Podcasts about long term recovery

The 12th Arrest That Changed Everything with Samantha Jurado | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this deeply emotional episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Samantha Jurado shares her unfiltered story of trauma, addiction, loss, and long-term recovery—from surviving childhood abuse, early suicide attempts, and meth addiction, to becoming a young mother, experiencing homelessness, incarceration, and the devastating loss of her daughter in a car accident that changed the course of her life forever. Samantha opens up about the years of self-destruction that followed, the spiritual awakening that finally broke through after her 12th arrest, and how sobriety became possible when she chose to fully show up as a mother to her son. She also speaks candidly about navigating grief in recovery after losing her son years later, enduring divorce and isolation during COVID, and rediscovering her identity beyond trauma, labels, and addiction. This episode is a raw testament to resilience, accountability, faith, and what it truly means to survive the unimaginable and still choose to live, heal, and recover out loud.#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:02:32 - Growing Up Moving State to State00:04:15 - First Blackout and Suicide Attempt at 1400:06:08 - Childhood Sexual Abuse Revealed00:07:49 - Abuser Sent to Prison00:09:34 - Abuse in Father's Home00:11:44 - Safety and Stability With Grandmother00:13:10 - First Time Using Meth00:13:54 - Leaving Home and Addiction Escalates00:14:33 - Becoming a Mother at 2000:18:23 - CPS Knocking and Losing Stability00:19:26 - Homelessness and Active Addiction00:21:50 - Last Meth Use and 12th Arrest00:23:14 - Mistaking AA for a Club00:24:46 - Choosing Sobriety to Be a Mom00:26:45 - Daughter's Fatal Car Accident00:28:31 - Charged in Daughter's Death00:30:03 - Years of Destruction and Incarceration00:35:41 - Spiritual Awakening in Jail00:38:19 - Deciding to Stop Drinking Completely00:39:03 - Getting Sober for Her Son00:45:48 - Long-Term Recovery and Family Healing00:50:05 - Son's Death During Recovery00:51:19 - Grief, Divorce, and COVID00:52:44 - Rediscovering Identity in Recovery

Stroke Effects: What a Hemorrhagic Stroke Did to Jake Stroke effects aren't always obvious. Some show up immediately. Others arrive quietly, long after the hospital discharge papers are signed. For Jake, the stroke effects didn't end when his life was saved; they began there. Four months after a hemorrhagic stroke, Jake can walk, talk, think clearly, and hold a conversation that's thoughtful, articulate, and reflective. To someone passing him in the street, he might look “lucky.” But stroke effects don't ask for permission to be visible. They live beneath the surface, shaping movement, sensation, pain, identity, and recovery in ways few people prepare you for. This is what stroke did to Jake. The Stroke Effects That Came Without Warning Before his stroke, Jake's life was full and demanding. A husband. A father of four. An administrator coordinating drivers and operations. Active. Fit. Always moving toward the next opportunity. But in hindsight, the stroke effects were quietly signaling their arrival. Jake experienced severe headaches with a rapid onset. Nausea. Vomiting. Visual disturbances. At the time, they were dismissed as migraines. His blood pressure had been flagged as “pre-high” years earlier while living overseas, but after returning to Canada, he found himself without a regular doctor in an overloaded medical system. These were early stroke effects masquerading as manageable inconveniences. When the hemorrhagic stroke finally hit, it did so decisively, affecting the right side of his body, disrupting speech, movement, sensation, and cognition all at once. What Stroke Did to His Body One of the most misunderstood stroke effects is how specific and strange the deficits can be. Jake didn't just “lose strength.” He lost motor planning. When he tried to write the letter T, his brain sent the wrong instruction. Instead of a straight downward line, his hand looped as if writing an L. The muscles worked. The intention was there. The signal was wrong. To retrain that connection, he didn't practice ten times. He practiced thousands. This is one of the realities of stroke effects: recovery isn't about effort alone, it's about repetition at a scale most rehab programs don't explain clearly enough. Post-Stroke Pain: The Stroke Effect No One Warns You About If there's one stroke effect that dominates Jake's day-to-day experience, it's pain. Not soreness. Not discomfort. Neuropathic pain. Jake describes it as: Burning sensations Tingling Tightness, like plastic strapping wrapped around his limbs At its worst, a “12 out of 10” pain, like being tased while his hand is on fire This kind of post-stroke pain often resets overnight. One morning, he wakes up and feels almost normal. The next, the pain returns without warning, severe enough to stop him in his tracks. This is a stroke effect that confuses survivors and clinicians alike because it doesn't follow logic, effort, or consistency. It simply exists. And for many survivors, it's one of the hardest stroke effects to live with. The Non-Linear Reality of Stroke Effects Stroke recovery doesn't move forward in a straight line. Jake learned this quickly. One week brings noticeable gains. The next feels like a regression. Then progress returns quietly, unexpectedly. This non-linear pattern is itself a stroke effect. Early on, these fluctuations feel frightening. Survivors worry they're “going backwards.” But over time, patterns emerge. Rest days aren't failures. They're part of recovery. Silent healing days matter just as much as active ones. Understanding this changed how Jake viewed his recovery and how he measured progress. Identity Loss: An Overlooked Stroke Effect Some stroke effects don't show up on scans. Jake wasn't defined by his job, but work still mattered. Structure mattered. Contribution mattered. After the stroke, uncertainty crept in. Would he return to the same role? Could he handle the same responsibility? Should he? Stroke effects often force people to renegotiate identity, not because they want to, but because they must. The question shifts from “What do I do?” to “Who am I now?” For many survivors, this is one of the most emotionally demanding stroke effects of all. Recovery Begins With Action, Not Permission While hospitalized, Jake made a decision. He wouldn't wait passively. He brought in notebooks. Pencils. Hand grippers. Hair clippers. He practiced shaving, writing, and gripping, no matter how long it took. If writing the alphabet took all day, that was the day's work. By discharge, his writing had moved from scribbles to cursive. This wasn't luck. It was intentional engagement with stroke effects, meeting them head-on instead of avoiding them. What Stroke Effects Teach Us Jake's experience reveals something important: Stroke effects are not just medical outcomes. They are lived realities. They affect: How your body moves How pain shows up How progress feels How identity shifts How hope is tested And yet, understanding stroke effects, naming them, and normalizing them can reduce fear and isolation. That's why conversations like this matter. You're Not Alone With These Stroke Effects If you're early in recovery, you might recognize yourself in Jake's story. If you're years in, you might recognize where you've been. Either way, stroke effects don't mean the end of progress. They mean the beginning of a different kind of journey, one that rewards patience, repetition, and perspective. If you want to go deeper into recovery insights, lived experience, and hope-driven guidance: Learn more about the book here: The Unexpected Way That a Stroke Became the Best Thing That Happened Support the podcast and community here: Recovery After Stroke Patreon Final Thought Stroke effects don't define who you are, but they do shape how you recover. Jake's story reminds us that recovery isn't about returning to who you were. It's about learning how to live fully with what remains and discovering what's still possible. Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your health or recovery plan. Living With Stroke Effects You Can't Always See Jake reveals the stroke effects that remained after the hospital—pain, motor issues, fatigue, and how he's navigating recovery four months on. Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:10 Health Awareness and Signs 16:56 Personal Health Journey and Challenges 23:11 Recovery Process and Emotional Impact 38:28 Attitude Towards Recovery 46:30 Long-Term Recovery and Reflection 55:06 Work and Identity Post-Stroke 01:07:40 Pain Management and Coping Strategies 01:16:16 Community and Shared Experiences Transcript: Introduction and Background Bill Gasiamis (00:00) Today’s episode is one that really stayed with me long after we finished recording. You’re going to meet Jake, a stroke survivor who is very early in recovery and navigating the reality of what stroke actually does to a person long after the emergency has What makes this conversation so powerful isn’t just the hemorrhagic stroke Jake experienced. It’s how openly he talks about the stroke effects that followed. The pain, the confusion. the nonlinear recovery and the parts of stroke that are hard to explain unless you’ve lived them. I won’t give away Jake’s story that’s his to tell, but I will say this. If you’re early in recovery or you’re trying to make sense of symptoms that don’t quite fit the brochures or discharge notes, there’s a good chance you’ll hear something in Jake’s experience that feels confronting and reassuring at the same time. Now, before we get into the conversation, want to pause for a moment and say this, everything you hear, the interviews, the hosting, the editing exists because listeners like you help keep this podcast going. When you visit patreon.com slash recovery after stroke, you’re supporting my goal of recording a thousand episodes. So no stroke survivor has to ever feel like they’re navigating this if you’re looking for something you can lean on throughout your recovery or while supporting someone you love my book, the unexpected way that a stroke became the best thing that happened is available at recovery after stroke.com slash book. It’s the resource I wished I’d had when I was confused, overwhelmed and trying to understand what stroke had done to my life. all right. Now let’s get into the conversation with Jake. Bill (01:40) Jake Bordeaux, welcome to the podcast. Jake (01:42) Hi Bill, how are you this evening? Bill (01:44) I’m very well my friend. It is morning here. Just gone past 9am. We had a late night last night. We went to the opera and we saw Carmen. Jake (01:57) Hmm. How’s that? Bill (01:59) And for those who haven’t seen it, it’s in French and you have to read the subtitles because it has subtitles. I couldn’t read them because I was just a little too far. So I was squinting the whole night. But it’s a great opera, it was a great show, but we got home late so I’m quite tired. Jake (02:20) I couldn’t imagine that. Luckily I do speak French. So I wouldn’t need the subtitles, but that’s something I was afraid of actually, you know, coming out of the stroke is I was afraid almost that I had forgotten how to speak French or that I’d forgotten how to speak both languages. But luckily I speak ⁓ English and French. Bill (02:40) With a name like Bordeaux, I would definitely expect you to at least have some idea of French. Jake (02:45) Yes, indeed, sir. Half English and half French. I’ve been using that largely to my advantage. I’d been working up here in Northern Ontario with Federal Express. So I was working in administration here and sort of coordinating the management and the drivers being the liaison during the two during the day. so, you know, anytime the drivers might have equipment that needs any kind of repair or any kind of issues they might come up with on road as well as when they leave the station and when they come back into the station, I’m the guy that they would deal with. Bill (03:22) Wow, that’s cool. So tell me what was life like before stroke for you? What were you up to? What kind of things did you do? How did you spend your time? Jake (03:33) Well, life has had a lot of ups and downs for me in the last year’s bill. So, ⁓ I had been living for many years in, in Hong Kong and I’m originally from Canada and, I was born in the seventies, born in Ontario here. And by 2009, I had had various, you know, done grit, various career, choices or opportunities, job opportunities here. And I decided to. try my hand at a little something overseas. ⁓ I had an opportunity with a fellow Canadian named Noah Fuller who brought me over wanting to show me how to get into the watch business. And being two ⁓ enthusiasts, you know, being, ⁓ you know, I’d say we were into watch modification, watch restoration, and we were wanting to get a little bit more into building custom parts and building out custom watches. ⁓ working with various ⁓ people, military groups, et cetera, at working on their watch project. So he asked me to come to Hong Kong, learn everything that he knew about the business, and hopefully show me what I was gonna get into over there. That worked out, and while I was over there, I met my wife, I love my wife, I’m still with her. Stroke Effects: Health Awareness and Signs I got together with my wife in 2009 when I had first arrived in Hong Kong and I got married to her in 2010. During that time, Noah unfortunately passed away, so I lost my business partner, but the business continued to grow. So over the years, the business grew with my wife and I running that on our own. ⁓ Unfortunately, maybe it got some of the attention on the world stage. There’s been a lot of political, we’ll say issues in Hong Kong and leading into the pandemic, business was already suffering. ⁓ Once the pandemic hit and Hong Kong was locked down for a ⁓ big chunk of time. that really affected our business and took it down. By the time the pandemic had played its way out, our life over there was looking like it wasn’t panning out the way we’d wanted it to. And a lot of the opportunities that had been unfolding for us all of a sudden came to a close. ⁓ So we moved back to Canada. about two years ago and I started working up here and thinking about our next business opportunity. I’m a lot like you and I’m never really satisfied with what I’m doing and I kind of want to reach for the next thing and I kind of want to reach for more. So I like to work a lot. So while I was working on getting the next thing started, I was working with Federal Express. My days would be really, really busy. I would get up quite early in the morning and I’d chop wood here. I have a dog that I like to walk. I have a golden retriever. I have four children. So I have three girls and a boy and they’re ranging from four years old to 14 years old. They’re all in school. And of course, I was working full time at Federal Express and ⁓ working towards the next thing. So I guess life was pretty active. Bill (07:27) Pretty helpful. Did you have any sense that, you know, with regards to your health, things might take a turn? Was there any information coming to you that you might see now kind of in hindsight and go, well, that was probably a sign. Jake (07:45) Yeah, Bill. So I’ve watched a lot of your podcasts and I found them particularly helpful, especially a lot of the ones relating to hemorrhagic stroke. ⁓ Reason being that’s what happened to me. So ⁓ I had a hemorrhagic stroke ⁓ and it took out a large part of ⁓ my capabilities, I guess, mobility on my right side. So a lot of my body that’s affected is my right side. ⁓ Now, when I got back here from Hong Kong to Canada, unfortunately, I came here to a little bit of an overloaded medical system, to say the least. So I’m hoping that maybe some of what we’re talking today might help people who are in Canada if they suffer the ⁓ same thing as I did to try and get them on track for us, get them back into recovery. ⁓ When I arrived here, the system was overloaded. I didn’t have a doctor. So unfortunately, while I had been warned for several years that I had pre high blood pressure and ⁓ the doctors in Hong Kong had been, you know, monitoring my blood pressure and keeping a pretty close eye on things after arriving here in Canada, that wasn’t a case. And so you know, it would look now that I think about it, that I was having some warning signs. I was having headaches and I’d say that some of those headaches were pretty severe. ⁓ The headaches would come on like a, like a very fast, ⁓ fast onset headache. I would get very nauseated very quickly. ⁓ And then sort of, would, I’d vomit the headache. would pass. At first, I thought I was getting migraine headaches. I’d had one when I was a lot younger. But ⁓ these were coming with some visual disturbance. I was having this horrible headache. was having nausea. So all the things you might expect from a migraine, except that it was going away within minutes and all of a sudden I was back at work. you know, in hindsight, that definitely was ⁓ a warning flashes. And ⁓ had I had a proper physician, if I had somebody watching out for me, they may have caught that. I don’t know, there’s no way for us to know that. So what I would say is, if anybody’s having pretty high blood pressure, keep an eye on that. I would say my blood pressure when I had the stroke was quite high. And if I had been monitoring that, I might’ve been on top of it. So would you like to hear about the day that it happened or? Bill (10:45) Yeah, I would in a moment. So with the blood pressure in Hong Kong, were you being monitored and also medicated or was it just you were being monitored? Bill Gasiamis (10:56) We’ll get back to Jake’s story in just a moment. I want to pause for a second and ask you something important. Why do you listen to this podcast? For many people, it’s because they finally hear someone who understands what they’re going through or because they learn something that helps them make sense of their own stroke effects without feeling overwhelmed or alone. And here’s the part most listeners never really think podcast only exists because people like you help keep it There’s no big company behind it. No medical organization funding the work. It’s just me, a fellow stroke survivor doing everything I can to make sure these conversations are available for the next person who wakes up after a stroke and doesn’t know what comes One of the biggest challenges after stroke is finding reliable information without spending years searching, reading and second guessing yourself. That’s why I want to mention turn2.ai. Turn2 isn’t a sponsor, it’s a tool I personally use. If you choose to sign up using my affiliate link, you’ll get 10 % off and I’ll receive a small commission and no extra cost to you. That commission helps support the podcast and keep these conversations free. What Turn2 does is simple but powerful. It saves you time. Instead of spending years trying to track down research, discussions and updates about stroke, Turn2 brings relevant information straight to you. If you’re already dealing with fatigue, pain or cognitive overload, saving time and mental energy matters. And if you want to go deeper on your recovery journey, you can also grab my book, The Unexpected Way That a Stroke Became the Best Thing That Happened at recoveryafterstroke.com slash book. If this podcast has helped you feel understood even once, consider supporting the mission in whatever way feels right for you. All right, let’s get back to Jake. Jake (12:46) No, so I wasn’t being medicated for high blood pressure at all. was kind of these, well, it’s not quite severe enough to really do anything about it, so we’ll just keep an eye on it. ⁓ I did have pre-existing ⁓ medical issues. When I was quite a lot younger, I had suffered from ⁓ what some people might call Crohn’s disease or an inflammatory bowel issue. and I had some back pain. But other than that, I wasn’t really on any other types of medications. I wasn’t on any kinds of blood pressure medications, any kind of heart medications. ⁓ I wasn’t on any kind of antidepressants or anything like that. ⁓ I would say that I was pretty much feeling like I was in fairly good shape. haven’t gained or lost a heck of a lot of weight since the stroke. So what you see is what you get. wasn’t overweight. I wasn’t eating a lot of junk. I don’t smoke cigarettes. So. Bill (13:56) Yeah. One of those things. I know what you mean. Like I’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure in the last six months and headaches. Jake, I’ve had headaches for years. I’m talking maybe four or five years. And at the beginning, they were intermittent. They would come and go similar to what you mentioned. And I would be able to get through the day. And I thought they were migraines, although nobody really convinced me that they were migraines. I couldn’t really say. That sounds familiar if I look up what migraine is and all the people who I’ve ever asked about a migraine, it never sounded like, I was never convinced by it. And then a little while ago, was at home, excuse me, I was at home with my wife, feeling really unwell. Did my, checked my blood pressure and it was about 170 over 110, 120, somewhere there. And that was, I knew that’s way too high, know, previously. I’ve checked my blood pressure maybe on the on perfect day and it was 120 over 80. So for me that was pretty serious. We went to the hospital because of all my history and they said your blood pressure is high. It’s probably a migraine causing you to have a migraine which is then causing your blood pressure to go high rather than the other way around. They didn’t say it’s high blood pressure is causing the migraine and or the headache. And then they put me on some migraine medication and they said, if we give you this migraine medication, it’s going to knock you out. You’re going to sleep, but you should wake up without a headache. Well, I woke up with a headache. The migraine medication didn’t do anything. So within a couple of weeks of that particular hospitalization and then going to my general practitioner, he prescribed me a blood pressure medication, came to start on it’s called to help keep the blood pressure down. Now I’m trying to get to the bottom of why do I have high blood pressure? That’s the part that’s frustrating me, because no one can tell you why you have high blood pressure unless they check your arteries and they’re half clogged or you’ve got some other issues with your heart or something like that. And I don’t have any of those issues. So now ⁓ it’s one of those things. It’s kind of like, well, you have high blood pressure. It might be something that runs in your family. When I check with my dad, my dad says that he has high blood pressure. My dad’s 84. So it’s like, you know, and he says, I started taking blood pressure medication at around 50, which is my age. But that’s still, that’s not good enough for me. Like I’m still not comfortable with, well, your dad did. So you are, and then therefore, just move on with life, take this tablet and then move on. Now I’m happy to take the tablet because I do not want to have another hemorrhagic stroke. I’m very comfortable taking a tablet to prevent that, right? No trauma, no traumas. Personal Health Journey, Stroke Effects, and Challenges But ⁓ it’s a very interesting place to find myself in after going through all the three brain hemorrhages that I’ve already had since 2012, brain surgery, learning how to walk again. Now I’ve had enough. I don’t want… I don’t want to be doing this anymore, even though I am finding myself here and I’m tackling it. Part of me is going, man, this is too much. Why do we need to go through this now? Jake (17:29) Yeah, I wanted to ask you something actually, maybe if you’ve had the same, you brought something back to mind here, is that one thing I did have, again, in hindsight, I had visual disturbance. in 2018, my grandmother, bless her shit, my grandmother passed away and I was abroad and I took it pretty hard. was largely raised by my grandfather, my grandmother. And I took it, it was very emotional. And ⁓ when I was grieving, I had an episode where I had a rather bad headache. And again, I had one of these feelings, like I thought I had a migraine headache. Maybe I did, or maybe we’re reading something into it. But coming out of that, I had a visual problem. And it was one of my eyes. in my right eye, you know, again, I have my issues now with my right hand side. My right eye had gotten quite blurry. I was having ⁓ issues with my vision in my right eye. And ⁓ a doctor had decided that, well, maybe it’s a form of macular degeneration. And he decided to do a laser surgery. at the time in Hong Kong. However, it didn’t have any effect. It didn’t help me out at all. And the only thing that helped that was time. And I wonder again now if the reason why treating the eye didn’t take any effect is because he should have been treating or looking at the brain. I think that maybe the issue might have been a small stroke to begin with. and I didn’t realize it at the time. Bill (19:25) That sounds very plausible, right? That’s I think probably a very logical conclusion to get to. Sometimes, you you hear people lose their vision and the way they discovered they’ve had a stroke is they’ll go to the ophthalmologist and they’ll say, I can’t see. And the guy will go, well, your eye looks perfect. I there’s nothing wrong with your lens. There’s nothing wrong with the macula. The eye pressure is fine. Everything’s fine. And that definitely suggests that there is a ⁓ neurological issue of some kind, right? So it’s like, next step is go to the hospital, get it checked out. But ⁓ yeah, well, there’ll be no way of knowing, but I science, I had similar kind of things happen about a year and a half before my first bleed. was at our local football here, which ⁓ my team made the what we call the grand final. There’s usually a playoff series and then the last two teams get to the final game of the year and then the one that wins wins the championship. And my team made it and I was there cheering them on, screaming my head off, you know, just being a really passionate supporter and went home that weekend with a massive headache that lasted about five days and ended up in hospital. They did a lumbar puncture. They checked for a brain hemorrhage or anything along those lines and they didn’t find anything and they also didn’t find the faulty blood vessel that later would cause the first brain hemorrhage. But when I speak to people about it, everyone will say, well, we’ll never know, Bill. There’s no way of knowing whether they were linked. But in my mind, it’s pretty logical to conclude that that first massive five day headache was a sign that something wasn’t right in my brain. And although they had that suspicion of that, they didn’t know what they were looking for. So they couldn’t find the faulty blood vessel. just did a scan, a CT, sorry. Yeah, they just did a CT to actually see if there was any visible signs of a tumor or a bleed or something like that. And since there wasn’t, they weren’t able to diagnose the faulty blood vessel that would later. ⁓ bleed three times. Jake (21:55) That’s incredible, by the way, the three times thing, and that’s got to take a lot of strength to get through. ⁓ I don’t know if I had mentioned to you, how recent this has been. So ⁓ one thing that I’ve noticed with your podcast is that most of the guests who are on have had a considerable amount of time elapse in between when the event has taken place and when they’ve been able to get back lot of their capabilities, a lot of their abilities. So how long exactly did it take you to get back to the stage or the state that you’re in now? Bill (22:36) I would say that I had, ⁓ well, the first three years were tumultuous because every time I was on the road to recovery after the first bleed, then the second bleed happened, that was six weeks apart. And then after the second bleed, I was really unwell. ⁓ Memory issues, couldn’t type an email, couldn’t read, couldn’t drive, couldn’t work. Recovery Process and Emotional Impact angry, really angry. I was probably in that state for the best part of about six to nine months. And then it started to ease and settle down as the blood vessel stopped bleeding. And then the, and then the blood in my head started to dissipate and kind of dissolved, I suppose. And I think I thought everything was going fine. So between February, 2012 and November, 2014, that’s when I had the next bleed November, 2014. the third one. And then when I woke up from that, I had to learn how to walk again. So by the time I got to February 2015, I had been three years in you know, in the dungeon, you know, getting just smashed around by stroke again and again and again, and then brain surgery, then learning how to walk again. And I think personally, I turned the tide maybe at around 2018, 2019. So it took another three to four years for me to feel like even though I’m living with all these deficits, I have got enough of my cognitive function back, my physical function back to be able to go back to my painting company, which had been on pause for a number of years. yeah, so all up, you know, from first bleed, Jake (24:25) incredible. Bill (24:30) to back to the painting company, you know, it seven years. It was quite a long time. And I hear people have similar kind of stories about five, six, seven years. They’re still dealing with everything that the stroke caused, but they have some kind of a turn, like for the better, some kind of like a shift in whether it’s mindset, whether it’s emotionally or whether it’s physically, they have kind of some. Like a fork in the road moment where things change for the better. Jake (25:03) That’s incredibly inspiring for me. So yeah, you give me a lot of hope because I’ve been going through a lot and I’ve only been at this for four months now. so I had this stroke in late July and upon getting into the hospital, again, I wasn’t able to talk. I wasn’t able to use my, couldn’t move my right hand side at all. ⁓ I wasn’t able to go to the washroom, any of the things. I was basically left with kind of like ⁓ a blank slate and everything that I’ve gotten back has been pretty rapid. So I’m really extremely thankful for that, especially that, given that hemorrhagic strokes are rare, ⁓ consequences seem to be more severe and more often fatal. So, yeah, I’ve only been at this for a few months, Bill (26:10) Yeah, I was gonna ask what was it what happened on the day of the strike? What was it like? Jake (26:16) Yeah, so on the day of the stroke, let me get back there for just a second. Right, so on the day of, it was a pretty regular day and I had got up, it was a beautiful day, it was July. ⁓ My family had been on a trip recently, they’d gone to the nation’s capital and visited my family and I was happy to have them back. I just bought my wife a new bike and ⁓ I tuned it up. The dog had been out and I was starting work at 2 p.m. So I was about to go in for 2 p.m. and see the drivers for the whole second part of their day until the closing. ⁓ And I ⁓ was biking into work. again, I was incredibly active. ⁓ So I was biking to work and it would be generally about a 15 minute bike ride and it’s a lot of uphill, et cetera. And some of the route is through some residential areas and even some pathways that go through the woods. Again, I live in Canada and in particular in Northern Ontario in quite a small town named Kirkland called Kirkland Lake, which is a gold mining town. we’re in a gold mining boom right now. And so yeah, I was biking to work, feeling pretty good. ⁓ When I got to work, or when I was just getting to work, I was pretty close to being late ⁓ after messing around with the kids a little bit. And so I pushed myself a little bit harder than I usually do. ⁓ I got to work right on time. I got in a little bit winded. And I started getting my equipment together, got all of my equipment and headed to my office and headed to the window where I’d be greeting all of the drivers as they come into the station. And I started to feel a little bit dizzy. So my thinking was though, I probably just pushed it a little too hard and I probably should have had a drink of water. So I grabbed a drink of water. And ⁓ I sat back down at my desk and the first drivers started to come in. And as they started to come in, I started to feel like it was hard ⁓ to keep track of what they were saying. I was having a hard time concentrating and that’s really not like me. Usually I’m able to concentrate on four children, a wife, a pet, myself. And when I’m at work, I’m able to deal with the whole station full of FedEx workers, drivers, et cetera. So I started asking the drivers, can you just leave your things with me? I’m going to put them aside for a few minutes until I’m back in the game here. I think I’ve winded myself a bit. I’m just going to chill. And the equipment started to pile up, because it was one driver, two drivers. three drivers. And as this was starting to go on, I was looking over at a lady who was working next to me in the office. ⁓ And ⁓ I’m very lucky that she was there. And ⁓ I’ll let you know why in a second. But ⁓ I started to look at her and I started to look at the drivers. And I think at that point, she looked at me and ⁓ it struck her there’s something really not right with Jake. So she came over and started to ask me some questions and she started to try and direct the drivers away from me so that maybe they’d stop asking questions. And it became pretty apparent to her real quick ⁓ that I was having a stroke. Now, thankfully, this lady’s not usually sitting in the office next to me. It was one of those things where she just happened to be there this day and she happens to work with the fire brigade here. and she works with first responders and she’s incredibly well educated as far as first aid and strokes and heart attacks, et cetera. So she was able to recognize what was going on with me right away. ⁓ She had management and she had everybody ⁓ take a look at me and they had the first responders coming right away. The emergency crew showed up within minutes. and they started asking me all the appropriate questions and they started lifting me out of there and driving me away. So I got to work, I guess, at about 2 p.m. That was when my shift started. And ⁓ by 2.25, ⁓ my wife was walking home from the neighborhood park with our kids and heard an ambulance. go by here, not realizing it was me. I’d been taken off in the ambulance. They brought me to a nearby town and then they airlifted me to Sudbury, Ontario. I guess in our nearby town, they determined that yes, I was having a stroke. They did a very quick preliminary scan. They sent me to Sudbury, Ontario, where they started doing more scans and figured out exactly what was going on. Although the medical system had failed me and I didn’t have a doctor going into it, when the rubber hit the road there, they had it together and they got me the appropriate help as fast as possible. That’s probably what helped me to get my recovery online so quick. Bill (32:18) definitely does the time that you take to get to hospital makes a massive difference. That was a good outcome considering everything that was going wrong at the time. So then how does the hospital stay go? How long are you in the hospital and how does it play out? Jake (32:37) Yeah, so I arrived in in the hospital in in Sudbury and I was there for for a few days so ⁓ yeah, I was there for a few days and in that time my My ⁓ my wife and ⁓ one of my good friends one of our children there They managed to come and see me and from what they say I was incoherent at the time So I guess I was still able to talk ⁓ but what was coming out of me was a lot of garbled nonsense. I’ve seen some of your guests say, I thought I was saying, can you please hand me my bag and I need you to bring, and all that was coming out was sort of, blah, blah, blah, blah, like it wasn’t making any sense at all. ⁓ So I was in there for days. And once they had me stabilized in ⁓ Sudbury, Ontario, they decided to transfer me and I had my choice between a couple of different towns. So I would say that by the 25th, 24th, 25th, I was stabilized and I was heading to Sudbury on the 25th. ⁓ Once I arrived in Sudbury, I think I was visited, ⁓ by my folks and my wife and kids. And then I was sent to Timmins, Ontario for my actual recovery. So it was pretty fast. I had the stroke on the 21st and by the 26th, I was in Timmins where I’d spend the rest of my ⁓ recovery time. Bill (34:27) How did they deal with leaking blood vessel? Jake (34:30) ⁓ They didn’t. So they had determined that they were going to probably do a surgery. When they were taking me into the hospital, they had told me that there was a ⁓ brain hemorrhage, ⁓ that it was leaking, that they were going to be monitoring it, that it would be likely there would be a surgery, and that I should probably be be prepared not to make it through. ⁓ So I guess, you know, they gave me some hope. I mean, they told me that we can hope for the best, but they were quite honest with me at the time in saying you might be going for the rest of your life ⁓ wearing diapers or unable to talk. ⁓ And it’s quite probable that you might not make it out of this. Uh, so they monitored it and they continued to bring me while I was in the Sudbury for scans and they continued to monitor the situation. Um, but they didn’t do any surgery. So, uh, I was put on medications to bring the blood pressure down, to keep the blood pressure down. And, uh, and I was placed on those while I was in, in hospital. And I continued to. recover all the way through August. And by the end of August, I had come back home. ⁓ while I was in hospital, I was only visited twice because it was far away from, from my home. And, ⁓ I’m honestly, Bill, I’m glad. ⁓ I was really happy. I was able to see my, my, my wife and kids by phone, obviously, you know, the wonders of modern technology. ⁓ but I was left with a lot of time on my own to reflect and I was left with a lot of time on my own to get better. you know, one of the things I decided once I got to the hospital was I’m not going to spend any time in the lounge. I’m not going to spend any of the time with the other patients who are ⁓ in here, nothing against them or anything like that. But the very first thing I did, was I started to try and find more information about what exactly happened to me and ⁓ what are my chances of getting better and what gives me the best chances. And what I came up with was I had better start working on my recovery immediately. yeah, so one of the very first things that I did is I got my notebook into me. notebook, got pencils, I got a pencil sharpener, I got one of those, ⁓ you know, hand gripper ⁓ exercise, you know, for your hands. ⁓ And I got a razor blade, and I got my wife and kids to bring in a hair trimmer. And I decided that no matter how long it was going to take me to shave, I was going to do that on my own. no matter how long I thought I’m in here, I don’t have anything else to do today. If it’s going to take me all day to cut my hair and shave my face, I’m going to do that. ⁓ If it takes me all day to do the, write the alphabet down, I’m going to get through that. And I went from again, ⁓ scribbles from just scribbles and barely being able to hold onto the pencil to, ⁓ by the time I left the hospital, I was writing in perfect cursive. Attitude Towards Recovery Bill (38:22) Yeah, that’s brilliant. I love that attitude. That attitude is probably ⁓ something that holds people in very, like creates a great outcomes for people, regardless of how much the stroke has affected them, regardless of how bad their deficits are, you know, regardless of what version of stroke they caught, they, they had to experience. And this is what I was doing when I was in rehab as well. So I did the same thing when I came back from hospital. So My first stay, I came back and we were on the internet checking, you know, is a blade in the brain? What is all this stuff? What does it all mean? Trying to get some answers. The second time, ⁓ six weeks later, I was searching for what kind of food should I be eating? If I’ve had a stroke, what should I be avoiding, et cetera? That was pretty cool to find out and learn, wow, there is actually a protocol that you can ⁓ take that supports your brain health instead of one. that doesn’t support your brain health. So that was pretty awesome. And then ⁓ in rehab, I was searching YouTube for videos about neuroplasticity. was searching videos for ⁓ anything that had to do with recovery of a neurological challenge, et cetera. And it was just way better than being ⁓ sort of worrying about my own situation and focusing on me like. internalizing it, you know, I was externalizing it and becoming proactive and I found, ⁓ and I found some great meditations. So I’m lying there. I can’t walk. I’m very sleepy. I need to sleep most of the time because I’m exhausted from all of the rehab. I’ll put on a meditation and just let it do its thing in the background while I was healing, resting, you know, recuperating. ⁓ so I think that approach just changes the way that your body responds as well because your body wants to step up to the plate. If you set an intention, we’re going through the healing process, this is the path that we’re gonna take, the body follows. If you go through the other part, if you take the different path and go, well, things are not going good for us, we’re doing it really tough, we’re feeling sorry for ourselves, we’re not gonna put any extra effort in. the body’s going to go, no, I’m listening. I’ll do exactly what you want. And you get the results that, that your intention has set. Right. So I think that’s brilliant. The way that you went about that and not interacting with other people. kind of get that too, because it can bring you down. Like seeing other people doing it hard can bring you down. And also ⁓ sometimes other people’s attitudes can rub off as well. And they can bring you down if They’re feeling bad about this situation and you don’t want to be around people who are going to ruin your vibe. Doesn’t matter who they are or where they are. Jake (41:27) Right. And one thing that where I think the hospitals and doctors and therapy where I think they really let us down is something that I believe it was on one of your podcasts and someone talking about neuroplasticity is that when we do something for therapy, we should be doing it thousands of times. We shouldn’t be doing it a few times. I think where we’re let down is like, ⁓ for instance, I went for my physiotherapy today and I find it helpful and I definitely do go, I would recommend it to anybody. But we will do each of these exercises 10 times. Do this 10 times, do this 10 times, do this 10 times. But what we’re failing to see is that, you know, To really make those connections, need to do things hundreds or thousands of times. ⁓ I have a, know, a, for instance, for you, you know, I mentioned the writing. So a place where I have an incredible block is, ⁓ I will go to try and begin something, particularly where I’m going to write something down and I’ll have the intention of writing one thing and something different will come. So, I would try and begin a word with the letter T and instead of beginning by going up and then straight down and crossing my T, instead I’m doing a loop like it’s an L. So in order to, you know, retrain, sort of get that, get that connection made, to go and start doing words that begin with the letter T. Bill (43:17) I have Jake (43:24) and a lot of times, mean like thousands of times before I could sit down and write a letter T. if people are feeling like they’re not getting anywhere or it’s not coming along for them and they are doing the exercises, I would say don’t give up and do them more. Don’t give up and do them less, do them more. Bill (43:33) Wow. Jake (43:53) ⁓ If you’re going to be doing something like walking, if you’re finding that difficult, then I think maybe if you walked around the block on Tuesday, go another 10 steps further and do that for the following week and always just keep adding to it because it does get better. And I don’t know about you, do you find Bill like I know one of your recent guests mentioned that it was a challenge for him to deal with how non-linear the recovery is. And I think that only hearing that from other people allowed me to accept that. Because a lot of the time I’ll feel like I’m doing great and things are incredibly better. And then maybe I have a week where I’m doing in respects, I’m doing worse than I was when I was in hospital. And I think that that’s really hard to deal with. you have that too, or did you find that? The non-linear kind of feeling? Yeah. Bill (44:55) Indeed, and then what happens four months, five months, six months, 10 months, is you start seeing the pattern and the pattern is, okay, I’ve made some inroads, okay, here’s the quiet time or the downtime coming and then you feel better about it because it’s not a big deal. You see the pattern and you notice it and it’s less frustrating because that’s actually, it appears as though you’re doing nothing to your head. Your head might be going, oh, I’m not doing anything. Long-Term Recovery and Reflection sitting on my butt, I’m not able to get through a day of physical exertion or anything like that. I must be going backwards. Well, in fact, your body’s just doing a different version of recovery and it looks different. It looks still and it looks silent and it looks fatigued, but it isn’t going backwards. It’s just a different phase and it needs all of it. You need to do that silent, still, quiet, fatigued resting one. And then you need to do the one which is to whatever extent you can, full on, full out, doing too much, going too far, ⁓ over-exerting yourself. And they kind of, you can’t have one without the other. You have to have them both. And ⁓ if you understand that, then you don’t get anxious or upset about it or bothered about it. And you start playing the long game. You stop focusing on today, I didn’t have a lot of effort, but… If I reflect on my last six months or nine months, there was maybe only seven days that I was really low or didn’t feel great. The rest were better days or I felt okay or whatever it was. if you start playing when you’re only four months out, it’s hard to play the long game. But when you get to a year or 12 months out, you look back and reflect, you can see that majority of what you were doing was getting. outcomes that were favorable and therefore, you know, and therefore you can sort of be okay with the quiet days, rest, the rest of all those. I used to go to loud events, whether they were a concert, a family event, a party, wedding, whatever. If they were long drawn out days, I would have to plan for the next day to be completely a write off, nothing on the calendar. No going anywhere, seeing anybody, doing anything so that I could rest properly and get my brain back online so that I could have a good day, the third day, you know? And that’s how we did it for many, many years. And I remember one time when the shift came, when I said to my wife, I am not doing anything tomorrow. You make sure that whatever you do, you do without me. You’re going to go and do your thing, but I’m not going to be involved. And then waking up in the morning and going, hey, I feel fantastic. What are we doing today? And she’s like, I didn’t plan for you, but okay. ⁓ let’s get the ball rolling on something. So we did something minor, but it was more than nothing. And that was my, okay. My moment of things are shifting and I’m able to recover overnight with a good night’s sleep quicker than I was. doing previously. Jake (48:19) That’s great. That’s great. Yeah. A lot of this, I really appreciate talking to you and I appreciate hearing your guests who have been at this a lot longer than I have. ⁓ I’m incredibly encouraged by how well I’ve done so far, but it’s also, there’s a lot of questions. ⁓ For instance, I’m in this stage where I don’t know, Bill, if I’m going to make it back to the same job as I was doing before, don’t know whether it’s reasonable to think that. Right now I’m doing, you know, going through all the steps that I need to go through and doing all the evaluations that I need to do. ⁓ But I’m not sure what the outcome is going to be. And that’s a little bit hard because I’m, you know, like most people who are entrepreneurs or, you know, have large families, we like to have an element of control, you know, with things. So it’s been hard to just sort of sit back here and not know what’s coming along. As far as work goes, I don’t know. Luckily, you know, I have a building here where I do own the building and I do have commercial space downstairs. So maybe I have the option to now use that space for myself. And ⁓ maybe I’ll have to be, maybe I’ll be forced to go back into. entrepreneurship and open my own business. Maybe going back to work ⁓ is not the path for me. We’ll have to wait and see. Bill (49:56) It will emerge. You’ll get a sense of it. I had ⁓ three years where I worked for another organization and it was a completely different field and they were, the role was a very entry level administrative role. Very, we’re talking a role that would probably be replaced by AI now. ⁓ So we, I was doing that for three years and what was good about planning and trying to get back to that level of effort and work was that it served a purpose. And part of the purpose was talking to people, traveling, ⁓ doing work on the computer. It was retraining me as I was getting comfortable with the role, getting used to traveling, getting back to being in loud environments, et cetera. So it was difficult, was tiresome, it was challenging, but it was… kind of like its own therapy. And when it served its purpose after three years, I was done. I just said, okay, I’m out of here. going back to running my own business again. And I’ll be, I’ll do that as slowly or at my own pace in any other way that I can so that ⁓ I create the whole, all the rules around the amount of hours that I attend, the type of work that I take on. You know, so if I was too tired to work the following week, I would just tell my clients I’m busy for a week and I can book you in two weeks down the road, you know. So that was what was good about going back to my business. And also what was good about going back to a job for somebody else because their expectations, you know, working for a corporation, the expectations are far lower than the ones that we put on ourselves when we’re working. for ourselves. So I know some people think working for a corporation is really stressful and all that kind of stuff. And it probably is. No. But I mean, I was barely working six hours a day. Whereas working for myself six hours a day that the day’s just starting, you six hours. You haven’t even hit lunchtime yet. So it’s interesting to think about work and how ⁓ and how you can use it as a therapy. Jake (52:23) It is well, I mean the difference for me is that I was actually in that role that you’re explaining right now when I had the stroke so I I’d gone through a whole bunch of very difficult things in Hong Kong and upon coming back here to Canada, I was almost feeling like I I had a lot of stress going on and I had a lot of things that I needed to sort out and ⁓ there was a lot of things that we need to settle with the kids. There was all sorts of stuff that needed to be done. So the job that I was working was actually, it was already fulfilling that role that you explained. I was having that less responsibility. was going in for a specific amount of hours that they were letting me know. So that was exactly it. was an administration job, but it was really not close to the amount of responsibility that I was used to having. ironically, now that this has happened to me, it might be the amount of control that I have over the amount of worked that might be an advantage after going to stroke. I’d be interested to see or to hear more about ⁓ how people deal with the change that comes with the different type of work they might be forced into, forced out of, and how they deal with that. Because I think that a lot of people deal with, ⁓ they think of their employment or they deal with their life in this sort of way, like people often ask, especially in Asia. What do you do? The first thing that people do if you’re in Hong Kong is they hand you a business card. They call it a name card there. And the very first thing that you do when you meet somebody before you even speak is you hand them the card and you each examine each other’s cards. So this idea of like, what I do is who I am. And I, and I think that when you have something like this happen to you often what you do must change. when you’re identifying with what you do, you’re sort of declaring that as your title, who you are, I would imagine that’s pretty tough. Luckily, I wasn’t tied to Federal Express, thankfully. Work and Identity Post-Stroke Bill (55:00) Yeah, I hear you. is, people will work as a lawyer for 20 years or 30 years, have a stroke, and then it’s like, well, who am I now? What am I now? And that’s the challenge with working and identifying as the work that you do. know, those days are gone in theory. You know, you don’t get named John lawyer anymore. You don’t get named John banker. anymore, you you don’t get the your surname from the occupation that you do back in the day, you know, Baker, carpenter, plumber, you know, all those people, they were their entire job, they did it for 3040 5060 years, that was what they did. And then when they couldn’t work anymore, well, they still identified as john plumber, because they had the name, the name was given to them or John Carpenter or whomever. The thing about it is now with jobs being so ⁓ not long term anymore, you get a job or you go to a particular employer and then two, three years you’re in another role or another title, et cetera, ⁓ or you’ve moved up the corporate ladder, et cetera. Well, if you’ve never even done that, if you’ve only ever worked and you haven’t explored your interests, ⁓ hiking, walking, running, playing ball, ⁓ becoming a poker player, ⁓ whatever, whatever it is other than my job, you’re very, it’s understandable that it’s very narrow how you can explain to somebody how you occupy your time. Like what do you do? Well, I do plumbing, but I also do poker. ⁓ I do this, but I also do that. I’m that guy. Like when you ask me, sometimes I will literally be in a painting outfit, not so often now, but my painting clothes, and then I’ll take them off and I’ll sit in front of the computer and I’ll record a podcast episode. And then at the end of the day, I’ll be doing a presentation somewhere, speaking publicly on a particular topic at the moment. My favorite topic is post-traumatic growth. When somebody asks me, what do you do? If they know me, they know I do podcasting. They know I do painting. They know I do speaking. They know I’ve written a book. ⁓ they know all these things about me. If they don’t know me, depending on which room I’m in, I’m a podcaster. If I’m in one room, I’m an author. If I’m in another room, if I’m in another room, I’m a painter and so on. And what that allows me to do is. not be tied down to my entire existence being about only one thing, because I think that would be boring as, and I would hate to be the guy that only knows something about painting, how to paint the wall fantastically. mean, great, maybe, but not really rewarding, and not a lot of ⁓ spiritual and existential growth in painting a wall. I solve a problem for you, but I haven’t gained anything. other than money for me. It’s not really, you know, it’s not my cup of tea anymore. Now I get to have a podcast, I get to make way less money out of a podcast episode and yet reach hundreds and thousands of people and feel really amazing about that. And what that does is that fills up my cup. That allows me to fill up my cup on the down days where I’m not earning a living. And then it allows me to go earn a living. and then not feel like all I’m doing is working and going through the maze all day every day and just being on the constant cycle of the boredom and the sameness and all that kind of stuff. So I sprinkle a little bit of this and that into my life so that I don’t have ⁓ the same day twice because I can’t cope with the same day three times. Twice is a real bad sign for me. If there’s a third day coming, that’s gonna be the same as yesterday. I’m not up for that, I don’t want to know about it. Jake (59:21) Right. Well, that also helps with your recovery. I think like, as you say, you do a lot of different things and that helps a lot. Right. So, you know, one, for instance, is, know, the, of the first things I started to think of when I was in the hospital in Sudbury and thinking of getting home is my gosh, it’s going to start getting cold soon. Winter’s going to hit. And I really have to start getting that wood all stacked. Right. So So, you know, here I am, I’m benefiting from it now. I burn wood all winter, but, ⁓ you know, I spent a lot of my rehab ⁓ stacking wood. And I mean, that’s incredibly great physiotherapy, right? Whether you’re stacking wood or like you said, you made me think when you’re talking about painting, I’m thinking about like the karate kid, right? Like with wax on wax on paint on, this is the kind of stuff that gets you out of one particular mold. And with your brain sort of like focused on recovering in one single area, you can recover in all these different areas. And I think they contribute to like a big picture of your recovery. Bill (1:00:34) I agree with that. It’s exactly right. It’s you know standing on the ladder which I do less of these days because I Felt off about a year and a half ago. So standing on the ladder and Getting down the ladder holding a paint can and applying paint ⁓ Putting drop shades down and picking up tubs of paint, you know ⁓ That whole every part of that physical activity is using a different part of the brain. Writing a book, even if it’s only 10 minutes a day, writing half a page or 10 paragraphs or whatever it is, that uses a different part of the brain. ⁓ Public speaking, that trains and uses a different part of the brain. Everything that I do definitely kind of helps to rewire the brain in many, different ways and supports my ongoing recovery and… ⁓ is and the idea behind it amongst other things, the idea behind it from a neurological kind of perspective is that it activates more of the brain. The more of the brain that’s activated, the more chance you are of creating new neuronal pathways and having ⁓ more options for healing or recovery. And then it works emotionally for me, it works mentally for me. Do you know, so I get… the emotional fitness and the mental fitness out of it. Speaking on the podcast, meeting people gives back. you know, that serves my, I need to serve other people purpose. Do you know, like, it’s just so much, everyone ⁓ who knows me kind of knows that I wear a lot of hats. I kind of. I kind of like, I do it. I show people like when they’re saying, what are you up to today? I’ve been wearing a lot of hats today. And if I’m not wearing a hat, like I pretend that I put another one off or just took one off when I’m sitting with them or talking with them. It’s crazy how many things I do. And about the only hat I would prefer not to wear right now is I prefer to put the painting hat down. and just hand that over to somebody else and just go, I think that part of my life’s done and I’ll move on to other things. Jake (1:02:57) If you don’t mind, have one, there’s one more thing that right now that I’d like to mention just before I forget. Is that all right? All right. All right. So the only other thing, the thing that I’ve been dealing with myself and I don’t know how many people deal with it or don’t deal with it. I know that not everybody does. don’t, I deal with a lot of post, uh, post stroke pain. So while I don’t have Bill (1:03:04) Yeah, of course. Jake (1:03:25) ⁓ the misfortune of losing use of my feet or losing use of my hand. I mean, it’s limited. do therapy, but I’m able to use my hands. I’m able to write and all this. But coming along with that is an incredible amount of ⁓ burning, tingling ⁓ sort of ⁓ feelings like there is ⁓ almost like the, know, if you can think of newspapers when they’re delivered in a bundle and they’ve got this kind of plastic strapping around it. ⁓ It’s usually it’s yellow, you know, this sort of plastic strapping. I feel often like that is wrapped around my arms, like it’s wrapped around my leg. I deal with a lot of this kind of stuff, unfortunately. So again, I mean, I’m not going to sit here and whine about it because again, ⁓ I can walk, I can do all the things that I need to do and I’d rather have that than what I do. But I’m wondering if it’s really common for a lot of people to have this, you know, post stroke pain. Bill (1:04:44) If 10 was the worst pain you’ve ever experienced in your life, that’s like we’re talking about 10 is somebody’s cut your limb off ⁓ and one is no pain at all. Like where would the pain be for you? Jake (1:05:00) Well, thankfully, again, thankfully ⁓ I’ve had some progress in this. So when I first came to, when I was first starting to get all the feeling back, ⁓ I started to notice that some feeling wasn’t coming back. But while I was in the hospital, I was on quite a lot of medication. So I was on some pretty heavy painkillers. ⁓ I think hydro-morphone, things like this. And I came off of those when I was coming home and a lot of the feelings started coming back. I would say that some days and at some times that pain can be what I would say maybe it’s a 12 out of 10. Like it’s bad. at some points I’ve been left doing nothing but be able to just really just sit there and cry. I’m going to be honest with you. And the pain could be quite severe. Now luckily those days are few and far between. It’s not all the time. ⁓ And here’s the deal. The thing that’s very strange with the post stroke pain or the intensity of it is that it’s like going to sleep or it’s like the start of a new day, the beginning of a new day is like a reset button’s been hit. So for instance, I could wake up on a Monday and I could be hit with the worst pain that I’ve ever had in my life. It feels literally like I’m being hit with a taser gun on the right side of my body and that while somebody’s hitting it with the taser gun, they’ve lit my hand on fire. And, ⁓ And then the very next day after I’ve gone to sleep, I woke up and I’ve had the rest. I wake up almost scared to move because for me, sort of when I wake up and I haven’t moved yet, it’s almost like nothing’s happened to me. It’s like I wake up and I don’t know that I’m numb. don’t know that I’m in pain. don’t know that all this is going on. And then I start to move and sometimes I can sit there and feel a relief. Think, wow. There’s nothing severe going on. This is pretty good and it’s going to be a great day. Or sometimes I can be struck with a type of debilitating pain that I can’t even describe. Yeah. Pain Management and Coping Strategies Bill (1:07:34) Well, what you’re describing is very common. I know a lot of people going through post stroke pain. ⁓ It is a thing. I have a very minor version of exactly the thing that you described about how the tightness and things wrapped around ⁓ your hand, like the newspaper. that’s kind of what I feel on my left side, the whole left side all the time and the burning and tingling sensation all the time. And okay, on my worst days, these days, like it’s probably, you know, I know, it’s probably a four and a terrible one would be a five, but it doesn’t get there much. And what I’ve noticed is that the, either I’ve become more tolerant of it or my my pain has decreased in my awareness. Like I’m aware of the fact that my limb is in the state that it’s in. And sometimes I’ll go to get a massage to get the muscles loo

Listen without Ads at www.patreon.com/dopeypodcastThis week on the replay we remember supreme Dopey Legend, Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night! Chuck was a world class drug addict in the height of sex, drugs, and rock and roll debauchery in the 1960's and 1970's! He smashed his face whilst on seconals and his legendary penis exploded from too much sex with loving fans! Most importantly Chuck was a beautiful soul who helped scores of people to get better and to enjoy their lives! Rest in Peace Chuck Negron and Thank you!Also Rest in Peace to Chris who is on the show too. PLUS emails, voicemails and more on a super fun and legendary trip down memory lane! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What starts as a simple cup of coffee turns into a life-saving turning point. In this episode of the Recovery Patterns Podcast, Kris Robles shares how getting sober at just 18 years old set him on a path filled with relapse, honesty, homelessness, healing, and ultimately long-term recovery. Kris opens up about using substances to feel connected, surviving a suicide attempt, learning how to live without secrets, and discovering that recovery is bigger than meetings—it's about relationships, balance, and staying honest with yourself. This is a raw conversation about growing up in recovery, redefining success, and learning how to live a full life without drugs or alcohol.00:00 – Introduction & Recovery Dates01:00 – The Mirror Moment That Sparked Change02:30 – “Just Coffee” and the First Meeting04:00 – Getting Sober at a Young Age05:00 – Using Substances to Feel Connected06:00 – Relapsing in Secret While Going to Meetings08:45 – Suicide Attempt & Hospitalization10:45 – Choosing Honesty in Recovery11:45 – Homelessness & Starting Over at 2113:45 – Finishing School & Building Stability15:00 – Codependency & Unhealthy Relationships17:30 – Learning What Healthy Relationships Look Like20:30 – Recovery, Family, and Parenting23:30 – Letting Go of Guilt Around Meetings26:00 – Finding Community in a New Place28:00 – Becoming a Social Worker30:30 – Working in Behavioral Health & Substance Use31:45 – Losing a Friend to Overdose32:45 – Speaking Openly About Recovery33:20 – Advice for Someone in Their First 24 Hours ----Across the Web----

Learn more about Person in Long Term Recovery, Mother Wifeand author Emily Redondo: https://www.emilyredondoauthor.com/Aces quiz: https://compassionprisonproject.org/take-the-ace-quiz/ Recovery literature (quit-lit) recommendations:Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions - https://www.aa.org/twelve-steps-twelve-traditionsBig Book - https://www.aa.org/the-big-book Best Pieces of Recovery Advice: Name it, claim it, and dump it!Live and let live Songs that symbolize Recovery to Emily:Telepath by Manchester Orchestra - https://youtu.be/-R4gSeY0XtY?si=WO1ZgAl_dm9D5RK1This Train Don't Stop There Anymore by Elton John - https://youtu.be/SsuHAn54wPs TakeawaysEmily Redondo shares her journey through addiction andrecovery.Alcohol was Emily's substance of choice, leading tosignificant struggles.She emphasizes the importance of serving the recoverycommunity.Recovery is a continuous process, not a destination.Individual experiences in recovery can vary greatly.Growing up in a family with addiction shaped Emily'sperspective.Moving to Texas was a significant culture shock for Emily.Her first experiences with alcohol were tied to feelings ofinadequacy.Identifying as an alcoholic was a pivotal moment for Emily.The complexity of addiction includes physical dependence andemotional struggles. Relapse often begins before the first drink.Hindsight can distort our understanding of past actions.Sobriety alone does not solve underlying issues.Therapy is crucial for understanding trauma.Feelings can be managed without resorting to substances.Creativity can be a powerful outlet in recovery.Authenticity in sharing experiences fosters connection.Forgiveness is essential for personal growth.Resentments can weigh heavily on recovery.Music can symbolize and support the recovery journey. SummaryIn this episode, Emily Redondo shares her profound journeythrough addiction and recovery, detailing her experiences with alcohol, theimpact of her upbringing in a family with addiction, and her path to sobriety.She emphasizes the importance of community support, the complexities ofrecovery, and the ongoing nature of healing. Emily's story is a testament toresilience and the power of personal growth in the face of adversity. In thisconversation, Emily Redondo shares her profound journey through addiction,relapse, and recovery. She discusses the complexities of relapse, theimportance of understanding trauma, and the necessity of therapy in therecovery process. Emily emphasizes the significance of self-discovery,creativity, and authentic conversations in healing. She also reflects on hermemoir, 'Wife, Mother, Drunk,' and the insights it offers into the life of anaddict. The discussion culminates in the exploration of forgiveness and therole of music in recovery, highlighting the emotional landscape of addictionand the path to healing. Don't forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” availableonly on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com?episode/07lvzwUq1L6VQGnZuH6OLz?si=3eyd3PxVRWCKz4pTurLcmA (c) 2015 - 2026 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved.Theme Music: “all clear” (⁠⁠⁠https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/)byKetsa (https://ketsa.uk⁠⁠⁠) licensedunderCCBY-NC-ND4.0(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd)

Michaela shares her powerful recovery journey shaped by trauma, homelessness, substance use, and mental health struggles. After surviving a suicide attempt that became her turning point, she found healing through peer support, holistic practices, and breathwork. Now the Executive Director of Advocacy Unlimited, Michaela reflects on long-term recovery, embodied healing, and helping others reconnect with themselves beyond their circumstances.00:00 Intro & long-term recovery01:00 What Advocacy Unlimited does02:00 Childhood trauma and early substance use03:00 Pregnancy, getting sober, and pushing everything down04:45 Relapse, suicide attempt, and rock bottom05:30 Choosing to live and beginning recovery06:45 Early recovery and learning adulthood08:30 Education, identity, and rebuilding life10:30 Finding purpose through advocacy work12:00 Discovering holistic and mind-body healing14:30 Recovery beyond sobriety16:00 Breathwork and nervous system regulation19:00 Guided breathwork practice24:00 How breathwork changed relationships and work25:00 Advocacy Unlimited programs & resources28:00 How to get involved / closing ----Across the Web----

In this episode, Duane Osterlind sits down with author Dana Bowman to discuss the often-overlooked intersection of long-term recovery and menopause. Dana opens up about her journey through "the second reckoning"—a period where hormonal shifts triggered intense anxiety, suicidal ideation, and the resurfacing of addictive behaviors like sugar addiction and "doom scrolling."They explore the concept of process addictions, the importance of self-advocacy in medical settings, and how creativity can serve as a vital tool for navigating the "identity attack" that often accompanies aging. Dana's story is a powerful reminder that recovery isn't a destination, but a deepening process that requires grace, honesty, and a willingness to "boop the monster on the nose."Key Discussion PointsThe "Invisible" Struggle of Menopause: Dana discusses how menopause is one of the least researched medical conditions, despite having over 70 potential symptoms. She highlights the specific danger for women in recovery: how hormonal anxiety can mimic the "dark days" of active addiction.Process Addictions in Recovery: When the biological substance (alcohol) is removed, other behaviors often rush in to fill the void. Dana shares her personal struggle with sugar addiction, binge eating, and digital escapism as ways to cope with menopausal distress.The Identity Attack: Aging and menopause can lead to "Invisible Woman Syndrome." Dana explains how surrendering to this new phase of life is similar to the initial surrender in early sobriety.The "Boop" Rule: A family strategy for facing fears. Instead of running from anxiety or shame, Dana teaches listeners to look the "clown" in the eye and "boop" it on the nose—acknowledging its presence without letting it take control.Medical Self-Advocacy: The importance of finding healthcare providers who understand the nuances of addiction and recovery when treating hormonal or mental health issues.The Spectrum of Menopause SymptomsMenopause is far more than just "hot flashes." It affects the physical, emotional, and cognitive systems, which can be particularly destabilizing for those maintaining long-term sobriety.CategoryCommon Symptoms MentionedPhysicalJoint aches, insomnia, changes in hair/skin, exhaustion.EmotionalSevere anxiety, panic attacks, depression, suicidal ideation.BehavioralReturn of "shame circles," hiding behaviors, sugar cravings.Memorable Quotes"Alcoholism waited for me... and that's how I felt about the menopause symptoms because they're so sneaky. You feel like your whole body is betraying you.""Recovery is all about acceptance and surrender. It's hard when it's your own identity to really say, 'Who am I anymore?'""There are times when my soul just needs to be wrapped in bubble wrap, and I just really need to hunker down into that. And it's okay. It's rest."Resources MentionedDana's New Book: Humble Pie: Sober Menopause, Sugar Addiction, and The Sweetness of RecoveryDana's Previous Books: Bottled and How to be Perfect Like Me2Website: DanaBowmanCreative.comSocial Media: Follow Dana on TikTok and Instagram @theDanaBoIf you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery CenterNovusMindfulLife.comWe want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindDisclaimerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Success Is Subjective, Joanna talks with Dave Herz, founder of Wonder, about why recovery doesn't end when treatment does — and why in-home, real-world support often makes the biggest difference. Dave shares his path into community-based wraparound support and explains how coaching, mentorship, and family-systems work to help teens and young adults build confidence and stability outside of traditional programs. Together, they break down what wraparound support actually is, why it improves long-term outcomes, and how involving parents is critical to sustainable change. This episode is for parents and professionals who want a clearer understanding of what support looks like beyond treatment — and why showing up consistently, in real life, matters more than theory.Dave's Resources:Website: WonderFacebook: Wonder: A Confident Living Company Instagram: @teamwondertherapyX: Dave Herz Connect with Joanna Lilley  Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #ParentSupport #LifeAfterTreatment #TherapeuticSupport #YoungAdultSupport #FamilySystems #WraparoundSupport #ParentingYoungAdults #InHomeSupport

Enrolling our next cohort of Pain Practice OS soon - JOIN US!Most back pain improves – but how we guide recovery makes all the difference.In this part 2 conversation with Dr. Jim Eubanks, we dig into:First-line care for acute low back painWhy rest is often the worst adviceThe role (and limits) of hands-on careWhen and how pain procedures fit into a planClear guidance on when to refer to a physiatristNavigating complex cases that stall in recoveryFuture potential (and current pitfalls) of regenerative medicineThis episode brings clarity and clinical confidence to some of the most debated decisions in spine care.Subscribe for more evidence-aware guidance, and check the links below for show notes, resources, and clinician tools.*********************************************************************

Tony's story is a whirlwind of loss, chaos, identity struggles, and years spent chasing anything that would make him feel whole. Growing up without a father, he searched for belonging everywhere except within himself. That search eventually pulled him into a fast-moving lifestyle that brought consequences, arrests, and years of feeling stuck in a cycle he couldn't escape.Everything changed when a moment in detox — triggered by a story on TV — cracked him open and forced him to confront the life he'd built. That spark became surrender, and surrender became a complete transformation. Tony rebuilt his life from the ground up: he found purpose, lost over 100 pounds, restored his driver's license after 15 years, and today he works at the CCAR New Haven Recovery Community Center, helping others find the hope he once needed.His story is proof that discipline, purpose, and community can pull anyone out of the darkest places — and into a life they never believed they deserved.0:00 — Introductions0:24 — Growing Up Without a Father1:02 — Early Behaviors & Searching for Belonging2:20 — First Experiences With Substances3:10 — Feeling “Not Enough” as a Kid4:12 — Losing Control in Young Adulthood5:07 — Slipping Into a Dangerous Lifestyle6:05 — Trouble, Consequences & Prison Time7:20 — The Cycle of Relapse8:32 — The Breaking Point9:43 — Spiritual Awakening in Detox10:58 — Starting Over at Davenport House12:18 — Beginning His Fitness Journey13:12 — Losing 100 Pounds14:10 — Food, Obsession & Filling the Void15:22 — Finding Purpose at CCAR16:30 — Coaching Others in Recovery17:50 — Living With Hope & Discipline18:45 — Gratitude, Growth & Becoming a Better Man20:00 — Rebuilding His Life Step by Step22:00 — Getting His License Back After 15 Years23:40 — Working, Volunteering & Relearning Life25:00 — Big Wins & Small Steps Forward26:40 — Advice for Someone in Their First 24 Hours ----Across the Web----

Ryan's story is a powerful journey through early substance use, deep loss, incarceration, and ultimately finding real recovery. From growing up seeking acceptance, to losing his closest friend at 16, to years of cycling between numbness and despair, Ryan opens up about the turning points that shifted his life. He reflects on the moment he almost gave up, how connection inside prison planted the first seeds of recovery, and how service, honesty, and community helped him rebuild his life. Today, with six months in recovery, a thriving small business, and strong family relationships, Ryan talks about healing, purpose, and the simple daily actions that keep him grounded. His message to anyone struggling: you're not alone, and recovery is absolutely possible.00:00 – Intro & Recovery Dates00:52 – How They First Met01:19 – Reuniting Inside AA Meetings02:07 – Ryan's Childhood03:26 – Meeting the Friend Who Shaped Everything04:00 – First Time Trying to “Feel Something”05:00 – Becoming the “Go-To” Guy05:36 – The Night Everything Changed07:27 – Grief He Never Faced08:30 – Homeless at 1809:30 – Crossing Lines & Getting Arrested10:19 – “Recovery Curious”12:43 – Hearing the 15-Year Offer14:17 – The Serenity Prayer Moment16:05 – Tier 4 Program & Real Change17:15 – Coming Home With Purpose18:44 – Finding Community Again19:58 – Being Around Recovery vs. In Recovery21:42 – Substitution & Spiraling22:28 – Losing Himself Again23:08 – New Year's at His Friend's Grave24:21 – Choosing Recovery For Real25:00 – Returning to CCAR25:46 – Life in Recovery Today26:43 – Rebuilding Family Bonds27:27 – Growing His Landscaping Business28:20 – Daily Program & Service28:59 – “If I Can Do It, Anyone Can”29:25 – Advice for the First 24 Hours ----Across the Web----

This Pink Cloud S6E38 - On this episode of *This Pink Cloud*, DJ Kelly Reverb engages in a candid conversation with JimBob Sims, who shares his journey of relapse and recovery. After ten years of sobriety, JimBob faced unexpected challenges during a business trip to Australia, leading him to believe he could manage his alcohol use – a decision that quickly unraveled. Together, they delve into the feelings of restlessness, irritability, and discontent that accompanied his relapse, and how the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous became a lifeline in his path to regaining sobriety. JimBob opens up about what keeps him grounded today, offering insightful reflections on resilience and the ongoing journey of recovery. Join us as we explore the complexities of addiction, the importance of community, and the power of honesty in the face of struggle. Tune in for a raw and uplifting discussion that reminds us all of the strength found in vulnerability.https://www.instagram.com/funkygoldnetwork/Sponsorship inquiries, Shoutouts, etc...Please email: thispinkcloud@gmail.comT- Shirts - Available https://www.teepublic.com/user/kellyreverb#SobrietyJourney #RelapseRecovery #AlcoholicsAnonymous #AddictionSupport #RecoveryCommunity #MentalHealthMatters #ThisPinkCloud #RealTalk #SoberLife #Resilience #InspiringStories #Wellness #PersonalGrowth #RecoveryIsPossible #FromStruggleToStrength #CommunitySupport #EmotionalHealth #LifeAfterRelapse #FindingBalance #HopeInRecovery

Episode #338 Hello there! I'm happy you're here.  Today's episode is a conversation among midlife friends. Our guest today is Noelle Van. Noelle has been on the podcast twice before, starting with episode 24 (see below).  She is someone I appreciate having conversations with because she is authentically herself.  During this episode, Noelle and I talk about where Noelle is with getting older - the joys and challenges. Noelle talks about how being in recovery has helped in other areas of her life and where she is now in long-term recovery.  Noelle talks about her life in Corporate and how to identify burnout, and take the first steps towards transitioning out of the Corporate world, and more good stuff about change in midlife.  Thank you for listening. I appreciate you.  To read this episode's full show notes, head on over here.    Check out Noelle's past episodes:  Episode #24: High Functioning Alcoholism and Hiding Your Drinking  Episode 230: How to Start a Journal Practice Contact Noelle here.  Noelle's website  Noelle's podcast: The Change Effect The Sober Leap book   Contact Lori here Lori's website  Free resource: The Daily Sobriety Toolkit Join the newsletter here    Team Alcohol-Free enrollment (closes October 31st)    

In this episode, Sathiya addresses the complexities of relapse in porn recovery, responding to a listener's question about the inevitability of relapse. He emphasizes the importance of understanding relapse as a potential part of the recovery journey, rather than a definitive failure. The conversation explores the differences between substance addiction and porn addiction, advocating for a trend-based tracking approach rather than strict streak counting. Sathiya encourages listeners to focus on long-term freedom and personal growth, while also promoting an upcoming retreat designed to support individuals in their recovery journey.   COME TO OUR DEEP CLEAN RETREAT (8 SPOTS ONLY)   Chapters:  (00:00) Introduction to Recovery and Relapse (02:23) Understanding Relapse in Porn Recovery (06:35) The Philosophy of Tracking Trends in Recovery (09:54) Navigating Slips and Stumbles in Long-Term Recovery

In this episode of Recovery Matters, Brian shares his powerful journey from sports and college life to struggling with alcohol, cocaine, and compulsive gambling. He opens up about the chaos of addiction, the turning points that led him into treatment, and how community and recovery gave him a new life. Today, Brian works to support others in recovery, offering hope and connection for anyone struggling with addiction or gambling.00:00 – Introductions & basketball as an outlet01:22 – Childhood, family, and sports identity02:52 – First drink at 14 and finding belonging05:40 – College years, gambling, and substance use09:57 – “Getting away with it” and white privilege11:00 – Gambling wins, cocaine habit, and detox15:00 – Early treatment attempts and relapse18:26 – Darkest days in Brooklyn19:57 – Last bet and last drink22:45 – Surrender and finding real recovery25:20 – Building community through sober housing30:58 – Moving to Connecticut and collegiate recovery work33:44 – Life in recovery today35:02 – Advice for someone in their first 24 hours ----Across the Web----

Send us a textThis one is personal.Ellen Sutherland is a recently retired social worker with 37 years of continuous recovery. Along with long-term recovery, we share the common experience of having ADHD. We talk about what alcohol and cocaine “solved” at first, how shame kept both of us stuck for years, and the unexpected freedom that came with getting honest, finding community, and finally discovering that elusive pause.Ellen shares:Growing up fast in a big, high-achieving family—and feeling like “the nothing” kidWhy substances worked…until they didn't, and how cocaine sped everything upGetting sober while working in schools (and the dissonance of sending kids to 12-step while partying on weekends)The 12-step tools that still anchor her: honesty, openness, willingness—and pausing when agitated or doubtfulADHD late diagnosis, the relief of language, and why medication became an act of kindnessDivorce, codependency, single parenting in recovery, and rebuilding a life that fitsSponsoring women and the joy of giving "it" awayCaring for a sister with autism and ADHD—and advocating until she could truly thriveIf you're navigating ADHD, addiction, or both—or you love someone who is—this conversation is a reminder: you don't have to do it alone, and there's nothing to be ashamed of. Community, tools, and hope exist. One day at a time is still a beautiful way to live.Resources mentionedAlcoholics Anonymous (meetings everywhere; free)ADDitude (A.D.D.itude) magazine & newsletter for ADHD education and communityLocal therapy/support groups for ADHD and substance use (check your area)If this episode resonatesShare it with someone who needs to hear it. Leave a quick rating/review so others can find The Fully Mindful. And if you're curious about mindfulness, breathwork, or somatic coaching with me, you can always reach me—links in the show notes.Thanks for listening—and for being human with us.Join the Fully Mindful Community: ✨ Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps others find the show!✨ Stay Connected: Follow @the_fully_mindful on Instagram for mindfulness tips, breathwork insights, and more!✨ Free Breathwork Sessions: Email me at info@thefully.mindful.com to get signed up for your first session for free of my monthly Unwind Your Mind session.

After the chaos subsides and the big milestones are behind us, what comes next? In this episode, we hear from Kevin, who's seven years sober and thriving in his family life—yet feeling the quiet pull of complacency. Together, we explore what it means to keep growing when the emergencies are over, the structure softens, and the old demons aren't banging at the door. Join us as we discuss strategies to reignite your sense of purpose, cultivate new forms of spiritual and personal growth, and avoid the drift into stagnation. Because recovery isn't just about surviving addiction—it's about discovering how to truly live.

In this episode, we explore extended-release naltrexone for opioid use disorder, examining its unique role as a pure antagonist in patients who require safety-sensitive careers. How do we successfully navigate the challenging initiation period when patients must be opioid-free for a week? Faculty: Smita Das, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1 CME: Pharmacologic Management of Opioid Use Disorder Examining the Efficacy of Extended-Release Naltrexone OUD

Women face any number of unique challenges at the start of their recovery, but still other problems (as well as blessings) lay ahead.Father Bill's guest is Diane Cameron, author of Out of the Woods: A Woman's Guide to Long-Term Recovery. Diane addresses issues that include sex, family, work-life balance, the empty nest, caregiving, aging … and many more.In addition to authoring several books, Diane is a journalist, columnist, blogger, and a woman in long-term recovery. Gifted with a sense of humor and a passion for helping women, Diane draws on her long experience in 12-Step recovery to help women traveling on the road of recovery. In this final episode Diane shares her wisdom regarding self-image and self-care, learning to live a life of service, and avoiding - or returning - from relapse.Show notes: Out of the Woods: A Woman's Guide to Long-Term RecoveryWomen Who Love Too Much by Robin Norwood:Diane's website: https://www.dianecameron.info/

Stephen Matos, a person in long-term recovery, joins TJ on the Recovery Matters podcast to share his incredible journey since his last use of drugs and alcohol in 1986 and his last gambling experience in 1987. Stephen opens up about his upbringing in Hartford, Connecticut, where his father was deeply entrenched in gambling activities. He recounts how his own descent into alcohol, drugs, and gambling almost destroyed his life, leading to broken relationships and financial ruin. However, recovery came through Gamblers Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, and intensive outpatient programs. Stephen highlights his role as a peer counselor in Connecticut's exemplary problem gambling treatment programs, underscoring the importance of lived experience in offering hope and support to others. His narrative also sheds light on the stigma surrounding gambling addiction and the critical need for comprehensive treatment and recovery resources.00:00 Introduction and Host Backgrounds00:36 Growing Up with a Gambling Father04:51 Early Exposure to Alcohol and Drugs06:59 The Impact of Gambling on Relationships09:58 Descent into Addiction16:15 Turning Point and Seeking Help18:30 Recovery Journey and Support Systems21:51 The Journey of Recovery21:58 Managing Money and Responsibilities22:24 The Role of AA and GA in Recovery22:48 Strained Relationship with Father23:24 Making Amends and Financial Accountability23:52 Mending the Relationship with Father24:27 A New Chapter: Becoming a Peer Counselor25:06 Training and Embracing Multiple Pathways of Recovery25:58 Working with Problem Gamblers and Their Families27:58 Connecticut's Leading Gambling Treatment Programs29:37 The Importance of Lived Experience in Recovery33:03 Helpline and Support Resources35:20 Advice for Newcomers in Recovery36:48 Addressing Stigma and Shame in Gambling Addiction41:05 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude  ----Across the Web----

Women face a number of unique challenges at the start of their recovery, but still other problems (as well as blessings) lay ahead.Father Bill's guest is Diane Cameron, author of Out of the Woods: A Woman's Guide to Long-Term Recovery. Diane addresses issues that include sex, family, work-life balance, the empty nest, caregiving, aging … and many more.In addition to authoring several books, Diane is a journalist, columnist, blogger, and a woman in long-term recovery. Gifted with a sense of humor and a passion for helping women, Diane draws on her long experience in 12-Step recovery to help women traveling on the road of recovery. In this fourth episode, Diane shares her wisdom regarding a woman finding her role in the workplace, as well as coping with issues surrounding aging, dying, and death. Don't let these topics scare you off – and know they apply to men as well.Show notes:·      Out of the Woods: A Woman's Guide to Long-Term Recoveryhttps://www.amazon.com/Out-Woods-Womans-Long-Term-Recovery/dp/1937612473·      Denial of Death by Ernest Beckerhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=book+the+denial+of+death&adgrpid=1333709159636611&hvadid=83357150017648&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=73736&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=p&hvtargid=kwd-83357786957109%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=22163_13576383&mcid=aa0ca0da18013018939632513b028c2c&msclkid=b20574d50eeb177815521ca04ce4eac9&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_7wyhf7fh0j_p·      Diane's website: https://www.dianecameron.info/· Get the Two Way Prayer Book https://www.amazon.com/Power-Two-Way-Prayer-Addiction/dp/1640657991Watch us on Youtube!https://www.youtube.com/@twowayprayer1335Join our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/twowayprayer/Two Way Prayer Website https://www.twowayprayer.org/Donations:https://www.twowayprayer.org/donate-1Keep coming back everyone! #twowayprayer #spirituality #recovery #addictionrecovery #addictionsupport #addictionrecoverypath #alcoholfree #addictionfree #sobriety #podcast #12stepprogram #therapy #mentalhealth #serenity #serenityprayer #theoxfordgroup #billwilson #podcast #addiction #recoveryjourney #womeninrecovery

Women face some very unique challenges at the start of their recovery, but still other problems (as well as blessings) lay ahead. Father Bill's guest is Diane Cameron, author of Out of the Woods: A Woman's Guide to Long-Term Recovery. Diane addresses issues that include sex, family, work-life balance, the empty nest, caregiving, aging … and many more.In addition to authoring several books, Diane is a journalist, columnist, blogger, and a woman in long-term recovery. Gifted with a sense of humor and a passion for helping women, Diane draws on her long experience in 12-Step recovery to help women traveling on the road of recovery. In this third episode Diane shares one woman's wisdom regarding attendance at 12-Step meetings and how to maneuver the many pitfalls relationships present in recovery.Show notes:Out of the Woods: A Woman's Guide to Long-Term RecoveryAnne Lamott Operating InstructionsDiane's website: https://www.dianecameron.info/ The Power of Two Way Prayer

Women face unique challenges at the start of their recovery, but still other problems (as well as blessings) lay ahead. Father Bill's guest is Diane Cameron, author of Out of the Woods: A Woman's Guide to Long-Term Recovery. Diane addresses issues that include sex, family, work-life balance, the empty nest, caregiving, aging … and many more. In addition to authoring several books, Diane is a journalist, columnist, blogger, and a woman in long-term recovery. Gifted with a sense of humor and a passion for helping women, Diane draws on her long experience in 12-Step recovery to help women traveling on the road of recovery. In this second episode Fr. Bill and Diane discuss some of the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges women face in recovery.Show Notes:Out of the Woods: A Woman's Guide to Long-Term Recovery·      Diane's website: https://www.dianecameron.info/·  The Power of Two Way Prayer·  Dr. Bob's Method for Finding God's WillDr. Bob's God's Will ExerciseDr. Bob Smith, one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, gave us this discernment process. It was his response to the question, “How do we know God's will?”1.    Write out the question:“What should I do about….?”“Should I move to xxx or…?” 2.    Get quiet and meditate on that question for a few minutes each day in your prayer time. (Note: You have a prayer time.)3.    Then, each time, write down everything that comes to mind for your question. (Don't judge or edit the thoughts, just write them down.): Talk to Susan about…Take a weekend trip to DetroitGet catalogs for grad schoolGet a dog insteadBuy a kayak and go…Borrow the money from my brother… 4.    Then slowly examine each idea and ask of each:-Is it pure?-Is it honest?-Is it loving?-Is it unselfish. 5.        If the answers are not clear, ask these questions again with your sponsor or close friend.

Women face unique challenges at the start of their recovery, but still other problems as well as blessings lay ahead. Father Bill's guest is Diane Cameron, author of Out of the Woods: A Woman's Guide to Long-Term Recovery. Diane addressesissues that include sex, family, work-life balance, the empty nest, caregiving, aging … and many more. In addition to authoring several books, Diane is a journalist, columnist, blogger, and a woman in long-term recovery herself. Gifted with a sense of humor and a passion for helping women, Diane draws on her long experience in 12-Step recovery to help women traveling on the road of recovery. In this first episode Diane shares some of her story and lays out the special challenges her book addresses.Show notes: Out of the Woods: A Woman's Guide to Long-Term RecoveryWhat Can We Do to Help Our Addicted Communities? Diane's website: https://www.dianecameron.info/

In this episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, Michelle Ketchum celebrates her first year of sobriety. Michelle discusses her journey from a toxic relationship and substance use to finding the strength to seek help and enter rehab. She shares her experiences of personal growth, the importance of community, and her involvement in sober living and activities through organizations like The Phoenix and Smart Recovery. Michelle also talks about fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a published author. Her story is an inspiring example of overcoming adversity and finding hope and support in recovery. 00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions00:38 Early Life and Family Support01:30 High School and First Encounters with Drugs06:28 College Life and Denial of Addiction13:54 Toxic Relationships and Hitting Rock Bottom22:28 Facing Rehab Fears22:57 The Rehab Experience24:18 Building New Friendships27:31 Life After Rehab28:31 Managing a Sober House30:13 Discovering New Passions38:05 Becoming an Author43:36 The Phoenix and Smart Recovery46:24 Advice for Newcomers ----Across the Web----

Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 181 | TJ and Mickey delve into Mickey's personal journey of long-term recovery. Mickey shares her raw and inspiring story, starting from her early exposure to alcohol and drugs, leading up to a DUI that became the turning point in her life. She speaks candidly about her struggles with addiction to various substances, including alcohol, cannabis, and prescription medications. Mickey also discusses her traumatic childhood experiences, which included abuse and neglect, and how these influenced her path toward addiction. Through sheer determination and multiple therapeutic approaches, including AA, holistic practices, and therapy, Mickey has transformed her life. She reflects on the spiritual experiences that reconnected her with a higher power and the importance of community support in her recovery journey. Mickey's story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of seeking help and building a new life, free from substances. 00:00 Introduction and Host Backgrounds00:22 Mickey's Early Exposure to Substances01:05 High School and Early Drug Use02:57 Struggles with Addiction and Employment06:16 Family and Childhood Trauma09:46 Return to Connecticut and Continued Addiction13:46 The Turning Point: DUI and Therapy16:30 Journey to Sobriety and AA Meetings19:52 Exploring Alternative Recovery Paths21:17 Spiritual Awakening and Nature's Influence23:24 Ongoing Recovery and Therapy25:36 Final Thoughts and Advice for Newcomers ----Across the Web----

From a childhood marked by trauma and instability to multiple incarcerations, heroin addiction, and even surviving a gunshot to the head—Rick opens up about the chaos that defined his past and the redemption he's found in recovery.Rick reflects on the moment he finally surrendered on February 5, 2008, and how that surrender sparked a transformation that's helped him become a community leader, father, and advocate. He shares how meaningful work—including launching Redemption House and running recovery housing for over a decade—continues to give his life purpose.

In this episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, host TJ takes listeners to the CCAR New London Recovery Community Center in Connecticut. The center, along with two others in the state, is at risk of losing funding. TJ interviews various individuals, including John, the impromptu center manager, and volunteers like Andrew and Ernest, all of whom share their personal recovery stories and the significant role CCAR and the Recovery Community Center have played in their lives. They discuss the variety of support services offered, the importance of community, and the challenges they've faced and overcome. Abby, from the Young People and Family Services Program, also shares her journey and the impactful work she does with young people and families struggling with addiction. The episode highlights the transformative power of community support in recovery and underscores the critical need to sustain funding for these vital services. 00:00 Introduction and Host's Background00:15 Save Our Center: CCAR New London Recovery Community Center00:43 Interview with John: Recovery Journey and CCAR's Impact03:49 John's Personal Recovery Story06:56 Interview with Andrew: Overcoming Relapse15:13 Interview with Ernest: Volunteering and Recovery20:05 Interview with Victor: Community Impact22:33 Interview with Daniel: Telephone Recovery Services26:56 Interview with Abby: Young People and Family Services ----Across the Web----

In this episode of Clinician's Corner, Molly and Clarissa explore the often-overlooked realities of long-term recovery. While many recovery programs focus on the acute phases and early abstinence, sustainable recovery demands much more—it asks us to renovate our lives. Drawing from the latest research—including insights from Harvard's Recovery Research Institute and their own published study on food addiction outcomes—they break down the average 17-year journey toward stable remission and emphasize that recovery is a process, not a finish line.

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe and guest Janette Yee, a perinatal athletic therapist, discuss the often-overlooked aspect of C-section recovery and the importance of surgical rehabilitation. They dive deep into the phenomenon known as the C-section shelf, exploring its causes, preventive measures like compression garments, and the vital role of scar massage in recovery. Janette shares her expertise on the seven layers involved in a C-section, the significance of early movement, and the impact of mental health on physical healing. The episode also touches on helpful resources, including the C-Summit, and emphasizes the importance of seeking support and practicing self-care during the postpartum period. Whether you're immediately postpartum or years out from your C-section, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps for a smoother recovery.   00:00 Introduction to Surgical Rehabilitation for Moms 01:00 Launching the Doula Business Accelerator Program 02:28 Success Stories and Business Growth Tips 04:26 C-Section Awareness and Prevention 05:47 Understanding the C-Section Shelf 07:02 Interview with Janette Yee: C-Section Recovery 10:28 The Layers and Cuts of a C-Section 21:20 The Importance of Compression Garments 24:23 Managing Swelling and Compression Techniques 32:13 Understanding Compression Garments 33:30 The Importance of Reducing Swelling 35:12 Wearing Belly Bands: Duration and Benefits 36:36 Preventing the C-Section Shelf 37:07 Scar Tissue Management and Movement 40:57 The Role of Pelvic Floor Therapy 45:08 Long-Term Recovery and Scar Massage 49:17 Lymphatic Drainage and Swelling 52:49 Mental and Emotional Healing 57:32 C-Summit and Final Thoughts   Guest Bio: Janette Yee is a Perinatal Athletic Therapist whose goal is to completely redefine the current state of public C-section healthcare. She treats pregnancy like the ultimate endurance sport, and C-section like a season ending injury - from which every woman can recover, safely and simply.     After 20+ years as a manual therapist and exercise professional, she now provides her services 1:1 and via online programs. She is best known for her tireless and passionate education in C-section recovery; for her groundbreaking Cesarean Recovery programs, and as a women's health innovator on Instagram and TikTok (@ askjanette).   Through her social media platforms, free workshops and professional lectures, Janette is an internationally recognized advocate for perinatal healthcare.   Janette fills her days with mandatory playtime with her kids aged 7 and 10, while returning to her high school passion: competitive swimming. One of her greatest achievements is having her 15-year rugby career recognized with a team induction into the Rugby Ontario Hall of Fame.   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube    Connect with Janette on IG  Connect with Janette on YouTube   BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   Get HeHe's free class to help you avoid a c-section and reduce your risk of tearing!  LINKS MENTIONED: Business Accelerator for Doulas Get Janette's c-section shelf mini workshop   Check out the c-summit here! 

Jason Evans of SilverShark Media speaks to Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, Executive Director of the Ho'ōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group.  In this podcast Rhonda talks about the mission of the organization, bringing together various nonprofits and community leaders to help streamline recovery efforts, how the group supports different recovery needs, working on the challenge of rebuilding owner occupied housing, the importance of flexibility when trying to overcome challenges during the recovery process, the importance of having community led leadership, how people can get involved if they want to support the organization, how people can find out if they qualify for additional support, and the goals for the next stages of the recovery effort.  

Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 174 | Leeroy opens up about his tumultuous childhood, growing up in a dysfunctional household where drugs were prevalent. He describes his early encounters with alcohol and marijuana, which eventually led to addiction. Leeroy speaks candidly about the impact of his lifestyle on opportunities and relationships, and the pivotal moments that drove him to seek sobriety. Now working as an intervention specialist, Leeroy utilizes his past experiences to support others in similar situations. 00:00 Introduction and Host Backgrounds01:04 Growing Up in a Dysfunctional Household02:42 First Encounters with Drugs and Alcohol05:26 The Impact of Marijuana Addiction06:45 Turning Points and Realizations09:15 Struggles with Alcohol and Family Reflections13:57 Challenges in Early Sobriety15:57 Overcoming Triggers and Long-Term Recovery17:03 High School Weed Addiction17:24 The Dangers of High Potency THC17:38 Marijuana Withdrawal and Health Issues18:08 Changing Weed Culture and Legalization18:29 Personal Journey of Quitting Weed21:25 Challenges of Nicotine Addiction26:37 Parenting and Addiction Awareness30:06 Using Past Experiences to Help Others32:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ----Across the Web----

In this episode, we dive into the treatment and rehabilitation of patellar tendinopathy, specifically patellar tendinosis. This condition is notoriously difficult to treat, often requiring six months to a year for full recovery, but with the right approach, athletes and active individuals can return to full function.Using a structured, stage-based progression, we discuss how to:Implement isometric exercises to manage pain and begin strengtheningProgress to isotonic loading to rebuild muscle strengthIntroduce energy storage and plyometric training to restore full functionPrevent recurrence by optimizing load management and recovery strategiesThis episode is based on the research by van Ark et al. (2018):"Patellar Tendinopathy: Clinical Diagnosis, Load Management, and Advice for Challenging Case Presentations" in JOSPT (Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy).Support the showWhy PT Snacks Podcast?This podcast is your go-to for bite-sized, practical info designed for busy, overwhelmed Physical Therapists and students who want to build confidence in their foundational knowledge without sacrificing life's other priorities. Stay Connected! Never miss an episode—hit follow now! Got questions? Email me at ptsnackspodcast@gmail.com or leave feedback HERE. Join the email list HERE On Instagram? Find unique content at @dr.kasey.hankins! Need CEUs Fast?Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered: Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less!(These are affiliate links, but I only recommend Medbridge because it's genuinely valuable.) Optimize Your Patient Care with Tindeq Looking for a reliable dynamometer to enhance your clinical measurements? Tindeq ...

Recovery advocate Alysee Bryson, a woman in long-term recovery, reflects on her 18-year journey from the depths of addiction to the sober serenity of long-term recovery.   Following our conversation, actress Jamie Lee Curtis will define what sobriety means to her! Be sure to check out The Sober Curator, with everything from lifestyle news to recovery resources, because .... "... getting sober matters, but staying sober matters more!"                                                                 https://thesobercurator.com/  

Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 165 | Gordon Lyde shares his profound journey of overcoming addiction and trauma. Growing up in New Haven and moving through the DCYS system, Gordon faced numerous challenges, including being separated from his siblings and feeling unloved due to his biracial background. His struggles intensified during his teenage years in group homes, leading to heavy substance use. Despite multiple setbacks, including skepticism about recovery and years in prison, Gordon ultimately found sobriety and a purpose in helping others. Now a substance use counselor and executive director of Men of Evolution, Gordon's story is one of resilience, transformation, and service to the community. 00:00 Introduction and Early Life00:14 Foster Care and Family Dynamics01:24 Struggles with Identity and Acceptance02:55 Sibling Relationships and Family Separation06:44 First Encounters with Addiction07:21 Life in a Group Home11:01 Attempts at Recovery and Relapse17:43 Journey to True Recovery20:26 Struggling with Toxic Relationships21:08 Seeking Help and Finding Sobriety21:55 Humbling Experiences in Recovery23:06 The Power of Self-Work24:15 Building a New Life26:36 Family and Personal Growth32:59 Guiding the Next Generation37:28 Giving Back to the Community ----Across the Web----

RC2C host Neil Scott begins this podcast with a tribute to legendary actor Sir Anthony Hopkins, who just celebrated his 49th sober birthday. Neil then visits with NY Times best-selling author JA Jance, whose character JP Beaumont is a former Seattle homicide detective, who dealt with his drinking by going into treatment in book 8. The new book 'Den of Iniquity' is book 26, and Beau is a grateful (fictional charachter) in long term recovery.  Although Judy is not in recovery, she spent  years with a practicing alcoholic husband, who died from his disease. Judy wrote a poignant book of poetery - After the Fire - which has become a best seller. Judy Jance will read from that book, as well, in this podcast.  And the podcast concludes with some inspirational words about recovery from award-winning actress Ali McGraw.

Just over a year ago, a tornado outbreak struck Middle Tennessee, killing seven people, injuring more than 80, and damaging or destroying thousands of homes. In September, Hurricane Helene and the subsequent flooding devastated upper East Tennessee. In the aftermath of both disasters, volunteers and relief organizations quickly mobilized to provide immediate assistance and assess the damage. Once the initial recovery phase was complete, efforts shifted to long-term recovery and building. Today, we'll provide an update on the status of that recovery, the ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of future catastrophic weather events, and ways you can support survivors during the holiday season.Guests Alex Dorman | Senior Director, Community Partnerships Hands On Nashville, Powered by United Way of Greater Nashville; Chair, Nashville Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster's Long-term Recovery Group (LTRG)  Andrea Prince | CEO, Rebuilding Together Nashville;  Chair, Nashville Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster's Long-term Recovery Group (LTRG) Construction Committee Dawn Day | Executive Director, American Red Cross Northeast Tennessee Dr. Andrew Joyner | Tennessee's climatologist and Associate professor at East Tennessee State University

Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 163 | Amilya, who experienced a tumultuous early life with familial addiction, turned to substances following a traumatic event in college. She describes her struggle with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, which led her to self-medicate with marijuana and alcohol. However, seeking a healthier path, she discovered the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) and embraced their resources. With the support of her mother, fiancé, and a solid recovery community, Amilya found balance and purpose. Now, she is thriving academically, interning, and deeply involved in helping others on their recovery journeys. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of recovery and community support.00:00 Introduction and Host's Background00:18 Guest Introduction and Early Life00:57 Struggles with Addiction and Trauma04:47 Path to Recovery and CCAR Involvement06:40 Experiences in Recovery and Relationships22:21 Future Aspirations and Current Recovery Practices ----Across the Web----

In this powerful episode of Confident Sober Women, I sit down with Michelle Risser, LISW-S, a therapist, coach, and consultant with 24 years of sobriety. Michelle shares her journey from early recovery to becoming a certified EMDR therapist, while navigating life's challenges including trauma, a car accident, and breast cancer. Learn practical strategies for emotional regulation, nervous system healing, and building a thriving life in long-term recovery.Episode Highlights:Michelle's journey to sobriety at age 26 and breaking the family cycle of addictionTransforming trauma into purpose: Becoming an EMDR therapist after a life-changing car accidentPractical tools for managing emotions and regulating the nervous system in recoveryThe power of routine and self-trust in maintaining long-term sobrietyInnovative approaches to changing negative thought patterns, including "ridiculously over-the-top self-talk"Navigating life's challenges while maintaining professional responsibilities and sobrietyThe importance of body awareness and somatic healing in recoveryKey Takeaways:Recovery is a layered approach combining different healing modalitiesThe importance of addressing trauma for sustainable recoveryPractical strategies for managing emotions without substancesHow to build self-trust through consistent daily routinesThe role of humor and perspective in emotional regulationResources Mentioned:EMDR TherapyMeditation practices for recoverySomatic healing techniquesNervous system regulation strategiesGuest Bio:Michelle Risser, LCSW-S, is a therapist, coach, and consultant with 24 years of sobriety. She specializes in helping professionals increase their impact while decreasing burnout. As a certified EMDR therapist and consultant, she brings both personal and professional expertise to trauma healing and recovery work.Connect with Michelle:Website: www.mrisser.comInstagram: @michelle_risserRecovery Tools Discussed:Body scan techniquesBreathwork practicesMeditationIce pack for nervous system regulationPositive self-talk strategiesWorst-case scenario exercisesLaughter as a healing toolSupport the showSupport the showOh, and by the way, if you didn't know, my program Sober Freedom Transformation is now open! It is for women who have been sober for a year to many and are ready to discover who they want to be in long term sobreity, develop confidence and improve their relationships.If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us.And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerably so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

Jillian, a recovery coach at CCAR, shares her inspiring journey to long-term sobriety. With a clean day since February 23rd, 2021, she describes her path from battling addiction, experiencing homelessness, and losing custody of her children to embracing recovery and finding purpose as a coach. She highlights the importance of treatment, healing past traumas, and the pivotal moment she decided to change her life. Working first at Planet Fitness and then at a private treatment center, she found her calling in helping others, particularly those in situations similar to hers. Jillian emphasizes the need for support resources, particularly for mothers, and encourages those struggling to seek help before it's too late. 00:00 Introduction and Host Background 00:15 Guest Introduction and Recovery Journey 00:29 Becoming a Recovery Coach 00:52 Early Recovery Challenges 04:09 Treatment and Sober Living 06:25 Struggles and Turning Points 12:07 Rebuilding Life and Relationships 26:56 Current Life and Reflections 29:58 Advice for Those Struggling

Mike and E sit down with Tyler Coon from Western North Carolina. The team discusses the impact of a recent storm that resulted in millions losing power. Highlighting the quick recovery efforts, such as linemen from Canada and Mexico working together, the episode provides valuable insights into handling short-term rental challenges during natural disasters. Key topics include setting up a game plan for storm aftermath, dealing with insurance claims, and repurposing properties for disaster relief housing. Listeners are encouraged to have proper insurance, including loss of rents coverage, and strategies to attract long-term and emergency response bookings. Practical steps are shared for protecting property owners, guests, and co-hosts to ensure business continuity even in crisis situations. Additionally, adjustments in marketing and safeguarding operations during emergencies are discussed, emphasizing community support and effective communication. 00:00 Rebuilding After the Storm: A Global Effort 00:36 Welcome to the Short Term Rental Secrets Podcast 01:09 Storm Preparedness and Response 03:23 Introducing Tyler Coon: Expert Insights 04:56 Tyler's Personal Storm Experience 08:45 Navigating Insurance and Repairs 15:28 Managing Bookings and Misinformation 17:53 Immediate Impact and Response 18:25 Handling Cancellations and Prioritizing First Responders 19:53 Media Perception vs. Reality 22:56 Community Mobilization and Support 24:51 Insurance and Co-Hosting Considerations 27:01 Long-Term Recovery and Preparedness 33:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Tyler Coon's Bio Tyler Coon is the premier real estate agent of choice when it comes to Short Term Rental acquisitions. As your partner in the process of finding your next investment, Tyler and his Savvy Realty team stand by your side. From purchasing directly with Tyler in the North Carolina mountains to other vacation destinations in the country, a Savvy Agent will always be the best choice for your next investment. Connect with Tyler www.calendly.com/TylerCoon https://www.instagram.com/savvy.realty/ Connect with the Hosts Michael Sjogren: Short Term Rental Secrets Facebook Group | Clubhouse | Instagram | Youtube | Facebook Page | Linkedin https://linktr.ee/mikesjogren Emanuele Pani: Clubhouse | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and E sit down with Tyler Coon from Western North Carolina. The team discusses the impact of a recent storm that resulted in millions losing power. Highlighting the quick recovery efforts, such as linemen from Canada and Mexico working together, the episode provides valuable insights into handling short-term rental challenges during natural disasters. Key topics include setting up a game plan for storm aftermath, dealing with insurance claims, and repurposing properties for disaster relief housing. Listeners are encouraged to have proper insurance, including loss of rents coverage, and strategies to attract long-term and emergency response bookings. Practical steps are shared for protecting property owners, guests, and co-hosts to ensure business continuity even in crisis situations. Additionally, adjustments in marketing and safeguarding operations during emergencies are discussed, emphasizing community support and effective communication. 00:00 Rebuilding After the Storm: A Global Effort 00:36 Welcome to the Short Term Rental Secrets Podcast 01:09 Storm Preparedness and Response 03:23 Introducing Tyler Coon: Expert Insights 04:56 Tyler's Personal Storm Experience 08:45 Navigating Insurance and Repairs 15:28 Managing Bookings and Misinformation 17:53 Immediate Impact and Response 18:25 Handling Cancellations and Prioritizing First Responders 19:53 Media Perception vs. Reality 22:56 Community Mobilization and Support 24:51 Insurance and Co-Hosting Considerations 27:01 Long-Term Recovery and Preparedness 33:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Tyler Coon's Bio Tyler Coon is the premier real estate agent of choice when it comes to Short Term Rental acquisitions. As your partner in the process of finding your next investment, Tyler and his Savvy Realty team stand by your side. From purchasing directly with Tyler in the North Carolina mountains to other vacation destinations in the country, a Savvy Agent will always be the best choice for your next investment. Connect with Tyler www.calendly.com/TylerCoon https://www.instagram.com/savvy.realty/ Connect with the Hosts Michael Sjogren: Short Term Rental Secrets Facebook Group | Clubhouse | Instagram | Youtube | Facebook Page | Linkedin https://linktr.ee/mikesjogren Emanuele Pani: Clubhouse | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SummaryIn this conversation, Kendall speaks with Western North Carolina Native and Pastor, Rev. Will Raybon about the recent devastation and response to Hurricane Helene.Kendall and  Will discuss the impact of Hurricane Helene on Will's community, emphasizing personal connections to the disaster and the importance of effective disaster relief. They explore the immediate needs for aid, the logistics of delivering support, and the long-term recovery efforts required. The conversation also touches on theological reflections regarding suffering, how to talk to children about disasters, and actionable steps individuals can take to help their community. Ultimately, they stress the importance of grace, understanding, and sustained support in the aftermath of such tragedies.GivingGive to support disaster response efforts through CBFNC at: https://cbfnc.org/give/Please select “Disaster Response” in the dropdown menu when asked where to direct your support.Swannananoa Valley Christian Ministry BPR https://donate.mannafoodbank.org/ServingVolunteer with Baptists on Mission: For hands-on opportunities for work teams, please refer to the opportunities through CBFNC partner ministry, Baptists on Mission. Click here for more information and to sign up.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Impact of Natural Disasters06:07 Personal Connections to the Hurricane09:00 Effective Ways to Help After a Disaster14:23 Long-Term Recovery and Support17:11 The Role of Community and Faith in Recovery28:22 Talking to Children About Natural Disasters30:54 Finding God in Times of Crisis33:50 Encouraging Action Beyond Prayer36:34 Final Thoughts on Community ResilienceConnect with Kendall:Instagram | Tik Tok | Website | Facebook Group

Today on the Confident Sober Women podcast I speak with Caroline Beidler, MSW, author and recovery advocate. Caroline shares her transformative journey from addiction to long-term recovery, offering hope and practical insights for women seeking a life free from substance use.Key topics include:- The power of recovering out loud and normalizing an alcohol-free lifestyle- How recovery communities provide grace and forgiveness- The role of therapy in addressing substance use and trauma- Implementing healthy boundaries for internal peace and joyful living- Neurofeedback therapy as a treatment for anxiety and addictionCaroline, founder of Circle of Chairs and author of "Downstairs Church" and "You Are Not Your Trauma," brings her expertise as a mental health provider and addiction recovery specialist to this engaging conversation. Learn how to stop worrying and start living confidently in sobriety.Discover practical tools for:- Building resilience in long-term recovery- Healing family patterns and generational trauma- Thriving in sobriety and embracing a new lifeWhether you're a woman in recovery, seeking help for addiction, or looking to support loved ones, this episode offers valuable insights and strategies for a fulfilling, alcohol-free life.Connect with Caroline:- Website: https://www.carolinebeidler.com- Instagram: @carolinebeidler_official- Book: "You Are Not Your Trauma: Uproot Unhealthy Patterns, Heal the Family Tree" (Available on Amazon)Join us as we explore the grit and grace of addiction recovery, and learn how to live boldly and confidently in long-term sobriety. Your journey to a transformed life starts here.If you have 30 seconds can you please leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts so other women can find us as we continue to build our community of women who want to THRIVE in long-term recovery. If you are interested in learning more about at-home neurofeedback I would love to share the program with you. It is an evidence-based form of therapy for anxiety, ADHD, insomnia, performance, and addiction recovery. I can share more here. Support the showSupport the showOh, and by the way, if you didn't know, my program Sober Freedom Transformation is now open! It is for women who have been sober for a year to many and are ready to discover who they want to be in long term sobreity, develop confidence and improve their relationships.If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us.And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerably so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

As we transition from summer to fall, join Shelby John for a special episode of the Confident Sober Women podcast. Today, we're diving into Chapter 1 of 'Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety' - a memoir born from the chaos of 2020.In this episode:Explore the journey beyond getting soberDiscover the power of emotional sobriety in long-term recoveryLearn about the four pillars for building confidence and thriving in sobrietyGrab a copy of the 5 Steps To Change Your Negative ThinkingWhile getting sober was Shelby's first major life transformation, this book - and podcast - focus on THRIVING in long-term sobriety. It's about building a life you don't want to escape from.For women in all stages of recovery - from newly sober to years into their journey - this episode offers insights into:Navigating life beyond early recoveryPursuing heart's desires in sobrietyBuilding unshakable confidence as a sober womanGrab your favorite mocktail and tune in to this empowering episode. Subscribe, leave a review, and help other women discover the life-changing joy of long-term sobriety.For more on transforming your life in recovery, visit www.shelbyjohncoaching.com#ConfidentSoberWomen #RecoveryMemoir #SobrietyJourney #EmotionalSobriety #WomenInRecovery"Support the showSupport the showOh, and by the way, if you didn't know, my program Sober Freedom Transformation is now open! It is for women who have been sober for a year to many and are ready to discover who they want to be in long term sobreity, develop confidence and improve their relationships.If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us.And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerably so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

SummaryIn this episode, Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly discuss what C-section recovery looks like. They cover the different types of C-sections, including planned and unplanned, and how recovery can vary depending on the type. They emphasize the importance of rest, asking for help, and staying on top of pain medication. They also recommend seeing a pelvic floor therapist after a C-section and getting up and moving as soon as possible. Overall, they provide valuable insights and tips for a smooth C-section recovery.Takeaways- C-section recovery can vary depending on the type of C-section, whether it is planned or unplanned.- Rest and asking for help are crucial during C-section recovery.- Staying on top of pain medication is important to manage pain and discomfort.- Seeing a pelvic floor therapist can be beneficial for C-section recovery.- Getting up and moving as soon as possible can aid in the recovery process.This episode is sponsored by Defeat Diastasis. Use code BirthBabyPodcast at http://www.defeatdiastasis.com and get 30% off of the home program!Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: https://birthbabypodcast.transistor.fm/Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify! (00:00) - Understanding C-Section Recovery: Types and Variations (07:27) - The Immediate Postpartum Recovery Period (11:37) - Long-Term Recovery and Recommendations

What happens when the traditional 12-step recovery program doesn't quite fit your belief system? Licensed marriage and family therapist Jeffrey Munn joins Duane to share his deeply personal journey through addiction and recovery, which led him to author "Staying Sober Without God: The Practical 12 Steps to Long-Term Recovery from Alcoholism and Addiction." Jeffrey opens up about his battles with isolation and internal turmoil and highlights the crucial support from his parents that helped him navigate this challenging path. His story underscores the necessity of individualized recovery approaches and shines a light on the often-overlooked needs of atheists and agnostics in recovery.Jeffrey discusses the integration of traditional 12-step programs with personalized mental health approaches, emphasizing the importance of addressing trauma, unresolved grief, and boundary-setting. He candidly recounts his own experience with the pressure to adopt a belief in a higher power within 12-step meetings and how this led to a temporary setback. Through his narrative, you'll learn about the significance of merging the wisdom of 12-step programs with modern psychological insights to create a more rational and personalized recovery journey. They also delve into the specifics of how inpatient rehab focusing on mental health practices played a pivotal role in his recovery.The conversation takes a deeper turn as they examine the challenges and benefits of faith-based recovery for those who struggle with blind faith. Jeffrey provides a logical and practical perspective on the concept of "letting go and letting God," drawing parallels to principles in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). In this episode, you will hear: Finding personal recovery path without God Psychology-based recovery approaches Personal recovery and finding meaning Exploring alternative higher powers in recovery Navigating integrity and personal belief systems Challenges with faith-based addiction recovery Follow and Review:We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:https://www.practicallysane.org/Staying Sober Without God: https://www.amazon.com/Staying-Sober-Without-God-Alcoholism-ebook/dp/B07MBVCS29 NovusMindfulLife.comEpisode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when the traditional 12-step recovery program doesn't quite fit your belief system? Licensed marriage and family therapist Jeffrey Munn joins Duane to share his deeply personal journey through addiction and recovery, which led him to author "Staying Sober Without God: The Practical 12 Steps to Long-Term Recovery from Alcoholism and Addiction." Jeffrey opens up about his battles with isolation and internal turmoil and highlights the crucial support from his parents that helped him navigate this challenging path. His story underscores the necessity of individualized recovery approaches and shines a light on the often-overlooked needs of atheists and agnostics in recovery. Jeffrey discusses the integration of traditional 12-step programs with personalized mental health approaches, emphasizing the importance of addressing trauma, unresolved grief, and boundary-setting. He candidly recounts his own experience with the pressure to adopt a belief in a higher power within 12-step meetings and how this led to a temporary setback. Through his narrative, you'll learn about the significance of merging the wisdom of 12-step programs with modern psychological insights to create a more rational and personalized recovery journey. They also delve into the specifics of how inpatient rehab focusing on mental health practices played a pivotal role in his recovery. The conversation takes a deeper turn as they examine the challenges and benefits of faith-based recovery for those who struggle with blind faith. Jeffrey provides a logical and practical perspective on the concept of "letting go and letting God," drawing parallels to principles in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).  In this episode, you will hear: Finding personal recovery path without God Psychology-based recovery approaches Personal recovery and finding meaning Exploring alternative higher powers in recovery Navigating integrity and personal belief systems Challenges with faith-based addiction recovery Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: https://www.practicallysane.org/ Staying Sober Without God: https://www.amazon.com/Staying-Sober-Without-God-Alcoholism-ebook/dp/B07MBVCS29  NovusMindfulLife.com Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Dopey! In a super special new Dopey! We are joined by one of the greatest Dopey storytellers in the history of the show! Louie Mandrapillias - the gay weed kingpin of Houston tells a Dopey story unlike all Dopey stories which starts innocently enough in Shreveport Louisiana and winds up in India smuggling heroin back to New York City up his butt in a dildo shaped  condom. There are too many incredible Dopey stories to ruin in this description! PLUS voicemails from Australia, a letter from prison and so much more in a super extra special new episode of the good old Dopey Show! NOTES! - MDA and studio 54 - speedballs - trafficking drugs from india - opium den - bhagwan compound - smuggling heroin in a condom - DEA search at the airport - projecting drug use onto random people when you're high - bolivian cocaine, getting caught - avoids jail time with nepotism - heroin from bangkok smuggling tek - HIV positive - spontaneous recovery awakening - LA AA scene

In this episode of In the Circle, we are joined by Elliot who asks a question that's on everyone's mind: Is it necessary to work the 12-Step Program to reach long-term recovery?This critically important inquiry has been shared by millions of people over the last 80 years since the 12 steps first were published. Does the 12-Step Program work? We'll share our own stories while we explore this idea of long-term recovery. Whether you're working on the 12 steps now, just curious, or anywhere in between, today's talk is for everyone. Let's dive into what the 12 steps are all about, what they're not, and how to implement them into your long-term recovery. Tommy discussesWhat is Recovery?What are the 12 Steps and are they effective?Do I NEED to do the 12-step program?Recovery vs AbstinenceWhy you need to let go of the pastWhat are the 12 Efforts?Looking for a way to deepen your recovery journey and meet others in the Recovery 2.0 community? Come and join us in England this summer for an unforgettable 7-day recovery immersion. Learn more at R20.com/England2024Further Links & ResourcesCatch a Meeting. We offer 30+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free.Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the UpliftJoin our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addictionSubscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTubeVisit our websiteCome and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/eventsAddiction is part of everyone's journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It's here that we'll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you!Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.Connect with TommyInstagramFacebookTikTokRecovery 2.0@Recovery2Point0 on InstagramRecovery 2.0 Facebook GroupIn The Circle is produced by Lovemore Media.