The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast

Lesley Jones never had the dramatic “rock bottom” people expect. No arrests, no lost job, no catastrophic implosion. Instead, she lived with the quiet, relentless hum of anxiety and the mental gymnastics of someone who intuitively knew alcohol worked a little too well. As a high-achieving oldest daughter, state-champion athlete, and lifelong perfectionist, she learned early how to drink with precision to silence the internal buzz of fear and pressure. In this conversation, Lesley shares what most people never talk about: the early-stage progression of alcohol use, the mental toll of constantly negotiating with yourself, and the moment she realized she didn’t need to lose everything to decide she was done rolling the dice. She breaks down how she got sober in her late twenties, what actually shifted, how motherhood reshaped her awareness, and the internal “fan noise” that finally pushed her toward change. We also dig into the difference between abstinence and recovery, parenting with a program, why “mommy wine culture” is a trap, the slow creep from control to obsession, and how she built a sober life she’s proud of — including a beautiful company, Traveling Pendants, dedicated to passing on strength through shared stories. This episode is a lifeline for anyone who’s ever quietly wondered, “Is this getting a little too loud?” You do not need a spectacular bottom to choose a better life. What The Listener Will Learn • How early-stage alcohol use disorder shows up long before obvious consequences • Why anxiety, perfectionism, and “oldest daughter energy” often drive early drinking patterns • How mommy-wine culture quietly normalizes dependency • How the mental load of drinking becomes its own problem • The difference between simply not drinking and actually being in recovery • Why intuition is often the first, most accurate warning sign • How to recognize the internal “fan noise” that signals addiction creeping in • What it looks like to get sober without hitting a dramatic bottom • Practical tools for staying sober in social and family environments • How working a recovery program can shift the way you parent • Why community and accountability are critical in early sobriety • How Lesley’s Traveling Pendants project uses shared storytelling to give people strength • High-functioning alcoholism and its invisible progression • Anxiety, control, and self-medication • The myth of the rock bottom • Early intervention and choosing sobriety before major loss • Motherhood, drinking culture, and social normalization • The psychological burden of planning drinking • Why people quit long before the big consequences • Emotional and spiritual transformation through recovery • Community, sponsorship, and accountability • Repair, amends, and healthier family dynamics • Storytelling as connection • Passing strength forward through shared experience

Cory Suggs grew up in a tiny Oklahoma town where life looked perfect—until it wasn’t. After his parents’ divorce at sixteen, he spiraled into a decade of reckless living, validation-seeking, and self-destruction. At twenty-five, multiple unexplained strokes left him unable to walk, battling depression, and convinced his life was over. A year later, Cory went into the woods to end his life. What happened next changed everything. In a single blink, he saw two versions of his future—one dark and empty, one bright and full of life—and chose to live. That moment sparked a lifelong practice of gratitude that became his anchor for healing. In this powerful conversation, Cory shares: The hidden cost of seeking approval through recklessness and addiction What it’s like to lose your body, your identity, and your will to live—and rebuild from zero The vision that stopped his suicide attempt and started his recovery How daily gratitude, faith, and movement transformed his mind and body Losing his mother to suicide and finding peace through forgiveness and purpose The role of personal development, proximity, and mentors like Tony Robbins in reshaping his life What true masculinity and emotional strength look like for men today Cory’s story is raw, redemptive, and deeply human—a reminder that life doesn’t happen to us, it happens for us. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode is a lifeline of hope and practical wisdom. Connect with Cory: CorySuggs.com Follow Ashley: @ashleyloebblassingame www.couragetochangepodcast.com www.ashleyloebblassingame.com Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicide and depression. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 in the U.S. for support.

Therapist Neha Kumar opens up about infertility, IVF, endometriosis, and postpartum depression. We talk about cultural expectations in South Asian families, the reality of new motherhood, what “natural” doesn’t mean, and practical ways to support women through fertility treatment and postpartum mental health. It is honest, grounded, and full of hard-won perspective. This episode is sponsored by Reconstruction Unlimited, a recovery-focused organization that provides coaching, interventions, and holistic support to help people and families thrive in long-term recovery. Guest Neha Kumar, LMFT Private practice therapist focusing on women’s mental health, postpartum, and culturally informed care. Website: https://prosandpsyche.com Growing up as the youngest of three girls in a South Asian immigrant family and the “son preference” context Film school to therapy (why service work in India changed her path) Undiagnosed inattentive ADHD, chronic fatigue, and how symptoms were missed Endometriosis finally diagnosed after years of severe cycles IVF at 28, grief around repeated negatives, cost, and stigma Postpartum depression after baby one, spinal headache after baby two, and what “hopeless” actually feels like Why “it is natural” does not mean “it is easy” for conception, birth, or breastfeeding Practical support for friends in fertility treatment (what helps, what hurts) Advocating for yourself in healthcare and pushing for answers Building resilience, redefining “enough,” and finding a new normal Validation matters. Delayed diagnoses of ADHD and endometriosis can fuel years of self-blame. Support should be operational. Rides to monitoring, meal trains, childcare, and help with logistics beat platitudes every time. Language counts. Avoid “just relax,” “have you tried…,” or fast fixes. Try “I am so sorry. I am here. What do you need today?” Postpartum depression often feels like hopelessness more than sadness. Sleep loss and medical complications can intensify risk. Community reduces harm. Modern parenting often lacks the “village” that many cultures build by design. Resources: Neha’s practice: https://proseandpsyche.com Postpartum Support International (find local help, warmline): https://www.postpartum.net ADHD information and screening overview (inattentive type): https://chadd.org Endometriosis basics and patient guides: https://www.endofound.org If you are in crisis, contact your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department. Postpartum Support International helpline (US): 1-800-944-4773 (call or text “HELP”) If this episode helped you, share it with a friend who might need to hear it. Rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find these conversations. For speaking, collaborations, or sponsor inquiries, contact us through the podcast website. #infertility #ivfjourney #ivfsupport #endometriosis #postpartumdepression #postpartumsupport #motherhood #womenshealth #mentalhealth #maternalmentalhealth #southasianwomen #culturalexpectations #newmomlife #postpartumjourney #ivfcommunity #endowarrior #adhdawareness #healingjourney #fertilitysupport #womensupportingwomen #griefandloss #hope #strength #resilience #parentingjourney #mommentalhealth #breakingthestigma #motherhoodunplugged #itsokaynottobeokay #thecouragetochangepodcast

Welcome to the first episode of Season 7! This episode of The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast is brought to you by our sponsor Reconstruction Unlimited. As our sponsor, Reconstruction brings their mission to life by supporting individuals through personalized coaching, case management, and aftercare programs that foster meaningful transformation and sustained well-being. Learn more at www.reconstructionunlimited.com. Tides of Grief, Waves of Grace: Ashley Jo on Sobriety, Loss, and Building a Life After Trauma In this powerful episode of The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast, host Ashley Loeb Blassingame welcomes back Ashley Jo — former podcast producer, recovery advocate, and now author of the forthcoming memoir Tides of Grief, Waves of Grace. Ashley Jo shares the unfiltered truth about her journey through addiction recovery, grief, and healing after unimaginable loss. From losing her infant son to a rare genetic disease at just 22, to navigating divorce, adoption, and the challenges of raising five children, Ashley Jo’s life has been anything but ordinary. She opens up about surviving a public paternity scandal, her ex-husband’s struggle with substance use disorder and death from a fentanyl overdose, and how sobriety gave her the tools to lead her family through crisis without turning back to alcohol. In this candid conversation, Ashley and Ashley explore: How sobriety prepared Ashley Jo to face back-to-back tragedies without relapsing Parenting through grief, addiction, and family trauma The roller-coaster pace of life in recovery and learning to accept your unique wiring (hello, ADHD superpowers) How writing her memoir became a therapeutic tool for processing decades of unprocessed grief Why honesty with children about addiction and loss can be a bridge to healing The concept of “two things can be true” — embracing both joy and sorrow Ashley Jo’s story is one of resilience, radical honesty, and finding grace in the middle of chaos. If you’re navigating sobriety, parenting challenges, or life after loss, this episode offers hope, hard-earned wisdom, and a reminder that the waves that threaten to drown us can also be the ones we learn to ride. Order Ashley Jo’s memoir: thisisashleyjo.com Listen now for an inspiring, real-life example of recovery, redemption, and rebuilding after life’s most brutal storms. Topics: sobriety journey, grief recovery, fentanyl overdose, addiction recovery, memoir, parenting through grief, ADHD and recovery, healing after loss, substance use disorder, family therapy, resilience, emotional healing, The Courage to Change Podcast

I dropped the ball in Season 6. My guests were great but my cadence was not. Season 7 is coming back stronger than ever — Scott is back, we’ve got a sponsor, and I can’t wait to share what’s next.

TV host and author Marci Hopkins joins Ashley to share her deeply personal journey from childhood trauma and decades of functional drinking to hitting rock bottom—and rising again. In this raw and eye-opening conversation, Marci reveals how perimenopause played a critical but overlooked role in her escalating alcohol use, the hidden struggles behind her success in television, and how she finally found peace through sobriety, healing, and spiritual connection. Marci opens up about growing up in chaos, experiencing abuse, and turning to alcohol at a young age to cope. She talks candidly about her final DUI, how perimenopause and antidepressants intertwined with her drinking, and why so many women suffer silently through this transitional period. Through it all, she found purpose in storytelling, launching Wake Up with Marci, and writing her book Chaos to Clarity to help others find hope. If you’ve ever wondered how hormones, trauma, and high-functioning addiction intersect—or how healing is possible no matter how far you've fallen—this is a must-listen episode. Topics Include: How perimenopause impacted Marci’s mental health and substance use The illusion of high-functioning alcoholism Healing from childhood abuse and generational trauma Working the 12 steps and finding spiritual strength Rewiring your brain and rewriting your narrative Parenting in recovery and repairing family patterns Resources & Links: 📖 Chaos to Clarity: Seeing the Signs and Breaking the Cycle – Available on Amazon 🌐 WakeUpWithMarci.com 📩 Email Marci: wakeupwithmarci@gmail.com 📲 Follow Marci on social @wakeupwithmarci

In this powerful episode, Alreen Haeggquist shares her journey of resilience, from surviving childhood abuse in a deeply patriarchal household to becoming a fierce advocate for justice. After decades of silence, Alreen made the brave decision in 2023 to publicly speak out about her experiences—challenging cultural stigmas, confronting family denial, and ultimately transforming her pain into purpose. Now a successful attorney, she dedicates her career to representing survivors of workplace harassment and abuse. Topics We Cover: ✅ The long-term impact of childhood abuse and silence ✅ How trauma can resurface later in life—even when you think you’ve moved on ✅ The reality of confronting family denial and cultural pressures ✅ The hidden power dynamics of workplace abuse and how perpetrators defend themselves ✅ Essential legal rights women should know before entering the workplace ✅ Why speaking out is both terrifying and liberating ✅ How to recognize red flags in work environments that enable harassment If you’ve ever struggled with past trauma, wrestled with family expectations, or wanted to understand how abuse manifests in professional settings, this conversation is for you. 🔗 Resources & Contact: Alreen's website: www.alreen.com Her book: Fired Up: Fueling Triumph from Trauma – Available wherever books are sold. "Triggers are like echoes from the past—you have to learn to recognize and control them." - Alreen Haeggquist

In this inspiring episode of The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast, host Ashley Loeb Blassingame sits down with Randy Hall, a recovery advocate and facilitator based in Birmingham, Alabama. Randy shares his powerful journey from addiction to recovery, exploring how he found healing through multiple recovery programs, including Recovery Dharma, SMART Recovery, and the 12 Steps. Randy opens up about his struggles with addiction, his near-fatal battle with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and the pivotal moments that led him to transform his life. He discusses the importance of cultivating self-compassion, embracing diverse recovery paths, and creating space for self-acceptance over perfection. Listeners will gain insight into the complementary nature of various recovery methods and the crucial role of community support. Randy's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of growth, even after life-altering experiences. Key Takeaways: Multiple Recovery Pathways: Learn how blending programs like Recovery Dharma, SMART Recovery, and the 12 Steps can create a holistic recovery journey. Mind-Body-Spirit Balance: Explore the significance of nurturing mental, emotional, and physical well-being in recovery. Self-Acceptance Over Perfection: Discover how shifting from a self-improvement mindset to a self-acceptance approach can be transformative. Resilience in Adversity: Hear Randy’s powerful story of survival through Guillain-Barré Syndrome and how it ultimately became a turning point in his recovery. Resources Mentioned: Recovery Dharma SMART Recovery The Phoenix Celebrate Recovery She Recovers Connect with Randy Hall: Instagram: @RandallWesleyHall Email: RandallWesleyHall@yahoo.com Join the Conversation: Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast for more stories of resilience and transformation. Leave a review and share this episode with anyone who might find hope and inspiration in Randy’s journey.

In this conversation, Ashley Loeb Blassingame and Sarah Allen Benton delve into the complexities of high functioning alcoholism, recovery, and the challenges of parenting while sober. They explore the nuances of addiction, the struggles of self-correction, and the importance of creating a sustainable recovery lifestyle. Through personal anecdotes and insights from interviews with other parents in recovery, they highlight the unique challenges faced by those navigating sobriety while raising children, emphasizing the need for community support and understanding. In this conversation, Ashley and Sarah discuss the multifaceted challenges and insights of parenting in recovery. They explore the importance of self-care, community, and connection, as well as the unique dynamics of raising children while navigating sobriety. The discussion highlights the significance of early intervention, recognizing addictive behaviors in children, and the ripple effect of recovery on family life. They also touch on the importance of open conversations about sobriety with children and the lessons learned from other parents in recovery. Resources: Sarah Allen Benton Links Business: https://www.bentonbhc.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Parents-Recovery-Navigating-Family-Lifestyle/dp/1538181894 She Recovers: https://sherecovers.org/ AA: https://www.aa.org/ For all the raw-fed pups out there, treat them to the best with BJ’s Raw Pet Food! 🐾🥩 Your furry friends deserve top-quality nutrition!: https://www.bjsrawpetfood.com/

In this special Q&A episode, we dive deep into the science behind **compulsive behaviors** and explore what’s really happening in the brain of someone with a compulsive disorder. Whether it’s compulsive gambling, overeating, or obsessive cleaning, you’ll learn how the brain’s reward system, emotional regulation, and impulse control are impacted. We break down the key differences between physical dependence and addiction, and explain why people feel driven to repeat these behaviors even when they know the consequences. Tune in for a fascinating discussion that sheds light on the complex world of compulsions and how they affect everyday life!

In this episode of The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast, Ashley sits down with Sarah Moore, wife of previous guest Preston Moore, to explore her unique life journey. Born in Florida but raised in the UK, Sarah shares her experience of moving back to the United States with dual citizenship and building a life of resilience, creativity, and recovery. Sarah dives into her early life in England, the complexities of growing up in an alcoholic home, and how it shaped her emotional landscape. She discusses the challenges of being in a relationship with someone in recovery, the process of learning about alcoholism, and how these experiences led her to her own path of self-improvement and coaching. Throughout the episode, Sarah offers a raw and insightful look into her struggles with control, self-righteousness, and the journey toward acceptance and self-love. She shares how Al-Anon played a crucial role in her recovery, helping her navigate the emotional turmoil of living with an alcoholic and providing her with the tools to grow as an individual. Sarah also opens up about the intersection of her recovery and parenting, discussing the fears and hopes she has for her son and how she and Preston are working to create a healthy and open environment for him. Finally, Sarah talks about her book, Full of Herself, the process of writing it, and the impact it has had on her life and career. She reflects on the importance of mindset in both personal and professional growth and shares her thoughts on the future, including her goals for financial freedom and family travel. Topics Covered: Dual citizenship and identity Growing up in an alcoholic home Understanding alcoholism and its impact on relationships The role of Al-Anon in personal recovery Parenting in recovery The journey of writing and publishing a book Mindset and business growth Resources Mentioned: Full of Herself by Sarah Moore Daring Greatly by Brené Brown Works by Adam Grant Connect with Sarah Moore: Website: More Soul Sessions Instagram: @more.soul.sessions Tune in for an inspiring conversation about recovery, resilience, and the journey of self-discovery with Sarah Moore.

In this poignant episode, I sat down with Brenda Daly, a licensed clinician with nearly 40 years of experience, who opened up about her deeply personal journey of loss, resilience, and love. Brenda shared the harrowing story of her son Kevin’s traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the 11 years of challenges that followed, culminating in his tragic death due to an accidental drug interaction involving fentanyl. We delved into the complexities of living with a TBI, the impact of chronic pain, and the often misunderstood relationship between addiction and traumatic injuries. Brenda also discussed her transformation after Kevin’s death, finding meaning through grief, and the power of resilience. This episode sheds light on the hidden struggles of TBI survivors and their families, and the importance of grief literacy in navigating profound loss.

The Courageous Book Club is a space where we’re going to explore some of the most important books related to mental health, trauma, recovery, and personal growth. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or someone who prefers to listen in and learn from discussions, this series is for you. Here’s how it’s going to work: I’ll be reading a book—annotating it, pulling out the key insights, and presenting them to you in a series of episodes. I’ll let you know ahead of time what book we’ll be covering so you can choose to read along with me. But if reading isn’t your thing, don’t worry—you can just tune in for the cliff notes and still gain all the valuable information. Each book will be divided into parts, depending on its length, and I’ll release an episode for each part . These episodes will be packed with quotes, references, and even cross-references to other books and resources for a deeper dive. And of course, I’ll link back to relevant interviews from our past six seasons that resonate with the topics we’re covering. My goal with The Courageous Book Club is to create a space where we can not only listen to powerful stories but also learn from them—really dig into the underlying issues and expand our understanding. Whether you choose to read the book or just listen to the episodes, my hope is that you’ll walk away with a deeper perspective and maybe even a new set of glasses through which to view the world.

Lauren Eager shares her story of growing up with a sociopath father and a mother who committed murder. She discusses the impact of her childhood on her adult life and the importance of being kind to children. Lauren's experiences shaped her into an independent and resilient individual, but also left her with anger and sleep issues. She emphasizes the significance of having a pet and the desire to live life to the fullest. Relationships, both familial and romantic, have been challenging for Lauren, but she has found deep connections in some of them. Lauren Eager shares her experiences and journey, from modeling to starting her own agency, and how it shaped her identity. She discusses her early jobs, the influence of her grandmother, and her decision to pursue modeling. Lauren also talks about her transition into the corporate world and her mission to inspire others. She emphasizes the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and making bold decisions to change your life. Lauren's unique perspective and relentless pursuit of personal growth make her a fascinating and inspiring individual.

Greg Shindler shares his experience of growing up in an alcoholic household and the impact it had on him. He discusses the importance of vulnerability and the power of being raw and unfiltered. Greg reflects on his journey of healing and forgiveness, as well as the coping mechanisms he developed, such as drinking and drug use. He highlights the need for self-compassion and setting boundaries as part of the healing process. The conversation explores the concept of internal boundaries and the process of owning and processing emotions. It delves into the journey of sobriety and the lessons learned along the way. The importance of community and support in maintaining sobriety is highlighted. The conversation also touches on the power of humility and the ability to surrender to obstacles and learn from them. Various strategies for managing challenging emotions and situations are discussed. In this final part of the conversation, Greg Shindler discusses the importance of self-awareness and personal growth in recovery. He shares how his sponsor helped him understand his true nature and how he could change through sobriety and working the steps. Greg also talks about the liberating experience of facing his true self and the importance of surrendering to the recovery process. He shares personal stories and emphasizes the value of humility, gratitude, and curiosity in personal transformation. Greg also discusses his work in the field of longevity and cellular medicine, highlighting the need to address functional decline and improve health span as people age. 🎧 What you'll learn: The power of vulnerability and creating a culture of safety Overcoming trauma and addiction The significance of community in recovery The role of cellular medicine and stem cells in promoting longevity Practical tips for managing stress and improving overall health More Information: www.GregShindler.com

In this episode, award-winning podcast host Ashley Loeb Blassingame interviews Kaitlin Henry, who has been sober for five years. Kaitlin shares her journey from growing up in an environment where alcohol was normalized to becoming a mother and struggling with the pressures of parenthood and societal expectations. She discusses her experience with the sober curious movement, realizing that despite not having outward consequences, she continually broke promises to herself about her drinking. Kaitlin emphasizes the importance of self-care, noticing feelings, and creating healthy coping mechanisms to maintain sobriety and overall well-being.

In this episode, Julie Reisler shares her compelling journey through a challenging childhood marked by a father's PTSD and a mother's emotional instability. Julie opens up about the impact of her parents' love and dysfunction, and how it shaped her coping mechanisms and path to recovery. Through honest reflection, Julie discusses her struggles with food addiction, the pressures of people-pleasing, and the profound realization of her parents' limitations. Additionally, Julie delves into her spiritual journey, highlighting how she found solace and healing through practices like energy medicine and tapping. Listeners will gain insight into the complexities of growing up in a chaotic environment, the importance of finding healthier ways to self-soothe and heal, and the transformative power of spiritual growth in recovery.

In this enlightening episode of "The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast," host Ashley Loeb Blassingame sits down with Diana Zaheer, a spiritual teacher and healer with a unique background in energy work and global spiritual traditions. Diana shares her journey from seeing energy as a child to studying with spiritual teachers across Asia. They delve into the concept of the critical voice, its impact on our lives, and how to work with it to foster self-compassion and inner peace. Diana also discusses her latest project, "Over the Counter Meditations," a collection of spontaneous meditations paired with beautiful music and animations, aimed at helping people connect with their inner selves. What the Listener Will Learn: Diana Zaheer's background and spiritual journey Diana’s childhood experiences with seeing energy Insights from studying various spiritual traditions globally Practical ways to start understanding and feeling energy and spirituality Importance of self-compassion and inner exploration Techniques for checking in with oneself and understanding the inner world The concept of the critical voice and how it impacts us Methods to recognize and work with the critical voice for personal growth The creation process of "Over the Counter Meditations" Combining meditation, music, and animation for spiritual learning

Elle shares her incredible story of surviving a mass shooting at a music festival. She opens up about her adoption, the challenges she faced growing up, and the impact of the shooting on her mental health. Elle discusses her physical injuries, including being shot in the head, and the surgeries she underwent to remove bullet fragments. She also talks about the emotional journey of healing and processing the trauma, including experiencing anxiety and panic attacks. Elle emphasizes the importance of therapy in her recovery. Elle shares her experience of recovering from a traumatic brain injury and the impact it had on her mental health. She emphasizes the importance of therapy and the benefits it brought to her life. Elle discusses the challenges of having an invisible injury and the difficulty of explaining her experience to others. She talks about the changes in her life and her decision to start her own business to help others with mental health issues. Elle's message is that everyone has bravery and inner resiliency within them, and it's important to seek help and support when needed. Takeaways Elle shares her experience of surviving a mass shooting at a music festival and the impact it had on her life. She discusses her adoption and the challenges she faced growing up, including feeling different and navigating her identity. Elle opens up about her physical injuries, including being shot in the head, and the surgeries she underwent to remove bullet fragments. She talks about the emotional journey of healing and processing the trauma, including experiencing anxiety and panic attacks. Elle emphasizes the importance of therapy in her recovery and finding support to navigate the aftermath of the shooting. Therapy is important for everyone, regardless of whether they have experienced trauma or not. Having an invisible injury can be challenging, as others may not understand the internal impact it has on a person's life. Sharing one's story and experiences can inspire and help others who may be going through similar situations. It's important to recognize and appreciate the bravery and resiliency within oneself. Recovering from a traumatic experience can lead to a reevaluation of life and a desire to find purpose and joy. Comparing traumas and downplaying one's own experiences is not helpful for healing and growth. Seeking help and support is essential for navigating the challenges of mental health. Opening up about mental health can spark meaningful conversations and connections with others. Anxiety and preparedness can coexist, but it becomes unhealthy when it prevents a person from enjoying life. Finding joy and pursuing one's passions can be a powerful way to reclaim life after trauma.