Welcome to another episode of "Clean or Sober," the podcast where we dive deep into the journey of recovery and the experiences that shape our lives. Today, we're exploring a very personal and transformative topic: "My Experience with the 12 Steps." As of today, I have been clean and sober for 12 years, 4 months, and 18 days. It's been a journey filled with challenges, revelations, and countless moments of growth, and I'm excited to share my insights with you.

In this episode, I'll walk you through each of the 12 steps, reflecting on how they've impacted my life and contributed to my ongoing recovery. We'll delve into the literature that has been instrumental in my journey, providing context and understanding for each step. From admitting powerlessness to making amends and carrying the message to others, the 12 steps offer a roadmap to recovery that has been both a guide and a lifeline for me.

Whether you're new to the concept of the 12 steps, currently navigating your own path to sobriety, or simply looking for inspiration and understanding, I hope my experiences can offer some clarity and encouragement. So, let's get started on this deep dive into the 12 steps and explore the profound impact they can have on one's journey to staying clean and sober.

Welcome, listeners, to another episode of Clean or Sober, where we dive deep into stories of recovery, resilience, and triumph. Today's guest has an incredible journey to share, emphasizing the transformative power of staying clean and sober.

Focusing on personal growth has catapulted our guest into a leadership role both in the workplace and within their community. Since embracing sobriety, doors of opportunity have swung wide open—leading to leadership positions, nationwide travels, and a fulfilling role as a mentor for those around them.

However, the path to recovery is not without its challenges. Our guest has experienced the heart-wrenching reality of losing loved ones to the relentless grip of addiction. A pivotal moment came when one of their closest friends succumbed to an overdose, sparking a profound desire for change.

Navigating recovery means confronting various hurdles, and for our guest, that includes dealing with a spouse on a different journey. While facing the complexities of a partner choosing the "California Sober" route, our guest has grappled with the temptation to question why they can't indulge as well. Yet, through unwavering self-awareness and a commitment to their program, our guest continues to navigate these challenges, witnessing a positive evolution in every aspect of their life.

If you or someone you know has a compelling story of recovery and would like to be featured on the podcast, don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact us at [email protected]. We'd love to hear your story and share it with our community.

Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation that underscores the strength found in overcoming adversity. Now, let's dive into today's episode!

Today, I had the privilege of hosting a guest on the podcast whose journey is nothing short of inspirational. At one point in his life, he found himself sleeping in his car, right outside a bar he used to frequent regularly. Despite numerous challenges, he experienced pivotal "God" moments that eventually led him to surrender.

This remarkable individual reached a turning point after enduring multiple relapses, prioritizing his role as a parent, and discovering a new path to living. His story is a testament to resilience and transformation.

If you know someone with a compelling story who would be interested in sharing their journey on our podcast, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are always eager to feature stories that inspire and uplift.

Feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to the possibility of connecting with someone whose story can make a positive impact.

Today's guest tried to get sober so many times.  Most of the time he was more interested in getting, using and finding ways and means to get drugs, that he did not care about any single person surrounding him.

This led to an overdose which almost left him paralyzed.  There was one last ditch effort by someone amazing people in his life, and the question was asked, "What are you going to do?"  He chose to finally get fully surrendered into the program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Today he is a business owner and is very passionate about leadership outside the rooms of AA.

If you or a guest would like to join the podcast, please reach out to [email protected]

At the young age of 11, she was a runaway and obviously a part of all the things which come with life on the streets and no parental encouragement or attention.  She was sexually active at the age of 11 and realized she was following in her mothers footsteps.  
Despite watching her mother struggled with prostitution and a life of addiction as well, she was lured into the lifestyle and no hope from there.  After many grueling years of jails, institutions, and near death she finally decided to make a change.

Now she is active in the recovery community, owns sober living properties, and throughout her recovery has visited those same women she knew on the streets in attempts to simply provide Hope!

HopePoint was inspired out of volunteering with other organizations such as Amethyst, Catch Court, Salvation Army, etc..She noticed these women, who she had a passion to assist in the transition from those locations to the outside world, had no support.  From her passion to help women, she decided to be the catalyst which may bridge the gap during that difficult transition time.

Today's guest has an incredibly inspiring story. She grappled with substance use disorder and untreated mental health issues for a significant period. We often refer to individuals facing both challenges as "double winners" within our program. You've got to appreciate a touch of dark humor, right?

Somehow, she managed to achieve sobriety during the pandemic, partly because she had initial exposure to Alcoholics Anonymous and witnessed its success in the lives of others around her.

Coming from an alcoholic family background, she tragically lost her abusive father at a young age when her mother summoned the courage to leave the situation. As a young child, all she yearned for was her parents to stay together.

After several attempts to get sober for the sake of others, she ultimately found the strength within herself to surrender and embark on the path to sobriety. Today, she not only runs a successful TikTok account but is also actively involved in the recovery community, striving to eliminate the stigma surrounding addiction and the judgmental belief that there is only one path to recovery.

Furthermore, she has developed an outstanding product line of merchandise that symbolizes the personal growth achieved through addressing addiction and mental health issues. Additionally, she offers a skincare regimen, which you can find linked below.

As always if you are interested in doing a podcast episode or know someone who is, please email me at [email protected]

MERCHANDISE - RECOVERY & SOBRIETY SHIRTS/HOODIE/SWEATSHIRTS
https://linktr.ee/recoveryisfire?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

AMAZON SKINCARE STOREFRONT
https://www.amazon.com/shop/recoveryis/list/3CO19QVZD2DAG?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_aipsflist_aipsfrecoveryis_Z1Z6TYRFD5FBBGYNWXG1

Today's guest attempted to get clean very young and was not successful.  This led to a life of continuing to use, graduating to more dangerous using which ultimately led to her surrendering enough to try treatment again.

She had some period of clean time before thinking to herself, "I can probably just drink a little"  She was able to get honest with her sponsor, make it back to the rooms and today has recovery again.

My guest today has tried to get sober many times.  His brother was able to get sober earlier than he did which provided some type of attraction rather than promotion.  This allowed him to see what life could be like not using drugs or alcohol.  

He eventually got sober after numerous attempts, creating his own most pits (unbeknownst to others around him), receiving lots of physical injuries and everything else that comes with using.  

Today his life is surrounding by amazing people who love him and want the best for him.  The word friends does not even do justice the relationships he has as it is more like family.

As always if you know someone or are interested in being on the podcast reach out to me at [email protected]

My guest today was clean in 1987!!  With 36 years clean he shares his experience on how the program was when he entered, the life of misery he was creating for himself, some of which includes 6 DUI's (Driving Under the Influence).  

He shares about not living up to the standards his parents set for him which includes, loyalty, honesty and integrity.   At some point he reached his point of surrender and checked himself into treatment.

His life today is filled with so much amazing things which includes his lovely crazy wife.  They ride motorcycles today and he said, "I am living my dream."  

As always if you'd like to be a guest, please reach out directly or if you know someone who would be interested, [email protected]

Tonight's episode is brought to you by my very first sponsor.  He was single handedly responsible for saying yes to me when I was looking for someone to guide me through the steps.

A very unique person in recovery who has walked countless people through the process of recovery.  

He now runs his own business called SnotFair Vintage.

SNOT FAIR's Shop - Depop
IG: Snot_Fair_Vintage 
@snotfair | Linktree
Ebay: SnotFair

He is passionate about spirituality today, being mindful and being of service to others.  His story like many others is filled with ups and downs which includes following the Grateful Dead around, believing enlisting in the military would solve a problem, and having a kid while using attempting to get clean during that entire period.

Love this guy with all my heart and as usual if you know someone or are interested in being a guest, reach out to me at [email protected]