I Love Being Sober

Hello my friends, and welcome back to yet another episode of I Love Being Sober brought to you by Camelback Recovery - a proud partner to the most effective way to achieve long term recovery without the pain and suffering and high cost of multiple stints in detox, rehabs, and sober living homes. My name is Tim Westbrook and I am the CEO and Founder of Camelback Recovery here in the always sunny and always sober Scottsdale, Arizona where my team and I over the course of many years have helped thousands of people on their path to long term recovery. I started this show because there is so much misinformation about addiction treatment, mental illness, and addiction recovery in general. There is much more to recovery than just going to inpatient treatment, seeing a therapist, and going to 12 step meetings. Those things are important and AA saved my life. However, to find long term recovery and live happy, joyous and free, there is a lot more to it than just stopping the drinking, stopping the drugs, or stopping any addictive behavior. Sobriety and recovery can and should be fun. That’s not to say that the recovery process is going to be easy and it’s not to say that there won’t be difficult times ahead. However, to live the life that you deserve and for it to be exciting and fun you need new lifestyle habits. New healthy lifestyle habits that promote your mental, spiritual, and physical health. That my friends will lead you to living a KICK ASS SOBER LIFE! Visit CamelbackRecovery.com to learn more about recovery coaching, sober living, and your next step to freedom and happiness.

Breaking Through: How Deep TMS Transforms Mental Health and Addiction Recovery 11/12/2024

Breaking Through: How Deep TMS Transforms Mental Health and Addiction Recovery I'm so excited to welcome Ross Mitchell, the Vice President of Global Marketing at BrainsWay, to the show today! Ross is leading the charge in healthcare marketing, especially in mental health, where he’s helping to spread the word about innovative treatments that make a real difference in people’s lives. Ross has been working with Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or Deep TMS, a groundbreaking therapy that’s changing how we approach conditions like depression, OCD, and smoking addiction. With his experience from leadership roles at companies like Medtronic and Clorox Healthcare, Ross combines deep industry knowledge with a strong, patient-focused approach. At BrainsWay, he’s guiding a mission to open up new avenues in mental health and recovery. In this episode, we’ll dive into the benefits of Deep TMS, BrainsWay’s mission, and how this therapy is bringing new hope and wellness to so many. Ross will break down the science and impact of this non-invasive outpatient treatment, which uses targeted electromagnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. We’ll explore everything from who might benefit most to the incredible outcomes patients are seeing in just a few weeks. [03:51] We met about a month ago at the BrainsWay conference. We've seen amazing results with TMS. [04:38] Ross has been with BrainsWay for about 7 years. At first, no one really knew about TMS. Now most psychiatrists are very familiar with it. [05:48] Ross is well aware that mental health and addiction is a huge issue. [06:04] Deep TMS stands for deep transcranial magnetic stimulation. It's a non-invasive outpatient procedure which uses an electromagnetic coil embedded in a helmet. It generates electromagnetic pulses that target specific areas of the brain. [07:01] They are FDA cleared to treat depression, OCD, and smoking addiction. [08:01] TMS is usually used along with other modalities. [09:39] The electromagnetic coil targets areas of the brain that aren't functioning the way we would expect. [10:45] The bread and butter of TMS is treating depression. [12:26] They've seen phenomenal results using this technique. [13:14] We learn about the ideal candidate for TMS. [14:11] Ross explains the outpatient procedure for TMS. The Dropout rates are remarkably low. [16:27] The standard treatment is 20 minutes, but there are new modalities coming out like the theta verse. [18:53] We are still discovering things about TMS, but we do know that the more sessions you do the more people continue to improve. [20:59] The stimulation for depression also helps improve anxiety problems. [22:37] Having therapy after TMS can be helpful. [24:50] A lot of people start to see meaningful benefits within two weeks. [28:27] BrainsWay is based in Israel, but most of their operations are in the US. Their mission is to focus on mental health and improve the lives of patients. [33:29] There's a lot of misinformation about TMS. Your risk of seizure is low and it's not ECT. TMS is very safe. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/33848807

Rewiring the Brain: How Deep TMS and Ketamine Are Revolutionizing Mental Health and Addiction Recovery 11/05/2024

Rewiring the Brain: How Deep TMS and Ketamine Are Revolutionizing Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Have you ever wondered how brain science is influencing mental health treatment? In today's episode, I speak with Dr. Colleen Hanlon, the Vice President of Medical Affairs of Brainsway. Dr. Hanlon, who specializes in neurobiology and has pioneered work in therapies such as deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine, discusses how these creative approaches are helping people recover from depression, PTSD, and addiction. Dr. Hanlon and I talk about the science behind TMS and ketamine therapy, why they're effective, and who might benefit the most. We look at how TMS activates certain brain networks to aid recovery, such as rousing up drowsy regions of the brain associated with depression, and how ketamine provides quick relief, particularly for people in immediate need. Furthermore, we discuss how combining TMS and ketamine may improve outcomes for specific individuals. If you're interested in mental health or looking for alternative treatment options, you'll benefit greatly from this conversation. Stay tuned to see how these revolutionary cures are transforming people's lives. [03:17] We met at the BrainsWay conference about a month ago. Addiction recovery is one of Colleen's passions. [04:21] Brain stimulation is a third pillar of how we treat mental health these days. We can modulate brain activity through electromagnetic induction. [05:20] A TMS coil is placed over the head. It's placed over the network that's affected and then it helps to restore energy to that region. [08:21] We learn about how the TMS coil works and the electricity in the pulse. Magnetic fields generate electricity and neurons in our brain are sensitive to electricity. [13:18] Common conditions that TMS treats. Depression which has a variety of different types. Subtypes of depression involve different networks in the brain. [16:29] Side effects are extremely low. [17:29] Ketamine therapy. Ketamine can be given through a nasal spray or an injection and it works fast. [23:47] Can people with addictive personalities use ketamine? Risk benefit profiles. [30:01] Theta burst stimulation and how it acts faster. [34:06] We learn who would be a good candidate for TMS. [40:06] The wearable market is also growing. [41:19] We learn how Colleen's passion about addiction recovery began with learning about dopamine. [42:39] We learn what the future of addiction treatment could look like. There are two really therapeutic strategies for using TMS to treat addiction. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/33784047

Healing Through Hidden Trauma: A Personal Journey To Transformation 08/27/2024

Healing Through Hidden Trauma: A Personal Journey To Transformation Terra Holbrook is the founder of TerraVista Retreats in Idaho, a unique healing space dedicated to helping individuals recover from trauma, addiction, and other life challenges. With over two decades of experience as a therapist, Terra specializes in trauma-informed care, focusing on guiding people through the often hidden layers of trauma that can affect every aspect of their lives. I want to share that I personally attended Terra's program, and it was a profound experience. We begin with Terra briefly explaining her work and how she came to open TerraVista Retreat in Idaho. Then, we dive into the topic of trauma. Trauma is something everyone experiences, and it's really about how we respond afterward when we can't fully resolve the events or experiences we've endured. In today's episode, we'll explore the concept of hidden trauma—what it is, how it manifests, and how it can be addressed and healed. Terra brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this topic, and I'm excited for her to share her insights with all of you. [03:57] I went through Terra's program, and the experience was profound. [05:17] Terra shares a brief overview of her background and what led her to start TerraVista Retreats. [08:47] Everyone experiences trauma. [09:37] Trauma is really what happens to us after the event where our body freezes in the state of fear, pain, or dysregulation and what we do afterwards to compensate for not being able to come to some resolution about the thing or things that happen to us. [10:09] Hidden traumas are those things that we respond to every day, have reenacted, and don't even understand we've created a life that reenacts what's going on because we're trying to master the thing we couldn't back then and so our behaviors, our beliefs, the way that we respond, our relationships suffer from these events. [11:12] Trauma is a stripping of safety. [11:37] Terra shares an example where she picked a fight every time her husband was about to go on a trip. She took a look at her discomfort and remembered that her dad had died on a business trip when she was 17. [13:10] Pushing him away to not feel the absence of his leaving was a hidden trauma. [18:01] A lot happens at the retreats including getting vulnerable. [18:37] Tim shares one of his most traumatic childhood experiences. This was also when he started his path to drinking and drugs. [22:50] When you start remembering things that you have forgotten about is when you start doing the work. [28:23] So much of the work that we do is going back to those parts of our younger self. [34:07] These regulation practices rewire the brain and help create safety in parts that didn't feel safe. [36:14] The work that Terra does feel sacred to her. [37:19] We talk about the common misconceptions people have about trauma. [39:07] One of the most difficult traumas to work with is when there's a miss attunement with the child's needs and what the parent sees in the child. [41:03] At TerraVista people get the tools they need to rescue themselves. [44:47] We set ourselves up for protection from a thing that happened many years ago. We set up barriers, and we become boundaryless. We end up choosing people in our lives that will reenact that lack of safety or whatever the lack is. [46:57] After doing the work, the chaos doesn't feel good anymore. [48:38] When someone gets clean and sober, all of the habits have to change. It takes time for the brain to settle in a place and reboot. [53:09] Signs and symptoms of trauma include relationship issues that don't seem resolvable. Such as choosing the same type of person over and over again. [54:03] We need to understand that the answer is inside of us. [01:00:20] The pure essence of anger is a motivator. Links mentioned in this episode: Contact Terra (208) 515-6013 /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/32759112

Struggling with Despair: The hard road to finding happiness 06/25/2024

Struggling with Despair: The hard road to finding happiness “You will believe without a doubt, you will achieve what others doubt.” That is a quote from my guest today, Tony Grebmeier. Tony built up a multimillion-dollar business in ShipOffers, which was ranked as one of Inc. 5000's fastest-growing private companies in the U.S., all while battling addiction with drugs and alcohol. Tony's determination and resilience led him to not only build a successful business but also to become a beacon of hope and motivation for others. As the host of the Be Fulfilled Podcast: The Real Stories Behind Success, Tony has spent six seasons redefining what it means to be truly successful. In today's episode, we'll dive into Tony's story, exploring the highs and lows of his journey. Whether you're on a personal or professional path to fulfillment, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and inspiration to help you climb your own success mountain. [04:17] One of Tony's best gifts from recovery was learning he has no control over other people's opinions. [05:12] When Tony was drinking, he had no idea that people could change and go into recovery. [09:07] Tony shares the circumstances of going to his first meeting which led to 15 years of recovery. [10:05] He focuses on figuring out what he can do today to be 1% better and that's all that matters. It's easier to be honest and truthful. [11:42] Tony was 2 years old the first time he drank. [13:51] When he was 36 years old, it was the time to make a change in his life. [19:04] His first 90 days of sobriety included calling his sponsor and going to meetings everyday. He missed a couple days of not checking in, but he made his meetings and did his work. [20:41] He needs one thing to focus on. No drinking, no drugging. [23:08] Tony talks about battling addiction while building ShipOffers. [28:34] It's our job to put the initiative in so we don't have to worry about how it works out. [33:06] When life throws Tony a curveball, he starts with gratitude. [37:26] Ego. Tony says that when egos are in play there's nothing else going on. [41:27] Fulfillment is everything to Tony. [42:01] He also has a book coming out called, The Power of Fulfillment. True empowerment and fulfillment comes from identifying what I want to be today when I wake up in the morning. [48:43] Serving and getting into action is one of the greatest gifts. [50:51] The Be Fulfilled Master Class is all the work that Tony's been doing. It's free, and it's mostly about taking ownership of your life. Links mentioned in this episode: Tony Grebmeier (303) 999-5007 /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/31788922

When should you give up and stage an intervention for your loved one? 06/18/2024

When should you give up and stage an intervention for your loved one? I’m happy to introduce you to Amy Moore, a beacon of hope and transformation in the world of addiction recovery. Amy's personal journey from struggle to sobriety ignites her passion for healing others. Her heart-centered approach turns interventions into acts of love, promoting family unity and personal growth through education, group therapy, and compassionate support. When she's not in the therapy room, Amy embraces life and nature with open arms. Whether she's hiking with her family, snowboarding, or capturing the beauty of a sunset, she finds joy and renewal in the great outdoors. A cornerstone of her recovery community, Amy shares her story and wisdom through speaking engagements and podcasts, spreading hope and offering a roadmap to long-term sobriety. Listen in as we learn more about Amy's inspiring journey and her mission to bring light to the lives of those battling addiction, one heart, one family at a time. [04:07] Amy grew up on a farm in rural Colorado. They had a wood burning stove and used an extension cord for electricity. [05:18] Her dad was also drunk every single day. He was violent and came back from treatment even angrier. [07:09] She had a rough childhood and took care of her siblings. Cooking is her love language. [10:41] Amy wanted to be the best daughter while on her healing journey. [12:29] It's been great getting to know her mom after all of the previous trauma. [12:53] Amy was never going to drink and do drugs. She left home at 14 and was pregnant at 15. [14:02] She gave birth at 16 and got divorced at 17. [14:16] She was living in a program for teenage mothers and going to college. [15:02] A guy she was dating talked her into having a couple of drinks. [16:33] She couldn't stop drinking and she even started doing drugs. [21:45] She was out of control and even got into an accident with a bunch of police cars. [23:13] She lost custody of her daughter while she was in jail after this incident. [24:42] She was depressed and her mom recommended rehab. [25:09] When she was 21, she checked herself into the Salvation Army 6-month program. [27:38] She completed the Salvation Army program and still goes back and checks in once in a while. [30:29] Amy talks about how she was inspired to become an interventionist. [31:39] She did her first intervention in 2005. In 2012, she was offered an opportunity to train as an interventionist. She worked with this trainer for 3 years. [36:15] If a family is met with resistance by a loved one who they want to get better, an interventionist might be able to help. [37:33] Amy operates in a love first model of intervention. [38:12] Intervention is so the family can start healing and coming back together. Success around intervention is starting the conversation so that that person has no other choice but to go get help, eventually. [39:02] Reminding someone how much they're loved and how much of an impact they have on the world is powerful in getting the prefrontal cortex turned back on. [40:44] The prefrontal cortex is the thinking part of your brain. Alcohol and drugs have the ability to shut that off. Getting the brain to start working and being a participant in making decisions and being part of a plan is a beginning. [45:25] Amy shares a transformational story. [47:38] Know you're not alone and that there are people out there who really do care. [50:59] We learn about love meditation. Amy also says a lot of prayers. [52:58] Amy's morning routine is a 10 on the importance scale. [54:26] Amy wants to get the word out to everybody about resources and mental health. Links mentioned in this episode: Contact Amy Moore (303) 915-7072 /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/31758077

Breaking Barriers: Exploring Psychedelics and the New Frontiers of Recovery 06/11/2024

Breaking Barriers: Exploring Psychedelics and the New Frontiers of Recovery I have a deeply moving and inspirational story to share with you. My guest, Todd Belfer, has been on a remarkable journey of transformation and healing. Todd has been clean and sober for over two decades, successfully overcoming his struggles with drugs and alcohol. However, his path took an unexpected turn a little over a year ago when he faced the unimaginable pain of his son’s suicide. This profound loss led Todd to explore a realm he was once firmly against—psychedelics. In this episode, Todd will share how this exploration has significantly impacted his life and recovery. Despite his initial reservations, Todd now advocates for the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, especially in dealing with grief and trauma. We discuss his journey to sobriety, the events that led him to reconsider psychedelics, and how these substances have helped him cope with his loss without jeopardizing his sobriety. Join us in this complex interplay between addiction recovery and psychedelic therapy. We’ll talk about Todd’s experiences, from his initial concerns to his transformative sessions with psychedelics. He provides insights into how these experiences have helped him heal, why he believes psychedelics can be safe and beneficial for those in recovery, and what advice he has for others considering this path. This conversation promises to be both heartfelt and enlightening, offering hope and new perspectives on healing and recovery. [05:30] Todd shares how he married his drinking buddy. They had fun, traveled, and drank together. When his wife got pregnant, she looked at him differently and decided to leave. [07:10] Todd went to AA and loved it. Each meeting he let his guard down. [11:04] He slowly began to accept things and started doing the work of getting sober. [14:04] Todd was a staunch believer in sobriety at all cost. [15:01] He was in so much pain after his son passed. His wife at the time recommended trying ketamine or MDMA to deal with all of the grief and pain he was going through. [16:04] He went on a journey with her and connected with his son. It was a healing 5-hour experience where he felt love and connection. [20:20] The psychedelics really help the struggle of separating the ego and forgiving ourselves. [21:26] He also had an extremely profound hypnotherapy session. [25:33] Todd can wholeheartedly say that psychedelics aren't a gateway to relapsing. [28:48] Psychedelics gave Todd peace and comfort. [30:14] Psilocybin wasn't as profound for him as MDMA and ketamine. [32:02] Drugs and alcohol numb you out, where psychedelics bring you closer to your feelings. [36:42] Psychedelics have increased his ability to connect with people on another level. [42:01] Psychedelics aren't recommended for people new to recovery. Do it under professional care as an internal journey to expand. [47:54] Sobriety, 12 step recovery, and psychedelics and a professional manner is a beautiful combination that can heal so many people. [51:59] Trying a psychedelic experience in a spiritual and professional manner could release you from who you think you are in the life that you're living. Links mentioned in this episode: Todd Belfer (602) 332-8974 /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/31740647

Unlocking Wellness: Dr. Rao's Path to Mastery and Recovery 05/21/2024

Unlocking Wellness: Dr. Rao's Path to Mastery and Recovery I have the immense pleasure of welcoming Dr. Srikumar Rao to the show today. Dr. Rao is a distinguished coach, speaker, and author who collaborates with top entrepreneurs, professionals, and senior executives, guiding them on their spiritual and professional journeys. His pioneering course, Creativity and Personal Mastery, has been a highlight at prestigious institutions like Columbia Business School. Dr. Rao's work has reached millions through his TED Talk, Plug into Your Hard-Wired Happiness, and his acclaimed books, including Are You Ready to Succeed? and Happiness at Work. His latest book, Modern Wisdom, Ancient Roots, continues to inspire those seeking unstoppable success. With a PhD from Columbia Business School and extensive media coverage, Dr. Rao is renowned for transforming ancient wisdom into practical exercises for today's intelligent professionals. I’m thrilled to have him share his insights with us today. [04:20] We learn how Dr. Rao created the Creativity and Personal Mastery course. He was getting his PhD at Columbia Business School. [04:49] He worked at Warner Communications and his career took off like a rocket. He worked on the advertising campaign for the movie The Exorcist. [06:26] He became head of communications at Warner Communications. [07:36] He had been doing a lot of reading and wanted to take the work of the world's great thinkers and put them into a course that would be acceptable to intelligent people in a post-industrial society. [08:15] He needed the course for himself. He created it and it did well. He moved the course to Columbia Business School, and it exploded. [09:33] He eventually began teaching the course privately and became a coach by accident. [10:01] Life is a spiritual journey. Addiction uses a dysfunctional mental model or idea of how the world works. The problem is we don't know we have mental models. Instead, we think this is the way the world works. [11:05] It's not the way the world works, it's our model of how it works. [12:01] We don't live in the real world. We live in a matrix. We experience the world the way we create it. [14:24] Think about your awareness like a flashlight. It illuminates whatever you shine it on. [16:01] We often shine our flashlight of awareness on the things that are wrong in life. [16:51] Consciously shine your flashlight of awareness on the many ways that you are truly blessed and fortunate. [19:57] Celebrate that the Universe is aware of you and working for you. A miracle doesn't have to bend the law of physics. All that's necessary is for you to have the conviction that the Universe interceded on your behalf. [21:29] Extreme resilience is when you bounce back extremely fast. [24:27] Asking yourself if there's a positive will move you to a different emotion. Is there something I can proactively do to make this a good thing? [29:36] Mindfulness and mental chatter. Having mental chatter isn't the problem, it's identifying with mental chatter. [34:51] Principles of personal mastery in a recovery journey. If you can reserve your mental chatter instead of becoming it, you'll have power you never had before. [36:01] When you become aware that you aren't your addiction, instead you're an observer of your addiction, eventually you'll have mastery and the addiction will drop. [37:57] Advice when struggling with relapse. Don't beat yourself up. Simply accept what happened and begin again. [41:44] The reason we feel overwhelmed is because there's a lot of mental chatter going on. Learn to focus on exactly what you're doing at that instant. [43:45] Don't label anything that happens to you as bad. Whenever a disaster happens, instead of thinking it's terrible, think about what you can do about it. [44:18] Focus on what is within your control, and you'll stop obsessing about what's not in your control. [44:57] Hardwired happiness. The Kingdom of Heaven is within you. You accept the universe exactly as it is. [46:53] The if then model. If this happens, then I'll be happy. [47:26] Instead of realizing the model is flawed, we think we have the wrong thing on the side of the equation. When we recognize that the model is flawed, we begin recognizing peace and joy. [50:53] Whatever happens is fine. [52:10] Dr. Rao explains his coaching process and how it has two levels. [52:55] A transmitted presence elevates your level of consciousness. [53:44] You can decide after the first session if you are on a higher level or not. [01:00:39] You can learn more about Dr. Rao and his programs at his website. [01:02:22] You can also join Dr Rao's Community. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/31345452

From Rock Bottom to Rescue: Zach Skow's Journey of Sobriety and Salvation Through Paws 04/16/2024

From Rock Bottom to Rescue: Zach Skow's Journey of Sobriety and Salvation Through Paws I’m honored to host a truly remarkable guest, Zach Skow, whose life story and work exemplify the transformative power of sobriety and compassion. Zach is more than just a survivor; he is a beacon of hope and change. As the founder of Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue and the visionary behind the Pawsitive Change Program, Zach has leveraged his passion for animals to foster healing and redemption. His innovative approach, which pairs rescue dogs with inmates, facilitates life-changing bonds and promotes mutual healing and growth. Zach's journey is also deeply personal. As someone who has maintained sobriety, he embodies the resilience and commitment we celebrate on this podcast. His experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the realm of sobriety provide profound insights and inspiration to us all. Today, we'll learn how exploring sobriety has fueled his mission and how the unconditional love of dogs can lead to profound personal transformation. [04:23] Before getting sober, Zach's life was completely dedicated to drugs and alcohol. He spent a lot of time making sure he had enough drugs and alcohol to get through the day. [05:40] He spent a lot of time in the solitude of self-hatred. [07:51] He also had terminal depression and he now wonders how he got through it. [08:04] Zach shares the moment that propelled him into sobriety. He was in acute liver failure and everything was going wrong. He needed a transplant and was trying to cope with his own mortality. [11:04] Things were so bad, he couldn't control anything except for the suicidal thoughts that he was obsessed with. [13:36] He was at rock bottom and didn't even recognize himself, but his dogs knew he was still there. [15:57] One glance from his dogs during this terrible time in his life, made all the difference. He stayed up with the dogs, watched the sunrise, journaled, and committed to doing better. [16:38] Everyday of his life since then has been dedicated to helping dogs. He found a profound purpose outside of himself. [17:23] Having a purpose outside of himself allowed him to embrace sobriety. He also had to stay sober for 6 months to get a liver transplant. He had to walk, change everything about his diet, and find a will to live. [18:44] When your energy and mind and spirit are elsewhere, you are required to be present. [19:28] He also attended 12-step groups and got tools that he needed to stay sober. [21:03] He also discovered that he liked himself. [23:30] At first, sobriety was just the means to get a liver transplant, now it's the most important thing in Zack's life. [27:02] Dogs really made a difference in his recovery, especially in the beginning. You need to introduce structure into a dog's life, so they can be adopted. A person in recovery also needs structure. [30:22] Marley's Mutts was born out of Zach's struggle to get a liver transplant. He was working with the dogs while waiting for the transplant. After six months, he didn't need the transplant anymore. [33:02] He started an animal rescue. Marley's Mutts has been around since April of 2009. They have 30 employees, over 100 dogs, and have found homes for more than 10,000 dogs. [34:55] Zach talks about the four programs that are part of Marley's Mutts including the Pawsitive Change Program. [35:04] The Pawsitive Change Program came about when one of his buddies adopted a dog after coming out of prison. The dog ended up changing the former inmate's life. [37:09] There's something about a dog that represents love, compassion, and home. Bringing dogs into the prison really helps with rehabilitation. [39:13] Zach shares a story about a dog named Smokey who would bite people. Smokey was paired up with an inmate named Jason. Smokey was afraid, Jason introduced him to the world in a new way and kept his needs in mind. [41:47] Smokey and Jason ended up being rehabilitated. [43:18] Every prison should have a Pawsitive Change Program. [45:05] Build your dog's routine into your own healthy routine. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/30834408

The Power of Purposeful Aging: Nourishing Body, Mind, and Community with JJ Virgin 04/10/2024

The Power of Purposeful Aging: Nourishing Body, Mind, and Community with JJ Virgin I’m thrilled to welcome a true powerhouse in the world of nutrition and fitness. She is a triple-board certified nutrition expert and a member of the Fitness Hall of Fame. Her passion for the healing power of nutrition goes beyond professional duty; it is her mission to revolutionize our views on aging and longevity. She has an impressive track record of entrepreneurial success, having launched three multimillion-dollar businesses, including a highly successful personal brand. She is the driving force behind the Mindshare Collaborative, a leading professional community in the health industry, renowned for launching numerous New York Times bestsellers, PBS specials, and successful seven-figure brands. Her influence also extends to television and media. She co-hosted TLC’s 'Freaky Eaters' and was the go-to nutrition expert for Dr. Phil’s Weight Loss Challenges. Her expertise has been showcased across various platforms, including PBS, Dr. Oz, Rachael Ray, Access Hollywood, and The TODAY Show. As an accomplished speaker, she has captivated audiences of over 10,000 and shared stages with luminaries such as Tony Robbins, Seth Godin, Lisa Nichols, Gary Vaynerchuk, Dr. Mark Hyman, Dan Buettner, and Mary Morrissey. Join us as we dive into a conversation with the incredible JJ Virgin, exploring the transformative power of nutrition and wellness. [05:57] Aging Powerfully: People who are positive about aging live longer. Mindset is key. JJ decided to get in the best shape of her life at 60. [07:23] Starting around age 30, how we build muscle shifts. Without protein and resistance training, we can lose 3% to 8% of muscle a decade. [08:20] When we lose muscle, we lose our power. We lose our type 2 muscle fiber which influences everything. [09:05] We need to train and build a strong foundation. [11:31] Mental, emotional, and spiritual health ties into physical health. [14:06] Shifting to exercise and health when you're in recovery will make you feel better than ever. [15:55] Replace negative habits with healthy habits. [17:08] Don't be the oldest person in the room in fitness class. We have to continue to progress while aging powerfully. [18:15] You can progress in your resistance routine by changing the weights and exercises etc. You can also change things up with your other exercises or type of yoga. [19:29] The true definition of exercise is doing more than your body is used to so that it will get stronger. [21:34] There's so much to being an expert from knowing the science to having field experience. [23:44] Mindset is first. The three pillars are food & supplements, exercise & activity, and how you recover. [27:18] JJ shares how important sleep is. [29:16] Get curious and pay attention to what works for you. [30:30] To improve how we age: Have a purpose. Have an amazing group of humans. Move a lot. [36:25] Speed of stair climbing matters. [37:05] Alcohol can disrupt sleep and contribute to adipose tissue. It's also a common factor in blue zones. [39:24] JJ shares her opinion on drinking. [40:56] The biggest thing that's impacted with grass-fed or wild is the fat. JJ shares what we get when we eat non grass-fed or wild meat. [44:54] JJ tries to be careful with food, but also lives in the real world. [47:32] Grass-fed meat is nutrient dense and more lean. [49:09] We need creatine for explosive exercise. It also helps with mood, brain function, bone health, skin health, and so much more. [50:11] Foundational supplements include creatine, D3 and K2, fish oil, and magnesium. JJ also likes collagen. And protein powder and essential amino acids. [54:15] Our bodies can handle acute stress. Our bodies weren't built for chronic stress. This includes not sleeping enough, poor nutrition, and not living enough. [55:03] Stress raises your cortisol and keeps it up. It also puts you in a catabolic state and makes it very hard to build muscle. Higher blood sugar makes you more insulin resistant and leads to belly fat. [58:02] Eating healthy and exercise will help with stress, but some mindfulness meditation and breath work is essential. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/30758778

Redefining Recovery: Inside The Sanctuary at Sedona with Dean Taraborelli 03/05/2024

Redefining Recovery: Inside The Sanctuary at Sedona with Dean Taraborelli I’m excited to have Dean Taraborelli with us. He's the innovative mind behind the Sanctuary at Sedona, where he has developed a groundbreaking method for treating addiction and trauma. This unique, non-12 step residential center in Arizona is renowned for its approach to dealing with a broad spectrum of addictions, as well as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. At the heart of the Sanctuary is its Integrative Addiction Recovery program, a pioneering effort that blends the latest scientific research with ancient healing traditions. This holistic approach treats the whole person rather than just the symptoms. Dean's commitment and dedication have helped countless individuals embark on a journey of healing, empowering them to live fulfilling and enriched lives. We talk about his personal journey and inspiration for the Sanctuary at Sedona. We explore the moments that set him on the path to recovery and sobriety. Dean shares insights into the core philosophy with an emphasis on health and feeling good. We also discuss the effectiveness of various healing modalities, psychedelics, and more. [04:33] Dean shares his journey that led to founding the Sanctuary at Sedona. In his efforts to manage his addiction he went to treatment frequently. [06:03] After many relapses, he started expanding his search worldwide. [07:06] He realized that he knew more about addiction than many of the counselors, and realized we need a new model of treatment. [08:04] Sanctuary is a non 12-step program, but it's not anti 12-step. [09:20] He realized that there was a lot of science that could be applied to getting well and improving mental health. [10:29] The mind-body connection is indisputable. Our unconscious mind is more powerful than our conscious mind. The holistic approach enhances the other treatment methods. [12:06] The mind influences the body. [13:24] Reprogramming the unconscious mind. Repetition, constant hypnosis, and different meditative states. Breath work. [14:28] The nervous system can be accessed without talking about a lot of stuff. The nervous system is energy. When we begin to understand what influences this energy the work begins. [15:46] Trauma is stored in our brain and affects all of the decisions we make, especially in a time of stress. [16:54] We need to work on the monologue that makes our inhibitions. [17:34] The program drew from experts like David Perlmutter, Mark Hyman, and Joe Dispenza. [18:27] At Sanctuary people are treated with loving, kindness, and care. [19:21] Dean went to a conference in Sedona and ended up meeting his future teacher. It was like his talk was for him. [20:42] Energy medicine dissipates charge. [22:24] Dean's recovery path is like his wellness path. Recovery means being no longer defined by the use of the substance. [23:46] A daily process of health translates into recovery. [29:12] The connection between the gut and the brain. Depression and anxiety being caused by inflammation. [31:37] For aftercare, the Sanctuary likes the focus on what makes people feel good when finding support. [33:43] The core philosophy behind the Sanctuary. Every thought changes the brain so use it to your advantage. [35:42] We can up regulate and down regulate genes. They focus on getting to the root cause also. [39:01] Inflammation is usually a metabolism related thing. [41:30] Some of the most impactful modalities utilized at Sanctuary include a combination of modalities that help quiet the brain and open up the possibilities of different neural networks. [52:34] Psychedelics work on the higher brain as opposed to alcohol or marijuana. What we take is a very personal choice. [56:50] Helping people and giving them different ideas and strategies for recovery is Dean's goal. [57:22] Recovery is much better on the other side, and the process isn't going to be as bad as you think it could be. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/30188528

The Gift of Continued Relapse with Cole Chance 12/26/2023

The Gift of Continued Relapse with Cole Chance Today, we explore the inspiring journey of Cole Chance. Her transformation from the depths of addiction into a beacon of hope in the recovery world is both challenging and enlightening. As a trauma-informed yoga instructor, she skillfully blends the wisdom of yoga and Buddhism with insights from modern neuroscience and psychology. Her approach prioritizes compassionate self-inquiry, guiding students to explore their mind and body for deeper understanding and freedom. This episode delves into Cole's philosophy and teachings, shedding light on how to navigate life's complexities with grace and self-compassion. Cole's journey began at age 13, marked by numerous treatment programs and relapses before she acknowledged her addiction and the need for change. A significant turning point was her discovery of yoga during treatment, which played a crucial role in managing her stress and breathing. We also discuss the concept of nervous system allyship in recovery, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our mental states and actively learning how to shift them when necessary. Cole's story highlights the profound impact of self-awareness and mindful practices in overcoming addiction. [05:01] Cole was having social anxiety, and the minute she began drinking she felt better. She was 13.[06:25] She felt so great, she decided that she would do it forever. [08:55] She grew up and was living in Santa Cruz, and she started drinking vodka and orange juice in the morning. She was also hiding drinking from her partner who was also a big drinker. [12:08] After getting a DUI, she had court ordered treatment. She went to treatment six or seven times, but she wasn't supposed to be there. [12:57] Cole shares her first AA meeting experience. [15:04] She had a seizure but blamed it on stress. [15:37] She had a pattern of going to treatment whenever she hit a wall, but then after sobering up a bit she realized she wasn't supposed to be in treatment. [19:23] She didn't want to admit that she had a problem, because then she would have to do something about it. [25:55] She had repeated relapses and the alcohol wasn't making her feel better. [27:16] A friend said that she was going to come to a point where she could either be high or happy. [28:02] This realization was when she called a sober living facility and asked for help. [29:28] Her first job was to make it sober for 3 days. That was 10 years ago. [30:39] Our lives are a culmination of what happened before so the previous treatments did build. [31:19] Just because you relapse, treatment isn't for nothing. [35:49] Yoga during her treatment really had an affect on her. [39:32] Yoga is great for the stress of recovery, and it regulates your breath. [43:09] Tim talks about the benefits of a cold plunge and how it can be similar to yoga. [43:30] Nervous system allyship in recovery. The nervous system and brain like to work in patterns and being an ally means you're working with your nervous system. [47:18] We shut down when we are in danger. We can mobilize our energy to make something change or just give up. [48:40] It's healthy to be able to move through all of the different states that we go through. [49:46] When we understand how we respond, we can do things to help us recreate better patterns. We become an active operator of our nervous system. [50:45] Understand how your nervous system responds and then find ways to settle down. If you're anxious, you can hum. This will help stimulate the vagus nerve. Shaking can also help. [51:53] If you're shut down, you need to use energy to get to the green. Invite some movement to move into yellow, and then you can move into green. [53:42] Whatever state our nervous system is in will be the reality that we see. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/29223103

How To Help Yourself And Others Transform Beyond Addiction With Deanne Adamson 12/19/2023

How To Help Yourself And Others Transform Beyond Addiction With Deanne Adamson I’m delighted to introduce Deanne Adamson, founder of Being True to You, a groundbreaking program transforming addiction recovery. Deanne combines her extensive background in Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Philosophy, Theology, Psychotherapy, and Personal Development with her experiences in family services and victim advocacy. Her innovative approach aims to revolutionize addiction recovery by offering a dynamic, purpose-driven, and results-oriented platform. This platform not only combats addiction but also challenges the associated stigma, inspiring intrinsic motivation in individuals. Join us in exploring this transformative journey with Deanne Adamson. We talk about a multifaceted approach to addiction recovery. Deanne emphasizes the importance of recognizing addiction, committing to change, and actively working through the process. She outlines practical steps including building a support team, self-reflection on addiction's impact, and understanding addiction as a progressive condition often exploited in our culture. We also discuss the role of psychedelic therapies in self-assessment, lifestyle examination, and more. . [06:57] Deanne likes to help people find inner and outer steps they can take to help themselves. [08:41] These steps include conceding that addiction has happened and accepting that it's going to be a process to get out of it. [09:26] Pledge to change and make it personal to you so that it can drive your recovery. [10:02] Start the work and work with the material as it comes up. [10:53] External steps include building a support team, finding who you can trust, identifying your support team and finding three people you can confide in. [11:41] Write down where addiction has a hold of you and what you can do about it. [13:15] Deanne talks about how addiction is externalizing your problems and solutions and getting attached to a certain thing for a feeling or belief. It's a progressive condition that continues to take over your mind. [15:14] Addiction is something you do repeatedly in spite of negative consequences. [16:24] A lot of people get addicted because the phenomenon of addiction is exploited in our culture. [22:25] Deanne values the work and transformation not the quick fix which is the trap of addiction. [23:39] Psychedelic therapies can be really helpful with taking an inventory of oneself and assessing where your mind is at. A person can pull apart their lifestyle and look at what they are doing that creates the conditions they are in today. [25:36] The long-term solution is to feel good on the other side of it. [27:23] When you work with a coach who understands addiction they'll understand what you're going through. [31:16] The medicine is going to open doors and windows and help show you what you need to do. [34:14] Getting and staying sober takes finding a new path in life. [42:09] The armor that is protecting our self includes anger, projections, resistance, and emotion in general. [45:41] The ego can create a protective armor and we won't want to let people in. [47:49] We talk about incremental changes in transformational recovery. Taking the stairs, not the elevator. [53:08] We talk about how great it feels when you are able to achieve any goal, even a small one. [54:49] To really help someone you need to get into a place of compassion. Autonomy is also important. [01:01:59] Deanne shares what they do at Being True to You, her coaching company. Links mentioned in this episode: 833-379-0070 /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/29118243

Understanding Porn Addiction with Jeremy Lipkowitz 11/28/2023

Understanding Porn Addiction with Jeremy Lipkowitz There's a growing body of research that suggests porn addiction is on the rise. Jeremy Lipkowitz, a former porn addict, now dedicates his life to helping others overcome their struggles. As a meditation instructor and digital habits expert, Jeremy is committed to guiding men on a journey of mind mastery and the development of fulfilling relationships. He helps men combat porn addiction and carve out a life filled with purpose and integrity. His work has been featured in publications like Men's Health Magazine and Livestrong. He also pioneered the Unhooked Recovery program, a 30-day transformative experience aimed at breaking the chains of addiction. Jeremy's background as a Buddhist monk and his credentials as an ICF-certified Executive Coach underpin his approach. Join us as we dive into a conversation with Jeremy, who is here to share his insights on achieving personal mastery and peak performance, through the power of self-love and scientific principles. [04:51] Jeremy started looking at porn at a young age and overtime it progressed to addiction. [07:18] The negative effects of porn addiction build up over time. [08:17] Jeremy shares when he realized that porn was a problem. [10:57] He realized that he would never be happy if he was always craving sex with new people. [11:25] Suffering is the feeling of wanting something you don't have. He was creating this suffering by watching so much porn. [12:18] He was creating super highways of lust. [12:54] One of the things that porn does is make you addicted to novelty, instead of cultivating a deep relationship with a person. [13:59] Meditation is a way of training the mind. [18:36] Mindfulness is a present moment of awareness of what is happening in an open and spacious way that's not trying to push any experience away or hold on to any experience. [19:13] Awareness of any of your senses or an emotional state and the orientation you have towards that experience. [21:53] Awareness is 90% of transformation. [23:08] Jeremy practices Vipassana, or insight meditation. At a retreat, you do nothing but sit and walk for 10 days. You are really present with what's happening. [25:45] You feel a deep peace when you don't need anything more. [29:05] Jeremy has spent 10,000 hours watching porn, and he knows what it is like. He's put in the work, and it's his life's passion to help people with addiction. [37:18] Porn takes away the sexual energy that you're giving your partner and puts it into porn. [37:55] If you can stop for 30 days, you likely aren't addicted. [41:10] Letting go of shame is important. A lot of Buddhism is just looking at what are and aren't wholesome mind states to cultivate. [48:06] Mindfulness helps with recovery by giving you a choice about how you want to live. [51:03] Jeremy shares his morning routine. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/28565973

Avoiding Mineral Deficiency 11/21/2023

Avoiding Mineral Deficiency Have you ever wondered if your vitamins are working or not? My guest today has the answers. Barton Scott is a biochemist, inventor, and founder of Upgradedformulas.com. In 2015, using his chemical engineering background, Barton crafted a new type of mineral known as Stabilized Nano Minerals. These minerals are easily absorbed by the body without regular digestion. Plus, his at-home hair analysis testing helps pinpoint nutrient deficiencies, making it easier to address them. Barton is deeply committed to helping people tackle daily stress, sleep issues, hormonal imbalances, and more. He shares a poignant personal journey inspired by the loss of his mother, underscoring the vital role of mineral balance in our health and emotions. We also touch on the significance of dietary sodium, highlighting the benefits of sea salt. Join us for a captivating exploration into the nexus of nutrition and well-being. [04:49] Barton is a chemical engineer, and he studied nutrition. He built a process using nanotechnology equipment to improve mineral absorption. [07:43] He produces an encapsulated gel to help minerals absorb into the bloodstream. [08:10] He's now writing a book about how nutrition becomes personality. Our energy levels are determined by us and what we consume. [09:27] Too much iron can cause personality shifts. Lack of magnesium will give you anxiety. [11:30] We can't help but be addicted if we're missing things. Testing is the first step. [11:55] Barton's passion was inspired from losing his mother. He was involved with nutrition for himself and his loss of his mother. [14:35] Problems with mineral absorption affect almost all bodily functions. Testing can give a map of what minerals we need. [18:37] Hair is tissue and tests with hair are stable. [20:49] Lack of lithium can cause anxiety. Minerals are also water soluble. [25:46] Naturopaths actually study nutrition and are likely to give good advice. [27:27] Upgraded mood has lithium in it. [29:53] The hair test looks at the hair closest to your scalp. The test is redone every 3 months. [30:30] The Dutch test is an adrenal test. [32:16] Some minerals do have lower absorption rates. Some nutrients compete with other nutrients for receptor sites. [32:55] We need sodium, and sea salt is the best type because it has trace minerals. [33:51] Barton talks about iodine and our thyroids. People in Japan eat 15 mg of iodine a day. [37:55] Minerals activate the pathways that vitamins need. Boron activates vitamin D. [38:27] Barton talks about chelated vitamins and minerals. [40:21] We talk about Quinton Hypertonic. Upgraded T shows improvements in fertility issues. Links mentioned in this episode: Use Code BARTON10 at checkout! /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/28485059

Stigma, Shame, and Secrecy 11/14/2023

Stigma, Shame, and Secrecy I’m excited to continue my chat with Mary Tilson. Just yesterday, I was on her show, and we discovered we have so much in common. In 2013, Mary overcame alcohol and drug addiction and has since dedicated herself to assisting others on their journey to sobriety. After reshaping her life, she made it her mission to guide others towards recovery, founding Sun and Moon Sober Living—a community rooted in holistic healing. As an E-RYT 500 Yoga & Meditation Teacher, a certified Professional Recovery Coach, and an International Retreat Leader, Mary draws from a rich tapestry of ancient traditions combined with modern science. When she's not imparting her wisdom, she can often be found soaking in nature's lessons amidst the majestic mountains of Colorado, where she calls home. Join us as we delve into her inspiring journey. [05:11] Mary didn't think she had a problem until she went to college and started experimenting with various drugs. She was blacking out and ended up in terrifying situations. [08:36] She desperately needed help, and called her mom asking for help. [10:01] She also went to yoga daily. When she went back to school, she started drinking and using drugs again, but yoga was also a big part of her life. [11:16] She had no concept of what someone young would do with their life if they were sober. [11:36] After graduating, she got a job in digital advertising. [13:04] She started doing cocaine late at night. She went to work after being up all night and realized that this wasn't working. [18:58] Trauma informed yoga and meditation. Yoga has an incredible ability to support people during healing. It gives people choice and helps them adapt and make the practice their own. [20:12] Movement is more than just working on the physical body. Yoga helped Mary with her recovery. [23:48] Fitness is mental, emotional, and spiritual. [28:25] Awareness being clean and sober. What are you numbing from? [30:18] The difference between trauma informed yoga and regular yoga. [33:56] Mary talks about the importance of mindfulness in recovery. [36:06] Understanding our nervous system and regulating. Without substances, we do need tools to regulate. [41:12] Mary loves cold plunges and healthy stressors. Mentally you are safe even though it's cold. It's a peaceful state. [46:46] The importance of embracing multiple pathways to recovery. It's not one size fits all. [50:48] Recovery is a program of action. [51:17] When it comes to habit change, making it small is much more doable. Consistency is also important to carve out new pathways in the brain. [54:04] There's a lot of positive reinforcement when you are sharing your wins. [57:50] Having a sober community is really important, because we need that sense of connection. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/28485044

Removing Invisible Armor With Ash Butterss 11/07/2023

Removing Invisible Armor With Ash Butterss Isn’t it time we remove the stigma around mental health, trauma, and addiction? That’s the mission of my guest Ash Butterss, a holistic transformation coach and the visionary behind "Behind The Smile" – a podcast tackling this stigma. After choosing sobriety in 2020, Ash left her corporate world, immersing herself in self-development and spearheading the fight against addiction-related stereotypes. Now, combining her skills in yoga and meditation, Ash aids individuals in realizing their utmost potential and cultivating a purpose-driven life. We talk about the inspiration behind "Behind the Smile," Ash's personal journey that fueled her passion for recovery, the essence of holistic transformation, and her credentials in the field. We delve into the practices essential for deep self-connection, Ash's morning routine, and the pivotal role yoga and meditation play in her healing journey. [05:10] Ash created “Behind The Smile” to smash through the stigma of addiction. [07:43] When Ash realized that she was an alcoholic, she also realized that more people needed to feel safe in order to step out and admit they had an addiction. [09:51] Ash was a daily drinker for two years and depended on alcohol to numb reality. Eventually, she became physically dependent on it. [10:08] February 14th, 2020 was when Ash realized it was time to make a change. [19:02] We talk about relapses. You don't lose the knowledge. Relapse is part of the journey. [20:36] The 'gift of desperation' helped Ash stay sober. Having a solution and being willing to do the work helped too. [22:14] She spent 3 weeks as an inpatient. When she got out COVID started and everything shut down. [24:39] Vulnerability and opening up is a gift of recovery. 12 Step is a beautiful environment to learn to trust. Ash has connected to her authentic self. [29:51] There are so many amazing things we get to do when we are in recovery. [30:15] Holistic transformation is the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Getting clean and sober was essential in order to do the deeper work. [31:01] Removing the alcohol made Ash realize that she had some trauma and things to process. [31:35] The holistic transformation model looks at the three sides of mind, body, and spirit. Coping mechanisms create invisible armor. [32:48] The armor weighs you down and prevents you from allowing people to get in. It also prevents you from connecting with your heart. [33:10] The first thing we have to do to remove the armor is to create awareness. [34:37] The shame we carry isn't ours and we hand it back over. We also need to learn to question our conditioned thoughts. [41:05] After Removing alcohol, Ash had to find things to fill the hole. Yoga and meditation became a big part of her life. [42:28] Steps to cultivate a deeper connection with self. [46:50] Breathwork has changed Ash's life. [48:15] Ash shares her morning routine. [56:01] Reaching out to someone is the most powerful thing you can do. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/28429166

Respect: What does it mean and what does it feel like? 10/31/2023

Respect: What does it mean and what does it feel like? Mike Domitrz has been a featured expert on shows like "Dateline NBC" and frequently quoted in renowned publications like the Wall Street Journal. He is the Founder of The Center for Respect, an acclaimed author, and Hall of Fame speaker. It’s his mission to traverse the globe each year sharing valuable insights with countless businesses, organizations, educational institutions, and even the US military. He is one of the preeminent voices on the topic of RESPECT. In our conversation today, we'll delve into what drives Mike's passion, who can benefit from his insights, and address prevalent myths about respect. We'll also discuss the standards he believes in and offer guidance for parents and individuals navigating complex topics related to respect. [04:43] The only way someone can say they are an expert is if the industry says that they're an expert. Mike is referred to as the subject matter expert on respect. [05:43] When Mike was in college, he found out that his sister was raped. Mike started studying and discovered that consent was something that had to be asked for. [07:44] Mike wanted to speak about consent and respect. This was 33 years ago. [09:09] While in college he spoke full-time. He knew society wasn't ready and he took a break. [10:04] In 2002, he sold his business and decided to start speaking again. He had a family of six to support and no income. [10:58] Going all in to succeed was the right approach for Mike. [17:49] Mike shares his audience. He speaks to schools, parents, universities, corporations, and the military. [18:54] When people feel respected at the office they are way more likely to be happy and do a good job. [22:08] Mike shares what he teaches about respect to the different groups. [24:26] One of the big lessons Mike teaches is how to say no. [26:32] The biggest myth around respect is that it's earned. Everyone should be seen and valued in the workplace. [28:32] The ideal sexual standard for people. We know what we don't want. We need to know what we want. [29:52] Consent is the bare minimum requirement, not the standard of excellence when it comes to whether to have sex or not. [31:08] Mutually amazing consensual sex is the point. This shifts the standard. [33:51] Consent is a very low bar to teach to our kids as the standard. [35:24] Sexual decision making has never been confronted in a room by a speaker. This is a triggering discussion for many. [36:20] One of the most common mistakes that parents make when discussing respect is the part about making people respect you. When someone doesn't treat you with respect, move on to someone that does. You deserve to always be treated with respect. [40:24] Answer honestly on a date. Be authentic. [42:04] We don't have to say sorry, when saying no to sex. It's okay to say not tonight. [45:49] Overcoming that feeling that you owe someone sex. Saying no isn't rejecting someone, saying no is honoring your body. [50:45] We talk about sex and fulfillment at different stages of life. [52:34] What do we do from here? Step back and talk to your partner about having mutual amazing sex. Links mentioned in this episode: (800)329-9390 /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/28375856

Sobriety Is A Journey With Pete Sousa 10/24/2023

Sobriety Is A Journey With Pete Sousa Pete Sousa is the host of the The Payoff with Pete podcast. A podcast for anyone who is working on or thinking about getting sober. He also calls games for ESPN. Pete has been sober for 12 years and is passionate about carrying his message of enjoying a sober lifestyle. Pete’s sobriety was a journey that included ups and downs. His inspiring message is for anyone who needs motivation to continue on their personal sobriety journey. Some of the things we talk about include: What was Pete's upbringing like and when did he first realize he was an alcoholic? We delve into his professional journey with ESPN and the inspiration behind “The Payoff with Pete”. We also discuss the intriguing concept of “the gift of desperation” and how relapses fit into the recovery journey. Join us as we unravel these topics and more in today's episode. [06:47] Pete grew up outside of Philadelphia. He had a good life, but his dad was an alcoholic. [09:39] As a kid, Pete was on Adderall, and it made him feel great. [11:46] He discovered in high school that alcohol took away his nerves and anxiety. He drank when he could. [14:14] He also found his mom's old prescriptions and took them. [15:27] Pete found out he had cardiomyopathy which messed up his football career. [16:35] Pete realized he was an alcoholic early in high school and college. [20:11] Talking about your story of sobriety helps you stay sober. [21:14] After college, Pete took ecstasy. He also got a job and moved to New York. [22:45] Pete didn't like how he was when he was addicted. Pete started doing cocaine in 2000, and by 2002, he was back at home living with his parents. [25:02] He took his dad's car and got stopped by the police. The next day he ended up at AA. [26:14] The meetings started to work and he kept going. He still hung out with his old friends, smoked weed, and began drinking again. [28:03] He continued drinking for years and when he tried to stop it was hard. He ended up with broken relationships, trouble with the law, and a lot of different problems. [30:25] It was finally time for him to go to treatment. After going to rehab, he began to change. [31:37] He had a major shift in his life when he finally became coachable. He listened to people who had a life that he wanted to have. [33:24] Breaking up while he was in treatment was one of the best things that happened to him. He left a toxic relationship. [35:28] After his 30 days of rehab, he went to an extended care center. [36:46] Pete started feeling great in sobriety and chased that feeling the same way he used to chase the alcohol and the drugs. [37:24] He thought he was above working at KFC, but he got a job there anyway. [40:08] Recovery jobs help you go all in. His KFC job gave him confidence and humility. [43:41] After recovery, Pete began getting opportunities that he thought he would never get again. He ended up calling games and doing broadcasting jobs. [45:31] After being 4 years sober, he got another job with the Hornets. He also saw Michael Jordan again. [51:13] November 7th, 2011 was Pete's sobriety date. [52:28] Framing recovery as a journey. [53:16] The "gift of desperation" was when Pete began to embrace the journey and go to any lengths to get sober. [58:23] Pete's suggestions for newcomers includes being honest. [01:00:33] The Payoff With Pete podcast is about sobriety and inspiring people who want to get sober. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/28370117

Sober Friends 10/17/2023

Sober Friends Matt Jerr, host of the Sober Friends Podcast is here to talk about his experience and strength on his sober journey. We dive into when he realized he was an alcoholic, why he decided to get sober, and what makes him an expert on sobriety and recovery. We also talk about why he considers himself a “high bottom drunk”. The Sober Friends Podcast is a weekly show where you can listen to inspiring and honest conversations about sobriety, recovery, and wellness. This podcast is for anyone who wants to learn more about living a sober and fulfilling life. I was on this podcast a few weeks ago, and now it’s time to learn more about Matt. [03:12] Matt had a lot of trauma in his upbringing. His parents divorced when he was three or four years old. Matt lived with his mom, and he grew up poor. [04:32] A lot of people in his family had drinking problems. Matt began drinking when he was sixteen years old. It was hard to get alcohol, and he craved it all the time. [05:05] He was an addict from early on. [07:50] The moves he made with his mother created a trauma response in Matt. [08:57] He went to college and almost got kicked out, until he turned his life around. He could focus on doing well. [10:12] He began drinking like an alcoholic when he was 17 or 18, but he was in college and everyone drank. [11:14] He drank a lot, and would get sick most nights. He questioned his drinking up until age 38. [12:50] Matt realized that if he really wanted to stop drinking, everything in his life needed to change. [13:29] Not drinking was one of the worst feelings in his life. [14:45] His therapist asked him to go to a meeting, he reluctantly went, and finally felt at home. AA was much more fun than he thought it would be. [16:27] He felt committed to do it forever. He's never relapsed. [19:51] Recovery became his new addiction, and he didn't want to disappoint anyone else in the meetings. [22:40] Matt doesn't feel like he's an expert on sobriety and recovery, but he does feel like he can bring a story. He can share what has helped him stay sober. He's also very vulnerable on his podcast. [25:26] AA is a program to help people start living. [28:29] We talk about vulnerability, intimacy, and learning how to connect. [30:02] The "high bottom drunk" is different from a "low bottom drunk" that has to stop drinking or they'll die or lose their family or something really bad. [31:25] Matt was "high bottom drunk". Being called an alcoholic was unacceptable and the worst thing that you could say to him. Knowing he was an alcoholic was the bottom that he knew he had to do something about. [33:07] If you're a "high bottom drunk", go ahead and stop drinking. You don't have to wait until you hit rock bottom. [35:52] The Sober Friends podcast. Matt had a previous podcast, and he listened to a podcast called Recovery. He thought he could bring something to the table. It wasn't as easy as he thought it would be. It helps him, and it helps other people. [37:32] If you want to start your own podcast, do it! [39:55] Starting a podcast can also be another layer of accountability. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/28315001

The Larry Arnold Approach: A Deep Dive into Active Recovery 09/12/2023

The Larry Arnold Approach: A Deep Dive into Active Recovery I’m thrilled to chat with Larry Arnold, a 2-time national champion with the Nebraska football team and a dedicated health and wellness coach. Larry is not only a biohacker and a red light therapist but also the brain behind the Larry Arnold Approach, aiming to balance understanding, ability, and outcome in health. I met Larry in 2016, and he quickly became my go-to person for all things wellness. From refining my running technique to offering advice on preventing injuries, Larry has been an indispensable guide in my fitness journey. In our discussion today, we will be zeroing in on the essential topic of active recovery, touching upon biohacking strategies, NAD and ozone therapies, red light therapy, and power plates. Plus, we will share some tips on efficient ways to lose fat and stay fit without spending long hours in the gym daily. [05:19] Larry has always loved fitness and helping others. He wanted to help the coach and the other players in sports. He was interested in how to coach. [06:32] His gift was teaching other people fitness. [07:10] He learned olympic lifting and training. He then spent years getting every certification possible. He was always interested in the how. Working in physical therapy made him reexamine and get a new perspective. [08:52] He has years of experience in performance and recovery. He works on active rebalancing. He's passionate about health and recovery. [10:29] The benefits of fitness only happen after recovery. [11:16] Athletes have preseason to prepare for performance time. After the season, they rest before they begin their preseason workouts. Without rest our muscles can't heal and recover. [12:27] If we're not going to take an off-season in our fitness routines, we need built-in recovery modules. [13:39] Active recovery includes undoing the damage that you have done. [15:16] Recovery centers will have things like red light therapy, cold therapy, compression, sports massage, and power plates. [16:51] Recovery is like undoing the frequency of lifting weights. [20:57] Recovery is really useful in managing mental health. Recovery helps keep the body in a state of repair to enable us to exercise and focus on our mental health. [23:07] Red light therapy has an effect on the mitochondria in the blood. It's a no-brainer that eliminates inflammation. You want a hundred watts per centimeter squared. [29:24] Larry talks about blue light and other colored light therapies. [30:06] We break down the cells and mitochondria which is the activity center of the cell. [32:55] More power and health in a healthy body is a good thing. [35:50] NAD+ is for everyone. It helps grow back receptors. It's the number one anti-aging tool on the planet. Larry breaks down all of the many advantages of increased NAD. [40:17] We talk about how ozone helps get rid of inflammation. [43:49] Ozone is super powerful. [46:04] Recovery is becoming big business. There are a lot of gyms with recovery centers and freestanding recovery centers. Larry has been involved in recovery for so long. He has dug deep and now it's a business. He helps build and equip recovery centers. [48:10] Recovery is really the other side of fitness. Gyms are incorporating them. [51:16] Power plate is a vibrating platform. It was usually used by astronauts. It excites and activates the cells. It helps oxygenate the blood. [53:55] The Larry Arnold approach begins with teaching neuromuscular movements. Then it works on strengthening. Then performing some usage in a practical environment. Then go back to the next set of learning. [54:54] Recovery is important at some point in the learning when there are mishaps. [55:32] People who need help with their fitness are many of the people who aren't naturally fit and need to do the learning first. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/27987939

Peter Meyerhoff: A Story of Redemption and Drive 09/05/2023

Peter Meyerhoff: A Story of Redemption and Drive Peter Myerhoff AKA Chappy Once lost in the grips of hard drugs during his teenage years, Peter Meyerhoff's choices led him down a path of car thefts, burglaries, and eventually, a 12-year incarceration sentence. Inside the prison walls, he was ensnared by the intricate web of prison politics, eventually rising to a position of influence as a shot-caller. Yet, amidst the chaos of violence and addiction, Peter found himself in solitary confinement for the concluding 11 months of his term. Upon his release, Peter chose transformation over regression. Channeling the resilience and mental fortitude he honed in isolation, he now stands as a best-selling author, riveting motivational speaker, and inspiring podcaster. As the proud owner of a sobriety-focused clothing brand and the innovative mind behind a prison curriculum app, Peter is dedicated to uplifting those battling addiction and reducing recidivism rates. Above all, he is a testament to the infinite possibilities that await when one harnesses unwavering drive and embraces a life without excuses. Today, besides his professional achievements, Peter cherishes his roles as a devoted husband and father. We dive into his story from everyday athlete to drug-addict to prison and back. We also talk about his journey through recovery, psychedelics for recovery, his prison curriculum app, and wherever the conversation takes us. [04:39] Peter tells us about his life growing up. His mom was a flight attendant, and he had a lot of freedom to party. [08:27] We learn about Peter's first sex experience. Unfortunately, his second sex experience turned into a rape allegation. [10:27] He had to drop out of school and wasn't able to play sports, which were his whole life. He then turned to drugs. [13:01] The second he got out of rehab, he started doing drugs again. [16:36] He and his friends ended up robbing a rich friend's house. He ended up with 12 years in prison for stealing a drill, a snowboard, Jordan basketball shorts, and Jordan flip flop sandals. [19:00] He was 18, and 12 years felt like a life sentence. [19:41] People do drugs in prison. [21:02] Peter was 24 and had a relationship with a corrections officer, and he had unlimited drugs. [24:07] We learn about his first heroin experience. [25:16] He was put in solitary when he had 11 months to go. He was able to get sober and put on 90 pounds. [26:49] Peter spent two weeks being dope-sick in solitary. [27:33] He was so grateful to be sober. He would do push-ups all day. He went from constantly being shackled to out on the streets. [31:56] Anger can be harnessed to your advantage. [32:27] Peter was planning on getting a construction job and getting sober. [35:55] We learn about Peter's fentanyl overdose after he got out of prison. He barely survived. [39:02] He decided to stop making excuses and get sober for real. He's been sober for seven and a half years. [41:00] Peter got a job selling cars and went from drug addiction to money addiction. He just quit the dealership a year and a half ago. [43:58] He wanted to put his life first and do something positive. [46:30] Once you become responsible, your life changes. Serving people and making a contribution to the world brings happiness and fulfillment. [47:37] We learn how Peter got the nickname Chappy. [48:24] We talked about using psychedelics as a tool for recovery. It makes you feel like a little kid again. [55:42] Most people don't push using psychedelics on other people. [56:44] Peter talks about his prison curriculum app. People in prison need things that are positive. They are teaching people how to be successful when they get out of prison. [59:01] Peter shares his positive prison routine which includes getting up early, doing abs, writing, more workouts and more. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/27945405

Intentional Recovery with Paul Krauss 08/29/2023

Intentional Recovery with Paul Krauss I’m excited to dive into Intentional Recovery with Paul Krauss MA LPC. Paul is the driving force behind Health for Life Counseling in Grand Rapids, also recognized as The Trauma-Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids. Wearing multiple hats, he is not only a dedicated private practice psychotherapist but also an esteemed EMDRIA Consultant and Certified Clinician. Beyond his clinical work, Paul hosts the "Intentional Clinician" podcast and stands as the visionary behind the National Violence Prevention Hotline and the Intentional Clinician Training Program for aspiring therapists. Paul's commitment to enhancing the field is evident as he offers weekly EMDRIA consulting sessions for therapists and has developed valuable resources like the online course for Parents of Young Adults. Although he occasionally practices as a therapist in Grand Rapids, MI, most of his energy is poured into training the next generation of therapists, aiming to uphold Health for Life Counseling as a paragon of excellence in therapy practices in Grand Rapids. With a special expertise in EMDR therapy, Paul is a beacon for individuals grappling with trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges in the West Michigan region. We dive into getting intentionally sober and fixing your mental health. We all know it doesn’t just happen. [04:30] People need to put intentional effort into getting sober and recovery. Doing something that you've never done requires help. [05:48] Paul shares how he developed a passion for helping teens with substance abuse problems. [07:08] He began learning a program that would help teens. It was called The Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach. Many situations turned around in 4 to 5 months. [08:50] Mandated treatment programs do not prevent people from achieving recovery. It doesn't matter how they get there. It matters if it sticks. [12:35] This approach emphasized early intervention with family therapy, personal therapy, trauma therapy and more. It also focused on getting them into positive activity. [17:23] Therapists also work on reducing triggers so people can go into things clear headed. [19:07] We talk about when parents should discuss drug and alcohol use with children. [22:32] Be honest according to your kid's age development level. Then as they age keep the conversation going. [29:36] Treat people with respect and dignity. The punishment and consequent needs to be appropriate for the crime. [33:09] Parents shouldn't expect their children to just grow out of drinking and drugs. [33:55] Anyone who starts drugs and drinking before the age of 18 is at massive risk of addiction. Genetics and stress also have a lot to do with it. [37:55] Having an intervention begins with immediately cutting off the source. Part of the treatment plan is also to get the kids involved in pro-social activities. [42:30] The more time that the parents spend in therapy and get involved, the more likely the kid will not be an addict for the rest of their life. [43:20] Parents also need to do their own therapy because this process is so stressful. [44:41] When there's addiction in a family, it's an "us" problem. [46:57] If people are cynical, that's inside of them. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/27877800

Addiction and Recovery 08/22/2023

Addiction and Recovery I'm here with someone who's in recovery. I'm super excited for the show, because we're going to talk about her journey. My guest is Alejandra Gastelum who is also working on some amazing projects. She's been working as a recovery coach specialist for the last 4 years. She's also a support companion and a certified peer support specialist. Alejandra is the community liaison for Turning Point Healing Centers and the perfect guest to have on the show today. We get to hear about how she found purpose helping others on their unique journey, and she's very passionate about helping others achieve long-term sobriety. In this episode Alejandra shares her background and the early trauma she endured. She also tells us how she became a shoe designer, realized it was time to get sober, and went to treatment and was successful the first time. This is an open discussion where she shares everything from her weight, faith, her P.O.W.E.R. Academy, and even the PTA. [03:38] Alejandra was born and raised in Pasadena, California. [04:40] We learn about the trauma Alejandra endured during her childhood and early adult years. [06:39] She was also a star athlete in school. She partied on weekends. She had her first drink when she was a freshman in high school. [07:40] In 2017, she realized she had a problem. She was functioning for a long time. [08:40] She had been working in TV production and then decided she wanted to design shoes. [09:14] She moved to Milan, went to design school, and opened a brand in LA. [12:50] Alejandra shares when she decided to go to treatment and get sober. She gives all of the glory to God. [16:03] We talk about the power of surrendering control. [16:40] She left her company and decided to stay in Arizona. She now works in behavioral health which made her happier than she had ever been. [21:18] Self-care and things like working out daily and meditation has really helped Alejandra. [22:33] Working in recovery is really helpful in staying sober. [28:56] She currently works with adolescents at Turning Point. Alejandra is passionate about helping teens and created P.O.W.E.R. Academy a recovery high school. [35:36] Alejandro thinks that she's passionate about helping kids, because she's trying to be the person who she needed. [38:11] ACEs is about adverse child experience. It can identify how you were able to navigate life and how you reacted to things. [42:54] The school is like a normal high school except that it has recovery coaches. They are there to create a safe sober environment, and there are also requirements to attend. [44:12] They will also provide boarding. [45:43] 30 days isn't enough to become sober or stay sober. Avoid people, places, and things. [47:53] They'll have 70 students at one time, but different kids will transition in and out. [53:00] We talk about the American Gladiators documentary and how it got started. Sometimes all you have to do is get started. [55:06] Alejandra is also working with the Arizona PTA. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/27693864

Humility Around Your Darkness with Jordan Bokser 08/15/2023

Humility Around Your Darkness with Jordan Bokser I'm thrilled to be joined by Jordan Bokser, and we're set to delve into the intriguing topic of embracing our inner shadows with humility. Jordan's journey began with undertaking vital work on himself, making a conscious decision to extend the support he received while navigating his own trials towards achieving happiness and success. Initially, he provided personal counseling and coaching to those looking to modify their lives or enhance their existing circumstances. Over time, his repertoire has expanded to encompass a broad range of services, including life strategy consultations, retreats, and breathwork sessions, all uniquely crafted to suit each individual's needs. Jordan adopts a holistic methodology, focusing on every facet of human existence - physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and even financial. He firmly believes that genuine happiness springs from the entirety of a person, not merely isolated parts. He extends his assistance beyond merely tackling surface-level issues, diving deep into each person's unique circumstances. His ultimate aim is to guide clients towards achieving true happiness and success in their lives. We talk about the 'Hearty Method', a unique approach developed by Jordan that centers on a heart-based, ecstatic, action-oriented, resilient, truthful, and youthful way of living. Jordan shares his belief that true happiness emerges from the holistic integration of the individual, examining the depth of this philosophy. We also touch on the role of breathwork in Jordan's practice and more. [04:08] Jordan shares why he can counsel people to achieve happiness and success. Healing is giving love to someone else's demon. [08:35] Being an observer and focusing on what we see. [10:57] Jordan talks about why working with the subconscious is so important. Some people don't even understand what happiness means and they're looking at it through a certain lens. [12:08] Teaching people to understand what it feels to be expansive and seeing the thoughts that block the layers. What are your true values? [13:21] When working with clients it can take two to three hours just to figure out what their true values really are. [14:55] The Hearty Method evolved as Jordan was trying to heal from being sick. It started with his Hearty Gentlemen blog. He was into natural healing, but he had a very negative ayahuasca experience. [18:11] HEARTY stands for heart focus, ecstatic, action-based, resiliency, truthfulness, and youthfulness. [19:32] He uses his method to guide people through their darkness the way he was guided through his darkness. [22:52] Jordan talks about how breathwork takes him to a connected place. [24:40] Jordan has studied tantric, Qigong, and his go-to standard is elemental breath work. It removes the complication and makes breath work simple. [29:27] Jordan talks about elemental breath work and how it can be done longer because it's simpler. [31:30] We go through the Earth breath and the water breath. We can slow down and speed up time with just a breath. [34:53] True happiness comes from the whole person. This includes mental, physical, and spiritual. [36:56] We can treat anything as a whole body approach. [39:13] We need resiliency and action because when we achieve things we feel good. [40:01] Pushing yourself beyond your limits and getting into a flow state. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/27617595

Why Trauma is Your Biology Not Your Psychology with Dr. Aimie Apigian 08/08/2023

Why Trauma is Your Biology Not Your Psychology with Dr. Aimie Apigian Dr. Aimie Apigian is here. She’s an expert in understanding how life's experiences leave imprints on our body. Dr. Aimie has distinguished herself in the medical field with her innovative approach to health restoration through her pioneering model known as The Biology of Trauma. She is a dual board-certified physician in both Preventive Medicine and Addiction Medicine, with Masters degrees in Biochemistry and Public Health. She’s also a Certified Functional Medicine Physician, with specialized knowledge in neuro-autoimmunity, nutrition, and genetics pertaining to addictions, mental health, and various mood and behavioral disorders. She also holds numerous certifications in diverse trauma therapies such as the Instinctual Trauma Response Model (an art-based trauma therapy), Somatic Experiencing (a creation of Dr. Peter Levine), and NeuroAffective Touch (developed by Dr. Aline LaPierre). Her work synthesizes trauma work with medicine to unravel the chronic impacts of trauma on our nervous system and body at a cellular level. We talk about how there are scientifically backed solutions on how to restructure the nervous system. She champions the path of healing, speeding up the journey from recovery to resilience, presence, and vitality. We talk about trauma and the relationship to addiction. This is an enlightening episode for anyone struggling with addiction, physical symptoms, and trauma issues. [05:09] Aimie talks about her degrees. She went to medical school and got an MD. She also has a Masters in Biochemistry. She also has a Masters in Public Health. [06:24] She became a foster parent while she was in medical school. She thought she knew what a foster child needed, but she discovered that love was actually triggering him. [08:11] She knew the clock was ticking, so she threw herself into trying to figure out what was going on in his head. She wasn't aware of biology and trauma stuck in the body, so she was just focusing on psychology. It took her 6 years to find the pieces that he needed. [08:39] What he needed was different from what she needed. She had a severe Health crash and her body just shut down. [09:06] The symptoms she was experiencing were related to adverse childhood events or what we call ACE. [10:15] She didn't understand why she had trauma. She thought it was supposed to be a big event. She went into a whole world of studying trauma and finding out that our bodies are constantly adapting to experience. [11:01] Did your body have a response of overwhelm? [12:09] She was trying to find answers to get her health back the fastest. [13:40] There's so much we can do that supports our biology to help our trauma healing journey. [15:15] We don't have to be aware of our trauma before we start working through it. [17:15] She has a 21-day program that teaches basic somatic skills to help us feel safe. [18:45] Tim did a trauma intensive with a woman named Tara Holbrook. [21:42] Aimie talks about the autonomic nervous system and where our subconscious memories are stored. The vagus nerve controls our autonomic functions subconsciously. It's a neural pathway inside of us that operates on an unconscious level. [22:51] Our bodies have three operating systems: parasympathetic, stress mode, and the trauma operating system. [25:13] Most of us are walking around with a chronic trauma response. [30:10] Recovery is more than just stopping drinking or drugs. It's mental, emotional, spiritual, and all of these things. [31:07] Trauma work is a stress just like physical performance. [33:31] Stored trauma in the body holds energy. People experience fatigue the more that trauma is held in the body. [34:35] Trauma work frees the body up and opens us up to more energy. [35:13] Emotional trauma seems to cause a lot of brain inflammation. Stress will retrigger the inflammation that a physical injury caused to our brain. [38:33] There's a driving force for all addiction. It doesn't appear out of nowhere. Dysregulation is an unsettled feeling inside of us. Addiction is an attempt to make that feeling go away. [40:10] We need to address what's driving the addiction or it won't go away. [41:02] Dysregulation is the trauma response. [51:03] Aimie tells us about The Trauma-Disease Connection Summit. It's August 1-7, 2023 Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/27614022

Plant Medicine Journey Leads to Relapse with Dr. Doug Brackmann 08/01/2023

Plant Medicine Journey Leads to Relapse with Dr. Doug Brackmann Dr. Doug Brackmann is here to share his remarkable story of long-term sobriety, a psychedelic journey, and an unexpected relapse after 36 years. Doug is a clinical psychologist and dual PhD holder. He’s renowned for his work in harnessing the power of thought and action. Through his counseling techniques and use of meditation, he assists "hunters", highly driven individuals, in navigating their gifts and ambitions. Doug is also the celebrated author of the best-selling book, Driven: Understanding and Harnessing the Genetic Gifts Shared by Entrepreneurs, Navy SEALs, Pro Athletes, and Maybe YOU. We don’t talk about his book today, our conversation takes a different turn as we explore Doug's encounter with psychedelics and the surprising outcome. He had a relapse after more than three decades of abstinence. He takes us on a journey from when he was living in his car in 1986 to a house fire that almost had devastating consequences, but led to his second quest for sobriety. We also talk about healing trauma, addictive personalities, boundaries, and staying sober. With mounting evidence supporting the use of psychedelics like ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA for mental and substance use disorder recovery, Doug's story offers unique insights. Get ready for a deeply enlightening discussion. [04:45] Doug became sober on April 22nd of 1986. He was a high school dropout living in a car. He was a true alcoholic. When he began drinking, things became unpredictable. [05:56] He went to three or four meetings a week for 20 years. He loved being sober. [06:20] When he tried psychedelics, it opened the door to THC. [08:14] He was a clinical psychologist and had patients interested in plant medicine. Doug figured he had everything under control, and decided to try psilocybin and mescaline. It was an amazing experience, and opened his eyes to the potential of trauma healing. [10:33] This opened the door to experimenting with MDMA. [15:55] Doug and Tim discuss the different forms of addiction and questions that surround it. [18:50] Three or four months later, Doug tried MDMA with psilocybin. This opened the door to trying other psychedelics like ayahuasca. [22:46] During this experience, he felt like his soul left his body and when it entered again all of his PTSD came out at once. [23:28] Integration work is trauma healing. [25:40] Complications from life led to THC gummies which led to his relapse. Doug feels that the psychedelics opened the door to the gummies which led to his relapse. [30:11] Doug shares how his house caught on fire. November 19th 2022 was when he decided to go back to being sober. [33:35] He began going to meetings again, and it's great to be sober. [35:47] Psychedelics are an interesting tool for people who know how to use them properly. [39:44] Doug's advice is once you reach 20 years of sobriety, maintain it. [41:09] Doug's advice is to pursue trauma healing before pursuing medicine healing. The practices of moving energy through the body are more important than the medicine. [42:53] Doug shares a website to find a trauma healing practitioner. [45:37] It's important to go to meetings. [47:16] Anything medicine will give you, you can find in the 12 steps or meditation or other ways. Look at powerful trauma healing techniques that don't have a relapse potential. [50:19] Choose your addictions wisely and put boundaries around them. [51:14] Doug talks about his book Driven. He talks about genetics around boredom and the difference between farmers and hunters. [55:03] Neuropeptide y serves us as hunters and entrepreneurs. [57:18] Driven is synonymous with an addictive personality. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/27571836

Permanent Alcohol and Life Recovery with David Essel 07/11/2023

Permanent Alcohol and Life Recovery with David Essel I'm here with David Essel, M.S., O.M. He's a 13-time number one best-selling author. David is also a counselor, executive coach, international speaker, and a radio, TV, and podcast host. It's his mission to positively affect 2 million people or more every single day. His latest book, Permanent Alcohol & Life Recovery!: A New Approach to Go Beyond “The Steps” to Peace, Health, and Joy for Busy Executives, and YOU! is so advanced and unique that people who never thought they would be free from addiction are now free. His work of 43 years is also highly endorsed by the late Wayne Dyer, Mark Victor Hansen, and many other celebrities around the world. David shares his journey through addiction and recovery and how it began in childhood with an inability to cope with life. We also talk about the shift in mental health treatment that is helping men deal with their trauma and coping skills. We talk about trauma, emotional regulation, the influence of the subconscious mind, language and more. [06:04] David has a master's degree in sports psychology and counseling. He started out working with athletes. In 1990, he went through a mental health crisis and began understanding the root of all of his addictions. [07:15] He began drinking at 12, because he was a very angry and emotionally unregulated child. [08:48] In 1990, he discovered the origin of his addiction was a result of an inability to deal with life. [10:35] More men are seeking treatment, and it's great because men need to come to the forefront and find other men to identify with. [10:57] Unhealed anger, rage, and sadness are some of the biggest causes of depression. We need to find The Logical origin to understand what to heal. [13:38] Trauma comes in many levels. A low trauma over many years can turn into a high trauma. [15:08] Anxiety is another word for trauma. [16:22] Men's emotions used to always be suppressed. Things have changed for the better. Now men can be vulnerable and have intimacy, not just sex. [18:40] Spend some time alone without any background media and get to know yourself. It's okay to feel insecure or frustrated and learn how to regulate your emotions. [21:19] In the world of recovery, we're all trying to become more emotionally regulated. [24:10] Tim's new meditation routine is 15 minutes of quiet in the morning and evening. [25:04] David believes that everyone should begin with guided meditation. [26:29] David talks about transcendental meditation, supplements for people in recovery, and aromatherapy. [27:43] Tim gets to the bottom of why David claims to be an expert when it comes to addiction and recovery. [37:06] Tim and David discuss the true cause of any and all addictions. It's the inability to deal with life. [40:29] David talks about why the current model for addiction and recovery has such a high failure rate. A lot of them are based on the 12-step program with a 90% failure rate. Modern information on recovery has evolved recently. [42:18] It's okay for organizations to update. Sponsors could use more training. [47:00] David talks about not saying things that logically don't make sense. [49:42] One of the number one benefits of the 12-step program according to David is walking into a room and being vulnerable and honest. [53:17] David talks about the power of permanent recovery and the importance of the language you use. [58:01] The role that the subconscious mind plays in addiction and recovery. It’s where the work really needs to be done. [01:03:00] David talks about the most important tool in recovery which is learning the art of emotional regulation. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/27399285

Average Sucks with Michael Bernoff 05/24/2023

Average Sucks with Michael Bernoff Michael Bernoff is here. In addition to having long-term sobriety, Michael is the President and Founder of the Human Communications Institute, a leader in the personal and professional development industry. He works directly with individuals as well as corporate executives who desire to transform their corporate culture in an ever changing marketplace. His passion for his work is limitless and his dedication to positively impacting the world by empowering every individual is uncompromising. He's the developer of Human Interaction Technology™ (HIT), a potent tool that demystifies hidden psychological triggers and teaches effective communication strategies. It's all about elevating your charisma, influence, and ultimately, leaving mediocrity in the dust. Michael doesn't believe in breaking down walls; instead, he focuses on helping people lower their resistance, opening pathways to progress. Michael is also the author of, Average Sucks: Why You Don't Get What You Want and What to Do About It, a guidebook that's revolutionized many lives, leading to healthier finances, improved physical health, lasting confidence, and yes, even long-term sobriety. We have a fantastic conversation. Michael shares his background and how he got sober and how he became involved in the personal development space. He shares concepts from his book including how to increase our capacity to grow bigger and what average sucks actually means. Michael shares ideas for real change and a wealth of inspiring information. [04:38] Michael and Tim talk about the importance of sharing sobriety. It's important and impactful. [06:06] Michael shares his childhood background and the great neighborhood he lived in. [07:27] As a kid, Michael found something that he was good at, making fake IDs. He was also great at drinking. [08:42] He ended up at Arizona State University, the party capital of the world. [09:56] He failed and ended up in Junior College. He read How to Win Friends and Influence People. [10:42] Reading this book and realizing that he could get better at things, instantly started his journey of personal development at 19 years old. [12:42] When Michael was 21, he met Jim Rohn who mentored him. Michael realized that he had to be all of him to get what he wanted. [13:03] He became obsessed with personal development, books, and tapes. [14:42] Michael shares the time when he stopped fighting for what he wanted and started working hard for what he wanted. [17:38] Michael shares how he decided to stop drinking. He didn't want to enable others to drink. [21:09] More energy has been the most positive impact of stopping drinking for Michael. [22:50] People in recovery are attracted to Michael because he's going to hold them accountable to help them, and he offers a solution after recovery. [24:39] Start with figuring out what your definition of success is. You can have what you want, you just have to figure out what the price tag is. [26:08] Our capacity is always bigger. Continue learning and continue growing. [28:57] We all have an average inside of what we do. We need to learn how to raise what our average is. Average sucks because we live our average more than anything else. [29:38] When we raise our average to be what we would like it to be, our lives instantly get easier. [30:04] Michael breaks down limiting beliefs and how everyone says never again. Changing how we see ourselves is what really changes lives. We change our identity. [31:45] Our average is our identity, and the people we want and don't want in our lives. Limiting beliefs and how we identify. [34:22] Our identity is so powerful because our subconscious minds believe them. Identity and roles need to shift and change. [37:22] Michael shares stories of how his book has helped people. [38:57] How many things have you been lying to yourself about that aren't true and that are actually limits that you put on yourself? [41:51] Michael answers why it took him so long to figure it out. He didn't understand. He realized he was making decisions based on past choices. [44:22] Change the language for real change. [49:34] If people have better options, they will try better solutions. Love and connection are stronger than alcohol. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/26933937

How To Swim Your Way Out Of A Bottle With Ben Tuff 05/03/2023

How To Swim Your Way Out Of A Bottle With Ben Tuff I’m happy to be speaking with Ben Tuff. Ben grew up splitting his time between Atlanta, GA and Jamestown, RI. He attended Colby College where he met his now wife, Gretchen and treasured his times working as a sailing instructor and boat captain in the British Virgin Islands. Ben developed a lifelong appreciation for the ocean and everything it has to offer. Ben has been a lifelong educator and has worked with hundreds of boarding students from around the world. However, in 2012, Ben realized that he was struggling with alcohol addiction, and he needed to do something about it. Despite not knowing how to swim, Ben turned to triathlon and then to marathon swimming to help him break free from his addiction. Esteemed producer Matt Corliss chronicled Ben's journey to sobriety and the parallels of his recent swim in the film, Swim Tuff: How I Swam My Way Out Of The Bottle, which is set to be released in Spring 2023. In today's episode, we discuss Ben’s journey from his upbringing to his path to sobriety. We talk about how swimming has become such an important part of his life. Along with why he started sharing his story publicly, what he hopes to achieve by doing so, and what his biggest struggles were in early sobriety. [03:03] Ben is super grateful for everything he's been allowed to do. [05:18] The choice to give up alcohol was a huge divergent path for Ben which has allowed him to find so much success. [06:03] Quitting drinking was the most important decision Ben has ever made, but the second most important decision was learning to swim. [08:29] Ben shares his struggles growing up. He had extreme anxiety. When he was 13 his mom gave him some vodka when he was having a panic attack. Alcohol became an escape and a solution. [10:46] As a teenager, he partied every weekend. [14:19] Ben's identical twin brother was also an alcoholic and also stopped drinking. [16:28] Ben shares when he realized that he was an alcoholic. He found himself in the depth of depression and the alcohol made it even worse. [19:46] Making the decision to go to rehab was freeing. He gave up alcohol and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. [22:10] Three or four years ago, it became a goal for Ben to educate kids about addiction. [23:02] He's hoping that sharing his story will help others recognize the warning signs and get the help that they need. [27:51] Ben will be sharing his story in a movie. It's also helpful for Ben to share his story and learn from it. [30:47] Right after rehab, he began swimming. Spending time in the water would help him be mindful and connect with a higher power. [35:18] When he swims, he's able to process the difficult questions in his life. [40:21] Early struggles in sobriety included social struggles. Most of his friends were drinking buddies. [41:57] Ben sees his life moving towards his passion of helping others get through addiction. [42:48] Ben's movie, Swim Tuff: How I Swam My Way Out Of The Bottle, is coming out in two weeks. He'll be attending various movie festivals around the world and talking about the movie. [43:43] Ben and his sister are also working on a book. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/26733762

ADD and Addiction with Dr. Ned Hallowell 04/25/2023

ADD and Addiction with Dr. Ned Hallowell I'm so happy to speak with Dr. Nick Hallowell, a renowned board-certified child, and adult psychiatrist and the world's leading expert on ADHD. He graduated from Harvard College and Tulane Medical School and was a faculty member at Harvard Medical School for 21 years. He founded the Hallowell ADHD centers in several major US cities and has helped thousands of individuals with ADHD lead happy and productive lives. Dr. Hallowell is also a New York Times best-selling author, having written 20 books on various psychological topics, and has appeared on several popular TV shows, including 20/20, 60 Minutes, and Oprah. In this conversation, we discuss the relationship between ADHD and addiction, including how ADHD, dyslexia, and addiction can be markers of talent and even lead to superpowers. We talk about the misinformation, stigma, and fear surrounding getting treatment. Dr. Hallowell defines dyslexia and ADHD. We also discuss some of the upsides of having ADHD, especially when it is well-managed. The final message is that people need to learn the truth about getting treatment, as it can significantly improve their lives. [03:27] Dr Hallowell sees ADHD, dyslexia, and addiction are markers of talent. He's seen tremendous talent in the thousands and thousands of people he's treated over the years. [04:29] He sees these more as traits, and when managed properly, they become super powers. [05:21] Dr Hallowell talks about the misinformation, stigma, and fear that surrounds getting treatment. The diagnosis and treatment should be stories of good news. [08:21] Dyslexia is being slow to read and spell your native language. [11:27] ADHD causes problems with executive function like planning and organizing. [12:15] The upside of ADHD is being creative, entrepreneurial, intuitive, visionary, and more. It's having a race car brain and bicycle brakes. It's not a deficit of attention. It's an abundance of attention. [13:37] When people have ADHD, their brains go really fast like a Ferrari. [15:21] Dr Hallowell has ADHD himself, and he's treated thousands of people for ADHD. He also has medical credentials. [17:37] There isn't a center devoted for people who have addiction and ADHD. [19:41] Getting ADHD treated would enable those people to get more done with less effort. [20:16] People need to learn the truth about getting treatment, because it's a good thing. After diagnosis, your life will get better. [20:46] ADHD is frequently misdiagnosed. Links mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/ilovebeingsober/id/26594607

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