recovery matters podcast

In this raw and deeply personal conversation, previously recorded on 2/6/24, Sandy and Phil Valentine openly discuss Phil's cancer diagnosis and the impact it is having on their lives. As Phil is preparing to start chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin's B Cell Lymphoma, they reflect on their experiences of Phil's previous bout with cancer in 2010. Sandy expresses her struggle with seeing her partner in pain again while Phil shares his contemplation on death, revealing spiritual questions and emotional fears. The couple discusses the importance of kindness, community and maintaining a strong support system. Through it all, they highlight the importance of recovery and their faith, reiterating their determination to stay resilient against cancer. 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 00:06 Reflecting on Past Experiences with Cancer 01:35 Dealing with Emotions and Anger 02:27 Facing a New Diagnosis: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma 05:07 Understanding the Medical Process and Delays 05:44 Navigating the Healthcare System 07:54 Contemplating Mortality and the Afterlife 08:44 Facing the Possibility of Death 14:31 Dealing with Anger and Emotional Changes 18:18 Understanding the Treatment Regimen 18:46 The Four Quadrants of Health 21:16 The Role of Art in Coping 24:20 Facing Chemotherapy 30:34 The Impact on Family 33:00 The Power of Kindness 34:55 Coming to Terms with the Unknown

In this riveting episode, Jesse shares his tumultuous journey from incarceration to recovery. With multiple stints in prison and unsuccessful treatments, he found himself at the crossroads of life when his brother faced a life-threatening accident. Forced to confront the reality of his choices, Jesse took the difficult path towards self-improvement, personal growth, and healing. Now a recovery coach at Teen Challenge, he offers an unflinching look at the struggles and triumphs of fighting addiction. This episode delves into the power of community, the significance of accountability, and the profound impact of genuine transformation.

In this episode of the Recovery Matters Podcast, host Phil interviews Randy Anderson, a person living in long-term recovery since January 9, 2005. Randy is also a recovery coach and the founder of Bold North Recovery. The episode delves into Randy's journey from addiction to recovery, highlighting the significant role that law enforcement intervention played in his life. Randy shares a pivotal moment in his treatment when a counselor's challenging words ignited his determination to recover. Randy also discusses his advocacy work, particularly in the realm of drug sentencing reform. He emphasizes the racial disparities in the criminal justice system and calls for more people in recovery to get politically involved. Randy believes that the only way to bring about meaningful change is for people in recovery to have a seat at every table, or better yet, to build their own table for others to join. The episode serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of recovery and the importance of advocacy in effecting systemic change.

Nicole, a dedicated recovery coach, and advocate, shares her transformative journey through addiction, recovery, and becoming a guiding force in the lives of others. Nicole's story begins with her struggles with substance use, which led to an eventual realization of her need for change. With determination and support, she embarked on a path of recovery, facing challenges and rebuilding trust with her children along the way. Nicole's dedication to mental health and the holistic aspects of recovery is evident throughout her narrative. She emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health simultaneously with substance use treatment, sharing how she integrated coping skills and structure into her parenting style. Her commitment to her own recovery and helping others eventually led her to become a recovery coach, a role she wholeheartedly embraced. Through her coaching work, Nicole witnessed the power of mentorship and building a support system in the recovery process. She highlights the transformative impact of coaching, describing the satisfaction of seeing individuals experience relief from the grip of addiction. Nicole also discusses the significance of finding a spiritual path that resonates personally, as well as the integration of holistic modalities like reiki, meditation, and essential oils to support well-being in recovery. Nicole's story underscores the importance of perseverance, community, and embracing one's passions in the recovery journey. From battling addiction to becoming a recovery coach, she exemplifies the potential for personal growth and positive change when one commits to a life of sobriety and helping others.

In this podcast episode, Sandy and Phil interview Kathie, who shares her journey of recovery and how she helps others on their recovery paths. Kathy's story is a unique blend of personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Kathie's life took a significant turn when she became involved with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in 2010, which she credits with saving her life and changing her lifestyle. She emphasizes the transformative impact of AA's 12-step program on her life. However, Kathie also introduces her approach as a "Renegade AA person," recognizing that people in recovery need more than just the traditional 12-step approach. Kathie's work extends beyond AA meetings. She discusses her involvement with an IOP (Intensive Outpatient) treatment program at a hospital, where she provides support to individuals dealing with a variety of challenges, including alcohol and drug issues, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Kathie adapts the 12-step approach to cater to these diverse needs, integrating additional elements like yoga, meditation, and nature excursions into her methods. Kathie's past is marked by personal struggles, including dealing with her parents' divorce at a young age, which significantly impacted her sense of self and desire to please others. She describes her journey through marriages, losses, and various coping mechanisms, including alcohol and drug use. Through her own experiences, Kathie offers wisdom and advice to those seeking recovery. She encourages individuals to reach out for help before they succumb to desperate situations, emphasizing the importance of seeking support and finding healthy outlets. Kathie's dedication to helping others find their unique paths to recovery and well-being is evident in her commitment to hosting meetings, offering guidance, and fostering a sense of community. Overall, Kathie's story is one of resilience, growth, and compassion. Her approach to recovery serves as a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and individuals should explore different pathways to find what works best for them.

Corri, a harm reduction advocate, shares her journey of personal recovery from substance use and self-destructive behaviors. They discuss their role as the manager of drug user health at Nastad, a nonprofit organization focusing on harm reduction. Corri explains that Nastad operates a Technical Assistance Center for Harm Reduction, providing resources and training to support harm reduction practices for various organizations and individuals. They introduce harm reduction strategies like syringe exchange programs and safe consumption sites. Syringe exchange programs allow individuals to safely dispose of used syringes and obtain sterile ones, reducing the spread of infectious diseases and encouraging treatment. Safe consumption sites provide supervised spaces for substance use, with medical professionals present to prevent overdoses and offer resources. Phil inquires about the arguments against safe consumption sites, to which Corri emphasizes the importance of compassion and support over shame and stigma. They believe that meeting individuals where they are and providing a nonjudgmental environment can make a significant positive impact. Corri opens up about her personal recovery journey, their struggles with opioid use, and other self-destructive behaviors. They found recovery through therapy, community support, and engaging in creative activities such as yoga, aerial arts, and art journaling. Corri is open about occasional recreational substance use like marijuana and wine, which they view within a harm reduction context. They discuss their upcoming presentation at the Multiple Pathways to Recovery conference in August, where they plans to delve into harm reduction principles and how they can be incorporated into different practices. Throughout the conversation, Corri emphasizes the importance of harm reduction as a way to provide support, compassion, and resources to individuals struggling with substance use and promote their overall well-being.

Ted Perkins is a former Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Studio executive, university lecturer, public speaker, Hollywood producer, virtual reality entrepreneur, and successful working film and TV series screenwriter. He volunteers his time as an addiction and recovery YouTube personality, sobriety mentor, and has helped thousands of people on their recovery journey through his essays, videos and weekly SMART Recovery meetings. He is the author of ADDICTED in FILM: Movies We Love About the Habits We Hate and Founder/CEO of the new mutual support meeting format Recovery Movie Meet-Ups. Perkins has lived and worked in over 50 countries, and now resides in Los Angeles.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Cassandra Dorius and hosts Phil & Sandy discuss the importance of community and evidence-based practices in recovery from addiction. Dr. Dorius, who lost her brother to alcoholism, shares her personal experiences with addiction and recovery, and her work in establishing Recovery Community Centers (RCCs) in Iowa. She emphasizes the importance of creating welcoming spaces for people in recovery, and the need for flexibility and adaptability in providing support. They also discuss the impact of substance use disorders and recovery on individuals, families, and communities. They talk about the importance of considering the entire community around a person with a substance use disorder, and the ripple effects it can have on others. They also touch on the idea of recovery being contagious and how it strengthens communities. The conversation then moves on to the topic of evidence-based practices. Dr. Dorius raises the question of whether the term "evidence-based practice" has become somewhat of a throwaway phrase, and people use it without fully understanding or having actual evidence to back it up. She emphasizes the importance of being skeptical and critical of research and data, while also acknowledging the need for good governance and making decisions based on both data and common sense. Finally, the speakers touch on the impact of technology and the pandemic on young people and their need for self-medicating at younger ages. They emphasize the need to adapt interventions and practices to suit the current generation's unique challenges. This podcast episode provides a valuable overview of the complex and multifaceted nature of recovery work. It highlights the importance of community, evidence-based practices, and being mindful and adaptable in helping individuals on their recovery journey. For everything Recovery Matters Podcast, visit https://linktr.ee/recoverymatters

Taylor's story begins with her early exposure to alcohol and its social allure, leading her into a tumultuous world of partying and experimentation with drugs. As she delves into her twenties, she finds herself spiraling into codependent and abusive relationships. Despite attempts to pursue education, her life seems fragmented and lacking stability. However, amidst the chaos, Taylor's determination shines through as she takes the brave step of seeking therapy. Her therapist becomes a guiding light, helping her to unravel the complexities of her past and navigate her emotions. Taylor's journey into self-awareness and healing unfolds, setting the foundation for her recovery path. Taylor's path to recovery takes her through AA meetings and intensive outpatient programs. She shares her experiences of leveling up her drinking habits, experimenting with substances, and finally acknowledging her powerlessness over alcohol. Her dedication to therapy and AA meetings empowers her to confront her past, heal from traumas, and find a renewed sense of self-worth. As her life takes a positive turn, Taylor realizes the importance of staying connected to people in recovery, her sponsor, and supportive friends. Her spiritual condition evolves, finding solace in prayers and embracing a unique and personal relationship with a higher power. Taylor's recovery journey is further enriched by her newfound role as a mother, where she discovers the significance of faith and letting go of fears.

As a recovery coach with over six years of sobriety, Sonia Kahlon shares her personal struggles with addiction and how she found her path to healing.   Originally from Toronto, Canada, Sonia has been living in the States for 25 years. She reflects on her early experiences attending non-12-step meetings, where she initially felt disconnected from the recovery community.   Growing up as the only Indian kid in a predominantly white school, Sonia always felt like she didn't fit in, a common experience for many individuals who turn to addiction. Alcohol was introduced to her at a young age, and she vividly recalls the void it filled in her life, temporarily alleviating anxiety and discomfort. Over time, alcohol became both a social lubricant and a coping mechanism, leading to a decade-long battle with binge drinking.   Sonia's drinking escalated when she started a business after college, using alcohol to escape the pressures of work. This took a toll on her mental and physical well-being, resulting in sleepless nights and constant hangovers. Although she acknowledged the problem a few years before quitting, Sonia struggled to imagine a life without alcohol and feared missing out on experiences.   However, Sonia's perspective began to shift when she explored new interests and hobbies that she had neglected during her drinking years. By selling her business and working with incarcerated individuals and victims of sex trafficking, she discovered fulfillment in serving others. Embracing her curiosity, she reignited her passion for art and writing, using these creative outlets to express her journey of sobriety. Despite her ex-husband's lack of support, Sonia found strength and the encouragement to seek recovery on her own.   Throughout the episode, Sonia addresses the challenges she faced when her ex-husband questioned her sobriety and blamed it for their relationship issues. She recognized that his criticisms stemmed from his discomfort with her new identity as a sober person. Despite the pain caused by their breakup, Sonia firmly believes that her recovery and sobriety were not the problem. She acknowledges the transformative power of recovery in her personal growth and finding her true purpose—helping other high-functioning addicts who may struggle to identify with traditional notions of addiction. https://www.joineverblume.com/ Instagram: @joineverblume Facebook: @everblume TikTok: @EverBlume Twitter: @everblume

In this episode of the Recovery Matters Podcast, our guest Katrina opens up about her journey, starting from a young age. Growing up in a chaotic and dysfunctional household, Katrina felt invisible, yearning to be seen and heard. She found solace in substances, which initially numbed her inner demons and provided a sense of belonging. As she delves into her story, Katrina reflects on her early experiences with alcohol at the age of 11, a pivotal moment that awakened something within her. Seeking comfort and an escape from her pain, she turned to alcohol, weed, pills, and eventually more potent substances. Katrina's childhood was marked by the absence of parental guidance, as her parents divorced when she was in the third grade. Her mother struggled with alcohol addiction, while her father drank heavily. With little supervision, Katrina and her siblings navigated their upbringing independently, forming a tight-knit bond amidst the challenges they faced. Financial struggles were a constant, and the lack of parental presence left Katrina feeling unprotected and yearning for stability. Our hosts, Sandy and Phil, draw parallels from their own experiences, relating to how substances became their armor against social anxiety and allowed them to navigate the world. Despite their different backgrounds, they share the common thread of seeking solace through substance use. Sandy and Phil explore Katrina's feelings of invisibility and her ability to live in the shadows, unraveling her need for recognition and acceptance. Katrina's anger in middle school was an expression of her pent-up emotions, a manifestation of her feeling invisible and unheard. She adopted a tough persona, pushing people away and embracing a "don't care" attitude. This led to confrontations and bouts of bullying, although Katrina herself admits that she was not a skilled fighter. As the conversation progresses, Katrina's vulnerability shines through, and she reflects on her past with a mix of remorse and understanding. Through sharing her story, she aims to shed light on the complexities of addiction and the underlying pain that often drives it. Join us for this heartfelt conversation as Katrina courageously shares her journey, highlighting the power of resilience and the hope of recovery.

In this gripping podcast episode, we meet Tiffany, a 33-year-old hospital patient with a harrowing journey of addiction and resilience. Tiffany shares her story, beginning with her troubled childhood, marked by strict parenting and sexual abuse. Seeking solace outside her home, she turned to drugs and joined a gang at the age of 16. As Tiffany's drug use escalated, she experimented with various substances, including cocaine and opioids. Unaware of the risks and dangers, she became dependent on prescription medication, leading her down a destructive path. Eventually, she turned to heroin, engaging in prostitution and engaging in risky behaviors to sustain her addiction. Tiffany's life took a tragic turn when she witnessed her friend being murdered while trying to protect her. Despite this traumatic event, Tiffany couldn't break free from her addiction. Her desperation led her into a dangerous encounter where she narrowly escaped being killed herself. After countless encounters with law enforcement, hospital visits, and failed attempts at getting clean, Tiffany finally reached a turning point. On June 12th, 2022, she found herself in the hospital with a heart infection caused by drug use. This incident, coupled with her immense suffering, motivated her to seek a way out. Although Tiffany's journey is filled with darkness and despair, her story ultimately carries a message of hope and transformation. Join us as we explore Tiffany's path to recovery, her battles with mental health issues, and her quest for redemption amidst the grips of addiction. Through her raw and honest account, Tiffany sheds light on the complex nature of addiction, the depths of despair it can lead to, and the resilience and strength required to reclaim one's life. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and support in helping individuals break free from the cycle of addiction.

Prepare to be inspired as Shaun Weiss, renowned for his role as Greg Goldberg in The Mighty Ducks, joins Phil and Sandy on an episode of the captivating Recovery Matters podcast. Shaun's story is one of resilience, as he not only triumphed over addiction but also overcame homelessness and the challenges of life on the streets. Throughout this engaging conversation, he shares his path to recovery and how he continues to nurture his well-being today. Initially perplexed by the inspiration others drew from his story, he persevered in sharing it, only truly understanding its significance after encountering Matthew Perry's transformative narrative. Fueled by this newfound understanding, Shaun aspires to be the beacon of hope that Perry was to him, guiding others toward recovery. Shaun's story is one of triumph over adversity. Today, he cherishes his recovery and diligently cares for it. Prepare to be moved by Shaun's captivating tale of redemption and resilience. Join the Recovery Matters podcast to witness firsthand the indomitable spirit of someone who has reclaimed their life.

TJ, a recovery advocate and Young People And Family Services program manager at CCAR, shares his journey of overcoming addiction and finding a new career path. Topics discussed include growing up in a divorced household, experiencing drugs and alcohol for the first time, early adoption of opiates, medication-assisted treatment, Narcan accessibility, creating a supportive space for parents in recovery, and more.

This conversation centers around the challenges Tom, his wife Sheila, and their family faced in trying to help their son, Jack, recover from addiction. They talk about how they tried various unsuccessful methods to get him to stop, and the challenges of looking for a college that could provide a supportive recovery environment . Eventually, they were lucky enough to find one with a collegiate recovery program, the University of Connecticut aka UConn.

Nanette Ginse, a licensed massage therapist and board-certified reflexologist, has a passion for teaching and bodywork. She has traveled to China to experience Chinese medicine and worked as an instructor of Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Acupressure for 18 years. Nanette's interest in helping others led her to found a non-profit organization, Self Care For Recovery, in February 2022. Her mission is to provide free therapeutic bodywork to women in early sobriety who cannot afford complementary/alternative healthcare. Her goal is to help these women reach their self-care goals and experience healing through her skillful touch.

In this podcast, guest Mukta shares her personal journey of discovering the therapeutic benefits of yoga and how it has transformed her life. She emphasizes the importance of practicing what you preach and living the lifestyle you share with others. Mukta discusses the concept of the embroidery of hours, a peaceful time of the day that begins two and a half hours before sunrise, where many spiritual people perform morning prayers and connect their body, mind, and spirit. She also talks about the importance of having a centered mind and shares her own practice of rising two and a half hours before sunrise. As a vegetarian, she recommends a diet rich in whole fruits, grains, vegetables, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and cheeses and does not drink alcohol. Mukta is associated with a nonprofit organization called Super Health, promoting healthy living, and encourages more people to be aware of their work.

Connie Pacheco, born in Puerto Rico and migrated to New York City at the age of five, reflects on her experience growing up in the South Bronx and being adopted as a young child. She remembers being scared of the unfamiliar living conditions, feeling disconnected from her biological family, addiction, and almost losing her life being in the center of a dangerous altercation between rival drug dealers. However, her biological mother saved her not only by dragging her out of that dangerous situation, but also by getting her into a recovery program. She reflects on how this traumatic event changed her life and she is grateful for the second chance given to her. Connie is a Certified and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in the State of New York and is a recognized Internationally as a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor. She launched Recoveries R US, LLC in 2013 as a means to provide services to individuals pursuing a career in counseling for Substance Use Disorders.