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Retrieving Sanity: The Mental Health Podcast for the Black Sheep

Retrieving Sanity: The Mental Health Podcast for the Black Sheep

By: Tanner Keegan Read
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About this listen

"Recovery focused healing from addictions and traumas with personal experiences."

Hey there! My name is Keegan, Host of ”Retrieving Sanity”, an upcoming podcast aiming to become a non-profit for mental health resources and services for veterans, people struggling with homelessness, addiction, and traumas. Are you looking to help kick an addiction? Maybe you've got some traumas you'd like to heal from? There's plenty of that to be found here, and we're just getting started!

I want you to know, whatever it is you're going through; you're not alone and there is someone willing to help. I know in the middle of it all, it seems crazy and never-ending, so that's why me and my guests are here to walk with you and show you the ways out.

If you like what you hear, leave a comment, subscribe to the YouTube Channel, and check us out on air on WDJY 99.1 FM (Every Friday 7am EST) or Fairfax Public Access if you live there!

Retrieving Sanity is here to help you pick up the pieces of yourself, reclaim your mental sovereignty, and together, we can help make the world a better place, one conversation at a time!
Check out https://www.retrievingsanity.com for a list of all guests and their websites!


Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast

Copyright Tanner Keegan Read 2023 All rights reserved.
Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Spirituality
Episodes
  • Changing Perspectives of ADHD with Ron Souers
    Oct 9 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read engages in a deep conversation with Ron Souers, who shares his personal journey with ADHD, addiction, and recovery. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding ADHD, the importance of self-advocacy, and the role of mindfulness in maintaining mental health. Ron emphasizes the significance of building connections and the power of vulnerability in relationships. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating workplace dynamics and the importance of open communication. Ron's passion for helping others with ADHD shines through as he shares insights and strategies for personal growth and connection.

    Check out his website here: http://youradhdguy.com/

    Takeaways

    ADHD can be seen as a competitive edge rather than a flaw. Self-advocacy is crucial for those with ADHD. Mindfulness practices can help in recognizing and managing ADHD symptoms. Building connections can alleviate feelings of isolation. Vulnerability in communication fosters deeper relationships. Therapy can be a transformative tool for self-discovery. It's important to challenge societal misconceptions about ADHD. Open communication in the workplace enhances productivity and well-being. Personal experiences with addiction can inform advocacy work. Passion for helping others can stem from personal struggles.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to ADHD and Personal Journey 02:05 Understanding ADHD: Myths and Realities 04:39 The Impact of Addiction and Recovery 07:26 Navigating Work and ADHD 10:01 Finding Passion and Purpose 12:56 Building Connections and Communication Skills 16:23 Navigating Emotions and Boundaries 17:47 The Power of Vulnerability 18:30 Self-Medication and Its Consequences 19:45 The Magic of Everyday Conversations 23:47 Self-Advocacy and Communication 27:43 The Challenge of Opening Up 29:49 Learning Through Conversations 34:06 The Importance of Listening and Support in the Workplace 37:00 Building Workplace Friendships and Mental Health Awareness 38:10 Transformations Through Support and Mindfulness 38:47 Understanding Passion and Advocacy for ADHD 40:53 Advocating for Mental Health and Safety in the Workplace 42:27 The Power of Conversations and Connections 47:48 Retrieving Sanity: Mindfulness and Reflection in Daily Life #RetrievingSanity #MentalHealthPodcast #ADHD #neurodivergent #neurospicy #different #weird #itsoktobedifferent #socialsettings #anxiety #stress #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #friend #support

    Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • Learning How To Stop Fighting Yourself with Daryl Dittmer
    Oct 5 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read engages with Darrell Dittmer, who shares his journey of battling addiction and the insights he gained through recovery. Dittmer discusses the importance of finding a mentor, the role of gratitude, and the lessons learned from struggles. He emphasizes the need for self-honesty, setting boundaries, and living intentionally. The conversation explores the paradox of freedom that comes with responsibility and the significance of developing faith in something greater than oneself. In this conversation, Daryl Dittmer shares his insights on belief systems, moral clarity, and the importance of allowing life to unfold naturally. He emphasizes the significance of individual journeys in recovery, the need for self-reflection, and the path to contentment. Daryl discusses how personal growth involves discarding old beliefs and embracing new perspectives, ultimately leading to a fulfilling life.

    Check out his website here: https://www.daryldittmer.com/

    Takeaways

    Many people struggle with fighting themselves due to addiction. Dittmer started drinking at a young age and faced many challenges. Finding a mentor in recovery can be transformative. Gratitude is essential and should be practiced like a muscle. Lessons learned through struggles often come with consequences. It's important to turn off the inner critic or 'ass-kicking machine.' Setting boundaries is crucial for personal well-being. The road to recovery may narrow, but freedom expands. Self-honesty is vital for personal growth and recovery. Developing faith in something greater can aid in recovery. Your belief system can be unimaginably big. Clarity comes when you remove substances from your life. Moral growth is about knowing what feels right for you. Recovery is a personal journey; no one can dictate your path. Allowing life to happen can lead to better mental health. Self-reflection is crucial for personal growth. You can change your belief system as you grow. Contentment is more sustainable than fleeting happiness. Blame hinders personal growth and recovery. Embrace the childlike wonder in life to find joy.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Fighting Yourself 02:33 Daryl's Journey Through Addiction 05:30 The Role of Mentorship in Recovery 08:23 Gratitude and the 12 Steps 11:22 Lessons Learned from Sobriety 14:26 Embracing Vulnerability and Honesty 17:22 Turning Off the Ass-Kicking Machine 22:22 Living Intentionally and Forgiving Ourselves 24:16 Understanding Regret and Personal Growth 27:03 The Importance of Boundaries 29:31 The Paradox of Freedom and Restrictions 31:45 Finding Personal Responsibility in Recovery 34:12 Moral Clarity and Personal Beliefs 36:06 Individual Journeys in Recovery 38:32 Allowing Life to Happen 40:05 Connecting with Nature and Self-Reflection 45:05 Navigating Self-Reflection and Change 46:47 The Importance of Authenticity 48:34 Understanding Inner Conflict 50:32 The Role of Allowing in Life 52:31 Embracing Emotions and Life's Transience 55:23 Retrieving Sanity: A Personal Journey 59:07 The Power of Change and Self-Discovery 01:02:00 Living a Life You Love #recovery #addictionrecovery #mentalhealth #mentalhealthpodcast #retrievingsanity #gratitude #personalgrowth #12steps #boundaries #lifelessons #resilience #beliefsystems #moralclarity #allowinglife #selfreflection

    Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 26 mins
  • How an Alcoholic Nun Recovered Her Sobriety with Gina Economopolous
    Oct 5 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read speaks with Gina Economopoulos, a first-time author and former nun, about her tumultuous journey through health struggles, the loss of her mother, and her battle with alcoholism. Gina shares her experiences of finding faith, becoming a nun, and ultimately navigating the complexities of addiction and recovery. Her memoir, 'Shake the Dust Off Your Feet and Walk,' serves as a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of community in healing. The conversation delves into the importance of self-discovery, the impact of grief, and the ongoing journey of recovery, emphasizing that no one is alone in their struggles. Check her website out here: https://www.ginaecon.com/

    Takeaways

    Gina's journey reflects the struggle of losing foundational aspects of life. Health issues shaped Gina's identity and perspective on life. The loss of her mother at a young age led to a deep search for meaning. Gina's experience in the convent was both a spiritual journey and a struggle with addiction. Relationships can complicate recovery, especially when addiction is involved. Gina's path to sobriety involved confronting her past and embracing faith. Writing her memoir was a cathartic process for Gina. Gina emphasizes the importance of community and support in recovery. The game segment highlighted Gina's insights on personal growth and decision-making. Gina's story is a testament to resilience and the power of hope.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Gina's Journey 02:28 Health Struggles and Family Dynamics 05:28 Loss and Grief: The Death of a Mother 08:27 Finding Faith and Becoming a Nun 11:19 Love and Loss: The Story of Danny 14:20 Descent into Darkness and Seeking Help 17:54 The Struggle with Alcohol in the Convent 21:04 Writing My Story 25:11 The Journey of Self-Discovery 26:55 The Importance of the Steps 29:18 Deprogramming and Reprogramming Faith 32:43 Spiritual Awakening in Recovery 34:02 Facing the Pain of Alcoholism 36:31 Finding Freedom in Recovery 38:00 The Common Denominator of Pain 38:46 The Journey of Healing and Faith 40:31 The Ongoing Process of Recovery 44:06 Tools for Managing Life's Challenges 44:48 Shake the Dust: A Game of Choices 51:24 Retrieving Sanity: Living in Gratitude #alcoholicnun #recovery #addictionrecovery #faithwounds #healingjourney #loss #grief #triumph #overcomingstory

    Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
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