Me-Real-Life/dp/1838283897/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3UC4VD750D7IX&keywords=when+grace+found+me&qid=1657853300&s=books&sprefix=when+grace+found+me%2Cstripbooks%2C112&sr=1-1 https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Diamonds-Alyssa-Ann-Merritt/dp/163792030X/ref=sr_1_5?crid=7VPOYQTHOB8G&keywords=finding+diamonds+book&qid=1657853278&s=books&sprefix=finding+dia%2Cstripbooks%2C589&sr=1-5 https://free2bcoaching.com/

Richard Capriola has had two main careers. One in education, and the second in mental health and substance use counseling. Richard was a mental health and substance use counselor for over two decades, then an addiction counselor for over a decade at the Menninger Clinic in Houston, Texas; which is ranked as US News & World Report’s #8th Best Hospital in psychiatry in the country in 2021-2022. Richard is also an author: The Addicted Child: A Parent's Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse. He has a wealth of experience and wisdom, offering practical ways for parents to communicate with and support their child experiencing both a substance use disorder and a mental health issue. For more information on Richard’s work, please see the link below: http://www.helptheaddictedchild.com

Michele Rose is T. Rose, author, activist, business woman, and is a fierce advocate for recovery. She brings a lifetime of study experience to her research and writing, some of the most dramatic learning she received came from the ten years living on the streets in addiction. Twenty years in recovery, Michele Rose, has completely built a life that she can be proud of; she also runs a non-profit, a homeowner, mother of a daughter and son, along with five grandchildren. Life is a dream come true from the very dark reality that once was her world. For more information about Michele Rose, please see below: https://www.tiffyrose1recovery.com/ https://www.quest4recoverynetwork.org/ tiffyrosellc.publishing@gmail.com Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/T-Rose/e/B08818X7SB?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1657384945&sr=8-1

Tahtianna Fermin is a fierce advocate and provider of services for transgender and non-conforming young adults in Hackensack, NJ and in NYC. She wears multiple hats, such as, ordained minister, aspiring model, and Founder / CEO for the non-profit Bridges4Life. Tahtianna offers insights and the struggles into the Transgender Non-Conforming Community and ways to reduce stigma and how she is making long-lasting change. She is a fast talker, so don’t miss any minute of her interview! For more information about Tahtianna’s amazing organization, please check out her website: www.bridges4life.org DISCLAIMER: The statements contained in the podcast and episodes are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or provide therapy. Should you be in crisis, dial 9-1-1 or an emergency helpline or go to your nearest hospital.

Part 1 of 2 Rock Bottom and the arc of Treatment – A personal journey – Dr. Wayne Thurston This is a two part series addressing “What is Rock Bottom?” Dr. Wayne Thurston is a co-founder and board member of a drug treatment facility, Olympia House, Sonoma Recovery Services, LLC. located in Petaluma, California. Dr. Thurston shares his own experience with meth addiction and the arc of treatment modalities offering hope and skills to those suffering from addiction. DISCLAIMER: The statements contained in the podcast and episodes are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or provide therapy. Should you be in crisis, dial 9-1-1 or an emergency helpline or go to your nearest hospital.

Part 2 of 2 Shit was hard: Being gay, homeless, and locked down during the start of COVID – Rory S. Rory S. shares his personal battle with addiction, sexuality, and his experience finding hope in recovery as a way of life. Rory lives in Palm Springs, and works in the field of addiction, tirelessly helping others in the LGBTQIA2+ community to find their way out of their Rock Bottom. DISCLAIMER: The statements contained in the podcast and episodes are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or provide therapy. Should you be in crisis, dial 9-1-1 or an emergency helpline or go to your nearest hospital.

Isabelle Z. is an author based in California, and a woman who went beyond cancer, by accepting death to live with grace and acceptance. Her mindset was focusing on dying consciously. Listen to her extraordinary journey. DISCLAIMER: The statements contained in the podcast and episodes are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or provide therapy. Should you be in crisis, dial 9-1-1 or an emergency helpline or go to your nearest hospital.

Welcome to RecoveryPlusPodcast: F*ck Yesterday. Focus on Today! This podcast addresses all aspects of addiction and recovery, in a direct and humorous way. The goal is to be informational, inspirational, and thought provoking without any B.S. This is a safe space to be curious, analytical, and adventurous to honor and celebrate people in recovery one conversation at a time. Guests on this podcast are those in the field of addiction, folks who are living in recovery, family members, parents with loved ones suffering from addiction, and others who want to help bring obstacles to light to reduce stigma, and address treatments that offer hope in today’s world. Your host is Dr. Mei-Li Hennen. Dr. Hennen holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with over 15 years of experience in the addiction and mental health field. She offers recovery coaching, helping people move beyond sobriety and live in recovery with purpose, and transformational life coaching, for people who are ready to live a life with meaning and fulfillment. Podcasts are sponsored by Red Door Coaching and Consulting, LLC. For more information: https://linktr.ee/reddoorcc DISCLAIMER: The statements contained in the podcast and episodes are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or provide therapy. Should you be in crisis, dial 9-1-1 or an emergency helpline or go to your nearest hospital.