The Retired Blackout Artists

Hey, hey! Whadya say? I have Eddie from KC in the RED COUCH STUDIO (virtually, lol) This rock star just celebrated his 10th year of sobriety on June 4th. Open and honest, that's Eddie's game. He opens up about it all during this episode. Enjoy!

My guest this week is Long Island native, Chris Fontana. He's the founder of Go Primal Apparel and Go Primal Podcast. We aren't just taking about addiction on this one folk. Chris relates his crippling anxiety. "Life is going to knock you down, and it will keep you down if you let it. You won't always win, but always have to get up. You are strong, you are resilient. Trust your instincts and keep going!"

You gotta love this guy for putting it all out there! Big shout out to Beau Payne for not giving up. You may recognize him from baseball (once signed with the Florida Marlins) and his sports background. Beau said his biggest failure is not taking his sobriety seriously for so many years and the harm that came from that. Jail, prison, and putting himself in harm's way are just a portion of his story. Listen for the similarities, not the differences. And reach out if you or someone you love is suffering from addiction!

Michelle joins me in The Red Couch Studio to talk about sobriety, kids, and the beauty of working a 12 step program.

We're back!!!! Today's guest, Jessica, explains Captain Save a Hoe.

I'm joined by recovery coach, DaMarcus Morton as he walks me through addictive behavior, our minds and our thinking. Even as young children, our early influences and how those around us cope set the stage for our adult brains. Our beliefs such as "I'm not good enough" gives us the impression of failure. I won't be/ I'm not loved = rejection. Sometimes it's all about reprogramming your mindset for recovery. You can follow DaMarcus on Insta @mindsetforrecovery and take the Early Recovery Course by signing up at mindsetforrecovery.com .

Listen to this question and answer episode as the British accented prompter digs into Chastity's sobriety journey!

The title is a little corny; ok REALLY corny. It's not everyday you get to have a guest with his name. Forrest is a man with a heart the size of Texas, fittingly. His sobriety date is September 1, 2010. Nearing his breaking point, Forrest said to himself, "I have f*cked up more than I can fix in my lifetime". And if you want the secret to a root beer float without the ice cream....keep listening!

Ontario's own, "The Recovery Couple", Ashley and Jay join Nina, The Coffee Diva and I as we talk about soupy broccoli and recovery!

Someone will be celebrating 14 years sober on June 24 and her name is Cathy! I proudly call Cathy my sober sister and have the utmost respect and love for her. Picture a gorgeous blonde, living in a nice suburban neighborhood outside LA. Then picture that same bombshell living in a warehouse with some shady characters that go by street names like Ice Age, Rooster, etc. Listen to Cathy's story of recovery as she tells me what it was like to reach her rock bottom and how she has become an inspiration to many.

Today's star is Seija (pronounced Say-ah) who once guested on The Oprah Winfrey Show with her 5 sisters! Seija has always been athletic, often the team captain having all the underclassmen look up to her. It wasn't until later in life that alcohol entered and caused Seija to lose herself in active addiction. With a sobriety date of April 10, 2015, Seija enjoys working out at the gym (look at those guns!) and exploring Colorado. She is studying for her certification as a personal trainer. She is also a big supporter and affiliated with Valor Fitness Clothing. Seija is making big things happen in the Denver, Colorado area. Check out her Insta @s.nelson42 .

Hi! I've missed you so much! Just a "quickie" to let you know how wonderful you are even when life isn't so great. Because I'm sober and have an awesome support system and sober community on my socials, I can face what life throws my way. Don't forget #kindnesswins and you are loved.

Wham! Bam! The guest on this episode is from the state of Texas where everything is bigger. Austin to be exact. Can I get a McConaughey? Mike has an artist edge proven on his online forum, Sober Press. (Check it out on Insta and FB and @ soberpress.org) He's a guy who loves his gummy bears almost as much as he loves his 2 dogs. He knows what it's like to suffer as an alcoholic. He also knows how awesome life can be in recovery. Mike surrendered April 09, 2019. When I asked him to describe his rock bottom, Mike said it's when he lost himself. Listen to more of Mike's story and his answers to my FUN questions like, "What would you name your boat?"

This guy David...he's kind of a big deal. He's the host of the Dopey podcast based in New York and was featured on the TV show "This American Life". Why the feature? His co-host and friend, Chris, relapsed and died from an overdose 3 years after their start. So this episode is dedicated to all those we've lost to addiction. #kindnesswins

Valor Fitness Clothing founder and owner Jim Hernandez breaks it down in this episode of The Retired Blackout Artists. Right off the start, Jim gives me shit for not liking the "funnel cake battered turkey/ham/cheese" sandwich my 14 year old son was eating on a previous episode. At that moment, I knew I was going to LOVE hanging out with this Los Angeles dude. Jim shares the insecurities he had as a young man that led to blackout drinking; his talent as the maestro of cinnamon toast; dousing innocent bystanders with the ketchup and mustard concoction in a bucket AND the start of Valor Fitness Clothing. This fun, fit guy is also in the beginning stages of starting his 1st non-profit for a sober active community. Go check him out! @valorfitnessclothing

Chastity's Sober Spring Breaking 2021

Living in New Zealand, UK native James D. shares his experience of Ketamine abuse in this episode. If you're a drug dummy like myself, here's what WebMD says about the medicine. Ketamine got its start as an anesthetic in the 1960's. But when misused, it can cause hallucinations making one feel out of touch with oneself and their surroundings. Ketamine is also used as a date rape drug, making it hard for victims to speak or move. James and I also play a few rounds of Show Me Yours! Check it out and remember, #kindnesswins.

Meet Nicole, sober writer and blogger living in the Beer Capital of the World. Being a college student and getting sober at the age of 22 wasn't always easy. "I got tired of everyone being disappointed in me." Nicole will celebrate 2 years clean and sober on March 30th! --We do recover. AND we play a modified version of The Voting Game!

Two things to take away from this conversation with Kim (@soberisthenewcool): 1. I Am.... (try daily, using positive words) and 2. The 30 second hug If I were to use 5 words to describe Kim, they would be Gorgeous, Chic, Classy, Inspirational and Kind. During this episode, you will hear why one mom from Montreal Canada decided to try on sobriety for three months, then 6 months. Now Kim is celebrating 8 years in recovery and making huge strides in the sober community with Sober Is The New Cool.

The Blakester, Blake-aroonie, Blake-aroma, Blakeman, Blakestar. It doesn't matter how you spin it, this guy has it going on! Recovering from both alcohol and drug addiction, Blake has been sober since October 04, 2018! So we did an Instagram Live while recording and my videography skills need to be worked on. To say the least. My apologies to the Blakester. In this episode, you will listen as Blake describes the unfailing love and support his parents have given him. We talk about the change in Alcoholics Anonymous Face 2 Face meetings since the appearance of COVID a year ago and the suggestions and challenges that have both helped Blake become the Sober Star that he is.

Suzanne, co-founder of the Seek Purpose podcast, calls herself a "more-aholic". Sobering up at the age of 23, Suzanne has not had a relapse, does not use any sort of drugs and has recovered from many other addictions: gambling, sex, smoking, food & spending, She describes this to Kathleen (Kathleen, the Sober Machine episode) & I as the Whack-A-Mole game. Once you think you're in the clear, bam! Another addiction pops up! Suzanne has also written a book, Seeking Intimacy: Connecting Through Communication. Her husband is also in recovery, with 36 years to Suzanne's thirty years. I loved having Kathleen on board as my co-host this week!

Hey.....Tyler Perry! Here's a movie you need to direct! The road to recovery is definitely.. well.. let's just say we can't make this $h#t up! Meet Diedre, a beautiful, glowing, funny-as-all-get-out amazing woman. The coolest grandma on the block. A dedicated friend and sister. I cannot describe her journey in recovery with words to do it justice. ***** So I will summarize instead: Growing up in South Central as a 16 year old prodigy who attended UC Berkley with the dream of becoming a lawyer; fish dreams & Ronnie with the "good hair"; a thing with white powder and booze; prostitution and the Southside Slayer / Grim Sleeper; ending her job in "public relations" and becoming a homeowner. **** Whew! And that's just the appetizer!

Krystal first entered rehab at the age of 17. Like too many young adults, she couldn't truly accept that she might have a problem with alcohol. It wasn't until she was 23 that she became open to the idea. With a Master's in Applied Behavioral Analysis, Krystal is also a fanatic about nutrition and fitness. We talk animatedly about the wonder of our bodies. How amazing it can be when we take care of our bodies, minds and souls. 15 years of recovery have also made it possible for Krystal to be reunited with her 18 year old son.

My guest for this episode was the winner of The Retired Blackout Artist coffee mug drawing held in July. Brooke hosts a recovery podcast, Seek Purpose Now, and designs recovery apparel. In her spare time she's a videographer and oh, yeah...a mother to some beautiful children. We discuss the link between eating disorders and substance abuse. Brooke herself severely restricted her calorie intake(known as anorexia nervosa) beginning at the age of 14, followed by drug and alcohol abuse at the age of sixteen. For many, the two are closely linked. Food can be used like any drug or drink: it can quench the sadness, loneliness, _______. And like any other substance we can't get enough of, it can rule our world in an unhealthy manner. We also talk about our recovery stories and with tears in her eyes, Brooke shares the devastation of her brother's death in addiction.

One of the blessings of being the host of The Retired Blackout Artists podcast is the connection with the guests. The comfort we find talking to someone like ourselves. The feeling of not being alone in this world. And today didn't disappoint! Amy lives in Pennsylvania. She and I met through social media. Often times, looking at your friends' pages and posts can seem a bit daunting. The perfectly groomed family on their oh-so fab trips. Catch my drift? Social media has become a "highlight reel" where we attain to look perfect instead of letting our peers see us for who and what we really are: human. Amy shares with me how she's staying sober during the pandemic, the new sober friends she's found and how her growing confidence while setting boundaries has been a freeing experience. Don't forget..... #kindnesswins

What if you gambled away over $6500 (5K pounds) in one evening? Would your spouse notice? Would the bill collector just "catch you next month"? How would you feel internally, knowing you are out of control? That the money in your pocket was driving you mad? Darren is not only the first Scottish guest, he's also the first recovering gambling addict on The Retired Blackout Artists podcast. This episode is like so many to precede it because addiction IS addiction. You insert "gambling" where one might say "alcoholic" or "drug addict". It still leaves behind the feelings of despair, hopelessness and helplessness. That is something we can relate to. Sit back, relax and give it a listen. Give us a follow if you like: Instagram, Twitter, FB and your favorite listening platforms. And don't forget....#kindnesswins !

Macee is settling into her chair in as we get ready to record her episode. She is wearing her pumpkin sweater and talking about tattoo work she's having done later in the morning. This bright eyed young woman is ready to make her podcasting debut. As a nature lover, living in Denver, Colorado is ideal for Macee and her boyfriend. But like any recovery story, it wasn't always rainbows and butterflies. Macee grew up in an uncensored home. While her parents were loving, they didn't set strict rules. That's something Macee wishes hadn't been so and may have contributed to feelings of low self esteem. We dive into the Alcoholics Anonymous program and the importance of finding a sponsor. When asked about one of the challenges she's faced in recovery, Macee replies "Pause, Pray, Proceed. I have impulse issues. I have to stay very self aware." While in recovery, Macee has been able to launch her own business, 2 Ugly Dogs (found on Instagram and Facebook). If you find you're struggling with addiction, Macee is here to help. You can find her on Instagram @macee.hicks .

Las Vegas native Tiffany had to endure hell in the form most of us have not. While listening to this episode, you will hear about drug use, death of a child, toxic and abusive relationships and sex. Through sobriety, Tiffany has found a way to forgive herself. She has emotional freedom and practices meditation. She has been given the gift to co-parent with a caring and respecting man in recovery himself. Life is never perfect for any of us. But Tiffany has finally found her "happily ever after".

Dorothy, we're not in Kansas anymore! Starting his sober journey at the ripe age of 62, Dale from Canyon Country, CA. took suggestions from anyone with more sobriety than himself, including a 14 year old. Find the meaning of the yellow brick road as we explore the early years through that moment Dale had the rope around his neck and whispered, "God help me". I hope you'll fall in love with this delightful, charming man as I have.

My guest this episode lives near the country music capital of the world..... Nashville, Tennessee! Kristen is not only an actress and fashion model (yes, she's walked NYC fashion week!), she is also an aspiring novelist. And what's more....she's a Kansas City Chiefs football fan! Kristen has a recovery date of February 26, 2020. She discusses how trauma fed her alcoholism which then fed her anxiety and depression. One thing that frustrates her is drinking alcohol is viewed as the norm. "I wish it were more normalized to simply choose sobriety." When asked what she would say to the younger version of herself, Kristen replied that she'd have let go of trying to please everyone and realize she is enough. "Sobriety has given me so much, but being able to be a better role model is something that I do not take for granted."

Some might find this episode controversial...but whatever. Different Strokes for Different Folks features a guest that does recovery his way. Adam tried the 12 step program that begins and ends with the letter "A" and while he speaks audaciously about his adventure with this program, he is open to give it another shot. Possibly to amuse the host, Chastity, but again....whatever.

"Suit up and show up!" is exactly what Hawaiian native, Andrew does in this episode. His sobriety date of Jan. 04, 2020 happened due to a dare from a friend. Like any addict / alcoholic, he accepted the challenge to "show" his friend up. It was then he realized he had been catering to his pleasures rather than his priorities, as many of us are do. During our recording, Andrew was sitting in a hotel room after driving from Orange County to Vegas. Someone had reached out to him because recovery looks good... know what I'm saying?

I really enjoyed interviewing fellow podcaster, Jesse Mogle for this episode! He's a bee loving, knowledge craving recovery expert that is a certified NLP trainer and master practitioner. Residing in Los Angeles, California, Jesse is a highly sought-after public speaker. He is the author of College Success Habits and host of 2 podcasts, one named after his book and another dubbed From Sobriety to Recovery. We'll briefly touch on the subject of sugar as the first drug we are introduced and how LSD became Jesse's gateway drug at a young age while Nancy Reagan was blanketing us with her "Just Say No" campaign. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it!

In this episode, Dr, Jeff Simone of Reaction Recovery tells it like it is! As a pharmacist, he fell victim to opioid addiction while licensed in California. He turned himself over to the board and entered treatment. End of story? Not quite. Marriage, moving across the country to Philadelphia and the impending arrival of his firstborn couldn't keep the good Doc clean and sober. It wasn't until 2016 that he was ready to surrender. But wait! There's more......we also talk about healthy eating, fitness, fad diets and supplements (did I mention he's a dietary supplement advisor, also?). We also get to the 12 DAILY RULES FOR RECOVERY as taught at Reaction Recovery. You can find the list and more @ www.reactionrecovery.com .

In this episode, Peggy from Kokomo, Indiana shares her recovery journey as the owner and creative hands behind The Prickly Lotus brand. Find out the meaningful moment she decided recovery jewelry was in her future. Her rock bottom story involves her permit-driving daughter taking her to a meeting and drunk dialing "Dart Guy" 23 times. Now when offered a drink, Peggy replies with "No thank you. I have plans at Christmas" no matter the time of year! Peggy and I also compare our collection of husbands and our mentality of perfectionism and procrastination.

How to ask for forgiveness...... In this episode, drug & alcohol counselor, Nina talks with Chastity regarding the stages of forgiveness. Not only does the act of forgiving relieve the "weight" on your shoulders, it also has many benefits for your health!

Today's guest is an entrepreneur living in Huntington Beach, CA. Jackson started his clothing brand, Stay Stopped years after the seed was actually planted. Although he is an United States Army veteran whom served in Kuwait, his "poison" (crystal meth)had him in and out of 6 rehab facilities over the years. Even after being detained for domestic battery, Jackson still denied he had a drug problem. Then he opened the Big Book to page 553 and scanned the page until he read 'the trick is to STAY stopped'. His sobriety date is May 8, 2015. You can find Jackson's website and clothing line @ staystoppedunited.org.

In this episode, I virtually welcome drug and alcohol counselor, Nina, to The Red Couch Studio! Raised on the East Coast by her Sicilian mother and Black father, Nina now resides in the beautiful state of Washington. She is retired from the U.S. Air Force. She is a member of S.L.A.A., Al-Anon, A,A,, parent of an addict, survivor of trauma and understands food addiction first hand. We share an in depth conversation touching on many topics, including: emotional sobriety, relationships, being women in the world today and the use of alcohol in the military.

Hold on to your hats! It's the first episode we've had in a long time with a REAL LIVE guest!! Brock traveled from out of state to visit with Chastity in the world famous Red Couch Studio. The duo met for the first time minutes prior to recording, but chatted it up like old friends. Check out The Retired Blackout Artists Instagram page for pictures of the dinner party! Brock has been in remission from bladder cancer for 5 years. His diagnosis came at the young age of 28, but it wasn't enough to persuade him to give up the bottle. He lost love, a canceled wedding and almost his life. When asked what he would say to the younger version of himself, Brock responded with "Continue down this path and you will lose everything". Currently, Brock lives in Des Moines, Iowa where he works full time and also volunteers in the crusade for Suicide Prevention Foundation. Brock will celebrate 2 years of continuous sobriety August 21 of this year. You can follow Brock on Instagram @millennial_alcoholic . ********************** And don't forget to buy your podcast T-shirts and tanks @https://www.bonfire.com/the-retired-blackout-artists/

With nearly 43 years of sobriety, Arlene has faced a few trials and tribulations. But her spirituality keeps her grounded. "All you have to do is accept you are a beautiful child of God", says Arlene. She has her Master's in counseling and hosts workshops on her website, arlenegeres.com. When asked about seeking out a sponsor in recovery, Arlene says "It's not a marriage proposal! Get in and work the steps." You can also follow Arlene's page on Facebook, Awakening to the Spirit Within. And don't forget to order your podcast T's and tanks: https://www.bonfire.com/the-retired-blackout-artists/

Both of your parents are alcoholics... you're being sexually abused.... and you are looking for any escape you can grab. Kathleen looked to the bottle and other substances and met her future husband, where else, a bar! Fast forward...Kathleen became a military wife and looked like the American soccer mom to 4 children. No one would have guessed she was "inhaling" even after putting the Bottle on the shelf 3 years prior. This is the story of a strong woman, a survivor and a fighter. Her sobriety is strong and well in the South down in New Orleans, Louisiana. She uses her network of many supporters and also reaches her helping hand out to other alcoholics in need.

If I were to have a girl crush, it would be with Sari. Not gonna lie. Is that weird? Nah. Sari has an AMAZING aura. Wise, thoughtful, beautiful, 22 years of sobriety and every time I talk with her, I walk away with something good. She's the epitome of the Golden State in which she lives. Dora with Soberoso guest co-hosts as we talk about hairy men and shaving them, relationships and what sponsorship (aka sobriety coaching) looks like. Sari recounts the moment she yelled out to God, "take everything away from me that you don't want me to have!" You'll want to listen to the end of this entertaining, insightful episode with these fun ladies!

Born in Mexico and moving to Los Angeles at the age of 3, Diego didn't realize he was undocumented until his late teens. He resented his parents, but didn't abuse alcohol until he was in college. To him, it started out as something fun....having blackouts alluded to mystery. "What did I say? What fights did I start? Why do I have a bag tied to my wrist?" Then the fun turned to drama that cost him romantic relationships and some friendships. Then he got sober.......

My co-host in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Dora with Soberoso, and I travel virtually to North Lincolnshire, United Kingdom to have an international 3 way with Darren with Variety_N_Sobriety! You'll not want to miss this episode filled with non-rubbish sober talk. No bullocks. Seriously. Look up theunioflife.com, a website Darren created to help other alcoholics on their journey in recovery. It's a smashing good time!

I Don't Have To Die On This Hill: Mariah's Story by The Retired Blackout Artists

Here's a trip! Meet Dora from Soberoso, the 1st International guest on the podcast!! We'll visit her virtually in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and have an eye opening conversation about codependency and alcoholism. This is one of my favorite episodes; I felt an instant connection to Dora and can't wait to see what our sober sisterhood can accomplish! Visit Soberoso.com and @Soberoso on Instagram And as always, don't forget to show some love by following the podcast on social media and continue listening on all your favorite channels. Stay safe. Stay sober. And remember, kindness wins!

Finish up with part Dos of Gabriel's episode (co-host creds to ConDoza, aka Connie)! Gabriel dreams of bringing a sober living house to the North side of KC/Liberty. Connie ponders why the "powers that be" didn't label COVID-19 the Mad Dog Virus. I share the term "Cadillac Problems".

Part 1 of Gabriel and Connie episode. A real, live Kansas City actor visits the Red Couch Studio! Gabriel talks about his feelings and what he was missing at a very young age. Our pasts can mold us, but do not have to define us.....the mold can be broken! Enjoy your Easter Sunday friends :) xoxo

The thumbnail photo was taken on a trip the Mr. and I took to Puerto Rico a few years ago. Walking into the Catholic church, even though neither of us are Catholic, was very soothing and peaceful. Monks were walking and doing their work in an adjacent room; a truly serene moment. My hope is this episode will leave you with a spiritual calmness, as well. Or perhaps just a feeling of spiritual wellness. Craig P. and I share our stories of spiritual awakenings and how important our spiritual fitness is on this journey of sobriety.

Aaron is back in the studio to celebrate his 2 YEARS OF SOBRIETY!! ***** This episode was streamed LIVE on Instagram. ***** The Coronavirus can't keep us down! Aaron shows off his first edition of the 12&12 and we discuss the Daily Reflections and alot more (because we're easily distracted

Duane joins me via online meeting forum, Zoom to discuss what he has seen and experienced in nearly 36 years of sobriety. If you ever have the chance to visit the Liberty, Missouri AA group, I guarantee you'll meet Duane at the 8:30 am meeting. According to Duane, this program is very simple: "Stay away from the first drink." ****** If you are interested in becoming a virtual guest, please email me @ TheRetiredBlackoutArtists@gmail. You can also send me messages through Instagram @TheRetiredBlackoutArtists, Facebook @ RB Artists and Twitter @BlackoutRetired. ********