Choose Your Struggle

Season 2, Episode 63

Special Episode: Jay's A Day in the Life Performence

This week, we're taking a week off from putting out interviews to release something very special to us. On July 7th, Choose Your Struggle founder and host of this podcast Jay Shifman told a story for our series A Day in the Life. He told what he calls the Wendy story, about the night, while in the Austen Riggs psychiatric inpatient facility, he stopped his closest friend there from killing herself. It was a hard story to tell, it's a hard story to hear, and we recommend caution if you're in a rough spot. But we're so, so, so proud of Jay for telling this story. And the story has a few really important messages everyone needs to hear. Be there for each other. Know that you never know what people are going through. Spread love. Choose Your Struggle.

Also, a post from Jay's Facebook page this week is oddly perfect for this story. Check it out.

This episode is dedicated to the memories of Robyn Faye Weinstein and Robin Williams (who passed away this week in 2014). 

Today's Good Egg: Reach out. Just do it. Let people know how you feel about them and that you love them. Because you never know. And try out the new audio feedback feature at https://podinbox.com/CYS

Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to Jay's wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Leave us an audio message to share feedback and have a chance to be played on the show: https://podinbox.com/CYS
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• Our Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• Our Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• As always, you can find more at our links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 62
Monday Motivation: A Honest Look At The Nonprofit Industry with Serena Hope Sun of Breaking Taboo
On this special Monday Motivation episode of the Choose Your Struggle podcast, Serena Hope Sun of Breaking Taboo returns to chat with Jay about the good and the bad of running a nonprofit. Learn more about Breaking Taboo at: https://breaking-taboo.org/
The Ted Talk we talk about by Dan Pallotta: https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pallotta_the_way_we_think_about_charity_is_dead_wrong?language=en
As a special bonus, anyone who leaves The Choose Your Struggle Podcast a review on their site will get 25% off a tank top or, if you already own one, a care package of other Choose Your Struggle items on the house! Just take a screen shot or a pic with your phone and send it to [email protected] with your address and your choice.
What do you think? Everyone who responds, either by social media or my website, will get a sticker mailed to them. The first person to respond each week will get a magnet! So reach out or post something on your personal social media and tag me (and maybe share the show in the process?)!
If something in this episode upsets you, or makes you feel a certain way, take a moment and do some mindfulness. When you have the words, the thought thrashed out, send it to me! Share the podcast, tell the world your thoughts. That's how we make change.
No Good Egg or Card on Monday episodes.
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• My Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 61!
Race, The Media, and The War on People with Michael Roisino
This week, Jay chats with Michael Rosino. Michael is an educator at Molloy College and the author of the book Debating The Drug War. Michael spent years researching the drug war through the lens of how it's discussed in the media, from online comment sections to newspaper articles. You can learn more at his website https://michaelrosino.com/. And you can buy the book at Bookshop!

The first person to reach out to tell Jay they want to read the book, we'll send them his copy for free!
Today's Good Egg: stand up for yourself!
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to Jay's wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• Our Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• Our Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• As always, you can find more at our links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 60
Monday Motivation: Hotter Than Health with Eliza Gellman
On today's extra special Monday Motivation episode of the Choose Your Struggle podcast, Jay chats with his sister in law, Eliza Gellman, the host of the Hotter Than Health podcast!
Learn more about Eliza at: https://www.instagram.com/elizag_wellness/ and listen to the Hotter Than health podcast at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hotter-than-health/id1428759268.
As a special bonus, anyone who leaves The Choose Your Struggle Podcast a review on their site will get 25% off a tank top or, if you already own one, a care package of other Choose Your Struggle items on the house! Just take a screen shot or a pic with your phone and send it to [email protected] with your address and your choice.
What do you think? Everyone who responds, either by social media or my website, will get a sticker mailed to them. The first person to respond each week will get a magnet! So reach out or post something on your personal social media and tag me (and maybe share the show in the process?)!
If something in this episode upsets you, or makes you feel a certain way, take a moment and do some mindfulness. When you have the words, the thought thrashed out, send it to me! Share the podcast, tell the world your thoughts. That's how we make change.
No Good Egg or Card on Monday episodes.
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• My Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 59!
Closing The Care Gap with Tim Desmond!
This week, Jay chats with Tim Desmond. A trained therapist and author of multiple books, Tim surveyed the current landscape of the helping profession and didn't like what he saw. So he founded Peer Collective as an alternative to therapy. Peer Collective is an easy to use and affordable solution which helps close the gap between those who need Mental Health care and the all too few who provide it. Learn more at https://www.peercollective.com/.
Today's Good Egg: check out Peer Collective!
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• My Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 58
Monday Motivation: Drug Use In The Open
Inspired by a question from a friend and listener of the show, Jay talks about why you may be seeing more use in the open and why you should think about how to support drug users. 
As a special bonus, anyone who leaves The Choose Your Struggle Podcast a review on their site will get 25% off a tank top or, if you already own one, a care package of other Choose Your Struggle items on the house! Just take a screen shot or a pic with your phone and send it to [email protected] with your address and your choice.
What do you think? Everyone who responds, either by social media or my website, will get a sticker mailed to them. The first person to respond each week will get a magnet! So reach out or post something on your personal social media and tag me (and maybe share the show in the process?)!
If something in this episode upsets you, or makes you feel a certain way, take a moment and do some mindfulness. When you have the words, the thought thrashed out, send it to me! Share the podcast, tell the world your thoughts. That's how we make change.
No Good Egg or Card on Monday episodes.
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• My Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 57!
NORML and the Parent Movement, Weed's Long, Strange Trip to Just Say No
This week's guest is Emily Dufton! Emily is an incredible researcher who is probably best known for her book Grass Roots: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Marijuana in America. Jay reads a lot of drug policy and history books and says this one is in his top 5. You can find it at the Bookshop link: https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS and stay up to date on all of Emily's work at her twitter: https://twitter.com/emily_dufton.
The first person who reaches out (either through the website or social media) will get Emily's book sent to them FOR FREE! All you have to do is let Jay know you listened to this episode and give him your address. That's it! Anyone else who reaches out will get a sticker sent to them.
*** Editor's note: the first 9 seconds of the interview, where Emily introduces herself, got cut off in editing for some reason. It was added back in post production hence why it sounds different than the rest of the show. ***
Today's Good Egg: Reach out to someone who is not your political persuasion.
Thank you to Devannon Hubert of the Sex Drugs and Jesus podcast for his review of the show!
Positive Mental Health Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4aT2U6PZ3MUWcesxQrAbi1
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• My Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 56
Monday Motivation: Finding Your Next Podcast, A Conversation On Podcasting With The Captain, Imran Ahmed, of Great Pods
Jay goes deep into the nitty gritty and evolution of podcasting with The Captain, Imran Ahmed, the founder of Great Pods! But first, Imran talks about his decade plus in the industry and why he decided the time was right to jump off on his own and give birth to the platform. Check out Great Pods at their website https://greatpods.co/ and follow Imran at his LinkedIn.
And here's a link to the critic review of this show, as mentioned in this discussion!
As a special bonus, anyone who leaves The Choose Your Struggle Podcast a review on their site will get 25% off a tank top or, if you already own one, a care package of other Choose Your Struggle items on the house! Just take a screen shot or a pic with your phone and send it to [email protected] with your address and your choice.
What do you think? Everyone who responds, either by social media or my website, will get a sticker mailed to them. The first person to respond each week will get a magnet! So reach out or post something on your personal social media and tag me (and maybe share the show in the process?)!
If something in this episode upsets you, or makes you feel a certain way, take a moment and do some mindfulness. When you have the words, the thought thrashed out, send it to me! Share the podcast, tell the world your thoughts. That's how we make change.
No Good Egg or Card on Monday episodes.
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• My Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 55!
This week's guest is Zach Rhoads. Jay first found Zach's work on Filter (yes, another Filter connection!) but he's also written a book with Stanton Peele called Outgrowing Addiction: With Common Sense Instead of “Disease” Therapy. Together with Peele, Zach works at the Life Process Program helping people working with those struggling with Addiction. You can learn more by reading his work on Filter Mag at: https://filtermag.org/author/zach-rhoads/ or at one of the previous links. And check out his medium article The Day I Left AA, as referenced in this convo.
Today's Good Egg: Bend but don't break your routine.
This year's Birthday Fundraiser is LIIIIIIIVE! Y'all were so amazing last year, helping us raise over $12,000 for Drug Policy Alliance, I'll love you all for coming through again this year. For my birthday this year, I'm raising money for Savage Sisters, an amazing organization I'm a board member for here in Philly. We provide recovery housing and harm reduction outreach. Founded and led by a woman in recovery, y'all know I'm ALLLLLLL about this work. To learn more and get involved, check out the link: https://www.facebook.com/donate/131518205723435/. Our goal is $2,500 and we're closing in on $2,000.
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• My Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Special Episode! Choose Your Struggle Presents: A Day in the Life featuring Heather Wylde Smith
Season 2, Episode 54
Special Episode! This week's Monday Motivation is a special, unedited, audio only replay of A Day in the Life featuring Heather Wylde Smith.
This show was originally broadcast on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. To make sure you catch these events in the future, click on your preferred platform and follow or check out my Campsite bio farther down in these notes.
What do you think? Everyone who responds, either by social media or my website, will get a sticker mailed to them. The first person to respond each week will get a magnet! So reach out or post something on your personal social media and tag me (and maybe share the show in the process?)!
If something in this episode upsets you, or makes you feel a certain way, take a moment and do some mindfulness. When you have the words, the thought thrashed out, send it to me! Share the podcast, tell the world your thoughts. That's how we make change.
No Good Egg or Card on Monday episodes.
This year's Birthday Fundraiser is LIIIIIIIVE! Y'all were so amazing last year, helping us raise over $12,000 for Drug Policy Alliance, I'll love you all for coming through again this year. For my birthday this year, I'm raising money for Savage Sisters, an amazing organization I'm a board member for here in Philly. We provide recovery housing and harm reduction outreach. Founded and led by a woman in recovery, y'all know I'm ALLLLLLL about this work. To learn more and get involved, check out the link: https://www.facebook.com/donate/131518205723435/
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• My Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio