Talkin' Trash Addiction Recovery Podcast

We were greeted with a very special "normie" tonight as Lara brought her powerful outside perspective. Though she's never struggled with addiction personally, Lara shares how deeply it has shaped her life—growing up around it, navigating relationships impacted by it, and often stepping into the role of caretaker. Her insight highlights the often-overlooked reality that addiction doesn't just affect the individual, but ripples through families and loved ones in lasting ways. With genuine curiosity and emotional awareness, Lara connects with the hosts on a human level, offering a meaningful reminder that recovery conversations belong to everyone—not just those in the trenches, but also those who've been standing beside them all along.

This episode featured Charlotte Wells, a guest whose story carried both grit and a surprising light. A former meth and benzodiazepine addict, she spoke with a level of energy and enthusiasm that immediately filled the airwaves. Her emotion was genuine, transcending borders and miles all well challenging the usual expectations people might have about someone with her past. Her honesty about the chaos of addiction, paired with her humor and sharp perspective, created moments that were both heavy and uplifting. The team found themselves relating to her on multiple levels—whether it was the patterns of addiction, the resilience required to keep going, or the clarity that can come with time and hard-earned sobriety.

This episode features a deeply emotional conversation with Blair S., on the verge of celebrating three years clean, offering a powerful reflection on just how far he'd come. Through moments of vulnerability and honesty, he shared the pain of his past, the struggles of early recovery, and the turning points that helped him stay the course when it felt impossible. What stands out most is Blair 's gratitude—for the people who didn't give up on him, for the small daily victories, and for a life that once felt out of reach but is now filled with purpose. Blair's story is a powerful reminder that recovery isn't perfect or easy, but it is worth it, and that even in the hardest moments, change is possible with persistence, support and hope.

We welcomed Caylen to the family tonight. A sharp, quick-witted veteran who brings both experience and honesty to the mic as she shares her journey in recovery. A recovering meth addict, Caylen opens up about how this time feels different—not because the struggle has been easier, but because she's finally addressing her mental health head-on. With insight beyond her time clean, she emphasizes that real recovery isn't one-size-fits-all, and that each addict needs personalized, specialized support tailored to their substance and their story. Her authenticity, intelligence, and ability to find lightness in heavy moments make for an inspiring and relatable conversation that highlights both the challenges and hope found in starting over.

Smiles all around we merged holiday sized efforts and last-minute additions. The boys welcomed former pro sports announcer, Rod Pedersen who graciously shared his journey of overcoming alcoholism and celebrated 11 years of recovery with us. We were grateful for his time and insight. He reflected on the darkest moments of his addiction and the turning points that led him to recovery. Living the double life of a functioning alcoholic eventually cost him the very public job his identity was built upon. He found himself blacklisted after a illustrious 20 year career and he shared the success and victories that've come through over a decade of clarity. Perspective is essential for surviving addiction and it's the agent of true change. Recovery parallels the spirit of Easter—resurrection, growth, and new beginnings. Here at Talkin' Trash, we all about happy Easter's and we share a collective mindset that nobody is beyond help.

A midweek lineup adjustment was required as our frontman was called away for service obligations—true to form for Jim—making the April Fools' Day timing feel especially fitting for this one hour and fifty-three minute episode. Despite limited preparation, as Tim candidly noted at the outset, the team delivered a solid performance; with eight shows a month, not every episode can be a home run. Will led both the opening and closing with confidence and ultimately stood out, while Steve continues to establish himself as a consistent presence, followed closely by Brad. The episode leaned into a more candid, emotionally driven tone, extending beyond our typical one hour and fifteen minute target as we allowed the conversation to develop naturally. Tim, coming off a particularly long day, rounded out the group's efforts. The team also made a concerted effort to use primarily royalty-free music, minus 3.6 seconds of the late Amy Winehouse and .3 seconds of Pink, who is alive. If you're reading this and still considering whether to skip this one, you probably shouldn't watch this one. If you're still undecided, may we humbly suggest skimming to Will's parts. Come on.

A matinee showing on location at Prairie Sky Recovery Centre in Leipzig, Saskatchewan. This condensed episode was a powerful, extended live recording from inside the hallowed halls of PSR, where the atmosphere of hope and transformation was undeniable. Staff members shared their passion and commitment to helping others rebuild their lives, while several alumni courageously opened up about their journeys through addiction and into recovery. Their stories highlighted not only the struggles they've overcome but also the strength and support they found within the facility. Throughout the episode, it was clear that this place is more than just a treatment center—it's a community that fosters positivity, growth, addiction, recovery and second chances.

The boys sat down with special guest Gaetan to hear the powerful story of his journey through addiction and into recovery. Gaetan opens up about the struggles that once controlled his life, the turning points that forced him to confront his reality, and the steps he took to begin rebuilding himself. Through honest conversation, he shares the lessons he's learned along the way, the importance of support and accountability, and how recovery has given him a renewed sense of purpose and hope.

The team welcomed Daniel onto the pod tonight and he shared his experience, strength and hope about getting clean and staying sober for over a year. Daniel opened up about growing up in a difficult home environment and how those early challenges shaped many of the struggles he faced later in life. A central theme of the conversation was the role of mental health, with Daniel emphasizing that untreated mental health issues were a primary driver behind his addiction. The hosts echoed this perspective, agreeing that addressing mental health should be a core part of recovery rather than an afterthought.

This episode features a powerful and deeply moving conversation with special guest Steve M., who shares his raw and honest journey through addiction, sobriety, and recovery. In the episode, Steve reflects on the grip substance abuse once had on his life, the turning points that led him to seek help, and the hard-earned lessons he's learned in maintaining sobriety. With over a year and a half sober today, he speaks candidly about rebuilding his life through accountability and community. Most heartbreakingly, Steve opens up about the unimaginable loss of a child, describing the profound grief that tested his sobriety but ultimately strengthened his commitment to staying clean. His story is one of resilience, vulnerability and hope.

The 4 boys are back together for an honest and insightful conversation about what a true “180-degree change” really means in addiction recovery. Rather than small adjustments or surface-level fixes, they explore the deep internal shift required to break old patterns and build a sustainable new way of living. One day at a time. The gang highlights how a complete turnaround in mindset, habits, and accountability is often vital for long-term recovery. The episode emphasizes that lasting transformation isn't just about stopping destructive behaviors—it's about fully embracing a new direction.

On tonight's episode of the addiction recovery podcast, hosts Tim and Brad dove deep into the powerful connection between fear and change in the recovery journey. Drawing from personal experience and conversations within the recovery community, they explored how fear often shows up at pivotal moments—whether it's the fear of relapse, the fear of facing past mistakes, or even the fear of success and a new identity beyond addiction.

Tonight's show featured a special guest Misty D., who shares a raw and deeply personal account of her journey through substance use, physical abuse, emotional-relapse, loss of control, and ultimately, long-term recovery. Misty opens up about the progression of her addiction, the denial and isolation that kept her stuck, and the turning point that led her to seek help. She reflected on the challenges of early sobriety, the importance of community support through recovery programs, and the spiritual and emotional growth that reshaped her life.

In this episode, we sat down with Richard, who shared his powerful story of getting sober at a young age and navigating the challenges of early recovery. He spoke candidly about the fears, identity shifts, and social pressures he faced while choosing sobriety, and how committing to personal growth transformed his life. Together, we explored the role of codependency in addiction—how unhealthy relationship patterns can fuel substance use and hinder recovery—and discussed what it truly means to change. The conversation highlighted that recovery isn't just about abstaining from substances, but about learning healthier boundaries, rebuilding self-worth, and embracing ongoing emotional and behavioral growth

We welcomed special guest Donald B. in a powerful and thought-provoking conversation about “Change in Recovery” and the “Fear of Change.” Together, we explored how growth in recovery often requires stepping into the unknown and letting go of familiar but unhealthy patterns. Donald B. shared honest insights about how fear can keep people stuck, even when they genuinely want a better life, and how embracing change—though uncomfortable—is essential for long-term sobriety and personal transformation. Don highlighted that fear is a natural part of recovery, but it doesn't have to control the journey. It was an inspiring discussion that reminded listeners that real change is possible when courage is stronger than fear.

We suffered in silence—now we recover out loud. That's how we roll here on Talkin' Trash. We're not ashamed of our afflictions; quite the opposite. We find strength in vulnerability, and staying open-minded breaks down walls we never thought possible. Tonight, we unveiled Trash 2.0—a new look, a new year, and a new cast member. We're always adapting, always evolving, one day at a time. We handed the mic to Brad tonight, our newest team member, to get to know what makes him tick. Turns out… he's nuts—so he fits right in with the boys. Around here, we identify, not compare. Enjoy the show, it's a long-n. Thank you all for the continued support. We couldn't do this without you.

We were joined tonight by special guest Logan Mainil. Logan hails from north of the wall as well in Regina with Jimmy. Jim recruited Logan to tell his story in the making. Logan's just over a year clean and sober and he's doing everything the right way. His attitude is grounded and lets face it, the guy's a pisser. The gang laughed their way through an hour and a half of addiction, sports, sobriety and recovery. As always, the team shared their common affliction, met each other where they're at and had an authentic conversation you only find in recovery. We find our second family in longterm sobriety, likeminded individuals that share a common goal of never going picking up again.

In early addiction recovery, resentments can feel loud and relentless, bubbling up from old hurts, broken trust, and the raw unfairness of starting over. When substances are gone, the feelings they once numbed come rushing back, and resentment often becomes a way to protect pain that hasn't yet found words. These resentments can quietly drain energy, distort perspective, and threaten recovery if they're left unexamined. Our new Canadian friend, Brad Mansbeard joined us tonight subbing in for Jim.

The team was back together for a full episode of fresh original content. We welcomed Colin M. into the fray tonight. We were honored to share in his early recovery and hear how he's overcoming real life, difficult situations. These things ran us back to the bottle or pill or needle and now, what a surprise, things are easier when you're not sabotaging your life. Our very own Jim Leibel celebrated 1,500 days of continuous sobriety tonight live on the program. Jim is a big part of our organization and is committed to helping the newcomer in whatever way is necessary. A true ambassador for recovery. Will's just... Will. We love him too. Thanks for your support and thank you Colin for your impactful appearance.

Our 4th season and the guys stumbled and fumbled their way into the New Year's End Zone into the new year in an act of sheer luck, perseverance, motivation... and a touch of class. Spoiler alert: the texting shorthand vernacular for bc is not British Columbia. It was a good show, the team were in rare form after and very long, and very trying bit of peak season podcast. Talkin' Trash runs twice a week. It's a podcast at its baseline, but we're producing crazy stuff.

Where there's a Will, there's a way. Except tonight, there was no Will, which is a tremendous loss. The other two dummy's managed to chop it up hibachi style, breaking news... Will's coming to work on Wednesday looking sharp rocking his new headset and all is well. The holiday's are coming to a close in just a few days, we hope our efforts enhanced your day in some small way. The hard truth is that many addicts will repeat the same behaviors and aren't reached in time. We have to be active participants in our recovery, however that looks. We gotta' put some work into it like, journaling, praying, 12 step-meetings/sponsor, church etc. The help is there, and it's probably closer than you think.

We celebrated Christmas Eve together by having a fun episode and looking at "The art of Losing". As we get older, we learn how to fall gracefully. The art of losing is about how we land. Whether we have a good landing or not is all about how we fall. It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when, and when we fall are we prepared for the landing? It's all about having a good landing. Minimize the collateral damage, life is going to happen, if need be, we lean on one another when the weight is too heavy to bear. We dusted off the board games and played Christmas Recovery Jeopardy by light of our Christmas Trees and counted ourselves grateful for the moment. Merry Christmas everyone.

We kicked off our holiday shenanigans tonight as we gratefully welcomed a recored number in viewership for this show. The Canadian influence continued as we invited fellow brother in recovery, Brad the Canadian. The panel all identified with some part of his story and he had a great way of telling it. Dennis Leary made his yearly appearance. As did Tim's dad. Brad Mansfield from Wawota jumped in the trenches with the guys and told a story we all connected to on some level.

Episode 165 marked show host Tim's 900th day of recovery. We don't count the days, we make the days count. That being said, it's something that says "I'm here for real" and can change the way we look at sobriety and the difference between sobriety and recovery. Two very different things. You ask a recovering addict that's put multiple years together how they did it, all unanimously say, "One day at a time". Speaking of which, we invited our old friend and "OG" Manny Vitale back on the program. Manny has his own recovery show "My Fight Our War" and has almost a cult following which both shows share in, and share to. Different show formats but ultimately we find ourselves with recovery at the forefront of both ventures and corporately we feed off each other, sometimes without knowing it. Manny's a legend and we're grateful for his dedication and friendship.

With 11 days until Christmas, we find ourselves clenching our teeth and forcing a smile as we try to remember positive holiday experiences. We have them, yet sometimes our minds go right to the bad memories. We welcomed a counselor from one of our recovery centers with almost 41 years of recovery. Larry is an old head, but he knows the score. Addiction is addiction and Larry acknowledges that addiction is a family disease. We have to treat the root cause of why we self medicate. Once you've identify the problem, now you can work on rectifying it.

A quasi-milestone hittin' 160 tonight. Nice round number for which to hang our hats on. Thanksgiving is over & done with & we seamlessly segued right into red & green tinsel with bows, snow & wrapping paper. Christmas lights that twinkle on high. We decorated & we decorated early. This being our 2nd Annual Christmas Recovery Season at Talkin' Trash, we thought we'd get out in front of the Christmas rush & since Thanksgiving's over, we can officially decorate for Christmas. Our topic tonight was "Surviving the Holiday's". We shared different coping mechanisms & safeguards against being an inactive participant in the holiday festivities which quickly leads to isolation. Journaling, gratitude lists, prayer & meditation and maintaining a positive outlook despite whatever pile of shits being dumped on your boots. There's so many anniversary dates for brothers and sisters in recovery, between November-December-January 1st. Many and more got clean during the holiday season. You'll never forget that first rehab, 6 days in detox, completely lost and making bead bracelets into Christmas tree ornaments while contemplating an epic AMA for the ages. But if you stayed strong, took the suggestions, by the time your month-long tenure is complete, you can think clearly, remember things quickly & accurately. You're you again and given some time, you'll wonder where that witty, intelligent, funny person was all that time.

Thanksgiving is upon us once again. The holiday's can bring the best out in some people but for addicts they can seem like an added insurmountable weight and sadness is sure to follow. Countless anniversary dates are this time of year. Love, loss, grief, recovery. Each are magnified exponentially and are often triggered by festive lights or music, if left unchecked leaves us one stray thought. Many relapses happened because of a stray thought and some tinsel. We welcomed Jacqueline Hoffman, CEO of Prairie Sky Recovery Centre in Saskatchewan, Canada. Jim's alma mater, Jacqueline puts every bit of herself and her families heritage into making Prairie Sky feel like a safe environment conducive to the clients specific needs.

The team was shorthanded tonight missing a Canadian who will be back in the mix the next show which is just the 3 of us. It feels like our team can still land the plane with engine failure and no gear. Just 2-guys sobriety-and-fries for this trainwreck. The host, Tim, shared his true experience in giving being better than receiving. Will is clearly going stir crazy. Jim made in onto the program while the outro was playing, i think. Great show, good back and forth, and thank you to our recovery centers we didn't get to tonight. So check on the boys Sunday 9p and Wednesday's and check in next Wednesday as we invite former #2 NFL Draft pick, Tony Mandarich.

Final show in October and we went full sleepy hollow on this tricky treat. Moving forward, 1 of our 8 shows a month will be an addiction medicine specialty episode. For tonight's kick-off, former show host and LPN, Mike Oxley brought a fellow nurse-friend to the podcast. Krystal was amazing. Her experience, strength and hope will put you in check or at the least shed light on family dynamics and addiction. Trauma is a major cause of addiction. A specific event or events that replay in our mind almost as self-torture. Since day one we've said, if you not addressing the reason you felt the need to self medicate in the first place (trauma, abuse, etc.) while some live with untreated mental illness (anxiety, depression, etc.) and medicate themselves which never ends well. That's the point of a medically focused episode, addressing those questions that we all have in recovery.

The boys did their thing tonight as we looked at grief in early recovery. Grief isn't just reserved for those who've lost a loved one. You can lament a situation, a relationship, a thing. Grief is about loss and we sometimes grieve for our addiction. We believe the lie that we'll never feel okay again. Even though addiction ruined our lives we still mourn for it as if it were a person lost. We get clean and sober to a life of unfamiliarity and adjustment may take some time. How we used to cope is now off the table and we have to talk about our disease with others who are afflicted similarly, just for today.

The gang was back together (minus a beard) for an emotional episode. Daily Reflections was about curbing rashness. In active addiction, our reactions to situations are automatic. Automatic asshole was our default. We enter recovery and realize that those reactions were a product of the substance and we now have the choice to handle things differently. Words can cut deeper than a knife. We not attempting this recovery thing because things were so good when we were using. We come in broken individuals. We need help and mercy to refine us on our recovery journey. Find your people, know your herd. You'll be let down. You're going to let somebody down. Holding yourself accountable when you're wrong is the best way to ensure it doesn't happen again while growing as a person by admitting your mistake. You didn't get here on a winning streak so show others the grace you were shown when you required it.

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All fun and games. Down a Canadian, the team pressed on to seal the "W". Will scored the game winner as the shorthanded Trashers rallied for the win. We talked about sports tonight, how it factors into a balanced framework for successful sobriety, one day at a time. We're not a glum lot, we like action, we're addicts we want that instant gratification. So as long as it doesn't cause harm and you blow off some steam, well good on you. When you exercise you unlock these little things we as a society call, endorphins. Even following a team and watching them from your couch, you still release these endorphins along with serotonin and dopamine. We talked about different coping strategies we all use on a daily basis.

Kajsa's home and welcomed with open arms as her absence was clearly felt. We talked a bit about the 72nd Regina Roundup and Kajsa's trip to Canada to spread the message with Jim. She shared her story as the keynote speaker and it was an hour of experience, strength and hope. Will fell asleep in his hot tub behind the trailer and missed the show. Hot tub safety, people... Just can't stress that enough. Swimmies on at all times going forward. Non-negotiable.

Kajsa made it home safe and sound from the great white north. Jim, as always, was first class. He made sure our girl wanted for nothing and had all the comforts of home. The culinary experience was legendary. As Kajsa said "if I ate any more poutine it was gonna' come out my. nose" and had the pictures to prove it. Everyone involved with this experience was touched on a very personal level. We talk a bit about sleep health and how that ties into lifelong sobriety.

Our theme tonight was "Making Your Comeback". Anybody who's in recovery, we've all written a comeback story (or you're working on the next chapter). Everybody loves an underdog and if you've decided to live a life of recovery, you don't start out on top. Our guest tonight reminded us of just that. It doesn't matter where you are or who you are, addiction does not discriminate. Our guest JJ (friend of Mike Oxley) came on and shared his 'rags-to-riches' story of overcoming addiction. Kajsa's Canadian Tour wrapped up as she's safely back home after 4 days of being with Jim.

It was just the boys live on the pod while den mother Kajsa's absence was for a good cause. The men were sea level while our female star was 35,000 feet high en route to Saskatchewan. Our team is essentially headlining the 72 Annual Regina Roundup A.A. gala. Kajsa travels 1,717.6 miles to spread the message that recovery is worth it. That's just the trip there. We're so proud of our crew and their involvement in the recovery community. The show has more of a 'guys night' theme as we accomplished pretty much nothing and likely offended somebody. We're satirical, sarcastic and sometimes edgy but that's us, showing the fun side of recovery making it accessible to everyone.

We carried the torch of recovery month on national sober day. You're really in trouble if you drink today. Phyllis joined us in studio on her son's 41st birthday. Who won't be joining us, is her son who died from an overdose last year. Phyllis' strength and emotion pour through her as always. She's a shining light and a sobering example of how addiction can destroy a family. She had a front row seat and she did all she could do. We're happy to have her in the fold. Tim called Will, Phil. It was very funny.

Recovery Month continues as the crew did their thing to continue the message. There were shenanigans aplenty as Jim gave his best Ron Burgundy impersonation his best shot. We honored the lives lost on September 11th 24 years ago and we recognized the horrific events that transpired in Utah, giving their thoughts and prayers to those affected. Will is off probation and he expanded on how that felt and what his life is to look like now. Kajsa is heading up north to join fellow show-member Jim in his hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan to be the keynote speaker at the 72nd Regina Roundup.

We welcomed Sam and Noelle Borgia to the show as they shared their experience, lack of experience, strength and hope with our crew and our people. Noelle, early 40s, found herself late to the party in finding out the man she married carried a dark passenger. Most aren't made from the same stuff as addicts and Nicole managed to claim her right in recovery history and we'll be retiring her number to the rafters at our first home game that isn't real. Sam showed that the drugs were only a symptom of a deeper spiritual malady. They were a blessing to the team, their delivery and accessibility is what made Silence the Lion so relatable on varying levels.

We kick off National Recovery Month this episode as we looked at the basics of addiction, recovery, physical and mental health. Knowing how to navigate early sobriety can be difficult for the newly sober and clean addict. The team shares their experiences in early recovery and expand on the levels of care and treatment options. Knowledge is key. The problem is, as addicts, we think we know everything. The only successful step towards recovery is the first step, admitting you have a problem. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We applaud those who are doing it and those who are still trying to find their way.

Are you aware of overdose? Get aware, and tell someone else. Overdose awareness day is in the books. There's a lot of purple gots ta' be changed back to creamy trashy brand. Tim presents the full show recorded just 6 hours earlier. Done in such a way that he's tolerable, like to a point. But we're satisfied with Talkin' Trash's response to #IOAD. Get Narcan. 30 bucks, yes we get it, but trust us, you would pay anything if you found yourself in a situation you could've intervened and find yourself empty handed. The glove box, nada. Purse, just lip gloss and melted livesavers. Narcan. We hope we brought a little levity to an always busy time of year. The team all faced some life, but his face punched by some life by the name Arrowood, infamous for their face punching but Timothy stood tall as the prison powder keg ah went boom.

Our old friend Michael Oxley, LPN, joined us as a guest this evening. As we close in on International Overdose Awareness Day, we took this time to look at overdose and addiction from a clinical standpoint. Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive and persistent engagement in a substance or behavior despite significant negative consequences. It involves changes in brain chemistry and reward pathways that take time to heal, if they ever do. Addiction touches pretty much everyone on some level and it's important to remember why we decided it was a good idea to self medicate in the first place.

Overdose awareness continued as we maneuvered around a last minute change to the show like the pros we are. We talked about harm reduction, gratitude and fortitude in recovery. Life's getting lifey for pretty much the entire show staff and we lean on each other for support rather than how we used to handle hard situations.

Manny joined us in studio as we touched on gratitude in recovery. Gratitude in recovery is a practice of acknowledging the positive aspects of life, which helps build resilience, improve mental and physical health, and foster stronger relationships. Practicing gratitude can be as simple as keeping a gratitude journal, focusing on what truly matters, expressing appreciation to others, or being of service. This active mindset shift, focusing on what is present rather than what is lacking, can also help to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and provide motivation to maintain sobriety. 

Overdose awareness month continues as we broaden our cultural horizons by welcoming a returning friend of the show, Thomas guffi Vestergaard from Denmark. We talked about the differences and commonalities between the U.S. and Denmark. The biggest common factor, is that we're all addicts. The differences we surprising. Tim shared a dream he had a few days ago where Will stole a baby. Not just any baby, a radioactive baby. Calamity ensued as our producer graciously gave you a look into what goes on between his ears when he's sleeping. 

As we continue to spread the message of overdose awareness in the month of August, we welcomed back Phyllis, a regular friend and guest on the show. She has a powerful personal attachment to overdose as she lost her son to a Fentanyl overdose a little over a year ago. Phyllis has been on the show several times, each time bringing a new perspective on how one overdose can affect the lives of so many. 300 people a day die from drug overdose. The majority of them from Fentanyl. The synthetic opioid Fentanyl is finding it's way into everything. Especially pressed pills. These dummy pills are identical to the pharmaceutical pills and can be up to 50 times more potent than morphine.

Tonight's loose topic was "Crystal Inspired" as we talked about boldness in sobriety. There's a way to be bold without being overbold and having the opposite desired effect. Confidence, not arrogance. We never look down at any person in or out of recovery. Us addicts are forever afflicted with the core reason we self-medicated to begin with. How we cope and how we hope are directly related. Harm reduction has been added to many of our vocabularies as have addiction and overdose. We announced our plans for International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st.

We were blessed to be joined by Crystal Raye for tonight's show. Crystal is a walking testimonial that you can always find the good when the bad strikes and that one split decision can change everyone's world in an instant. A lifetime of predatory abuse and illicit drug use found our new friend in the state-of-mind that dousing herself in chainsaw gas and lighting the torch seemed a logical next choice in her "things to do today". She shares her recollection of the incident and it's is almost primal as she describes it. Raw, honest, real and moving reminding us that we are never too late for redemption and now is always the time to write a comeback story. It's hard not to get emotional. Come hear the rest as she shares her true experience, brute-strength and triumphant hope.

A lot of male pheromones on display this evening. A Kajsa-less crew pulled it together in dramatic fashion as we went over trust in addiction recovery. Trust is a fickle thing. Trust is earned and entering recovery, it can be overwhelming regaining the trust we've run thin with the ones we love. Having no expectations puts attainable trust within reach. We can't fix broken trust without putting in the time to show we're trustworthy. It is very common for people who struggle with mental health or substance use disorders to have difficulty trusting themselves and others during the recovery process. Trust goes both ways too. Past trauma can contribute to trust issues and is usually why we self-medicated in the first place. This may be the result of situations in the past which involved unhealthy family systems and sexual abuse.

The team wrapped up their "Team Testimonial" series for the month of July as Tim gave his account of "What's your name and how'd you do it?". He shared about his unconventional experiences that led him to where he is today. His story is unfolding as we speak. 42 years old, 2 adult children, divorced, displaced and dismayed. His geographical change is another safeguard to his sobriety.