Addict II Athlete Podcast

In this episode of the Addict to Athlete podcast, Coach Blu Robinson interviews Thomas LaGrave, a veteran with a profound story of addiction, recovery, and service. Thomas shares his journey from a 32-year clean record to a relapse that led him to confront his demons and seek help. He discusses the impact of military service on his addiction, the importance of helping youth in recovery, and the courage required to face emotional vulnerability. The conversation emphasizes the significance of purpose in recovery and the parallels between military training and the recovery process. In this conversation, Thomas J. LaGrave, Jr. and Blu Robinson discuss the critical role of mentorship, accountability, and emotional awareness in youth development. They explore the challenges faced by today's youth, including the impact of loss and the importance of authentic connections. The discussion emphasizes the need for parents to engage meaningfully with their children, fostering trust and communication. LaGrave shares insights from his experiences and his nonprofit work, advocating for a supportive environment that nurtures youth through mentorship and community involvement.

This week Coach Blu speaks with the newest Addict II Athlete Certificate Coach Brett Morris. Listen as they discuss overcoming addiction, losing weight and the  profound journeys that transform individuals into beacons of hope and resilience. Both coaches discuss the inspiration often stems from a deep desire for change, ignited by moments of clarity that reveal the harsh realities of one's situation. Be inspired to confront your struggles, discover inner strength and turn your mess into a powerful message of redemption and empowerment.

In this episode of the Addict to Athlete podcast, Coach Blu Robinson interviews Chip Autin, who shares his inspiring journey from sports to addiction and ultimately to recovery. Chip discusses his early experiences with running, the challenges he faced as he fell into addiction, and the pivotal moments that led him to make a life-changing decision to pursue sobriety. He emphasizes the importance of community support, personal accountability, and the power of choice in the recovery process. The conversation highlights the struggles and triumphs of rebuilding relationships and finding purpose after addiction. In this conversation, Chip Autin shares his profound journey from personal loss and health challenges to becoming an ultra marathon runner. He discusses the impact of his father's glioblastoma diagnosis, his reflections on health and lifestyle changes, and how running became a therapeutic outlet. Chip's journey leads him to embrace ultra marathons, culminating in a mission to raise awareness for addiction and mental health through a significant running project along Louisiana's longest highway. He emphasizes the importance of community support and the emotional challenges he anticipates during his run, showcasing the transformative power of running in his life.

@thechiparoux

Seekingaction.org

In this episode of the Addict to Athlete podcast, Coach Blu and Steve Riggs delve into the complexities of addiction, particularly focusing on pornography addiction. Steve shares his personal journey of recovery, emphasizing the importance of self-worth and the need to break the stigma surrounding pornography addiction. The conversation explores the role of faith and spirituality in recovery, the impact of shame and guilt, and the necessity of open conversations about these topics. The episode aims to empower listeners to understand addiction as a common struggle and encourages them to seek help and support. In this conversation, Coach Blu delves into the importance of self-connection and personal accountability, emphasizing the need for individuals to find inner peace before engaging with others. He discusses the complexities of choice, particularly in moral dilemmas, and advocates for open communication about addictions, particularly among men. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding the roots of addiction, the power of asking for what one wants, and embracing imperfection as part of personal growth. Ultimately, it encourages listeners to choose themselves and their well-being as a path to recovery and empowerment.

Summary

In this episode of the Addict to Athlete podcast, Coach Blu Robinson speaks with Stewart, a person in recovery from substance use disorder. Stewart shares his journey from addiction to recovery, discussing the roots of his addiction, the turning point that led him to seek help, and the importance of community and movement in his healing process. He emphasizes the significance of facing one's problems rather than running away and highlights the transformative power of outdoor adventures, particularly his experience hiking the Pacific Crest Trail as a way to celebrate his recovery and raise awareness for substance use disorder. In this conversation, Stewart shares his transformative journey of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail as a means of recovery from addiction. He discusses the emotional and physical challenges he faced, the importance of community and support, and how he learned to embrace discomfort as a path to growth. The dialogue emphasizes the power of choice in recovery, the lessons learned from nature, and the significance of gratitude and humility in everyday life.

Thephoenix.org

In this episode of the Addict to Athlete podcast, Coach Blu Robinson engages in a heartfelt conversation with Kyle Quilausing, a motivational speaker and recovery advocate. They discuss Kyle's journey from addiction and incarceration to becoming a beacon of hope for youth. Kyle shares his experiences of educating students about the power of choice and the importance of making positive decisions. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community support, humility, and faith in the recovery process, while also addressing the stigma surrounding addiction. Kyle's story serves as a powerful reminder that redemption is possible and that one choice can lead to a different life.

@stayhumblepray

In this episode of the Addict to Athlete podcast, Coach Blu Robinson interviews Tyson Steed, who shares his journey through addiction, recovery, and the creation of the Ashley and Michelle Project nonprofit. He was in and out of prison for two decades where he was introduced to the Addict II Athlete program at the Conquest program at the Utah State Prison. He has seen the benefit of sports in his addiction recovery journey. He now works a lot with the Ashley Michelle Project, helping women coming out of incarceration and who struggled with addiction. Tyson discusses his childhood struggles, the impact of family dynamics, and the transition from casual substance use to harder drugs. He reflects on his experiences with the law, therapy, and the turning point that led him to seek help. Tyson shares some of the changes he had to make to turn his life around. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, connection, and the power of personal transformation in recovery.

https://www.ashleymichelleproject.com/

In this conversation, Coach Blu Robinson interviews Marc Sanderson, a seasoned runner and fire chief, about his journey through running, the challenges he faced, and the mental health benefits of the sport. Marc shares his experiences with marathons, ultra running, and how running has been a crucial outlet for coping with stress and adversity, including a cancer diagnosis. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community support, coaching, and the mental resilience developed through running. Take a listen to this incredible episode and let us know what you learned from it. 

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This week Coach Blu is solo as he reintroduces the Addict II Artist program as we relaunch this free group. The Addict II Artist program is a transformative initiative that utilizes the principles of art to support individuals in their journey of mental health and addiction recovery. By fostering creativity, self-expression, and reflection, the program encourages participants to explore their emotions and experiences through various artistic mediums. Art principles such as color theory, composition, and texture are integrated into workshops, helping individuals to channel their struggles into tangible creations. This process not only promotes healing and self-discovery but also builds a sense of community and connection among participants. Ultimately, the Addict II Artist program empowers individuals to redefine their identities, find purpose, and cultivate resilience through the healing power of art.

Check out https://www.addicttoartist.org/ 

This is an older poscast that we are re-releasing. It is our number one downloaded episode and isn't to be missed. Today Coach Blu has the privilege to interview Jonathan Flowers, the voice behind the famous YouTube video "I AM A CHAMPION",  The Greatest Speach Ever. This is the  champion speech that motivated his high school football team to victory following some significant battles in his own life. Listen, as Coach Flowers describes his definition of a champion, his outlook on life, and the reason he wrote the I am a champion speech. He shares how he applies the skills he learned in the military, his own family life to become not just a coach but an inspirational father. 

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