Choose Your Struggle

Season 2, Episode 43!
Saving Lives Through The Sinclair Method With Claudia Christian
This week Jay chats with actress Claudia Christian. You'd probably recognize her as Commander Susan Ivanova on Babylon 5 or currently as Captain Elaine Maynard on 9-1-1. Claudia struggled with alcohol addiction and never found the help she needed through abstinence-only treatment. Finally, at the end of her rope, Claudia tried someone that wasn't as well known a decade ago, The Sinclair Method, which takes a Harm Reduction approach using medication assisted treatment. And it saved her life. Soon after this experience, Claudia founded the C Three Foundation to help promote this treatment method and help others who are currently struggling gain access. In 2014 she produced the documentary One Little Pill (which you can watch online at Amazon), about this treatment method and her own experience. Find out more about The Sinclair Method at https://www.sinclairmethod.org/ and you can learn more about Claudia at her Instagram.
Today's Good Egg: Pick up trash!
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
• My Sponsor FIVRR: https://track.fiverr.com/visit/?brand=fiverrcpa&bta=182301
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 42
Special Episode: Choose Your Struggle Presents A Day in the Life II featuring Comedian Spark Tabor of the Cookies For Breakfast Podcast
What you're hearing today is the audio version of the May 12th virtual storytelling event Choose Your Struggle Presents A Day in the Life featuring Comedian Spark Tabor of the Cookies For Breakfast Podcast. You've heard Spark on this podcast before and I've been on his pod multiple times. Spark has been my closest friend since Middle School and in this story you hear him tell the tale of the first time he was called the N-word and had to, at a young age, learn about race and racism. As always you can learn more about Spark at his twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/spizzlation or listen to his podcast at: https://open.spotify.com/show/1UZpUBLoetXL3nNtUTOrVz.
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!
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
• My Sponsor FIVRR: https://track.fiverr.com/visit/?brand=fiverrcpa&bta=182301
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 41!
Empowering Through Empathy and Perseverance with Brandee Izquierdo
(My bad on the echo-y quality of the intro and outro to those of you who care a lot about sound quality it's not amazing this week)
On this week's episode of the Choose Your Struggle podcast, Jay chats with Brandee Izquierdo, the Executive Director of SAFE Project. SAFE was started by Admiral James and Mary Winnefeld after they lost their son to an overdose. Brandee is over ten years in recovery and has dedicated her life to helping others and advocating for better services for those struggling with issues of Addiction. You can learn more about SAFE at their website: https://www.safeproject.us/ and Brandee at her LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandee-izquierdo-mpa-309a0877/.
Today's Good Egg: Take a walk with someone you love.
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
• My Sponsor FIVRR: https://track.fiverr.com/visit/?brand=fiverrcpa&bta=182301
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 40
Monday Motivation: A Conversation Around Cannabis Policy and Thinking With Kyle Blanks Pt. 2
What you're hearing today is the second half of I conversation I recorded with Road Runner CBD (and the Corner of the Clubhouse Podcast on the Shameless Podcast Network)'s own Kyle Blanks. You probably remember Kyle from earlier this season. Well, he's an excellent resource on Cannabis and now a podcaster himself so we're doing a series on Cannabis! This Monday and last Monday are the first convo, around policy and thinking. Other topics will come in the future. You can learn more about Kyle's work at Road Runner CBD (which is also one of my partners).
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.
The first give away of this season is live! You have to like/connect/follow CYS on the big six social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Tik Tok) and message me on one of those platforms to enter. If you don't have one, that's ok. Tell me that when you message me. You can find the links at the campsite bio below (it's the last link in the show notes) or searching Jay Shifman/ Choose Your Struggle on social media. Reach out through any social media site or my website for details or with questions.
The winner of this giveaway with get a Road Runner product on the house! Any of them you want, it's on me. So enter today!
No Good Egg or Card on Monday episodes.

• Love being a part of the community and want to show it off? Grab a Choose Your Struggle Tank Top, sticker, and magnet! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut of the tank top). Reach out through the website to order. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast: 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.
• My Sponsor Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Sponsor Mountain Made: https://mountainmadecbd.com/
• My Sponsor Four Sigmatic (10% off with Code Choose Your Struggle)
• My Sponsor FIVRR: https://track.fiverr.com/visit/?brand=fiverrcpa&bta=182301
• My Sponsor Fanatics: https://fanatics.ncw6.net/CYS
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio/

Season 2, Episode 39!
Breaking The Taboo Of Talking About Suicide With Serena Hope Sun
On this week's episode of the Choose Your Struggle podcast, Jay chats with Serena Hope Sun! Besides being an actress, Serena is the founder of Breaking Taboo, an organization seeking to change the way we talk about Suicide. Besides working on a documentary, Breaking Taboo is constantly working to help people have conversations around this important topic. You can find more at their website: https://breaking-taboo.org/.
Today's Good Egg: Reach out to someone you care about and check in!
New sponsor alert! Road Runner and CYS are joining forces. Check the link below and use the code CYS to get 10% off your CBD needs.
The first give away of this season is live! You have to like/connect/follow CYS on the big six social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Tik Tok) and message me on one of those platforms to enter. If you don't have one, that's ok. Tell me that when you message me. You can find the links at the campsite bio below (it's the last link in the show notes) or searching Jay Shifman/ Choose Your Struggle on social media. Reach out through any social media site or my website for details or with questions.
The winner of this giveaway with get a Road Runner product on the house! Any of them you want, it's on me. So enter today!

• 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.
• 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
• My Sponsor FIVRR: https://track.fiverr.com/visit/?brand=fiverrcpa&bta=182301
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 38
Monday Motivation: A Conversation Around Cannabis Policy and Thinking With Kyle Blanks Pt. 1
What you're hearing today is the first half of I conversation I recorded with Road Runner CBD (and the Corner of the Clubhouse Podcast on the Shameless Podcast Network)'s own Kyle Blanks. You probably remember Kyle from earlier this season. Well, he's an excellent resource on Cannabis and now a podcaster himself so we're doing a series on Cannabis! This Monday and next Monday are the first convo, around policy and thinking. Other topics will come in the future. You can learn more about Kyle's work at Road Runner CBD (which is also one of my partners).
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.
The first give away of this season is live! You have to like/connect/follow CYS on the big six social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Tik Tok) and message me on one of those platforms to enter. If you don't have one, that's ok. Tell me that when you message me. You can find the links at the campsite bio below (it's the last link in the show notes) or searching Jay Shifman/ Choose Your Struggle on social media. Reach out through any social media site or my website for details or with questions.
The winner of this giveaway with get a Road Runner product on the house! Any of them you want, it's on me. So enter today!
No Good Egg or Card on Monday episodes.

• Love being a part of the community and want to show it off? Grab a Choose Your Struggle Tank Top, sticker, and magnet! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut of the tank top). Reach out through the website to order. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast: 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.
• My Sponsor Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Sponsor Mountain Made: https://mountainmadecbd.com/
• My Sponsor Four Sigmatic (10% off with Code Choose Your Struggle)
• My Sponsor FIVRR: https://track.fiverr.com/visit/?brand=fiverrcpa&bta=182301
• My Sponsor Fanatics: https://fanatics.ncw6.net/CYS
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio/

Season 2, Episode 37!
Spreading Love After Unimaginable Tragedy with Chris Singleton
On this week's episode of the Choose Your Struggle podcast, Jay chats with speaker and author Chris Singleton! After losing his mother in the racist shooting at Mother Emanuel Church, an event Chris describes as unimaginable, Chris spent a few years playing minor league baseball before turning his attention to his mission of spreading love and creating unity. Chris is the author of the incredible children's book (grab it at my bookshop link: https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS) and is one of the most popular inspirational speakers on the market. Learn more about Chris at: https://www.chrissingleton.com/
Today's Good Egg: Have a positive moment, a positive interaction, with someone who doesn't look like you. 
New sponsor alert! Road Runner and CYS are joining forces. Check the link below and use the code CYS to get 10% off your CBD needs.
The first give away of this season is live! You have to like/connect/follow CYS on the big six social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Tik Tok) and message me on one of those platforms to enter. If you don't have one, that's ok. Tell me that when you message me. You can find the links at the campsite bio below (it's the last link in the show notes) or searching Jay Shifman/ Choose Your Struggle on social media. Reach out through any social media site or my website for details or with questions.
The winner of this giveaway with get a Road Runner product on the house! Any of them you want, it's on me. So enter today!

• 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.
• 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
• My Sponsor FIVRR: https://track.fiverr.com/visit/?brand=fiverrcpa&bta=182301
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 36
Monday Motivation: This week we're talking about racial disparities in the cannabis market. This one is tough because overall a strong cannabis market is a positive thing of course. But the direction it's heading in, mirroring the disparity in our capitalistic society, is troubling. So what can we do? 
100+ Black Owned Cannabis Businesses To Support Right Now
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.
The first give away of this season is live! You have to like/connect/follow CYS on the big six social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Tik Tok) and message me on one of those platforms to enter. If you don't have one, that's ok. Tell me that when you message me. You can find the links at the campsite bio below (it's the last link in the show notes) or searching Jay Shifman/ Choose Your Struggle on social media. Reach out through any social media site or my website for details or with questions.
The winner of this giveaway with get a Road Runner product on the house! Any of them you want, it's on me. So enter today!
No Good Egg or Card on Monday episodes.

• Love being a part of the community and want to show it off? Grab a Choose Your Struggle Tank Top, sticker, and magnet! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut of the tank top). Reach out through the website to order. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast: 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.
• My Sponsor Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Sponsor Mountain Made: https://mountainmadecbd.com/
• My Sponsor Four Sigmatic (10% off with Code Choose Your Struggle)
• My Sponsor FIVRR: https://track.fiverr.com/visit/?brand=fiverrcpa&bta=182301
• My Sponsor Fanatics: https://fanatics.ncw6.net/CYS
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio/

Season 2, Episode 35!
Trauma, Suicide, and Stigma with Claire Russell
On this week's episode of the Choose Your Struggle podcast, Jay chats with speaker and stigma-buster Claire Russell! The founder of Mental Health in Business (MHIB), Claire speaks, consults, and advocates around the issues of suicide awareness and prevention, and mental health. She's overcome multiple incidents of trauma including losing a partner to suicide. You can learn more about Claire at https://mhib.co.uk/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-russell-business/.
Today's Good Egg: Pay it forward!
New sponsor alert! Road Runner and CYS are joining forces. Check the link below and use the code CYS to get 10% off your CBD needs.
The first give away of this season is live! You have to like/connect/follow CYS on the big six social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Tik Tok) and message me on one of those platforms to enter. If you don't have one, that's ok. Tell me that when you message me. You can find the links at the campsite bio below (it's the last link in the show notes) or searching Jay Shifman/ Choose Your Struggle on social media. Reach out through any social media site or my website for details or with questions.
The winner of this giveaway with get a Road Runner product on the house! Any of them you want, it's on me. So enter today!

• 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.
• 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
• My Sponsor FIVRR: https://track.fiverr.com/visit/?brand=fiverrcpa&bta=182301
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 34!
A Day in the Life featuring Shawn Braley!
Welcome to this special episode! What you're hearing today is the audio replay of the debut of a new storytelling event I'll be hosting virtually on my Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube (see my campsite below for links). If you caught the event live or have watched it since, feel free to skip this one! For everyone else, enjoy my good friend and master storyteller Shawn Braley telling his story of trying to get some and running into his local trailer park boogie man.
For more from Shawn, see https://www.cincystories.net/.
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.
The first give away of this season is live! You have to like/connect/follow CYS on the big six social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Tik Tok) and message me on one of those platforms to enter. If you don't have one, that's ok. Tell me that when you message me. You can find the links at the campsite bio below (it's the last link in the show notes) or searching Jay Shifman/ Choose Your Struggle on social media. Reach out through any social media site or my website for details or with questions.
The winner of this giveaway with get a Road Runner product on the house! Any of them you want, it's on me. So enter today!
No Good Egg or Card on Monday episodes.

• 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.
• 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
• My Sponsor FIVRR: https://track.fiverr.com/visit/?brand=fiverrcpa&bta=182301
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio