Episode 32. Behind the Kitchen Doors with Darius Waters

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and longtime Shambhala neighbour, Darius Waters, for a really honest, down-to-earth conversation about his journey through addiction, burnout, and ultimately, healing.

Darius shares what it was like working in the high-pressure world of fine dining as a chef—where long hours, heavy drinking, and drugs were just part of the culture. It wasn’t until the world slowed down during the pandemic that he finally saw his drinking for what it was: a problem that was taking over his life.

We talk about the moment he knew he needed help, his experience walking into his first AA meeting, and how hard it was to get sober—not just physically, but emotionally. He’s now nearly three years sober, studying to become a youth counsellor, and mentoring kids through a powerful long-term program that supports youth for 12 years, no matter what.

Darius is full of heart and humility. This episode is a reminder that healing is possible, that people can and do change, and that sometimes, rock bottom is what opens the door to a completely new way of living.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Darius Waters and His Work

03:07 The Impact of Mentorship on Youth

06:04 Transition from Culinary Career to Youth Mentorship

09:10 The Dark Side of the Culinary World

11:53 Reflections on Childhood and Family Influence

14:56 The Journey into Alcoholism

17:57 Realizations and Acceptance of Addiction

21:07 Life as a Chef: The Reality Behind the Scenes

24:03 The Culture of Substance Use in the Culinary Industry

30:31 The Struggles of Functioning Alcoholism

32:32 Pandemic Reflections and Realizations

36:29 The Turning Point: Seeking Help

39:29 First Steps into Recovery

44:48 The Hospital Experience and Acceptance

47:24 Life After Sobriety: New Beginnings

51:05 Finding Joy in New Outlets

53:23 How Darius Did It: A Summary of Growth

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How can you support the show?

Having a podcast is such a beautiful experience, however it is time-consuming and has its own expenses. To help support the show and keep it going by you can consider donating by using this link.

Follow on instagram: @petathompsonwellness

Follow on instagram: @howdyoudoitpodcast

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

To work with Peta Thompson, head over to www.petathompson.com to learn more about her 1:1 offerings, workshops and courses.

And my Online Yoga & Meditation Platform "Breathe, Move, Embody"

Learn about my "Liberate your Life: Break Patterns & Find Freedom!" online course here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 30. From Homeless to Homeowner with Jeremy Kelly (Part 1).

Jeremy Kelly’s story is so intense, I had to split it into two parts. In Part 1, he takes us into the brutal reality of addiction and homelessness on the streets of downtown Eastside. From heavy drug use to dangerous encounters that nearly cost him his life, Jeremy shares the harrowing details of what it took to survive. He’s looked death in the eye more times than he can count, crossed the wrong people, and hit rock bottom in ways most of us can’t even imagine. His storytelling is gripping—I felt like I was watching an entire TV series unfold in real time.

Listen now to hear Jeremy’s raw, unfiltered journey.

Chapters

00:00 Birth and Early Life in a Hippie Commune

05:47 Introduction to Drugs: LSD and Heroin

11:49 Experiences in Scotland and the Art World

18:07 Cocaine Adventures in Mexico

23:57 First Treatment and Downward Spiral

31:45 The Downward Spiral: Escalation of Substance Abuse

39:50 The Turning Point: A Brush with Death

48:34 Treatment and Reflection. (Part 1)

------------------------------------------------------------

How can you support the show?

Having a podcast is such a beautiful experience, however it is time-consuming and has its own expenses. To help support the show and keep it going by you can consider donating by using this link.

Follow on instagram: @petathompsonwellness

Follow on instagram: @howdyoudoitpodcast

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

To work with Peta Thompson, head over to www.petathompson.com to learn more about her 1:1 offerings, workshops and courses.

And my Online Yoga & Meditation Platform "Breathe, Move, Embody"

Learn about my "Liberate your Life: Break Patterns & Find Freedom!" online course here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 31. From Homeless to Homeowner with Jeremy Kelly (Part 2).

Jeremy’s story was too big for just one episode—so here’s Part 2, the powerful conclusion. After years of addiction, violence, and survival on the streets, Jeremy finally hit his breaking point. In this episode, he shares the moment of complete surrender that changed everything and how he slowly rebuilt his life from the ground up. Now, after nine years as a frontline social worker, he dedicates his life to helping those who are where he once was. His journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of asking for help.

Don’t miss the rest of this unbelievable story.

Chapters

00:00 Struggles with Addiction and the Environment

05:53 Life on the Streets and Criminal Activity

12:01 The Drug Trade and Consequences

22:56 Struggles of Addiction and Desperation

29:00 The Turning Point: Seeking Help

34:30 A New Beginning: Embracing Recovery

42:38 Words of Wisdom: Encouragement for Others

------------------------------------------------------------

How can you support the show?

Having a podcast is such a beautiful experience, however it is time-consuming and has its own expenses. To help support the show and keep it going by you can consider donating by using this link.

Follow on instagram: @petathompsonwellness

Follow on instagram: @howdyoudoitpodcast

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

To work with Peta Thompson, head over to www.petathompson.com to learn more about her 1:1 offerings, workshops and courses.

And my Online Yoga & Meditation Platform "Breathe, Move, Embody"

Learn about my "Liberate your Life: Break Patterns & Find Freedom!" online course here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.