Courageous Recovery: Recent Episodes
Randy Mortensen
My mission with the Courageous Recovery podcast is to save lives and allow the person to Reveal the Lifestyle Champion within them.There are many different types of recovery programs, they all are aimed at helping those battling substance use disorders to transition from being harmed to being clean and sober. Anyone who’s battling a compulsive or destructive behavior wants to be healthy and they desire to live a happy and productive life. Sadly, only 1 in 10 Americans with a substance use disorder receives treatment. Why?Because it’s not safe to come forward and admit your challenges. The stigma is fueling an American public health crisis and we need to “Crush the Stigma!”Substance use disorders are associated with discrimination and social disapproval – more than any medical condition. These same people are often isolated, outcast, and even imprisoned. Stigma isolates people, it discourages them from seeking help, and even leads some medical providers to resist delivering evidence-based treatment services.
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Hello! I’m Tina, previously known as “Dr. Love,” now your guide to a dream life. My journey from top achievements, like ranking in the ISF Snowboard World Cup series, to overcoming personal adversities, such as paralysis and escaping abusive relationships, has equipped me with a unique blend of empathy, resilience, and expertise in relationship coaching and personal development.
For over twenty years, I’ve combined ancient wisdom with modern coaching techniques, including NLP and Energy Coaching, to empower high achievers like you. My holistic approach, inspired by my experiences and the teachings of the Eckhart Tolle Foundation, focuses on transforming challenges into opportunities for growth, love, and fulfillment.
As an author and media voice, I share insights on navigating life’s complexities with joy and purpose. Today, through exclusive coaching and transformative programs, I’m dedicated to helping you master health, love, and career, guiding you towards your dream life.
Join me on this journey to transform your aspirations into reality, discovering the power of living fully and loving deeply.
Welcome to your most beautiful adventure yet.
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Step 12 in recovery programs calls us to share the message of recovery with others and practice these principles in every part of our lives. This step is rooted in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands us to spread His teachings and baptize others, assuring us of His constant presence. This scripture highlights the importance of our actions in demonstrating genuine care and commitment to helping others overcome addiction.Instead of boasting about our recovery, we should use our experiences to encourage newcomers and share God’s grace and goodness. True recovery involves walking alongside those in need, offering support, and embodying the principles we’ve learned, ensuring our actions match our words. Programs like the Lifestyle Champion Cohort help us continue this mission, significantly impacting others' lives and finding fulfillment in serving our community. This approach highlights the importance of demonstrating genuine care and encouragement rather than boasting as we share God’s grace with those seeking recovery. In this podcast, we explore the five common mistakes people make when pursuing recovery and how to avoid them:1. Failure to Acknowledge a Problem: Only you can recognize and decide to confront your addiction. Avoid letting others overshadow your realization of the issue. 2. Not Following Your Decision with Action: Don’t let the initial decision to recover fade away. Act on your commitment and seek support actively. 3. Allowing Denial to Hold You Back: Educate yourself and seek motivation from those who’ve succeeded in recovery. Take responsibility and avoid blaming others. 4. Failing to Prepare to Live a Clean & Sober Lifestyle: Celebrate your progress but be cautious. Establish new habits and boundaries to prevent relapse. 5. Becoming Lackadaisical: Continue working on your recovery and remain vigilant. Complacency can jeopardize your progress; stay committed to your journey. By avoiding these mistakes and embracing Step 12, you align your recovery with your faith, contributing to a fulfilling and transformative journey.Order the book here: https://godtookmetolasvegas.com The 21-question assessment is here: https://randymortensen.com Our podcast is here: https://godtookmetolasvegas.buzzsprout.com And our office number is: 321.757.HOPEacourageousrecovery.com
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Episode 274 – Dan Graham, Mindset Coach
Rewriting Your Story: Dan Graham on Healing the Mind to Overcome Addiction
In this episode, we interview mindset coach Dan Graham for an inspiring conversation about the power of rewriting your internal narrative. Based in the UK, Dan specializes in helping people uncover the subconscious stories that shape their actions and behaviors—often without them realizing it.
Dan shares how his own journey through smoking and gambling addictions revealed a profound truth: destructive habits are not the core problem, but rather symptoms of a deeper identity crisis. By becoming aware of—and ultimately reshaping—the false stories he believed about himself, Dan found true freedom. His addictions didn’t need to be forcefully “quit” because they naturally lost their grip when his self-perception changed.
With warmth and conviction, Dan reminds us that nothing in our past can erase our inherent worth. This episode offers practical insight for anyone struggling with destructive behaviors, and encouragement for those ready to address the root causes rather than just the symptoms. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and reminded that you are far more valuable than you may believe.
Learn more about Dan’s work at www.dangrahamcoaching.co.uk.
On Instagram: @dangrahamcoaching
Via email: contact@dangrahamcoaching.co.uk
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Episode 273 – Keeper Catran-Whitney, author of “HELPLESSNESS
As a victim of childhood sexual abuse, during this episode, you will learn about the transformative message that Keeper Catran-Whitney has developed while focusing on leadership and personal growth, following some very challenging years as a youth in Northern California.
Keeper was born in the San Francisco area, one of eight children, and his journey began in a disadvantaged black singing family, where their dreams of major musical success were shattered by his predatory stepfather. Years later, Keeper confronted this painful past, turning his trauma into a powerful leadership asset.
In his literary breakthrough titled 'Helplessness,' - he explores the depths of heartache and redemption while unveiling a narrative that intertwines passion and pain. By facing hard truths, he helps leaders unlock their potential, gain new perspectives, and develop empathy, ultimately enhancing their leadership skills.
Keeper has been honored to share his insights on several notable podcasts, including Mediocre Dads, The Health Revolution TV Show, and Unsolicited Perspective. His story is not just inspirational but transformational, offering a fresh perspective on harnessing one's past to become a more empathetic and effective leader.
His testimony involves significant trauma, leading to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and leading to very clear side effects such as stuttering. As a survivor of sexual assault and having witnessed his sisters endure similar experiences, he’s had to navigate a substantial amount of emotional and psychological baggage.
Keeper’s journey has not only involved managing his own trauma but also supporting his siblings through their healing processes. Through his memoir, he’s learned the concepts of resilience and the importance of confronting difficult truths. He touts learning that facing these challenges together can make them more manageable and foster a stronger sense of support and recovery.
In this episode, you will learn some shocking statistics about child sexual abuse, which is exactly why Keeper is on a mission to create a bridge for sisters and brothers to become allies, not enemies, in the conversations related to sexual abuse. His mission is to save thousands of children from the horrors of sexual abuse.
Connect with him online:
Website: https://keepercatranwhitney.com
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Episode 272 – Rob Swymer: Surrender to Your Adversity
Rob Swymer is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and expert in resilience who has lived—and overcome—significant adversity. In his transformational book “Surrender to Your Adversity”, Rob opens up about some of the hardest chapters of his life: the unexpected loss of his beloved wife Bonnie, losing the sight in his left eye, and relocating to London in early 2020—just as the world shut down during the pandemic. His story is not just one of endurance, but of learning to let go, lean in, and lead forward with purpose.
With more than four decades as a global business executive, Rob now dedicates his life to teaching others how to thrive under pressure. He combines leadership strategies, neuroscience, and what he calls Physical Intelligence to help people sharpen focus, reduce stress, and perform at their best. In his keynote talks, Rob highlights his “Three A’s” framework and challenges audiences to Live, Love, and Lead with authenticity and strength.
This episode is a powerful reminder that adversity doesn’t define us—it refines us. Rob’s message will both inspire and equip you to face your own challenges with courage, clarity, and hope.
You can connect with Ron via multiple paths:
His website is: https://robswymer.com
You can purchase his book on Amazon, B&N, Apple, and wherever books are sold.
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robswymer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robswymer
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Episode 271 – Interview with Jody Allen, Offering Hope and a Dose of Humor
Welcome to Episode 271 of the God Took Me to Las Vegas broadcast. Today’s guest is Jody Allen, Director of Women’s Ministry in Gastonia, North Carolina, and the author of the powerful 2024 book “Hidden Heartache: Finding Courage When Your Husband Struggles with Pornography”.
Jody brings a voice of honesty, healing, and hope to women who are silently suffering. Having lived for years in a marriage marked by betrayal and addiction, she understands the pain of walking beside a spouse struggling with pornography. Her ex-husband’s addiction deeply impacted her home and heart, but through Christ-centered counseling, support groups, and her unwavering faith, Jody has found healing—and now she offers that same hope to others.
Whether she’s leading small groups, speaking at women’s events, or walking one-on-one with women in crisis, Jody’s mission is clear: to love her children well, serve hurting women, and build up the local church. Her story is raw, redemptive, and incredibly relevant for anyone navigating broken trust, betrayal trauma, or the journey of personal recovery. Don’t miss this powerful episode.
Contact Jody here:
https://www.jodyallenwrites.com
https://www.instagram.com/jodyallenwrites
https://www.facebook.com/jodyallenwrites
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Episode 270 - Faith in Action_ Building a Business That Thrives with Purpose.
In this episode, I get into the core themes of my book, emphasizing how faith can be a steadfast anchor in building a purpose-driven business. I share stories of historical figures like George Washington and business leaders like William Colgate, J.C. Penney, and Truett Cathy, who integrated their faith into their business practices and achieved remarkable success.
The book is structured into five key areas:
1. Laying the Foundation with Faith: Establishing a bedrock of trust in God to navigate uncertainties.
2. Leading with Purpose: Inspiring and uplifting others through servant leadership.
3. Thriving through Integrity and Innovation: Creating market dominance while staying true to core values.
4. Living Out Your Calling: Aligning your business with your life's mission.
5. Leaving a Legacy: Ensuring your impact endures beyond your lifetime.
I also highlight my first book, "God Took Me to Las Vegas to Get Sober," which shares my personal journey of overcoming alcoholism and finding purpose through faith. This book is available for purchase at godtookmetolasvegas.com.
It's also important to remember the ongoing struggles many face, including the alarming rates of overdose deaths and military veteran suicides. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help and support.
Thank you for joining me today. I hope you find this information helpful. Look for the replay of this episode on Buzzsprout, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and other platforms. Have a blessed day and be extraordinary today.
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Episode 269: Transforming Messages into Masterpieces with Dr. Gary Wohlman
In this episode, we sit with Dr. Gary Wohlman, affectionately known as The Presentation Doctor, to explore his life-changing methods for helping individuals amplify their message and presence.
A world-renowned speaker mentor, Dr. Gary combines his expertise in Transpersonal Psychology, Expressive Arts, and Performance Coaching to guide speakers in delivering presentations that inspire and resonate deeply.
From professionals overcoming stage fear to leaders mastering high-stakes communication, Dr. Gary’s passion lies in transforming voices, bodies, and hearts into vessels for impact.
His dynamic approach emphasizes authentic connection—ensuring that messages land powerfully with any audience.
Dr. Gary has shared his techniques globally, including keynote speeches at prestigious venues like Cambridge University, and has empowered thousands through his coaching programs. He is the author of “Get Up, Stand Up for Your Life”, offering readers tools to unleash their fullest expression.
In this episode, you’ll hear his unique insights into breaking presentation barriers, overcoming fear, and mastering body-voice alignment. Whether you’re an executive, creative, or aspiring speaker, Dr. Gary’s wisdom will inspire you to bring your message to life.
For more on Dr. Gary’s work, visit mypresentationdoctor.com or explore his YouTube channel, Mastering Presentation Skills.
Social Media Connections:
Website 1: drgary.club
Website 2: mypresentationdoctor.com
Website 3: garywohlman.com
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Living Out Faith Through Recovery and Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Step 12 in recovery programs calls us to share the message of recovery with others and practice these principles in every part of our lives. This step is rooted in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands us to spread His teachings and baptize others, assuring us of His constant presence. This scripture highlights the importance of our actions in demonstrating genuine care and commitment to helping others overcome addiction.
Instead of boasting about our recovery, we should use our experiences to encourage newcomers and share God’s grace and goodness. True recovery involves walking alongside those in need, offering support, and embodying the principles we’ve learned, ensuring our actions match our words.
Programs like the Lifestyle Champion Cohort help us continue this mission, significantly impacting others' lives and finding fulfillment in serving our community. This approach highlights the importance of demonstrating genuine care and encouragement rather than boasting as we share God’s grace with those seeking recovery.
In this podcast, we explore the five common mistakes people make when pursuing recovery and how to avoid them:
- Failure to Acknowledge a Problem: Only you can recognize and decide to confront your addiction. Avoid letting others overshadow your realization of the issue.
- Not Following Your Decision with Action: Don’t let the initial decision to recover fade away. Act on your commitment and seek support actively.
- Allowing Denial to Hold You Back: Educate yourself and seek motivation from those who’ve succeeded in recovery. Take responsibility and avoid blaming others.
- Failing to Prepare to Live a Clean & Sober Lifestyle: Celebrate your progress but be cautious. Establish new habits and boundaries to prevent relapse.
- Becoming Lackadaisical: Continue working on your recovery and remain vigilant. Complacency can jeopardize your progress; stay committed to your journey.
By avoiding these mistakes and embracing Step 12, you align your recovery with your faith, contributing to a fulfilling and transformative journey.
Order the book here: https://godtookmetolasvegas.com
The 21-question assessment is here: https://randymortensen.com
Our podcast is here: https://godtookmetolasvegas.buzzsprout.com
And our office number is: 321.757.HOPE
acourageousrecovery.com
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Episode 267 – Establishing Market Dominance While Leading With Integrity
In today's rapidly evolving world, where the challenges we face are as complex as they are varied, the role of leadership has never been more crucial. To the business and community leaders tuning in, I extend a heartfelt welcome.
This episode is dedicated to exploring the intersection of leadership, integrity, and market dominance. We'll delve into how authentic, brave, and consistent leadership can not only guide your organizations to success but also build stronger, more resilient communities.
As leaders, we are called not just to succeed but to do so with unwavering integrity. There’s a profound truth in the saying, "To whom much is given, much is required." Whether in boardrooms or on the streets, our decisions resonate far beyond the immediate.
By leading with integrity, we create ripples that foster trust, inspire innovation, and uplift those around us. Together, let’s embark on this journey of leading with purpose, faith, and a commitment to making a lasting impact.
You can purchase my recently released memoir, “God Took Me to Las Vegas…to Get Sober” here: https://godtookmetolasvegas.com
The 21-Question assessment that’s mentioned can be found at: https://randymortensen.com
And, to learn more about developing your “Position of Market Dominance” our business coaching website is: https://rpmglobaladvisors.com
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Episode 264 Interview with Charles Meyer, Porn Addiction Recovery Coach
Charles is on a mission to end fatherlessness in American homes, and eventually worldwide.
Based on the West Coach of Florida, Charles Meyer became a Porn Addiction Recovery Coach because of his own struggles with addiction and a strong sense of purpose from God. For 12 years, he battled with pornography and drug addiction, feeling empty despite having everything he thought he wanted. He tried to fill the void with various vices, but they never brought true happiness.
He found freedom in his faith, but it was also a long journey of healing from trauma, faulty beliefs, false identities, and reconciliation. His entire life had to change in order for freedom to be truly sustainable. He was a mess, but now claims freedom, there are no chains holding him back.
The turning point in his life came when he found freedom from his addictions. Charles realized that the solution wasn't in external things but in having a genuine relationship with God. This discovery inspired him to help others break free from their own addictions and find real purpose and fulfillment.
At first, Charles wasn't sure how to best serve others, but he kept seeking guidance from God. Over time, it became clear that his mission was to help husbands and fathers overcome addiction and become the leaders their families needed. He believes that ending fatherlessness in American households requires men to be free from addiction and to lead by example.
Charles is passionate about his mission and wants to provide the tools, support, and community needed for total freedom from addiction. Through his coaching, he aims to transform lives and help others experience the same freedom and purpose he found.
Online Connections:
https://www.facebook.com/FreedomWorkerCharles1
Know Thyself Coaching info
Email: newfuturecoaching@gmail.com
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In Episode 264, we step into the world of magick, recovery, and spiritual empowerment with Sunshine (aka Jen) Romanowski, also known as The Pink-Haired Sober Witch.
Sunshine is a psychic medium, high priestess, spiritual advisor, and the founder of Illuminate: The Unschool of Sober Witchcraft—a transformative community designed to help witches in recovery reclaim their power through spiritual alignment and magickal practices.
After years of struggling with alcoholism and navigating traditional recovery programs, Sunshine discovered that her path to healing lay in witchcraft, spirit work, and personal empowerment. This realization led her to create The Sober Witch Life Mobile App, The Recovery Coven, and a series of programs that blend witchcraft with recovery, helping others transform their lives.
In this episode, Sunshine shares her deeply personal journey—from growing up with addiction in her family to losing loved ones to substance use and ultimately finding her purpose in guiding others on their own recovery path. She discusses how spirituality, rituals, and an inclusive magickal practice can be powerful tools for healing.
Join us for a fascinating conversation that challenges conventional recovery methods and introduces a new, empowering way to embrace sobriety through witchcraft, magick, and community. As you’ll hear, this style of pursuing recovery is very similar to the faith-based model that you’ll hear many of our guests speak about. Sunshine does believe there is a God and contends there are five spiritual aspects to her model of recovery.
Social Media and Online Resources:
Website: www.illuminateunschool.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/soberwitchsbazaar/
https://www.facebook.com/IlluminateTheUnschoolofSoberWitchcraft
https://www.facebook.com/sunshinereadingsonline/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IlluminateUnschoolofWitchcraft
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Episode 263: Drew Hall’s Journey of Faith, Family, and Purpose
In Episode 263 of God Took Me to Las Vegas, we welcome Drew Hall, a pastor, public school teacher, author, and coach, whose life is shaped by faith, family, and a deep commitment to serve others. Drew's life verse, Isaiah 26:3, resonates deeply with his journey: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you." This powerful scripture has been a guiding force in Drew's life, offering peace through the challenges and triumphs that have come his way.
Growing up in Gadsden, Alabama, Drew’s love for sports and his relationship with Jesus shaped his life decisions. From preaching at 16 to coaching at Samford University and teaching at the high school level, Drew has combined his passion for faith and sports, guiding others through mentorship and coaching. His journey led him to write his first book, Tier One Christianity, in 2021, as another way to share the gospel.
Drew’s unwavering faith, along with the support of his wife, Gena, and their two daughters, has fueled his purpose to spread the message of Jesus. Tune in as Drew shares his inspiring story of overcoming challenges, finding peace in God’s promises, and dedicating his life to proclaiming the gospel.
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drew.hall.7
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drew_alan_hall
Email: Drew_Hall@ecboe.org
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Step 5 in faith-based recovery programs outlines how you will grow by admitting to God, oneself, and another person the exact nature of your wrongs. This step is pivotal as it embodies the principles of confession and accountability, which are foundational in Biblical teachings and essential for true healing and transformation.
Participants in engaging with Step 5 are encouraged to embrace humility and honesty. This act of opening up is not merely about acknowledging past mistakes; it is a profound exercise in trust and vulnerability, allowing individuals to experience the liberating power of God’s grace in a tangible way. As they share their deepest faults and failures, they step out of isolation and into community, fostering deep connections that are vital for sustained recovery.
This step is often described as challenging yet incredibly rewarding, for it paves the way for spiritual renewal and personal growth. It is a decisive move towards reconciliation—with God, with others, and with oneself. As a pastor, I would emphasize the courage it takes to confront and confess one’s shortcomings, and I would affirm the immense strength found in the fellowship of believers and the unconditional love of God that meets us in our moments of openness and genuine repentance.
If you want to learn more about the recovery journey, please check out my recently released book, titled “God Took Me to Las Vegas…..to Get Sober” – go here to learn more about my memoir: https://godtookmetolasvegas.com/
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Welcome to today's episode, where we dive into a remarkable journey of personal growth, redemption, and professional success. The focus is on Randy Mortensen's transformative story as detailed in his compelling memoir, "God Took Me to Las Vegas...To Get Sober."
The narrative is not just about overcoming the clutches of addiction in the heart of a city known for its vices but also about the profound impact this journey had on his personal and professional life.
Randy's story begins with a life seemingly consumed by addiction, a path that led him to the vibrant yet challenging environment of Las Vegas. It was here, against all odds, that he found the strength and faith to turn his life around. His memoir provides a raw and honest look at the struggles faced on the road to recovery, but it's also a testament to the incredible power of determination, faith, and the human spirit's capacity to change.
But Randy's journey didn't just transform him personally. It also had a significant impact on his professional life and business ventures. From the brink of despair, Randy emerged not only as a man reborn but as a business leader driven by newfound clarity, integrity, and a deep commitment to his values. His story is a powerful reminder that personal growth can fuel professional success, transforming challenges into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones.
Join us as we explore Randy Mortensen's inspiring journey, highlighting the key moments of personal growth that led to professional achievements and the lessons we can all take from his experience. Whether you're seeking motivation in your own path to recovery or looking for insights into turning personal challenges into professional triumphs, Randy's story offers profound lessons in resilience, faith, and the art of transformation.
Purchase the book here: https://godtookmetolasvegas.com/
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Episode 260: Gina Kunadian’s Journey to Sobriety and Empowerment
In Episode 260 of God Took Me to Las Vegas, we sit down with Gina Kunadian, an alcohol-free sobriety coach, TEDx speaker, and the host of the Shine Within podcast. Gina’s powerful story is one of resilience, transformation, and hope. After battling alcohol addiction for years, she reached a breaking point that forced her to surrender and begin her journey of self-discovery and healing.
With over seven years of sobriety, Gina now helps women reclaim their lives through her signature “Transformation SHINE Process,” a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional recovery programs. Her work is about empowering women to break free from alcohol dependency, rediscover their strength, and step into their fullest potential.
Gina shares how spirituality, faith, and self-care practices played vital roles in her recovery journey. She believes that sobriety is not just about quitting alcohol—it’s about transforming your life, embracing spiritual growth, and building a future full of possibilities. In this inspiring episode, Gina provides practical insights into overcoming addiction, maintaining long-term sobriety, and living authentically.
Tune in to hear Gina’s transformative journey and how her message of hope, clarity, and empowerment is helping women break free from alcohol and step into their true potential.
Online & Social Media Connections:
Coaching Website: http://www.ginakunadian.com
Podcast link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shine-within-w-gina-kunadian/id1670751132
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3159601327635825
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ginakunadian
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ginakunadian
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In Episode 259 of the God Took Me to Las Vegas broadcast, we welcome Jon Fischer, a professional photographer and educator with over 15 years of experience. He has pioneered a revolutionary approach to photography, focusing on authentic expression that fosters real connections. His work is not just about technical skill but about capturing transformative moments that can heal and empower individuals.
Jon’s groundbreaking work began when he developed dating profile photography for middle-aged divorcees. He discovered that authentic images can bypass self-doubt and spark profound moments of self-recognition. He calls these images “undeniable”—photos that resonate deeply and can help individuals rediscover their strengths. In this episode, Jon shares his philosophy of “Healing Photography” and how he uses his craft to promote self-acceptance, emotional healing, and professional success.
Jon is also the author of The Lens of Truth: Discovering Photography's Transformative Power, a book that delves into the life-changing potential of authentic photography. As a sought-after speaker and educator, Jon regularly trains photographers to elevate their visual communication and create images that truly represent the best in people. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how photography can change lives and build meaningful connections.
Connect with Jon here:
https://www.jonfischerphotography.com
Access his courses at: https://www.getreal.photos
https://www.youtube.com/@PhotographyCoachJonFischer
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-fischer-photogrpahy
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Episode 258: The 5 R’s That Represent Great Leaders
In Episode 258 of the God Took Me to Las Vegas broadcast, your host, Randy Mortensen unpacks the leadership framework that defines true influence and impact. Drawing from decades of business and leadership experience, he explores the 5 R’s every great leader must master: Reflection, Relationships, Resilience, Responsibility, and Results.
You'll discover how reflection builds clarity, why authentic relationships are the heartbeat of leadership, and how resilience transforms setbacks into setups for success. Randy shares why taking full responsibility—not just for victories, but for failures—is essential to earning lasting trust. And he reminds us that leadership must lead somewhere: real leadership produces measurable, meaningful results.
Through this episode, Randy equips leaders with simple yet powerful practices to integrate the 5 R’s into daily life. Whether you’re leading a team, a business, or your family, these habits will help you build a leadership legacy grounded in purpose, growth, and impact.
Key takeaway:
The leader you become five years from now will be shaped by the intentional actions you take today.
Online information
Business coaching info: https://rpmglobaladvisors.com
Speaker and Workshop site: https://randymortensen.com
Download the e-book mentioned:
https://randymortensen.com/5RS
Or use this code:
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Episode 257: Andrew Bolton’s Journey from Rock Bottom to Redemption & Success
In this powerful episode of God Took Me to Las Vegas, we welcome Andrew Bolton, Founder & CEO of TechRescue, a 24/7 human-led tech support company. Andrew’s journey is a story of resilience, faith, and redemption. After hitting rock bottom—grieving, financially broken, and emotionally devastated—he turned to prayer and divine intervention to rebuild his life and career. TechRescue was born from the ashes of personal loss and pain, driven by a deep purpose to help others find peace of mind.
In this episode, Andrew shares how his path from breakdown to breakthrough not only led to entrepreneurial success but also to spiritual healing. He talks about overcoming destructive patterns, battling depression, and finding his true calling, all while building a business that supports families, seniors, and small businesses across the country.
Andrew’s story of faith, failure, and forgiveness will resonate deeply with those looking to overcome their own struggles and step into their purpose. Tune in to hear how God’s grace transformed Andrew's life, and how he now leads with purpose, helping others through TechRescue’s services and his personal story.
Media Connections:
TechRescue site: https://techrescue.io
24-hour tech support: 855-250-8586
E-Mail to: abolton@techrescue.io
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-bolton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Tech-Rescue-Llc/61550804615722
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Episode 256 – Lessons Learned in 34 Years of Sobriety
In this special episode of God Took Me to Las Vegas, I’m sharing “34 lessons I’ve Learned in 34 Years of Sobriety”—truths forged through brokenness, healing, and grace. These aren’t just phrases—they’re lived experiences. Like, “One drink is too many, a thousand never enough”—a reminder that moderation never worked for me. Or “Gratitude changes everything”—because shifting my focus from what I lacked to what I had changed my entire direction.
Some lessons are tough: “Relapse is a detour, not a dead end,” or “You can’t do this alone.” Others are freeing: “It’s okay to say no,” and “You’re allowed to outgrow the old you.” Each one reflects a layer of the recovery journey—messy, miraculous, and meaningful.
And hey, sobriety doesn’t mean we can’t laugh. Like the time I told my wife she should embrace her mistakes… and she gave me a hug. Or when I realized I was eating too many chips—guess I was just getting too much sodium.
So whether you’re one day in or thirty-four years clean, these lessons are for you. Because if God met me in Vegas, He’ll meet you right where you are too.
Media:
Facebook – daily words of encouragement: https://www.facebook.com/groups/godtookmetolasvegastogetsober
Website: https://randymortensen.com
Business Coaching site: https://rpmglobaladvisors.com
To purchase your discounted copy of my memoir book: https://godtookmetolasvegas.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-mortensen
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Episode 228 – Sydney Reece, LPC – Mind Body Optimization Texas
Sydney Reece resides in Texas, she is a Licensed Professional Counselor and currently serves as the VP of Operations at the Mind Body Optimization Clinic in a few locations in Texas. The leadership team is committed to empowering those willing to make a change with the tools needed for long-term fulfillment. They create a healthier community by enabling individuals to reach their full potential.
The team is committed to challenging the status quo of patient experience. It is their goal to shape a community where every interaction reflects their unwavering dedication to integrity, transparency, and the pursuit of transformative well-being. Their programs “put people first,” and their focus on values is driven by integrity, autonomy, community, and empowerment.
Sydney said this during our episode: “ I chose the mental health field because I want to help eliminate the stigma around asking for help.”
She enjoys getting to walk alongside someone going through the self-discovery process and seeing the light bulb go off when a client has a new realization about themselves and their mental health journey.
When she’s not working, she’s spending time with friends and family. She’s also a true crime podcast and documentary junkie.
More info on the MBO clinic is here: https://mindbodyo.com
Her email is: Sydney.Reece@MindBodyO.com
Contact Phone Number is: (972) 590-9909
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Episode 227 – Richard Taite, Founder of Ultra-Luxury Treatment Centers
Join us as Richard Taite shares his inspiring recovery journey and discusses founding luxury addiction treatment centers in the fight against the fentanyl epidemic and mental health challenges.
In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary recovery journey of Richard Taite, the Founder and President of Carrara Treatment Wellness & Spa, an "ultra" luxury addiction treatment center.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Richard battled addiction for over 20 years before embarking on a mission to redefine recovery. After his own experiences with inadequate treatment programs, he founded Cliffside Malibu, which became renowned for its personalized care and grew from six to 83 beds.
Following the sale of Cliffside, Richard took a brief hiatus but returned to the addiction treatment space due to the rising fentanyl crisis, leading to the creation of Carrara. Richard’s treatment philosophy centers on love, self-care, and personalized care, believing that self-love is key to lasting recovery. Carrara, located in Malibu, offers a unique blend of world-class therapeutic services and a spa experience unmatched in the U.S., helping clients heal from addiction and mental health challenges in a setting of luxury and comfort.
Richard’s legacy is not just about recovery—he aims to leave the world better than he found it, for the sake of his children and others in need.
Start your recovery: (888) 646-0999
Website: https://carraratreatment.com
Keywords: #luxury addiction treatment #recovery journey #Richard Taite interview #Fentanyl epidemic # mental health recovery
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Episode 226 – Interview with Bracha Goetz, author of 43 children’s books
Bracha Goetz is a Harvard-educated wellness expert who lives in Baltimore, Maryland. As a Best-Selling author, she has written 43 books that help children shine and a candid memoir for adults highlighting her empowering journey to joy.
She struggled for years with food addictions and came to understand that her inner emptiness was not physical hunger. Instead, she came to realize it was a spiritual one. In her work today, her mission is to share how practicing simple gratitude can fill our genuine hunger with the lasting pleasure we deeply crave.
If you go to her website, the link is down below; you can download her “Pleasure Ladder,” which will guide you on the “Journey with Joy”, helping you to achieve the 5-Steps: (1) Transcendence (2) Creativity (3) Meaning (4) Love and (5) Physical Pleasures.
You can contact her via email – info@growingimpactpublications.com
Her family-owned and operated publishing company is Growing IMPACT Publications. The mission of the company is to make Bracha’s messages radiate even further out into the world so that she can continue her life’s mission of helping people’s souls shine brighter.
Her Website: www.growingimpactpublications.com
Social media links:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brachagoetz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BrachaGoetzBooks
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brachagoetzbooks
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Episode 225 – Interview with Emily Hawkins, creator of LeaderSHIFT
It was a drunken day at the pool with her young children that radically changed Emily’s life and future. Emily Hawkins resides in the Greater Atlanta metro and has successfully coached over 2,500 individuals and business owners, guiding them to unlock their true potential.
In 2020, she was featured in Forbes because of her groundbreaking work and her success working with clients - a monumental accomplishment. With over 15 years of experience in the corporate world - where she led teams, streamlined processes, and saved millions for large organizations - Emily made the pivotal decision in 2017 to leave the corporate sector and dedicate herself to helping small businesses thrive through her innovative approach.
Emily believes meaningful business changes don’t require a fancy degree or technical knowledge - just a healthy sense of curiosity and a willingness to adapt. She is the creator of LeaderSHIFT, a program in which she guides small business owners to implement strategies that not only keep more money in their business but also foster lasting success and growth.
To learn more about her “Three Simple Pillars of Business Success,” you can go to her website: https://www.emilyhawkins4u.com
Her social media links are:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyhawkins4u
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyhawkins4u
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilyhawkins4
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Episode 224 – Mark Collins, author of “Life Mastery: Living Life By Design, Not By Default”
Mark resides in California. For 15 years, he has been coaching and mentoring, seeing hundreds of lives changed and callings unleashed. He has authored his first book, “Life Mastery: Living life by design, not by default.”
He is a business and life coach, Pastor, husband, and father with a passion for seeing men equipped to be the HERO they were created to be. Mark has personally overcome some compulsive and destructive behaviors in his own life. He overcame those challenges by aligning his mindset with his created value, walking in the identity of who he was created to be, and having his thoughts, words, and actions parallel to who he is today, not his past hurts and lies he believed in his past.
Today, Mark’s mission is to “provide the tools and strategies that set me free to many people, in as many places as possible.”
The tools Mark offers within his courses will help you overcome fear, imposter syndrome, and stress while mastering your life. If you are ready to unleash the hero inside of you, his courses and materials will help you to finally overcome the fear that’s holding you back.
His website is: www.freedom-for-life.net
His social media links are:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreedForLife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_freedomforlife
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mark-collins-freedom-for-life
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw1A7tteCrpLj_d9ejzDWRg
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Episode 223: Living Out Faith Through Recovery and Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Step 12 in recovery programs calls us to share the message of recovery with others and practice these principles in every part of our lives. This step is rooted in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands us to spread His teachings and baptize others, assuring us of His constant presence. This scripture highlights the importance of our actions in demonstrating genuine care and commitment to helping others overcome addiction.
Instead of boasting about our recovery, we should use our experiences to encourage newcomers and share God’s grace and goodness. True recovery involves walking alongside those in need, offering support, and embodying the principles we’ve learned, ensuring our actions match our words.
Programs like the Lifestyle Champion Cohort help us continue this mission, significantly impacting others' lives and finding fulfillment in serving our community. This approach highlights the importance of demonstrating genuine care and encouragement rather than boasting as we share God’s grace with those seeking recovery.
In this podcast, we explore the five common mistakes people make when pursuing recovery and how to avoid them:
- Failure to Acknowledge a Problem: Only you can recognize and decide to confront your addiction. Avoid letting others overshadow your realization of the issue.
- Not Following Your Decision with Action: Don’t let the initial decision to recover fade away. Act on your commitment and seek support actively.
- Allowing Denial to Hold You Back: Educate yourself and seek motivation from those who’ve succeeded in recovery. Take responsibility and avoid blaming others.
- Failing to Prepare to Live a Clean & Sober Lifestyle: Celebrate your progress but be cautious. Establish new habits and boundaries to prevent relapse.
- Becoming Lackadaisical: Continue working on your recovery and remain vigilant. Complacency can jeopardize your progress; stay committed to your journey.
By avoiding these mistakes and embracing Step 12, you align your recovery with your faith, contributing to a fulfilling and transformative journey.
Order the book here: https://godtookmetolasvegas.com
The 21-question assessment is here: https://randymortensen.com
Our podcast is here: https://godtookmetolasvegas.buzzsprout.com
And our office number is: 321.757.HOPE
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Episode 222 – Establishing Market Dominance While Leading With Integrity
In today's rapidly evolving world, where the challenges we face are as complex as they are varied, the role of leadership has never been more crucial. To the business and community leaders tuning in, I extend a heartfelt welcome.
This episode is dedicated to exploring the intersection of leadership, integrity, and market dominance. We'll delve into how authentic, brave, and consistent leadership can not only guide your organizations to success but also build stronger, more resilient communities.
As leaders, we are called not just to succeed but to do so with unwavering integrity. There’s a profound truth in the saying, "To whom much is given, much is required." Whether in boardrooms or on the streets, our decisions resonate far beyond the immediate.
By leading with integrity, we create ripples that foster trust, inspire innovation, and uplift those around us. Together, let’s embark on this journey of leading with purpose, faith, and a commitment to making a lasting impact.
You can purchase my recently released memoir, “God Took Me to Las Vegas…to Get Sober” here: https://godtookmetolasvegas.com
The 21-Question assessment that’s mentioned can be found at: https://randymortensen.com
And, to learn more about developing your “Position of Market Dominance” our business coaching website is: https://rpmglobaladvisors.com
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Episode 221 – Interview with Mimi Kroger, Health and Weight Loss Coach
Mimi has a heart for helping others heal by using Biblical principles. She’s a bestselling author, speaker, nationally certified personal trainer, a nutrition guide, ordained minister, and a behavior change specialist with a passion for health and wellness.
She brings her clients into food freedom through nutritional guidance and by discovering the root causes of emotional comfort eating and other addictions, so they can live joyful, healthy, and destiny-fulfilling lives!
Earlier in her life, Mimi battled an eating disorder and emotional trauma, and then she fought through a time with Lupus. Today, her mission is to uncover the root causes of disease and “dis-ease” in people’s lives by addressing spirit, soul, and body through Biblical principles and Holy Spirit revelation.
Mimi loves to beautify all things including homes, wardrobes, and people’s hearts. She’s the proud Mom of an awesome adult son and resides in Colorado with her loving husband, Ben. They have a tenacious Yorkie names Hugs.
Our listeners and viewers are encouraged to take advantage of her online challenge, “Diets Don’t work: There’s a different way to permanently lose weight”. You can also download her e-book at no charge. The challenge provides insight, encouragement, and guidance in setting people free from the futile cycle of deprivation dieting and into all things Heavenly.
Go here to register and download the e-book: https://www.dietsdontworkchallenge.com/info
You can also join her Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/healthyhappyandheavenly
Her website is: https://www.healthyhappyandheavenly.com/
Twitter: @KrogerMimi https://twitter.com/KrogerMimi
Instagram: @healthyhappyandheavenly
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthyhappyandheavenly/
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Hello! I’m Tina, previously known as “Dr. Love,” now your guide to a dream life. My journey from top achievements, like ranking in the ISF Snowboard World Cup series, to overcoming personal adversities, such as paralysis and escaping abusive relationships, has equipped me with a unique blend of empathy, resilience, and expertise in relationship coaching and personal development.
For over twenty years, I’ve combined ancient wisdom with modern coaching techniques, including NLP and Energy Coaching, to empower high achievers like you. My holistic approach, inspired by my experiences and the teachings of the Eckhart Tolle Foundation, focuses on transforming challenges into opportunities for growth, love, and fulfillment.
As an author and media voice, I share insights on navigating life’s complexities with joy and purpose. Today, through exclusive coaching and transformative programs, I’m dedicated to helping you master health, love, and career, guiding you towards your dream life.
Join me on this journey to transform your aspirations into reality, discovering the power of living fully and loving deeply.
Welcome to your most beautiful adventure yet.
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Episode 219 – Interview with Sarah Williamson, founder of “Drink Less Live Better”
Sarah Williamson resides in England and has spent the last twelve years coaching and mentoring people who’ve struggled with their addictions and mental health challenges. She feels that choosing to change your relationship with alcohol before you hit rock bottom is a powerful and positive choice to make.
On December 8th, 2022 she celebrated three years of being sober. By her own admission, it took her many years to accept that she wanted her drinking habits to change, and even after making that tough decision, it was six more months until she was truly ready to quit drinking.
Sarah is very passionate about spreading the message that our lives can be joyful and fun on the other side of our drinking and using behaviors. She’s quick to remind others that there’s no need to feel lonely or stressed in your pursuit of recovery, and Sarah also points out that there is no boredom on the journey toward sobriety.
In the early days of her recovery, she did a lot of the work quietly and without telling any of her friends and family. She felt ashamed and guilty about wanting to stop drinking but wisely took time to listen to and read other people's recovery stories and eventually found online recovery communities to be part of. Sarah felt bad because at the time she was working in Youth Justice - talking to young people about their substance use whilst not addressing her own!
More about the work Sarah’s doing can be found on the following online platforms:
Website: www.drinklesslivebetter.com
Podcast: https://drinklesslivebetter.captivate.fm/listen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahwilliamson.drinklesslivebetter
https://www.facebook.com/drinklesslivebetter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinklesslivebetter
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Episode 2018 - Interview with RJ Zimmerman, Sobriety & Mental Health Advocate
RJ is a resident of Virginia, recently celebrated 8.5 years of sobriety, and is on a mission to let others know they’re not alone. He wants the person struggling with substance abuse to understand that the poor choices made should not cause you to give up on life. Making the decision to change is the beginning of living your life unshackled.
He is a father of two and the founder of “Untapped Keg”, a podcast about sobriety and mental health. Each week, “Untapped Keg” is providing hope and spotlighting stories about sobriety and mental health.
The hosts talk about their own sobriety, mental health, being vulnerable about their struggles, and celebrating their wins.
RJ Zimmerman loves to share his story in depth. He goes through how he got to where he is now, okay with himself and working on friendships, using his past to boost himself forward, and doing everything he can to help show others they are not alone.
You can find “Untapped Keg” on all social media platforms and on YouTube. Join the community that is allowing room for growth, while showing it’s okay to not be okay.
Website: https://www.untappedkeg.com
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UntappedKeg
Email for RJ: RJZimmerman@UntappedKeg.com
To access the podcast: https://www.untappedkeg.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untappedkeg
Charity board: Up4MentalHealth.org
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Episode 217 - Transforming Lives with Patrick Callaghan
In this enlightening episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Patrick Callaghan, a certified transformational coach, life mastery consultant, and personal trainer. Patrick's life story is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to helping others unlock their full potential.
Patrick's journey is marked by a profound transformation from stagnation to a life brimming with purpose and fulfillment. His work is not just a profession but a calling to guide individuals toward their soul's true purpose.
As a Certified Life Mastery Consultant and Certified Personal Trainer, Patrick combines his expertise to help people design and manifest lives that resonate with their deepest desires. He believes in the inherent potential within every individual and is dedicated to helping them achieve more than they ever thought possible.
Today, Patrick's passion lies in working closely with youth and teens, introducing them to the fitness lifestyle and instilling values of confidence, resilience, and personal growth. He is developing a transformative program aimed at empowering teens to live their dreams.
In addition to his coaching and training, Patrick is authoring a book on teen confidence, further extending his impact and dedication to youth empowerment. His goal is to touch the lives of over 1000 individuals in the next five years.
Patrick employs the proven Brave Thinking® technology in his coaching, helping clients achieve extraordinary results in a remarkably short time. His content-rich, interactive workshops are designed to take participants on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Through these workshops, individuals can define, test, and experience a clear vision of the life they desire, aligning their actions with their highest purpose.
Join us as we explore Patrick's incredible journey and his relentless drive to empower others.
Tune in to hear more about Patrick Callaghan's work, his upcoming book, and how he continues to make a significant impact in the lives of many. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to transform their life and reach their fullest potential.
To Connect with Patrick:
His email is: patrick@pccoaching.ca
His website URL: https://www.patrickcallaghan.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.callaghan.77736
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Episode 216 – Keeper Catran-Whitney, author of “HELPLESSNESS”
As a victim of childhood sexual abuse, during this episode, you will learn about the transformative message that Keeper Catran-Whitney has developed while focusing on leadership and personal growth, following some very challenging years as a youth in Northern California.
Keeper was born in the San Francisco area, one of eight children, and his journey began in a disadvantaged black singing family, where their dreams of major musical success were shattered by his predatory stepfather. Years later, Keeper confronted this painful past, turning his trauma into a powerful leadership asset.
In his literary breakthrough titled, 'Helplessness' - he explores the depths of heartache and redemption while unveiling a narrative that intertwines passion and pain. By facing hard truths, he helps leaders unlock their potential, gain new perspectives, and develop empathy, ultimately enhancing their leadership skills.
Keeper has been honored to share his insights on several notable podcasts, including Mediocre Dads, The Health Revolution TV Show, and Unsolicited Perspective. His story is not just inspirational but transformational, offering a fresh perspective on harnessing one's past to become a more empathetic and effective leader.
His testimony involves significant trauma, leading to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and leading to very clear side effects such as stuttering. As a survivor of sexual assault and having witnessed his sisters endure similar experiences, he’s had to navigate a substantial amount of emotional and psychological baggage.
Keeper’s journey has not only involved managing his own trauma but also supporting his siblings through their healing processes. Through his memoir, he’s learned the concepts of resilience and the importance of confronting difficult truths. He touts learning that facing these challenges together can make them more manageable and foster a stronger sense of support and recovery.
In this episode, you will learn some shocking statistics about child sexual abuse, which is exactly why Keeper is on a mission to create a bridge for sisters and brothers to become allies, not enemies, in the conversations related to sexual abuse. His mission is to save thousands of children from the horrors of sexual abuse.
Connect with him online:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepercw/
Website: https://keepercatranwhitney.com
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Episode 215 – Interview with Jill Krzyzanowicz, she goes by the byline – “Live Out Loud!”
Jill wants people to understand they are NOT a victim. They call the shots. They must take responsibility. And they can change the game whenever they so choose. We all must find and heal what ails us, to be free of our addictions.
Jill is an author, speaker, and a personal coach, she resides in Dunkirk, NY. After 20+ years in public education, she has decided to use her Masters Degree and teaching experience to become a personal empowerment mentor. She is the creator of the blog - justbeingjill.com - and also writes under the pen name, Margo Reilly. Jill has recently completed a life coach course and hopes to assist others with their own transformational journeys.
Born into a family of raging alcoholics, both sides, her Mother and her sister both drank themselves to death in their sixties. Tons of generational trauma and substance abuse was a natural in her family. Her mother was actually the first one to give her drugs as a young child.
One day Jill decided that she didn't want to turn into her Mother and said “enough”. Then came her admission that she was on a downhill trajectory, so she took action. Jill purchased a 90-day online program which was just what the doctor ordered. For her Father, his recovery ended up being "cold turkey." For her older brother, "AA" was the answer to his sobriety. Today, she believes everyone has to explore their own path as they journey back home to the life they desire.
Her newly published book under the pen name of Margo Reilly, entitled "When the Apple Falls Far from the Tree”, outlines a lifetime of adversity and the tools she used to make it to the other side.
From growing up chaotic in a house of violence, to cancer recovery, multiple weight loss surgeries, and a newly sober lifestyle - Jill feels compelled to share the "gifts" she has discovered along her path of personal growth.
Her website is: https://www.justbeingjill.com
Purchase her book: https://www.justbeingjill.com/mybook
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3i1RbIg
Jill’s email is: jill@justbeingjill.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/justbeingjill
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justbeingjill
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Episode 155 – Xander Marshall: From Undocumented Child to Sobriety Champion
Xander's journey began when he crossed the Mexican border with his mother as a child, only to lose her due to death soon after and become an orphan. Adopted by a couple, Xander struggled during his early teen years, enduring hardship and isolation while attending a distant boarding school.
However, after dropping out of high school, Xander found a new path in life with the help of a Marine Corps recruiter who assisted him in obtaining a green card and enlisting in the military. Serving in combat, Xander eventually earned his citizenship in 2007 and was honorably discharged in 2010 after a decade of service.
After leaving the Marines, Xander found success in the fitness industry in California and later in Colorado, where he managed multiple locations for Fitness 19. However, when he got married, he transitioned to interior design with Home Depot and relocated to Colorado in 2017, continuing to thrive professionally.
On March 23rd of this year, Xander celebrated eight years of sobriety and remains committed to helping others overcome destructive behaviors. His family's immigration journey was also chronicled in a 45-minute-long video by Espinosa Films for PBS in 1988, with a shorter version available on YouTube.-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ7yeCBcB6E&t=5s
Since then, Xander has achieved professional success, starting a small insurance business in 2019 and rising to the position of District General Agent, serving from Arvada to Cheyenne.
He is an active member of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals of Northern Colorado, serving as its president and the Vice President-Elect representing the State of Colorado.
In addition, Xander serves as the Ward Mission Leader for his church in Loveland and the Chapter President for Dynamic Referrals of the Business Network International chapter in Thornton.
He enjoys spending time with his family, serving in his church's temple, and embracing new challenges. Xander's outgoing personality and passion for networking make him a joy to be around.
More info on his work with Elite Solutions LTD can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elitesolutions-ltd/
Or you can call their office at: (720) 388-8000
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"We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”
In Step 10, the focus is largely on keeping your thoughts and emotions in check, this step guides you to look at the very foundation of your restoration and recovery. As most should know by the time they’ve reached Step 11, the foundation of recovery is centered on your spiritual growth. Many don’t realize in the early stages of recovery that every single step is about spirituality in one form or another.
Those dealing with substance abuse or another form of compulsive and destructive behaviors, while in the midst of their destruction, don’t understand the spiritual lessons to be learned and those that should be put into practice on a daily basis. Spirituality is not the same as religion!
In recovery, we find that spirituality really is constantly developing and changing - just like us. You now have new situations and new people in your life who influence and impact your growth in powerful ways. This step lends you a hand-up, encouraging you to find ways to improve your conscious contact with God. By this time you already have awareness of the changes in your life that began as early as Step 2, but as you’ve progressed there’s a new understanding in your life that improving your relationship with God comes from consistent prayer and meditation.
I encourage you to pray this prayer daily: Lord, my prayer is that you would guide me to offer comfort to others rather than seeking it for myself. Help me to love others, like you love me. Show me how to forgive, so I can be forgiven and awaken me as I pursue eternal life. Amen!
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Episode 212 – Jeremy Weintraub, Economic Empowerment & Poverty Alleviation Professional
My guest for this episode is Jeremy Weintraub, a Berkeley, California metro area resident. He recently celebrated 23 years of sobriety, getting sober at the young age of 22 – following six years of battling to be clean and sober. Today, he’s a successful business professional and has an amazing wife and three awesome children.
In his early twenties, the problems were mounting all around him and he was sick and tired of being sick and tired. Jeremy shares that he was surprised to learn that - “Desperation is a gift.” He went on to understand that the willingness to ask for help is a gift and a moment of grace, but that’s when the real work started. He touts that he wouldn’t be here today without family, mentors, friends, coaches, and at least a few guardian angels along the way.
In addition to English, Jeremy speaks Hebrew and Spanish, in his professional life he’s an Area Vice President of Sales at BetterUp. His purpose statement is, “I want to leave this place better than I found it, while serving others.”
You can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyweintraub/
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Episode 211 – Interview with Dr. Marlene Carson,
Chair of the U.S. Advisory Council on Trafficking at the White House
In the realm of childhood, where laughter echoes freely and innocence reigns supreme, lies an unthinkable darkness: the theft of joy, playfulness, and innocence itself. This grim reality often unfolds when children fall prey to abhorrent crimes like sexual exploitation or kidnapping. Shockingly, in the United States, a child vanishes every 40 seconds, culminating in a staggering total of 765,000 missing children per year.
My guest on this episode is the esteemed Dr. Marlene Carson, a renowned social activist in the area of human rights and women’s empowerment. Marlene has earned numerous awards for her service – President Obama gave her the Presidential Lifetime Achievement award, President Trump then appointed her to the U.S. Advisory Council, and President Biden, again awarded her in 2022 with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Her personal Mission Statement is: I am a fearless defender of justice with a mission to challenge the status quo by effecting systemic change within and without the system. I strive to embody change within humanity and communities, while providing tools for sustainability to marginalized people.
As you’ll learn more about in this episode, she was first trafficked as a 15-year-old and refers to herself as a “SurThrivalist”, a survivor of sex trafficking who’s now thriving in business and ministry. She prides herself in being a “revivalist of dead dreams, visions, and purpose.
Marlene is the author of numerous books and is one of the world’s foremost experts on sex trafficking. She has built multiple trauma-informed safe houses for victims and survivors of sex trafficking around the world, with programming that is unique in its application and results-driven. Through accredited education and Peer Support with accountability, Dr. Carson supports survivors with the ability to redefine their destiny, demonstrate their dreams, and design a sustainable social enterprise while being compensated.
B.L.A.S.T. was created with the purpose of bringing together Black leaders from different industries and backgrounds to work together to address the root causes of sex trafficking, to educate, and to provide solutions and support for survivors. The secondary meaning of BLAST is rooted in our core values, Building Partnerships, accessing Legal Resources, exposing Anti-Oppression, breaking Systematic Change, and Training – each letter representing a core value that guides the initiative’s efforts. By working together to address the systemic issues that contribute to sex trafficking, such as poverty and lack of access to education and employment opportunities, B.L.A.S.T. aims to create a world where sex trafficking is no longer possible.
Her connections are:
Email: marlene@marlenecarson.com
Phone: (615) 981-7653
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blast_movement
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.marlenecarson
Website: https://marlenecarson.com
Website: https://blastmovement.org/
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Nate Maliscke (his nickname and stage name is Nate Crash) started Break Dancing in 2012 and he was able to take his passion global.
Nate grew up in Western North Dakota, his parents divorced when he was very young, and along with his two younger sisters, they ultimately ended up in the foster care system.
As he was finishing art school, he was able to leverage a hobby and his passion, while traveling to ten foreign countries in dance competitions and stage performances. He has competed in some of the largest breaking events in the world: Outbreak Europe, Silverback Open Championships, and Freestyle Session.
He has traveled and performed in widely varied countries with Break Free Ministries and IMPACT Spain, performing at large-scale stadium events to small charity events.
Nate has performed at various Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) theaters including the Cowles Center, the Barbara Barker Center and the Ordway. He was able to spread light to others through his gift of dance.
Nate’s faith grew exponentially at age 15, while in his desperation he called out to God.
His faith journey expanded following that experience and God showed him a miracle when his father’s cancer was healed. Shortly thereafter, his mother surrendered her life to the Lord, as she sought solutions to her brokenness and angst.
Today, his one sister is a West Point grad, and the other sister is currently a student at the University of Honolulu.
Now, Nate is a Dad to a miracle baby and has been married to his wife for four years. He’s involved in the non-profit sector, striving to bring sustainable earth homes to the United States, and works with the University of Minnesota IT Department.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathan.maliscke
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Episode 209 – Chris Terzakos, On a Mission to Empower & Uplift Lives
Chris, the founder and leader of “The Healing Warrior,” is driven by a powerful passion and on a quest for well-being. He envisions a world where young and older men walk through the fields of life, carrying a kind of strength that creates purpose, inner peace, and happiness for themselves and those who cross their paths. He recently relocated from New York to the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Christopher Terezakos is an entrepreneur, self-healing coach, and the author of three books; “Hernia Without Surgery”, “Natural Testosterone After 60”, and “Belonging to Yourself”. He has been an active athlete for most of his life. Chris’ passion for health and fitness started early in life.
From adolescence into adulthood, he faced many ongoing ups and downs and adversities. He often wondered why it had to be this way. After losing loved ones and several relationships, Christ finally realized that he needed a shift that would change the relationship he had with himself.
Chris shares these experiences in his book – “Belonging to Yourself”. Today, he dedicates his life to self-healing and self-growth by connecting to his own natural wisdom, being open to learning, and connecting genuinely with others with the intention of improving their lives.
Chris was born and raised in New York City and spent over 35 years in leadership roles helping and mentoring people in the business world associated with unions and organizing their members. He has worked on several high-profile projects building airport terminals and the largest casino in the United States. Chris’ presence in the construction field made a significant impact on the related businesses and people’s lives.
You can learn more about his work and engage with him via the following links:
Email: chris@healingwarriors.com
Website: www.healingwarriors.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/chris-terzakos-b9b4651a4/
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Episode 208 – Interview with Charles Meyer, Porn Addiction Recovery Coach
Charles is on a mission to end fatherlessness in American homes, and eventually worldwide.
Based on the West Coach of Florida, Charles Meyer became a Porn Addiction Recovery Coach because of his own struggles with addiction and a strong sense of purpose from God. For 12 years, he battled with pornography and drug addiction, feeling empty despite having everything he thought he wanted. He tried to fill the void with various vices, but they never brought true happiness.
He found freedom in his faith, but it was also a long journey of healing from trauma, faulty beliefs, false identities, and reconciliation. His entire life had to change in order for freedom to be truly sustainable. He was a mess, but now claims freedom, there are no chains holding him back.
The turning point in his life came when he found freedom from his addictions. Charles realized that the solution wasn't in external things but in having a genuine relationship with God. This discovery inspired him to help others break free from their own addictions and find real purpose and fulfillment.
At first, Charles wasn't sure how to best serve others, but he kept seeking guidance from God. Over time, it became clear that his mission was to help husbands and fathers overcome addiction and become the leaders their families needed. He believes that ending fatherlessness in American households requires men to be free from addiction and to lead by example.
Charles is passionate about his mission and wants to provide the tools, support, and community needed for total freedom from addiction. Through his coaching, he aims to transform lives and help others experience the same freedom and purpose he found.
Online Connections:
https://www.instagram.com/freedomworkercharles
https://www.facebook.com/FreedomWorkerCharles1
Know Thyself Coaching info: https://bit.ly/CharlesMeyer
Email: newfuturecoaching@gmail.com
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Episode 207 – Step 5 – We Admitted
Step 5 in faith-based recovery programs outlines how you will grow by admitting to God, oneself, and another person the exact nature of your wrongs. This step is pivotal as it embodies the principles of confession and accountability, which are foundational in Biblical teachings and essential for true healing and transformation.
Participants in engaging with Step 5 are encouraged to embrace humility and honesty. This act of opening up is not merely about acknowledging past mistakes; it is a profound exercise in trust and vulnerability, allowing individuals to experience the liberating power of God’s grace in a tangible way. As they share their deepest faults and failures, they step out of isolation and into community, fostering deep connections that are vital for sustained recovery.
This step is often described as challenging yet incredibly rewarding, for it paves the way for spiritual renewal and personal growth. It is a decisive move towards reconciliation—with God, with others, and with oneself. As a pastor, I would emphasize the courage it takes to confront and confess one’s shortcomings, and I would affirm the immense strength found in the fellowship of believers and the unconditional love of God that meets us in our moments of openness and genuine repentance.
If you want to learn more about the recovery journey, please check out my recently released book, titled “God Took Me to Las Vegas…..to Get Sober” – go here to learn more about my memoir: https://godtookmetolasvegas.com/
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A quick overview of the book " God Took Me to Las Vegas To Get Sober"
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Episode 205 – Crushing the Stigma: Saving Lives & Restoring Relationships
As the host of this podcast, I’m often recognized as a passionate influencer who is on a mission to “Crush the Stigma” surrounding mental health and substance abuse.
With my deep-rooted belief that mental health-related challenges are not a sign of weakness but rather a common human experience, my commitment is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting conversations in all business sectors and in our faith communities, in order to save lives and restore relationships.
As a recognized figure in corporate America and in the recovery world, I’m committed to breaking down barriers and providing support for individuals who are struggling with compulsive and destructive behaviors.
My sobriety journey began more than 32 years ago, when I was only nine months into my third marriage, and I finally realized that it was time for a radical change in my life. In the year 1990, on September 24th, a Sunday afternoon, I slowly walked into a residential treatment center in Southern Utah.
My commitment to sobriety has allowed me to develop a powerful message of hope and a relentless drive to make a positive impact. Some say I’m a “force to be reckoned with” in the fight against mental health stigma and substance abuse.
If you’re looking for answers to questions about substance abuse or maybe you’d like to know more about my fast-growing business coaching endeavor, please connect via the sources below.
Recovery coaching: http://randymortensen.com/
Office number: 321.757.HOPE
Business Coaching: https://rpmglobaladvisors.com/
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Episode 204 Interview with Jewels, author of “The Making of a Woman”
Jewels is an award-winning author, speaker, and bodybuilder and hope to inspire others to push forward, no matter the challenges.
Jewels describes herself as a woman who has lived two lives in one lifetime. The first part was a life of childhood abuse and trauma which grew into the full-blown disease of alcoholism. Her life was out of control, and she says, “I was circling the drain”.
The second part is life today and how she urgently worked through her past and now has a wonderful life as a result. But her story is not your average girl gest sober story. She didn’t just get sober; she truly created a life of authenticity and confidence. Her story is about removing the expectations and the dogma of society, instead of being guided by love and empathy.
Some may call her life risky, unethical, and totally against the norm, but she sees it otherwise. She’s in a very loving and open-minded marriage. She has been sexually liberated as a result of her childhood trauma and just placed 3rd at the national level at the NPC (National Physique Committee) North American Championships.
“The Making of a Woman” is the compelling autobiography of a dynamic female who refused to bow down to the circumstances of her birth. With a prevailing sense of self and survival, Jewels fought a hardscrabble war against the forces and people that populated her life in a way that often crushes others.
Purchase her book here: https://themakingofawoman.com/purchase
Her email is: Jewels@TheMakingofaWoman.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jewelsthemakingofawoman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/makingofjewels
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewelsthemakingofawoman
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvmtpgWqE33CwRZl83R6Vg
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Welcome to today's episode, where we dive into a remarkable journey of personal growth, redemption, and professional success. The focus is on Randy Mortensen's transformative story as detailed in his compelling memoir, "God Took Me to Las Vegas...To Get Sober."
The narrative is not just about overcoming the clutches of addiction in the heart of a city known for its vices but also about the profound impact this journey had on his personal and professional life.
Randy's story begins with a life seemingly consumed by addiction, a path that led him to the vibrant yet challenging environment of Las Vegas. It was here, against all odds, that he found the strength and faith to turn his life around. His memoir provides a raw and honest look at the struggles faced on the road to recovery, but it's also a testament to the incredible power of determination, faith, and the human spirit's capacity to change.
But Randy's journey didn't just transform him personally. It also had a significant impact on his professional life and business ventures. From the brink of despair, Randy emerged not only as a man reborn but as a business leader driven by newfound clarity, integrity, and a deep commitment to his values. His story is a powerful reminder that personal growth can fuel professional success, transforming challenges into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones.
Join us as we explore Randy Mortensen's inspiring journey, highlighting the key moments of personal growth that led to professional achievements and the lessons we can all take from his experience. Whether you're seeking motivation in your own path to recovery or looking for insights into turning personal challenges into professional triumphs, Randy's story offers profound lessons in resilience, faith, and the art of transformation.
Purchase the book here: https://godtookmetolasvegas.com/
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Episode 201 – Gerry Wagner interview, with the theme of “What Is Love?”
Gerry Wagner is on a mission of “Spreading LOVE to those who may feel unloved”. He recently claimed 32 years of being clean and sober.
Gerry lives in Central Pennsylvania, he serves as the Vice President of Business Development for a global HVAC company and hosts the podcast “Tosot Time” where he hosts a wide array of guests. He interviews TV personalities, HVAC industry experts, and NASCAR race car drivers.
One year ago, he noticed a sign along the road with this question, “What is love?” That sign inspired thought and introspection within him. He realized that his love for his wife is different from his love for his friends, and the love he had for his mother. It was clear that love in every form is incredibly strong and meaningful, but each is unique at the same time.
Sadly, his biological father was an evil, brutal presence that destroyed his mother’s life and deserves no further mention or description. It’s where the absence of self-love is rooted in Gerry’s life. He quotes in an online post, “Imagine if you will, if you can, waking up every morning loathing, hating the blood that runs through your own veins.”
Defining love is something Gerry still struggles with, but he can define the absence of love and he doesn't want anyone to ever struggle with that sort of encounter, the absence of love, whether for a moment or a lifetime.
In this episode, Gerry shares about his weakest moments 15 months ago, he never thought about drinking and drugging and admits he would have rather put a gun to his head, as that would have been more merciful to himself and those around him. Instead, he leaned on his family members to get through the most difficult 72 hours he has experienced in the past couple of decades.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerry-wagner-1b154228/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tosot-bathica/
Podcast: Tosot Time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp4rd7qgiys
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Episode 200 – Richard Grahn, is a producer, screenwriter, author, and a coach
Richard was born and grew up in California, the youngest of six children in the family, before relocating to Eastern Tennessee.
During one of the darkest times of his life, he told God, “I don’t care if I go to Hell, you either kill me or do something in my life.” The next day, he was arrested for misdemeanor possession of methamphetamines.
But today, he now has over 22 years clean from Methamphetamines.
While in that life of darkness and pain, he witnessed violence, manipulation, desperation, and a ton of ugliness.
His forthcoming movie, “Escape to Normal” is a Christian film but not your typical mainstream Christian film. While growing up he was always taught in Church that the world is our mission field, not the choir. Yet, Richard believes that many Christian films in this era are for the choir and today he feels that creative storytellers are called to share the gospel outside of the building.
“Escape To Normal” will have a worldly look and feel to it. Most of the script is written from Richard’s real life and it speaks about his experiences on the streets, and the movie has a Christ-filled message of hope, identity, and second chances.
With a focus on becoming a new creation, similar to how he has grown from a time of homelessness, violence, and drug abuse. Since giving his life to Christ and getting clean from Methamphetamines, he’s seeking to help people find their true identity and their mission in life.
More about the work Richard is doing can be found at various locations online:
Website: https://www.escapetonormal.com
Fundraising site: https://www.givesendgo.com/escapetonormal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/445450010276355/members
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NormalEscapeto
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirrichardg
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This is an episode with Randy Mortensen as a guest on Back to God Radio.
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Aimee Eddy is a survivor! She's a survivor of mental illness, bullying, breast cancer, and abuse.
One of her quotes touts the "Light of Recovery", she said, "Climb out of the dark hole and into the light. Dance, rejoice and stand within the light of recovery from mental illness and breast cancer."
Aimee is an author, a motivational speaker, and a coach. She's a 2-year survivor from breast cancer. And is married to the love of her life.
The goals she recommends for the person who's seeking to be a survivor are:
1) Choose someone to confide in about what is going on inside you.
2) Find a good therapist you feel comfortable with.
3) Find a psychiatrist that is good and knows medications well.
4) Get rid of unhealthy relationships.
5) Build a good support system.
6) Know your limits and maintain them.
7) Make it a priority to fight every day to reach the light.
Her email is: aimeeegross@gmail.com
More information is on her website: https://aimeeeddygross.wordpress.com/
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Episode 198 Interview with Coach David Greer
Coach David is a life-long sailor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneurial coach, and an alcoholic who has been in recovery since January of 2009. His mission is to take his thirty-five years of entrepreneurial experience and share it with others, in order to accelerate their success. He is passionate about sharing his experience, strength, and hope.
In the midst of his corporate career, an extraordinary life coach came into David’s life. After working together for 18-months, David admitted to the coach that he had a problem with alcohol. The coach then tutored him to attend his initial 12-step recovery meeting.
As a life-long sailor, David relates his personal experiences – in business and in life to the challenges of growing a business. While you can beat your way against the wind, successful entrepreneurs learn to harness their efforts to seamlessly blow them in the direction they want to go. In David’s book, “Wind In Your Sails”, the reader is challenged to spend one hour reading the book in order to gain three ideas that will accelerate their business in the next 90-days.
In his spare time, David enjoys the beauty, water, and mountains of the Vancouver area, while taking occasional adventure breaks with his wife, Karalee. David and Karalee are committed to their three children, spending time supporting them in the many and varied activities they are involved with, including skiing together as a family in Whistler, BC.
Website: https://coachdjgreer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachdjgreer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgreer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachdjgreer/
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Episode 197 – Coach Chrystal, a mentor to women seeking an alcohol-free lifestyle
Chrystal is based in San Antonio, Texas and she’s dedicated to working as an alcohol-free coach specializing in guiding women through the transition to a sober lifestyle. With a passion for empowering individuals, she helps women not only embrace sobriety but also discover and step into their true purpose.
Through her coaching, Chrystal fosters positive transformations and supports her clients on their journey to fulfilling alcohol-free lives.
She often touts that “Jesus Saved Me!” When giving her testimony, Chrystal shares that alcohol was her best friend until it was her worst enemy. For years she used alcohol to celebrate or drown her sorrows. She thought her habits around alcohol were okay since she wasn’t drinking daily.
It was okay until God led her to leave the relationship she had been in for almost ten years. At this point, she was already trying to moderate, taking breaks, switching from whiskey to wine, etc. but the days sober became less and less, and for the first time she felt like she was losing control. So, she mentions that she listened to what God was saying and reached out for mentorship and support.
While the journey hasn’t been easy, it’s been the best decision in her life aside from deciding to follow Jesus. He has made Chrystal’s mess into a message, ministry, and resource for those struggling in this area.
She has been able to mentor women across the states who are willing to make the switch to an alcohol-free lifestyle and listen to the Holy Spirit leading.
You hear on this episode, Chrystal touting that “Jesus saved me, and he’s called me to share this message with you too. He’s called me to be a vessel and a tool to help you break through this toxic cycle.
Please know you’re not alone and I’m here when you’re willing and ready to take the leap. Your purpose goes beyond the bottle and the relationship and today is the perfect day to start embracing the new.”
You can connect with Chrystal via the following links:
Her website: https://msha.ke/chrystal.cuellar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrystal.cuellar
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/236895490772641/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chrystal.cuellar
Email: cuellarchrystal@gmail.com
Phone Number: (210) 912-3738
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Episode 196 – Interview with Jim Noone, He Believes in Sobriety Through Action
James (Jim) Noone, was born and raised in Bronx, New York, he has traveled to 43 states and four continents. Jim prides himself in being a storyteller, and a musician, and excels in relating to many different cultures around the globe.
He now resides in New Orleans but will be relocating to the Denver, Colorado metro in the coming months.
Growing up he favored radical politics and radical artistic expressions, including an affinity for punk rock and other youth subcultures. Today, he no longer considers himself a radical, but Jim admits to definitely having an edge and a dark sense of humor.
Late last year, he celebrated 27 years of sober and clean time. Before pursuing sobriety, he was an alcoholic and addict (speed, barbituates, & weed), along with tendencies to lapse into other compulsive behaviors like gambling and pornography.
Jim worked the 12 Steps through and through, and today he believes that sobriety is achieved through action. He’s quick to point out that whatever your beliefs are, faith-based or otherwise, it doesn’t really matter as long as your beliefs lead you to the right actions.
The challenges come about when your thinking leads you down a path of being close-minded or prejudiced or selfish – if that’s the case you shouldn’t expect positive outcomes.
Jim is involved in the employer/employee and labor relations profession. One of his memorable quotes is, “That which does not kill me merely postpones the inevitable.”
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Episode 195– Gerry Wagner interview, with the theme of “What Is Love?”
Gerry Wagner is on a mission of “Spreading LOVE to those who may feel unloved”. He recently claimed 32 years of being clean and sober.
Gerry lives in Central Pennsylvania, he serves as the Vice President of Business Development for a global HVAC company and hosts the podcast “Tosot Time” where he hosts a wide array of guests. He interviews TV personalities, HVAC industry experts, and NASCAR race car drivers.
One year ago, he noticed a sign along the road with this question, “What is love?” That sign inspired thought and introspection within him. He realized that his love for his wife is different from his love for his friends, and the love he had for his mother. It was clear that love in every form is incredibly strong and meaningful, but each is unique at the same time.
Sadly, his biological father was an evil, brutal presence that destroyed his mother’s life and deserves no further mention or description. It’s where the absence of self-love is rooted in Gerry’s life. He quotes in an online post, “Imagine if you will, if you can, waking up every morning loathing, hating the blood that runs through your own veins.”
Defining love is something Gerry still struggles with, but he can define the absence of love and he doesn't want anyone to ever struggle with that sort of encounter, the absence of love, whether for a moment or a lifetime.
In this episode, Gerry shares about his weakest moments 15 months ago, he never thought about drinking and drugging and admits he would have rather put a gun to his head, as that would have been more merciful to himself and those around him. Instead, he leaned on his family members to get through the most difficult 72 hours he has experienced in the past couple of decades.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerry-wagner-1b154228/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tosot-bathica/
Podcast: Tosot Time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp4rd7qgiys
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EPISODE 194 – NATE, GOD REWARDED HIS BELIEFS
Nate Maliscke (his nickname and stage name is Nate Crash) started Break Dancing in 2012 and he was able to take his passion global.
Nate grew up in Western North Dakota, his parents divorced when he was very young, and along with his two younger sisters, they ultimately ended up in the foster care system.
As he was finishing art school, he was able to leverage a hobby and his passion, while traveling to ten foreign countries in dance competitions and stage performances. He has competed in some of the largest breaking events in the world: Outbreak Europe, Silverback Open Championships, and Freestyle Session.
He has traveled and performed in widely varied countries with Break Free Ministries and IMPACT Spain, performing at large-scale stadium events to small charity events.
Nate has performed at various Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) theaters including the Cowles Center, the Barbara Barker Center and the Ordway. He was able to spread light to others through his gift of dance.
Nate’s faith grew exponentially at age 15, while in his desperation he called out to God.
His faith journey expanded following that experience and God showed him a miracle when his father’s cancer was healed. Shortly thereafter, his mother surrendered her life to the Lord, as she sought solutions to her brokenness and angst.
Today, his one sister is a West Point grad, and the other sister is currently a student at the University of Honolulu.
Now, Nate is a Dad to a miracle baby and has been married to his wife for four years. He’s involved in the non-profit sector, striving to bring sustainable earth homes to the United States, and works with the University of Minnesota IT Department.
Website for his art work is: https://www.natecrashstudio.com
His Instagram is: https://www.instagram.com/natecrash.studio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathan.maliscke
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Step 7 is really all about Humility!
Humility is often defined as freedom from the pride or arrogance that has been holding you back.
The characteristics of humility typically include some of the following: being situationally aware, making difficult decisions with ease, putting others first, speak your mind in a new way, and taking the time to say “Thank You”.
How do you humbly ask God to remove your shortcomings? I would like to recommend that you write out a prayer for each shortcoming that you desire to have removed. And then, simply ask God to make you ready to have it removed.
Some in recovery will say that Step 7 was very important in their recovery because it requires you to actively participate in your recovery and you are also expected to be responsible for all the things you do.
Some will make the mistake of thinking that asking God to remove your defects means that you take a step backwards and assume a passive role while God does all the work.
That’s not true!
Step 7 really requires you to move from a position of “willingness” to an action of “asking God to remove your shortcomings”. This step is one of the shortest in terms of wording and is perhaps the least discussed in recovery groups, but it is perhaps the most potent of the twelve steps.
It embodies the miracle of transformation as we turn over to God our broken, defective personalities in order that He might mold them into healthy, effective instruments of His will.
So what does it mean to humbly ask God to remove your shortcomings? It’s not simply reading a list of shortcomings to God. It is honestly bringing your admission of self-effort, your trembling fear, your shackles of doubt, your debilitating shame, and admitting these things to God. God is pleased with your honesty.
God is drawn to your vulnerability. God moves mountains for the broken-hearted. Humility means admitting all of these things and, like the man who came to Jesus asking for his son to be healed in Mark 9, you say, “I believe; Help my unbelief!
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Episode 192 – Tom Wolf, Recovery Advocate
Tom Wolf, a Recovery Advocate, resides in the San Francisco Metro in Northern California. He is in recovery from Heroin and Fentanyl addiction, he spent six months being homeless on the unsafe streets of the Tenderloin neighborhood and recently celebrated five years of being clean and sober.
He was arrested 6 times for holding drugs for street-level drug dealers and other offenses and eventually went to jail for 3 months before going to a 6-month inpatient treatment program where he found recovery. Now, 5 years clean and sober, Tom is a Recovery Advocate calling for changes to the radical approach drug policy has taken.
Tom was able to overcome his compulsive and destructive behaviors when he was held accountable. Following three months in jail, he was allowed to complete a six-month residential treatment program at The Salvation Army and then began attending 12-step programs and continues to attend those meetings on a regular basis.
As a reward for his sobriety, he has recently founded The Pacific Alliance For Prevention And Recovery (PAPR). A 501c3 based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a goal of creating a response to the ongoing overdose crisis that is rooted in recovery, prevention, and education. Today, Tom is focused on bringing more recovery Solutions to San Francisco and influencing drug policy in California and eventually the United States
PAPR has joined forces with FDPS (Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions) to lead West Coast Initiatives to change the way we look at the ongoing drug crisis by providing evidence-based solutions that begin with expanding drug treatment, reasonable approaches to interdiction of illicit drugs, and recovery education.
Social Media and Email:
https://twitter.com/Twolfrecovery
www.gooddrugpolicy.org/PAPR
twolffamily@gmail.com
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Episode 191 – Interview with Rob Lohman, he’s on a mission “To Help Restore Hope, Identity, and Purpose to the Addicted
Rob helps people suffering from substance abuse to find freedom from addiction and incarceration. On this episode he shares a powerful testimony – he’s been through the ringer and keeps bouncing back.
His rap sheet includes alcohol, drug addiction, gambling, along with sex and porn. Rob is an author, a public speaker, he engages in Professional Interventions and Recovery Coaching and is the host of two podcasts.
Rob’s drinking began at age 14, leading to some very dark times in his life. The climax of his drinking happened on June 7, 2001, with a suicide attempt that was interrupted by his compassionate dog – Jake.
In year eleven of his sobriety journey, Rob had an emotional nervous breakdown which led to a thirteen-year prison sentence, to which he was released in 10.5 months to a halfway house where he started to rebuild his life, along with his two children and wife who decided to remain married to Rob after the breakdown.
You will hear him tout that his deep roots of his Christian Faith took him through the storms and helped overcome so many obstacles.
His website is: www.LiftedFromTheRut.com
Podcast links are: www.BeyondTheBarsRadio.com and www.AddictionFreedomAndFaith.com
Twitter: @RobLohman
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Episode 190– Dr. Rosemarie Downer
Dr. Rosemarie Downer is a dedicated follower of Christ who aspires to having the closest relationship with Christ possible. Her service in the body of Christ primarily involves teaching and preaching.
She also spent well over 30 years serving in youth ministries. Other focus areas in her ministry include women and single adults. As well, she often ministers on issues that address emotional healing and well-being.
She is the founder and former President of BRYDGES (Building Responsible Youth by Delivering Genuine Enrichment Services), over which she functioned as the President for 15 years − 2001 through 2016.
She is a published author of The Self-Scarred Church and several parenting handbooks.
Dr. Downer served at The U.S. Department of Agriculture as a social science researcher for 20 years and as an adjunct professor at Bowie State University for 24 years. She is now retired from both positions and is currently a private consultant doing grant writing and research and evaluation.
In addition, she is doing what she dreamed of doing for years, and that is to write books to edify the body of Christ.
The pivotal scripture verse for her ministry is 3John 2 – “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Her most favorite Bible verse is Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Her favorite Bible character is Moses because he had the relationship with Abba Father that she so very deeply desires. Moses was able to talk to God the Father face-to-face and without riddle because of the close relationship he had with Him. That is her desire!
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Episode 189 – My Word for 2024 is “EMPOWERED”
The Webster definition of empowered is: having the knowledge, confidence, means, or ability to do things or make decisions for oneself. Not sure how many years ago it was but a business coach of mine strongly encouraged me to have a new “word to live by” each year.
Thus, my word for 2022 is “Empowered”! If we’re going to live like the Lifestyle Champion that God placed within each of us, then it’s important to learn how to live according to the victory of the promises of God.
A key verse that highlights the invitation of Jesus is found in Mark 1:17, Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”
You and I are invited! Everything pertaining to life and godliness, to wholeness and holiness, comes down to hearing this invitation. Not just a once-upon-a-time invitation commonly called justification or being saved, but the every-day-every-moment invitations which are the call of the Spirit for our sanctification.
Our responsibility is to listen for the call of Jesus to “Follow Me” and then respond with integrity.
The promise of being discipled is a promise that you never again have to do life by yourself. Jesus is inviting you to do life with Him, for eternity, which, oh by the way, includes every day of this life.
Are you hearing God’s invitations in your everyday life to follow Him and become like Him in everything you do?
The results are guaranteed for all who accept the invitation. Jesus promised, “I will make you become fishers of people.” In other words, Jesus is promising that God, through the Holy Spirit, will not only conform you to His Image, but also have you partake in His divine purposes.
You are invited! You are Empowered!!!
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Episode 188 – Interview with Sean Robinson, author of “Going Dry”
In his book, “Going Dry: My Path to Overcoming Habitual Drinking” – Sean talks about how examples set for him during his childhood led him to believe that he had it all figured out by the time he could legally drink. Residing in the Canadian Province of Ontario, he was legally allowed to purchase and drink alcohol at the age of nineteen.
Sean Robinson works in the construction industry and has volunteered with the local fire department since his late teens – he’s now thirty-eight years old, so serving others has definitely always been on his heart.
In his early days of drinking, he developed a lifestyle and routine around drinking, and that allowed him to feel like he was living up to the standards of expectations he and others in his family had set for him.
Those behaviors continued for almost 20 years and that lifestyle was compounded by the pandemic. Two years ago, he found himself in a dark and confusing place, finally reaching the point of knowing something needed to change.
But he also soon realized that “change” was going to be much harder than expected. Quoting Sean, “I had a toxic relationship with alcohol”.
He was able to work through his own program of changing habits and routines but ultimately his overriding goal was to become a positive example for his children, by changing his attitudes and beliefs about living a positive life.
You can purchase his book on all the major outlets, a few are listed here:
https://www.amazon.com/Going-Dry-Overcoming-Habitual-Drinking/dp/1778181732
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/going-dry-sean-robinson/1142120844
Or you can also purchase the book on his personal website:
https://seanrobinson.ca
You can connect with him via email at: mail@seanrobinson.ca
acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 187– Testimony by Rich A.
Rich grew up in Florida and went on to get a degree in accounting from Clemson University and then obtained a law degree from the University of Florida College of Law.
Things were going very well and one of his friends described him and his work in the following way: I have known Rich for many years. His work and knowledge is excellent. I am an entrepreneur by nature and Rich knows how to get a deal closed. He is honest and integrity is his strength. He has been my business partner and trusted confidant in numerous business arrangements and Rich is a man of integrity and knowledge who could be of advantage to anyone associated with him.
But then things changed when he was arrested for a DUI and there were also charges for possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia. He was found guilty of misconduct by the Florida State Bar with a short suspension of his law license. Sadly, there were subsequent charges brought against him as his poor choices continued, ultimately leading to him losing his law license.
As you’ll hear in his powerful testimony, Rich has now cleaned up his life and touts how he has combined his skills and personal endeavors in matters of real estate property and business acquisition, along with business development.
He’s grateful to have learned to balance his professional life with his personal, social, and civic lives. Rich touts having realized the profound importance of giving himself in communion and fellowship with others, and the community and society as a whole. He touts having a strong belief in civic and charitable duty. And while admitting that he’s not attained anything near perfection when it comes to balance in his life, he continues to strive for progress, rather than perfection.
Rich has been fortunate to have raised three wonderful daughters, each of whom is marking her course and contributing to what makes this world a better place to live. And those daughters have blessed him with grandchildren, so he’s even more eager to be looking forward to experiencing amazing possibilities with the next generation.
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Episode 186 – Step 9, Forgiveness and Grace, with Randy Mortensen
Step 9
We made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Two scriptures are referenced with this step, the first is from Matthew 5:23-24 from the Life Recovery Bible is: “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.”
And the second is found in Luke 6:31 in the Life Recovery Bible: Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
The three core principles of Step 9 include:
- Make Direct Amends: This step involves making direct amends to people who were harmed as a result of one's actions. It encourages individuals to take responsibility for their past behavior and make sincere efforts to reconcile with those they have wronged.
- Except When to Do So Would Injure Them or Others: While making amends is important, this step also emphasizes the need to consider the potential harm that might result from direct communication or reconciliation. In some cases, reaching out directly could be detrimental to the individual or others involved. In such instances, alternative ways of making amends or seeking forgiveness may be considered.
- Continue to Take Personal Inventory and Promptly Admit When Wrong: Step 9 is not a one-time event but part of an ongoing process. It encourages individuals to continue self-reflection and honesty. If mistakes are made in the future, individuals are encouraged to promptly admit them. This ongoing commitment to self-awareness and accountability is crucial for maintaining recovery.
If you’re looking for daily words of encouragement, please join our Facebook group titled, “God Took Me to Las Vegas…..to Get Sober”
The link to join that group is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/godtookmetolasvegastogetsober
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Episode 174 – Interview with Austin Moore, Found the strength to raise my hand.
Austin now resides in the Denver, Colorado metro. He’s the founder and coach of a business called Catalyst Crew, where he and his team work with individuals to build their most important asset – themselves. Whether they are trying to quit compulsive and destructive habits, or they are working on building good habits, the Catalyst Crew team is there to assist.
As you’ll hear and learn about during this interview, Austin overcame alcohol addiction, suicidal ideations, severe anxiety, and depression, and then started living a life he was proud of. He started sharing his story and began helping others on a personal level.
Early in his career, he was working in staffing, but after getting sober his passions started to shift - after praying for a sign of what his next direction should be, several strange things happened, leading him to start Catalyst Crew. His coaching community was built to help others navigate similar challenges in life. Through 1:1 coaching, retreats, and their community, Austin and the Catalyst Crew team are helping people break the grasp of destructive habits and start living intentional, prosperous, and happy lives.
His sobriety date is July 31, 2017. He touts that he was able to overcome what he had been going through when he finally found the strength to raise his hand and ask for help. And following that decision, he touts that “I told everyone around me, and shortly thereafter began sharing his story with the world.”
Austin’s mission today is to help change the notion that rock-bottom has to be our catalyst for change. And he’s often quoted as saying, “YOU are the catalyst and YOU decide when you want to change your life”.
More information about the Catalyst Crew can be found here: http://www.catalystcrew.co
And his linked in profile is: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinmoore1
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Episode 173 Step 8 – Made a List of All the Persons We Had Harmed
From the Life Recovery Bible, the full version of Step 8 is “We made a list of all the persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.”
The verse from the Life Recovery Bible that really drives home the overall need and purpose for this step is found in Luke, Chapter 6, verse 31: “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.”
Who is the toughest person to forgive? Yourself! But until you and I forgive ourselves we’ll not be able to grow in recovery. If you’re not able to forgive yourself then how can you expect to forgive others? It’s also important for you to evaluate all your relationships. And then, when you’re ready and your list is completed – offer forgiveness to those who have hurt you and make amend for the harm you’ve done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others.
The three key points below offer a general overview of what Step 8 typically involves:
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed: In Step 8, individuals in recovery are encouraged to create a comprehensive list of all the people they have harmed directly or indirectly as a result of their addictive behavior. This can include family members, friends, colleagues, and others.
- Became willing to make amends to them all: This step involves developing a willingness to take responsibility for the harm caused to others and to make amends or restitution wherever possible. It's about recognizing the consequences of one's actions and being open to making things right.
- Prayed to God to help us become willing: Step 8 often emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual guidance and strength to become willing to make amends. This may involve prayer, meditation, and seeking the support of a sponsor or accountability partner to assist in the process of making things right with others.
We closed this episode with a quote from Phillip Yancey, a Christian author: “I can do nothing to make God love me more. Likewise, nothing I do will cause God to love me less.”
acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 172 - Adam Martin, 5-Time Felon Turned Social Entrepreneur
Adam Martin resides in Fargo, North Dakota, and is the founder of the F5 Project, and the Ridge Treatment and Reentry Center.
The F5 project serves the formerly incarcerated and those suffering from addictions – typically anyone in those situations have limited resources available to them. Usually, they struggle to obtain even the simplest things due to an unfair stigma.
I love the organization’s byline, “We’re criminal justice reform warriors who offer grace without question and create change for those who hustle”. The F5 Project cuts the red tape and eliminates barriers to basic needs, employment, and accountability. They are hands and feet on the street offering housing, resources, and a customized support plan for those who need assistance.
Adam spent a lot of time in juvenile detention, foster homes, and eventually jail. He lost his kids, lost his car, and he didn’t have a driver’s license. He was very far behind on his child support, accumulating major debt and he had no real ambitions to go and do anything other than drink a lot, do many drugs, and party. His Mom and Dad met in treatment, so some would say his future was predetermined.
Sadly, he didn’t think he was going to grow up to be anything great. One day he blacked out and woke up in a hotel room, after stealing a U-Haul and breaking into three businesses. He regained consciousness in that hotel room and could smell the cigarettes and the booze.
Adam recalls seeing stolen laptops around him and knew that it had all happened again. At that moment he started to realize that he was hurting a lot of people and that was the beginning of a “life change” for him.
The F5 project now has transition housing in three communities in North Dakota. They work on restoring voter rights and strive to find large numbers of what are referred to as “second chance” jobs for those in their programs.
Their services include housing, employment, peer support, community connections, and recovery growth programs. Everyone deserves grace and a chance to a fresh start.
Website: www.f5project.org
Twitter: twitter.com/f5projectorg
Instagram: Instagram.com/f5projectorg
Address: 1122 1st Avenue North, Fargo, ND 58107
Office Phone: (701) 201-2491
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Episode 171 – Jenny Alexander, Relationship Recovery Advocate & Author
Jenny Alexander has recovered from a toxic marriage and divorce, plus breakups from unhealthy friendships. She also surrendered her life to Christ and gained assurance of salvation after 26 years of doubt.
Her pathway toward healing involved counseling and support groups like Divorce Care. Gaining confidence and self-respect were key. She discovered a website that clearly explained the gospel and then got plugged into a great church that taught her foundational truths and helped her grow.
Jenny's story is one of resilience and inspiration. Despite the challenges she faced in her first, unhealthy marriage that eventually ended in divorce, she embarked on a remarkable journey of healing and personal growth.
Today, she not only thrives but also dedicates her writing to empowering others in their recovery process and guiding them toward making healthier relationship choices.
She met her current husband and touts that his love and acceptance played a big part in her healing. Today, she is a contented homemaker and accomplished author residing in Ontario with her husband, Curtis.
Her life is enriched by her passion for various creative pursuits, including sketching, playing the violin, and writing. Furthermore, she holds a Master's Degree in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University.
Her website is: https://www.jennyealexander.com
And her email is: jennyalexanderbooks@gmail.com
acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 170 – Tommy Hathorn, Recovery Center Guru
Tommy is the CEO of Boardwalk Recovery Center, in Southern California. Since they’ve had a broad base of patients, Tommy has a wealth of knowledge on the recovery journey, and he shares his experiences during this episode.
Tommy wants to guide those struggling with addiction toward the life he believes they
were meant to live. He does this by creating first-rate treatment programs for individuals that others have deemed hopeless. The quality of the recovery program is paramount; Tommy will not settle for second best.
The programs he envisions always have the long-term success of the client as the first priority. He achieves the success of the program by continually raising the bar of excellence.
With years of experience as an Executive Director, Tommy has broadened his scope of work to include involvement in program licensing, credentialing, and fundraising. There is no end goal for Tommy, his passion and desire to provide quality treatment options is a lifetime commitment.
Discovering what direction to take in life without mind-altering substances takes time and persistence. It is a complete shift in lifestyle that requires more than 30 days to cultivate.
At Boardwalk Recovery Center – Alcohol and Drug Rehab, they partner with you to find the tools and opportunities you need, as you journey together towards taking a direction you value in life.
Tommy’s team strives to prepare you to leave Boardwalk Recovery equipped to live the life you were meant to live – in a community, sober and thriving.
You can learn more about Boardwalk Recovery Center here: https://boardwalkrecoverycenter.com
Email to: info@boardwalkrecoverycenter.com
Call them at: (858) 888-0101
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Episode 169 – Understanding and Practicing Step Eleven
“We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”
In Step 10, the focus is largely on keeping your thoughts and emotions in check, this step guides you to look at the very foundation of your restoration and recovery. As most should know by the time they’ve reached Step 11, the foundation of recovery is centered on your spiritual growth. Many don’t realize in the early stages of recovery that every single step is about spirituality in one form or another.
Those dealing with substance abuse or another form of compulsive and destructive behaviors, while in the midst of their destruction, don’t understand the spiritual lessons to be learned and those that should be put into practice on a daily basis. Spirituality is not the same as religion!
In recovery we find that spirituality really is constantly developing and changing - just like us. You now have new situations and new people in your life who influence and impact your growth in powerful ways. This step lends you a hand-up, encouraging you to find ways to improve your conscious contact with God. By this time you already have awareness of the changes in your life that began as early as Step 2, but as you’ve progressed there’s a new understanding in your life that improving your relationship with God comes from consistent prayer and meditation.
I encourage you to pray this prayer daily: Lord, my prayer is that you would guide me to offer comfort to others rather than seeking it for myself. Help me to love others, like you love me. Show me how to forgive, so I can be forgiven and awaken me as I pursue eternal life. Ame
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Episode 116 - Interview with Allan Anderson
Allan Anderson resides in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. He’s the proud Dad of two awesome daughters and has spent a career in the construction industry. Allan is currently a Senior Project Manager for some large multi-family developments.
A quote I’ve heard Allan say often over the years is, “January 15, 1981 is the day I was saved from the grip of alcoholism”. He has accumulated forty-one years of sobriety and has a passion for teaching others who want what he has.
In his family, his Dad, and brother have been in recovery for many years but as you’ll hear him say during the interview, he’s most proud of his daughter successfully accumulating almost nine years of being set free from her compulsive and destructive behaviors.
Allan and I have known each other for more than seventeen years – he was one of the early attendees at Quest 180 in White Bear Lake, MN, plus he participated in my Wednesday morning Men’s Bible study group for many years. Allan attributes his long-term recovery to AA and the Quest 180 faith-based program.
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Episode 167 – Something Good Is Coming From This…..
Today, I want to convince you that anything is possible for your life if you’re doing life with God. If you do life with God, He can do anything with you. I believe that with all my heart.
God loves to do impossible things with improbable people. And I want to convince you today that if you live your life by faith, God is going to do tremendous things in your life.
It’s so easy to think God is done with you, that your life is over, and that your future is dark. But I want to encourage you to believe that something good is always coming. Always.
Make it your “lifestyle.” Something good is always coming for you. That is a word from God to you.
I’m so thankful for this truth: God promises to bring good from the storms of devastation in our lives. Our difficulties allow us to see God’s strength displayed in our lives. Through every weakness and hard place. It brings us to a deeper humility and dependency on Him, that we would never know without the trial or pain we had faced.
Apollo 8, the first manned mission to the moon, entered lunar orbit on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1968. The astronauts held a live broadcast from lunar orbit, in which they showed pictures of the earth and moon as seen from their spacecraft. They ended the broadcast with the crew taking turns reading from the book of Genesis.
Do you believe that something good is coming for you?
Just know…..Something good is coming from whatever trials and challenges you’re facing today!
NASA Video link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToHhQUhdyBY
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Episode 166 - Interview with RJ Zimmerman, Sobriety & Mental Health Advocate
RJ is a resident of Virginia, recently celebrated 8.5 years of sobriety, and is on a mission to let others know they’re not alone. He wants the person struggling with substance abuse to understand that the poor choices made should not cause you to give up on life. Making the decision to change is the beginning of living your life unshackled.
He is a father of two and the founder of “Untapped Keg”, a podcast about sobriety and mental health. Each week, “Untapped Keg” is providing hope and spotlighting stories about sobriety and mental health.
The hosts talk about their own sobriety, mental health, being vulnerable about their struggles, and celebrating their wins.
RJ Zimmerman loves to share his story in depth. He goes through how he got to where he is now, okay with himself and working on friendships, using his past to boost himself forward, and doing everything he can to help show others they are not alone.
You can find “Untapped Keg” on all social media platforms and on YouTube. Join the community that is allowing room for growth, while showing it’s okay to not be okay.
Website: https://www.untappedkeg.com
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UntappedKeg
Email for RJ: RJZimmerman@UntappedKeg.com
To access the podcast: https://www.untappedkeg.com/episodes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untappedkeg
Charity board: Up4MentalHealth.org
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Episode 165- Patrick Flanagan, Certified Intervention Professional
Patrick is a former private wealth manager and sales trader with Morgan Stanley, RBC, and Wells Fargo. It took him four rehab stints to gain freedom from his alcohol abuse problems. Sadly, because of his poor behaviors, he was disinvited from his daughter’s high school graduation for a host of ugly reasons.
While in his second rehab program a counselor stressed to him that staying clean and sober would be virtually impossible and likely unsuccessful without a transition to sober housing, along with supportive programs, including AA meetings, plus a drug and alcohol-free environment.
Patrick really thought he could do it himself because he had a job, a home, and a family that genuinely cared about him. In his own words, “I was totally wrong and I lost it all again.”
Since getting sober on January 19, 2019, following four rehabs in a three-year period, he has gone on to obtain his CIP (Certified Intervention Professional) certification and he’s also a member of the Association for Intervention Specialists. His firm, based in St. Paul, MN – “The Irishman & Associates” – is a full-service alcohol and drug intervention firm that also offers case management for those in need.
Plus, just this year, that same daughter who refused to have Dad attend her high school graduation, graduated from Notre Dame and Dad was able to celebrate that accomplishment by being in the audience.
Knowing there is an extreme shortage of sober housing beds in the Twin Cities metro area, Patrick was intent on creating sober living for men and women in need. Today, he’s a co-owner in the “Lion House”, near the Minnesota State Fair grounds.
The historic mansion is about 7,000 square feet, has 16 rooms with eight bathrooms, and has room for 14 to 16 women at a time. The home opened in October of 2019 and has been fully occupied since inception. He and his business partner are currently seeking another large home, that can serve men in the community.
Learn more at:
The Irishman and Associates - https://www.theirishmanandassociates.com
The Lion House (sober house) - https://www.lionhousestpaul.com
Patrick’s on LinkedIn – https://www.linkein.com/in/patrick-flanagan-mn
His phone number is – 612.889.9182
acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 164 – Fred Stoeker, Best-Selling Author of the “Every Man” series
Fred Stoeker and his wife of forty years, Brenda, reside in the Des Moines, Iowa area. God has given Fred a voice in His Kingdom to share all that he’s learned about how to defend our vulnerable lies, grow into true manhood, and for husbands to connect fully with their spouses.
Since growing up in Iowa, and then going on to graduate from Stanford University, he has become a best-selling author of the “Every Man” series, and Fred is a conference speaker who challenges men to become sexually pure while reconnecting in truly intimate relationships with their wives. He also encourages both men and women to rise-up and to live a Christian lifestyle, rather than simply doing a Christian life.
In this episode, he talks about being hooked on visual sexual sin and masturbation. But now he shares his experience and life change that came about through God's grace and self-control and self-discipline (fruit of the Spirit). He challenges men and women to realize that they can be set free, for good. Fred’s life change took place over thirty years – that was the last time he was lusting and masturbating, after going to his computer and TV for pleasure.
Here's how Fred describes his journey. “First, I engaged the battle. Second, I listened closely to God's leading on the next steps. There are two vulnerabilities in male
sexuality that makes it easy to fall into sexual sin. The first vulnerability is that of the eyes and mind. I wrote the book “Every Man's Battle” to discuss how to set up the defenses for that vulnerability. The second one is the tie between our sexuality and
our wounds, stress, and pain. I called this the Stealth Vulnerability, and my wife Brenda and I have recently written “Battle On, Battle Over” to teach men and women how to defend this vulnerability”.
Fred has been nominated for numerous writing awards; he’s won two Gold Medal Lion Awards and two Silver Medal Lion Awards for writing excellence.
Key verses: Job 31:1 and 7, Luke 6:46
Websites: https://www.battleonbattleover.com and https://fredstoeker.com
Facebook: Fred Stoeker Ministries
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fredstoeker
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Episode 163 – Interview with William Kemm,
“Life Is Too Short To Be Working For Someone Else’s Dream”
William Kemm is 39 years old, and currently resides in Chelsea, Quebec, Canada – he’s also spent a number of years in Western Canada. He is a true example of a warrior when it comes to perseverance and a commitment to being the “better him”.
William was diagnosed with cancer at age ten and he battled through chemotherapy, endured many weeks of hospital stays, and was ultimately given a bone marrow transplant. Sadly, after fighting his way through the cancer battle, he lost his Mother in a tragic car accident at the age of eleven. As you’ll hear in the episode interview, he was very angry at God for taking his Mom and this cast him off into many years of mental health challenges.
Around age fourteen, he went to live with his uncle and then his 14-year-old cousin introduced him to smoking weed and those poor choices led him down a path of doing whatever more powerful drugs he could find, to overcome the mental health challenges he was experiencing.
William went through five treatment programs and nine detox processes, and he also attended AA and NA meetings. He touts that pretty much everyone he knows or has known over the years, has been abusing drugs and alcohol or is in recovery from heroin, Crystal Meth, and other powerful substances. William has now been victorious over his addictions for five years.
He is passionate about helping others get healthy and his goal is to one day own a group of holistic wellness centers. Currently, he is working for the wellness organization mentioned in the links below. And, what strengthens him today is his commitment to reading the Bible every morning and then praying for whatever God lays on his heart. He spends 90 minutes to two hours every morning in the scriptures and praying for God’s guidance in his life.
The wellness website is: https://www.elitedynamiclife.com
His Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072450762246
On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@billbkemm
acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 162 – Interview with Topher, he’s on a mission to tell everyone “God is good!”
This is a powerful testimony of grit, perseverance, and true transformation.
Most people know Christopher Trivette as “Topher”. He was born in Latvia, was abused at a young age, lost a third of his brain, and then acquired cerebral palsy. His parents dropped him off at an orphanage, and he was adopted by an American Christian family at the age of four.
His adopted Mother was actually on a mission trip, handing out Bibles in honor of her grandfather’s ministry, and ended up meeting Topher as a very young boy while visiting homes around the orphanage. God worked in a powerful way throughout that entire adoption process.
Probably due to his upbringing and his abusive treatment at a young age, he became very rebellious toward his American adopted family members and others in the neighborhood and the schools.
Because of his disruptive behaviors, Topher was sent at the age of eleven to a Christian boarding school, and sadly, that was the last time he lived with his American family on a full-time basis.
As you’ll hear in this episode, Topher expressed extreme bouts of anger. He recalls screaming out to God with the question, “Why me God?” At the age of twelve, he first learned what it meant to completely surrender his heart and to become a fully devoted follower of Christ. However, his mental mindset still corrupted his thinking, so he didn’t fully surrender to the Lord until he was in his early twenties.
Today, Topher is a powerful warrior for Christ and loves to share scriptures with anyone and everyone he encounters.
Some of his favorite verses are Romans 12:2, and then he particularly loves 2nd Corinthians chapter 10 and verses 3 through 6. These are just a few he highlights during the interview.
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Emma-Jane Taylor – Award Winning Advocate for survivors of CSA - Recognised as a National Treasure by GB News, 2022
Motivational Speaker /Ardent campaigner for survivors of Child Sex Abuse/ Media commentator/ Editor of The Real Silence
Founder of The Works Co & Project 90/10, Author of Don't Hold Back, TEDx Speaker/ Corporate Behaviour Change Trainer/Mentor
Twitter@ejtayloruk - LinkedIn@emmajanetayloruk – Instagram @emmajanetayloruk
Emma-Jane’s personal and traumatic story of struggle and hardship covered in her debut book entitled ‘Don’t Hold Back’ has given her the positive tools and focus she needed to fight back, to create a power-house of strength; compassion and dedication to living.Emma-Jane was once told ‘she was the girl going nowhere, the failure’ and most people thought she would be dead or in prison by the time she was 20. **Her reality, like many, was very different.
Survivor of child sex abuse, abandonment & rejection. Throughout her teenage years she drank excessively, took drugs, became bulimic. By 15 years old was exhausted by life, addicted and struggling with various disorders.
Her school life struggled, she was often put into isolation, on report, given regular detentions or suspended. She was written off as a child, labelled a juvenile delinquent by a child psychiatric at 14 and told regularly told she was a failure, going nowhere - none of which helped her with her difficulties or development. As a young girl she struggled with nerves, night terrors, late development, OCD, PTSD, nausea, eating disorders, paranoia, anxiety. At 19 she took off to Spain and at 23 she found the confidence to start an A-Z of therapy.**
Podcasts: Second Chancewith (Netflix) Raphael Rowe, Unbroken with Madeleine Black, Inspire with Steve Twynham, Traci Cornelius Women Rockin’ Business
Radio: Talk Radio with Ian Collins, Men’s Radio Station with Russ Kane and Phil Dave, BBC Berkshire with Phil Kennedy Drivetime, Wellbeing with Bill Buckley,
Andrew Peach Show and Michelle Jordan, Radio Lantau Hong Kong with Kimberley Kleczka, Motivational Firewood with Steve Gamlin
Brand Ambassador: Riverside Counselling, Berkshire Community Foundation, World Jenny’s Day
https://www.notmyshame.global/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmajanetayloruk/
https://twitter.com/ejtayloruk
https://www.instagram.com/emmajanetayloruk/
https://www.facebook.com/emmajanetayloruk/
email - office@emmajanetaylor.com
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Joe Templin has led an eclectic life.
As one of six kids, growing up outside of a rural small town in New York and spending time on the family farm, Joe’s parents instilled a love of learning, the outdoors, and a healthy disrespect for authority while still simultaneously embracing traditional values of hard work and “love thy neighbor but mind your own dang business.” Today, this is Joe’s foundation.
He was severely asthmatic but through his work ethic and the love of a challenge, he has become a martial artist and an ultradistance runner. He had a speech impediment but has built a career around communicating. This habit of overcoming limitations is a theme in his life and his writings.
Today, Joe has three sons, the oldest attempted suicide at fourteen, his second son was caught skipping school and doing drugs while in his mid-teens, and Joe has lost several very close friends to their battles with mental health and substances, over the years.
Serving others is important to Joe, because of how his parents raised him. He’s a successful author and a popular coach but Joe contends he’s still a work in progress.
His work has led him to understand the underlying voids that often lead to addictions and other compulsive and destructive behaviors. His book series titled, “Every Day Excellence” has a bi-line of “A daily guide to growing”.
Joe is often quick to point out that it was a business friend who lived by the adage of “Give a Book, Not a Bottle” that radically changed his life.
Website:https://everyday-excellence.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EDEwithJoe
Twitter:https://twitter.com/EDEwithJoe
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-templin
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EPISODE 159 – NATE, GOD REWARDED HIS BELIEFS
Nate Maliscke (his nickname and stage name is Nate Crash) started Break Dancing in 2012 and he was able to take his passion global.
Nate grew up in Western North Dakota, his parents divorced when he was very young, and along with his two younger sisters, they ultimately ended up in the foster care system.
As he was finishing art school, he was able to leverage a hobby and his passion, while traveling to ten foreign countries in dance competitions and stage performances. He has competed in some of the largest breaking events in the world: Outbreak Europe, Silverback Open Championships, and Freestyle Session.
He has traveled and performed in widely varied countries with Break Free Ministries and IMPACT Spain, performing at large-scale stadium events to small charity events.
Nate has performed at various Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) theaters including the Cowles Center, the Barbara Barker Center and the Ordway. He was able to spread light to others through his gift of dance.
Nate’s faith grew exponentially at age 15, while in his desperation he called out to God.
His faith journey expanded following that experience and God showed him a miracle when his father’s cancer was healed. Shortly thereafter, his mother surrendered her life to the Lord, as she sought solutions to her brokenness and angst.
Today, his one sister is a West Point grad, and the other sister is currently a student at the University of Honolulu.
Now, Nate is a Dad to a miracle baby and has been married to his wife for four years. He’s involved in the non-profit sector, striving to bring sustainable earth homes to the United States, and works with the University of Minnesota IT Department.
Website for his art work is: https://www.natecrashstudio.com
His Instagram is: https://www.instagram.com/natecrash.studio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathan.maliscke
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Ana’s philosophy is simple: “Master the Game of Life” so you will never be trapped in pain and hurt again.
She has experienced a number of hardships in her life, like abandonment by her father, an alcoholic mother, her own insomnia for 2.5 years, a suicide attempt at age 19, chronic back pain and migraines for 27 years of her life, obesity, non-alcoholic liver hepatitis, poverty, and a depressed child.
Today, Ana is a premier life strategist who specializes in helping teenagers and adults to build strong and supportive family relationships. This is accomplished by addressing the root cause which holds you back.
In her programs, Ana sets a path to remove any and all excuses and replaces them with reasons and opportunities. She continues to build her clientele and has been consistently growing her success stories in the industry. Today, on a regular basis, she is sought out by people from all over the country and the world as well.
What makes Ana Lennyr unique is that she combines a teacher, psychologist, and parent experience with her anti-depression expertise. She changes the lives of both teens and adults in subtle ways without lecturing, confrontation, or therapy.
You can call or text her at: (224) 501-9804
Learn more about her programs here: https://analennyr.com
There are a number of free resources available: https://analennyr.com/webclass
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ANALENNYR
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-lennyr-04b8b1225
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/analennyr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9n_y_HhF_p8O3poTrUwvZA
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Episode 157- Interview with Abigail Vondal, Certified Sexual Assault Advocate
Many aren’t aware that April each year is “Sexual Assault Awareness Month”.
My guest this week is an amazingly strong, resilient, and committed lady who has endured much pain and suffering.
She’s the mother of five beautiful daughters and recently celebrated three years of sobriety. Her heavy drinking began after being sexually assaulted by many assailants.
After reporting the attacks, she was re-victimized by law enforcement, where she was treated more like the criminal than a survivor.
The combination of these events has moved her to create a movement to spread awareness about the trauma of sexual assault and the aftermath of the healing.
Abigail was a heavy drinker, and wine was her drink of choice. She crashed her car into two trees, a year to the date after the sexual attack.
Reports show that she was going 80 to 90 miles per hour, and it was a miracle she survived, after breaking several bones and recovering by spending one week in the hospital. It was during that hospital stay that she decided she’d “had enough”.
Her father walked into the hospital room and saw her condition, it was then that Abigail realized she owed it to her daughters to stop drinking and to stop using the sexual assaults as an excuse for her drinking.
She has created a movement titled, “No More Silent Sisters”, establishing private support groups locally and on Facebook.
She’s on the journey with 70 of her closest loved ones and is passionate about getting her story out to expand awareness. Her purpose statement is powerful, “Perhaps through my suffering, I can help someone else”.
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Episode 156 – Crushing the Stigma: Saving Lives & Restoring Relationships
As the host of this podcast, I’m often recognized as a passionate influencer who is on a mission to “Crush the Stigma” surrounding mental health and substance abuse.
With my deep-rooted belief that mental health-related challenges are not a sign of weakness but rather a common human experience, my commitment is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting conversations in all business sectors and in our faith communities, in order to save lives and restore relationships.
As a recognized figure in corporate America and in the recovery world, I’m committed to breaking down barriers and providing support for individuals who are struggling with compulsive and destructive behaviors.
My sobriety journey began more than 32 years ago, when I was only nine months into my third marriage, and I finally realized that it was time for a radical change in my life. In the year 1990, on September 24th, a Sunday afternoon, I slowly walked into a residential treatment center in Southern Utah.
My commitment to sobriety has allowed me to develop a powerful message of hope and a relentless drive to make a positive impact. Some say I’m a “force to be reckoned with” in the fight against mental health stigma and substance abuse.
If you’re looking for answers to questions about substance abuse or maybe you’d like to know more about my fast-growing business coaching endeavor, please connect via the sources below.
Recovery coaching: http://randymortensen.com/
Office number: 321.757.HOPE
Business Coaching: https://rpmglobaladvisors.com/
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Episode 155 – Xander Marshall: From Undocumented Child to Sobriety Champion
Xander's journey began when he crossed the Mexican border with his mother as a child, only to lose her due to death soon after and become an orphan. Adopted by a couple, Xander struggled during his early teen years, enduring hardship and isolation while attending a distant boarding school.
However, after dropping out of high school, Xander found a new path in life with the help of a Marine Corps recruiter who assisted him in obtaining a green card and enlisting in the military. Serving in combat, Xander eventually earned his citizenship in 2007 and was honorably discharged in 2010 after a decade of service.
After leaving the Marines, Xander found success in the fitness industry in California and later in Colorado, where he managed multiple locations for Fitness 19. However, when he got married, he transitioned to interior design with Home Depot and relocated to Colorado in 2017, continuing to thrive professionally.
On March 23rd of this year, Xander celebrated eight years of sobriety and remains committed to helping others overcome destructive behaviors. His family's immigration journey was also chronicled in a 45-minute-long video by Espinosa Films for PBS in 1988, with a shorter version available on YouTube.-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ7yeCBcB6E&t=5s
Since then, Xander has achieved professional success, starting a small insurance business in 2019 and rising to the position of District General Agent, serving from Arvada to Cheyenne.
He is an active member of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals of Northern Colorado, serving as its president and the Vice President-Elect representing the State of Colorado.
In addition, Xander serves as the Ward Mission Leader for his church in Loveland and the Chapter President for Dynamic Referrals of the Business Network International chapter in Thornton.
He enjoys spending time with his family, serving in his church's temple, and embracing new challenges. Xander's outgoing personality and passion for networking make him a joy to be around.
More info on his work with Elite Solutions LTD can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elitesolutions-ltd/
Or you can call their office at: (720) 388-8000
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Episode 154 – Gerry Wagner interview, with the theme of “What Is Love?”
Gerry Wagner is on a mission of “Spreading LOVE to those who may feel unloved”. He recently claimed 32 years of being clean and sober.
Gerry lives in Central Pennsylvania, he serves as the Vice President of Business Development for a global HVAC company and hosts the podcast “Tosot Time” where he hosts a wide array of guests. He interviews TV personalities, HVAC industry experts, and NASCAR race car drivers.
One year ago, he noticed a sign along the road with this question, “What is love?” That sign inspired thought and introspection within him. He realized that his love for his wife is different from his love for his friends, and the love he had for his mother. It was clear that love in every form is incredibly strong and meaningful, but each is unique at the same time.
Sadly, his biological father was an evil, brutal presence that destroyed his mother’s life and deserves no further mention or description. It’s where the absence of self-love is rooted in Gerry’s life. He quotes in an online post, “Imagine if you will, if you can, waking up every morning loathing, hating the blood that runs through your own veins.”
Defining love is something Gerry still struggles with, but he can define the absence of love and he doesn't want anyone to ever struggle with that sort of encounter, the absence of love, whether for a moment or a lifetime.
In this episode, Gerry shares about his weakest moments 15 months ago, he never thought about drinking and drugging and admits he would have rather put a gun to his head, as that would have been more merciful to himself and those around him. Instead, he leaned on his family members to get through the most difficult 72 hours he has experienced in the past couple of decades.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerry-wagner-1b154228/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tosot-bathica/
Podcast: Tosot Time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp4rd7qgiys
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Jim has been working in the field of Community Safety and ASB for 25 years.
He started his career in 1995 working for West Midlands Police in Smethwick, where he specialized in Neighborhood Policing and tackling the drug trade.
He subsequently took up the post of Sergeant where he was assigned to very challenging areas and used the civil injunction to good effect to tackle criminality and ASB (Anti-Social Behaviour).
During his time working for West Midlands Police he received 2 Chief Constable commendations for service to Neighborhood Policing. He was also short-listed for Police Officer of the year in 2014.
In 2016 Jim left the Police Service to specialize in ASB and spent 2 1/2 years working for whg housing association as their Community Safety Manager.
In 2018 Jim moved to a Local Authority in the North of the UK to take up the role as their ASB Manager. During his time in this role he has used the youth injunction to good effect to tackle some very serious ASB. He has also used the Closure Order powers to restore peace to a number of communities. In some areas ASB has reduced by over 50% over the past 2 years.
Jim is a passionate advocate of the Community Trigger and works tirelessly to assist other colleagues around the UK to use this tool more effectively.
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Episode 127 – Aimee Eddy, author of her just-released book “Escape to the Garage”
Aimee Eddy is my first repeat guest on the Courageous Recovery broadcast. She lives in the Erie, Pennsylvania area and is very passionate about educating people about mental illness. She is also a powerful advocate for mental wellness and takes a strong stand against bullying.
Aimee is in recovery from major depression, anxiety disorder, borderline personality disorder, and self-injury. She is an insightful overcomer who advocates for others who are struggling with mental health and emotional balance in their lives.
She is a survivor, after conquering mental illness, bullying, cancer, and more, she’s passionate about sharing her life experience to encourage others via her writing. Her essays are in “Change Your Life” by Alexander Kovarovic and her book “Escape to the Garage: Family Love Overcomes Bullying” was released just a couple of weeks ago.
Some words of encouragement from Aimee that I really enjoy are these: “Climb out of the dark hole and into the light. Dance, rejoice, and stand within the light of recovery from mental illness and breast cancer.”
Her website is: https://aimeeeddygross.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AimeeEddyGross
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Aimeeeddygross
To purchase her new book on Amazon, go here: https://amzn.to/3vatPTU
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Step 9 in Faith-Based Recovery Programs is focused on making amends to people who have been harmed because of one's actions.
This step is about taking responsibility for your actions and seeking to repair any damage done to others. The process of making amends can be difficult, but it is an important step in the recovery process. It involves being honest with oneself and others about the harm that has been done and taking concrete steps to make things right.
Your sponsor will tell you that making amends is considered a crucial step towards achieving forgiveness, both from oneself and from others. It is also seen as a way to rebuild trust and relationships that may have been damaged.
The process of making amends can take many forms, depending on the situation and the people involved. It may involve a face-to-face apology, making restitution for harm done, or simply taking steps to avoid repeating the same behavior in the future.
Overall, Step 9 in Faith-Based Recovery Programs is about receiving God’s forgiveness and grace while taking responsibility for our actions and seeking to make things right with those who have been harmed.
It is a difficult but necessary step in the recovery process and one that can ultimately lead to freedom, healing, and a stronger sense of self.
Through the process of making amends, individuals can learn to let go of their past mistakes and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and hope for the future.
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Pastor Devin Miller, Founder and Pastor at Clear Faith Christian Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching Services is my guest on Episode 38.
His life calling is: To love God and to serve God’s people.
Pastor Devin was raised in Wisconsin, graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Business Management, and post-graduation he became a Youth Pastor. In 2012, he wrote a book titled: Miracles of Jesus: The Process of Community Building Through Kingdom ExpansionWhen asked why he wrote the book, Pastor Devin’s response was, "After serving the community as a Pastor, I often wondered what would communities really look like if churches became the catalyst for actual change.
Where do we see such change occur? Then the Spirit spoke and said, " through the miracles performed by Christ."
This book was written to give both church and community leaders a guide or a blueprint to follow. A script that shows when you truly serve the needs of the people, not only is the life of the individual changed but the community which you are serving, with a kingdom mindset, is transformed.
Now living in the Dallas area, he and his wife started “Clear Faith Christian Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching Services”. This online ministry focuses on reaching those online who have lost hope in the traditional church, yet still have faith in God through Jesus Christ.
Our aim is to provide fervent prayer, relevant study, true and meaningful fellowship, and integral services to the least, the left out, and the lost in and outside the church
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Shannon Monet is a 15-year-old girl who is extremely focused and desires to make a positive impact on today’s and the next generation.
After going through depression and wanting to end her life, Shannon finally found her value and purpose.
She believes no one should be left alone, or feel alone. She wants her story to help the lost find their identity. She believes everyone has their unique purpose and should work to walk in that purpose.
You can reach her through the following channels:
Website: shannonmonet.com
Tiktok: shannonmonet_
Instagram:shannonmonet_
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Episode 148 – 3-Year Anniversary & Highlighting Forgiveness
Please take a moment to celebrate the three-year anniversary of our podcast. Thank you for being a regular listener and subscriber.
Your support is encouraging and very much appreciated.
Thank you also to Ludiah, my brilliant Executive Assistant, who is also this podcast's editor and producer. The first episode was actually recorded and released on February 17, 2020 – in the early stages of the pandemic.
In the 12-step recovery programs I’ve been a part of for more than 32 years, the term “forgiveness” is regularly discussed and studied. Forgiveness is the conscious decision to no longer want for that person the same pain they inflicted on you. It is saying, “You hurt me and you should not have. But I let go of my desire to make you feel the pain I felt from you”
Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church has this to say…..and I love it….”If the devil brings up your past……REMIND HIM OF HIS FUTURE. Say to the devil – we’ve read the final chapter in the Bible and we know who wins. Don’t let Satan mislead you into saying you’re not worthy of forgiveness.”
Many of us, during our drinking and using days, were falling far short of God’s will for our lives too. Maybe some of us were even critical of Christians or possibly criticized a spouse for his or her desire to go to church. There are some who likely cried out in anger towards their parents or other loved ones…….I’m not interested in your God. I would encourage you to dive into the Book of Acts and read the accounts of Paul in Chapter 9.
We also are announcing a name change for the podcast. Effective this month, the name will be changed to the “God Took Me to Las Vegas” podcast. The narrative will be, “Experience the stories of everyday people who have lived out the extraordinary! Join us for the God Took Me to Las Vegas podcast, to hear testimonies about real-life courageous recovery encounters.”
Have a blessed week and Be Extraordinary today!!!!!
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Episode 147 – Richard Grahn, is a producer, screenwriter, author, and a coach
Richard was born and grew up in California, the youngest of six children in the family, before relocating to Eastern Tennessee.
During one of the darkest times of his life, he told God, “I don’t care if I go to Hell, you either kill me or do something in my life.” The next day, he was arrested for misdemeanor possession of methamphetamines.
But today, he now has over 22 years clean from Methamphetamines.
While in that life of darkness and pain, he witnessed violence, manipulation, desperation, and a ton of ugliness.
His forthcoming movie, “Escape to Normal” is a Christian film but not your typical mainstream Christian film. While growing up he was always taught in Church that the world is our mission field, not the choir. Yet, Richard believes that many Christian films in this era are for the choir and today he feels that creative storytellers are called to share the gospel outside of the building.
“Escape To Normal” will have a worldly look and feel to it. Most of the script is written from Richard’s real life and it speaks about his experiences on the streets, and the movie has a Christ-filled message of hope, identity, and second chances.
With a focus on becoming a new creation, similar to how he has grown from a time of homelessness, violence, and drug abuse. Since giving his life to Christ and getting clean from Methamphetamines, he’s seeking to help people find their true identity and their mission in life.
More about the work Richard is doing can be found at various locations online:
Website: https://www.escapetonormal.com
Fundraising site: https://www.givesendgo.com/escapetonormal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/445450010276355/members
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NormalEscapeto
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirrichardg
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Episode 146 – Duncan Bhaskaran Brown, is a Speaker, an Author, and a Morris Dancer
Duncan resides in Oxford, England, and acknowledges that he has done his fair share of overindulgence, strictly speaking, he’s probably consumed more than his fair share of wine and eaten more than his fair share of cakes. Along the way, he found himself in some interesting places like on stage with S-Club, a stint as Mayor of his hometown, and Morris Dancing in Westminster Abbey.
After 20 years of overdoing it, he cleaned up his act and trained with the Easyway clinic, the world’s most successful stop-smoking service. His life change began on June 7, 2015. And he’s recently celebrated ten years of marriage.
His book, “Get Over Indulgence – Take Control, Find Your Stress-Free Life”, speaks about his scruffy handwriting, unkempt clothes, and shabby attitude - Duncan was a mess.
But he had one thing going for him - his best friend Hank. It was Hank who showed him the comfort of chocolate and the liberation of alcohol. Which won Duncan friends, frivolity, and even fortune.
Yet his success was cosmetic. He fought a daily battle - waged in junk food and red wine. He gate-crashed a diabolical cheese and wine party in his own mind and ended up living on the sofa.
Something had to change so he took out the rubbish, escaped an untimely death, and found joy, vitality, and fruitfulness. In his book, “Get Over Indulgence” - Duncan outlines a simple system to revolutionize your relationship with food, booze, and life. All without the need for monk-like dedication or soul-crushing suffering.
Today, he touts wanting to share the energy, focus, peace, and joy that he’s received by radically changing his life. So, today, he spends his time helping people push overindulgence out of their life.
His website is: https://www.bhaskaranbrown.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncanbhaskaranbrown
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duncan.brown.5648
Buy his book: https://www.bhaskaranbrown.com/education
And his email is: duncan@bhaskaranbrown.com
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Episode 145 – Interview with Jason Lennox, author of “A Perfect Tragedy”
Jason Lennox was born in Massachusetts, raised in Southern Minnesota, and now resides in the Twin Cities of Minnesota He is an addiction survivor who found his own recovery after a drug overdose in 2010.
Jason is a behavioral healthcare executive, the founder and owner of two small businesses supporting organizations and individuals in recovery, and a professional speaker. He is an author who has used his story to influence hundreds of thousands of people in his twelve years of recovery.
Jason is a strong member of the recovery community and has advocated for change in the addiction treatment industry at the levels of individuals, organizations, societies, and governments.
He's dedicated his life to helping our world better understand how to use authentic ways of living a changed life to transform the worst of situations into the greatest of assets.
He is a professional speaker, consultant, and author of the recently released memoir “A Perfect Tragedy: Finding Purpose in Pain, Loss, & Addiction”. In this raw and poignant memoir, Jason shares the true account of his journey to and through one of the deadliest diseases of our time: addiction.
From heartbreaking tragedy to unimaginable salvation, his authentic account of addiction and recovery is an unflinching look at the reality behind one of the greatest public health crises our world has ever seen.
His purpose for the remainder of his life is to help others realize that recovery is possible, that addiction isn't as simple as it seems, and that there is so much value in finding our purpose and serving others.
At a higher level, his purpose is to help the recovery industry transform at the levels of government and legislation, contributing to active movements that bring those in addiction the help they need.
Websites: https://www.jasonlennox.com and http://recoveryreinspired.com
Buy his book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gGloiJA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jason.lennox.5
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-lennox-5b471490
Email: jason@jasonlennox.com
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Episode 144 – Timothy Cameron, “Don’t look back, you’re not going that way!”
Timothy Cameron resides in the Minneapolis, Minnesota metro, and often repeats, “Hurting people sometimes hurt people, but HEALED people HEAL people! I believe God called me to this work”.
Timothy touts being a Healer of Broken Hearts, a MADD/Restorative Justice Speaker, an Author of 'The Little Book of Miracles, Stories from the Incomplete Skeptic', a Christian Mystic, Poet, and a Prodigal Son Returned Home.
Timothy Cameron is a MADD "Victim Impact Panel" speaker since January 1991. He is in long-term AA recovery since August 1990 and joined Al-Anon in May 1991.
As coal is transformed by time and great pressure into a diamond, Timothy Cameron's story reveals how Trials by Fire can refine and transform hearts and minds and 'Turn Lives Around.'
He once drove a stolen car under the influence and killed a child in 1977. Timothy served 13 1/2 years as an Insider. He says, "I Am More Than My Mugshot: Where There is Justice, Let There be Restoration & Forgiveness."
The Twin Cities Prison Ministry allows him to speak at their events. He now speaks tirelessly to Deconstruct Recidivism & Relapse.
Most prisoners suffer from Trauma, and law enforcement personnel often suffer from Compassion Fatigue; by revealing how his life was transformed from tragedy & trauma into alchemical triumph, he births wellness & healing in the consciousness of Offenders and Law Enforcement Professionals alike.
He has spoken at many treatment centers, correctional facilities, religious organizations, schools, and colleges. He continues to speak for the Hennepin County One Day Program for DWI offenders.
“The Incomplete Skeptic Podcast” - explores marginalized perspectives of any variety, seeking balance between intellect and heart. - https://timothygcameron.podbean.com
His website is: https://www.cameron-communicationz.org
Social Media:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-g-cameron-21b91b32
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/QuantumCommunicationz
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Episode 143 – Interview with Jim Noone, He Believes in Sobriety Through Action
James (Jim) Noone, was born and raised in Bronx, New York, he has traveled to 43 states and four continents. Jim prides himself in being a storyteller, and a musician, and excels in relating to many different cultures around the globe.
He now resides in New Orleans but will be relocating to the Denver, Colorado metro in the coming months.
Growing up he favored radical politics and radical artistic expressions, including an affinity for punk rock and other youth subcultures. Today, he no longer considers himself a radical, but Jim admits to definitely having an edge and a dark sense of humor.
Late last year, he celebrated 27 years of sober and clean time. Before pursuing sobriety, he was an alcoholic and addict (speed, barbituates, & weed), along with tendencies to lapse into other compulsive behaviors like gambling and pornography.
Jim worked the 12 Steps through and through, and today he believes that sobriety is achieved through action. He’s quick to point out that whatever your beliefs are, faith-based or otherwise, it doesn’t really matter as long as your beliefs lead you to the right actions.
The challenges come about when your thinking leads you down a path of being close-minded or prejudiced or selfish – if that’s the case you shouldn’t expect positive outcomes.
Jim is involved in the employer/employee and labor relations profession. One of his memorable quotes is, “That which does not kill me merely postpones the inevitable.”
acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 142 – Interview with Jill Krzyzanowicz, she goes by the byline – “Live Out Loud!”
Jill wants people to understand they are NOT a victim. They call the shots. They must take responsibility. And they can change the game whenever they so choose. We all must find and heal what ails us, to be free of our addictions.
Jill is an author, speaker, and a personal coach, she resides in Dunkirk, NY. After 20+ years in public education, she has decided to use her Masters Degree and teaching experience to become a personal empowerment mentor. She is the creator of the blog - justbeingjill.com - and also writes under the pen name, Margo Reilly. Jill has recently completed a life coach course and hopes to assist others with their own transformational journeys.
Born into a family of raging alcoholics, both sides, her Mother and her sister both drank themselves to death in their sixties. Tons of generational trauma and substance abuse was a natural in her family. Her mother was actually the first one to give her drugs as a young child.
One day Jill decided that she didn't want to turn into her Mother and said “enough”. Then came her admission that she was on a downhill trajectory, so she took action. Jill purchased a 90-day online program which was just what the doctor ordered. For her Father, his recovery ended up being "cold turkey." For her older brother, "AA" was the answer to his sobriety. Today, she believes everyone has to explore their own path as they journey back home to the life they desire.
Her newly published book under the pen name of Margo Reilly, entitled "When the Apple Falls Far from the Tree”, outlines a lifetime of adversity and the tools she used to make it to the other side.
From growing up chaotic in a house of violence, to cancer recovery, multiple weight loss surgeries, and a newly sober lifestyle - Jill feels compelled to share the "gifts" she has discovered along her path of personal growth.
Her website is: https://www.justbeingjill.com
Purchase her book: https://www.justbeingjill.com/mybook
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3i1RbIg
Jill’s email is: jill@justbeingjill.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/justbeingjill
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justbeingjill
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Episode 141 – Interview with Caleb Harris, Author, Filmmaker, Coach & Blogger
Caleb Harris currently resides in Enfield, Connecticut, and is best known for his book titled, “Suffering in Silence” and his popular documentary called “HELP US”. He also released a story titled, “Better Luck Next Time Darrell”. When Caleb isn’t writing he enjoys long walks in the woods and a good game of basketball.
His buried memories perpetuated a cycle of violence. But survival means facing the one thing he’s desperate to forget. His mother’s death reawakened the mental monsters that followed him for fifteen years, and he then worried that his suppressed anger was growing dangerous. And after a drunken fight, he resolves it’s time to make some radical changes and seek real help. If you like dark emotional journeys, complex characters, and stories of overcoming trauma, then you’ll love Caleb’s searing tales.
He’s on a mission to help men see that God has a purpose for them by encouraging them to keep going. Caleb uses his story of pain to help inspire others through their trials and tribulations.
Caleb gave his life to God and started working out again. He’s now attending Celebrate Recovery weekly to help deal with life in a sober and biblical manner.
Suffering in Silence – book: https://a.co/d/1n6Q4Sx
Better Luck Next Time Darrell – book: https://a.co/d/dbNKMTy
Website: https://linktr.ee/charr8
Instagram: @amannamedcaleb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caleb.harris.716
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Episode 140 – Interview with Sarah Williamson, founder of “Drink Less Live Better”
Sarah Williamson resides in England and has spent the last twelve years coaching and mentoring people who’ve struggled with their addictions and mental health challenges. She feels that choosing to change your relationship with alcohol before you hit rock bottom is a powerful and positive choice to make.
On December 8th of this year, she celebrated three years of being sober. By her own admission, it took her many years to accept that she wanted her drinking habits to change, and even after making that tough decision, it was six more months until she was truly ready to quit drinking.
Sarah is very passionate about spreading the message that our lives can be joyful and fun on the other side of our drinking and using behaviors. She’s quick to remind others that there’s no need to feel lonely or stressed in your pursuit of recovery, and Sarah also points out that there is no boredom on the journey toward sobriety.
In the early days of her recovery, she did a lot of the work quietly and without telling any of her friends and family. She felt ashamed and guilty about wanting to stop drinking but wisely took time to listen to and read other people's recovery stories and eventually found online recovery communities to be part of. Sarah felt bad because at the time she was working in Youth Justice - talking to young people about their substance use whilst not addressing her own!
More about the work Sarah’s doing can be found on the following online platforms:
Website: www.drinklesslivebetter.com
Podcast: https://drinklesslivebetter.captivate.fm/listen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahwilliamson.drinklesslivebetter
https://www.facebook.com/drinklesslivebetter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinklesslivebetter
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Episode 139 – Interview with Sean Robinson, author of “Going Dry”
In his book, “Going Dry: My Path to Overcoming Habitual Drinking” – Sean talks about how examples set for him during his childhood led him to believe that he had it all figured out by the time he could legally drink. Residing in the Canadian Province of Ontario, he was legally allowed to purchase and drink alcohol at the age of nineteen.
Sean Robinson works in the construction industry and has volunteered with the local fire department since his late teens – he’s now thirty-eight years old, so serving others has definitely always been on his heart.
In his early days of drinking, he developed a lifestyle and routine around drinking, and that allowed him to feel like he was living up to the standards of expectations he and others in his family had set for him.
Those behaviors continued for almost 20 years and that lifestyle was compounded by the pandemic. Two years ago, he found himself in a dark and confusing place, finally reaching the point of knowing something needed to change.
But he also soon realized that “change” was going to be much harder than expected. Quoting Sean, “I had a toxic relationship with alcohol”.
He was able to work through his own program of changing habits and routines but ultimately his overriding goal was to become a positive example for his children, by changing his attitudes and beliefs about living a positive life.
You can purchase his book on all the major outlets, a few are listed here:
https://www.amazon.com/Going-Dry-Overcoming-Habitual-Drinking/dp/1778181732
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/going-dry-sean-robinson/1142120844
Or you can also purchase the book on his personal website:
https://seanrobinson.ca
You can connect with him via email at: mail@seanrobinson.ca
acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 138 – CHANGE is possible, presentation at CITA Rescue Mission
This presentation was done at the CITA RESCUE MISSION in downtown Melbourne, Florida.
The mission at CITA (Christ Is The Answer) is to inspire true life transformation for the addicted, homeless, and forgotten in our community. They do this by sharing the compassion of Jesus Christ, while providing shelter and intervention through faith-based, life-changing support.
CITA has been offering healing and hope to the addicted, homeless, and forgotten in Brevard County for more than 50 years. The men come from all walks of life, from all over the country. Most are homeless, and many struggle with addiction. They've lost their jobs, their homes, and their families. Their stories are all different, yet they are the same.
The programs focus on teaching men how to live a victorious life according to the Word of God, while achieving educational, vocational, occupational, and personal goals in order to become self-reliant and independent. As you’re listening to this podcast, we ask for your prayers and partnership in supporting the residents along their journey to becoming the men God has called them to be.
During the episode you’ll hear about the acrostic for CHANGE:
- Center your heart on God each day
- Have a heart for the vision you want to achieve
- Always expect new experiences and new possibilities
- Negate fear, embrace God’s direction
- Guidance from Him is needed daily, exercise patience
- Embrace change, persevere, and be strong
More information about CITA can be found here:
Website - https://www.citarescuemission.org
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CITARescueMission
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cita_rescuemission
E-Mail - help@citamission.org
acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 137 – CHANGE is possible, presentation at CITA Rescue Mission
This presentation was done at the CITA RESCUE MISSION in downtown Melbourne, Florida.
The mission at CITA (Christ Is The Answer) is to inspire true life transformation for the addicted, homeless, and forgotten in our community. They do this by sharing the compassion of Jesus Christ, while providing shelter and intervention through faith-based, life-changing support.
CITA has been offering healing and hope to the addicted, homeless, and forgotten in Brevard County for more than 50 years. The men come from all walks of life, from all over the country. Most are homeless, and many struggle with addiction. They've lost their jobs, their homes, and their families. Their stories are all different, yet they are the same.
The programs focus on teaching men how to live a victorious life according to the Word of God, while achieving educational, vocational, occupational, and personal goals in order to become self-reliant and independent.
As you’re listening to this podcast, we ask for your prayers and partnership in supporting the residents along their journey to becoming the men God has called them to be.
During the episode you’ll hear about the acrostic for CHANGE:
- Center your heart on God each day
- Have a heart for the vision you want to achieve
- Always expect new experiences and new possibilities
- Negate fear, embrace God’s direction
- Guidance from Him is needed daily, exercise patience
- Embrace change, persevere, and be strong
More information about CITA can be found here:
Website - https://www.citarescuemission.org
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CITARescueMission
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cita_rescuemission
E-Mail - help@citamission.org
acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 136 – Interview with Erin Wall, Author of Finding Success After Failure
Erin Wall currently resides in Tennessee, and just started a great job with the United States Post Office. Born in New York to a military family, she has spent the last 28 years navigating this crazy world.
Though there were unexpected trials and tribulations, it has been and continues to be, a good life for her.
After high school, she joined the Navy, and that began a whirlwind of consequences that forever changed her. When I was twenty-three, she made a mistake and took some acid.
This sent her into a fourteen-hour agonizing acid trip. After coming off this trip things were good for a few days but then she left for Officer Candidate School in the Navy, but while at OCS her brain started showing signs of psychosis.
The psychosis brought about a disconnection from reality. Erin was very scared and hallucinating, seeing/hearing scary things, and trying to get through the ordeal.
After leaving the Navy and going home, things got progressively worse and she spent two months in and out of a psyche ward.
She then learned she was bipolar and had to
change a bit about how she lived in order to deal with this diagnosis.
October 31st, 2022 was her 5-year anniversary of when she left the hospital. Erin is quick to credit God, her family, her friends, and herself for five years of success in recovery.
While going to classes at Grantham University, pursuing a Masters Degree in Project Management, Erin began writing her book to aid in her recovery from mental and physical struggles.
But she now knows that the book was written to help others who have fought the same battles or are fighting them today. Erin touts finding love, comfort, and success because she was bold enough to share her story in her recently released book.
Find her book:
“Finding Success After Failure: How Psychosis Made Me and Did Not Break Me”
here:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finding-success-after-failure-erin-wall/1142495202
Kindle or Paperback:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHXKGH8S?ref=KC_GS_GB_US
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wallerinm
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@erin_findingsuccess?lang=en
acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 135 – Interview with Ray Makela, 5 Leadership Skills to Build a Stronger Team
Ray Makela, has achieved 20 years of sobriety, after 20+ years of daily drinking. He comes from a family with alcoholism on both sides of his family. He is an author, speaker, and business executive with 25 years of management, consulting, and sales experience.
At Sales Readiness Group(SRG), Ray oversees all client engagements and the delivery of sales and sales management training programs. He has delivered programs for clients such
as Microsoft, Infor, Smartsheet, Alcon, Edwards Lifesciences, ABM Industries,
HD Supply, Timken, and Walmart. Earlier in his career, Ray served for seven years as an officer in the US Navy.
Today, he is on a mission to help individuals improve their sales careers and fulfill their aspirations while demonstrating compassion and empathy for others.
Ray shares that, “leadership and management skills often get confused and interchanged when talking about developing more effective front-line managers. But there are some key differences.
While one is not necessarily more important or better than the other, both need to be understood and developed in order to get the most out of your Team.”
Here are five key leadership principles that contribute to being a good leader:
- Leadership is about having a vision.
- Leadership is about being proactive.
- Leadership is about motivating and inspiring people.
- Leadership is about initiating change.
- Leadership is about building people.
It could be said that management is about handling today, while leadership is about building for tomorrow. You can download the White Paper here: http://bit.ly/3Nv2XpF
Connect with Ray via:
Website URL: www.salesreadinessgroup.com
Podcast - https://www.salesreadinessgroup.com/podcast
LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymakela/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/RayAMakela
acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 134 – Step 1 - There is a Purpose Behind Every Problem
Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. Romans 7:18 (LRB)
It is not easy to admit powerlessness. All of us want to maintain the illusion that we can manage our lives on our own. Eventually, however, we must all face the fact that there is a gap between our intentions and our ability to carry them out. We may intend to stop drinking but find that we are unable to do so for more than short periods of time.
We may want to be more expressive of our deepest feelings but find ourselves emotionally withdrawn. All these gaps between our intentions and our actions are evidence of powerlessness.
Being powerless does not mean that we are incompetent or helpless–or that we have no power at all. It means that we cannot rely on our will alone to achieve wholeness and peace. Willpower alone is not powerful enough.
We see our powerlessness when we try to solve a problem through willpower (by determination, commitment, and trying harder) but find that the changes we achieve are only temporary.
We may try to control the drinking or drug use of someone we love, but trying, trying harder, and trying our hardest will not make us powerful enough to achieve our objective. Or we may promise not to say yes to additional responsibilities, only to find ourselves taking on more and more obligations.
If you have made promises, decisions, or choices and then found that your determination and commitment were not powerful enough to achieve the desired results, then you know what it is to experience powerlessness. If you have experienced fear or anxiety that you are unable to manage, you know what it is to be powerless.
If you hide behind defenses of one kind or another and cannot be at ease with yourself or others, you know what it is to be powerless.
The Apostle Paul talked about powerlessness when he said, “I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out” (Romans 7:18). Paul realized that the solution to his problem would need to involve more than just increased willpower.
The central point of powerlessness is that willpower alone is not sufficient to enable us to make permanent changes. Trying harder didn’t work for the Apostle Paul, and it doesn’t work for us either.
acourageousrecovery.com
Meet Rick Indridason, who has a powerful testimony and an amazing story of redemption, faith, and hope.
Today, Rick is a remarkable husband (he and Alissa will celebrate 7-years of marriage in June), an outstanding Dad to a young son and two teenagers, as well as a hard-working and committed professional in the construction industry.
As the youngest of five children, with two older brothers and two sisters, Rick has experienced some challenging and difficult times.
His alcoholic Dad left them family when Rick was only five years old, then five years later, at age ten, Rick’s Mom died – and she was the matriarch of the family, the only foundation the five children had at the time.
Rick’s journey includes him smoking weed at age ten, shortly after Mom died, and that grew into drinking alcohol in his early teens, progressing into doing hard drugs and entering a life of poor behaviors, coupled with stealing cars and doing whatever it took to fund his poor choices.
He experienced numerous incarcerations and spent years in jails and prison.
His sober/clean date is Thanksgiving Day – November 26, 2009. The desperation and despair had overcome any functionality in his life. Rick says about that day, “I felt no hope but then God spoke to me and give me hope”.
There are two books in the Bible that really spoke to him. In Isaiah 43.25 – where the Lord said “put your trust in me, stop fighting, and you will be restored”. And the other is in Chapter 3 of the book of Lamentations.
Rick is leading an extraordinary life today and desires to share his gratitude while offering hope and encouragement to that person who’s still struggling.
acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 132 – Jeremy Weintraub, Economic Empowerment & Poverty Alleviation Professional
My guest for this episode is Jeremy Weintraub, a Berkeley, California metro area resident. He recently celebrated 23 years of sobriety, getting sober at the young age of 22 – following six years of battling to be clean and sober. Today, he’s a successful business professional and has an amazing wife and three awesome children.
In his early twenties, the problems were mounting all around him and he was sick and tired of being sick and tired. Jeremy shares that he was surprised to learn that - “Desperation is a gift.” He went on to understand that the willingness to ask for help is a gift and a moment of grace, but that’s when the real work started. He touts that he wouldn’t be here today without family, mentors, friends, coaches, and at least a few guardian angels along the way.
In addition to English, Jeremy speaks Hebrew and Spanish, in his professional life he’s an Area Vice President of Sales at BetterUp. His purpose statement is, “I want to leave this place better than I found it, while serving others.”
You can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyweintraub/
acourageousrecovery.com
Nama Tasi is a business strategist, and she has been able to capitalize on the marketing experience she gained while working with a multi-national financial company, and works to help entrepreneurs leverage their LinkedIn platform to gain consistent business opportunities and clients.
One of my favorite quotes from Nama is, “Until you decide you are worth it. No one else will believe it.” She is a DEI panelist on Brainz Magazine where she shares articles highlighting better ways of including Africa on the global stage. Through her content on social media, she shares experiences gained to educate, bring awareness to the situation, and to encourage people to improve the quality of their lives while raising standards, allowing them to thrive throughout the global platforms.
She has been tobacco-free for three years and is proud to share her story about how she had her last smoke when she was 6-months pregnant. Looking back, she knows she could have never succeeded in the desire to stop smoking, without the support gained from her loved ones.
Nama wants to encourage others who are on their quest to stop whatever that compulsive behavior might be. On this episode, she’s quick to communicate that she’s sending love to everyone supporting their loved ones to get over any form of addiction. And sending a lot of love to those who fall off the wagon and wants to nudge that person to keep going. Nama says, “Keep going, I believe in you!”
Nama is based in Nairobi, Kenya and launched a coaching group late last year that now has grown to more than 1,300 members. The mission of the group is to encourage African Service Providers into action, delivering world-class services and charging fees as they should. #TheActivatedTribe
Connect with Nama here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/namatasi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/namatasi
E-Mail: namatasiconsulting@gmail.com
businesscoach #recovery #quitsmoking
Episode 130 – Interview with Alexandra McCarthy, founder of Siberian Polyprenols
Polyprenols promote cell and tissue regeneration, Polyprenols are powerful antioxidants, they stimulate the production of natural interferon, and Polyprenols are metabolized in the liver into dolichols. Damaged livers are restored, and anti-aging immunity is supported
Before founding the Seattle-based company in 2019, Alexandra McCarthy faced some serious health issues when she was given a breast cancer diagnosis, in the form of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC). As she started working her way back to long-lost inner peace, well-being, and overall health, she was fortunate to be introduced by her friends to a Siberian-sourced golden pin elixir called “Polyprenols”.
That discovery allowed her to provide her body with some of the greatest natural immunity boosters, so she could pace herself for a slow but steady recovery without the use of pharmaceutical drugs or surgical interventions. Today, Alexandra is passionate about sharing her newfound freedom and sharing her natural healing knowledge and products with others.
Siberian Polyprenols offers natural products containing uniquely targeted compounds, sustainably sourced from pristine Siberian forests, to protect and restore your cellular structures and increase the regenerative potential of your tissues and organs.
As you age, your body doesn't restore itself as effectively as it used to. It now requires some aid. You may enjoy your food too much or have a drink too often, with friends or without, but this doesn’t mean your body likes it. The living cells of trees contain numerous biologically active substances necessary for a person’s well-being. They catalyze and direct the vital processes of the body, protecting it from a world full of pathogens.
Also joining us on this broadcast is my business coaching teammate, Harm Stratman, CEO of Core 4 Business Coaching. (https://core4businesscoaching.com)
There is no better time to start taking care of yourself than now!
Check out the website https://siberianpolyprenols.com
Or, on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Anti-aging-Immunity.../dp/B08VGWPMCV
Episode 67 – Danielle Freitag, LADC
Danielle Freitag, Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LADC), Author, serves as the co-founding director of Action169. An overcomer of severe addiction and the commercial sex industry, Danielle works as a counselor and advocate, providing direct support, care, and counseling for women in a variety of settings.
She is the creator of Arukah, a trauma-informed, faith-centered counseling service promoting holistic restoration through evidenced-based practices including the creative arts. Her mission is to empower women to overcome substance use and to enable those in the strip club industry to know their intrinsic worth.
Action169, a 501C3, is built on a foundation of prayer and is committed to addressing commercial sexual exploitation and problematic substance use through Christ-centered prevention, intervention, and holistic restoration care services.
Danielle passionately inspires a lifestyle of wellness, reaching women through Bella Daughter, a survivor-led outreach empowering women in the strip club industry to know their intrinsic worth.
Invited to speak in churches both nationally and internationally, Danielle's captivating story of transformation inspires hope and offers solutions. She is the author of “Best Care Practices”, a manual for service providers. She is also the author of “The Garden Keys - 22 Keys of Restoration, V.I and V.II.”
She and her husband Corey reside in Minnesota with their daughter Hadassah. Together they serve as focus leaders in the Minnesota Apostolic Prayer Network - to end commercial sexual exploitation. Danielle received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor from Minnesota State University. She has continued to work in a variety of settings as a Counselor to support and empower those in recovery.
More info on Danielle and Action 169 can be found here: https://www.action169.com
Podcast: Real Talk with Danielle and Jenna –
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-talk-with-danielle-and-jenna/id1567906853
Episode 128 – Interview with Mimi Kroger, Health and Weight Loss Coach
Mimi has a heart for helping others heal by using Biblical principles. She’s a bestselling author, speaker, nationally certified personal trainer, a nutrition guide, ordained minister, and a behavior change specialist with a passion for health and wellness.
She brings her clients into food freedom through nutritional guidance and by discovering the root causes of emotional comfort eating and other addictions, so they can live joyful, healthy, and destiny-fulfilling lives!
Earlier in her life, Mimi battled an eating disorder and emotional trauma, and then she fought through a time with Lupus. Today, her mission is to uncover the root causes of disease and “dis-ease” in people’s lives by addressing spirit, soul, and body through Biblical principles and Holy Spirit revelation.
Mimi loves to beautify all things including homes, wardrobes, and people’s hearts. She’s the proud Mom of an awesome adult son and resides in Colorado with her loving husband, Ben. They have a tenacious Yorkie names Hugs.
Our listeners and viewers are encouraged to take advantage of her online challenge, “Diets Don’t work: There’s a different way to permanently lose weight”. You can also download her e-book at no charge. The challenge provides insight, encouragement, and guidance in setting people free from the futile cycle of deprivation dieting and into all things Heavenly.
Go here to register and download the e-book: https://www.dietsdontworkchallenge.com/info
You can also join her Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/healthyhappyandheavenly
Her website is: https://www.healthyhappyandheavenly.com/
Twitter: @KrogerMimi https://twitter.com/KrogerMimi
Instagram: @healthyhappyandheavenly
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthyhappyandheavenly/
Episode 127 – Aimee Eddy, author of her just-released book “Escape to the Garage”
Aimee Eddy is my first repeat guest on the Courageous Recovery broadcast. She lives in the Erie, Pennsylvania area and is very passionate about educating people about mental illness. She is also a powerful advocate for mental wellness and takes a strong stand against bullying.
Aimee is in recovery from major depression, anxiety disorder, borderline personality disorder, and self-injury. She is an insightful overcomer who advocates for others who are struggling with mental health and emotional balance in their lives.
She is a survivor, after conquering mental illness, bullying, cancer, and more, she’s passionate about sharing her life experience to encourage others via her writing. Her essays are in “Change Your Life” by Alexander Kovarovic and her book “Escape to the Garage: Family Love Overcomes Bullying” was released just a couple of weeks ago.
Some words of encouragement from Aimee that I really enjoy are these: “Climb out of the dark hole and into the light. Dance, rejoice, and stand within the light of recovery from mental illness and breast cancer.”
Her website is: https://aimeeeddygross.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AimeeEddyGross
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Aimeeeddygross
To purchase her new book on Amazon, go here: https://amzn.to/3vatPTU
Episode 126 – Interview with Jason Clawson, Clinical Therapist
Jason Clawson, a Clinical Therapist based in Utah, specializes in Grief, Addiction, Trauma and Mental Health. His byline for life is, “Healing takes courage!”
In 2018, Jason’s life was flipped upside down after his wife (Valerie) was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. This was devastating news for his young family of four and it completely rocked their world. He was terrified because the doctor told him his wife only had days or weeks to live.
Nine months later loved ones and family members were saying goodbye at her funeral. Jason recalls that time and wants others to know that “no one or thing can fully prepare you for life's challenges, trials, and pain. After the funeral was complete and over, I remember my support from my family and friends quickly disappeared. I quickly found myself all alone trying to pick up the pieces of life. It was a hard and lonely time for me”.
He found himself wondering, "what happened to all the people that were here for me"? "Does anyone care anymore"? "Where is my Team"? "How will I get through this?"
Life began to get more and more difficult as life continued after the passing of his wife. He found himself more and more depressed, isolating, lonely, anxious, and even struggling to sleep. Life quickly became overwhelming, and he was fearful of the future. As a clinical therapist, no one had taught him about these moments he was experiencing.
The Summer following the loss of his wife, he and his sons decided to have a lemonade stand, with the goal of raising money to create "SUNSHINE BASKETS" for people that had lost a spouse, were dealing with cancer, or individuals that were struggling. The goal was to raise $100 but after the lemonade stand closed, they had raised over $1,500. The fundraising success allowed them to make 25 baskets and they begin delivering them to people who needed help and support.
Shortly thereafter a lady in Virginia called to see if she could get a “Sunshine Basket” because she was struggling. That caused the launch of a new business - “Giving Sunshine” Currently, they have delivered baskets to forty-five states and soon will have sent them to all fifty states. Jason and his business partner, Wyatt Ernst, have seen rapid growth in their startup venture.
Learn more about “Giving Sunshine” here: https://givingsunshine.com/
Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/GivingSunshineDaily
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/givingsunshinedaily/
Episode 125 - Adam Martin, 5-Time Felon Turned Social Entrepreneur
Adam Martin resides in Fargo, North Dakota, and is the founder of the F5 Project, and the Ridge Treatment and Reentry Center.
The F5 project serves the formerly incarcerated and those suffering from addictions – typically anyone in those situations have limited resources available to them. Usually, they struggle to obtain even the simplest things due to an unfair stigma.
I love the organization’s byline, “We’re criminal justice reform warriors who offer grace without question and create change for those who hustle”. The F5 Project cuts the red tape and eliminates barriers to basic needs, employment, and accountability. They are hands and feet on the street offering housing, resources, and a customized support plan for those who need assistance.
Adam spent a lot of time in juvenile detention, foster homes, and eventually jail. He lost his kids, lost his car, and he didn’t have a driver’s license. He was very far behind on his child support, accumulating major debt and he had no real ambitions to go and do anything other than drink a lot, do many drugs, and party. His Mom and Dad met in treatment, so some would say his future was predetermined.
Sadly, he didn’t think he was going to grow up to be anything great. One day he blacked out and woke up in a hotel room, after stealing a U-Haul and breaking into three businesses. He regained consciousness in that hotel room and could smell the cigarettes and the booze.
Adam recalls seeing stolen laptops around him and knew that it had all happened again. At that moment he started to realize that he was hurting a lot of people and that was the beginning of a “life change” for him.
The F5 project now has transition housing in three communities in North Dakota. They work on restoring voter rights and strive to find large numbers of what are referred to as “second chance” jobs for those in their programs.
Their services include housing, employment, peer support, community connections, and recovery growth programs. Everyone deserves grace and a chance to a fresh start.
Website: www.f5project.org
Twitter: twitter.com/f5projectorg
Instagram: Instagram.com/f5projectorg
Address: 1122 1st Avenue North, Fargo, ND 58107
Office Phone: (701) 201-2491
Episode 124 – Interview with Dr. Sweets, a Faith-Based Therapist
“Through the use of Inspire ME model; Dr. Wilson-Williams specializes in helping individuals transform and overcome various life challenges.”
Dr. Sweets Wilson-Williams is a native of Harlem, New York, is the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and Cuba. She now resides in the greater Hartford, Connecticut metro and is the CEO of Inspire ME, LLC. Her accomplishments include being a Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor, a Licensed Master Social Worker, a Licensed Forensic Counselor, a Licensed Domestic Violence Counselor, and a Licensed Forensic Sex Offender Treatment Specialist.
As a professional faith-based therapist, she will help you illuminate underestimated strengths while identifying self-limiting mental roadblocks. Dr. Sweets specializes in helping individuals in transition, or who desire to bring about momentous change.
Her practice helps individuals move through a new stage in life, handling trauma, mental health issues, addictions, grief, and loss, helping to establish themselves after a divorce or to achieve a desired life purpose through a therapeutic experience.
Dr. Wilson is passionate about delivering transformational therapeutic counseling. Individuals can learn from their crisis, roadblocks to success can be removed, and self-mastery is achieved so you can direct your life as you want. The transformation you experience while working with her will deliver innovative access to power and clarity to reclaim your life in ways you could have never imagined. Live a successful life on your terms.
More info can be found at: https://www.imeministries.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sweets-wilson-williams-16872010/
Her email is: drwilson@imeministries.com
And the office phone number is: (860) 469-2184
Episode 123 – Step 5: Admitting our sins, confessing all the dark secrets of our past.
Step 5 says goodbye to self-deception and hello to forgiveness and cleansing. We should note that there is cleansing from every wrong, not from “wrongdoing” in a general sense. Admitting the exact nature of our wrongs includes giving our accounts in exact and specific terms. It is only when we get specific that we will no longer be able to fool ourselves about the nature of our wrongs. Since we cannot ignore God and get away with it anyway, we might as well come clean and be forgiven.
How do you choose someone to listen? Choose someone of the same sex whom you trust and respect. Choose to use your sponsor or accountability partner, someone who has completed Steps 4 & 5. And, be sure to set an appointment for working your Step 5 with no interruptions.
What do you do during your Step 5 meeting? Start with prayer, asking for courage, humility, and honesty. Then share your strengths and weaknesses. Be sure to talk about all those things that were written on your Step 4 inventory sheets. In the end, say a prayer, thanking God for the complete forgiveness found in Christ.
A favorite quote that resonates with Step 5 comes from my friend, John Maxwell: “Trying times are not time to quit trying.”
The 21-Point Assessment mentioned during the episode can be found at: http://randymortensen.com
If you are interested in the 8-week “Lifestyle Champion Cohort”, text “CHAMPION” to 66866 or call my office at 321.757.HOPE
Episode 122 - Interview with RJ Zimmerman, Sobriety & Mental Health Advocate
RJ is a resident of Virginia, recently celebrated 8.5 years of sobriety, and is on a mission to let others know they’re not alone. He wants the person struggling with substance abuse to understand that the poor choices made should not cause you to give up on life. Making the decision to change is the beginning of living your life unshackled.
He is a father of two and the founder of “Untapped Keg”, a podcast about sobriety and mental health. Each week, “Untapped Keg” is providing hope and spotlighting stories about sobriety and mental health. The hosts talk about their own sobriety, mental health, being vulnerable about their struggles, and celebrating their wins.
RJ Zimmerman loves to share his story in depth. He goes through how he got to where he is now, okay with himself and working on friendships, using his past to boost himself forward, and doing everything he can to help show others they are not alone.
You can find “Untapped Keg” on all social media platforms and on YouTube. Join the community that is allowing room for growth, while showing it’s okay to not be okay.
Website: https://www.untappedkeg.com
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UntappedKeg
Email for RJ: RJZimmerman@UntappedKeg.com
To access the podcast: https://www.untappedkeg.com/episodes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untappedkeg
Charity board: Up4MentalHealth.org
Episode 121 – Interview with Kevin Caby, 12-years clean and sober
Kevin Caby is a resident of the New York City area, working in the film and television industry. He is on a mission to help people find peace in sobriety, similar to what he’s been able to achieve.
In his teens, his drug of choice was heroin, but his drinking became very problematic when he finally got off heroin. His story is one of self-destruction, guilt, and depression. His drug use started at a young age, and his mission then was to self-medicate. Kevin went through two rehabs but wasn’t able to remain clean. His third program attempt gave him new ways to experience real-life changing moments and relationships, by equipping him with tools for day-to-day living.
He has been a long-time member of AA and NA, and touts that his success has come from the support of other addicts and drunks, who are now living proof that recovery is possible.
Through his professional life and engaging with others, he now relies on a positive outlook and finding beauty in the world and in other people. One of his favorite sayings is, “Together we can achieve great things”.
During this interview, in a moment of reflection, Kevin talks about looking back on his life when using and seeing how much he took from the world because of his selfishness. In recovery, he now feels it is his duty to be of service to those in need, especially those struggling with substance abuse issues who reach out to him for help.
Another quote from Kevin is brilliant, “On a broader spectrum, I feel like it is up to all humanity to lift up each other and care for one another. All we have is each other.”
If you would like to connect with Kevin, please call the Courageous Recovery office – 321.757.HOPE or email to RMortensen@extremeinfluence.org
Episode 120-Interview with Ed Khouri, pastor and sober since 1978
Ed Khouri resides in North Carolina and touts himself as being in recovery from substance abuse, workaholism, perfectionism, and porn. He’s been clean and sober since 1978. Since 1980, he’s been working in the field of recovery as a volunteer and full-time employee.
Besides working in both Christian and secular residential treatment centers, he’s done pastoral counseling, served as a supervised therapist, and has worked with homeless people and those incarcerated because of substance-abuse-related offenses.
For over 40 years, he’s been passionately creating innovative approaches to serve hurting men and women around the globe. In addition to the extensive counseling services in diverse settings, he’s traveled the world to train leaders, create new training materials, and create innovative approaches to develop sustainable, transformational communities.
In 2003, Ed and his wife, Maritza, began the ministry/non-profit - “Equipping Hearts for the Harvest”, a 501C3. Since then, he has traveled to nearly 30 nations - and taught students from about 70 countries. His goal is to equip churches, leaders, volunteers, and workers to serve struggling men and women with excellence - leading to transformation.
In partnership with Dr. Jim Wilder, he helped create and write the “Restarting and Belonging” curriculum for hurting people. He also co-authored “Joy Starts Here: The Transformation Zone”. Thousands of people have benefited from those materials.
Since 2015, Ed has been developing a series of books founded on Scripture and the latest findings of neuroscience. His first book, “Becoming a Face of Grace: Navigating Lasting Relationships with God and Others” was just released in July 2021. This book is for both individual readers and groups.
His second book, “Beyond Becoming: A Field Guide to Sustainable, Transformational Communities”, explains how to develop, structure, and lead small groups based on the grace-based model in Becoming a Face of Grace. This book was released on May 1, 2022.
“The Weight of Leadership: How Codependency and Misplaced Mercy Undermine Life and Ministry”, Ed’s third book, is scheduled for release in August 2022. A fourth book is currently underway under the working title: “Attachment, Avatars, and Addiction: Finding the Real You!”
Ed is married to the love of his life, Maritza, and lives in Conover, NC. He has an amazing daughter and four awesome stepsons.
Website: https://www.equippinghearts.com/
Order his book(s) on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3RLQhfZ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/equippinghearts
Episode 119 - Interview with R.C. Hand, Retired Entrepreneur & Global Traveler
Ray Hand is a retired contractor, born and raised in Orange County, California and still lives there today. He was raised in the restaurant/bar industry in a rough multi-ethnic neighborhood. He started as a dishwasher at the age of 8 and continued as a waiter until he was 16 years old.
He has a great quote: “Work hard while you’re young to live well when you aren’t”
His family was always self-employed. In addition to working in the family restaurant, Ray also sold flowers on the street corner and had a shoeshine box. He lived and worked with his alcoholic father for 35-years until his father passed away. His father was off and on the wagon throughout Ray’s entire life. Dad could never say no to a drink that was offered.
Today, Ray realizes that he learned a great deal about himself and his family throughout all of the long adventures his alcoholic siblings and his father brought about. Ray says, “the family members were very intelligent but flawed”.
He played tennis throughout school and continues to play the game to this day. Ray has written poetry and short stories for most of his life and has always been proud of his vivid imagination. His writings have focused on stories relating to people’s behaviors and the resulting consequences.
Ray and his wife have a passion for travel and have visited more than ninety countries on seven continents. He has written at least nine novels containing a wide variety of topics. Check out his travel journals to learn more about some of the countries they have visited.
His website is: https://cowboyproductions52.com
Purchase his books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/R.-C.-Hand/e/B0773YWD3X
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-c-hand-74a33216a
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r.c.hand
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100052549981197
Episode 118 - Overcoming the Fear of Failure
On this broadcast we will tackle some challenging aspects of fear. As Zig Ziglar wrote many years ago, "when it comes to F-E-A-R, you can choose to fight or flight.
F-E-A-R really has two meanings: "Forget Everything and Run" or "Face Everything and Rise".
On this episode I want to give you four questions to consider when you're facing fear:
(1) Is there a fear of failure in your life?
(2) Is it possible that you might actually fear success?
(3) How do you deal with the fear of rejection
(4) Is the fear of losing your identity real?
WILL THE REAL "YOU" PLEASE STAND UP!!!!!
Episode 117 - Interview with Charlie Backer, Chief Heat Officer
Charlie Backer, who resides in the St. Louis, MO area, is the founder of “HOT CHARLIE’S”. In August of 2017, he was craving something that had both heat and flavor, so he launched his first product that immediately received raving reviews. The Ghost Pepper sauce was first, and the other Hot Charlie’s sauces are unique in that they use real garlic, and they focus on the flavor of the peppers, not the heat.
Both the Original and the Ghost Pepper are thicker sauces, and you can really taste the ingredients. In the summer of 2021 Charlie released a fan-favorite line of frozen pizzas – Spicy Chicken Bacon Ranch and Spicy Meat Lovers. (20% discount code is shown below)
He touts himself as being a passionate voice who’s set on increasing the awareness of the freedom found in sobriety. Charlie is married and has two wonderful children. His lifelong goal is “to become better than I was the day before”.
Charlie’s sober date is March 20, 2017. After years of alcohol abuse, that finally culminated in crashing his car and spending the night in a justice center. He then began the journey of getting sober. Throughout his early days of sobriety, he struggled with boredom, and that’s primarily what led him to launch the hot sauce company.
He is a strong advocate of the “one day at a time” theme. Prior to engaging in a 12-step program, he had tried numerous times in the past to become sober, only to fall back into drinking. Eventually, through the grace of God, he was able to become sober.
Through the assistance of an extremely supportive wife, close friends and family, and weekly meetings with a psychologist, as well as frequent meetings with a spiritual director, he was able to chart a path to sobriety, and live it.
Charlie wants to share his story and is passionate about helping others find sobriety – one step at a time.
The Hot Charlies website is: https://hotcharlies.com
Our audience members are offered a 20% discount when using the code: CR20 at checkout
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliebacker
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscharliebacker
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charliebacker
Episode 116-Interview with Allan Anderson
Allan Anderson resides in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. He’s the proud Dad of two awesome daughters and has spent a career in the construction industry. Allan is currently a Senior Project Manager for some large multi-family developments.
A quote I’ve heard Allan say often over the years is, “January 15, 1981 is the day I was saved from the grip of alcoholism”. He has accumulated forty-one years of sobriety and has a passion for teaching others who want what he has.
In his family, his Dad, and brother have been in recovery for many years but as you’ll hear him say during the interview, he’s most proud of his daughter successfully accumulating almost nine years of being set free from her compulsive and destructive behaviors.
Allan and I have known each other for more than seventeen years – he was one of the early attendees at Quest 180 in White Bear Lake, MN, plus he participated in my Wednesday morning Men’s Bible study group for many years. Allan attributes his long-term recovery to AA and the Quest 180 faith-based program.
Episode 115- Patrick Flanagan, Certified Intervention Professional
Patrick is a former private wealth manager and sales trader with Morgan Stanley, RBC, and Wells Fargo. It took him four rehab stints to gain freedom from his alcohol abuse problems. Sadly, because of his poor behaviors, he was disinvited from his daughter’s high school graduation for a host of ugly reasons.
While in his second rehab program a counselor stressed to him that staying clean and sober would be virtually impossible and likely unsuccessful without a transition to sober housing, along with supportive programs, including AA meetings, plus a drug and alcohol-free environment.
Patrick really thought he could do it himself because he had a job, a home, and a family that genuinely cared about him. In his own words, “I was totally wrong and I lost it all again.”
Since getting sober on January 19, 2019, following four rehabs in a three-year period, he has gone on to obtain his CIP (Certified Intervention Professional) certification and he’s also a member of the Association for Intervention Specialists. His firm, based in St. Paul, MN – “The Irishman & Associates” – is a full-service alcohol and drug intervention firm that also offers case management for those in need.
Plus, just this year, that same daughter who refused to have Dad attend her high school graduation, graduated from Notre Dame and Dad was able to celebrate that accomplishment by being in the audience.
Knowing there is an extreme shortage of sober housing beds in the Twin Cities metro area, Patrick was intent on creating sober living for men and women in need. Today, he’s a co-owner in the “Lion House”, near the Minnesota State Fair grounds.
The historic mansion is about 7,000 square feet, has 16 rooms with eight bathrooms, and has room for 14 to 16 women at a time. The home opened in October of 2019 and has been fully occupied since inception. He and his business partner are currently seeking another large home, that can serve men in the community.
Learn more at:
The Irishman and Associates - https://www.theirishmanandassociates.com
The Lion House (sober house) - https://www.lionhousestpaul.com
Patrick’s on LinkedIn – https://www.linkein.com/in/patrick-flanagan-mn
His phone number is – 612.889.9182
Episode 114 Interview with Mary J. Held, EMDR Recovery Champion
Mary’s mission is to tell people about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), hoping to reach many trauma sufferers, their families, and their friends, informing as many as possible that there is a way these events can be over.
Her book, “Unfreezing Trauma: My Private Journey of EMDR Recovery”, is a journal of her past that offers hope for many who are suffering.
She was raised in Ohio but has been a long-time resident of the Lansing, Michigan area. Mary’s life was almost totally shut down due to seizures. For many years, she didn’t know about the complex PTSD, that was brought on mainly from sexual assaults. She was misdiagnosed with stress, epilepsy, and conversion disorder.
She went to Michigan State University and upon graduation, went into social work. Although those were happy, productive years, alcohol was beginning to cause problems in her life. After a few years in social work, she developed into an alcoholic and that addiction became her life.
When she finally got sober via a 12-step program, she went back to MSU for a degree in physics but changed her major to mathematics. She found her passion in teaching remedial mathematics.
For years her life went well, but both her childhood and adult traumas were still there. There came a day when, as she later described, “a wall in my mind started to crack”. She began having seizures, which gradually became worse until she basically stayed at home most of the time. Then came the recommendation that she try EMDR. She read about it and found a great therapist—and after four months of therapy she regained her life.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unfreezingtrauma
Her website: https://unfreezingtrauma.com
Her book, Unfreezing Trauma: My Personal Journal of EMDR Recovery tells the story of her journey out of the darkness.
Step 7 is really all about Humility!
Humility is often defined as freedom from the pride or arrogance that has been holding you back. The characteristics of humility typically include some of the following: being situationally aware, making difficult decisions with ease, putting others first, speak your mind in a new way, and taking the time to say “Thank You”.
How do you humbly ask God to remove your shortcomings? I would like to recommend that you write out a prayer for each shortcoming that you desire to have removed. And then, simply ask God to make you ready to have it removed.
Some in recovery will say that Step 7 was very important in their recovery because it requires you to actively participate in your recovery and you are also expected to be responsible for all the things you do. Some will make the mistake of thinking that asking God to remove your defects means that you take a step backwards and assume a passive role while God does all the work. That’s not true!
Step 7 really requires you to move from a position of “willingness” to an action of “asking God to remove your shortcomings”. This step is one of the shortest in terms of wording and is perhaps the least discussed in recovery groups, but it is perhaps the most potent of the twelve steps.
It embodies the miracle of transformation as we turn over to God our broken, defective personalities in order that He might mold them into healthy, effective instruments of His will.
So what does it mean to humbly ask God to remove your shortcomings? It’s not simply reading a list of shortcomings to God. It is honestly bringing your admission of self-effort, your trembling fear, your shackles of doubt, your debilitating shame, and admitting these things to God. God is pleased with your honesty.
God is drawn to your vulnerability. God moves mountains for the broken-hearted. Humility means admitting all of these things and, like the man who came to Jesus asking for his son to be healed in Mark 9, you say, “I believe; Help my unbelief!
Joe Templin has led an eclectic life.
As one of six kids, growing up outside of a rural small town in New York and spending time on the family farm, Joe’s parents instilled a love of learning, the outdoors, and a healthy disrespect for authority while still simultaneously embracing traditional values of hard work and “love thy neighbor but mind your own dang business.” Today, this is Joe’s foundation.
He was severely asthmatic but through his work ethic and the love of a challenge, he has become a martial artist and an ultradistance runner. He had a speech impediment but has built a career around communicating. This habit of overcoming limitations is a theme in his life and his writings.
Today, Joe has three sons, the oldest attempted suicide at fourteen, his second son was caught skipping school and doing drugs while in his mid-teens, and Joe has lost several very close friends to their battles with mental health and substances, over the years.
Serving others is important to Joe, because of how his parents raised him. He’s a successful author and a popular coach but Joe contends he’s still a work in progress.
His work has led him to understand the underlying voids that often lead to addictions and other compulsive and destructive behaviors. His book series titled, “Every Day Excellence” has a bi-line of “A daily guide to growing”. Joe is often quick to point out that it was a business friend who lived by the adage of “Give a Book, Not a Bottle” that radically changed his life.
Website:https://everyday-excellence.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EDEwithJoe
Twitter:https://twitter.com/EDEwithJoe
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-templin
Episode #111 Interview with Ana Lennyr, Life Strategist
Ana’s philosophy is simple: “Master the Game of Life” so you will never be trapped in pain and hurt again.
She has experienced a number of hardships in her life, like abandonment by her father, an alcoholic mother, her own insomnia for 2.5 years, a suicide attempt at age 19, chronic back pain and migraines for 27 years of her life, obesity, non-alcoholic liver hepatitis, poverty, and a depressed child.
Today, Ana is a premier life strategist who specializes in helping teenagers and adults to build strong and supportive family relationships. This is accomplished by addressing the root cause which holds you back.
In her programs, Ana sets a path to remove any and all excuses and replaces them with reasons and opportunities. She continues to build her clientele and has been consistently growing her success stories in the industry. Today, on a regular basis, she is sought out by people from all over the country and the world as well.
What makes Ana Lennyr unique is that she combines a teacher, psychologist, and parent experience with her anti-depression expertise. She changes the lives of both teens and adults in subtle ways without lecturing, confrontation, or therapy.
You can call or text her at: (224) 501-9804
Learn more about her programs here: https://analennyr.com
There are a number of free resources available: https://analennyr.com/webclass
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ANALENNYR
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-lennyr-04b8b1225
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/analennyr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9n_y_HhF_p8O3poTrUwvZA
Episode 110 - Interview with Matt Gardiner, Recovery Coach & Sound Therapist
Matt was a daily drinker for all of his 20s, including a trip to the hospital for acute pancreatitis at age 27. He hit a rock bottom moment four years later, sending him to his first AA meeting. He remained sober for 3+ years until deciding that he was “cured” and attempted to drink moderately – achieving a 0% success rate! Since April 2019 he has been sober.
Today, his mission is to bring the light to the darkness that people are experiencing in their various stages of drinking, sobriety and recovery. He helps those in recovery to live an active and healthy lifestyle, without the need for alcohol.
Matt has learned, and shares this knowledge with others, that you can replace the energy used to strategize, plan and hide his drinking, instead going to the gym and staying active. He has also learned to be sure to reconnect with trusted friends and loving family members, being open about his struggles and the journey of his sobriety. He also had the help of recovery forums and podcasts, along with numerous books.
In order to thrive in recovery, and beyond – he guides people to live out the “3 C’s: Connection, Creation, and Change”.
Connect with Matt via the following:
Website: www.recoveryroadmap.me (free video)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattGardinerCoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryroadmap.me
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElectricSoilRec
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/matt-gardiner-70444820b
Exact Nature Botanicals, LLC is run by recovering alcoholic and addict Thomas White and his son Daniel, who is also in recovery. Exact Nature’s entire reason for being—its raison d'être—is to provide addicts and alcoholics with safe, healthy, and effective supplements in their journey in sobriety.
Because you’re watching or listening to this episode of the Courageous Recovery podcast, you’re eligible for a 20% discount off any products you purchase on the Exact Nature site ( https://exactnature.com ) – just entire discount/coupon code - CR20
Thomas knows all too well what it’s like to be in the grip of addiction. For more than twenty years, he was a disheartened addict and alcoholic with two DUIs on his record, a drinking habit getting progressively worse, and marriage strained to the limit because of it. He was slipping into darkness and feeling hopeless, helpless, and ashamed. It’s not that he didn’t want to stop; he couldn’t.
Thomas finally hit rock bottom and sought treatment. And even then, he didn’t get sober right away, relapsing five times during the year following his stint in rehab, before finally being able to put down the drink and drugs.
Now, he’s proud to say, he has thirteen years of sobriety under his belt. And it’s Thomas’ own struggle and loss that’s at the root of Exact Nature’s singular mission. Thomas always said that if there was a pill to help him with his addiction, he’d take it. It’s this hope that forms the foundation of Exact Nature Botanicals.
Professionally speaking, Thomas spent his pre-Exact Nature career in marketing communications, first at the corporate level (for Seagram’s, not ironically), then for the Peace Corps (first as a volunteer in Botswana, then as the agency’s press secretary in Washington, DC), and in recent years as the chief marketing officer for several universities.
Website URL: https://exactnature.com (discount code CR20)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExactNature
Twitter: https://twitter.com/exactnature
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exact-nature-botanicals-llc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exactnaturebotanicals
Episode 108 Interview with Abigail Vondal, Certified Sexual Assault Advocate
Many aren’t aware that April each year is “Sexual Assault Awareness Month”.
My guest this week is an amazingly strong, resilient, and committed lady who has endured much pain and suffering. She’s the mother of five beautiful daughters and recently celebrated three years of sobriety. Her heavy drinking began after being sexually assaulted by many assailants.
After reporting the attacks, she was re-victimized by law enforcement, where she was treated more like the criminal than a survivor. The combination of these events has moved her to create a movement to spread awareness about the trauma of sexual assault and the aftermath of the healing.
Abigail was a heavy drinker, and wine was her drink of choice. She crashed her car into two trees, a year to the date after the sexual attack. Reports show that she was going 80 to 90 miles per hour, and it was a miracle she survived, after breaking several bones and recovering by spending one week in the hospital. It was during that hospital stay that she decided she’d “had enough”.
Her father walked into the hospital room and saw her condition, it was then that Abigail realized she owed it to her daughters to stop drinking and to stop using the sexual assaults as an excuse for her drinking.
She has created a movement titled, “No More Silent Sisters”, establishing private support groups locally and on Facebook. She’s on the journey with 70 of her closest loved ones and is passionate about getting her story out to expand awareness. Her purpose statement is powerful, “Perhaps through my suffering, I can help someone else”.
Check out her Facebook group:
Episode 107 Interview with Jewels, author of “The Making of a Woman”
Jewels is an award-winning author, speaker, and bodybuilder and hope to inspire others to push forward, no matter the challenges.
Jewels describes herself as a woman who has lived two lives in one lifetime. The first part was a life of childhood abuse and trauma which grew into the full-blown disease of alcoholism. Her life was out of control, and she says, “I was circling the drain”.
The second part is life today and how she urgently worked through her past and now has a wonderful life as a result. But her story is not your average girl gest sober story. She didn’t just get sober; she truly created a life of authenticity and confidence. Her story is about removing the expectations and the dogma of society, instead of being guided by love and empathy.
Some may call her life risky, unethical, and totally against the norm, but she sees it otherwise. She’s in a very loving and open-minded marriage. She has been sexually liberated as a result of her childhood trauma and just placed 3rd at the national level at the NPC (National Physique Committee) North American Championships.
“The Making of a Woman” is the compelling autobiography of a dynamic female who refused to bow down to the circumstances of her birth. With a prevailing sense of self and survival, Jewels fought a hardscrabble war against the forces and people that populated her life in a way that often crushes others.
Purchase her book here: https://themakingofawoman.com/purchase
Her email is: Jewels@TheMakingofaWoman.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jewelsthemakingofawoman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/makingofjewels
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewelsthemakingofawoman
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvmtpgWqE33CwRZl83R6Vg
Episode 106 – Interview with Immigration Expert – Erez Agam from Berlin, Germany
Erez Agam was born in Israel in the 1980s. From a young age the topic of immigration attracted him. After growing up, Erez began traveling to many countries around the world, until he made the decision to focus on the issue of immigration. After considerable research, he determined that Germany would be the best destination country for him and his desire to help others with immigration.
Erez Agam arrived in Berlin with no connections, no job, and literally all he had was a suitcase and a few dollars in his pocket. In his book titled, “Berlin’s Immigration Secrets”, he talks about his migration journey to Germany, from the very beginning until the time when he achieved stability. Erez reveals all the secrets of immigration that will help other immigrants.
Erez is a world traveler and an expert in the field of sales, in fact sales is his real passion. The book answers all the challenging questions – like finding a job, even if you do not have a European passport, he offers guidelines on how to obtain a work visa, and finding an apartment once you have employment.
In the book he also enlightens the reader on the difference between a European passport and a non-European passport, as well as covering the employee’s rights in Berlin, plus the secret to converting a drivers license from another country to a German license and more.
It is important to note that this book contains unique information that cannot be found in any other source (not even in immigration law offices). More information can be found at the following locations online:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Berlinguideline/
Website: https://www.immigrationsecrets.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erez-agam/
Episode 105 – Interview with Lance Dieken
In Lance’s professional life he is a results-oriented Information Technology Professional, with a solid and diversified business background, and more than eighteen years of experience. He is very personable and self-motivated with the versatility to work among diverse groups and effectively address complex issues. One of his proven high-quality traits is centered around his first-rate communication skills.
Lance is a native of rural Nebraska but spent most of his career in the Chicago metro. Currently, he’s back in his home state, seeking to expand his professional focuses with a goal of coming alongside those who are struggling with mental wellness and may be challenged by compulsive and destructive behaviors.
He is an author and desires to launch the “Just Cause / Just Imagine” non-profit in the near future. One of his quotes has become a favorite of those who know him, it is “Through all things God has gifted me - seeking the Truth through Mind and Spirit”.
In his late teens and into his twenties, thirties and mid-forties, Lance struggled with alcohol abuse. Those challenges brought about disruption to his family and other consequences.
During those years, by his own admission, he was separated from God, his Heavenly Father. In a statement within one of his recaps, he said, “Recently I’ve had time to really - REALLY - do a deep dive into me, my soul - finding who I AM and what causes me to fall short. That discovery brought a lot of painful tears; however, it’s been so relieving.
I have been told I'm a very different person. I see and hear more than before. Trying my best to be patient and empathetic to others' time, thoughts, and emotions. I can feel again”.
Lance touts that having been blessed to have received this glorious gift from God and a platform to expand on these thoughts; he’s now seeking to have God work through him as a vessel to send messages of strength and inspiration to those who are hurting.
He will often state, “It's never a risk or a loss if you learn and surround yourself with great people”.
You can email Lance at: info@justcauseme.com
And learn more at: https://www.justcauseme.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lance-m-dieken-942938a
Episode #104 Interview with Dana Lee Chapman, the Diet Recovery Coach
Dana Lee often states, “I’m a Jersey girl” Born and raised in New Jersey, she takes great pride in helping women recover mentally, emotionally, and physically after decades of dieting damage from the impacts of the “diet culture”.
She secretly struggled with disordered eating and exercise bulimia for nearly 20-years as a fitness professional, hoping her degree would give her some answers, before she decided on her own - once and for all - to stop trying so hard to lose weight and instead focus on self-acceptance and rebuilding self-esteem, regardless of what the scale said.
Her flagship “MindFit Mentorship” program facilitates the ability for her clients to reclaim their own happiness and freedom, to live life to the fullest on their own terms, and to break free from a culture that has you believing no matter what or who you are, it isn’t good enough.
Dana Less also dated someone for 6-years who had a successful business AND a serious heroin addiction. She lost him to suicide, but today she has tremendous peace around it and often tells other loved ones of someone with a drug addiction, “I know how you feel”.
It’s 2022 and women are feeling heavier than ever in both body and spirit with every attempt at diet and weight loss. Dana Lee is here to help you ignite hope, happiness, and freedom within yourself, along with providing answers on how to get out from under the damage of diet culture.
Be sure to check out her RealFit.tv website and download her “25 Powerful Mindset Mantras to Turn Emotional Eating Around”.
Website: https://www.realfit.tv
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RealFitTV
Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaLeeChapman
Weekly Facebook Live Group – 11am EDT/8am PDT: https://m.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyonddietingwithdanalee
Episode 103 – Understanding and Practicing Step Eleven
“We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”
In Step 10, the focus is largely on keeping your thoughts and emotions in check, this step guides you to look at the very foundation of your restoration and recovery. As most should know by the time they’ve reached Step 11, the foundation of recovery is centered on your spiritual growth. Many don’t realize in the early stages of recovery that every single step is about spirituality in one form or another.
Those dealing with substance abuse or another form of compulsive and destructive behaviors, while in the midst of their destruction, don’t understand the spiritual lessons to be learned and those that should be put into practice on a daily basis. Spirituality is not the same as religion!
In recovery we find that spirituality really is constantly developing and changing - just like us. You now have new situations and new people in your life who influence and impact your growth in powerful ways. This step lends you a hand-up, encouraging you to find ways to improve your conscious contact with God. By this time you already have awareness of the changes in your life that began as early as Step 2, but as you’ve progressed there’s a new understanding in your life that improving your relationship with God comes from consistent prayer and meditation.
I encourage you to pray this prayer daily: Lord, my prayer is that you would guide me to offer comfort to others rather than seeking it for myself. Help me to love others, like you love me. Show me how to forgive, so I can be forgiven and awaken me as I pursue eternal life. Amen!
Dr. V (Dr. Joe Volpicelli) has been studying addiction for decades. His research that started at the University of Pennsylvania’s prestigious Medical Scientist Training program, while he was in pursuit of both his Doctor of Medicine and his Doctor of Psychology, has led to many important discoveries in substance use disorder treatment.
In 2009, he founded two organizations – the Volpicelli Center, an intimate recovery program that provides research-based recovery, and also a research facility, the Institute of Addiction Medicine, the Institute is regularly seeking subjects for clinical trials. Dr. Volpicelli’s research led to the discovery of naltrexone to treat alcohol addiction, an FDA-approved medicine used worldwide to reduce alcohol craving and relapse.
His research also led to the discovery of a psychosocial approach designed to improve treatment engagement and retention. Dr. Volpicelli is a featured author of over 100 academic publications and two of his own books, “Recovery Options: The Complete Guide” and “Combining Medication and Psychosocial Treatments for Addictions: The BRENDA Approach.”
His personal mission is to bring evidence-based addiction treatment into the addiction treatment community. He does this by teaching health care providers, consulting with health care companies and payers, and educating the general public. You can find him quoted in numerous publications such as GQ, the Mighty, Bustle, Insider, and Healthline.
When Dr. Volpicelli is not conducting research, writing, or seeing patients, he enjoys winning fantasy football leagues or spending time with his grandchildren.
Contact number for the Volpicelli Center: (484) 351-8031
Website: https://volpicellicenter.com
Website: https://volpicellicenter.com/the-institute
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VolpicelliCenter
The MODIA site is: https://us.modia.pro
For the OUD version of MODIA: https://www.modiaoudstudy.com
Episode #101 Interview with Joel Simmons
Joel loves being known as the “Most Awesome Dad”. His journey began with drinking and smoking weed at age 13 – but that compulsive behavior only last into his late teens. He was able to overcome those challenges with prayer, faith in God, a preacher who was a great influencer and leader in Joel’s life, and those things brought about a desire to refocus, change, and to live a different life.
Today, he’s been married for 25-years, is the Dad to three awesome children and five God-children. Joel is recognized as being an awesome source of energy and inspiration. He has seen and experienced some of the most difficult times and was able to overcome those challenges through a great deal of preservation, determination, sacrifice, and faith – he overcame!
He has served with multiple boards of directors, teams, crews, praise and worship groups, entrepreneurs, and fire departments. Over the years Joel has spoken to and taught thousands of individuals via presentations at events, as part of courses, and in classes with students of various age groups.
He is the founder of “Saving Lives”, a CPR and First Aid Training organization, and he’s also the leader of the “Tenacity Foundation”. Joel is a preacher, a life coach, and a Lieutenant Firefighter and Paramedic. If you’re ready to explore the truth of your hidden success, zeal, tenacity, exuberance, passion, and hope - you will want to reach out to Joel, in order to make that truth in your life a reality!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-simmons-milcs/
Website: savinglivesllc.com
Email: joel@tenacityfoundation.com
Jermar Jackson has been through a lot of things in his life and if it wasn't for God, he says he would not be here today.
Jackson gives thanks to God by giving himself to Him as a living sacrifice.
Jackson says that most of us live a life that we're not because of the people that surround us. It's time we take charge and start building ourselves.
In the process of building ourselves, we can build the community and everyone around us.
Follow Jermar Jackson on FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007754325056
Shannon Monet is a 15-year-old girl who is extremely focused and desires to make a positive impact on today’s and the next generation.
After going through depression and wanting to end her life, Shannon finally found her value and purpose.
She believes no one should be left alone, or feel alone. She wants her story to help the lost find their identity. She believes everyone has their unique purpose and should work to walk in that purpose.
You can reach her through the following channels:
Website: shannonmonet.com
Tiktok: shannonmonet_
Instagram:shannonmonet_
Episode 98Interview with Coach David Greer
Coach David is a life-long sailor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneurial coach, and an alcoholic who has been in recovery since January of 2009. His mission is to take his thirty-five years of entrepreneurial experience and share it with others, in order to accelerate their success. He is passionate about sharing his experience, strength, and hope.
In the midst of his corporate career, an extraordinary life coach came into David’s life. After working together for 18-months, David admitted to the coach that he had a problem with alcohol. The coach then tutored him to attend his initial 12-step recovery meeting.
As a life-long sailor, David relates his personal experiences – in business and in life to the challenges of growing a business. While you can beat your way against the wind, successful entrepreneurs learn to harness their efforts to seamlessly blow them in the direction they want to go. In David’s book, “Wind In Your Sails”, the reader is challenged to spend one hour reading the book in order to gain three ideas that will accelerate their business in the next 90-days.
In his spare time, David enjoys the beauty, water, and mountains of the Vancouver area, while taking occasional adventure breaks with his wife, Karalee. David and Karalee are committed to their three children, spending time supporting them in the many and varied activities they are involved with, including skiing together as a family in Whistler, BC.
Website: https://coachdjgreer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachdjgreer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgreer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachdjgreer/
Episode 97 Interview with Terraine Brown
Episode 97 Interview with Terraine Brown
Terraine Brown is a finance manager, fitness enthusiast, and boxer in training, he enjoys a busy lifestyle. Sharing his life stories with the world ignites his inner passion. These life stories are what we call life journeys. We all have a journey and his begins by being raised by his grandmother. He grew up not knowing either of his parents early on.
He has taken his early pains and struggles to become a voice for others leading with inspiration. He speaks with and to many people across the world to provide hope in difficult situations and at times answers.
He has learned to be better, to become better, and to expect better. These days he continues to learn and walk with the journey to personal triumph towards a better tomorrow for himself and everyone he encounters.
Episode 96 – Lisa Peranzo says, “It's time to fit into your skinny jeans!”
Lisa resides in Southern California, in the San Diego metro, and strives daily to help busy adults find sustainable fitness programs. She is the founder and CEO of “A Healthful Life”. With more than 10-years experience in the fitness industry, Lisa has earned certificates in everything from CrossFit to Barre to Pilates, as well as a Masters Degree in Human Behavior.
She has worked with a diverse population, including first responders, athletes, and adolescents. Her experience in the fitness industry has included working with clients as they rehab from a variety of health challenges, ranging from spinal chord injuries and brain injuries, to sports related injuries, and recovery from childbirth, as well as joint replacements. Lisa’s focus is always to help her clients find their own strength and power from their fitness routine.
Lisa is on a mission to “help as many people as she can to find fitness and health in a way that is accessible and sustainable for their lives.”
Her website is: https://www.ahealthfullife.org
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/lisamperanzo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaperanzo-ahealthfullife/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisaperanzo
Episode 95 – Interview with Patti Clark, an award winning, international best-selling author, accomplished speaker and workshop leader
Patti resides in New Zealand, she has been featured on TVNZ’s Breakfast Show and her work has been featured in numerous publications, including The Wall Street Journey, The Boston Globe, the Mindful Word, and Thrive Global. Her “This Way Up” book is the Winner of International Excellence Self-Help Book of the Year.
She got clean and sober in January 1988, two days before her 30th birthday; and then she relapsed with almost thirteen years of sobriety at the end of 2000. She got sober again in November of 2014. Her family has a long history of alcoholics and addicts – she say she comes from a truly multi-generational background.
The first time she got sober was via an AA group in Tucson, AZ where she also did a lot of counselling and therapy. After relocating to New Zealand, she was successful in getting sober and then created a multi-addiction 12-step group with a local friend back in 2014.
Patti is quick to express her gratitude and now believes she’s living a life with purpose. Her second book is about to be released. She touts having an amazing family, with a husband who stuck with her through her struggles, plus today they have two phenomenal sons who are not struggling with any compulsive and destructive behaviors. She is proud to have broken the multi-generational problem.
Her website is: https://www.patticlark.org
On Facebook she can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/ThisWayUpBook
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PattiClark1
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/patti-clark-b845334a/
Instagram: https://wwwinstagram.com/thiswayupbook/hl=en
Episode 94 – Interview with Rob Lohman, he’s on a mission “To Help Restore Hope, Identity, and Purpose to the Addicted
Rob helps people suffering from substance abuse to find freedom from addiction and incarceration. On this episode he shares a powerful testimony – he’s been through the ringer and keeps bouncing back.
His rap sheet includes alcohol, drug addiction, gambling, along with sex and porn. Rob is an author, a public speaker, he engages in Professional Interventions and Recovery Coaching and is the host of two podcasts.
Rob’s drinking began at age 14, leading to some very dark times in his life. The climax of his drinking happened on June 7, 2001, with a suicide attempt that was interrupted by his compassionate dog – Jake. In year eleven of his sobriety journey, Rob had an emotional nervous breakdown which led to a thirteen-year prison sentence, to which he was released in 10.5 months to a halfway house where he started to rebuild his life, along with his two children and wife who decided to remain married to Rob after the breakdown.
You will hear him tout that his deep roots of his Christian Faith took him through the storms and helped overcome so many obstacles.
His website is: www.LiftedFromTheRut.com
Podcast links are: www.BeyondTheBarsRadio.com and www.AddictionFreedomAndFaith.com
Twitter: @RobLohman
My guest is the author of "Crush Stress While You Work". In addition to being an author, Lolita is a Stress Management Coach, a public speaker, and a workshop leader.
Her presentations focus on: (1) Relax While You Work, (2) Work Smarter, Not Harder, and (3) Collaborate with Confidence. In her book the relatable and humorous writing style opens your eyes to the tools you already have and empowers readers to beat workplace stress, starting today.
To learn more about Lolita go to http://www.beamazingyou.com
https://www.facebook.com/lolita.scesnaviciute
Episode 92 – My Word for 2022 is “EMPOWERED”
The Webster definition of empowered is: having the knowledge, confidence, means, or ability to do things or make decisions for oneself. Not sure how many years ago it was but a business coach of mine strongly encouraged me to have a new “word to live by” each year.
Thus, my word for 2022 is “Empowered”! If we’re going to live like the Lifestyle Champion that God placed within each of us, then it’s important to learn how to live according to the victory of the promises of God.
A key verse that highlights the invitation of Jesus is found in Mark 1:17, Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”
You and I are invited! Everything pertaining to life and godliness, to wholeness and holiness, comes down to hearing this invitation. Not just a once-upon-a-time invitation commonly called justification or being saved, but the every-day-every-moment invitations which are the call of the Spirit for our sanctification.
Our responsibility is to listen for the call of Jesus to “Follow Me” and then respond with integrity.
The promise of being discipled is a promise that you never again have to do life by yourself. Jesus is inviting you to do life with Him, for eternity, which, oh by the way, includes every day of this life.
Are you hearing God’s invitations in your everyday life to follow Him and become like Him in everything you do?
The results are guaranteed for all who accept the invitation. Jesus promised, “I will make you become fishers of people.” In other words, Jesus is promising that God, through the Holy Spirit, will not only conform you to His Image, but also have you partake in His divine purposes.
You are invited! You are Empowered!!!
My guest is Brian Alston, who resides on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. Brian is a pioneer in providing education and training for individual persons and communities who are seeking multi-generational economic results via greater dimensions in growth and change.
Episode 90 – Something Good Is Coming From This…..
Today, I want to convince you that anything is possible for your life if you’re doing life with God. If you do life with God, He can do anything with you. I believe that with all my heart.
God loves to do impossible things with improbable people. And I want to convince you today that if you live your life by faith, God is going to do tremendous things in your life.
It’s so easy to think God is done with you, that your life is over, and that your future is dark. But I want to encourage you to believe that something good is always coming. Always.
Make it your “lifestyle.” Something good is always coming for you. That is a word from God to you.
I’m so thankful for this truth: God promises to bring good from the storms of devastation in our lives. Our difficulties allow us to see God’s strength displayed in our lives. Through every weakness and hard place. It brings us to a deeper humility and dependency on Him, that we would never know without the trial or pain we had faced.
Apollo 8, the first manned mission to the moon, entered lunar orbit on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1968. The astronauts held a live broadcast from lunar orbit, in which they showed pictures of the earth and moon as seen from their spacecraft. They ended the broadcast with the crew taking turns reading from the book of Genesis.
Do you believe that something good is coming for you?
Just know…..Something good is coming from whatever trials and challenges you’re facing today!
NASA Video link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToHhQUhdyBY
Episode #89 – Interview with Cara Irene,
Cara Irene is the founder and CEO of “State of Unity”, a group travel company that helps people travel with purpose and live with adventure. Her mission is to help people step out of their comfort zone and try something new, connect with a new culture, and see the world.
Cara grew up in rural Wisconsin and after graduating from the University of Wisconsin she relocated to the warmer climate in Florida. For a decade, she worked as a Senior Event Coordinator, planning events and retreats for Fortune 500 companies and C-Suite groups. She is great at logistics, negotiations, and creating unique experiences.
Her passion is travel and that has allowed her to tour around the world, fueling her passion for bringing people together, and helping people “Travel with Purpose and Live with Adventure.”
In high school, Cara started smoking cigarettes, then weed, trying to assimilate with a group of people. She never felt that she was fitting in anywhere, and doing drugs seemed like the best route to identify with others.
In her senior year of high school, a neighbor shared cocaine and that’s what led her to try pretty much anything someone would offer. That destructive path took her to the lowest point in her life when her father came to bail her out of jail, as she was being charged with drug trafficking.
In her words, “By the grace of God, I was placed into a drug rehab program that dropped the felony charges if I completed the program.” And she did successfully complete the 12-month recovery program.
Knowing she didn’t want the drugs anymore, she applied for college, started attending church, made new friends, and began working out. Her life was then transformed into the person she wanted to be!
Today, Cara’s mission is to help people step out of their comfort zone and try something new while connecting with a new culture, and seeing the world.
Her website and social media connections are:
Company website: https://stateofunity.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-irene-0baa0537/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/state.of.unity/
Podcast Link: https://anchor.fm/stateofunity
Dr. Rosemarie Downer is a dedicated follower of Christ who aspires to having the closest relationship with Christ possible. Her service in the body of Christ primarily involves teaching and preaching. She also spent well over 30 years serving in youth ministries. Other focus areas in her ministry include women and single adults. As well, she often ministers on issues that address emotional healing and well-being.
She is the founder and former President of BRYDGES (Building Responsible Youth by Delivering Genuine Enrichment Services), over which she functioned as the President for 15 years − 2001 through 2016. She is a published author of The Self-Scarred Church and several parenting handbooks.
Dr. Downer served at The U.S. Department of Agriculture as a social science researcher for 20 years and as an adjunct professor at Bowie State University for 24 years. She is now retired from both positions and is currently a private consultant doing grant writing and research and evaluation. In addition, she is doing what she dreamed of doing for years, and that is to write books to edify the body of Christ.
The pivotal scripture verse for her ministry is 3John 2 – “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Her most favorite Bible verse is Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Her favorite Bible character is Moses because he had the relationship with Abba Father that she so very deeply desires. Moses was able to talk to God the Father face-to-face and without riddle because of the close relationship he had with Him. That is her desire!
Her website:
https://www.booksbyrosemarie.com/
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/booksbyrosemarie
Whether you're dealing with recovery issues, emotions from a loss, or life has just thrown you one more curveball than you expected. You'll enjoy this broadcast.
Our actions speak louder than words and our willingness to help others proves to them we genuinely care about them getting clean or about them staying sober. If we're not practicing what we're talking about, then our words are useless.
The Lifestyle Champion Cohort is an 8-week program where Zoom technologies are used for the 90-minute weekly online meetings. In order to determine your eligibility for the program, please visit my website at www.randymortensen.com and complete the 21-point assessment. Following the completion please either contact me on this page or call 321.757.HOPE or use the tool on the website to schedule a call.
Here's a question to ask yourself: Does my lifestyle reflect what I believe? There are two kinds of people, some are givers and others are takers. Which are you?
Make your life a mission, not an intermission!!!
Episode 86 – Step 7, But God!!!
We humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
Step Seven really launches the turning point in the recovery process. There’s a bridge between the work of the first six steps and the final steps – this requires humility and changes in our behaviors.
Our past habits and shortcomings may seem to clutter our personal journey, as we strive to leave our past in the rearview mirror. You might wonder if God will really come into the mess to lead us out? God says, “Rebuild the road! Clear away the rocks and stones so my people can return from captivity.”
God is our ultimate help in clearing the way to a better future. He looks forward to removing our compulsive and destructive behaviors, so we can avoid being tripped up. He isn’t put off by the foolish things we do, he sees what we do but chooses to heal us anyway! He’ll keep leading us toward recovery, one step at a time.
During this episode, we ask the question, "What's the one key thing you've learned in recovery that you wish your younger self would have known earlier?"
Please let me know your 'one thing' in the comments section.
My goal in this episode is to speak to the person dealing with the compulsive and destructive behaviors – whether it’s drugs, pornography, sex, an eating disorder, or alcohol – and I also want to invite their loved ones to listen too, so everyone can understand that changing how we think about pain can help us to draw closer to God.
When we make the conscious decision to draw closer to God, then we will trust him more, and during the journey in dealing with pain we’ll also gain sensitivity, which in turn guides us toward serving others and being better witnesses to the world.
Pain without purpose is unbearable. History shows that people can handle enormous amounts of pain such as childbirth or painful surgery, if they know it has a purpose. God wants us to change how we think about pain. We can use pain to draw closer to God, to trust him more, to become more sensitive in serving others, and to witness to the world. In this episode we’ll see how God uses our pain for good in our lives and the lives of others.
Realize that God wants you to know him and love him. He wants a relationship with you. Second, God wants you to learn to love other people. The third purpose of life is to mature spiritually, as you are willing to be discipled and then become a disciple. After becoming a disciple, God will show you how to serve others. He wants you to be generous like him, and humble like him in serving others. And the fifth way God will use your pain is to give you a unique message or a testimony. Nobody else can share your life message.
Be bold. Be extraordinary, as you see the Lifestyle Champion within you revealed!
Health consulting with Dr. Alice isn't just about creating goals and setting a path towards achieving them. It is a journey to understanding your own nervous system, and building your capacity for creating the life your heart desires.
Dr. Alice works with women in pursuit of healthy sobriety, who are seeking an understanding of self. She encourages her clients to take time to understand and experience your internal landscape, as you gain a level of ownership and awareness not found elsewhere.
"Sober & Calm" - is a 30-day experience for the woman who wants to move forward in building an amazing sober life but keeps getting stuck.
More information is available at http://www.kerbymethodconsulting.com or here on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/alice.kerby.7
Step 3 calls for affirmative action, because it’s only by action that we can cut away the self-will that has always blocked the entry of God – or, if you like, a Higher Power – into our lives.
Are you someone who can’t understand why life is always so difficult? Does it seem like someone is always on your case? Do you find yourself wondering why people won’t listen to you? Are there times when you wonder why you struggle with anger?
I have a friend whose anger caused him to always be upset and off balance about something that didn’t fit the way he wanted things to go. He would become furious when no one would listen to his plan, his advice, or his way – which of course were better than anyone else’s because of his strong opinion about his own intelligence and vast experience.
Like my friend, you may wonder why people don’t want to be around you. In time, when you’re in the midst of compulsive and destructive behaviors, stress and loneliness leaves you feeling hopeless and depressed. You want to find another way.
In Step 3, we truly turn our will, our way, and our entire life over to God. Making the “decision” might seem simple but it’s not. Life has trained us to be skeptical and wary, thinking we should take charge of situations ourselves because we don’t trust anyone. As we come to Step 3, we decide to turn everything over to Him, let go, and ask for help. As we choose to give our will, our thinking, our decisions, and our behavior “to the care of God”, we become free from the bondage of life-stealing addictions.
Please don’t wait another day to make this life-changing and life-saving decision.
Finding a Deeper Purpose Led Me Down the Road to Recovery
Clay Hodges is an entrepreneur, trader, yogi, and the founder of Ronin Forex Group, who resides in Nashville, Tennessee. He grew up in rural Kentucky, often referred to as the heart of the opioid crisis in the United States.
He became addicted to painkillers and then traveled extensively, and moved around a lot, in an effort to cope with his failures to get and stay clean and sober. Traveling from the mountain ski-slopes in the winter to the fast-moving rivers in the summer, he would escape to nature but those efforts continued to fail him and repeated overdoses really took their toll.
His road to recovery started in 2012 but it wasn’t until 2016 when he completely surrendered and his true recovery began. Following multiple overdoses and near-death experiences, Clay has used spirituality and mindfulness to learn how to face and overcome severe drug addiction.
After going “all in” on his health and wellbeing, he has accumulated more than five years of recovery. Today, Clay helps other people find freedom in their life by guiding them on their way around the financial markets while developing a healthy mindset and positive work ethic.
Clay launched Ronin Forex in 2017 by creating a Telegram channel for trade setup analysis and signal services. Since then, he has created a complete Forex training to show all of his members the strategies and techniques he has used to pass his funding challenges and stay consistently profitable in the markets.
Today he has students from all over the world learning and trading Forex alongside him and the rest of the community. Most of his students in the community refer to him simply as Ronin - a wandering samurai who has no lord or master.
Website: https://www.roninforexgroup.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roninforexgroup
Twitter: https://twitter.com/roninforexgroup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clay.b.hodges
After surviving two major depressions, the last time coming within five minutes of losing his life, Ray Hurst, or as he’s often referred to “Papa Ray”, is now passionate about teaching people how to change the meaning of what happened in their past, so it will not be a part of their future.
Papa Ray has been married to the same amazing woman for 36+ years, he is an international speaker and coach, a pastor, missionary, author, artist, and poet. He has started and operated three companies and a ministry.
Ray is now building a local and national outreach to raise awareness of absent and abusive fathers. His first book, “Daddy, Why Don’t You Love Me?” will be published before year-end. There is a version for sons and another for daughters.
As a coach and mentor, he guides people into having a major life-changing breakthrough within a few hours. Papa Ray wants to be for the world what the world was not for him when he most needed to be free from the abuse he experienced.
He is also working on a community action program to help people understand emotional awareness.
More info on the programs is available at www.ILAPnow.com and www.FathersBlessing.info
On social media you can find him at: www.facebook.com/Pap.Ray.Hurst and www.instagram.com/rayhurst and on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/ilapnow
Episode 79 – Don’t Ever Give Up!!!
Don’t ever give up!!! Are words of encouragement I’ve often given to the guy or gal who’s ready to quit or just give up. Or, they say “there’s no hope for me – I’ve tried everything”.
My guest on the show this week is Greg McAlpin, who resides in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota metro, is an entrepreneur who today owns a successful residential and commercial painting contractor business that’s thriving – after emerging from a massive debt load.
Greg went through 13 – yes, 13 treatment programs. In his own words, “he figured out how to not drink for 12 years but he was a dry drunk, without life change. He was miserable, and he went back out drinking.
Today, he’s been clean and sober for 7 1/2 years and now proudly claims success in his pursuit of recovery. He has relationships that have been restored, his family trusts him again, his business is booming, and he’s leading a faith-focused recovery program that’s allowing him to thrive!
When others learn about my 31-years of sobriety, the question I usually get is “how did you do it?” It wasn’t easy – we were living in Las Vegas at that time. Who wants to get sober in Vegas, right? I say often, “if I can do it, you can too!” It’s just a matter of admitting that your life is unmanageable and things need to change.
If you’re struggling to overcome an addiction or another compulsive behavior, no one needs to tell you it’s tough – you’re living it. Sometimes you could use a few encouraging words to remind you that you’re not in this alone and that, yes, change really is possible.
With that in mind, I want to share some words of guidance and some quotes, that is designed to shine a little light when things look dark.
Theodore Roosevelt, “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
No one can go back and make a brand-new start, but anyone can start today and make a newly revised ending.
“People can be more forgiving than you can imagine. But you have to forgive yourself. Let go of what’s bitter and move on.” Bill Cosby
From Helen Keller, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
Learn to experience God’s power in your health, family, and professional life, through a time of awakened spirituality. Make plans now to attend one of the upcoming Lifestyle Champion Weekends for Men – more information at: http://lifestylechampion.org/
During these weekend retreats for men, we will help you to overcome spiritual and lifestyle shortcomings. As you consent to live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.