S3 EP1 - Kurt Schmidt, Founder of The Peer Network
Release Date: 07/07/2024
I'm Fixed, Now What About Them?
Seeds of Recovery Podcast
You’ve changed. You’ve gotten sober. You’re working on yourself and trying to become a better person. So why hasn’t everyone around you changed too? In this episode of Seeds of Recovery, host Gerald Lott explores a realization that many people eventually face in recovery: getting ourselves healthy does not automatically fix our relationships—or the people in them. Recovery can dramatically change the way we see ourselves, our families, friendships, and the world around us. As we begin developing healthier behaviors, setting boundaries, communicating differently, and taking...
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The First Job in Recovery
Seeds of Recovery Podcast
What does getting your first job in recovery really mean? Sometimes it is about much more than earning a paycheck. In this episode of Seeds of Recovery, host Gerald Lott explores the importance of returning to work and rebuilding responsibility during the early stages of recovery. For many people, that first job may not be the career they dreamed about or the position they once held. But it can represent something far more important: structure, accountability, confidence, independence, and another step toward rebuilding a life. Gerald discusses the humility that can come with starting over and...
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The Definition of Recovery
Seeds of Recovery Podcast
What does it actually mean to be “in recovery”? Is it simply not drinking or using drugs anymore, or is recovery something much bigger? In this episode of Seeds of Recovery, host Gerald Lott takes a closer look at how we define recovery and why that definition matters. Recovery is more than abstinence. It is an ongoing process of change—improving our health and wellness, learning to live a self-directed life, building meaningful relationships, and working toward becoming the person we want to be. Gerald explores the difference between simply removing substances from your life and...
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Spiritual vs Religious?
Seeds of Recovery Podcast
Does recovery require religion, or is there something deeper at the heart of lasting sobriety? In this thought-provoking episode of Seeds of Recovery, host Gerald Lott explores one of the most misunderstood topics in recovery: the difference between being spiritual and being religious. Drawing from nearly two decades of continuous sobriety and years of working alongside individuals in recovery, Gerald shares why so many people hesitate to seek help because they believe recovery programs are tied to a specific religion. He explains how spirituality is not about belonging to a particular church...
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If They Overdose, It's Their Own Fault
Seeds of Recovery Podcast
What happens when addiction is viewed as a moral failure instead of a health crisis? In this powerful episode of Seeds of Recovery, we confront one of the most damaging beliefs surrounding substance use disorder: the idea that people who overdose are solely responsible for their fate. Through honest conversation and lived experience, we explore how stigma, judgment, and misinformation can prevent people from seeking help, receiving support, and surviving long enough to find recovery. Join us as we discuss the realities of addiction, the human stories behind overdose statistics, and why...
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Multiple Paths to Recovery
Seeds of Recovery Podcast
Is there only one "right" way to get sober? In this episode of Seeds of Recovery, host Gerald Lott explores the truth that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all journey. For individuals on the path to recovery and their loved ones, finding the right approach can feel overwhelming. Drawing from his own experience, Gerald breaks down the many different ways people find healing today. We discuss a wide range of approaches, including traditional 12-step programs, faith-based options like Celebrate Recovery, Buddhist Dharma recovery, and even finding strength through exercise and physical activities....
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Life Doesn't Get Easy Just Because You Got Sober
Seeds of Recovery Podcast
Does life magically get easier the moment you put down the drink or the drug? The hard truth is, it often feels more complicated. In this deeply authentic episode of Seeds of Recovery, host Gerald Lott explores the reality of navigating everyday challenges without the shield of substances. Drawing on 18 years of continuous sobriety, Gerald shares his personal journey of facing life's complexities head-on. He discusses the stark difference between merely being "dry" and truly being sober. Once your chemical armor is gone, you have to learn how to feel your feelings—even the uncomfortable...
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My Family is Skeptical of My Recovery
Seeds of Recovery Podcast
Have you ever felt like you are making huge strides in your recovery, but your family still sees the person you used to be? In this heartfelt episode of Seeds of Recovery, host Gerald Lott tackles one of the most painful parts of getting sober: dealing with the skepticism of the people you love most. Drawing a brilliant comparison to the music industry—where it is incredibly hard to become a star in your own hometown—Gerald explains why our families are often the last to trust our new path. With 18 years of continuous sobriety, he shares a deeply personal story about coming home for the...
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When They Say "Get to a Meeting!"
Seeds of Recovery Podcast
Many people believe that stepping into a recovery meeting will instantly erase the urge to drink or use. In this enlightening episode of Seeds of Recovery, host Gerald Lott sets the record straight on what actually happens inside these rooms. Drawing on nearly 18 years of continuous sobriety, Gerald breaks down the common misconceptions that outsiders and newcomers often have about 12-step meetings. He explains that meetings are not a magical fix or a place to simply unload your daily problems. Instead, they provide a powerful space for community, mutual support, and shared solutions. You...
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The Addicted Daughter
Seeds of Recovery Podcast
What happens when your child follows you down the dark path of addiction? In this raw and profoundly honest episode of Seeds of Recovery, host Gerald Lott shares the most challenging journey of his life: supporting his daughter through her battle with addiction and mental illness. With over 17 years in his own recovery, Gerald speaks directly to the parents and loved ones who know the unique pain of watching someone they love self-destruct. He explores the exhausting cycle of hope and despair, the crushing weight of guilt, and the difficult moments when loving someone means letting go of the...
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Join me for a conversation with Kurt Schmidt, the founder of a company bringing peer support to people all over the country via their computers. The Peer Network allows anyone to connect with a peer support specialist.