Ask Dr. Louise

This week on Ask Dr. Louise, join us for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Woody Giessmann—musician, clinician, and leader in the field of recovery. Known for his work as a drummer with the Del Fuegos, Woody shares his deeply personal journey from a life shaped by addiction and tragedy to one devoted to healing, service, and creative expression. From his early years in a musical Kansas family, through his struggles and eventual long-term recovery, Woody opens up about the influence of his family, the power of music, and the lessons learned from decades in both the music industry and clinical practice. We explore how compassion, listening, and creativity inform his unique approach to intervention and recovery, and discuss his latest projects—including his book on breaking the chains of addiction and the launch of Rock Bottom: The Musical. Whether you’re seeking hope, insight, or simply the story of someone who turned adversity into purpose, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Joining the Del Fuegos band
• 05:52 Discussing personal family tragedies
• 07:16 Becoming a better listener
• 10:39 Growing up in a musical family
• 15:47 Starting recovery and 12-step meetings
• 18:06 Genetic predisposition and recovery beliefs
• 21:23 Talking about compassionate writing
• 25:42 Supporting loved ones with mental health
• 29:30 Prioritizing self-care and wellness
• 32:34 Breaking chains and promoting hope
• 37:01 Sting's advice and growth strategy
• 38:55 Praising Woody's contributions

Connect with Woody:

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

Connect with Dr. Louise:

Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

Welcome to a heartfelt and inspiring episode of Ask Dr. Louise, where the conversation focused on the remarkable journey of Felicia Alexander. From her early days growing up as a middle child and building unshakable self-confidence, to an impressive career spanning tech, marketing at Mattel, launching the popular fitness concept BoxUnion, and scaling businesses through bold acquisitions, Felicia’s story is one of resilience, courage, and continuous reinvention. The discussion explored her path through personal tragedies and entrepreneurial triumphs, the importance of community building, and the power of embracing change—even when it’s daunting. Listeners will gain insight into creating connection, navigating setbacks, and living life with joy and purpose. Get ready to meet Felicia Alexander and discover what’s next for this dynamic leader, adventurer, and connector.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introducing my daughters Sydney and Shelby
• 05:19 Unexpected career setback and travel
• 09:04 Networking at the hair salon
• 10:11 Family's social and outgoing traits
• 14:49 Starting BoxUnion in Los Angeles
• 17:05 Creating a welcoming gym atmosphere
• 20:31 Planning world travel after son's graduation
• 24:08 The glass dental office story
• 29:24 Mentorship program with Krista Gurka
• 31:02 Investing in consumer packaged goods
• 35:25 Felicia's unexpected San Diego visit
• 36:41 Expressing gratitude and future anticipation

Connect with Felicia:

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

Connect with Dr. Louise:

Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

In this episode of Ask Dr. Louise, Dr. Louise welcomes Denise Klein, CEO of Milestones Ranch Malibu and one of the leading women in behavioral health. With over 30 years of experience, Denise delves into the complexities of running a dual diagnosis treatment center, where mental health and addiction are addressed simultaneously. The conversation explores Denise’s journey from journalism to social work, her philosophy of relational—not transactional—care, and why Milestones Ranch deliberately remains small to provide individualized attention. Denise offers candid insights into the evolving landscape of behavioral healthcare, the critical role of family involvement, and the importance of attunement, hope, and aftercare in achieving lasting recovery. Whether you’re a clinician, a family member seeking guidance, or someone passionate about mental health, Denise’s expertise and heartfelt approach illuminate what truly matters in transformative care.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Working with dual diagnosis patients
• 04:13 Experiencing and recovering from a flood
• 07:12 Value of small therapy programs
• 11:44 Virtual therapy and innovative treatments
• 15:19 The importance of compassionate leadership
• 18:42 Gathering information for interventions
• 22:13 Misconceptions about addiction treatment
• 24:09 Challenges after rehab and support systems
• 29:40 Choosing a qualified therapist
• 32:49 Preparing for natural disasters
• 35:01 Passion for helping others
• 38:14 Challenges of running a rehab center
• 41:34 Approach to handling interventions
• 44:19 Recommending Milestones Ranch

Connect with Denise:

Website: https://milestonesranch.com/

Connect with Dr. Louise:

Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

The conversation focused on transformation, resilience, and the power of mindset. This debut episode of Ask Dr. Louise welcomes Lauren Fields, a transformational coach whose own journey through adversity inspired her mission to help others actualize their highest potential. The discussion explored the pivotal experiences that shaped Lauren’s path—from a life-altering accident in her youth to building a thriving coaching practice based on self-actualization and wellness. Listeners will discover insightful stories about overcoming limiting beliefs, the challenges and growth that come with change, and the tools that enable personal reinvention. A key theme that emerged was the belief that everyone holds the capacity to become the creator of their own reality. Tune in to hear how personal setbacks can become superpowers and learn practical techniques for turning vision into reality, developing gratitude, and stepping boldly into new identities.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Meeting at a birthday party
• 05:45 Building Fieldswell and coaching entrepreneurs
• 09:09 Reflecting on limiting beliefs
• 12:32 Prioritizing self-care and fulfillment
• 13:42 Deciding when to dismiss clients
• 18:00 Thanking sponsors and collaborations

Connect with Lauren: 

https://laurenfields.komi.io/

Website: https://www.fieldswell.com/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurfields/  

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fieldswell

Connect with Dr. Louise:

Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

Welcome to another transformative episode of the Podcast, hosted by Dr. Louise. This week’s conversation is especially close to home — Dr. Louise sits down with her oldest daughter, Sydney Holland, for an intimate and powerful discussion about resilience, personal growth, and the complexities of family.

Together, they revisit pivotal moments from Sydney Holland’s childhood, including the profound impact of losing her father and witnessing her mother’s strength through adversity. Sydney Holland opens up about her journey with addiction and recovery, exploring how early struggles with sobriety led her toward a life of mentorship, empathy, and independence. This rare, candid exchange between mother and daughter offers listeners both inspiration and insight into navigating life’s toughest challenges with dignity and courage.

Connect with Sydney:

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

Website: https://theurbanandthemystic.com/

Connect with Dr. Louise:

Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

In this episode of Ask Dr. Louise, Dr. Louise sits down with longtime friend Casey Gooding, partner at Jaywalker Lodge, for a conversation about recovery, connection, leadership, and personal growth.

Casey shares how golf has shaped meaningful relationships and mentorships throughout his career before diving into Jaywalker Lodge’s approach to addiction recovery. He explains why lasting recovery goes beyond completing a treatment program—it’s about creating experiences that help people rediscover joy, purpose, ambition, and community.

They also discuss the importance of long-term treatment, family involvement, and creating an environment where transformation can take root. Casey shares stories of men who arrived in crisis and went on to build meaningful lives, with some even returning to serve others in recovery.

The conversation explores mentorship, fatherhood, resilience, and how adversity can ultimately shape a life of greater purpose and service.

Connect with KC: 

Website: https://www.jaywalkerlodge.com/

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

https://www.instagram.com/calisparty/

Connect with Dr. Louise:

Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

On this episode of Ask Dr. Louise, Dr. Louise welcomes Felicia Montiforte, co-founder of Imagine Recovery in New Orleans, to share her story of addiction, recovery, and service. Felicia recounts early substance use, escalating opioid addiction after a car accident at 40, and the consequences that led to losing custody of her children in 2006 after a blackout. She describes entering treatment in 2008, meeting court-ordered conditions through “footwork,” and reuniting with her children in 2009, ultimately rebuilding strong relationships. Felicia discusses stigma women face in addiction and recovery, the value of addressing substance misuse before “rock bottom,” and the hope and community found in treatment. She also explains her ties to the Harmon Recovery Foundation and her current full-time RV travel while working remotely and continuing her mission.

TIMESTAMPS 

Connect with Felicia Montiforte: 

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicia-montiforte-16620232

Website: https://www.imaginehousenola.com/about-us

Connect with Dr. Louise:

Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

What if beauty wasn't about perfection—but about confidence?

In this uplifting episode of Ask Dr. Louise, Dr. Louise sits down with celebrity and bridal makeup artist Allison Elliott for a heartfelt conversation about beauty, confidence, entrepreneurship, and discovering your true worth. While Allison has spent decades helping brides, celebrities, and women of all ages look their best, her greatest passion isn't makeup—it's helping people feel beautiful from the inside out.

Allison shares her inspiring journey from earning a business degree at her father's encouragement to leaving corporate America, moving to New York City, and building a successful career in the beauty industry. From working at Sephora and learning under legendary makeup artist Laura Geller to New York Fashion Week, celebrity clients, and now owning a luxury bridal beauty agency, Allison's story is one of courage, creativity, and following your calling.

Together, Dr. Louise and Allison explore why confidence begins long before the makeup brush, how positive self-talk changes the way we see ourselves, and why every woman deserves to feel radiant—whether it's on her wedding day or an ordinary Tuesday.

In this episode, you will learn:

Connect with Allison:

Website: https://allisonvalebeauty.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allison.elliott.503

Connect with Dr. Louise:

Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

Dr. Louise introduces her podcast Ask Dr. Louise and interviews longtime friend and collaborator Dr. James Flowers, CEO of J. Flowers Health Institute in Houston, Texas. They recount meeting in Las Vegas and discuss why their work aligns: an academic, research-driven, precision-based approach that prioritizes deep empathy, selectivity with complex cases, and spending hours with patients rather than relying on time-limited group formats. Flowers explains the Institute’s comprehensive 360-degree diagnostic evaluation, which he describes as a “living MRI” to pinpoint root causes and prevent relapse, emphasizing the need to rule out medical issues. He shares cases where imaging revealed a pituitary tumor and a brain worm misdiagnosed as psychiatric illness. Flowers and Louise discuss trauma, including Flowers’ childhood losses and his “superpower” of compartmentalization, and he advises families to seek comprehensive, well-evaluated treatment beyond what is found via online ads.

TIMESTAMPS

Connect with Dr. James:

Website: https://jflowershealth.com/

Connect with Dr. Louise:

Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger

On Ask Dr. Louise, Dr. Louise Stanger interviews Jessica Sarowitz, who shares how a desperate call for help during her 17-year-old son’s mental health crisis led their family to unite, avoid triangulation, and support an intervention alongside peers, contributing to his progress and upcoming college graduation and his interest in helping others in mental health. Sarowitz describes her work as managing partner of 4S Bay Partners and the Julian Grace Foundation, spanning payroll/HR, real estate, investment analysis, film and documentaries, and philanthropy supporting immigrant children’s rights, an arts-and-technology center in Akko, Israel, and a major Stocker Street Creative development in Baldwin Hills. The conversation covers parenting values, transparency, learning from mistakes, curiosity across cultures, Sarowitz’s childhood abuse and reclaiming her story, travel and scuba diving, goals for the future, gratitude, and maintaining mental health support networks.

Connect with Jessica:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-p-sarowitz-48ba59142

Kennedy Human Rights Info: https://kennedyhumanrights.org/person/jessica-p-sarowitz/

Connect with Dr. Louise:

Website: https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlouisestanger