If anyone is interested in https://cereset.com/ Mention the Podcast and receive 50% off. They also have a location in Salt Lake City, UT. Their information is at the bottom of the comments.

Today’s show, “Brain Balance: What Causes It?” with Carl Bowcut, opened up a powerful conversation about what many of us carry every day: brain baggage — or maybe better said, brain imbalance.

For years, people were told it was simply a “chemical imbalance.” But the brain is far more complex than that. Research now points more toward issues with mood regulation, communication, stress response, trauma, and how different systems in the brain and nervous system interact.

We talked about fight, flight, freeze, and the parasympathetic nervous system — the part of us that helps bring the body back into rest, safety, and balance after stress or danger.

One of the biggest takeaways was this:

Your brain is your central command center. When it’s overactive, overwhelmed, or stuck in survival mode, it can affect everything — sleep, focus, memory, anxiety, depression, trauma responses, and how we show up in life.

And just like recovery, brain health is not one-size-fits-all.

What works for one person may not work for another. Healing is a journey. Brain balance is a journey. And the goal is not to shame the struggle — it’s to understand what’s happening beneath the surface so we can support the person with compassion, science, and hope.

Maybe it’s not that you’re broken.

Maybe your brain has been carrying too much for too long.

Stress, trauma, grief, addiction, anxiety, depression, sleepless nights, survival mode — all of it leaves an imprint.

Brain health is not one-size-fits-all.

Healing is not one-size-fits-all.

Recovery is not one-size-fits-all.

Your brain is your command center. And when it starts finding balance, your life can start finding peace.

Corporate Headquarters - Suite 106

North Scottsdale Client Center - Suite 110

15150 North Hayden Road

Scottsdale, Arizona 85260

https://cereset.com/

Call Us

480.265.8800

Proud of Every Step reminds us that growth doesn’t start with perfection—it starts with grace. Grace before growth. Because when the road gets heavy and someone stumbles, we don’t have to brand that moment as a failure. Nate reframes it as a pause—a moment to stop, reflect, and listen to what’s really happening beneath the surface. A pause asks better questions: What emotion was I feeling? What belief showed up? What part of me needed attention? Deep self-doubt lives in those moments, and so does opportunity. When we learn to look in the mirror—not through shame, but through honesty—we begin to see what others already see: a man still standing, still learning, still worthy. Progress isn’t erased by a pause; it’s informed by it. Every step forward, every pause along the way, is shaping the man you’re becoming. Because growth isn’t linear, healing isn’t clean, and every man—right where he is—has a story worth sharing.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT Manalizing.com

What if the darkest moments of your life weren’t setbacks—but invitations?

In this episode, Todd Sylvester and I dive into the truth most people miss: adversity isn’t here to punish you—it’s here to wake you up. We talk about how pain often becomes the doorway to purpose, how every struggle carries a lesson, and why the “message in the mirror” is the one we can’t afford to ignore.

We unpack the lies we tell ourselves—that we’re not good enough, not ready, not capable—and replace them with something far more powerful: choice. Because no matter the circumstance, we always have the ability to decide who we become next.

As Todd reminds us, adversity isn’t the end of the story—it’s the awakening to our greatness.

toddinspires.com

PODCAST: Beliefecast

@tsinspires

Wasatch Recovery / https://wasatchrecovery.com/

Success that doesn’t feel like success is one of the loudest signals your soul can send. In this conversation with Brandon Yager, we peeled back the layers of mindset, false beliefs, and unconscious patterns that quietly shape our lives. We talked about alignment, clarity, conviction, and why the real first step isn’t action — it’s the decision to change how you think. When you become more conscious, when you take ownership of your inner world, your words begin to open doors you didn’t even know existed. Growth isn’t about becoming someone new — it’s about removing what was never truly you. And when you do that, everything changes.

Learn more about Brandon and Yager Training here...

https://yagermethod.com/meetbrandon

Explore Brandon and Deborah's work at https://yourtruealchemy.com

Today’s episode asks a powerful question…

Is there another side of addiction?

My guest, Garret Biss, is a retired Marine Corps pilot, TEDx speaker, and addiction recovery coach who knows firsthand what it feels like to lose your sense of identity.

After retiring in 2015, Garret faced something so many veterans experience—anxiety, depression, and a deep sense of displacement. Like many, he turned to alcohol as a way to cope… until that road led him to a place of suicidal ideation.

But what makes Garret’s story different… is what came next.

Instead of a traditional path, his recovery was shaped through mentorship—focused on self-worth, rediscovering identity, and reconnecting with the strengths that had always been within him.

In this conversation, we go beyond addiction.

We talk about guilt and shame…

why we become our own worst enemy…

and why it makes no sense to shame people who are already carrying shame.

With over 40 million people battling addiction, we ask the question—

could there be 40 million paths to recovery?

And what happens when we stop focusing on what’s “right”…

and start focusing on what actually helps people heal?

This one will challenge you… and maybe even change the way you see recovery.

View Garret's thought-provoking and heartfelt TEDx - https://UnspokenTrauma.vet

https://garretbiss.com/shownotes

garretbiss.com/podcast-guest

Shame loses its power the moment we stop hiding. Shame has a way of convincing us that our past disqualifies us from our future. On the podcast, I sat down with Deborah Yager, and we talked about something that doesn’t get discussed enough in professional spaces—inner transformation.

What Deborah reminded us today is that you are not broken—you’re becoming. Your past isn’t a life sentence, it’s raw material. When you stop fighting who you were and start owning your story, something shifts. Healing begins. Power returns. And the very thing you thought disqualified you becomes the reason you’re uniquely equipped to help others rise. Kick shame to the curb. Speak your truth. Create the life you were always meant to live. That journey often turns into what she called a spiritual bootcamp—uncomfortable, challenging, and absolutely life-changing.

Deborah’s story is living proof of that transformation.

She is a Master Trainer of NLP, a High Performance Coach, and the co-founder of Yager Training. But her journey didn’t start with success.

Deborah grew up in Missouri in a loving family, yet found herself pulled into addiction, toxic relationships, and overwhelming debt. Her former identity included being illiterate, battling drug addiction, and working as a stripper and sex worker. She hit rock bottom more times than she could count—until she realized the only paths ahead were prison or death.

Refusing to accept either, she kept searching.

That search led her to Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), where she saw people who spoke differently, moved differently, and carried a level of confidence and presence she desperately wanted. Her coaches saw greatness in her before she could see it in herself. Through panic attacks, social anxiety, crushing self-doubt, and relentless fear, Deborah kept showing up.

Even after achieving success, shame resurfaced. She questioned whether people would take her seriously if they knew her past. But through connecting with others who shared similar stories, she discovered the power of truth. When she finally owned her story instead of hiding it, it became her greatest strength.

Today, Deborah is clean, successful, fulfilled, and free. Her past no longer defines her—it empowers her. Her mission is helping women become unapologetic, liberated, free from shame, and confident in speaking their truth.

Because that—as Deborah says—is pure magic.

Get to know Deb here: https://yagertraining.com/meetdeb/.

And explore their work at https://yourtruealchemy.com

Featuring: Will Bell — A Story of Courage, Accountability & Radical Transformation

Some stories don’t just inspire you—they challenge you. They remind you of what’s possible when a person refuses to stay who they used to be. Will’s story is one of those stories.

With 25 years of lived experience in the system beginning at just 12 years old, Will’s early life was marked by instability, addiction, trauma, and survival. He never knew his mother, his father battled alcoholism, and he was bounced from home to home with a poor-me mindset that shaped his childhood and teenage years. As the years went on, that pain turned into chaos—six trips to prison, 6–7 overdoses, and a life spinning faster and faster toward a dead end.

But here’s where the story flips…

There came a moment—a deep, internal shift—when Will knew something had to change. Not just the circumstances. Him.

He walked through the doors of The Other Side Academy and spent over five and a half years rebuilding the very foundation of who he was. And in that process, he discovered something powerful:

He was meant for more.

Today, Will shows up in a way the old version of him would have never believed. He gives back what was freely given to him. He walks with people still “in the trenches”—people who are just as broken as he once was, but also just as capable of rising. He takes accountability. He honors his growth. And he chases dreams that once would’ve terrified him.

Because as he says—and lives—

“If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.”

Will knows his journey is only beginning. He knows his Higher Power has more in store. And today, he’s ready for it.

This episode isn’t just about transformation—it’s about permission. It’s about possibility. It’s about what happens when someone decides to bet on themselves, no matter how dark their past was.

Watercourse way / Watercourse Way Wellness Services LLC

Will@watercoursewellness.org

801-889-9360

Another powerful episode in the books

In this conversation, we stripped away the noise and got real about what the modern man is facing today. We talked about the importance of exercise, not just for the body but for the mind — how movement becomes medicine, and how it anchors us when life feels heavy.

We dove into emotional situations, anger, and the pressures men carry that often go unspoken. Society has trained men to believe vulnerability equals weakness… but in reality, vulnerability is where strength is born. It’s where healing begins. It’s where truth lives.

We also unpacked the “victim mindset” — how easy it is to sit in the passenger seat of your own life, and how damaging that can be. At the end of the day, we all have a choice. Your path is yours to walk. Your well-being is your responsibility. No one can do the inner work for you.

And maybe the biggest message of all: Love yourself. Be kind to yourself. Stop labeling yourself — and stop labeling others.

Men are carrying more than most people will ever see, and half the battle is learning how to treat yourself with the same compassion you give the world.

This episode is raw, honest, and needed. If you’re a man who’s been battling in silence… or someone who loves a man who is… this one will hit home.

CHECK OUT MAN TO MAN PODCAST ON SPOTIFY with Logan Adams & Ben Benedict

https://open.spotify.com/show/2vr1CPWjtujBfzec0J7dg3?si=0fDjeskfS5OHg7SZl5XIpw

Fit2Recover / https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=FIT2RECOVER

“Friday’s conversation reminded me of something we don’t talk about enough…

Growth doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t have to be perfect. And it sure doesn’t have to look like what anyone else says it should.

I sat down with Michelle Peacock—founder of Michelle Cares Inc.—and what stood out most wasn’t just what she’s built… it’s how she lives it.

We talked about something simple, but powerful… giving back. Volunteering. Showing up. Not because you have it all figured out—but because you’re willing to take one step forward.

For so many in recovery, confidence gets lost along the way. And Michelle shared how something as small as helping someone else… can be the very thing that helps you start believing in yourself again.

This episode is real. It’s human. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t fancy—it’s connection, it’s laughter, it’s showing up… even when you feel like you’re held together with coffee and determination.

Growth is absolutely possible… and this conversation proves it.”

michellecares.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551563316118

Life has a way of sending us in circles. We swear we’re choosing differently… only to find ourselves with the same type of partner, the same pain, the same heartbreak — again. And then the question hits us like a brick:

“WHY DO I KEEP DOING THIS?”

In this episode, Laney Lawrimore helps us break down the truth behind co-dependency — not as a label, but as a pattern of survival we’ve lived in for far too long.

We unpack the many faces of co-dependency:

• People-pleasing

• Enabling

• Emotional rescuing

• Being the savior

• Becoming the fixer

• Carrying the weight of everyone else’s chaos while ignoring our own

Here’s the hard truth:

We cannot fix or change anyone else, especially when we’re drowning in the same behaviors ourselves.

And the more we try to save others, the more we quietly destroy our own life.

Laney shared something powerful — God will continue giving us the same lesson until we finally learn it. Once we recognize the pattern, everything shifts. Life starts aligning. Clarity shows up. Peace begins to return.

Co-dependency convinces us that love means carrying someone else’s life on our back. But real love — healthy love — begins with taking responsibility for our own healing first.

Because when we don’t, we rob others of the accountability they desperately need… and we rob ourselves of the freedom God is trying to give us.

And here’s the reminder we all need:

We were never meant to do life on our own.

Call it God, the Universe, Spirit — it doesn’t matter. What matters is recognizing that healing requires something bigger than us. Strength comes from surrender. Freedom comes from letting go of what was never ours to carry.

This episode is a wake-up call, a mirror, and a roadmap out of despair and into a life of emotional freedom.

You can find Laney on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

Today’s conversation with Rachel Liddell hit deep. We talked about something that far too many people avoid, and yet it’s the doorway to a better life: accountability.

For so many of us, especially those who’ve battled addiction, it’s easier to play the victim. It’s easier to point fingers, blame circumstances, or believe life is happening to us instead of the choices we’ve made. But as Rachel said so perfectly — when you can OWN YOUR SHIT, there’s freedom in that. Real freedom. The kind that cracks you open and lets you rebuild.

We also went somewhere people don’t talk about enough: the pain of the families on the other side of addiction. Rachel said something raw and brutally honest:

“I’d rather be in my own addiction than be a loved one watching someone I care about battle theirs.”

That one stopped me. Because it’s real. Families live in a constant storm — anger, fear, heartbreak, confusion — all tangled into a knot they can’t untie. They don’t know what to do. They don’t know what’s enough. They don’t know when to hold on or when to let go. And like Rachel said, it all comes down to doing what you can live with.

Rachel is now helping others learn how to do something that sounds impossible:

Be comfortable in the chaos.

Be open to receiving.

Understand that willingness cannot have a threshold.

And her story? It’s as powerful as her message.

There’s a big difference between someone who talks about recovery… and someone who has lived it, fought for it, and stood at the Capitol advocating for it.

For years, Evan Done has been in the trenches — not just attending meetings, not just offering opinions — but actively working at our State Capitol to push for better policies, better access, and better pathways for people battling addiction and homelessness.

And here’s what people need to understand:

Most individuals struggling with addiction want help.

They’re not asking for a free ride.

They’re asking for a clear road.

But the system can be confusing.

Resources are scattered.

Recovery centers aren’t always aligned.

And too often, policies are written by people who have never sat across from someone shaking through withdrawal or sleeping in their car wondering how they got there.

That’s why representation matters.

When someone who understands trauma, stigma, barriers to treatment, and the reality of homelessness has a seat at the table — policies change. Conversations change. Outcomes change.

Evan doesn’t see “addicts.”

He sees human beings.

He sees potential.

He sees families who just need a bridge back to stability.

Voting for someone like Evan isn’t about politics.

It’s about putting someone in office who understands that recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all… and that real change requires compassion, accountability, and smarter systems.

For the recovery community — for the families — for the ones still suffering in silence —

Having someone like Evan in that seat would be HUGE.

Because when the right representative is in the room…

hope finally has a voice.

Website: https://www.evandone.com/

Email: evan@evandone.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voteevandone

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voteevandone/

Evan Done (he/him/his - why pronouns?)

Advocacy & Public Policy Director

O: (385) 210-0320 x110 | M: (801) 215-9285

180 East 2100 South, Suite 100, Salt Lake City, UT 84115

Book an appointment with me.

www.utahrecovers.org

Today’s episode, “The Breath Box, The Magical Combination,” was a powerful conversation with Laura Anderson, Manager of The Breath Box Studio. We explored a different kind of healing—one that goes beyond talking and reaches into the body, the nervous system, and the breath itself.

Laura shared how The Breath Box creates a deeply immersive experience through a unique combination of breathing techniques, sound, tones, hertz, and frequencies designed to help people regulate the body, release emotional blocks, and reconnect with themselves in a profound way. We talked about the importance of understanding that the brain is not a Google search—it doesn’t instantly process pain, trauma, stress, or life’s hardest experiences. It needs time, space, and the right environment to slow down, feel safe, and heal.

This episode highlights how intentional breathwork can support somatic healing, emotional clarity, inner peace, and a more grounded life. If you’ve been carrying stress, anxiety, guilt, trauma, or emotional heaviness, this conversation opens the door to a healing modality that is both powerful and deeply personal.

Free Breath Box Online Community Event:

April 17th @ 6pm CST

"Stress & Anxiety"

Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/99685419246?pwd=xlbuZCjz6x4RR93ZfWffsD31ZIcIYK.1

Laura Anderson

Breath Box Studio Manager

Laura@breathbox.studio

-Just Put The Headphones On-

(210) 560 0377

info@breathbox.studio

20122 Stone Oak Parkway Suite 104, San Antonio, Texas 78258

Follow Us:

Instagram:

@thebreathbox.studio

Facebook:

The Breath Box Studio

TikTok:

@the.breath.box

Life has a way of testing us in ways we never expect. For Jimmy and me, that test came in the form of losing a leg — a challenge that forces you to redefine what “normal” means and find strength in the face of change.

In this powerful conversation, we talk about the journey of adapting to a new normal — one that keeps evolving — and how a positive mindset can fuel healing, even on the toughest days. Because at the end of the day, attitude is everything. We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can always control how we respond.

Jimmy’s story is one of grit, faith, and unshakable determination. After battling Type II diabetes and enduring 22 surgeries, he made one of the hardest choices of his life — the amputation of his right leg below the knee. But rather than let that moment define him, Jimmy chose to rise.

Within months, he was walking again. Thriving. Rebuilding his strength, purpose, and identity. His discipline, forged through years of football and military service, became the foundation for his comeback. And now, through his book “Choose Your Lemonade”, Jimmy inspires others to turn life’s hardest moments into fuel for growth.

This episode is a testament to what happens when resilience meets purpose — when loss becomes the doorway to strength, and when the human spirit refuses to quit.

Just because we’ve lost a limb… doesn’t mean we’ve lost our limits.

Today’s conversation bridges science, healing, and hope — a powerful look at how NAD+ supports the brain during addiction recovery.

Joining me are two incredible guests:

This Episode was sponsored By EMERGO ACADEMY / emergoacademy.com

Dr. Darin Stettler, D.O., founder of Stettler Medical Monitoring, a University of Utah alum and osteopathic physician who’s helping patients heal through regenerative and functional medicine — from cellular repair and stem cell therapy to NAD+ and peptides. Dr. Stettler combines science and compassion to restore biological balance and long-term health.

And Joey Perea, owner of Hydrate IV Bar South Jordan and partner at Stettler Medical, whose personal story hits home for anyone touched by addiction. Joey grew up in a family shaped by both recovery and relapse. After watching his father lose 25 years of sobriety following a painful cancer battle and opioid treatment, Joey has turned his own platform into a voice for awareness — showing how therapies like NAD+, IV nutrients, and peptides can support both the body and brain during healing.

This episode dives deep into how cellular repair fuels emotional repair — how restoring your body’s chemistry can help restore your mind’s clarity, energy, and resilience.

💡 Key Talking Points

How Joey’s childhood shaped his understanding of addiction, relapse, and recovery.

What Dr. Stettler has learned about the brain’s cellular needs during recovery.

The role NAD+ plays in energy metabolism, neurotransmitter balance, and reducing cravings.

Why modern recovery should look beyond “willpower” and into cellular renewal.

How science and story come together — with Joey’s advocacy and Dr. Stettler’s medical insight — to show that healing happens from the inside out.

“Recovery isn’t just mental or spiritual — it’s biological. When we repair the cells, we give the mind a fighting chance to heal.”

Stettler Medical @ Hydrate IV Bar

www.hydrateivbar.com

Joey@hydrateivbar.com

In this raw and powerful episode, Al Richards and Heather Van Boerum open up in a deep and thought-provoking conversation about the unexpected parallels between addiction and amputation — two life-altering battles that demand resilience, faith, and the will to rise again.

Whether you’ve battled substance use or faced the loss of a limb, the journey toward healing is often the same. It’s about learning to say:

👉 “I am not my addiction.”

👉 “I am not my amputation.”

Both experiences strip us down to our core, forcing us to redefine who we are beyond our pain, our losses, and our scars. Al and his guest dive into how these struggles test the human spirit, and how, through faith, perseverance, and the right support, we can rebuild our lives — stronger, wiser, and more compassionate than before.

Key Takeaways:

How addiction and amputation both challenge identity — and how reclaiming your “why” can change everything.

The importance of mindset: the stories you tell yourself shape your recovery and your reality.

The power of a Higher Power — why spiritual grounding matters when life tests your limits.

The role of community and connection: no one can do this alone.

Turning pain into purpose: using adversity as fuel for transformation.

“The proofing God puts us through isn’t punishment — it’s preparation. It’s how we become enriched, refined, and ready to rise.”

Listen in if:

You’re seeking strength after loss, hope after struggle, or faith in the face of the impossible. This episode is a reminder that no matter what’s been taken from you, you still have the power to rebuild — one day, one step at a time.

The Magic Is in the Consistency

Guest: Chris Avery — “Chris Runs America”

What if transformation wasn’t about massive leaps… but about one faithful step, repeated over time?

Chris Avery knows a thing or two about that. After five runs over twenty years, he made a decision on January 8, 2022 — just one mile a day for a week. That week became ninety days… then years of daily runs averaging sixteen miles a day. Now, he’s preparing for Chris Runs America, a 2027 journey where he’ll run 32 miles a day for 365 straight, circling the entire United States with his family by his side.

But this conversation goes way deeper than running. It’s about calling. It’s about the courage to move from hesitation to holy action — to trust God’s forge where character, clarity, and confidence are refined.

We talk about the truth behind hustle and grind — how it wears you down and pulls you from purpose. Chris shares how real growth isn’t found in the sprint, but in the “slow drip” of consistency. He drops a line that’ll stick with you:

“People prefer known hells over unknown heavens.”

Let that sink in.

This episode is about breaking that cycle — choosing formation over performance, obedience over overwhelm, and trusting that every small, consistent step leads to something sacred.

Because the magic? It’s not in the speed.

It’s in the consistency.

chrisavery.com

Instagram @chrisaverycoaching

“Digital Dependence”

We live in a world where silence feels uncomfortable…

where stillness feels foreign…

and where reaching for our phones has become second nature.

But today’s conversation challenges that.

In this episode of The Other Side of Addiction, I sat down with Eli Singer, founder of Offline.now, to talk about something that doesn’t get labeled enough for what it really is… digital dependence.

Not addiction in the traditional sense…

but a constant need for stimulation, distraction, and escape.

And here’s the truth—

most people aren’t lacking discipline…

They’re lacking confidence.

Eli brings a refreshing, non-judgmental approach to digital wellness—one that doesn’t rely on extreme detoxes or unrealistic rules. Instead, he focuses on small, practical shifts that create real change in everyday moments:

• The chaos of mornings

• The tension around homework

• The disconnect at dinner

• The scroll before bed

Because change doesn’t happen in extremes…

it happens in the moments we usually overlook.

We also went deeper—into the why.

Why do we constantly seek stimulation?

Why does silence feel so uncomfortable?

Why do so many people feel shame around their habits?

The answer isn’t weakness.

It’s human behavior.

And just like recovery…

there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Here is a link to Eli's website

https://offline.now/

“OFF THE CUFF” With Dr. James Dixon.

In this two part unfiltered and deeply human conversation, Al Richards sits down with Dr. James Dixon — nationally acclaimed motivational speaker, Chief Impact Officer of Impact Media Group, and visionary founder of the Elevate The Voices movement.

From surviving a near-death moment when a gun was held to his face to sharing stages with icons like Les Brown and Jeff Hoffman (founder of Priceline.com), Dr. Dixon’s story is one of courage, clarity, and calling.

Together, Al and Dr. Dixon go off the cuff — diving into resilience, self-accountability, and the power of walking away from what no longer serves your growth. They talk about staying on your own side of the street, loving yourself enough to rise, and giving back so others can do the same.

This episode is a reminder that transformation doesn’t happen in comfort zones — it happens when you decide to move forward with purpose.

Key themes:

The courage to leave behind what no longer serves you

Resilience and accountability in personal growth

Loving yourself enough to take care of others the right way

Building legacy through service and purpose

Mic-drop takeaway:

“Sometimes walking away isn’t quitting — it’s choosing to live your purpose.”

YouTube is Elevatethevoicesofficial 

website is elevatethevoicesofficial.com

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Aida Woodward, motivational speaker, author, and the face of Ageless Vitality. Aida shares her insights on personal gratitude, mindset, and embracing the process of aging with vitality. With over 20 years of experience helping people achieve their health goals, Aida combines her approachable, “girl next door” demeanor with practical tools for transformation—covering fitness, nutrition, and mental wellness. She’s a true activist for health, encouraging us all to see age as an opportunity, not a limitation.

Her books, Age with Vitality and Eat Like Your Life Depends on It, highlight the healing power of food as medicine and provide actionable strategies for living a vibrant, energized life—no matter your age.

Tune in and discover how gratitude, mindset, and purposeful choices can help you thrive at every stage of life.

Every day I am so grateful for a body and mind that is strong and capable, confident and courageous, that craves healthy foods, healthy thoughts, healthy relationships and a healthy life!

Books:

EAT LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT:

https://a.co/d/a3yZk5p

AGE WITH VITALITY:

https://a.co/d/aADSDbP

Ageless Vitality: Empowering Women to Thrive through Mindset, Movement, Nutrition and Holistic Health!

INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/ageless_vitality_with_aida/

YOU TUBE:

www.youtube.com/@Ageless_Vitality_With_Aida

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/aida.woodward.92

In this episode of The Other Side of Addiction, we dive deep into the powerful intersection of mind, body, and connection. True healing isn’t just about abstaining from substances—it’s about reconnecting with yourself, understanding how your mind and body are intertwined, and fostering meaningful relationships that support growth. We explore practical ways to cultivate balance, strengthen your mental and physical health, and build connections that uplift and sustain you through life’s challenges.

Whether you’re navigating recovery, personal growth, or simply looking to create a more connected life, this episode offers insight, strategies, and inspiration to help you show up fully for yourself and others. Tune in to discover how nurturing your mind and body can transform the way you relate to the world—and to yourself.

There’s a dangerous illusion that lives even inside recovery…

The belief that “my way is the way.”

Today’s conversation with Peter Anthony challenged that head-on.

We talked about spirituality, ego, and the uncomfortable truth that even in spaces meant for healing… people still judge, shame, and divide.

We convince ourselves we’re different. Unique. Set apart.

But the truth?

We’re not as different as we think.

We’re all searching for the same things:

Peace. Purpose. Freedom. Love.

And yet… some still shame others for how they get there.

Because their path didn’t look the same.

Because it didn’t require the same tools.

Because it didn’t follow the same rules.

But here’s the shift—

Recovery is not about discipline alone.

It’s about learning to love yourself enough to choose life.

Not once… but over and over again.

And when we shame someone for how they heal…

That’s not strength.

That’s ego.

That’s immaturity.

That’s forgetting what it felt like to be broken.

The Truth That Changes Everything

There may be sacred texts.

There may be teachings.

There may be principles.

But there is no single human path that fits every soul.

God didn’t create copies.

He created individuals.

And every path is personal.

So when we judge someone else’s recovery…

We’re not protecting truth.

We’re protecting our ego.

Stop asking,

“Why aren’t they doing it my way?”

Start asking,

“Are they healing?”

Because if they are…

Then love them.

Support them.

Respect them.

Replace judgment with compassion.

Replace ego with humility.

Replace shame with love.

This is exactly why Healing Utah Success Summit exists.

Because we are done with:

❌ Policing recovery

❌ Ranking journeys

❌ Shaming people for surviving differently

And we are standing for something greater:

✔️ Compassion over stigma

✔️ Truth over silence

✔️ Education over judgment

✔️ Hope over shame

We believe:

There is no single path to recovery.

Only the courage to begin.

And if someone is choosing life—

no matter what that looks like—

That is worth celebrating.

healingsuccesssummit.com

The INCubator... https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YGM8_J8mT8w?feature=share

http://theincubatormarketingagency.com

In this episode, we explore the power of the choices we make today and how they shape who we become tomorrow. We dive into the idea that small changes—sometimes almost invisible at first—can create monumental shifts in our lives.

We also discuss how our mistakes aren’t failures—they’re stepping stones that make us wiser, stronger, and more valuable. When we focus on growth, we don’t just see who we are today; we begin to see who we can become.

It’s a reminder that transformation doesn’t happen all at once. It happens one choice, one action, and one courageous step at a time.

Today on The Other Side of Addiction, we dive into the transformative power of unconditional love—starting with yourself. In this episode, we explore how loving over judgment, embodying peace, and breaking free from old patterns can help us rediscover our own power to live a more joyful, fulfilling life. Life isn’t happening to us—it’s happening for us. And when we learn to understand ourselves deeply, we realize that we are limitless.

My guest, Kerri Lewis, has walked a path through deep suffering, navigating trauma and addiction. Her journey of healing and transformation has shown her—and now us—that embracing unconditional love is not only possible but life-changing. Drawing from psychology, neuroscience, and spiritual wisdom, Kerri has created a life of true liberation. After 24 years leading in corporate America, she now dedicates herself to creating safe, welcoming spaces where people can explore who they really are, away from the pressures of what they “should” be. As a passionate speaker and coach, she helps individuals and organizations break free from old patterns, rediscover their power, and live fully.

In this episode, we dive into the journey of change—how we leave behind who we used to be and come face-to-face with the life we lost chasing the next high, the next drink, the next escape. Bryon, only three years into his recovery, shares the weight of his past—the bridges burned, the loved ones pushed away, and the years stolen by addiction.

Yet, amidst the regret, there’s a profound truth: the promise of who he was meant to be still exists. By accepting who he was then and embracing who he has become today, Bryon exemplifies the power of recovery, resilience, and transformation. His story reminds us all that it’s never too late to reclaim yourself, chase your dreams, and honor the person you were always meant to become.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Amber Kay, a Certified Peer Support Specialist, community leader, and advocate in long-term recovery. Amber is deeply committed to building connections, creating safe spaces for healing, and supporting individuals and families impacted by addiction, trauma, and mental health. Through her work, she empowers others to discover their inner strength, embrace hope, and step into a life of purpose.

We dive into what it truly means to live recovery with intention and purpose, exploring how the universe tests us and challenges us to show up authentically. Amber and I talk about the courage it takes to face your truth, heal, and not shy away from your voice—because your journey matters, and everyone’s path is different.

“On today’s episode, To Leave A Legacy, The Ballroom Dancer, I sit down with Mallory Patton—a woman whose life has been anything but ordinary. From the age of five, Mallory was destined for the spotlight. Trained by her parents, both professional dancers from Brigham Young University, she went on to place 1st in the United States National Ballroom Competition in 2007.

But behind the spotlight was a woman struggling. After a toxic marriage, heartbreak, and the devastating realization she couldn’t have children, Mallory turned to alcohol and found herself on a painful roller coaster of relationships and addiction. Yet, it was in those lowest moments that she discovered something bigger—her purpose.

“What if your magnificence was never lost… only buried beneath fear, pain, and programming?”

On this episode, we explore what it really means to discover the magnificence that already lives inside each of us.

For many of us, life programs us through fear, pain, trauma, and expectations. Over time we begin to believe those stories are who we are. But the truth is, they are only layers placed on top of something much deeper.

Discovering your magnificence is the journey of coming back to yourself.

We talk about what it takes to stay present with our emotions instead of running from them, how to sit with discomfort, and how to begin recognizing the difference between fear-based programming and the voice of our true spirit.

We also touch on difficult realities many people face—addiction, suicidal thoughts, and the feeling of losing ourselves along the way. But even in those darkest places, there is still a possibility waiting to return.

Because discovering your magnificence doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process. A decision. A willingness to look inward.

And once that decision is made, something powerful begins to happen. Whether you call it God, a Higher Power, or the spirit within, help begins to appear. Guidance shows up. People enter your life. Doors begin to open.

One thing becomes clear: we were never meant to do this alone.

The magnificence we’re searching for isn’t something we have to earn or create.

It’s something we learn to reconnect with — the spirit that has been inside us all along.

CHECK OUT RANDY'S NEWEST BOOK ON AMAZON... Staying, Addiction, Suicidal Ideation and the Return of Possibility

**“Today’s episode is a story of vision, resilience, and purpose. Our guest, Michelle, is the founder of Michelle Cares Inc., a community-rooted organization built on healing, hope, and transformation. Her journey began at just 11 years old, when she was first introduced to the harsh realities of addiction—a path that would test her strength, but ultimately ignite her purpose.

Michelle has walked through pain and uncertainty and emerged as a survivor, a leader, and a light for others navigating their own darkness. Through daily practices like affirmations, reflective journaling, and giving back, she’s cultivated strength, clarity, and a deep spiritual connection. She now uses those gifts to welcome individuals from treatment centers, help them find belonging, and show them that recovery is not only possible but powerful.

Three years ago, Tory Trout was homeless, strung out on meth, and staring down a long prison sentence. With most of his life spent behind bars, he stood at a crossroads — give in and go back, or fight for the freedom and future he’d always dreamed of.

Tory chose to fight.

With the help of recovery programs, relentless determination, and the unshakable want to, he transformed his life from surviving day-to-day to truly living. Today, Tory stands as living proof that no matter how far you’ve fallen, if you have the want to and the will to stay strong, you can build the life you’ve always longed for.

What happens when life takes more than it gives? When you lose a limb, your partner, your sense of identity—and you're still here? Not just surviving, but leading, loving, and lifting others?

This episode flips the mic.

Host Dave Kenney interviews Al Richards, diving into the raw, unfiltered journey behind the man who lives what others only teach: resilience.

From trauma to finding spiritual strength in the middle of the storm—this isn’t just a story of bouncing back. It’s a story of breaking open, of rising different, deeper, and more connected. Because some talk about resilience. Some write books. Some teach it. But Al Richards? He lives it.

I sat down with Adam Nugent from Burn Up Podcast to discuss, "TRUTH"

Truth isn’t just about telling the truth to others — it’s about living it within ourselves. It’s waking up every day and asking: Am I living in alignment with who I really am?

To be true to yourself requires courage.

Courage to face your habits, your patterns, your distractions.

Courage to look at the ways you avoid, deflect, or self-abandon.

And above all, courage to own your desires — the body you want, the relationship you crave, the money you know you're capable of making, the strength of mind and spirit you deserve to embody.

In today’s episode, I sit down with an inspiring guest and the founder of CaliSober Recovery, a groundbreaking program that's reshaping the way we think about healing and recovery. Far from the traditional models, CaliSober embraces a holistic wellness approach rooted in spiritual growth, plant medicine, and personal sovereignty.

We dive deep into:

🌿 The philosophy behind CaliSober and how it's offering a new path for those in recovery, especially for people who don’t resonate with the one-size-fits-all models.

🧘‍♂️ The integration of cannabis and psychedelics like mushrooms in recovery — not as escapes, but as tools for healing, self-discovery, and trauma work.

🔥 The power of spiritual exploration, whether that means God, the universe, nature, or community. that's just naming a few.

LADIES, YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!

What does it really mean to activate your life? On this episode of The Other Side of Addiction, we’re joined by Shaun Johnson—a 41-year-old Arizona native, athlete, and soul-led wellness advocate—who helps others align with their highest truth through health, healing, and heart-led transformation.

Shaun’s journey is one of radical resilience and deep soul work. Having walked through the fires of domestic violence, childhood trauma, betrayal, and significant health struggles, she didn’t let the darkness define her. Instead, she alchemized her pain into purpose. Her life mantra, “the mess becomes the message,” is more than words—it’s the foundation of how she now lives, loves, and leads.

In today’s soul-stirring episode of The Other Side of Addiction, we welcome a remarkable woman whose story of grit, growth, and God is nothing short of inspiring. A single mom of five beautiful children, she shares how hitting rock bottom behind bars became the launching point for a brand new life—one rooted in purpose, self-love, and unwavering faith.

Addicted at 13 and caught in a cycle of toxic relationships, she thought she had no way out—until March 3rd, 2022. That day changed everything. Not only is it her sober date, it’s also the day she surrendered to something greater than herself.

Could I have done more?

Why couldn’t I save them?

Did they know how much I loved them?

Were my boundaries not enough—or too much?

These thoughts become a relentless loop of heartbreak and helplessness. We talk about the heavy reality that even when we show up with love and support, the choices others make still belong to them. And yet... it doesn’t make the pain any easier.

When we think of addiction, we often picture substances, behavior, and consequences. But what if addiction goes deeper than that—into the stories we tell ourselves, and the thoughts we repeat until they become beliefs?

In this episode of The Other Side of Addiction, we explored a powerful concept: Addiction Hypnosis. The idea that our mind—left unchecked—can run the same destructive program on repeat. That’s where the cycle begins:

Thoughts → Feelings → Actions → Results

It all starts with a single thought.

“I’m not good enough.”

“I’ll never change.”

“No one loves me.”

These thoughts aren’t just words—they create emotions. And those emotions drive our choices. Before long, we’re acting on a script we didn’t even choose. That’s what we mean by hypnosis. You’re not asleep, but you’re not fully awake either. You’re stuck in a trance of past pain, shame, and patterns.

But here’s the good news:

You can wake up.

You can interrupt the cycle.

You can rewrite the story.

And it starts with love—self-love. Not the kind that’s earned or proven, but the kind that’s chosen. Every healing journey begins the moment you stop fighting yourself and start accepting who you are, right now, mess and all.

This episode is for anyone who feels caught in the loop—whether it’s addiction, shame, or just the feeling of being stuck. You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And your story isn’t over.

If you're interested in working with Dori Olds she can reached at @801-674-7329 @dori_olds19

Whether you're missing a limb, battling an addiction, or carrying invisible scars, one thing is certain—it takes resilience to walk through the darkness in search of the light. In this episode, I sit down with a fellow amputee who, like me, knows what it means to face life-altering challenges head-on. But this conversation goes beyond physical loss—it's about the mindset it takes to keep going when everything inside you wants to quit. We all face storms. The real question is: How do you navigate your thoughts and emotions in those moments?

Jeff Soelburg is the Author of POINTED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. You can find his book on AMAZON

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MATTERS.

Giving back isn’t just a step in recovery—it’s a step toward becoming who we’re meant to be. Whether you’re walking through recovery yourself or simply someone who cares, your time and presence can change lives.

🧠 It’s not about having the perfect words.

Sometimes it’s just showing up. Listening. Helping someone feel seen.

❤️ You don’t need to be in recovery to give your time.

You just need to care enough to connect.

Because service is powerful. It keeps us grounded, reminds us what really matters, and builds bridges where isolation used to live.

🛠️ And for those in recovery—giving back keeps the fire lit. It’s how we stay humble, stay grateful, and stay strong.

Some people choose recovery once.

Others have to choose it over and over again — through grief, loss, heartbreak, and life’s hardest blows.

Raven Writing Bird is an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe and a proud Cree woman. She is a single mother of four, a CNA, and more than six years into recovery from crystal meth. But her story doesn’t stop at sobriety.

Raven has survived addiction, incarceration, toxic and abusive relationships — and while in recovery, she endured unimaginable loss: her father, her mother, her best friend, and her brother. Many would understand if she relapsed under that weight.

She didn’t.

Here’s the truth:

Learned behavior is not your identity.

And more importantly—you have a choice.

When someone takes control over you—your body, your voice, your safety—it can feel like you're constantly chasing the illusion of getting your life back. You're trying to reclaim something that was stolen, to patch up the pieces of your identity. But what if the truth is... the only way to truly reclaim your life is to surrender the chase?

In today’s conversation, we unpack what it means to stop reaching outward for control and start turning inward—to the power that’s been there all along.

"Growing up in a home clouded by addiction, Stephanie watched chaos become her normal. From late-night drives to escape violence, to turning in her own parents to protect her brothers—she's walked through the fire more than once. She became a mother at sixteen, fought her way out of abuse, lost both her parents, and nearly lost herself in the process. But at rock bottom, Stephanie chose life

In this powerful episode, my guest Adam Baxter shares the raw truth behind his recovery journey that began on February 25, 2016, after being arrested in 2015 on five felony distribution charges related to methamphetamine. Adam opens up about his time in Tooele County Jail, the five-year prison sentence he faced, and the second chance he was given through drug court and probation. With grit, grace, and the support of recovery, Adam completed both programs by 2017—transforming his felonies into misdemeanors and reclaiming his life.

That moment became a turning point.

Getting sober isn’t the finish line.

It’s the doorway. In this episode of The Other Side of Addiction, Amber Rabold shares what life really looks like after the chaos quiets down. Six years sober. A full-time mother. A life coach. A woman still learning, still falling, still rising.

We talked about something that doesn’t get enough attention:

The further you get into sobriety… the less it’s about the addiction

https://liftedlifecoaching.com/

https://www.facebook.com/amber.brinson.904

In this raw and powerful episode, Jonathan opens up about his journey from a life of destruction to long-term recovery. He shares how drugs and alcohol were never the real problem—his mindset was.

Her social media handles:

YouTube - Call Me Angie the Amputee or its.ang.b

Instagram- @its.ang.b

Instagram- @historylovewithang

TikTok - @its.ang.b

Facebook- Angie Garr Barnett

Facebook - @deals.with.ang

Lived Experiences with Danielle Davidson

On this episode of The Other Side of Addiction, we're honored to welcome Danielle — a shining example of how lived experience can transform not only one life but entire communities. From surviving an overdose to becoming a leader in mental health and recovery services, Danielle's journey is a powerful testament to the strength of resilience, the importance of peer support, and the life-changing impact of second chances. Tune in as we dive into her inspiring story, the role of advocacy in breaking down stigma, and how personal experience can pave the way for hope and healing.

Danielle Davidson, PSS, FPSS-- (she/her/hers)

Director of Organizational Development

Havenhelps.com

On this episode of The Other Side of Addiction, we're honored to welcome Danielle — a shining example of how lived experience can transform not only one life but entire communities. From surviving an overdose to becoming a leader in mental health and recovery services, Danielle's journey is a powerful testament to the strength of resilience, the importance of peer support, and the life-changing impact of second chances. Tune in as we dive into her inspiring story, the role of advocacy in breaking down stigma, and how personal experience can pave the way for hope and healing.

Danielle Davidson, PSS, FPSS-- (she/her/hers)

Director of Organizational Development

Havenhelps.com

Kari's role as a harm reduction advocate and Peer Support Specialist is actively involved in supporting individuals dealing with substance use challenges. Harm reduction approaches focus on minimizing the negative consequences associated with drug use, emphasizing practical strategies and compassionate support.

Personality is more like the outer layer—it’s how we present ourselves to the world. It includes our habits, behaviors, and the traits that make us unique, like being outgoing, reserved, funny, or analytical. Personality is often shaped by genetics and environment, and it can shift over time, but it’s generally the part of us that others notice first.

Character, on the other hand, is the foundation—it’s who we truly are when no one is watching. It’s built over time through choices, struggles, and values. Character reflects our integrity, honesty, resilience, and moral compass. Unlike personality, which can be somewhat superficial or even adaptable depending on the situation, character is what remains steady and defines how we handle adversity, relationships, and life’s biggest challenges.

Some journeys don’t begin with strength.

They begin with heartbreak.

In this episode, I sat down with Brekelle Bott — and what unfolded was a conversation about grief, vulnerability, and the kind of love that stretches beyond ourselves.

We talked about losing her father at 18. About the kind of grief that doesn’t clock out. About how love never ends — it just changes form. Grief doesn’t mean we stop loving someone. It means the love is still there… with nowhere to land.

And grief shows up differently for all of us.

Sometimes it’s tears.

Sometimes it’s anger.

Sometimes it’s numbing.

It’s not always manipulation — sometimes it’s a defense mechanism protecting deep fear and shame.

In this episode, I sat down with Amber Hollingsworth, who shared why empathy — not emotional reactions — is the key to breaking through denial and rebuilding connection.

As spouses, anger shows up.

As parents, fear takes over.

But emotional choices often create more distance, not recovery.

Empathy doesn’t mean enabling.

It means responding with intention, setting healthy boundaries, and staying connected without losing yourself.

In this episode, Todd Sylvester and I dive into the truth most people miss: adversity isn’t here to punish you—it’s here to wake you up. We talk about how pain often becomes the doorway to purpose, how every struggle carries a lesson, and why the “message in the mirror” is the one we can’t afford to ignore. We unpack the lies we tell ourselves—

What Deborah reminded us today is that you are not broken—you’re becoming. Your past isn’t a life sentence, it’s raw material. When you stop fighting who you were and start owning your story, something shifts. Healing begins. Power returns. And the very thing you thought disqualified you becomes the reason you’re uniquely equipped to help others rise. Kick shame to the curb. Speak your truth. Create the life you were always meant to live. That journey often turns into what she called a spiritual bootcamp—uncomfortable, challenging, and absolutely life-changing.

Deborah’s story is living proof of that transformation.

Some stories don’t just inspire you—they challenge you. They remind you of what’s possible when a person refuses to stay who they used to be. Will’s story is one of those stories.

With 25 years of lived experience in the system beginning at just 12 years old, Will’s early life was marked by instability, addiction, trauma, and survival. He never knew his mother, his father battled alcoholism, and he was bounced from home to home with a poor-me mindset that shaped his childhood and teenage years. As the years went on, that pain turned into chaos—six trips to prison, 6–7 overdoses, and a life spinning faster and faster toward a dead end.

But here’s where the story flips…

We dove into emotional situations, anger, and the pressures men carry that often go unspoken. Society has trained men to believe vulnerability equals weakness… but in reality, vulnerability is where strength is born. It’s where healing begins. It’s where truth lives.

We also unpacked the “victim mindset” — how easy it is to sit in the passenger seat of your own life, and how damaging that can be.

“WHY DO I KEEP DOING THIS?”

In this episode, Laney Lawrimore helps us break down the truth behind co-dependency — not as a label, but as a pattern of survival we’ve lived in for far too long.

We unpack the many faces of co-dependency:

• People-pleasing

• Enabling

• Emotional rescuing

• Being the savior

• Becoming the fixer

• Carrying the weight of everyone else’s chaos while ignoring our own

Today’s conversation with Rachel Liddell hit deep. We talked about something that far too many people avoid, and yet it’s the doorway to a better life: accountability.

For so many of us, especially those who’ve battled addiction, it’s easier to play the victim. It’s easier to point fingers, blame circumstances, or believe life is happening to us instead of because of the choices we’ve made. But as Rachel said so perfectly — when you can OWN YOUR SHIT, there’s freedom in that. Real freedom. The kind that cracks you open and lets you rebuild.

We also went somewhere people don’t talk about enough: the pain of the families on the other side of addiction. Rachel said something raw and brutally honest:

“I’d rather be in my own addiction than be a loved one watching someone I care about battle theirs.”

In this special episode, we flip the script—this time, I’m the one being interviewed. Life has thrown some heavy challenges my way these past few weeks, including the devastating news that I may lose my right leg due to two failed surgeries. The question is—how do you handle news like that? What thoughts run through your mind? And more importantly, do you choose the right road or the wrong one?

I lay my vulnerability on the table, sharing the raw emotions, fears, and mental battles I’ve faced.

In this deeply moving conversation, Austin Kiser opens his heart about losing his brother to suicide on October 23, 2023. What followed was a roller coaster of emotions — grief, numbness, and the heavy weight of realizing just how fragile life can be.

But out of that pain came purpose. Austin began to look inward and then outward — learning neurology, reshaping his identity, and discovering that self-discovery is the purpose of life. He didn’t just survive his grief; he allowed it to move through him and help him thrive.

In this powerful conversation, we talk about the journey of adapting to a new normal — one that keeps evolving — and how a positive mindset can fuel healing, even on the toughest days. Because at the end of the day, attitude is everything. We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can always control how we respond.

This Episode was sponsored By EMERGO ACADEMY / emergoacademy.com

Dr. Darin Stettler, D.O., founder of Stettler Medical Monitoring, a University of Utah alum and osteopathic physician who’s helping patients heal through regenerative and functional medicine — from cellular repair and stem cell therapy to NAD+ and peptides. Dr. Stettler combines science and compassion to restore biological balance and long-term health.

And Joey Perea, owner of Hydrate IV Bar South Jordan and partner at Stettler Medical, whose personal story hits home for anyone touched by addiction. Joey grew up in a family shaped by both recovery and relapse. After watching his father lose 25 years of sobriety following a painful cancer battle and opioid treatment, Joey has turned his own platform into a voice for awareness — showing how therapies like NAD+, IV nutrients, and peptides can support both the body and brain during healing.

This episode dives deep into how cellular repair fuels emotional repair — how restoring your body’s chemistry can help restore your mind’s clarity, energy, and resilience.

Whether you’ve battled substance use or faced the loss of a limb, the journey toward healing is often the same. It’s about learning to say:

👉 “I am not my addiction.”

👉 “I am not my amputation.”

Both experiences strip us down to our core, forcing us to redefine who we are beyond our pain, our losses, and our scars. Al and his guest dive into how these struggles test the human spirit, and how, through faith, perseverance, and the right support, we can rebuild our lives — stronger, wiser, and more compassionate than before.

The Magic Is in the Consistency

Guest: Chris Avery — “Chris Runs America”

What if transformation wasn’t about massive leaps… but about one faithful step, repeated over time?

Chris Avery knows a thing or two about that. After five runs over twenty years, he made a decision on January 8, 2022 — just one mile a day for a week. That week became ninety days… then years of daily runs averaging sixteen miles a day. Now, he’s preparing for Chris Runs America, a 2027 journey where he’ll run 32 miles a day for 365 straight, circling the entire United States with his family by his side.

But this conversation goes way deeper than running. It’s about calling. It’s about the courage to move from hesitation to holy action — to trust God’s forge where character, clarity, and confidence are refined.

In this two part unfiltered and deeply human conversation, Al Richards sits down with Dr. James Dixon — nationally acclaimed motivational speaker, Chief Impact Officer of Impact Media Group, and visionary founder of the Elevate The Voices movement.

From surviving a near-death moment when a gun was held to his face to sharing stages with icons like Les Brown and Jeff Hoffman (founder of Priceline.com), Dr. Dixon’s story is one of courage, clarity, and calling.

Together, Al and Dr. Dixon go off the cuff — diving into resilience, self-accountability, and the power of walking away from what no longer serves your growth

Personality vs. Character is such a powerful topic, especially in personal growth and recovery. Manny Lopez shares his thoughts. Personality is more like the outer layer—it’s how we present ourselves to the world. It includes our habits, behaviors, and the traits that make us unique, like being outgoing, reserved, funny, or analytical. Personality is often shaped by genetics and environment, and it can shift over time, but it’s generally the part of us that others notice first. Character, on the other hand, is the foundation—it’s who we truly are when no one is watching. It’s built over time through choices, struggles, and values. Character reflects our integrity, honesty, resilience, and moral compass. Unlike personality, which can be somewhat superficial or even adaptable depending on the situation, character is what remains steady and defines how we handle adversity, relationships, and life’s biggest challenges.

This Episode Was Sponsored By EMERGO ACADEMY / emergoacademy.com

On this episode of The Other Side of Addiction, we're honored to welcome Danielle — a shining example of how lived experience can transform not only one life but entire communities. From surviving an overdose to becoming a leader in mental health and recovery services, Danielle's journey is a powerful testament to the strength of resilience, the importance of peer support, and the life-changing impact of second chances. Tune in as we dive into her inspiring story, the role of advocacy in breaking down stigma, and how personal experience can pave the way for hope and healing.

Danielle Davidson, PSS, FPSS-- (she/her/hers)

Director of Organizational Development

Havenhelps.com

In this episode, we explore the power of the choices we make today and how they shape who we become tomorrow. We dive into the idea that small changes—sometimes almost invisible at first—can create monumental shifts in our lives.

We also discuss how our mistakes aren’t failures—they’re stepping stones

This Episode is Sponsored By Emergo Academy, emergoacademy.com

This Episode is Sponsored By... Emergo Academy / emergoacademy.com

In this raw and powerful episode, Jonathan opens up about his journey from a life of destruction to long-term recovery.

This Episode was Sponsored By Emergo Academy / emergoacademy.com

This Episode was sponsored By Emergo Academy / emergoacademy.com

But everything changed the day he heard a truth that cut through the noise:

“On today’s episode, To Leave A Legacy, The Ballroom Dancer, I sit down with Mallory Patton—a woman whose life has been anything but ordinary. From the age of five, Mallory was destined for the spotlight. Trained by her parents, both professional dancers from Brigham Young University, she went on to place 1st in the United States National Ballroom Competition in 2007.

But behind the spotlight was a woman struggling. After a toxic marriage, heartbreak, and the devastating realization she couldn’t have children, Mallory turned to alcohol and found herself on a painful roller coaster of relationships and addiction. Yet, it was in those lowest moments that she discovered something bigger—her purpose.

Here’s the truth:

Learned behavior is not your identity.

And more importantly—you have a choice.

🧠 It’s not about having the perfect words.

Sometimes it’s just showing up. Listening. Helping someone feel seen.

❤️ You don’t need to be in recovery to give your time.

You just need to care enough to connect.

This episode is sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY... emergoacademy.com

This episode is sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY / Emergoacademy.com

This episode flips the mic.

Host Dave Kenney interviews Al Richards, diving into the raw, unfiltered journey behind the man who lives what others only teach: resilience.

This episode was sponsored by emergoacademy.com

Tory chose to fight.

In today’s episode, I sit down with an inspiring guest and the founder of CaliSober Recovery, a groundbreaking program that's reshaping the way we think about healing and recovery. Far from the traditional models, CaliSober embraces a holistic wellness approach rooted in spiritual growth, plant medicine, and personal sovereignty.

We dive deep into:

🌿 The philosophy behind CaliSober and how it's offering a new path for those in recovery, especially for people who don’t resonate with the one-size-fits-all models.

🧘‍♂️ The integration of cannabis and psychedelics like mushrooms in recovery — not as escapes, but as tools for healing, self-discovery, and trauma work.

🔥 The power of spiritual exploration, whether that means God, the universe, nature, or community.

💔 How unresolved trauma and emotional pain often sit at the root of substance abuse — and what it really means to heal from the inside out.

🤝 Why community, integrity, and self-honesty are the cornerstones of sustainable growth and change.

Whether you're in recovery, curious about plant-based healing, or simply seeking new tools for emotional and spiritual growth, this episode is for you.

📌 About CaliSober Recovery:

CaliSober is more than a recovery program — it’s a movement. At its heart is a belief that recovery is personal, and everyone deserves a space to explore healing in a way that honors their truth. There are no rigid rules, only a willingness to grow and a commitment to letting go of what no longer serves the soul.

Links & Resources: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1756544381760074

Learn more about CaliSober Recovery: @calisoberrecoveryhub

Connect with today’s guest: @calisoberquinn

Join the CaliSober community: www.calisoberrecovery.com

Addiction Hypnosis – Breaking Free from the Story in Your Head

When we think of addiction, we often picture substances, behavior, and consequences. But what if addiction goes deeper than that—into the stories we tell ourselves, and the thoughts we repeat until they become beliefs?

In this episode of The Other Side of Addiction, we explored a powerful concept: Addiction Hypnosis. The idea that our mind—left unchecked—can run the same destructive program on repeat. That’s where the cycle begins:

Thoughts → Feelings → Actions → Results

It all starts with a single thought.

“I’m not good enough.”

“I’ll never change.”

“No one loves me.”

These thoughts aren’t just words—they create emotions. And those emotions drive our choices. Before long, we’re acting on a script we didn’t even choose. That’s what we mean by hypnosis. You’re not asleep, but you’re not fully awake either. You’re stuck in a trance of past pain, shame, and patterns.

But here’s the good news:

You can wake up.

You can interrupt the cycle.

You can rewrite the story.

And it starts with love—self-love. Not the kind that’s earned or proven, but the kind that’s chosen. Every healing journey begins the moment you stop fighting yourself and start accepting who you are, right now, mess and all.

This episode is for anyone who feels caught in the loop—whether it’s addiction, shame, or just the feeling of being stuck. You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And your story isn’t over.

If you're interested in working with Dori Olds she can reached at @801-674-7329 @dori_olds19

In this deeply honest and emotionally raw episode, we open the floor to a conversation that hits close to home for many—the pain of losing someone we love to addiction. Together with my guest, we reflect on the emotional toll, the guilt that creeps in, and the lingering questions that haunt us:

Could I have done more?

Why couldn’t I save them?

Did they know how much I loved them?

Were my boundaries not enough—or too much?

These thoughts become a relentless loop of heartbreak and helplessness. We talk about the heavy reality that even when we show up with love and support, the choices others make still belong to them. And yet... it doesn’t make the pain any easier.

We also dive into a topic that often stirs debate within the recovery world: How someone gets clean.

There’s no one-size-fits-all path to healing. Whether it's through a 12-step program, faith, therapy, medication, fitness, or something entirely personal—we believe what matters most is that it works for them. Everyone’s recovery story is their own, and we honor that.

This episode is a reminder that:

Healing comes in many forms

Grief and guilt are part of the process

And love—real love—doesn’t always come with answers, but it stays with us long after someone is gone

💬 Whether you’ve lost someone, supported someone, or are on your own journey, this conversation is for you.

LADIES, YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!

What does it really mean to activate your life? On this episode of The Other Side of Addiction, we’re joined by Shaun Johnson—a 41-year-old Arizona native, athlete, and soul-led wellness advocate—who helps others align with their highest truth through health, healing, and heart-led transformation.

Shaun’s journey is one of radical resilience and deep soul work. Having walked through the fires of domestic violence, childhood trauma, betrayal, and significant health struggles, she didn’t let the darkness define her. Instead, she alchemized her pain into purpose. Her life mantra, “the mess becomes the message,” is more than words—it’s the foundation of how she now lives, loves, and leads.

In this conversation, Shaun shares how self-love, sacred partnership, and holistic wellness became the cornerstones of her healing. We explore how transformation begins with the stories we tell ourselves—and how changing that inner dialogue can spark lasting change in the body, mind, and soul.

Her mission is to help others reclaim their vitality, rewrite their narratives, and rise into the life they were always meant to live.

If you’re ready to stop merely surviving and start fully living, this episode will speak directly to your soul.

BOOK RECOMMENDATION- Gift of Fear

From the brutal depths of addiction and homelessness to a life rooted in healing, education, and purpose — Missee Sue's journey is a living reminder that no rock bottom is too deep for recovery to reach. After surviving drug-induced psychosis, incarceration, and profound physical and spiritual pain, Missee began her climb back with nothing but the clothes on her back and a fierce determination to change. Today, she stands as a powerful advocate for transformation, hope, and community. Her story shows that with radical courage, discipline, and heart, rising from the ashes is not only possible — it’s inevitable for those willing to fight for it.

In this powerful episode, my guest Adam Baxter shares the raw truth behind his recovery journey that began on February 25, 2016, after being arrested in 2015 on five felony distribution charges related to methamphetamine. Adam opens up about his time in Tooele County Jail, the five-year prison sentence he faced, and the second chance he was given through drug court and probation. With grit, grace, and the support of recovery, Adam completed both programs by 2017—transforming his felonies into misdemeanors and reclaiming his life. This is a story of redemption, resilience, and rising stronger after hitting a very low point in life. Adam is the founder and role mode at Tooele County chapter of Young People in Recovery (YPR), an organization dedicated to empowering young individuals in recovery by providing essential life skills and peer support.

"Growing up in a home clouded by addiction, Stephanie watched chaos become her normal. From late-night drives to escape violence, to turning in her own parents to protect her brothers—she's walked through the fire more than once. She became a mother at sixteen, fought her way out of abuse, lost both her parents, and nearly lost herself in the process. But at rock bottom, Stephanie chose life. She chose to heal. Today, with 670 days sober, she’s a voice of strength, a mother, an advocate, and a reminder that behind every struggle with addiction is a story worth understanding. This is not just about survival—it's about redemption, truth, and choosing to fight for yourself when no one else can. This is Stephanie’s story—from the other side of addiction."

When someone takes control over you—your body, your voice, your safety—it can feel like you're constantly chasing the illusion of getting your life back. You're trying to reclaim something that was stolen, to patch up the pieces of your identity. But what if the truth is... the only way to truly reclaim your life is to surrender the chase?

In today’s conversation, we unpack what it means to stop reaching outward for control and start turning inward—to the power that’s been there all along. We talk about shame, silence, and survival—and the brave journey of learning to feel like YOU again. Not the version others expect. Not the version trauma tried to erase. But the version that was always yours.

This episode explores the idea that life is not coming at you—it’s coming from you. It’s a radical shift in perspective, a path toward healing through autonomy—the state of being independent, self-governing, and whole.

Whether you’re in the storm or walking out of it, this episode is a reminder:

You don’t have to fight for the life you lost.

You get to create the life that was always meant to be yours.

In today’s soul-stirring episode of The Other Side of Addiction, we welcome a remarkable woman whose story of grit, growth, and God is nothing short of inspiring. A single mom of five beautiful children, she shares how hitting rock bottom behind bars became the launching point for a brand new life—one rooted in purpose, self-love, and unwavering faith.

Addicted at 13 and caught in a cycle of toxic relationships, she thought she had no way out—until March 3rd, 2022. That day changed everything. Not only is it her sober date, it’s also the day she surrendered to something greater than herself.

With powerful vulnerability, she talks about:

Walking away from people-pleasing and stepping into personal power

How jail saved her life and her Creator saved her soul

Rebuilding broken family relationships

Learning to set boundaries and finding healthy love

Why hitting her knees was the turning point she needed

Her testimony is a reminder that we don’t rise alone—we rise with grace, faith, and the willingness to grow through what we go through.

🔥 Key Quote:

“I am me—but stronger, wiser, compassionate, forgiving, and always willing to grow. Without my Creator, I wouldn’t be here today.”

🙏 Takeaway Message:

No matter how far you’ve fallen, there’s a hand waiting to lift you up. Healing begins the moment you stop running and start trusting.

My two guests Kiralei and Joe discuss Optimal Efficiency. To me, “Optimal Efficiency” isn’t just about getting things done faster or checking off more boxes. It’s about doing the right things, in the right way, with the right energy and intention. It’s alignment—where your actions match your values, your time serves your purpose, and your energy flows toward what truly matters. When we operate at optimal efficiency, we’re not just productive—we’re intentional. We recognize that rest, reflection, boundaries, and even stillness are part of that efficiency. It’s not about hustle; it’s about honest alignment between your mindset, your mission, and your method. Saying no to what distracts, so you can say yes to what heals. Letting your lived experience shape your work, so it doesn’t feel like work.

Streamlining how you show up—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—so your impact is maximized without burning yourself out. So my take on this? Optimal Efficiency is the sweet spot where clarity, purpose, and action meet. Not perfect. Not busy. Just aligned.

(NOTE) Joe is the founder of Tug 2 Recovery in Ogden Ut. You can learn more about Tug 2 Recovery here... www.tug2recovery.org

My Amazing Friend Joe Valentine and I discuss Learned Behaviors. This is something we're both continuing to work on. So many of us are walking through life carrying the weight of things we didn’t ask for—trauma, broken relationships, addiction, shame, guilt. Somewhere along the line, we picked up behaviors and beliefs that were rooted in survival. They helped us get through the chaos, the pain, the heartbreak. But now they’re holding us back.

Here’s the truth:

Learned behavior is not your identity.

And more importantly—you have a choice.

You can choose—right now—to stop carrying the heavy rocks of your past. Those rocks might feel familiar. It might even feel like protection. But while you're gripping it with everything you've got, you’re missing the gold nuggets that are right in front of you—peace, purpose, freedom, growth.

Too often we spend years focused on the hurt, trying to figure out why it happened, who to blame, how to fix what’s already done. But freedom comes when we decide to let go. To stop dragging the story that no longer serves us. To rewrite it.

You’re not stuck.

You’re not broken.

You’re just used to surviving.

Now it’s time to start living.

Whether your behavior was learned from trauma, addiction, rejection, or a life that seemed to have it out for you—you have the power to unlearn, to heal, and to grow. Your past may explain you, but it doesn’t define you.

Choose something different today.

Choose to let go of the rock.

The gold is waiting.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MATTERS.

Giving back isn’t just a step in recovery—it’s a step toward becoming who we’re meant to be. Whether you’re walking through recovery yourself or simply someone who cares, your time and presence can change lives.

🧠 It’s not about having the perfect words.

Sometimes it’s just showing up. Listening. Helping someone feel seen.

❤️ You don’t need to be in recovery to give your time.

You just need to care enough to connect.

Because service is powerful. It keeps us grounded, reminds us what really matters, and builds bridges where isolation used to live.

🛠️ And for those in recovery—giving back keeps the fire lit. It’s how we stay humble, stay grateful, and stay strong.

So volunteer. Mentor. Lend a hand. Be someone’s reminder that they matter.

Recovery isn’t just personal—it’s relational.

And the more we pour into each other, the more we all rise.

Let’s build a community where healing is contagious.

Where support is louder than shame.

Where change is possible—because we choose to be part of it.

Real Life Mentoring By Tiffany Naccarato

Here’s a few up and coming events

Back to school supplies collecting until July 30

The Power Within Workshop EFT Tapping June 24th 6-9 Valley Fair Mall

Fire & Flow July 11th 6:30-10:30 in Riverton

Register at www.thrivewithtiff.com

Whether you're missing a limb, battling an addiction, or carrying invisible scars, one thing is certain—it takes resilience to walk through the darkness in search of the light. In this episode, I sit down with a fellow amputee who, like me, knows what it means to face life-altering challenges head-on. But this conversation goes beyond physical loss—it's about the mindset it takes to keep going when everything inside you wants to quit. We all face storms. The real question is: How do you navigate your thoughts and emotions in those moments? How do you pivot in a direction that leads to healing instead of more pain? This is for anyone who's been knocked down and needed to get back up. It's a raw, real reminder that your setbacks don’t define you—your resilience does.

Jeff Soelburg is the Author of POINTED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. You can find his book on AMAZON

Addiction Hypnosis – Breaking Free from the Story in Your Head

When we think of addiction, we often picture substances, behavior, and consequences. But what if addiction goes deeper than that—into the stories we tell ourselves, and the thoughts we repeat until they become beliefs?

In this episode of The Other Side of Addiction, we explored a powerful concept: Addiction Hypnosis. The idea that our mind—left unchecked—can run the same destructive program on repeat. That’s where the cycle begins:

Thoughts → Feelings → Actions → Results

It all starts with a single thought.

“I’m not good enough.”

“I’ll never change.”

“No one loves me.”

These thoughts aren’t just words—they create emotions. And those emotions drive our choices. Before long, we’re acting on a script we didn’t even choose. That’s what we mean by hypnosis. You’re not asleep, but you’re not fully awake either. You’re stuck in a trance of past pain, shame, and patterns.

But here’s the good news:

You can wake up.

You can interrupt the cycle.

You can rewrite the story.

And it starts with love—self-love. Not the kind that’s earned or proven, but the kind that’s chosen. Every healing journey begins the moment you stop fighting yourself and start accepting who you are, right now, mess and all.

This episode is for anyone who feels caught in the loop—whether it’s addiction, shame, or just the feeling of being stuck. You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And your story isn’t over.

If you're interested in working with Dori Olds she can reached at @801-674-7329 @dori_olds19

Could I have done more?

Why couldn’t I save them?

Did they know how much I loved them?

Were my boundaries not enough—or too much?

These thoughts become a relentless loop of heartbreak and helplessness. We talk about the heavy reality that even when we show up with love and support, the choices others make still belong to them. And yet... it doesn’t make the pain any easier.

We also dive into a topic that often stirs debate within the recovery world: How someone gets clean.

There’s no one-size-fits-all path to healing. Whether it's through a 12-step program, faith, therapy, medication, fitness, or something entirely personal—we believe what matters most is that it works for them. Everyone’s recovery story is their own, and we honor that.

This episode is a reminder that:

Healing comes in many forms

Grief and guilt are part of the process

And love—real love—doesn’t always come with answers, but it stays with us long after someone is gone

💬 Whether you’ve lost someone, supported someone, or are on your own journey, this conversation is for you.

This Episode was Sponsored by Emergo Adcademy, emergoacademy.com