Podcasts about Narcotics Anonymous

This is a study and commentary of the Basic Text book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

This is a study and commentary of the Basic Text book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

12 STEPS – STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BIBLE. In this episode of the Came to Believe Recovery Podcast, the hosts discuss the importance of community and fellowship in recovery, the biblical foundations of the 12 steps, and the significance of accountability and personal stories in the recovery journey. They explore the role of church attendance and the misconceptions surrounding the 12 steps, emphasizing the need for a personal relationship with God and the importance of understanding the original principles behind the program. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by individuals in recovery and the necessity of support from both the church and the recovery community. Closing Song: Everybody Talks to God by Aaron Lewis. #higherpower #aa #na #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #addiction #bigbook

This is a study and commentary of the Basic Text book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

This is a study and commentary of the Basic Text book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

Whats on Patreon:Adam's chaotic childhood, bullying, and getting high at 12Smoking weed with an abusive friend's stepdadGetting beat with wrenches, sent to institutions, and almost stabbedDropping acid at school, zeroing hits, playing in bandsCoke binges in L.A. writing sessions — snorting lines off Beyoncé plaquesSpiritual bottom after playing South by Southwest and weeping during ElfRecovery Unplugged, NA, and finding purpose through musicA live performance of his song SaviorThe Elsewhere program and recovery on the roadHis thoughts on music, God, and staying clean through service

HE CAME TO BELIEVE (12 Stepper Ricky Wade from Castro Valley, CA). The Montyman welcomes Ricky Wade, who shares his powerful journey of recovery from addiction. The conversation explores the importance of personal testimony, moments of clarity, and spiritual awakening in the recovery process. They discuss concerns about modern recovery practices, particularly the normalization of relapse, and emphasize the significance of community support and the original principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. Ricky's insights highlight the transformative power of identifying as 'recovered' and the role of faith in maintaining sobriety. Closing Song: We're Glad You're Here by Conley Ray White.#higherpower #aa #na #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #addiction #bigbook

When Jessica's young adult son JB overdosed on fentanyl, he had a massive brain injury, and Jessica was told to abandon all hope. Instead, she fought for him and found the care he needed. In this moving interview, we hear her story of heartbreak and hope. We also hear from Dr. Ivanhoe of TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, who has been working with the family for years. Video edition of this episode available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g4ptPLDZ0zo

This is a study and commentary of the Step Working Guides book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

It's been said that “life is a journey.” Oftentimes, we don't get much more context than that and it can be hard to know what to do with that statement. Where are we trying to go? What are we after? Is that a good thing or a bad thing?   Well, the journey is what we make it. For that one, you can quote Kenneth Watson. He delivers this week's warstory and it is a powerful one. You'll hear how it is we settled on this topic when you listen to where his life led him and how drugs and alcohol played an important role for a long time. With failed relationships, jobs that weren't what they were supposed to be, the military, and the death of his mother, all making up a part of his journey.    Today Kenneth is sober and able to recognize how each one of these things has placed him in a position to better serve those around him and just how much service plays a role in his recovery.    Thanks Kenneth for telling your story!   For more from Kenneth click the link! https://linktr.ee/12facesofsober Check out our sponsors. By supporting them, you help support the show and keep us bringing new stories with more and more hope and inspiration.  ===========================================================  ☕Brainwashed Coffee https://www.brainwashedcoffeeco.com/ Discount code: otherside

In this episode, we talk to Jami Carlacio, a recovery coach and podcaster who grew up around addiction all her life, fell into the disease herself, and was the first in her family to find recovery. She talks about how she not only transformed her life, but also started changing the family lineage of addiction through her own parenting and work as a recovery professional. We discuss how important it is to change relationship patterns and some ideas on how this might be done. Special Guest: Jami Carlacio.

This is a study and commentary of the Step Working Guides book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

WHAT THE HECK ARE OUTSIDE ISSUES? A Special Broadcast of the Take 12 Recovery Radio Show from our vault of the ‘Best of Shows'. #higherpower #aa #na #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #addiction #bigbook

This is a study and commentary of the Step Working Guides book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

Most of us found ourselves in the firm grip of addiction because we were seeking. Seeking comfort. Seeking relief. Something to take us away from the negative thoughts or feelings we have inside.    In sobriety, we have an opportunity to seek in a new way. We seek a power greater than ourselves or a new relationship to the person we thought we were. Whatever it is, its in the seeking that we find the power. By remaining in a seeking state, we maintain an open mind to the positive influences around us and our relationships become more vibrant and strong.    This week, were talking about seeking, a topic we got from the amazing warstory from Chad. Chad grew up with addiction all around him and it wasn't long before he found himself neck deep in waters of turmoil and despair. Tune in to hear what it took for him to finally realize there is a better way and how seeking has kept him in touch with God in a new and exciting way.    Thanks Chad for telling your story! Check out our sponsors. By supporting them, you help support the show and keep us bringing new stories with more and more hope and inspiration.  ============================================ ☕Brainwashed Coffee https://www.brainwashedcoffeeco.com/ Discount code: otherside

Jesse grew up in a good home with good morals. He was a small kid and often felt scared and lonely. He was bullied at school and eventually turned to alcohol and then drugs in his early teens as they made him feel like he fitted in and more relaxed.His drinking and drug use progressed, adversely affecting his work and ruining his close relationships. His mum was a significant influence in him seeking help when all seemed lost when he was in his mid-20's. Jesse was fortunate to get into a 12th step drug rehab during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown. There he found Narcotics Anonymous, and he's now been 4 and a half years clean and intends for it to stay that way.You can also listen to Jesse's earlier interview from December 2020: https://www.3cr.org.au/livingfree/episode-202012311300/narcotics-anonymous-jesseIf you would like to find out more about Narcotics Anonymous or need to talk to somebody, then please call 1300 652 820 at any time or go online at www.navic.net.au.Show your support to the Living Free show and keep us on air by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (https://amrap.org.au/):Erica Avenue - JUST IN CASE [https://amrap.org.au/track/erica-avenue-just-in-case] @16:55Erica Avenue - FEEL IT [https://amrap.org.au/track/erica-avenue-feel-it] @38:55

This is a study and commentary of the Step Working Guides book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

This is a study and commentary of the Step Working Guides book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

Ever wonder what it's like to be a police officer AND an alcoholic? Well, wonder no more. Today we have a very special guest, Bob A., who found his way to sobriety after getting a DUI from a co-worker. Tune in to hear him talk about what life was like in the LAPD and how he worked to bring more awareness to the disease of alcoholism to his department and the law enforcement community.    Thanks for joining us and sharing your amazing story Bob!  Check out our sponsors. By supporting them, you help support the show and keep us bringing new stories with more and more hope and inspiration.  ===========================================================  ☕Brainwashed Coffee https://www.brainwashedcoffeeco.com/ Discount code: otherside

This is a study and commentary of the Step Working Guides book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

We look at different aspects of the illusion of control. We talk about what it is, how it affects family dynamics, how it affects recovery, how to recognize it in your life, and how to start diminishing its impact in your life and relationships.

Scott Burwell, PhD, is the founder and CEO of Neurotype Inc. Scott shares his journey from a background in experimental psychology to establishing Neurotype, a company developing brain therapeutics to address cravings in substance use disorders. He discusses the innovative use of EEG technology to measure brain responses to stimuli, providing an objective biological assessment and treatment of cravings. Scott emphasizes the importance of integrating science-led approaches in creating medical devices and reflects on the challenges and rewards of leading a MedTech startup.   Guest links: https://www.neurotype.io | https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottjburwell/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurotype Charity supported: Equal Justice Initiative Interested in being a guest on the show or have feedback to share? Email us at theleadingdifference@velentium.com.  PRODUCTION CREDITS Host: Lindsey Dinneen Editing: Marketing Wise Producer: Velentium   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Episode 049 - Scott Burwell, PhD [00:00:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Hi, I'm Lindsey and I'm talking with MedTech industry leaders on how they change lives for a better world. [00:00:09] Diane Bouis: The inventions and technologies are fascinating and so are the people who work with them. [00:00:15] Frank Jaskulke: There was a period of time where I realized, fundamentally, my job was to go hang out with really smart people that are saving lives and then do work that would help them save more lives. [00:00:28] Diane Bouis: I got into the business to save lives and it is incredibly motivating to work with people who are in that same business, saving or improving lives. [00:00:38] Duane Mancini: What better industry than where I get to wake up every day and just save people's lives. [00:00:42] Lindsey Dinneen: These are extraordinary people doing extraordinary work, and this is The Leading Difference. Hello, and welcome back to another episode of The Leading Difference podcast. I'm your host, Lindsey, and I'm so excited to introduce you to my guest today, Scott Burwell. Scott is the founder and CEO of Neurotype Inc, developer of new brain therapeutics to make environmental triggers less problematic for people in recovery for substance use disorders and other addictions. Well, hello, Scott. Thank you so much for joining us today. I'm so excited to speak with you. [00:01:17] Scott Burwell: Great. Thanks so much for having me, Lindsey. Thanks. [00:01:19] Lindsey Dinneen: Of course. Well, would you mind by starting off and tell us a little bit about yourself, your background, and maybe what led you to MedTech? [00:01:28] Scott Burwell: Sure. Yeah. So, I have a background in experimental psychology, a PhD in psychology from the University of Minnesota. And kind of what led me to that was experience: my family had a liquor store growing up and I worked there for many years. And so I saw firsthand from behind the counter people with substance use disorders occasionally, and just knowing from extended family, substance use disorders, and it was an interesting observation to me to see different people, how they get to a substance use disorder. Some through genetic propensity and some through experiences in their life. And that led me to get a PhD in psychology where I really focused on the genetics and physiology underlying substance use disorders. And during this time of getting my PhD, I was always trying to think of, where does my skill set and my interest align in the future? What kind of job am I going to have after this? So I looked around. I had some experience, thought, "Could I go the academic route? Could I apply for grants, be a professor at a university?" That approach, which is a very good approach for some people, where your main outcome are publications and grants and dissemination of science. And then I also looked at industry, but a lot of the companies in industry weren't doing exactly what I wanted to do, which was take these biomarkers that we were studying in psychology and transforming that into medical device or medical innovations. And then the third path that I didn't quite see at the time was this sort of like rabbit hole, this unknown path of medical device innovations or startup innovations. And it was an eye-opener to me through some programs at the National Institute of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, that led us to this opportunity that actually, I could start my own startup in this space. And and I'm happy to talk a little bit more about that, that later. But really, this opportunity to make something new, based on the science that we know today, and based on the opportunity and the gap in terms of what people are being treated for with these substance use disorders. So that's kind of what led me down the path, and happy to talk about it today. [00:03:41] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, excellent. Well, thank you for that. And yeah, I'm so excited to delve into so many aspects of your story. So going back just a little bit, you had this childhood where you were observing and you were seeing what was happening to some folks and you thought, "Okay, maybe there's a better way, or at least I'd like to understand more about this." But now, were you always sort of science minded and kind of interested in going into psychology, or did that come about as a result? How did that interest develop? [00:04:10] Scott Burwell: Yeah, really, I never saw myself getting a PhD, never saw myself going to an academia setting. People with graduate degrees, people with doctoral degrees-- all those people seem to be other people and not something that what we did. But my parents really instilled an appreciation of higher education in myself and my two older sisters. But again, it was never this plan for me to go out and get an higher education, PhD degree. I think that what really led me to the path was just try to understand myself. I think that's what led me to psychology. It was a psychology class in behavior genetics that I took in undergraduate that, you know, behavior genetics is the field of understanding how your genes and your rearing environment lead to who you are and influence who you are. And it was one of these, this realization that actually it's not just your experiences, it's not all just the soft, mental processing and soft psychological experience. There's really a physical, biophysical basis, to a lot of who you are and who you turn out to be. And I think that was really eye-opening to me and helpful for me understanding who I was and how I am in the world. And I think, you know, just that little bit of information of understanding, there's this objective information that is programmed in your genes or programmed in your physiology that influences who you are in everyday life, that I found super interesting and eventually led me to work at the Twin Study at the University of Minnesota. And then and then while I was there, I realized there's a lot of people getting PhDs that I'm not that much different from and we're all just curious people. And it's an opportunity for me to, you know, if I apply myself, it was an opportunity for me to pursue a field. [00:06:06] Lindsey Dinneen: That's very cool. Yeah. Okay. So, so you're pursuing this field and you've already had this background and interest in helping folks who have these substance abuse disorders, and I'm wondering, what were you observing as you have now developed this company? And I'm so excited to dive into that as well, but a little bit before that, what were your observations when you started realizing, "Okay there's a gap in the way that we're treating this or handling this or responding to this." And then what was the outcome for you that you thought, "Okay, let's try something different." [00:06:42] Scott Burwell: Yeah. So a couple of things. I think the first thing is that, the treatment of substance use disorders and all behavioral addictions and to some degree mental health is been sort of a parallel development. It's been a, it's been a parallel field that's been outside of the rest of the way that medicine is traditionally done. And so, even though we have for some substance use disorders medications for management of the substance use disorder. Or there are social support groups, AA, Narcotics Anonymous also, that help provide social support to people with substance use disorders. These are sort of groups and services that have been built outside of traditional medicine. And with the exception of these services, there haven't been too many medical innovations, FDA regulated innovations that doctors can prescribe for people with substance use disorders. And this is despite decades of research that are showing there are biological underpinnings of substance use disorders. There are biological interventions that, that can potentially help people with these afflictions. And so, that was one of the pieces that during my training, I was just constantly looking for companies that were doing this kind of work to treat disorders from a biological or psychobiological perspective. And I just wasn't finding anyone. And also at that same time, the DSM Five, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for substance use disorders, the criteria that sort of outline what it takes to get a diagnosis had just included the symptom of craving. It might be surprising to people, but it's only been since about 2013 or so, that craving has been an official symptom of a substance use disorder. And I mean, that's despite again, decades, many years of people reporting cravings being an issue that they deal with day in and day out. And so I was aware of this addition of a new symptom, but also I'm aware of the fact that the way that substance use disorders are diagnosed, they're assessed, they're monitored, is entirely subjective, meaning that people are reporting these symptoms in an interview in a one on one kind of subjective interview that people can report what they believe, report what they experience, which is valid information. But sometimes what you're aware of, what the clinician is aware of, might not be what's going on an objective biophysical level. And so I was aware of a certain biomarker that you can measure with brain waves using electroencephalogram or EEG and this biomarker is what leading science says is the biomarker underpinning of craving. And so I felt, well, you know, if there was a way that clinicians had this in their hands as either a diagnostic assistant or as a way to treat people with craving, this could be a valuable medical device that people can use. And so, I can talk more about the specific biomarker, but these were two realizations that I saw that there's a lacking and a need for innovation in this field. [00:10:03] Lindsey Dinneen: Great. Yeah. Okay. So yeah, could you share a little bit more about the biomarker and then how you have found, how you have discovered to affect this and what this device is and how it works? [00:10:14] Scott Burwell: Yeah, so Neurotype Inc., we were founded in 2019. We were founded after we were participating in this workshop at Yale University called Innovation to Impact. It's funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. And we really pitched this idea to them as kind of a off the cuff, last day of the workshop pitch event and won first prize in that thing. And that's really what gave us the steam to go ahead and apply for these federal grants to support further development of this biomarker. What the biomarker is, basically we put a headset on you and that headset is kind of like a fitness tracker except other than being like a fitness tracker that's tracking your steps from, you know, a watch or, you know, being a glucose monitor that's on your arm, that senses how much blood sugar you have, this fitness tracker is on your head. It measures the electro physiology that's generated by your brain. And it's entirely passive in that regard. We're not putting any like, you know, electrical stimulations in, but it's just measuring how your brain is acting at all moments. And what we do is that's different from other companies is we're actually recording how your brain responds on a millisecond scale in response to pictures. So we hand somebody an iPad while they're wearing one of these headsets, and we show them a flip book of pictures. Some of those pictures are like chocolate cake, puppy dogs, you know, cute, emotional pictures. Some of those things are boring things like kitchen supplies, office supplies, whatever they might be. And then some of those things are like opioid pill bottle, right? And so, for opioid use disorder, if you are liable for craving, and if you're likely to start reusing after being discharged from treatment, your response to that opioid pill bottle, the brain response, the objective brain response, is going to be very similar to how it responds to, for instance, chocolate cake, than a person that's not at risk for returning to opioid use or other kinds of craving. And so this biomarker is really a biomarker of what's called 'motivated attention.' How interesting you find that stimulus on the screen and how much it grabs your attention. And what we know from psychology is that if something grabs your attention, you're likely to behave in a way that is going to correspond with that. So if it grabs your attention, you're going to act a certain way around that stimulus. And so for people with opioid use disorder, it might be that it stimulates some thought process or some behavioral process in your body that leads you to seek that substance, affiliate yourself with people that have that substance, you know, all sorts of indirect ways that eventually lead you to start using that substance again. And so, we have done a few different research projects funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and these are different projects over time that have really established the core assessment capabilities of the device. And now we're working towards clinical trial validation through a small business innovation research project from National Institute on Drug Abuse that will be a pivotal clinical trial for us. [00:13:30] Lindsey Dinneen: That's really exciting. When does that happen? [00:13:32] Scott Burwell: So, that is part of what's called a fast track project, and we are finishing up our phase one portion of that. And the phase two portion will probably start sometime this coming summer. Yeah. [00:13:45] Lindsey Dinneen: Great. Okay. That's great. And so what is your dream or ultimate ideal goal for the company and for this device? What are you hoping to affect or where are you hoping this device will be used? [00:13:58] Scott Burwell: Yeah. So, our main goal or our first sort of beachhead market, if you will, is the intensive outpatient treatment clinics for substance use disorders or other mental health. It's a certain kind of clinic where people are seen on a pretty regular basis during early recovery when they're still in a kind of high risk period. And in this group of patients, they tend to be in a scenario where they are living at home or living in the wild, so to speak, it's no longer a residential treatment setting. But they are living and being challenged day to day with the triggers in their environment that, that can lead to risk for problems. And the interesting thing about this space though, and this market is that in that space, there really are not many regulated, or any regulated devices, that are being used to manage specifically certain symptoms. And especially none that are applying to brain physiology like ours. And so, it's a pretty big step to bring our device to these spaces because they might be familiar with a blood pressure cuff or people might get blood work done from time to measure other health related risks. But for us, we are bringing an EEG system, and it's a portable EEG with a software device, into a clinic where they've never been before. And so my grand vision for this is really to be, you know, we're not a fix all. We're not a cure-all solution, but we are solution to help one specific slice of somebody's condition, and be a fix for craving in these settings. But if we can get the device in these clinics settings, it opens the door for a whole lot of other biomarker solutions to take place. And so right now, we're just focused on craving, monitoring the craving, but also treating the craving through what's called closed loop biofeedback. But the but the long term vision for this is to do-- we can additionally build out with the same brain kind of assessment, we can build out other kinds of biomarkers. So, those that are related to genetic risk. So we don't have to do like a full genetic test, but we could use that same brain data to to study what are called endo phenotypes, but basically a genetic marker of risk for a certain disease type or a certain disease progression. We could also measure other aspects of distress or you know, other depressive symptomatology or things like this with our measures. So, I think if I were to, at minimum, if we were to be able to make a dent or just get our device into these intensive outpatient clinics, that would be a huge success for me and the company. But, I think much grander speaking, it would open the doors for a lot of more transformative addiction treatment care. [00:16:56] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yes. Okay. Well, that's incredible and thank you for sharing your vision, 'cause I always love hearing, all right, what's the longterm heart for this company in this project. So that's great. Yeah. Are there any moments that stand out to you, maybe as you're developing this device or maybe even before as you're studying the biomarker and you're thinking through, you know, how can I make a difference in this particular indication? So are there any moments that stand out to you as really affirming to you, "Yes, I am in the right place at the right time. Doing what I'm supposed to be doing." [00:17:32] Scott Burwell: Yeah, I think one piece was when we won first place at that at the Yale workshop that we did. I would say another was just getting each of these grants. We've applied for grants over and over again. And you don't get every one of those grants. But when you get certain projects, and when you're awarded these monies, it is incredibly validating because, you know it's gone through scientific review at the NIH. You know that also at the specific institute, so National Institute on Drug Abuse or Alcoholism or Mental Health-- they're different -- that this is an intense area that they see value. And so when you get these projects, and we've gotten over a million dollars now in these projects, that there's some validation behind it from federal and also a scientific level. So that's one area, but then I would also say that, when talking to clinicians, we talked to clinicians and we talked to some patients about the device, and we demo the device and demo the technology with some clinicians and patients. And, people will come back and be like, "Wow, why is this not out there already? Why don't we have this kind of data?" And to me that is incredibly rewarding to just see people and their immediate responses to the technology, because I don't think anyone really knows that this science or this technology is readily available. It just needs to be packaged in the correct way. And it also has to go through the correct regulatory and reimbursement pass. I mean, to just say "just," I think that's probably an understatement for sure. But, the science has decades of work behind it. And really it's up to us now to move that, to make it to that next milestone, that next goalpost. And that work isn't really science. It's just hard work. [00:19:14] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah, indeed. Well, speaking of hard work, you know, forming a company on its own, working in the medtech field on its own, all of those things are difficult challenges to choose. And I'm curious, how has your personal path been in terms of growing into this leadership role where you are directing this company and directing people. How's that journey been for you too? [00:19:43] Scott Burwell: You know, I think it's been a journey. And when people say that you can't do it on your own, that is 100 percent true. And even if you hear it and you believe it, sometimes I think it takes a lot for me to come to the realization to put that into practice. I tried to do a lot on my own. In the team, I am the CTO, the CEO, the COO, all these different roles that I've assigned myself. We participated and were awarded into the-- NIH has this program called Innovation Core, iCore. And we did this program and one of our mentors there was really harping on the idea of leaning into your what are called core competencies. So what are you actually really good at as a team and as a company? And what are you less good at? And and I think that the more that I've learned to lean into my core competencies, which are really around the science, the translation of the neuroscience, the translation into a clinical tool that can be used, thinking about the vision of our technology. And tried to offload some of the other things, whether it be regulatory or whether it be some aspects of business strategy or other otherwise to, to other people that can help in a fractional sense or whatever to help us out. That's helped me both maintain my role as a leader and keep on doing the work that I think that I can actually contribute to and be useful contributing to, as well as keeping the company afloat in terms of funding and just hitting our milestones on all the different projects that we've been awarded and need to produce for. So, so I would say that, you know, I'm no, I'm not a perfect leader. I'm not a perfect CEO by any means. But I, but as I go on, I kind of learned that you can't do it all yourself, and you can't accomplish everything to the same degree as another person possibly could. And so trying to build good teams, trying to lean on team members that can do certain things, finding the strengths in certain team members and asking them to do the right kind of work given their skill set. But I think that's been a crash course for me. [00:22:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Yes, indeed. Well, that makes complete sense because, you know, like you said at the very beginning, it is a journey, and it is a constant learning and growing process. So yeah, that's, that's fantastic. Well, pivoting the conversation just for fun, imagine that you were to be offered a million dollars to teach a masterclass on anything you want. It can be within your field. It doesn't have to be. What would you choose to teach and why? [00:22:29] Scott Burwell: Oh my gosh. Well, You know, I think that-- I'm not sure anyone would offer me a million dollars for this. But if I had the time, I think If I had the time, I would actually really love to teach a masterclass on how to do this sort of neuroscience innovations. There's a lot. This is a really hot area for startups and innovations, the idea of using neuroscience tools as products. There are companies out there like the Muse headband or there's Nurable, which makes these smart sort of headphones that also measure brainwaves. Neurocity is another company that's doing things for productivity. And I know people at these companies. They're all great companies. And these are some very successful examples. But there's other companies out there too that, that are doing things that I feel are led by engineering first. So, just because you can do something, it doesn't mean that you should do something. And it doesn't mean that there's any validity to what it is that you're doing. So, you know, there's a lot of interest in that. Around developing brain computer interfaces or other kinds of neurological or brain diagnostic or treatment devices. They're doing brain stimulation or brain sensing or biofeedback or all these sorts of buzzwords. I think we're kind of part of that group, honestly, but the difference between us and the others is that we are science led and a lot of these other companies are engineering or technology led. And when you lead through something, when you start by innovating by technology and innovating by engineering, that's great from a perspective of showing others that you have a tool. But without a use for that tool, and without evidence from science that tool actually does something useful, then it's kind of useless. And so a lot of those companies go broke because they don't have a user for that tool or the tool that they built doesn't actually do what they intended it to do. So one thing that I think I would do in this course, if I were to do this course, is to really emphasize like, here's how you can approach certain kinds of biomarkers. Here's the types of biomarkers that people actually think is correlate with a disease, major depression, ADHD, substance use disorders, whatever it is, and actually have a scientific grounding versus building a headset that does XYZ first and not really having a scientific basis. One, one tip I would just offer people is just get a PhD that has the background in that content space first on your team, because they will tell you what the field thinks of it. And a lot of times, the field thinks that a lot of the products that are being developed out there are just snake oil. And so, so really, you know, do your diligence on the science before diving into something. [00:25:27] Lindsey Dinneen: Cool. Yes. I'm sure that would be a fantastic masterclass and very needed. So, all right. Sounds good. All right. And how do you wish to be remembered after you leave this world? [00:25:40] Scott Burwell: Great question. You know, I would love, like I mentioned earlier, for Neurotype to play its part in establishing these kinds of brain biomarkers in the treatment for behavioral and mental health disorders. I would love for us to be a building block for what the future looks like. I think we're using the most current science available to build our innovation. And if we can be sort of that first step into the future, I think that would be so great. And the science will change in the future, but I think that if we can be that stepping stone, that would be ideal. I think on a more personal level, I think I would love for anyone I know, anyone that I come into contact though with, I really want to be remembered as a person that's just been kind to you. If you can remember one moment that that you felt like, "Oh, Scott made me feel good in that scenario" or "Scott was helpful in that scenario." I think that would be a more realistic grab or a closer term grab. So, so, you know, both those things I think would be great. But in the day to day, I really work to at least hope that people remember me and felt that I was kind to them. [00:26:48] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, absolutely. Kindness makes all the difference. Yeah! Okay, and then, final question. What is one thing that makes you smile every time you see or think about it? [00:27:00] Scott Burwell: Oh, geez. I think, you know, Is it is it okay to say cute animal memes from Twitter or something? But so... [00:27:08] Lindsey Dinneen: Sure! [00:27:09] Scott Burwell: I love cute animals. I love any cute animal or cute baby thing on Instagram or wherever. But I will also just say, back to the impact aspect of our company, we do research with people. We do early demo testing with people with substance use disorders. And some people struggle, they're in and out of treatment programs five, six times before something really starts to click. And they put in so much hard work and so much effort to keep on their pathway, unique pathway to recovery. And so, you know, I think that I'm really encouraged and really puts gas in my tank when I see people that are doing well and that they're happy. And because there's some degree of pride that person carries around and some, and and maybe that pride was not necessarily there beforehand. And so, you know, I think that I will, regardless if they are achieving their goals and living a happier life because of what Neurotype is doing, or something else, really doesn't matter to me. When I see people that are doing better, it is warming to my heart to see somebody that has made some sort of sustained change in their life that is impacting them in a positive way, because it really does show that people can change. People can do what they want to do and live the life that they want to live in many cases when they. are given the opportunity. And so that's heartwarming to me. [00:28:38] Lindsey Dinneen: Absolutely, yeah, absolutely. Ah, that's wonderful. Well, yes, and also, awesome little cute memes are the best, especially with animals, oh my gosh. [00:28:48] Scott Burwell: I know. Yeah. [00:28:49] Lindsey Dinneen: I spend way too much time looking at baby animals, but I always smile, so, you know, win. [00:28:54] Scott Burwell: Yes, it is. It's the main, it's the main way I get my little like boosts of dopamine throughout the day for sure. [00:29:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Yes, absolutely. Well, Scott, this has been a fantastic conversation. I so appreciate you joining me and sharing more about the work that your company is doing and all the innovation. I'm so excited to watch it continue to succeed. So thank you for spending some time with me today. I appreciate it. [00:29:18] Scott Burwell: Absolutely. Thank you, Lindsey. Thank you. [00:29:20] Lindsey Dinneen: Of course, and we're so honored to be making a donation on your behalf as a thank you for your time today to the Equal Justice Initiative, which provides legal representation to prisoners who may have been wrongfully convicted of crimes, poor prisoners without effective representation, and others who may have been denied a fair trial. So thank you so much for choosing that charity to support. We just wish you continued success as you work to change lives for a better world. And thank you also to our listeners for tuning in. And if you're feeling as inspired as I am at the moment, I would love if you would share this episode with a colleague or two, and we will catch you next time. [00:30:02] Ben Trombold: The Leading Difference is brought to you by Velentium. Velentium is a full-service CDMO with 100% in-house capability to design, develop, and manufacture medical devices from class two wearables to class three active implantable medical devices. Velentium specializes in active implantables, leads, programmers, and accessories across a wide range of indications, such as neuromodulation, deep brain stimulation, cardiac management, and diabetes management. Velentium's core competencies include electrical, firmware, and mechanical design, mobile apps, embedded cybersecurity, human factors and usability, automated test systems, systems engineering, and contract manufacturing. Velentium works with clients worldwide, from startups seeking funding to established Fortune 100 companies. Visit velentium.com to explore your next step in medical device development. ​

This is a study and commentary of the Step Working Guides book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

A wise man once said, “if you meet three assholes in a row, odds are, you're the asshole.” What did it take for you to realize that YOU were the problem? Tune in this week to hear us rant about what it took for us to see clearly, that it wasn't anybody or anything but our own making that was our undoing.    This week's topic was inspired by an amazing story from Marco. What did it take for Marco to start buying in that his response to using and drinking wasn't normal? Tune in to find out and hear how, even in sobriety, he found God's path in his actions while paying for the things he'd done while actively using.    Thank you, Marco, for sharing your story!   Learn more about Journey to Solutions and find out how they may be able to help you or someone you love begin the road to recovery. https://journeytosolutions.com/ Check out our sponsors. By supporting them, you help support the show and keep us bringing new stories with more and more hope and inspiration.  ===========================================================  ☕Brainwashed Coffee https://www.brainwashedcoffeeco.com/ Discount code: otherside

This is a study and commentary of the Step Working Guides book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

This is a study and commentary of the Step Working Guides book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

Greg George, Franchisor, CEO and co-owner of the Peach Cobbler Factory, reflects on his 35-year career in franchising and the personal transformation he underwent in his late 50s following a significant awakening. The Peach Cobbler Factory has become the fastest-growing dessert chain in America, opening over 112 locations in less than three years. Despite this success, Greg shares his previous struggles and long history of drug and alcohol addiction, which began at age 12 and lasted until he was 46—a pattern he describes as a “family curse” affecting multiple generations. Greg recounts the challenges of witnessing his oldest son's eight-year opiate addiction, which involved multiple overdoses and homelessness. This family crisis became a turning point, when his son entered a faith-based treatment center after hitting rock bottom. Shortly after, Greg faced his own moment of reckoning, deciding to attend 90 Narcotics Anonymous meetings in 90 days, which marked the start of nearly seven years of sobriety. His son also turned his life around and now holds a high-level position in Greg's company. Together, they have helped 43 individuals find treatment for addiction. Greg also highlights the significant influence of his business partner, Larry Johnston, a Fortune 50 CEO who became a mentor and friend through an unexpected social media connection. Throughout his journey, Greg emphasizes hope for those struggling with addiction, noting that many successful people may secretly battle similar issues. He advocates for admitting powerlessness and seeking help, sharing how willpower and discipline led to his recovery and a more balanced life. Greg is dedicated to assisting others, particularly the homeless, by providing essentials and emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from helping others rather than financial success. Greg expresses gratitude towards Larry for supporting his growth and enabling him to aid others. He encourages individuals facing similar challenges to reach out for support and aims to positively impact at least one person through his story. The conversation concludes with appreciation for Greg's transparency and dedication to personal and business growth, inviting interest in the Peach Cobbler Factory and his mission to help others.

HE'S STAYING STRONG, HE'S STAYING SOBER. Interview with Robert Carver. The Montyman engages in a heartfelt conversation with Robert Carver, a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. Robert shares his journey from early substance use at a young age to hitting rock bottom and ultimately choosing sobriety for the sake of his family. The discussion delves into the challenges of addiction, the impact of grief after losing his father, and the importance of support systems in recovery. Robert also introduces his initiative, 'Stay Strong, Stay Sober,' which aims to inspire others through his story and racing endeavors. The episode emphasizes the ongoing struggles of recovery, the significance of community, and the hope that comes from sharing one's experiences. Closing Song: Broken Is a Place by Ricky Bird. #higherpower #aa #na #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #addiction #bigbook

In this episode, we talk with one of my colleagues at Windmill Wellness Ranch, Sara, who has several years of recovery under her belt, and Lera, her teen daughter who grew up mostly apart from Sara until a few years ago. They talk about the impact of addiction in their lives, their ongoing struggles, how they have come together more as each finds her own growth, and what they feel has worked best to help the healing.

What does it take to get us to finally realize we have a problem? That we can't just casually drink or use? A lot.    Why is that? Oftentimes, we are holding on to the fantasy of what the substance CAN give us. We have reservations that keep us from fully admitting to our innermost selves that we are alcoholics or addicts and that we must find a way to abstain completely.    Our topic this week, reservations in sobriety, comes to us from Mike. Mike shares his story about what it was like to grow up and use with his addict parent and how easy it became to justify using after a freak accident left him near death.    Later, even after suffering severe consequences, Mike, like many of us, was determined to find a way to use and drink successfully. Today, he has finally let go of the idea of drinking/using like a gentleman and instead embraced the idea that a life in recovery brings him closer to being the man his family has always wanted and needed.    Thank you, Mike, for sharing your story! Check out our sponsors. By supporting them, you help support the show and keep us bringing new stories with more and more hope and inspiration.  ===========================================================  ☕Brainwashed Coffee https://www.brainwashedcoffeeco.com/ Discount code: otherside

This is a study and commentary of the Step Working Guides book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

A new year is a great opportunity to look back and reflect on moments and events to take stock. It's not always easy to see growth when we're constantly in a state of action but when we do, it's important to really soak it in. Gratitude is the fuel that can rocket us into the fourth dimension.    This week, instead of a warstory, we're doing something a little different.  Thanks to you, the fans, we have our first in-studio guest in our new space. We couldn't think of a better person for this christening of our new equipment than The Other Side of Hell's own Jordan Y. Listen in as the three of us share what the last year has been like and the opportunities that are always around us.    Thanks to everyone who supported our GoFundMe. This allowed us to get everything we needed to make it possible to have guests in-studio again! Check out our sponsors. By supporting them, you help support the show and keep us bringing new stories with more and more hope and inspiration.  =======================================================☕Brainwashed Coffee https://www.brainwashedcoffeeco.com/ Discount code: otherside

This is a study and commentary of the Step Working Guides book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

On this episode of The Zac Clark Show, Zac sits down with comedy legend Rich Vos for a raw, wild, and insightful conversation. With 38 years of sobriety under his belt, Rich opens up about his battle with substances, the pivotal moment that drove him to recovery, and the incredible life he's built since then. Known as the first white comic on Def Comedy Jam, Rich recounts breaking barriers in the comedy world and the lessons he's learned from decades in the industry. The conversation touches on Rich's groundbreaking Amazon comedy special, Rich Vos Anonymous, which made history as the first filmed comedy show inside a Narcotics Anonymous convention. Rich and Zac also delve into the challenges of staying sober in the comedy world, the misconceptions about addiction and creativity, and the importance of giving yourself a chance to live differently. From recovery principles to the realities of mental health, marathon running, family life, and even the changing comedy landscape with social media influencers, Rich delivers wisdom wrapped in his signature sardonic wit. Please tune in to this episode for a powerful blend of inspiration, laughter, and an unfiltered exploration of the journey to recovery. Connect with Zac https://www.instagram.com/zwclark/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-c-746b96254/ https://www.tiktok.com/@zacwclark https://www.strava.com/athletes/55697553 https://twitter.com/zacwclark If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release: (914) 588-6564 releaserecovery.com @releaserecovery

We catch up with guests from previous episodes to see how 2024 has been for them. We find out how they have been experiencing and dealing with some of the victories and challenges that come with this life in recovery. In each case, we hear stories of experience, strength, and hope that can help inspire all of us as we wrap up 2024 and look forward to another year of recovery in 2025.

This is a study and commentary of the Step Working Guides book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

This is a study and commentary of the Step Working Guides book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

This week on Dopey! We have Simon Mason, an author, recovery coach and a shadowy figure of the Britpop scene of the 1990s. whose life story is a whirlwind of rock 'n' roll excess, devastating addiction, and eventual redemption. Known as the "Cat in the Hat," Simon was a dealer to Oasis and other legendary bands, a firsthand witness to the cultural explosion of the era—and a victim of his own spiraling heroin addiction. PLUS! A butt related voicemail, emails and much much more on a brand spanking new episode of the good old Dopey Show!   Join Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dopeypodcast Dopey West Tix: https://buytickets.at/thedopeyfoundation/1484803 FROM AI:

This is a study and commentary of the Step Working Guides book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

This is a study and commentary of the Step Working Guides book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

Send us a textCan the holiday season be truly joyous without the shadow of substance temptation? Join me, Steve Bisson, as we explore the compelling differences between sobriety and recovery—two paths often confused but profoundly distinct. I'll guide you through the layered complexities of maintaining a sober lifestyle during the holidays. With gatherings aplenty, learn why the 12-step programs of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous might just be the lifeline you—or someone you love—needs. Through community and shared experiences, find out how recovery transforms lives, offering not just abstinence but a supportive structure to thrive amidst holiday challenges.Your journey to lasting recovery is not one you must undertake alone. In this episode, I emphasize the vital role of allies, those who stand by you as you navigate the tumultuous waters of addiction recovery. Learn how establishing clear personal boundaries and leveraging resources like therapy and support groups can reinforce your resolve. With insights from our upcoming guest, Daniel Gospardek, prepare to empower yourself and others on this transformative path. Whether you're in recovery or a supportive ally, this conversation offers the insights and encouragement needed to navigate the season with resilience and hope.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

We talk with Dr. Judith Smith, who has researched and written about the difficulties of parenting adult children with addiction and other mental health challenges. We talk about what she has learned, how this interfaces with what we know about addiction in families, and how to find your way through these challenges. Special Guest: Judith Smith, PhD.

The alcoholic suffers from a spiritual malady, or so it says in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. What does that mean? And how can we change it? And how do we build and improve on that spiritual connection?    This week, we're talking all about the spiritual connection, a topic inspired by the amazing warstory from Bill. Bill was the son of an alcoholic and grew up without a father. When his alcohol got out of control he said his first honest prayer and never drank a drop again. But, the alcohol was keeping him from being restless, irritable and discontent. And without it, it was only a matter of life, once again, became unmanageable. Tune into to hear what life is like for Bill today.    Thanks Bill, for sharing your story!   Follow Bill on IG at @billwardlife and check out The UDR Podcast for more of Bill and his guests as they share their experience, strength and hope.   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theudrcast-uncover-discover-recover-recovering-from/id1527228025    https://open.spotify.com/show/5AtslrRJkXEf2oPTjEKGUy Check out our sponsors. By supporting them, you help support the show and keep us bringing new stories with more and more hope and inspiration.  ===========================================================  ☕Brainwashed Coffee https://www.brainwashedcoffeeco.com/ Discount code: otherside

THE GUIDANCE OF AA's WORLD AFFAIRS This Episode of Walking Through the Language of the Heart (Episode #89) delves into the evolution of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), focusing on its leadership structure, the role of non-alcoholic trustees, and the spiritual foundations that guide the fellowship. The Monty and Chris reflect on the historical context of AA, the importance of service and responsibility, and the challenges of navigating change within the organization. They emphasize the significance of humility and personal growth in recovery, while also drawing parallels between the cycles of recovery and broader societal changes. The discussion concludes with a message of gratitude and the ongoing commitment to the principles of AA. #higherpower #aa #na #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #addiction #bigbook

Welcome to season 4, episode 11 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. In this episode Patty shares about some very challenging times in her life including when she was a stay at home Mom who was suddenly left by her then husband leaving her with two little girls and no income coming in . She talks about all the ways she lifted herself up to continue to ensure that her and her children were able to not just keep the lights on but thrive. She rejoined the workforce and after a few roles working for others, she opened an empanada shop and then with some support opened a restaurant. She found love 12 years ago and was married over a year ago. Now, she is thriving as a real estate agent working for nest seekers a game changing firm in the rapidly expanding global real estate marketplace. During Covid she started seeing a significant change in the way her youngest daughter was acting. From marijuana cards to much stronger drugs Patty has had to watch as her daughter struggled through some very difficult times always being there to support her with love, tough love, and honesty. Now, Patty is using her voice to share her experience with other parents who may be going through these same challenges. If you or someone you know is dealing with addiction there is help and ongoing support for you. Alcoholics Anonymous - aa.org, Narcotics Anonymous - usa.na.org or contact Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services hotline: 800-662-h-e-l-p. For those in need know that there is hope and help available.Please subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube Channel and also please place a review on Apple Podcasts - we are streaming on most streaming platforms and episodes have been downloaded in 833 cities around the globe. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Have a great week everyone. 

It doesn't matter where you're from, what your background is or who your mom is, if you're an alcoholic, odds are you've said a prayer or two. We don't always know who or what we're saying it to but there is something about it that we naturally turn to in times of need. So what is the power of prayer? Let's talk about it.    This week's topic was inspired by an amazing warstory from Kelsie! Kelsie grew up sheltered but found her way into hardcore drugs through the way of pain pills after a series of accidents. After losing custody of her children and facing some hard charges, she was forced to sober up courtesy of the state. Though bitter at first, she can now see just how much this saved her life and is grateful for it.    Listen to her story and hear her talk about her own journey with prayer, becoming a believer and the role it plays in her recovery.   Thank you, Kelsie, for sharing your story!    For more information on Recovering Addict, visit https://www.recoveringaddict.org/ Check out our sponsors. By supporting them, you help support the show and keep us bringing new stories with more and more hope and inspiration.  ===========================================================  ☕Brainwashed Coffee https://www.brainwashedcoffeeco.com/ Discount code: otherside

We look at what to expect when you or someone you love leaves treatment. We talk about what you should do to prepare before discharge, what to do immediately after, and how to prepare for long term recovery.

Southern Comfort. It's the first drink Scott ever had. He was 14 and remembers it clearly. When he was 16 he started smoking marijuana and it wasn't long before he moved on to meth, hallucinogens and cocaine and referred to himself as an "unlicensed pharmacist". Scott's heavy drinking and drug use wasn't recreational, it was a way of life. He felt invincible. Until he hit the proverbial brick wall when he was 30. When suicide didn't work, he went into rehab. From there his life started to turn around and he has done many things in that time including writing a book, and spearheading many community and recovery-centered organizations. He should soon commemorate 40 years of sobriety.Reco12 is all about exploring the common threads of addiction and sharing tools and hope from those on a similar path. We gather from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and places to learn and support one another. Our speakers represent various fellowships, addictions, and afflictions, thus showing the common threads of recovery, no matter our addiction or affliction.Reco12 values your support in carrying out our 12th Step mission, providing essential resources for addicts and their loved ones. We welcome contributions to cover Zoom, podcast, web hosting, and administrative costs. Become a Reco12 Spearhead by becoming a monthly donor at https://www.reco12.com/support. For one-time donations, you can use PayPal at https://www.paypal.me/reco12 or Venmo at @Reco-Twelve or with Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/Reco12Spearheads  Your support makes a meaningful impact – thank you!Resources from this meeting:Books by Scott SilvermanAlcoholics AnonymousIf you would like to get in contact with Scott, please send an email request to reco12pod@gmail.com .Outro music is "Truth and Reconciliation" written and performed by James Carrington and used with full permission of James Carrington.  To learn more about this music and performer, please visit https://www.jamescarrington.net/ and https://m.facebook.com/jamescarringtonmusic Support the showPrivate Facebook GroupInstagram PageBecome a Reco12 Spearhead (Monthly Supporter)PatreonPayPalVenmo: @Reco-TwelveYouTube ChannelReco12 WebsiteEmail: reco12pod@gmail.com to join WhatsApp GroupReco12 Shares PodcastReco12 Shares Record a Share LinkReco12 Noodle It Out with Nikki M PodcastReco12 Big Book Roundtable Podcast

This week on Dopey! We had the absolutely sweetest guest ever - filmmaker and Breathe Life Healing Center Regional LGBTQIA+ Outreach Representative - Brian Whisenant! Straight out of Mississippi and the Dopey Nation, Brian came to my dad's house to tell his insane tell of Meth Addiction, crazy chem sex, and heart breaking trauma! Brian's journey is one of the dopiest ever told! PLUS lots of nitrous, recovery and dumb shit! Plus loads of dumb shit including a 'sex sling! Loads of debauchery, heart break and recovery in the latesrt new episode of the good old Dopey show!     Summary: Brian Wisnand shares his personal story of growing up gay in Mississippi, experiencing molestation and rape, and the impact it had on his sexuality and addiction. He discusses the importance of addressing trauma and the stigma surrounding it. Brian also talks about his movie, which explores his experiences and the journey of healing and recovery. David Manheim shares his experience with meth addiction and the connection between meth use and sex parties in the gay community. In this final part of the conversation, Brian discusses his experience with sex parties and the fusion of drugs and sex. He talks about his struggles with meth addiction and his transition to using Adderall. Brian also reflects on his relationship with his mother and the challenges of coming out as gay. He shares his thoughts on Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and the importance of honesty in recovery. The conversation concludes with Brian discussing his short film, Wrath Mercy, and his hopes for its release. KeywordsBrian Wisnand, Mississippi, gay, molestation, rape, trauma, addiction, healing, recovery, movie, meth addiction, sex parties, gay community, recovery, psychosis, sex parties, meth addiction, Adderall, coming out, Narcotics Anonymous, honesty in recovery, short film Takeaways Growing up gay in Mississippi in the 90s was challenging due to the lack of understanding and acceptance. Brian experienced molestation and rape by an older man, which had a profound impact on his understanding of his own sexuality. The trauma and confusion surrounding the abuse contributed to Brian's addiction and disassociation. Addressing and sharing his story has been a crucial part of Brian's healing and recovery journey. The stigma surrounding trauma and the need for open conversations and support are highlighted in Brian's experiences. Meth addiction can lead to engaging in risky sexual behavior, such as participating in sex parties. The use of meth in the gay community is more common compared to other communities. Meth use can lead to psychosis and paranoia, causing individuals to have distorted perceptions and beliefs. Recovery from meth addiction often involves addressing underlying trauma and patterns of behavior. The intertwined nature of meth use and sex parties can create a cycle of seeking pleasure and escape. Brian shares his experiences with sex parties and the fusion of drugs and sex He discusses his struggles with meth addiction and his transition to using Adderall Brian reflects on his relationship with his mother and the challenges of coming out as gay He emphasizes the importance of honesty in recovery and shares his thoughts on Narcotics Anonymous (NA) The conversation concludes with Brian discussing his short film, Wrath Mercy, and his hopes for its release Titles The Impact of Trauma on Sexuality and Addiction Navigating the Challenges of Growing Up Gay in Mississippi The Impact of Meth Use on Mental Health and Perception The Cycle of Seeking Pleasure and Escape in Meth Addiction The Power of Honesty in Recovery Coming Out and Navigating Relationships Sound Bites "I was molested like a lot of people like when I was 15 years old" "I didn't even know what rape was. I didn't know what any of these things were." "I got triggered. Not triggered to use, but triggered to be traumatized." "Why do some drug addicts live and some don't?" "There may be a video of me out there wearing a wrestling outfit" "I remember saying, 'Are you a homosexual?'" "Sniffy's like, why did I even bring that up?" "Sniffy's has sex parties" "You unfuse meth, sex, and technology" Chapters 00:00Introduction: Brian Wisnand's Story 30:17Growing Up Gay in Mississippi 38:09Trauma and its Impact 43:38Addressing Trauma and Healing 46:00The Connection Between Meth Addiction and Sex Parties 54:25Addressing Sexual Identity and Coming Out 01:05:34The Gay Pillowcase Story 01:19:16The Impact of Meth Use on Behavior 01:22:39The Role of Technology in Meth Use and Sex Parties 01:27:27The Intertwined Nature of Meth Use and Sexual Behavior 01:28:54Exploring the World of Sex Parties and Drug Use 01:33:13From Meth Addiction to Adderall: Brian's Journey 01:38:27Coming Out and Navigating Relationships 01:45:13The Power of Honesty in Recovery 01:49:59Wrath Mercy: Brian's Short Film and Future Plans AI show notes are experimental. Did you find them useful?

In this episode of the Dopey Podcast, David Manheim discusses his recent experiences and travels, including a political tribunal in the Philippines. He also talks about his struggles with sleep and the importance of having a sponsor in recovery. The conversation touches on serious topics such as addiction, racism, and human rights abuses, but is infused with David's signature humor. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss their experiences with addiction, rehab, and politics. They share personal stories and anecdotes, including their interactions with famous individuals. They also touch on topics such as the Biden family, the future of the economy, and the state of American politics. The conversation is filled with humor, sarcasm, and candid reflections on their own journeys. In this part of the conversation, David and Brace discuss their experiences with different drugs, including ketamine, Ibogaine, ayahuasca, LSD, mushrooms, ecstasy, and heroin. They share personal anecdotes and preferences, highlighting the effects and experiences they had with each substance. They also touch on the topic of God and spirituality, with Brace expressing his skepticism and David sharing his belief in a higher power. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted game of choosing between two options. In this final part of the conversation, David and Chris discuss the challenges of answering questions about drug use during treatment intake calls. They also explore how to find the right therapist and the importance of the therapeutic relationship. They touch on topics such as spiritual trauma, the different age groups and substance use patterns, and the potential dangers of new drugs like kratom. The conversation ends with David sharing his recent cravings and Aurora joining in for a brief chat. KeywordsDopey Podcast, addiction, recovery, sleep issues, politics, Philippines, racism, human rights abuses, addiction, rehab, politics, Biden family, economy, American politics, drugs, ketamine, Ibogaine, ayahuasca, LSD, mushrooms, ecstasy, heroin, God, spirituality, treatment intake calls, finding the right therapist, therapeutic relationship, spiritual trauma, age groups and substance use, new drugs, cravings Takeaways David shares his recent experiences and travels, including a political tribunal in the Philippines. He discusses his struggles with sleep and the importance of having a sponsor in recovery. The conversation touches on serious topics such as addiction, racism, and human rights abuses. David's humor adds a lighthearted touch to the conversation. Rehab romances can be complicated and often lead to relapse The hosts express their disillusionment with the current political landscape They discuss the need for radical changes in the economy and society The conversation highlights the challenges and guilt associated with addiction and recovery The hosts share personal stories and anecdotes, providing a candid and humorous perspective on their experiences Different drugs have different effects and experiences, and individuals may have different preferences and reactions to them. Personal anecdotes can provide insight into the experiences and effects of various substances. Beliefs about God and spirituality can vary among individuals, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Engaging in lighthearted games and discussions can add a fun element to conversations. Answering questions about drug use during treatment intake calls can be challenging and may require balancing honesty with potential consequences. When looking for a therapist, it's important to consider what you're looking for and ask questions about their approach and theoretical orientation. Spiritual trauma can be a real issue for individuals who have experienced a disconnection from their faith or culture. Substance use patterns can vary across different age groups, with alcohol being more prevalent among older individuals and fentanyl/methamphetamine among younger individuals. New drugs like kratom can present unique challenges, and it's important to consider the potential risks and lack of quality control. Cravings for drugs can still arise even after years of recovery, and it's important to utilize support systems and coping strategies to navigate these urges. Titles The Importance of Having a Sponsor in Recovery From Political Tribunals to Sleep Issues: David's Recent Experiences Rehab Romances and the Challenges of Recovery Disillusionment with the Current Political Landscape The Skepticism and Belief in God A Lighthearted Game of Choosing Between Options Managing Cravings and Urges in Recovery Substance Use Patterns Across Different Age Groups Sound Bites "Welcome to another episode of Dopey, the podcast on drugs, addiction, and dumb shit." "None of us are alone when we're together." "I love coming back." "I just want to be accountable to the dopey audience right now." "I'm going to break it to you, Dave. I don't think he wants to do the show." "I think a lot of people understand right now there's a shift happening, uh, in when it comes to technology, when it comes to the economy, that is, is something like the industrial revolution." "Anytime I ever heard a description of Ibogaine, I would rather have diarrhea for four days in like a detox surrounded by a bunch of crack heads than like a shaman." "One of my favorite things was being on MDMA and heroin at the same time. It's like one of the greatest combinations. It probably rules. It's not talked about enough." "I believe in the power of human beings working together in a concerted effort to help other human beings." "Treatment what you know had I been to treatment ones the last time I went to treatment whatever whatever Nora gets in the car and the next question is How much cocaine were you using?" "Well, are you in any kind of ongoing group? Like, are you a member of Narcotics Anonymous? I was like, lady, it's fucking anonymous. I'm not gonna tell you on the phone." "How would you advise a horrible drug addict on how to answer that? Let's have this be the first ask a therapist question. You're coming up on nine years of abstinence." Chapters 00:00Introduction and Dopey Podcast Theme Song 11:54The Importance of Having a Sponsor in Recovery 42:48Addiction, Rehab, and Personal Reflections 48:33Disillusionment with Politics and the Economy 54:56Hunter Biden's Behavior and Self-Sabotage 01:06:39A Listener's Journey through Alcoholism and Rehab 01:19:16Unconventional Solutions and Rehab Romances 01:25:18Exploring Different Drugs and Personal Experiences 01:32:27A Lighthearted Game of Choosing Between Options 02:07:52Navigating Questions About Drug Use During Treatment Intake Calls 02:13:11Finding the Right Therapist: Considerations and Questions to Ask 02:19:51Exploring Spiritual Trauma and its Impact on Recovery 02:27:01The Rise of New Drugs: Understanding the Challenges of Kratom 02:34:55Managing Cravings and Urges in Recovery