The Way Out | A Sobriety and Recovery Podcast

In this rendition of The Way Out I’m pleased to bring you my interview with Person in long term recovery, Sober Mom Advocate, writer, and Certified Recovery Coach Celeste Yvonne. As a certified recovery coach, Celeste works with women around the world who want to connect the dots between motherhood and self-fulfillment; exploring all that awaits when we seek a better way. Celeste shares her journey to and through Recovery to this point with us with the candor and wisdom that is without question the result of the hard work she’s put into her Recovery. A Recovery that has been at once imperfect and beautiful, full of struggle, success, pain, healing, joy, and true growth as a Sober Mom who reckoned with her own relationship with alcohol and now Recovers Out Loud and helps other Moms Reckon with their own relationship with alcohol and get on a path of sobriety and overall wellness so listen up. Contact Celeste Yvonne and learn more about her new book It's Not About the Wine: Why moms use alcohol to manage burnout and how to break free: Official site: www.celesteyvonne.com Facebook: @theultimatemomchallenge Instagram: @theultimatemomchallenge Recovery Literature (Quit-Lit) recommendation: This Naked Mind by Annie Grace - https://www.amazon.com/This-Naked-Mind-Discover-Happiness-ebook/dp/B077VTJC8P Best piece of Recovery Advice: You didn't come this far only to come this far. Song that symbolizes Recovery for Celeste: This is me trying by Taylor Swift: https://youtu.be/9bdLTPNrlEg?si=FfqJSF-p3NttXchv Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this rendition of The Way Out I’m beyond excited to bring you my interview with Person in long term Recovery and Chief Operating Officer of Wellness in the Woods, Dan L. Dan shares his on his journey to and through recovery to this point, about the great work Wellness in the Woods and Recovery in the Woods is doing in the Recovery Community in Minnesota, including but not limited to a peer support warm line, virtual peer support, and Recovery in the Woods meetings all facilitated and ran by people with lived experience with either mental health diagnoses, substance use disorder, or both. These services fill a critical space in the continuum of wellness and recovery services that are not addressed by formal substance use disorder treatment organizations, otherwise known as treatment centers and exists along side mutual aid groups like 12 Step & Smart Recovery meetings. Dan also shares about the pathways and tools that were and continue to be instrumental in his Recovery, not the least of which is WRAP or Wellness Recovery Action Plan. I am an unabashed and enormous fan of the work the great folks at Wellness in the Woods are doing, and I have a sneaking suspicion you all will be too once you hear the tremendous interview that’s about to unfold before your very ears so listen up. Learn more about Wellness in the Woods and Recovery in the Woods: https://mnwitw.org/ Warm Line - https://mnwitw.org/mnwarmline Recovery Literature (Quit-Lit) Recommendations: Wellness Recovery Action Plan - https://mnwitw.org/wrap Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. S. Dweck - https://a.co/d/0C0C37I Best Piece of Recovery Advice: Take what you need/want and leave the rest. Song that Symbolizes Recovery to Dan: Rise Up by Andra Day - https://youtu.be/lwgr_IMeEgA?si=rr3m1c3551iz0rC1 Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this edition of The Way Out I’m honored to bring you my interview person in long term recovery, yoga teacher, and Author of the soon to be released book "Recovery with Yoga: Supportive Practices to Transcend Addiction" Brian Hyman. Brian shares his journey to and through Recovery to this point with us in an extremely instructive and relatable way with an emphasis on the pathways and practices that launched and continues to be the foundation of his recovery, specifically working the 12-Steps and Yoga. Perhaps one of the most poignant quotes extolled by Brian in our discussion is when he said, “I did all the things that were suggested because it was time to save my life”. I relate to that sentiment in the most intimate way, and I bet many of you do too. There is so much recovery and spiritual wisdom in the interview that’s about to unfold before your very ears that I know you all are just going to enjoy the living heck out of it so I’m going to do you all a favor and shut my yapper and let my discussion with the one and only Brian Hyman rip. Without further delay I give you my all killer no filler discussion with Brian Hyman, so listen up. Reach out to Brian Hyman, author of the new book "Recovery with Yoga: Supportive Practices to Transcend Addiction" which will be released in 2024: https://www.brianhymanyoga.com/ Recovery Literature (Quit-Lit) Recommendation: Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh: https://www.amazon.com/Peace-Every-Step-Mindfulness-Everyday/dp/0553351397 Best piece of Recovery advice: Get out of your own way Song that symbolizes Recovery to Brian: "Rise up": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahoHGESoZT4 Bonus: She gets the GOLDEN BUZZER for singing this song! Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this rendition of The Way Out co-host Jason and I, along with person in long term recovery and past guest of The Way Out Nick Warnke tackle a whopper of a Recovery Power Topic, Relationships and Recovery. As we mention in the discussion to follow, we did an episode on relationships in recovery, episode 114, back in December of 2018. Now five years later we’re taking a fresh look at this subject in a very different light from three people in long term recovery in unique current situations regarding our relationship statuses. Jason is in a romantic relationship and has been for more than three years. As he says it’s not perfect, but it’s a good relationship, so good in fact he’s engaged to be married. Jason, bless his heart, was the perfect person to balance out the yin and yang of where Nick and I are at with our relationships. I just got out of a serious, long term 5-year relationship, my first relationship in Recovery and in many ways it felt like a first for many reasons. What was also a first for me, is that this time I knew I didn’t have to revert to counterproductive thought and behavior patterns like self-sabotage, isolating, retaliation, and controlling behavior – and I didn’t – and as a result, I didn’t harm myself or her or my son and I was able to walk away from the relationship hurting but without causing additional and unnecessary harm, and that my friends is growth. Nick, is in the uncertain and ambiguous middle where he is very unsure of the status of his current relationship, and as many of us can relate, uncertainty strikes at the very core of our desire to control people, places and things and can be most difficult to endure for any length of time. Nick even shares with us his ayahuasca experience, which was amazing indeed. We all get real about where we’re at with our romantic relationships and we also broaden out the discussion and discuss the importance of our relationships with our respective Higher Powers, the ever-important relationship with ourselves, and our important relationships with other people both romantic and otherwise and how important these relationships are in our individual Recovery journeys so listen up. (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this edition of The Way Out I’m most excited about bringing you my interview with Person in Long Term Recovery and Director of Most High Ministries, Christian Janson. Christian shares his journey to and through recovery to this point with us, with a keen insight on addiction and recovery and an emphasis on the growth and evolution that is a direct result of doing the work that meaningful and enduring recovery demands. Christian is ever mindful of the person who is still suffering, and tailors his message as such which we here at The Way Out Podcast are big believers in, that when sharing our stories, the person who still suffers both in and out of Recovery often have the most to gain from our story. Christian’s story is most definitely chalked full of spiritual and recovery truth, and the most wonderful things that have manifested as a result of his most amazing Recovery like the work he does with Most High Media so listen up. Reach Out to Reverend Christian Janson and learn more about Most High Media: https://mosthighmedia.org/ Coaching Scholarship Info: https://mosthighmedia.org/coaching/ Recovery literature (Quit-Lit) Recommendations: 12 Steps 12 Traditions - https://www.aa.org/twelve-steps-twelve-traditions Codependents' Guide to the 12 Steps by Melody Beattie - https://www.amazon.com/Codependents-Guide-Twelve-Melody-Beattie/dp/0671762273 Best piece of Recovery Advice: Be gentle with yourself Song that symbolizes Recovery to Christian: Go Out Tonight Mansion Boys - https://youtu.be/vE8gX4v70bI?si=9CIDJ4YycdtHL0-J Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this rendition of The Way Out I’m pleased to bring you my interview with Person in Long Term Recovery and Ultra Marathon Swimmer Ben Tuff. Ben shares his journey to and through recovery to this point with and about his new documentary, Swim Tuff: How I Swam My Way Out of a Bottle and about his work with Clean Ocean Access as well. The epic swim the documentary centers around is also a perfect metaphor for his Recovery and I dare say recovery at large for a variety of reasons, perhaps most strikingly is the fact that Ben literally didn’t even know how to swim upon entering Recovery and now he’s swimming ultra marathons. Just like in Recovery, where we have no idea how to live a meaningful life without addictive substances and/or behaviors, but if we put in the work and are willing to learn, make mistakes, persevere through adversity, connect to ourselves, our spirituality and others we can achieve meaningful and enduring recovery and have opportunities to help others by Recovering Out Loud like Ben does on this here episode so listen up. Contact Ben Tuff and learn more about Swim Tuff: How I Swam My Way Out of a Bottle: https://swimtuff.com/ Recovery Literature (Quit-Lit) Recommendation: The Mindful Art of Swimming by Tessa Wardley: https://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Art-Wild-Swimming-Reflections/dp/1782404295 Best Piece of Recovery Advice: Stay in your own hula hoop. Take me to the ocean by The Movement: https://youtu.be/TPzGl3LFbak?si=YNqoEWfXvLOIuRp0 Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this edition of The Way Out cohost extraordinaire Jason had the pleasure of interviewing person in long term recovery, Deryl Glaze. Deryl is an Inspirational Addiction and Recovery Expert and Speaker, Motivational Coach, and Ordained Minister. Over the last twenty years interacting with recovering addicts and substance abusers in a variety of capacities, Deryl observed that the ones who didn't have any dreams, any "Big Whys" beyond abstinence, were far more likely to relapse or have a recurrence of their substance use disorder, than those who did. As a result Deryl developed a workshop to help those who are in Recovery find purpose or their “Big Why’s”. Now Deryl speaks, runs workshops, and is the Head Certified Recovery Coach at Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge. No matter what hat he's wearing, his message is that many folks find they need a goal bigger than merely abstinence to motivate themselves achieve meaningful and enduring recovery. You don't want to miss the tremendous message Deryl has for you, so listen up. Contact Deryl: Motivational Speaker in Addiction/Recovery Field | Daryl Glaze (derylglaze.com) Additional Resource: Minnesota Substance Abuse Treatment & Recovery Center - https://www.mntc.org/ Recovery Literature (Quit-Lit) Book recommendation: The Heart of Recovery: How Compassion and Community Offer Hope in the Wake of Addiction by David Beddoe and Deborah Beddoe - https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Recovery-Compassion-Community-Addiction/dp/0800736559 Best Piece of Recovery Advice: "What you do is not who you are. What you practice is what you become." Song that symbolizes recovery to Deryl: There is a King In You by Donald Lawrence https://youtu.be/oxZBXdLplag Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this rendition of the Way Out I’m extremely excited to bring you my interview with person in long term Recovery and Producer and founder of Global Domination Productions Alex “King Roach” Montanez. Alex has been Recovering Out Loud with his Blog, Dominate the Glob since his Recovery began over a year ago and now he’s Recovering Out Loud with us by sharing his journey to and through recovery to this point with us in a distinctly frank and compelling manner, and in a way that brings in stark relief hallmarks of addiction and alcoholism that are worth highlighting. Of particular import, is the common feature of active addiction that can be described as bargaining with ourselves, which we’ve discussed more than a time or two on this podcast. This is the act of restricting or changing the amount, frequency, type, environment, or manner of the problematic substance or behavior, which and this is key, invariably fails. As important to understand, is that we don’t have to do this with other things we like, but don’t have a problem with. It’s the difference between liking strawberries, and being addicted to alcohol. As instructive in Alex’s story is the manifestation of his Ego and how inextricably linked it was to his alcoholism. As he describes it, and so many of us can relate, alcohol was the key ingredient in perpetuating the persona he felt he needed to maintain, and without it, he was not able to be the person he wanted to be, and alcohol at the same time was destroying Alex and everything he held dear, which led to a crisis that ultimately produced perhaps an unlikely and most definitely an inspiring Recovery. An imperfect recovery that’s a work in progress, but one that is proof positive that Recovery is worth every bit of effort we put in, and this phenomenal interview is worth every minute of your time so do be sure you listen up. Contact Alex King Roach Montanez and learn more about Dominate the Globe: https://dominatetheglobe.com/ Best piece of Recovery Advice - Stop getting in your own way Song that symbolizes Recovery to Alex – Alcohol by King Roach: https://youtu.be/XQwM9cLEIeI Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this edition of The Way Out I’m absolutely delighted to bring you my interview with fellow Recovery Podcaster and person in long term Recovery, Gary Menkes. Gary Recovers Out Loud with us and shares his journey to and through recovery with the remarkable insight and candor that only comes from a person that has experienced the depths of despair that alcoholism and addiction can bring, followed by an enlightening and inspiring recovery. A recovery that was not linear, and indeed imperfect, which makes it all the more inspirational. Equally as inspiring, is Gary’s decision to help others Recover Out Loud with The Begin Again Podcast, of which our amazing cohost Jason and I were able to be on recently, and the episode featuring Jason and I is now available for your listening pleasure, a handy link to that episode is in the show notes for your convenience so give it a listen, won’t you? We bet you won’t be able to stop there, as Gary is already doing great work with The Begin Again Podcast. Gary’s message is that if you’re struggling with addiction, alcoholism, or any variety of substance use disorder, is this: You’re not alone, and you don’t have to live the way you’re living anymore if you don’t want to. You can have a life you don’t feel compelled to escape, one with purpose, serenity, joy, and love. I do believe that after you’re done listening to the interview that’s about to unfold before your very ears, that you all will be as big of fans of Gary Menkes as we here at The Way Out Podcast are so listen up. Contact Gary and check out The Begin Again Podcast: https://thebeginagainpodcast.com The Episode featuring Jason & Charlie: https://thebeginagainpodcast.com/2023/08/04/ep-4-the-gift-of-surrender-healing-and-hope-with-charlie-and-jason/ Recovery Literature (Quit-Lit) Recommendation: The AA Big Book: https://www.aa.org/the-big-book Drop the Rock by Bill P.: https://www.hazelden.org/store/item/6666?Drop-the-Rock-Second-Edition Best pieces of Recovery advice: Don't drink and go to meetings, find people who have what you want, find a sponsor, get a service commitment. Song that symbolizes Recoveyr to Gary: Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd - https://youtu.be/8eNoms9wsGc Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this installment of The Way Out, our tremendous Recovery Podcast Co-host Jason has an outstanding interview with author and humanitarian Sandra Lee, who shares her journey to and through recovery to this point with us. Sandra is the author of the book Rockstar Resilience and also started a speaking team called Rockstar Testimonies which travels around the country speaking to schools about addiction and recovery. In addition, Sandra is the founder of the #LightItUpProject which is an awareness campaign that aims to reduce the stigma around mental health, and she’s is doing so much more, soon to come. In the interview that’s about to unfold before your very years, you’ll quickly hear how well Jason and Sandra hit it off right away and ended up having a lot of laughs! We bet You'll love Sandra and her passion for helping others, so listen up. Sandra Lee’s Contact Info: www.sandraleespeaks.com Love and Light to the World non-profit: www.loveandlighttotheworld.org Book recommendation: Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life by Henry Cloud - https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-Updated Expanded-When-Control-ebook/dp/B06XFKNB2Y Best piece of Recovery advice: " If you lead with your heart, and you stay authentic in every single thing you do, you'll be successful." Song: Fight Song by Rachel Platten: https://youtu.be/xo1VInw-SKc Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this edition of The Way Out I’m beyond honored to bring you my interview with President of Operations of South Metro Community Services and person in long-term recovery, Ashlee Herget. South Metro Community Services, is a 501 (C3) Nonprofit Recovery Community Organization. They strive to connect individuals with substance use disorder to vital resources tailored to each persons unique needs, and they fight to empower autonomy and decrease stigma. Ashlee shares a bit about her journey to and through recovery this point, and if you you’d like to hear her entire story, I highly encourage you to check out episode 184 for Co-host Jason’s outstanding interview with Ashlee, both of whom I am a complete and unabashed fan. What makes up the lion’s share of what turned out to be a truly stellar discussion is illuminating what a Recovery Community Organization or RCO is, how they fit into the Recovery services landscape, what specific services South Metro Community Services provides the Recovery community, and perhaps most importantly why it all matters. At their core, RCO’s fill a crucial gap in the recovery services landscape, specifically addressing the needs of individuals with substance use disorder that are not addressed by the treatment industry. Often this happens before treatment, such as to help get folks into treatment or after folks leave treatment but RCO’s provide services at any point in a persons recovery journey. To invoke Ashlee’s analogy that she uses to explain what an RCO is, South Metro Community Services serves as a vital bridge for those with substance use disorder with services like Peer Recovery Coaching, Tattoo Removal, and a clothing boutique, all at no cost along with community services like Naloxone training. Whether you find yourself in place where you could benefit from services like these or you in a position where you can support the tremendous work South Metro Community Services, you won’t want to miss a minute of the phenomenal Recovery rap session with the one and only Ashlee Herget that’s about to unfold before your very ears so listen up. Connect with South Metro Community Services: Phone: 952-955-9399 https://smcsmn.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077939390428 Instagram: smcs.recovery Titok: smcs.recovery Song that symbolizes the work Ashlee does with SMCS: What it do by E-Dubble - https://youtu.be/MlfzZHeHBUI Best piece of Recovery Advice: Believe in yourself, dream bigger! Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this edition of The Way Out our intrepid and outstanding recovery podcast co-host Jason had the opportunity to interview Sheilah, aka, "She She" Powell, who has the ability make one feel like bit of a slacker. She does more volunteering than your average single mom. This multi-talented momma is busting her behind to advocate for the recovery community both locally and around the world. Sheilah shares her journey to and through recovery to this point with in a candid discussion that traverses a myriad of deep, profound, and indeed inspiring topics! We bet you won’t regret hearing all the recovery wisdom and truth about to be unfurled in the tremendous recovery rap session that’s about to unfold before your very ears so listen up. Contact info: sheelah777@gmail.com Resource links: WEConnect Health Management https://www.weconnecthealth.io/ Mainstream Recovery https://www.mainstreamrecovery.com Mobilize Recovery https://mobilizerecovery.org/ Recovery Literature (Quit-Lit) Recommendation: Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow by Elizabeth Lesser: https://www.amazon.com/Broken-Open-Difficult-Times-Help/dp/0375759913 Best piece of Recovery Advice: "Transparency is always the best." Song that symbolizes Recovery to Sheilah: Chandelier by Sia: https://youtu.be/2vjPBrBU-TM Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this installment of The Way Out, person in long term recovery and recovery advocate Ryan Hampton joins Jason for a tremendous recovery discussion. A prominent advocate, speaker, author, and media commentator, Ryan travels coast-to-coast to bring solutions to our national addiction and drug overdose crisis. In recovery from a decade-long opioid addiction, Hampton is regarded as a prominent expert and thought leader in America’s rising addiction recovery advocacy & drug policy reform movements. His first bestselling book, “American Fix — Inside the Opioid Addiction Crisis and How to End It,” was released by St. Martin’s Press in August 2018. His second book, “Unsettled: How the Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Failed the Victims of the American Overdose Crisis,” was released in September 2021 and chronicled his behind-the-scenes efforts representing tens of thousands of victims in the Purdue Pharma opioid settlement litigation. Ryan is currently working on his third book, scheduled to be released in 2024. Ryan also created the national advocacy initiative, Mobilize Recovery. Since its inception, Mobilize Recovery has recruited and trained over 8,000 new advocates from all 50 states focused on community-based solutions to end the addiction and overdose crisis. Ryan shares with us his journey to and through recovery to this point, the profound why behind his advocacy, as well as a wealth of recovery and spiritual truth. There’s a whole lot wrapped up in this phenomenal interview, so do be sure you listen up. Contact: Ryanhampton.org Book Recommendation: The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous - https://www.aa.org/the-big-book Best piece of advice: "Shut up and listen!" Song that symbolizes recovery: No Rain by Blind Melon - https://youtu.be/3qVPNONdF58 Resources: Mobilize Recovery 2023 – Learn more and apply! Recovery Advocacy Project – Education. Advocacy. Action (recoveryvoices.com) How the Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Failed the Victims of the American Overdose Crisis by Ryan Hampton: https://www.amazon.com/Unsettled-Bankruptcy-Victims-American-Overdose/dp/1250273161 American Fix: Inside the Opioid Addiction Crisis - and How to End It by Ryan Hampton: https://www.amazon.com/American-Fix-Inside-Opioid-Addiction/dp/1250196264 Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this edition of The Way Out I’m delighted to bring you my interview with person in long term recovery, wellness advocate and author of the book Bamboozled: The Guide to Getting EVERYTHING You Want in Life by Giving Up Alcohol, Ken Middleton. Ken shares his journey to and through sobriety to this point with us in an exceptionally enlightening and inspiring fashion. For Ken, getting sober wasn’t born out of debilitating alcoholism leading to an ultra-low bottom of despair and hopelessness. No, Ken reckoned with his relationship with alcohol, despite not having severe internal or external consequences and essentially asked himself one big question. What would life look like if he didn’t drink? Out of that question an experiment was born, and Ken realized that though Alcohol wasn’t destroying his life in the classic crash and burn style, what ken discovered was all the things alcohol was preventing him from being and doing. Said in another way, Ken had a remarkable realization: Alcohol was limiting him and was nothing short blocking him from being the best version of himself. Ken’s story is proof positive we don’t have to be in the depths of addiction in order to benefit from abstinence, sobriety, and recovery. We can ask ourselves questions similar to what Ken asked himself, such as what could life be like if like if I didn’t drink or use for a period of time? Ken suggests 90 days, but you choose the amount of time and then do something we talk often about on this show, run the experiment, and see what happens. You may find you were more dependent on it than you thought and your drinking or use was no mere habit, or you may find that though perhaps you weren’t dependent on it, alcohol or substances were acting like a governor on an old school muscle car and keeping your potential pent up, or you may find out something all together different. The only way you’ll find out is by running that experiment yourself, and might I suggest you take it in 24-hour segments at a time saying “Self, I’m not going to drink and/or use today”. Then start engaging in a recovery and/or wellness program and begin building a meaningful life filled with purpose as you become increasingly closer to the person you feel called to be. To that end, you’ll find plenty of practical tools, insight, and inspiration in Ken’s story, which about to unfold before your very ears so listen up. Contact Ken and learn more about Bamboozled: The Guide to Getting EVERYTHING You Want in Life by Giving Up Alcohol: https://thebamboozledbook.com/ Recovery literature (Quit-Lit) recommendation: This Naked Mind by Annie Grace: https://www.amazon.com/This-Naked-Mind-Discover-Happiness/dp/0525537236/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=this+naked+mind&qid=1688409401&sr=8-1 Best piece of Recovery advice: Give yourself some grace, it's ok to not be perfect and it's OK to make mistakes in Recovery. If you fail, forgive yourself and get back on the horse. Song that symbolizes Recovery to Ken: Lose yourself by Eminem: https://youtu.be/_Yhyp-_hX2s Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this rendition of The Way Out I’m pleased to bring you my interview with Professor, author, and person in long term recovery Lisa Sargese. Lisa shares her journey to and through Recovery from compulsive overeating as well as physical and emotional trauma in a way that cuts to the case and gets down to the heart of the matter, which for her was that her compulsive overeating was inextricably linked to an unwillingness to tolerate very specific dark emotions, which is what Lisa refers to them as and is rather apropos to what negative emotions feel like. This revelation for Lisa didn’t come easy, in fact it came at quite the high cost, an experience many of us can relate to. Understanding her triggers was just the beginning for Lisa, as she then leaned into 12-Step Recovery, Qi Gong, mindfulness, and a daily spiritual practice to build a happier, healthier life. As Lisa so profoundly states and I paraphrase, if you earnestly connect to your spirituality in a way that is meaningful to you every day, you will change which indeed has been my experience and the experience of many that have shared their recovery journeys on this here podcast just like the one from none other than Lisa Sargese that’s about to unfold before your very ears so listen up. Reach out to Lisa and Learn more about her Book and her media channels: https://www.lisasargese.com Recovery Literature (Quit-Lit) Recommendation: Do you need to be loved or do you love to be needed by Shari Schreiber: https://sharischreiber.com/do-you-love-to-be-needed/ Best piece of Recovery advice: How important is it? (keeping situations in perspective) Song that symbolizes Recovery to Lisa: Unstoppable by Sia: https://youtu.be/1Pg1RguhqxY Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

We’ve got a truly special episode for you to celebrate 350 episodes sharing powerful Recovery stories and Recovery Power Topics on the regular since 2016. In this rendition of The Way Out, Jason and I share why stories matter to us as human beings, why our Recovery Stories matter to ourselves and each other, and provide some practical ways you can share your own powerful recovery story. We’re combining the two major themes of The Way Out into one spectacular episode; a topic episode on Why Your Recovery Story Matters and How to Share It - which is admittedly more than a little meta but nonetheless it’s a topic we’ve never directly covered and one that is not only central to this podcast, but to Recovery and indeed the human experience. Your recovery story matters, all of ours do. They are the very lifeblood of the Recovery community, and they provide the essential hope, inspiration, relatability, and The Way Out no doubt someone desperately needs to hear so they too might recover and then share their story. So without further ado, we give you this here episode to highlight why your recovery story matters, why all recovery stories matter, and how you can share yours with others so listen up. Contact us at share@wayoutcast.com if you’d like to share your journey to and through Recovery to this point with us! Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this edition of The Way Out, our spectacular recovery podcast co-host with the most Jason is back with a fabulous interview with licensed psychotherapist, addictions counselor and person in long term recovery, Dr. Donna Marks. Dr. Donna Marks is also a certified gestalt therapist, psychoanalyst, hypnotist, and sex therapist. In addition, she’s facilitated A Course in Miracles for over 30 years. In her new book The Healing Moment, Dr. Donna Marks integrates evidence-based psychological principles with spiritual lessons into 7 unique paths for finding lasting peace and change. Dr. Donna Marks speaks rather candidly about her own journey of recovery and provides some valuable insights into the process of healing, so do be sure to listen up. Contact info, media and resources: https://drdonnamarks.com/ Dr. Marks' Book Links: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Moment-Paths-Messes-Miracles/dp/1582708738/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1AAL2QQ7TSNDL&keywords=the+healing+moment+dr.+donna+marks&qid=1682951226&sprefix=the+healing+momet%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-1 https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Grow-Forgive-Spiritual-Success/dp/0578831589/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3QRPF12A4M72U&keywords=dr.+donna+marks&qid=1682978446&sprefix=dr.+donna+%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-4 https://www.amazon.com/Exit-Maze-Addiction-Cause-Solution/dp/1582708940/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3QRPF12A4M72U&keywords=dr.+donna+marks&qid=1682978446&sprefix=dr.+donna+%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-2 Recovery literature (Quit-Lit) Recommendation: A Course in Miracles by Helen Schucman - https://www.amazon.com/Course-Miracles-Original-Helen-Schucman/dp/0976420066/ref=sr_1_4crid=1JZSQF13W6VZD&keywords=a+course+in+miracles+original+edition&qid=1682978602&sprefix=a+course+%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-4 Best piece of Recovery advice: "When you love yourself as much as you love ______, you will not want to do it anymore." Song that symbolizes recovery: Dream On by Aerosmith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89dGC8de0CA&pp=ygUIZHJlYW0gb24%3D Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this edition of The Way Out I’m honored to bring you my interview with Physician’s Assistant, Speaker, Mom, Wife, Dog Lover, and Author of Incurable Hope: A Memoir for Coping with a Loved One’s Addiction Lisa Gennosa. Lisa’s story is in part a story of a Mother who had to reckon with her son’s substance use, in part a story of a Mother who had to reckon with her own part in what is truly a family disease, and indeed in part a story of Lisa turning these first two parts of her journey into an amazing purpose which is to be the change she wishes to see in the world. Lisa is a fierce advocate and ally for addiction recovery and for the families and loved ones of those who are facing addiction and has dedicated herself to this important work in her role as a Physician’s Assistant, in her work in her community, and with her sharing her story like she did in her new book and as she does with us on this here episode so do be sure you listen up. Contact Lisa and learn more about her new book Incurable Hope: A Memoir for Coping with a Loved One’s Addiction: https://www.lisagennosa.com/ Recovery Literature (Quit-Lit) Recommendation: Ego is the enemy by Ryan Holiday - https://egoistheenemy.com/ Best Piece of Recovery Advice: We did the best we could with what we had at the time so extend ourselves grace and forgiveness Song that symbolizes Recovery to Lisa: Rescue by Lauren Daigle - https://youtu.be/9PugD11k3JU Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this rendition of The Way Out I’m ecstatic to bring you my interview with psychologist, author of the new book Co-Crazy One Psychologist’s Recovery from Codependency and Addiction: A Memoir and Roadmap to Freedom, and person in long term recovery Dr. Sarah Michaud. Dr Sarah shares her journey to and through recovery from addiction and codependency to this point with us in a way that really helps us understand both in an extremely beneficial way. On its face, addiction and codependence appear to be polar opposites of one another. Addiction involves the compulsive use of a substance or behavior to change one’s feelings, or default state of mind and body. Codependency on the other hand, is on its surface, about trying to change the addict or alcoholic. Underneath this behavior, however is a compulsion that is precisely the same but looks very different on the surface. Co-dependent behavior ultimately is about trying to change others in order to change one’s own feelings. It often manifests like this: I feel a compulsion to fix or save a loved one from pain or discomfort. This seems like a straightforward act of love and helpfulness, however the driving force behind this act is not about them. In reality, it’s about me. My inability to sit with the discomfort and dis-ease of watching a loved one experience pain or adversity. Ultimately, the desire to control people, places and things is about trying to change others so I can change my feelings. The good news is, just as the root of codependency and addiction are strikingly similar, so are the principles and practices we adopt to recover from each affliction Dr. Sarah’s message about the truth of addiction and codependency, how she found The Way Out, and how you can too is instructive, enlightening and downright inspirational so listen up. Contact Dr. Sarah Michaud and learn more about Co-Crazy One Psychologist’s Recovery from Codependency and Addiction: A Memoir and Roadmap to Freedom: http://drsarahmichaud.com Learn more about the YouTube Channel, Leaving Crazy Town: https://youtu.be/JJduEQzfstE Recovery Literature (Quit-Lit) Recommendations: Big Book - https://www.aa.org/the-big-book Comfortable with Uncertainty by Pema Chodron - https://pemachodronfoundation.org/product/comfortable-with-uncertainty-book/ The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo - https://marknepo.com/books_awakening.php The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie - https://melodybeattie.com/books/language-letting-go-hazelden-meditation-series/ Best Piece of Recovery Advice: This too shall pass Song that symbolizes Recovery to Dr. Sarah: Amazing Grace: https://youtu.be/Obp-9BEZe1c Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this edition of The Way Out I’m pleased to bring you my interview with person in long term recovery and CEO of Desert Hope Treatment Center, George Gatski. George shares his journey to and through recovery this point with us with the refreshing candor and insight we’ve come to know quite well here at The Way Out Podcast and the fashion in which Greg shares his Recovery journey is a shining example of a Powerful Recovery story that is ultra relatable and extremely illuminating. Especially enlightening and instructive in George’s story are the following messages: first is the exceptionally common experience of our drug of choice being an instant answer to our problems - as George phrases it, like a key in a lock and equally important to understand is most folks don’t feel that way when the drink or use substances. Second, and we’re fierce advocates of this message, there are no rock bottoms in addiction. The only true rock bottom is when we’re dead. Anything short of that is when we stop digging. Instead, there are very often windows of opportunities or bottoms if you will which afford us a chance to enter into Recovery and to make a decision to begin to make the changes we need to make in order to launch our Recovery in earnest. Last but certainly not least, George’s message that we’re not bad people getting good, instead we’re sick people getting well helps us understand that we can shed the shame and guilt wrapped up in our past which is consistent with much of the work that is embodied in the 12 Steps and many other pathways of Recovery. All of this is to say that George’s story is a tremendous listen and is jam packed with spiritual and recovery truth so do make sure you listen up. Reach out to George Gatski and Desert Hope Treatment Center: https://deserthopetreatment.com/contributors/george-gatski-mba-cadc/ Recovery Literature (quit-lit) Recommendations: NA Basic Text - https://www.na.org/?ID=literature Untethered Soul by Mark Singer - https://untetheredsoul.com/untethered-soul Best pieces of Recovery Advice: I'm not a bad person getting good I'm a sick person getting well My head lies to me Song that symbolizes Recovery to George: We belong by Pat Benetar - https://youtu.be/qxZInIyOBXk Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available only on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HNQyyjlFBrDbOUADgw1Sz (c) 2015 - 2023 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved Theme Music: “all clear” (https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/) by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk) licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-way-out-podcast/message