Special Guest Azadeh Atzberger

In this powerful episode, the second half of this interview with Dr. Damian, Sam and Azadeh who shares her transformative journey from addiction and abuse to becoming a resilient and confident individual. Azadeh recounts her battle with meth addiction and her tumultuous relationship with an abuser. She courageously took the first steps towards recovery by checking herself into a detox center, where she found solace in a supportive community. Her story highlights the importance of a strong, sober network and the unwavering presence of faith in her journey to sobriety.

Dr. N, a counselor with decades of experience, delves into the nuances of overcoming addiction and abuse. They discuss the crucial role of intentional, purpose-filled decisions in achieving lasting change. Azadeh emphasizes that while support systems are vital, the desire to change must come from within. She vividly describes her turning point—an act of violence by her boyfriend—that led her to realize the destructive path she was on.

The conversation shifts to the dynamics of abuse, focusing on the manipulative tactics used by abusers. Dr. N and Sam explore the insecurities and control issues that drive abusers to inflict harm. Azadeh offers practical advice for setting boundaries and creating a safe environment for oneself, especially when dealing with verbal and emotional abuse. She underscores the importance of finding support and maintaining mental clarity to resist an abuser's attempts to manipulate.

Azadeh also discusses the 'drama triangle' concept, which helps individuals recognize and break free from the victim-rescuer-perpetrator cycle in abusive relationships. She stresses the significance of non-reactivity to deprive abusers of the satisfaction they derive from causing distress.

The episode concludes with a conversation about recognizing and avoiding narcissistic relationships. Azadeh provides insightful tips on identifying red flags, such as the urgency and intensity often exhibited by narcissists early in relationships. Sam and Dr. N reflect on the nature of love, emphasizing that genuine love develops over time, unlike the infatuation often mistaken for love in the initial stages of a relationship.

Azadeh's journey from addiction and abuse to becoming a strong, confident individual serves as an inspiration for anyone struggling with similar challenges. Her wisdom and practical advice offer hope and guidance for those seeking to break free from the cycle of abuse and addiction.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of a supportive, sober community in overcoming addiction.
• Intentional and purposeful decisions are crucial for lasting change.
• Recognizing and setting boundaries to protect oneself from abuse.
• The 'drama triangle' concept as a tool for understanding and escaping abusive dynamics.
• Identifying red flags to avoid narcissistic relationships.
• Genuine love takes time to develop and is not based on immediate infatuation.

Listeners are encouraged to visit https://lifeisaclassroom.net/bwya/ to pre-order the book "Bloom Where You Are," reflect on their own lives, and consider reaching out for guidance or mentorship if they feel stuck.

Special Guest Azadeh Atzberger

In this insightful episode of the LIAC Podcast, hosts Dr. Damian and Sam welcome Azadeh Atzberger, a transformational coach, Christian counselor, couples counselor, author, and speaker. Azadeh shares her remarkable journey, from being born in Tehran, Iran in 1971 and fleeing the Iranian Revolution with her family to the United States, highlighting the drastic cultural changes they experienced.

Azadeh discusses her Iranian heritage, mentioning her fluency in Farsi despite not being able to read or write it, and reflects on her childhood memories, including cultural observations and traditional Persian foods. She describes her evolution in dietary habits, from Persian comfort foods to exploring vegetarian and vegan options, and reveals her current favorite dish, lasagna.

The conversation shifts to Azadeh's personal experiences with narcissistic relationships, particularly growing up in a family with narcissistic tendencies. She explains the concept of trauma bonds, comparing it to Stockholm syndrome, where the abused person develops an unhealthy dependency on their abuser. Azadeh emphasizes the importance of breaking the trauma bond from the original source to prevent repeating unhealthy relationship patterns.

Azadeh also shares her journey to sobriety, highlighting how getting sober from drugs and alcohol was a crucial step in her healing process. She explains how sobriety allowed her to address deeper issues and trauma bonds rooted in her childhood, offering valuable insights into managing and understanding Stockholm syndrome, especially in the context of narcissistic parental relationships.

Dr. Damian and Sam mention an upcoming live event with Michelle Rios, a previous guest on the podcast, and Azadeh hints at future projects, including a book launch. The episode is filled with engaging discussions on healthy boundaries, narcissistic relationships, and personal growth, providing listeners with practical advice and inspiring stories.

Tune in next week for the second half of this interview.

Listeners are encouraged to visit https://lifeisaclassroom.net/bwya/ to pre-order the book "Bloom Where You Are," reflect on their own lives, and consider reaching out for guidance or mentorship if they feel stuck.

Special Guest Michelle Rios

In the second half of her interview on the "Life is a Classroom" podcast with hosts Dr. Damian Nesser and Sam, Michelle Rios delves deep into her personal journey of self-discovery and transformation. Raised without parental guidance in navigating life's complexities, Michelle became a voracious seeker of personal development wisdom from early influencers like Deepak Chopra and Wayne Dyer. Despite societal and familial pressures urging her towards a conventional career path, Michelle pursued her passion for personal growth, eventually becoming an executive in a PR firm while continuously exploring avenues of spiritual and personal development.

Her life took a significant turn during a trip to Greece, where a profound inner voice compelled her to leave her corporate job and embrace her true calling. This marked a pivotal moment where Michelle fully committed herself to inspiring others to live authentically and courageously.

Throughout the interview, Michelle reflects on the "messy middle" of her life—a period encompassing marriage, motherhood, career challenges, health issues, and the realization of middle age. She candidly discusses the challenges faced by high achievers, emphasizing that external success often masks internal struggles that require healing and introspection.

A central theme in Michelle's journey is the power of solitude and self-reflection. She encourages listeners to spend time alone, listening to their inner voice—a practice that has been transformative in her own life and essential for maintaining balance amidst multiple roles.

Michelle's message resonates with authenticity and a deep understanding of human resilience and growth. As the interview concludes, she shares her upcoming projects, including her book "The Power of Authenticity," aimed at guiding others towards unlocking their potential and living fulfilling lives.

Listeners are invited to connect with Michelle through her website and social media channels, as well as to explore her podcast, "Live Your Extraordinary Life," for further insights and inspiration.

Overall, Michelle Rios's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of personal growth and authenticity, leaving listeners inspired to embark on their own paths of self-discovery and purposeful living.

Listeners are encouraged to visit https://lifeisaclassroom.net/bwya/ to pre-order the book "Bloom Where You Are," reflect on their own lives, and consider reaching out for guidance or mentorship if they feel stuck.

For more episodes and updates, visit our LIAC Podcast website and follow us on social media platforms. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your friends and family who might benefit from Adam's powerful story and insights.