Episodes

  • 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
  • Conversations on Recovery: An Open Discussion with Kevin Connelli

    Conversations on Recovery: An Open Discussion with Kevin Connelli
    Nov 21 2023

    Connolly shares his personal experiences with drug and alcohol addiction, the impact it had on his relationships and the constant cycle of recovery and relapse. He discusses his experiences with treatment centers and the struggle of finding inner peace. Despite battling his addiction, Connelli also opens up about his desire to help others, hinting at potentially becoming a recovery coach himself. The candid dialogue offers a deep and genuine insight into the struggles, fears, and hopes surrounding the road to recovery.

     

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

    00:31 Understanding Recovery and Its Impact

    01:16 Childhood and Early Life Experiences

    02:43 Passions and Interests Growing Up

    04:56 Transition into Teenage Years and Early Signs of Addiction

    08:20 Struggles with Addiction and Consequences

    11:57 Attempts at Recovery and Relapses

    11:59 Impact of Addiction on Personal Relationships

    17:29 Current State of Recovery and Future Aspirations

    27:34 The Importance of Helping Others in Recovery

    28:09 Understanding Impulsivity in Addiction

    30:12 The Struggle of Relapse

    32:09 The Role of Faith in Recovery

    35:44 The Consequences of Relapse

    36:45 The Power of Choice in Recovery

    45:12 The Fear of Relapse

    49:11 The Value of Continuous Recovery

    52:35 The Role of Helping Others in Personal Recovery
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    56 mins
  • Self-Detoxification and the Road to Sobriety

    Self-Detoxification and the Road to Sobriety
    Nov 14 2023

    A conversation with Nico Morales about his journey through addiction, recovery, and personal development.

     

    00:00 Starting the Recovery Journey

    01:18 Embracing Recovery

    02:50 Overcoming Addiction

    05:05 A Typical Day in Addiction

    02:46 Finding Purpose in Recovery

    41:22 Recovering from Collapse Hips

    45:18 Conclusion
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    48 mins
  • From Prison to Transformation: Jesse's Journey of Recovery and Redemption

    From Prison to Transformation: Jesse's Journey of Recovery and Redemption
    Sep 26 2023
    In this riveting episode, Jesse shares his tumultuous journey from incarceration to recovery. With multiple stints in prison and unsuccessful treatments, he found himself at the crossroads of life when his brother faced a life-threatening accident. Forced to confront the reality of his choices, Jesse took the difficult path towards self-improvement, personal growth, and healing. Now a recovery coach at Teen Challenge, he offers an unflinching look at the struggles and triumphs of fighting addiction. This episode delves into the power of community, the significance of accountability, and the profound impact of genuine transformation.
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    26 mins
  • Turning Advocacy into Action: Randy Anderson's Journey from Recovery to Reform

    Turning Advocacy into Action: Randy Anderson's Journey from Recovery to Reform
    Sep 12 2023
    In this episode of the Recovery Matters Podcast, host Phil interviews Randy Anderson, a person living in long-term recovery since January 9, 2005. Randy is also a recovery coach and the founder of Bold North Recovery. The episode delves into Randy's journey from addiction to recovery, highlighting the significant role that law enforcement intervention played in his life. Randy shares a pivotal moment in his treatment when a counselor's challenging words ignited his determination to recover. Randy also discusses his advocacy work, particularly in the realm of drug sentencing reform. He emphasizes the racial disparities in the criminal justice system and calls for more people in recovery to get politically involved. Randy believes that the only way to bring about meaningful change is for people in recovery to have a seat at every table, or better yet, to build their own table for others to join. The episode serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of recovery and the importance of advocacy in effecting systemic change.
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    29 mins
  • The Power of Mentorship in Recovery

    The Power of Mentorship in Recovery
    Aug 22 2023
    Nicole, a dedicated recovery coach, and advocate, shares her transformative journey through addiction, recovery, and becoming a guiding force in the lives of others. Nicole's story begins with her struggles with substance use, which led to an eventual realization of her need for change. With determination and support, she embarked on a path of recovery, facing challenges and rebuilding trust with her children along the way. Nicole's dedication to mental health and the holistic aspects of recovery is evident throughout her narrative. She emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health simultaneously with substance use treatment, sharing how she integrated coping skills and structure into her parenting style. Her commitment to her own recovery and helping others eventually led her to become a recovery coach, a role she wholeheartedly embraced. Through her coaching work, Nicole witnessed the power of mentorship and building a support system in the recovery process. She highlights the transformative impact of coaching, describing the satisfaction of seeing individuals experience relief from the grip of addiction. Nicole also discusses the significance of finding a spiritual path that resonates personally, as well as the integration of holistic modalities like reiki, meditation, and essential oils to support well-being in recovery. Nicole's story underscores the importance of perseverance, community, and embracing one's passions in the recovery journey. From battling addiction to becoming a recovery coach, she exemplifies the potential for personal growth and positive change when one commits to a life of sobriety and helping others.
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    1 hr and 6 mins