Blindsight

This week on Blindsight, we’re taking a pause from our 12-step series to focus on trauma—what it is, how it impacts recovery, and why understanding it is essential for personal growth. Host Bill Lundgren sits down with Anneliese Knop, a mental health counselor, to explore how trauma affects our sense of safety, our ability to set boundaries, and the ways it ties into addiction and the 12-step program.

Together, they dive into the connection between trauma and Step 6, the role of self-agency in healing, and how we can take ownership of our recovery by creating safe spaces. Whether you’re working through the 12 steps, dealing with past trauma, or just looking to understand the impact of emotional wounds, this episode offers valuable insight.

Next week, we’re back on track with Step 7: Surrendering to a Higher Power, featuring special guest Jeff Schlund.

Chapter Markers

⏱ 00:00 – Introduction: Why we’re pausing the 12-step series to discuss trauma

⏱ 01:30 – The role of trauma in addiction and recovery

⏱ 02:14 – Meet our guest: Anneliese Knop, mental health counselor

⏱ 04:17 – What is trauma? Defining emotional and psychological wounds

⏱ 06:24 – Understanding compassion fatigue and its connection to trauma

⏱ 08:52 – Trauma in the disability community: Grief, microaggressions, and identity

⏱ 11:06 – Safe spaces and the foundation for healing

⏱ 14:42 – Accepting what we can’t control and moving forward

⏱ 16:58 – Step 6 and trauma: Recognizing our patterns and wounds

⏱ 19:03 – Internal Family Systems Therapy and how it applies to the 12-step journey

⏱ 21:19 – Preview of next week’s episode: Step 7 with Jeff Schlund

⏱ 23:41 – Addiction as a false sense of control: How trauma plays a role

⏱ 26:48 – Boundaries, consent, and self-agency in trauma recovery

⏱ 31:25 – The power of saying “no” and reclaiming autonomy

⏱ 38:10 – Final takeaways: Trauma healing starts with safety

⏱ 39:51 – Closing thoughts and listener feedback details

Contact Information

📞 Feedback Line: (720) 712-8856

📧 Email: [email protected]

📢 Follow us for more updates and episodes!

🔗 #BlindsightPodcast #MentalHealth #12StepRecovery #TraumaHealing #DisabilityAdvocacy #BoundariesMatter

This week on Blindsight, we’re taking a pause from our 12-step series to focus on trauma—what it is, how it impacts recovery, and why understanding it is essential for personal growth. Host Bill Lundgren sits down with Anneliese Knop, a mental health counselor, to explore how trauma affects our sense of safety, our ability to set boundaries, and the ways it ties into addiction and the 12-step program.

Together, they dive into the connection between trauma and Step 6, the role of self-agency in healing, and how we can take ownership of our recovery by creating safe spaces. Whether you’re working through the 12 steps, dealing with past trauma, or just looking to understand the impact of emotional wounds, this episode offers valuable insight.

Next week, we’re back on track with Step 7: Surrendering to a Higher Power, featuring special guest Jeff Schlund.

Chapter Markers

⏱ 00:00 – Introduction: Why we’re pausing the 12-step series to discuss trauma

⏱ 01:30 – The role of trauma in addiction and recovery

⏱ 02:14 – Meet our guest: Anneliese Knop, mental health counselor

⏱ 04:17 – What is trauma? Defining emotional and psychological wounds

⏱ 06:24 – Understanding compassion fatigue and its connection to trauma

⏱ 08:52 – Trauma in the disability community: Grief, microaggressions, and identity

⏱ 11:06 – Safe spaces and the foundation for healing

⏱ 14:42 – Accepting what we can’t control and moving forward

⏱ 16:58 – Step 6 and trauma: Recognizing our patterns and wounds

⏱ 19:03 – Internal Family Systems Therapy and how it applies to the 12-step journey

⏱ 21:19 – Preview of next week’s episode: Step 7 with Jeff Schlund

⏱ 23:41 – Addiction as a false sense of control: How trauma plays a role

⏱ 26:48 – Boundaries, consent, and self-agency in trauma recovery

⏱ 31:25 – The power of saying “no” and reclaiming autonomy

⏱ 38:10 – Final takeaways: Trauma healing starts with safety

⏱ 39:51 – Closing thoughts and listener feedback details

Contact Information

📞 Feedback Line: (720) 712-8856

📧 Email: [email protected]

📢 Follow us for more updates and episodes!

🔗 #BlindsightPodcast #MentalHealth #12StepRecovery #TraumaHealing #DisabilityAdvocacy #BoundariesMatter

In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren welcomes back Jeff Schlund from the Betty Ford Center to discuss Step Six of the 12-Step Program. Step Six is about being entirely ready to have a higher power remove defects of character.

Jeff shares insights from his 22 years of sobriety, emphasizing that alcoholism is not a defect of character but a disease—while defects of character arise from behavior patterns that develop alongside addiction. The discussion covers topics such as perfectionism, shame, and self-doubt, highlighting how these issues affect both people in recovery and those outside of it.

Bill and Jeff explore:

The fear and relief that comes with surrendering to a higher power

How accountability partners, therapists, and sponsors can provide guidance

Why taking action—even if imperfect—is crucial to personal growth

The broader applicability of Step Six beyond substance addiction

Jeff shares personal reflections on his own recovery journey and how making a conscious decision to let go of destructive habits led him toward a healthier, more intentional life.

Chapter Markers:

⏱ 00:20 – Introduction by Bill Lundgren, discussing Step Six and welcoming Jeff Schlund

⏱ 02:32 – What is Step Six? Being ready to remove defects of character

⏱ 04:47 – Alcoholism as a disease vs. defects of character

⏱ 07:10 – Common defects: Perfectionism, shame, dishonesty

⏱ 09:39 – The challenge of turning over defects to a higher power

⏱ 11:50 – Recognizing patterns in behavior and making changes

⏱ 13:57 – The role of therapists, sponsors, and accountability

⏱ 16:20 – Why Step Six is a ‘half-step’ leading to deeper work

⏱ 19:40 – Learning to take responsibility and seek help

⏱ 26:08 – Perfectionism in recovery and for people with disabilities

⏱ 31:30 – Advice for taking action and embracing change

⏱ 34:41 – Closing thoughts, resources, and where to find help

Resources & Contact Information:

📞 Blindsight Feedback Line: (720) 712-8856

📧 Email: [email protected]

💡 Additional Resources:

Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup (Find accessible meetings and resources)

Betty Ford Center (Support for addiction recovery)

In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren welcomes back Jeff Schlund from the Betty Ford Center to discuss Step Six of the 12-Step Program. Step Six is about being entirely ready to have a higher power remove defects of character.

Jeff shares insights from his 22 years of sobriety, emphasizing that alcoholism is not a defect of character but a disease—while defects of character arise from behavior patterns that develop alongside addiction. The discussion covers topics such as perfectionism, shame, and self-doubt, highlighting how these issues affect both people in recovery and those outside of it.

Bill and Jeff explore:

The fear and relief that comes with surrendering to a higher power

How accountability partners, therapists, and sponsors can provide guidance

Why taking action—even if imperfect—is crucial to personal growth

The broader applicability of Step Six beyond substance addiction

Jeff shares personal reflections on his own recovery journey and how making a conscious decision to let go of destructive habits led him toward a healthier, more intentional life.

Chapter Markers:

⏱ 00:20 – Introduction by Bill Lundgren, discussing Step Six and welcoming Jeff Schlund

⏱ 02:32 – What is Step Six? Being ready to remove defects of character

⏱ 04:47 – Alcoholism as a disease vs. defects of character

⏱ 07:10 – Common defects: Perfectionism, shame, dishonesty

⏱ 09:39 – The challenge of turning over defects to a higher power

⏱ 11:50 – Recognizing patterns in behavior and making changes

⏱ 13:57 – The role of therapists, sponsors, and accountability

⏱ 16:20 – Why Step Six is a ‘half-step’ leading to deeper work

⏱ 19:40 – Learning to take responsibility and seek help

⏱ 26:08 – Perfectionism in recovery and for people with disabilities

⏱ 31:30 – Advice for taking action and embracing change

⏱ 34:41 – Closing thoughts, resources, and where to find help

Resources & Contact Information:

📞 Blindsight Feedback Line: (720) 712-8856

📧 Email: [email protected]

💡 Additional Resources:

Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup (Find accessible meetings and resources)

Betty Ford Center (Support for addiction recovery)

In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren sits down with Pamela Rueda, creator of My Badass Recovery, to explore Step 5 of the 12-Step Program. Together, they unpack the significance of admitting our wrongs to ourselves, to another person, and to a higher power. Pamela shares her deeply personal journey through addiction, recovery, and the emotional weight of confronting shame, guilt, and self-perception in the healing process. Pamela and Bill also discuss the importance of selecting the right person to share your Step 5 with, the necessity of radical honesty, and how shame can be a major barrier to recovery. They emphasize how finding a trusted sponsor, creating a safe space for vulnerability, and taking a leap of faith can lead to transformative freedom.

Key Discussion Points & Chapter Markers

(00:26) – Introduction with host Bill Lundgren

(01:29) – Guest introduction: Pamela Rueda and My Badass Recovery

(01:48) – What is Step 5? Admitting the exact nature of our wrongs

(02:27) – Pamela’s personal recovery journey and the fears around Step 5

(04:14) – Shame, self-perception, and breaking free from past identity

(06:37) – The challenge of opening up and being radically honest

(08:48) – Selecting the right sponsor: trust, wisdom, and higher power

(11:56) – How to actually go through Step 5: process, structure, and commitment

(14:38) – The role of a sponsor: “I’m not here to be your friend”

(16:43) – The fear of judgment and seeking approval in recovery

(18:35) – Relapse and learning from past experiences

(22:24) – Understanding shame vs. guilt: The impact on recovery

(25:09) – The cycle of addiction and self-judgment

(28:57) – The power of sharing: How vulnerability defeats shame

(32:48) – When and how to disclose your recovery journey

(35:15) – Avoiding the dangers of oversharing and measuring trust

(39:43) – Understanding motives behind sharing your story

(40:55) – Closing thoughts: Taking the leap of faith in recovery

Key Takeaways & Calls to Action

Shame thrives in secrecy – Bringing shame into the light through honesty helps break its power.

Choosing the right person for Step 5 is crucial – A sponsor should be trustworthy, wise, and aligned with your healing journey.

Healing is an ongoing process – If we don’t uncover all aspects of our struggles, they can resurface later in life.

Measure your vulnerability – Not everyone is safe to share with; trust and intuition play a vital role.

The power of sharing – Speaking your truth in a safe space leads to self-acceptance and healing.

Connect & Support

Feedback? Questions? Call us at (720) 712-8856 or email [email protected].

Support Aftersight – Your contributions help us continue making impactful content for the blind and low-vision community.

Thank you for listening to Blindsight. Stay strong, stay connected, and see you next time.

In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren sits down with Pamela Rueda, creator of My Badass Recovery, to explore Step 5 of the 12-Step Program. Together, they unpack the significance of admitting our wrongs to ourselves, to another person, and to a higher power. Pamela shares her deeply personal journey through addiction, recovery, and the emotional weight of confronting shame, guilt, and self-perception in the healing process. Pamela and Bill also discuss the importance of selecting the right person to share your Step 5 with, the necessity of radical honesty, and how shame can be a major barrier to recovery. They emphasize how finding a trusted sponsor, creating a safe space for vulnerability, and taking a leap of faith can lead to transformative freedom.

Key Discussion Points & Chapter Markers

(00:26) – Introduction with host Bill Lundgren

(01:29) – Guest introduction: Pamela Rueda and My Badass Recovery

(01:48) – What is Step 5? Admitting the exact nature of our wrongs

(02:27) – Pamela’s personal recovery journey and the fears around Step 5

(04:14) – Shame, self-perception, and breaking free from past identity

(06:37) – The challenge of opening up and being radically honest

(08:48) – Selecting the right sponsor: trust, wisdom, and higher power

(11:56) – How to actually go through Step 5: process, structure, and commitment

(14:38) – The role of a sponsor: “I’m not here to be your friend”

(16:43) – The fear of judgment and seeking approval in recovery

(18:35) – Relapse and learning from past experiences

(22:24) – Understanding shame vs. guilt: The impact on recovery

(25:09) – The cycle of addiction and self-judgment

(28:57) – The power of sharing: How vulnerability defeats shame

(32:48) – When and how to disclose your recovery journey

(35:15) – Avoiding the dangers of oversharing and measuring trust

(39:43) – Understanding motives behind sharing your story

(40:55) – Closing thoughts: Taking the leap of faith in recovery

Key Takeaways & Calls to Action

Shame thrives in secrecy – Bringing shame into the light through honesty helps break its power.

Choosing the right person for Step 5 is crucial – A sponsor should be trustworthy, wise, and aligned with your healing journey.

Healing is an ongoing process – If we don’t uncover all aspects of our struggles, they can resurface later in life.

Measure your vulnerability – Not everyone is safe to share with; trust and intuition play a vital role.

The power of sharing – Speaking your truth in a safe space leads to self-acceptance and healing.

Connect & Support

Feedback? Questions? Call us at (720) 712-8856 or email [email protected].

Support Aftersight – Your contributions help us continue making impactful content for the blind and low-vision community.

Thank you for listening to Blindsight. Stay strong, stay connected, and see you next time.

In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren welcomes back Darren Zenger, a counselor and advisor, to discuss Step 4 of the 12-Step Program—taking a fearless and moral inventory. They explore how this crucial step helps individuals examine resentments, fears, and past behaviors to uncover the root causes of addiction and maladaptive coping mechanisms.

Darren explains the different areas of personal inventory:

Resentments: Identifying the people, places, and events that trigger negative emotions.

Fears Inventory: Acknowledging deep-seated fears that drive behavior.

Sexual Inventory: Examining relationships and behaviors to uncover patterns.

Assets Inventory: Recognizing strengths and values to realign with one's true self.

Throughout the conversation, Darren shares personal insights on perfectionism, trauma, and self-acceptance, discussing how these themes have impacted his journey. He emphasizes that self-reflection can be challenging but ultimately liberating, helping individuals break free from unhealthy patterns and realign with their values.

The episode concludes with a message of self-compassion, highlighting the difference between guilt and shame, and encouraging listeners to approach their personal inventory with courage and support.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 – Introduction by Jonathan Price

00:12 – Host Bill Lundgren welcomes Darren Zenger

01:45 – Overview of Step 4: The Moral Inventory

03:30 – Breaking down the inventory: Resentments, fears, and behaviors

06:20 – The importance of writing it down and working with a sponsor

08:45 – Recognizing personal responsibility vs. blaming others

12:00 – Overcoming fear and shame in self-reflection

17:30 – Identifying character defects and working toward change

21:15 – Perfectionism and its impact on personal growth

28:30 – Aligning behaviors with values for long-term healing

34:00 – Self-inventory as a continuous process for growth

38:00 – Final thoughts and words of encouragement

39:45 – Closing remarks and preview of Step 5

In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren welcomes back Darren Zenger, a counselor and advisor, to discuss Step 4 of the 12-Step Program—taking a fearless and moral inventory. They explore how this crucial step helps individuals examine resentments, fears, and past behaviors to uncover the root causes of addiction and maladaptive coping mechanisms.

Darren explains the different areas of personal inventory:

Resentments: Identifying the people, places, and events that trigger negative emotions.

Fears Inventory: Acknowledging deep-seated fears that drive behavior.

Sexual Inventory: Examining relationships and behaviors to uncover patterns.

Assets Inventory: Recognizing strengths and values to realign with one's true self.

Throughout the conversation, Darren shares personal insights on perfectionism, trauma, and self-acceptance, discussing how these themes have impacted his journey. He emphasizes that self-reflection can be challenging but ultimately liberating, helping individuals break free from unhealthy patterns and realign with their values.

The episode concludes with a message of self-compassion, highlighting the difference between guilt and shame, and encouraging listeners to approach their personal inventory with courage and support.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 – Introduction by Jonathan Price

00:12 – Host Bill Lundgren welcomes Darren Zenger

01:45 – Overview of Step 4: The Moral Inventory

03:30 – Breaking down the inventory: Resentments, fears, and behaviors

06:20 – The importance of writing it down and working with a sponsor

08:45 – Recognizing personal responsibility vs. blaming others

12:00 – Overcoming fear and shame in self-reflection

17:30 – Identifying character defects and working toward change

21:15 – Perfectionism and its impact on personal growth

28:30 – Aligning behaviors with values for long-term healing

34:00 – Self-inventory as a continuous process for growth

38:00 – Final thoughts and words of encouragement

39:45 – Closing remarks and preview of Step 5

In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren continues the discussion on the 12-Step Program with guest Darran Zenger. They explore Step 3, which involves turning one's will and life over to a higher power as they understand it. The conversation delves into the challenges of surrender, the distinction between religion and spirituality, and how different belief systems can shape an individual's recovery process.

Darran shares insights on overcoming ego, embracing hope, and finding resources to navigate addiction and personal struggles. The discussion also touches on how individuals with disabilities, particularly blindness, may face unique challenges in trusting the process. Bill and Darran emphasize patience, faith, and openness in the journey of recovery.

The episode closes with a preview of next week’s topic: Step 4: Taking a Personal Inventory, a crucial yet often intimidating step in the recovery process.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 – Introduction to Blindsight and the importance of mental health

00:18 – Bill welcomes guest Darran Zenger to discuss Step 3

02:26 – What is Step 3? Turning our will over to a higher power

04:16 – Overcoming struggles with surrender

07:10 – The challenge of giving up control and ego in recovery

09:09 – Disabilities, faith, and the difficulty of trust

11:42 – Differentiating between religion and spirituality

13:35 – The role of nature and mindfulness in connecting with a higher power

15:51 – The struggle of letting things happen vs. making things happen

19:15 – Hope as the key to persistence and recovery

21:06 – Instilling hope in clients and taking action

26:21 – The patience required to form new habits in recovery

29:48 – The connection between Step 3 and Step 4

31:20 – Addressing religious trauma in the recovery process

36:03 – Final thoughts: Hope, patience, and openness

38:56 – Next week's episode preview: Step 4 – Taking a Personal Inventory

40:19 – Feedback and contact information

Contact & Feedback:

📞 Blindsight Feedback Line: (720) 712-8856

📧 Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren continues the discussion on the 12-Step Program with guest Darran Zenger. They explore Step 3, which involves turning one's will and life over to a higher power as they understand it. The conversation delves into the challenges of surrender, the distinction between religion and spirituality, and how different belief systems can shape an individual's recovery process.

Darran shares insights on overcoming ego, embracing hope, and finding resources to navigate addiction and personal struggles. The discussion also touches on how individuals with disabilities, particularly blindness, may face unique challenges in trusting the process. Bill and Darran emphasize patience, faith, and openness in the journey of recovery.

The episode closes with a preview of next week’s topic: Step 4: Taking a Personal Inventory, a crucial yet often intimidating step in the recovery process.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 – Introduction to Blindsight and the importance of mental health

00:18 – Bill welcomes guest Darran Zenger to discuss Step 3

02:26 – What is Step 3? Turning our will over to a higher power

04:16 – Overcoming struggles with surrender

07:10 – The challenge of giving up control and ego in recovery

09:09 – Disabilities, faith, and the difficulty of trust

11:42 – Differentiating between religion and spirituality

13:35 – The role of nature and mindfulness in connecting with a higher power

15:51 – The struggle of letting things happen vs. making things happen

19:15 – Hope as the key to persistence and recovery

21:06 – Instilling hope in clients and taking action

26:21 – The patience required to form new habits in recovery

29:48 – The connection between Step 3 and Step 4

31:20 – Addressing religious trauma in the recovery process

36:03 – Final thoughts: Hope, patience, and openness

38:56 – Next week's episode preview: Step 4 – Taking a Personal Inventory

40:19 – Feedback and contact information

Contact & Feedback:

📞 Blindsight Feedback Line: (720) 712-8856

📧 Email: [email protected]