Integrity - Recovered 1384
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Developing integrity in recovery is important for building trust, accountability, and authenticity in one's journey toward sobriety. Integrity is the compatibility between inner convictions and outward behavior. Integrity entails honesty with self and others about mistakes, acknowledging the impact of our actions, and taking responsibility by making amends. Integrity fosters a sense of self-respect and dignity, empowering individuals to honor their commitments, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate meaningful relationships based on trust and mutual respect. ...
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Courage - Recovered 1383
Recovered Podcast
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Surrender - Recovered 1382
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Surrender is a fundamental concept in the journey of recovery from addiction, signifying a willingness to relinquish control and accept the reality of one's powerlessness over substances or other’s behaviors. It marks a pivotal moment of recognition, where individuals come to terms with the fact that their attempts to manage or control their addiction have been futile. Surrender does not signify weakness but rather strength, as it requires individuals to confront their vulnerabilities and humbly acknowledge their need for help. By surrendering to reality,...
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Hope - Recovered 1381
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Hope is not just a desirable aspect but a necessary cornerstone of a recovery program. In the depths of addiction, individuals often feel consumed by despair, powerless to break free from the cycle of substance abuse. In early recovery, hope provides a beacon of light amidst the darkness, offering the promise of a better tomorrow. It instills the belief that despite past mistakes and present struggles, a life of sobriety and fulfillment is attainable. This hope is not merely wishful thinking but a tangible force that drives individuals to take the...
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Step 11 - Recovered 1380
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Step 11 in a 12-step recovery program holds significant importance for both straight and LGBTQIA+ individuals as it emphasizes the practice of spiritual principles and mindfulness. Regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, individuals in recovery often struggle with issues of self-acceptance, shame, and spiritual disconnection. Step 11 encourages regular prayer and meditation, fostering a deeper connection with a higher power or spiritual principles that transcend individual differences. For LGBTQIA+ individuals who may have experienced rejection...
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Step 10 - Recovered 1379
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Step 10 in a recovery program holds immense importance as it emphasizes the practice of ongoing self-reflection and accountability. This step involves a daily inventory of one's thoughts, actions, and behaviors, along with a prompt acknowledgment of any shortcomings or mistakes. By regularly examining their attitudes and conduct, individuals in recovery cultivate a heightened sense of self-awareness and honesty, which are crucial for maintaining sobriety. Step 10 serves as a preventative measure against relapse by enabling individuals to promptly address any...
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Steps 8 & 9 - Recovered 1378
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Steps 8 and 9 hold significant importance in the journey of recovery within Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Step 8 involves making a list of individuals harmed during one's active addiction and becoming willing to make amends to them. This step fosters accountability and self-reflection, encouraging individuals to confront the consequences of their actions and take responsibility for repairing the harm caused. By identifying those who have been affected by their behavior, individuals in recovery begin to understand the ripple effects of their actions and the...
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Challenges - Recovered 1377
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Dealing with challenges in recovery is paramount to achieving sustained sobriety and personal growth. One of the key aspects is the recognition that recovery is not a linear process; setbacks and challenges are inevitable. Facing these difficulties head-on provides individuals with an opportunity for introspection and self-discovery. Through the support of a community that understands the struggles of addiction, people in recovery learn to confront and navigate challenges with resilience. This process fosters emotional strength, self-awareness, and coping...
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Steps 6 & 7 - Recovered 1376
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Steps 6 and 7 are crucial stages in a recovery program, guiding individuals on their path to recovery. In Step 6, participants become willing to let go of their character defects—those negative traits or behaviors that hinder personal growth and well-being. This step calls for self-reflection and a genuine desire for change. It requires individuals to confront their shortcomings with honesty and openness, laying the groundwork for personal transformation. Recognizing the need for change and cultivating a willingness to let go of ingrained patterns are...
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Steps 4 and 5 - Recovered 1375
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 In the context of recovery, steps 4 and 5 play crucial roles in fostering personal growth, self-awareness, and lasting change. Step 4 involves making a fearless and searching moral inventory of oneself. This introspective process requires individuals to honestly examine their past behaviors, actions, and attitudes, acknowledging both strengths and shortcomings. By confronting the often challenging aspects of one's past, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the root causes of their struggles, laying the foundation for meaningful transformation. This...
info_outlineToday, we have author and poet Jeff Vande Zande with us in the studio
Welcome to the Recovered Podcast studio.
Jeff, I’m going to have Anna introduce you to our listeners.
Anna take it from here
Introduction
Jeff Vande Zande teaches fiction and screenwriting at Delta College. His books include the novel Into the Desperate Country , the novel Landscape with Fragmented Figures and Threatened Species and Other Stories. His novel American Poet won a Michigan Notable Book Award from the Library of Michigan. In May of 2016, Jeff’s most recent novel was released, Detroit Muscle, which was influenced by Vande Zande’s screenwriting knowledge. He maintains a website at
That link will be in the show notes
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Jeff welcome to the Recovered Studio
In preparation for this interview, Jeff, I asked our audience about whether they ever wanted to be a writer like you. Guess what percentage of our audience have literary aspirations.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/analyze/SNWwnxkqRtM6hnOeGeB3lWE_2FMFah_2F3L3HNY5hcwPJcA_3D
As you know Jeff, the Recovered Podcast is intended to be a support for those of us in 12-step recovery program.
Do you know anyone who had struggled with addiction?
Are you in recovery?
Your new book is Titled “Detroit Muscle”.
Here is a brief summary of your book, Jeff.
The main character Robby Cooper is an addict just out of rehab, Robby has debts to pay
Robby has a pregnant ex-girlfriend.
Robby is like everyone in early recovery, he has problems.
During this stage of Robby’s early recovery, his grandfather Otto invites him on a fly fishing road trip to northern Michigan.
Robby begins to understand how his family’s dysfunction spans generations…
Jeff, I think the question is, can Robby break this cycle?
Jeff, this book is ultimately a book of hope which sets it apart from other fiction recovery novels I have read.
Anna says, “Why did you write the book?”
But tell us about your characters, the setting you chose, and most interestingly, the literary style you designed.
You are a poet, and that is evident in the novel. I’d like to read a portion…. (the part about Robby’s feet planted in the stream bed and the description up his body to the fish at the end of the line. Trust me, I’ll have the text in front of me).
Tell us about this short poem.
Do we ever know how old Robbie is?
Robby drinks in the story, why?
Why does Robby keep his drug of choice with him?
Robby’s mom is classic codependent, was this intentional?
What is the point of the woman at the cemetery with the other mourners and Robbie talking on the phone with Tiffany?
Tell us about Robby’s dad and his Dad’s brothers.
Interesting That Robbie's dad, the good one according to grandpa Otto, is the one that committed suicide.
The two uncles are so different, yet agree about their father Otto, tell us more about these characters.
The fishing destination Grand Marais, Michigan?
What is the significance of this location?
Your description of the local landscape was meticulous. You even got the details on the Mackinaw Bridge right in regards to the center lanes being steel grating. Tell us more about your home state.
The act of Robby making amends is a big part of the beginning of the book. What do you know about the 9th step of recovery?
Many say the amends step is the most difficult step in recovery, tell us about Robby’s experience of making amends.
Why was it important for Robby to make these amends?
Looks like Otto's apology is more about hearing them forgive him than truly apologizing. P 142
There is a saying in recovery to “Do the next right thing.” It seems to me that Robby is living this code. What are your thoughts, does this work for Robby?
Interesting, the similarities between Robby’s and Otto’s addictions, such as the well-meaning promises as well as the broken promises.
Who does Robby represent?
Who does Otto represent?
Robby’s life is bleak. Is there hope for Robby, why?
Is there hope for Michigan?
In the final pages Robby looks over his list and folds it and puts it away. He is checking things off his amends list. He reminded me of my name is Earl, the TV show. Do you remember it? Did you ever see it?
When is the next Robby Cooper novel coming out?
This has to happen.
Advice
What was the #1 thing that has held you back in your writing career?
What is the best advice you ever received about writing?
What is something that is working in your creative life right now?
What is the best book you have read on recovery?
This podcast is about Hope
What would you say to the new guy about recovery?
Jeff, thanks for joining us in the studio