Episodes

  • Honesty in Healing: Jake’s Path to True Recovery

    Honesty in Healing: Jake’s Path to True Recovery
    Jul 2 2024
    Jake shares his initial struggles with addiction, multiple attempts at recovery, and the significant turning points that led him to a sustainable, fulfilling life in sobriety. They discuss the challenges of early recovery, the importance of honesty and authentic support, and how Jake eventually found contentment and purpose, including his work in the recovery space and achieving personal milestones like marriage. 00:00 Introduction and Host's Recovery Journey 00:19 Guest Jake's Recovery Story Begins 01:20 The Turning Point: Seeking Help 03:40 Challenges in Detox 12:36 Life in Residential Program 14:56 Conflict and Resolution 19:58 Relapse and Continued Struggles 21:09 Starting the Recovery Journey 22:11 Struggles and Realizations 23:42 Finding a New Path 27:51 Embracing Honesty 29:29 Building a New Life 35:10 Life Today and Reflections
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    43 mins
  • My Wake-Up Call Came in Prison | A Conversation on Addiction

    My Wake-Up Call Came in Prison | A Conversation on Addiction
    Jun 25 2024
    In this compelling episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, host TJ engages in an inspiring conversation with Craig M., a person in recovery who has been clean since April 19th, 2018. Craig shares raw and heartfelt details about his tumultuous past, including his discovery of being adopted, struggles with addiction, and multiple incarcerations. This story highlights the transformative power of recovery, the importance of building a supportive network, and the profound realizations that led Craig to embrace a new life. His journey from darkness to redemption is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the impact of a strong recovery community. 00:00 Introduction to TJ and Craig's Recovery Journey 01:08 Craig's Early Life and Adoption Revelation 03:57 Descent into Addiction and Legal Troubles 05:57 Struggles with Recovery and Relapse 09:59 Turning Point in Prison 19:05 Life in Prison and Recovery Program 24:51 Struggling with Addiction in Prison 25:44 A Turning Point: April 19th, 2018 27:04 Rejoining the Recovery Program 28:07 Fighting for Health and Recovery 28:58 Discovering CCAR and Peer Mentorship 30:29 Creating a New Life Plan 35:00 Overcoming Temptations and Staying Clean 43:22 The Importance of a Strong Network 44:38 Conclusion and Reflections
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    46 mins
  • "God Did For Me What I Couldn't Do For Myself": A Powerful Story of Addiction and Hope

    "God Did For Me What I Couldn't Do For Myself": A Powerful Story of Addiction and Hope
    Jun 18 2024
    In this episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, Celine recounts her struggles and ultimate surrender to addiction, a process that began with a tumultuous life marked by desperation and withdrawal symptoms. Her compelling story highlights the physical and mental challenges of finding a detox facility and the pivotal moment of divine intervention that led her to recovery. Celine also discusses her upbringing in a household affected by substance misuse, the emotional toll it took on her, and how she overcame familial and personal battles. The episode concludes with Celine reflecting on her meaningful recovery process, her ongoing relationship with her higher power, and her dedication to helping others as a recovery coach. 00:00 Introduction and Host's Background 00:19 Guest's Early Recovery Journey 01:26 Struggles and Turning Points 04:15 Desperation and Seeking Help 06:51 Finding Hope and Support 11:07 Temptation and Support in Recovery 14:01 Host's Temptation Story 15:06 Changes in Recovery Over Time 15:21 Guest's Childhood and Upbringing 15:28 Growing Up in West Hartford 16:02 Life with a Tricarious Mother 16:58 Childhood Trauma and Drug Exposure 20:05 Struggles with Alcohol 22:38 The Turning Point 26:44 Rebuilding and Recovery 32:53 Words of Encouragement
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    35 mins
  • From Darkness to Light: A Journey Through Addiction and Recovery

    From Darkness to Light: A Journey Through Addiction and Recovery
    Jun 11 2024
    In this emotional episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, host TJ chats with Jason, who shares the intense and harrowing story of his struggles with addiction and his path to recovery. Jason reveals his early start with substance use at the age of 12, driven by an abusive household, and his subsequent descent into the world of drugs and criminal activity. The narrative covers his multiple incarcerations, the lows of his addiction, moments of introspection, and pivotal turning points. Jason also talks about how he found a support system through Narcotics Anonymous, rediscovered his self-worth, and eventually turned his life around. This episode serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of recovery. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:30 Jason's Early Drug Use and Family Struggles 02:41 Life on the Streets and First Encounter with Cocaine 07:21 Living with a New Family and Deeper Involvement in Drugs 10:50 First Trouble with the Law and Juvenile Detention 14:16 Life in Juvenile Detention and Reinforced Addiction 17:52 The Halfway House Experience 18:19 A Counselor's Eye-Opening Advice 20:01 Struggles with Relapse 21:54 A Humbling Experience 23:33 A Turning Point 26:02 Starting Over 32:28 Recovery and Rediscovery
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    38 mins
  • I Didn't Think I Belonged: How Recovery Helped Me Embrace My Identity

    I Didn't Think I Belonged: How Recovery Helped Me Embrace My Identity
    Jun 4 2024
    In this episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, host TJ, a young person in long-term recovery, converses with Mike, who has been in recovery since March 5, 1984. Mike shares his journey, beginning with his struggles with alcohol from the age of 12, escalating during his time in the Air Force, and eventually leading to his turning point at 21. They discuss the role of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the importance of connection in recovery, and the concept of living one day at a time. Mike also opens up about his experience of coming to terms with his sexuality and the eventual acceptance from his family. Both TJ and Mike emphasize the significance of honesty, dealing with fear, and the support from peers in their recovery journeys. Mike reflects on the realization that most fears are unfounded and talks about the evolution of his personal identity while in recovery. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:31 Mike's Early Struggles with Alcohol 02:18 The Turning Point: Entering Recovery 05:12 The Importance of Connection in Recovery 05:29 TJ's Recovery Journey 07:46 Identity and Recovery 10:27 Living Authentically in Recovery 15:40 Overcoming Fear and Shame 18:34 Final Thoughts and Reflections
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    20 mins
  • Cancer Warriors: Finding Strength in Community & Self-Care

    Cancer Warriors: Finding Strength in Community & Self-Care
    Apr 16 2024
    Phil discusses his diagnosis of diffuse aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and his reflections on dealing with cancer for the second time, emphasizing his attempts to put affairs in order and contemplate the significance of life and the possibility of an afterlife. Jackie shares her story of being diagnosed with leukemia at 17, undergoing a bone marrow transplant, and facing various long-term side effects and subsequent cancer diagnoses. The conversation also explores their attitudes towards treatment decisions, the importance of self-care, and the support they've received from their community. Throughout, both exhibit a strong sense of resilience, focusing on living in the present, the therapeutic value of creating art, and the idea of legacy and impact on others. 00:00 A Heartfelt Conversation on Cancer and Resilience 02:32 The Second Battle: Doubts and Reflections 13:35 Navigating Treatment Choices and Embracing Uncertainty 18:52 Exploring Faith and Spirituality Through Cancer Recovery 22:06 Reflecting on Life's Challenges and the Journey of Recovery 22:19 Embracing Retirement and Passing the Torch 23:33 The Essence of Recovery and Self-Care 27:22 Personal Growth and Future Aspirations 34:41 The Healing Power of Community Support and Spirituality 38:37 Navigating the Side Effects of Treatment and Embracing Change
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    43 mins
  • Facing Cancer Again: A Real and Raw Conversation

    Facing Cancer Again: A Real and Raw Conversation
    Mar 5 2024
    In this raw and deeply personal conversation, previously recorded on 2/6/24, Sandy and Phil Valentine openly discuss Phil's cancer diagnosis and the impact it is having on their lives. As Phil is preparing to start chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin's B Cell Lymphoma, they reflect on their experiences of Phil's previous bout with cancer in 2010. Sandy expresses her struggle with seeing her partner in pain again while Phil shares his contemplation on death, revealing spiritual questions and emotional fears. The couple discusses the importance of kindness, community and maintaining a strong support system. Through it all, they highlight the importance of recovery and their faith, reiterating their determination to stay resilient against cancer. 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 00:06 Reflecting on Past Experiences with Cancer 01:35 Dealing with Emotions and Anger 02:27 Facing a New Diagnosis: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma 05:07 Understanding the Medical Process and Delays 05:44 Navigating the Healthcare System 07:54 Contemplating Mortality and the Afterlife 08:44 Facing the Possibility of Death 14:31 Dealing with Anger and Emotional Changes 18:18 Understanding the Treatment Regimen 18:46 The Four Quadrants of Health 21:16 The Role of Art in Coping 24:20 Facing Chemotherapy 30:34 The Impact on Family 33:00 The Power of Kindness 34:55 Coming to Terms with the Unknown
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    37 mins
  • Journey through Recovery: A Conversation with Dr. Rick Davila

    Journey through Recovery: A Conversation with Dr. Rick Davila
    Dec 19 2023
    Journey through Recovery: A Conversation with Dr. Rick Davila In this podcast episode, Dr. Rick Davila shares his personal journey with recovery from alcohol addiction which started in October 1966, when he was only seven years old. He shares about his transformative years, the importance of 12-step recovery programs and his strong emphasis on AA meetings for his recovery. Davila explains his experience of transitioning from a troubled adolescent, a military stint and his struggle with heavy alcoholism to becoming a recovery coach. Despite his struggles, he emphasizes his commitment to helping others battling with addiction. He reflects upon the evolution of alcohol and drug rehabilitation treatment, and the emergence of multiple pathways to recovery beyond the traditional 12 step programs. Finally, he expresses his view on maintaining daily recovery wellness and his continued commitment to assisting others on their path to recovery. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation 00:05 Dr. Rick Davila's Early Life and Recovery Journey 01:13 Military Service and Struggles with Alcohol 02:33 Discovering Alcoholics Anonymous and Recovery Culture 04:04 The Struggles and Challenges of Early Recovery 07:27 Transition into the Field of Helping Others 08:14 The Impact of Ego and Power in Recovery 10:36 Returning to the Field and Overcoming Challenges 16:19 Maintaining Recovery and Giving Back to the Community 16:51 Reflections on Multiple Pathways to Recovery 20:17 Closing Remarks and Reflections
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    24 mins