I’m going to interview people who have had family members or friends battling alcohol addiction and the effects of had in their life. Cover art photo provided by Ian Espinosa on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@greystorm
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Recovery in the Middle Ages - Two Middle-Aged Suburban Dads Talk About Recovering From Addiction to Drugs & Alcohol.
Recovery in the Middle Ages
Mike and Nat are two middle-aged suburban dads wrestling with addiction and recovery while trying to juggle home life, work, and staying sober. Listen as they discuss current topics in the recovery community including 12 Step, alternative addiction recovery and the newest medical research . Listen to the guys talk about their daily struggle to maintain their recovery and anonymity in the world of soccer moms and PTA meetings. If the neighbors only knew...
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SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT - Sober Living, Sobriety, Addiction Recovery, Emotional Sobriety, Alcohol Free
Felicia Hermle
Are you stuck in the rut of addiction looking for some hope for change? Or are you already in recovery but struggling with your emotional sobriety & feeling anxious about whether or not you’re doing this life thing right? Are you a self-proclaimed perfectionist constantly worried about what others think of you? Do you feel childhood and family patterns repeating themselves in your marriage or relationships? Did the pink cloud fade a long time ago only to be replaced with the restlessness, ir ...
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Episode 140: The US of AA, Rethinking Addiction One Step at a Time In this long-awaited episode of RMA, we give our take on Joe Miller's 2017 book, US of AA: How the Twelve Steps Hijacked the Science of Alcoholism. We discuss AA’s influence on addiction treatment and its implications for health policy, exploring the complex interplay between scienc…
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Episode 139: Hillbilly Elegy-Rust Belt Realities and the Opioid Odyssey Hey everyone! Remember us? Our last episode may have dropped on May 21st, but we promise we haven't been lost in the Middle Ages. We've been busy jesters, juggling our balls and brewing up some epic content! We're thrilled to be back. Thanks for sticking with us. In this first …
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Peeling Back Labels: Redefining Identity and Stigma in Recovery and Mental Health & The Dog Silencer's Revenge
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Peeling Back Labels: Redefining Identity and Stigma in Recovery and Mental Health On this week’s show we take a look at the complex interplay between labeling, identity, and stigma in addiction recovery. This episode, inspired by a critical look at mental health interventions for teenagers, examines similar issues within substance abuse treatment. …
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58 | Is This the End for Sobriety Checkpoint? Hear Why Felicia's Farewell Is Just the Start of Something Bigger!
9:39
In this farewell-for-now episode of Sobriety Checkpoint, I reflect on the journey of hosting this podcast and how it has been a vessel of growth and learning in both my personal and professional life. As a sober mom and therapist who has navigated the complexities of mental health, spirituality, and sobriety, I've been blessed to share insights and…
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High Time for Change: Cannabis Rescheduling and Its Impact on Recovery In this episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, we explore a significant shift in cannabis legislation, focusing on the historical journey of cannabis from a Schedule I to a proposed Schedule III substance. We explore the reasons behind this reclassification, the evolving percep…
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57 | Felt Hopeless in Sobriety? Hear How LL Kirchner's Life Journey Sparked a Bestselling Memoir!
21:08
Welcome to another episode of Sobriety Checkpoint, where we explore the intersections of sobriety, mental health, and personal growth. In today's episode, I'm thrilled to have LL Kirchner join us to share her powerful journey of sober living and overcoming significant life challenges. LL is a celebrated author with extensive experience in grappling…
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RMA 136: Reel Recovery: Critiquing 'Intervention' and Exploring Addiction Genetics" In this week’s episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, we delve into the widely popular TV show 'Intervention.' We'll discuss both the praise and criticism it has received over the years, exploring how it portrays addiction and the recovery process. Does the show of…
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56 | (Part 2 with guest Matt Scoletti) Ever Been Hammered at a Family Event? Discover How Matt Scoletti Turned His Embarrassing Concert Chaos into Triumphant Sobriety!
27:54
In this heartfelt episode of Sobriety Checkpoint, I explore the riveting continuation of Matt Scoletti's journey through sobriety. Matt opens up about the challenges he faced while grappling with the temptation to drink, despite being an active competitor in endurance sports. Shedding light on mental health and sober living, we navigate through his…
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Dropping Acid at Drivers Ed & Staying Calm and Connected: Navigating Sobriety in Turbulent Times
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Episode 135: Calm and Connected: Navigating Sobriety in Turbulent Times In this episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, we wrestle with the critical topics of stress management and the dangers of isolation in sobriety. We explore practical strategies for maintaining emotional and mental balance through stress-busting techniques tailored for those i…
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55 | Part 1: Facing your True Self and Finding Kokoro: Can It Spark a Life Revolution? Hear How One Man's Reflection Ignited an Unbelievable Transformation! Special Guest: Matt Scoletti
27:11
Welcome back to another compelling episode of Sobriety Checkpoint, where we explore the multifaceted journey of sober living, all through the lens of mental health, spirituality, and the power of storytelling. I'm elated to introduce you to Matt Scoletti, an individual who exemplifies the transformation that can occur when we wholeheartedly commit …
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54 I Think You Need Booze to Be Confident? Learn How Sobriety Unleashes True Self-Esteem and Passion with guest Karolina Rzadkowolska
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Welcome to "Sobriety Checkpoint," where we navigate the complexities of leading a sober lifestyle. In episode 54, we invite you to join me and my special guest Karolina Rzadkowolska. This episode touches on mental health, the transformative power of sobriety, and the pursuit of a purpose-driven life. Listen in as we explore Karolina's personal jour…
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53 | No Matter How Far Down the Scale We Have Gone, We Will See How Our Experience Can Benefit Others
29:04
Transforming Through the Darkness: A Journey of Sobriety and Spiritual Renewal This episode unveils upcoming changes to focus more on storytelling. Felicia discusses the power of storytelling in recovery, her transition from therapy to coaching, and her plans to launch a YouTube channel for therapists. She reads and reflects on The Promises from th…
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Oh-Oh-Oh Ozempic for Addiction Recovery? Naltrexone-Like Craving Suppressant is Sweeping the Recovery Community
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Semiglutides in Sobriety: A New Frontier in Addiction Recovery? In this week’s episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, we delve into the groundbreaking realm of semiglutide medications, such as Ozempic, and their emerging role in addiction treatment. As science advances, so does our understanding of how these drugs not only aid in weight loss, but …
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In this powerful episode, I'm joined by my husband, Geoff, to celebrate his 13th sobriety birthday. Geoff opens up about his journey from a tumultuous past of addiction and alcoholism to finding peace and sobriety through faith, perseverance, and seeking the support of the recovery program. We explore the raw and emotional moments that led to Geoff…
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51 | Never Hear Desperation the Same Way Again! The Unexpected Gift That Led to Transformation in Sobriety.
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Hey there, sobriety warriors! In this episode, I take a unique approach by revisiting the early days of my recovery journey and sharing how I turned to literature, including the big book and the Bible, for guidance. I discuss the transformative power of the twelve steps and the profound impact they've had on my life, as well as the concept of the "…
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Prop 110 Collapses Under the Weight of Its Absurdity: Oregon's Legalization Experiment and the Nationwide Impact on Recovery
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RMA 133: The Prop 110 Debacle: A Deep Dive into Oregon's Legalization Experiment and the Nationwide Impact on Recovery We are BACK! This week, we delve into the recent repeal of Proposition 110 in Oregon—a pivotal move that has sparked extensive debate and concern within the recovery community. We’ll explore how Oregon's challenges with drug legali…
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50 | Is Sobriety Just About Quitting Drinking? The Hidden Keys to Living an Inspired, Fulfilling Life!
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In today's episode of Sobriety Checkpoint, we reflect on inspiration and the journey toward sobriety, diving into the principles of the twelve step program and how they have impacted my life. The passing of my grandfather has prompted deep contemplation on family, connection, and intentionality, reminding me to be more present and deliberate in my …
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49 | Are you investing time in spiritual growth? The importance of faith in recovery. Seek, and you will find
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In today's soulful episode of Sobriety Checkpoint, join your host Felicia Hermle as she opens her heart and shares her personal reflections on the complex interplay between faith, religion, and the pursuit of a Higher Power. With almost 13 years of sobriety and a deep passion for spiritual seeking, Felicia invites you into an intimate conversation …
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48 | Fourth Step Inventory - Does the asset inventory make you uncomfortable? Let's talk about confidence in recovery
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In this inspiring episode of Sobriety Checkpoint, we welcome you to a journey of self-discovery and affirmation with your host, Felicia Hermle. Today, she delves into the transformative practice of crafting a positive inventory, drawing wisdom from Kevin Griffin's "One Breath at a Time," a book that integrates Buddhism with the twelve steps. Felici…
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Alysse Bryson, Founder + CEO of The Sober Curator, is a strong woman in recovery, an innovative media maven, marketing guru, and gal about town. With 17+ years of consistent sobriety, this sober gal has a humorous outlook on life and a fierce determination to succeed. The back of Alysse’s baseball card highlights 25 years of traditional media, with…
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47 I Part 2 - Special Guest: Marci Hopkins - Break free from the chaos of mommy wine culture
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In this heartfelt continuation of Sobriety Checkpoint, host Felicia Hermle rejoins Marci Hopkins for part two of her poignant narrative, following the release of her book "Chaos to Clarity: Seeing the Signs and Breaking the Cycles." If you missed the beginning of Marci's story, rewind to episode 46 for an introduction to her gripping tale of addict…
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46 I Special Guest: Marci Hopkins - Do you look forward to that 5pm glass of wine? Break free from the chaos of mommy wine culture
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In this profoundly moving episode of Sobriety Checkpoint, host Felicia Hermle welcomes Marcy Hopkins, author of "Chaos to Clarity: Seeing the Signs and Breaking the Cycles"—a compelling narrative that resonates with anyone battling the challenges of sobriety and motherhood. As Felicia opens up about the visceral impact of Marcy's words, we're invit…
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Suki Jones Joins us to discuss her book "Sea, Swallow Me," and Her Journey Through Abuse, Addiction, Pain and Redemption
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RMA 132: The Suki Jones Interview Join us this week on RMA, where we engage in a candid conversation with Suki Jones, author of the addiction and recovery memoir "Sea, Swallow Me." Suki takes us through her personal journey, detailing her experiences with drug addiction while juggling the responsibilities of motherhood and a career in modeling duri…
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45 I Are you addicted to your screen? Does it interfere with your ability to be present with your kids? Let’s turn that smart phone into a dumb phone!
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In this episode of Sobriety Checkpoint, host Felicia Hermle delves into the topic of cell phone addiction and its impact on mental health, productivity, and relationships. Reflecting on her own struggles with compulsive phone use, Felicia shares her journey of making changes to her phone habits, including turning her iPhone into a "dumb phone." She…
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Nat Turns Six! Long Term Sobriety and Getting Your Marbles Back As we celebrate Nat’s remarkable milestone of six years of sobriety, we explore the personal journey of rebuilding one's identity and maintaining relationships in long-term recovery. We also discuss the challenges and triumphs of redefining oneself post-addiction, from the metaphorical…
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Hey there, in this episode of Sobriety Checkpoint, Felicia Hermle sits down with a very special guest – her husband, Geoff. Together, they open up about their personal journeys through sobriety, marriage, and spirituality. They share the ups and downs, from their time before recovery to the transformative power of faith and living one day at a time…
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Beyond the Surface: Scuba Danny’s Dive into Dry January, and Rethinking Your Own Relationship With Alcohol
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Beyond the Surface: Scuba Danny's Dive into Dry January, and Rethinking Your Own Relationship With Alcohol In our first episode of 2024 Mike sits down with his old pal Scuba Danny. Danny, currently navigating the waters of Dry January, shares his candid experiences and reflections on this temporary voyage of abstinence, despite having no plans to g…
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43 I Navigating Mental Health and Relationships: Setting Intentions for 2024 and Embracing Community
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In this episode of Sobriety Checkpoint, host Felicia Hermle shares a heartfelt reflection on family, memories, and gratitude as she ushers in the new year. As she recounts the busy holiday season spent with loved ones and caring for her children, she also delves into her grandmother's poignant writings and the valuable lessons she's learned from th…
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Today, I'm joined by J.P. Cifelli, who shares the significance of his routine in physical fitness, meditation, spirituality, and his professional pursuits, highlighting therapy's role in maintaining mental health. We'll discuss moving past resolutions and embracing the power of showing up in our daily lives. Together, we'll tackle the idea of balan…
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In this episode of Sobriety Checkpoint, host Felicia Hermle sits down with Tee Ballin, a guest who shares his powerful and raw journey from prison to recovery. Tee opens up about his struggles with addiction, hitting rock bottom, and finding his way back to sobriety through faith and the support of his twelve-step program. His honesty and authentic…
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Deck the Halls with Hope and Healing: The RMA Christmas Recovery Special Welcome to the RMA Christmas Special! Join us as we dive into the spirit of the season while continuing to plumb the outer limits of the recovery universe for content and laughs. We play some listener voice-mails, tell a few bad jokes, and reflect on the ghosts of Christmases …
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40 I Frank Somerville (PART 2): the raw and real story of overcoming addiction and finding peace
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Welcome back to Sobriety Checkpoint! In this episode, we delve into part two of Frank Somerville's powerful story of recovery and transformation. . Frank Somerville is a five time Emmy award winning former main anchor for KTVU in the Bay Area. During the course of his career he witnessed two executions at San Quentin Prison, watched an autopsy, fle…
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Breaking Balls and Beliefs: Unpacking Dock Ellis’ LSD No-Hitter and Discussing the Outer Limits of Harm Reduction
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Breaking Balls and Beliefs: Unpacking Dock Ellis' LSD No-Hitter and Discussing the Outer Limits of Harm Reduction In this week’s episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, Mike and Nat dive into the remarkable world of MJB pitcher Dock Ellis with a review of "No No: A Dockumentary." This episode takes a closer look at Ellis's infamous no-hitter while …
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39 | Frank Somerville (PART 1): the raw and real story of overcoming addiction and finding peace
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In this episode of Sobriety Checkpoint, we are joined by Frank Somerville, who shares his powerful story of addiction, recovery, and personal transformation. . Frank Somerville is a five time Emmy award winning former main anchor for KTVU in the Bay Area. During the course of his career he witnessed two executions at San Quentin Prison, watched an …
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Episode 127: Cult-ivating Sobriety- Reviewing Love Has Won and it’s Boozy Leader In this week’s episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, Mike and Nat do an in-depth review of the documentary "Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God," now streaming on Max. Our hosts explore the captivating and often troubling world of the Love Has Won cult, discussing t…
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38 | Janice Dowd (PART 2) Repairing the Damage: Rebuilding Family Relationships in Recovery from Addiction
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Welcome back to Sobriety Checkpoint! In this powerful episode, we continue our conversation with Janice Dowd, a licensed master social worker, author, speaker, recovering alcoholic, and mother. Join our host, Felicia Hermle, as she delves into Janice's journey from addiction to recovery, focusing on the important topic of repairing the bonds of fam…
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37 | Janice Dowd (PART 1) From Addiction to Recovery: Repairing the Bonds of Family and Self
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Welcome back to Sobriety Checkpoint, the podcast that explores the journey of sobriety and recovery. In today's episode, we have a special guest joining us, Janice Dowd, a licensed master social worker, author, speaker, and most importantly, a recovering alcoholic and mother to four children. Janice shares her powerful story of late-in-life drinkin…
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Have an Attitude of Gratitude -The RMA Thanksgiving Special! How to Stay Sober this Holiday
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Episode 126: An Attitude of Gratitude-The RMA Thanksgiving Special! Just in time for Thanksgiving, RMA brings you a special episode focused on gratitude. As we approach the festive time, it's important to remember the role of gratitude in our recovery journey. In this episode, we do a deep dive into understanding the power of thankfulness and its t…
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36 | Do you struggle with asking others for help? I do too, and in this episode, I’m asking you for your help to make this podcast relevant to your sobriety journey
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I think it’s really normal in our culture to struggle with asking for help. We’re supposed to do it all, wear all the hats and do everything perfectly. We’re supposed to know how to do it even though we never got the instruction manual. There is no instruction manual for life or for parenting. In this episode I’m asking for your help. I want to mak…
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Episode 125: Recovery News Roundup: Sober Companions, Xylazine Alert, Poly-Addiction Trends and the West Coast Monkster Mash! It’s an extended version of Recovery in the News! We kick off the discussion with an look into the concept of sober companions and their growing importance in the journey towards sobriety, (if you have enough money). The con…
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35 | Do you have a hard time being present with your kids now that you’re sober? The power of being a present parent, with Steffen Eidem
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Steffen is a certified life coach, devoted father, passionate about life and nature, love and kindness. He has always wanted to help people and now as a life coach he can focus on helping other parents have a more loving and fulfilling relationship with themselves. Outside of coaching and other work, he loves spending time with his daughter. He lov…
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34 | (PART 2) Attachment - Learning how to become more secure in your relationships with Thais Gibson
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Thais Gibson joins me today on an episode about The Power of the Subconscious Mind. In this 2-part series, we discuss attachment theory, attachment styles, and how to become more secure in your relationships. Thais Gibson is a Ph.D. candidate with over 13 certifications in modalities such as CBT, NLP, somatic experiencing, internal family systems, …
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33 | (PART 1) Attachment - Learning how to become more secure in your relationships with Thais Gibson
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Thais Gibson joins me today on an episode about The Power of the Subconscious Mind. In this 2-part series, we discuss attachment theory, attachment styles, and how to become more secure in your relationships. Thais Gibson is a Ph.D. candidate with over 13 certifications in modalities such as CBT, NLP, somatic experiencing, internal family systems, …
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A Monkster’s Tale: Zed’s Journey from Cannabis to Clarity - Breaking the Chains of Addiction
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Episode 124: A Monkster's Tale: Zed's Journey from Cannabis to Clarity This week Mike and Nat welcome Zed to the podcast to tell his story of his weed and alcohol addiction, and his recovery through the 12 steps. Zed began smoking weed and drinking in college and things quickly got out of hand. A speeding arrest, coupled with the impending arrival …
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On today’s episode, Stewart Lee is back for another Morning Meditation. Today’s reading is from Alcoholics Anonymous, Daily Reflections for October 5: Yesterday’s Baggage. **It’s time for that desperately sought after solo Target run.. Grab your keys and let’s go for a drive... There’s no judgment (or breathalyzer) at this Sobriety Checkpoint.** . …
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Episode 123: RMA Interview: Dave Smith-The Dharma of Addiction and Recovery This week Mike and Nat welcome Dave Smith to the podcast to discuss Buddhism, recovery, and the dharma of your life. Dave is an internationally recognized Buddhist meditation teacher, addiction treatment specialist, and published author. His background is rooted in the Insi…
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31 | (PART 2) Lessons from 28 years of sobriety - Gregg Champion, founder of START UP RECOVERY, talks about how a nice white boy who went to private school ends up facing 5 years in prison
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GREGG CHAMPION Gregg Champion, a TEDx speaker and former branding expert, has worked with top consumer brands (Gap, Mattel, Doritos, Pokemon, NIKE), major television networks (NBC, FOX, and Fox Sports), and professional sports teams during the first 15 years of his career. He now focuses his energy on selective start-up ventures as an entrepreneur,…
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Sober October Survival Guide & A Local Fentanyl, Crack, Heroin, Stolen Car, Shootout and Cocaine Drug Bust!
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Episode 122: Recovery 101-Sober October and Other Scary Recovery Concepts It’s back to basics this week, as Mike and Nat talk about how to have a successful Sober October and how to use the popular challenge as a way to springboard forward into a more lasting recovery. Also, Nat is back from Dopey Con IV and he gives a full report, and Mike takes t…
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30 | (PART 1) Lessons from 28 years of sobriety - Gregg Champion, founder of START UP RECOVERY, talks about “SLOW-briety”, his addiction recovery journey and shifting addiction to passion
24:10
Gregg Champion, a TEDx speaker and former branding expert, has worked with top consumer brands (Gap, Mattel, Doritos, Pokemon, NIKE), major television networks (NBC, FOX, and Fox Sports), and professional sports teams during the first 15 years of his career. He now focuses his energy on selective start-up ventures as an entrepreneur, advisor, educa…
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Recovery Grab-Bag! Faith, Complacency, Self-Centeredness and MORE -Hoarding Your Addiction Like Smaug
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Episode 121: Recovery Gold-Hoarding Your Addiction Mike and Nat dig deep into the recovery topic token bag and pull out some conversation starters. Is there a positive way to look at self-centeredness? Do you need faith and spiritual awakenings to recover? How is the recovery journey like the plot of the Hobbit? We also catch up with Ryan and read …
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