Coming Into Focus

On this episode, Jay sits down with Michael Koch. Mike is currently drug and alcohol counselor, working at West Coast Recovery Centers in Carlsbad, CA, and he hosts a podcast titled Positive Connections Radio – a show intended to help break the stigma of seeking help related to mental health issues among first responders. Prior to all of this, Mike had worked in law enforcement for 19 years, spending the last 10 years as an undercover narcotics agent. After being prescribed Vicodin for an injury, Mike slowly found himself addicted to opioids, and eventually doing the unthinkable…  more than a story about addiction or recovery, this episode is about resiliency and never giving up. Mike is a truly inspirational guy, and his story illustrates that no obstacle is too big to overcome.

Mike's info:
Positive Connections Radio
Psychology Today profile
West Coast Recovery Centers

Jay Wick, LMFT:
Focus Therapy
Instagram

This episode is a continuation of a previous interview with Jay’s wonderful fiancé, Carlie Roe. In the last recording, the couple explored some major obstacles Carlie has overcome to be where she is today, and in this interview they pick up where they left off on Carlie’s evolution. Carlie discusses working through old narratives and limiting belief systems that caused a lot of self-doubt while entering into her new career, and she talks about some lessons related to delayed gratification. Jay and Carlie also get into the details of why Carlie made the choice to stop drinking alcohol, and why she still hasn’t had a sip in over 3 years. There’s even some relationship and sex talk in this one. All the bases are covered – no pun intended.

Carlie's Instagram: @carlieroeartistry
Carlie's Blog: The Positive Hairstylist

Instagram: @comingintofocus
www.comingintofocus.org
Twitter: Coming_To_Focus

On this episode Jay chats with longtime friend Amir Karkouti. Amir is a master certified, transformative coach who has spent over 10 years as an advisor and mentor to fortune 500 CEO’s, military men and women, and anyone who is looking to get more out of themselves and their lives. Amir is also an author of several books, and the owner of a chain of restaurants called Surf Brother’s Teriyaki. Jay and Amir get into a conversation about Amir’s experience coming to the United States from Iran at a very young age, and how those early experiences had an impact on the work he does today. Amir also candidly discusses his reaction to a commonly known medication which led to bouts of severe fatigue, depression and ultimately thoughts of suicide. Through all of this, Amir discusses the philosophy that is at the center of his work with others, and how his own understanding of these principals helped him manage his own distress.

Amir Karkouti:
https://www.amirkarkouti.com

Amir's books on Amazon

Other resources:

Mindfulness Meditation Blog

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line

If you love this podcast, please drop a review on whatever platform you listen on! And, stay up to date with the latest episodes by following "Coming Into Focus" on Instagram.

www.comingintofocus.org

On today’s episode I chat with my amazingly talented finace, Carlie Roe. Carlie is without a doubt one of the most loving and kind hearted people I have ever known, which is probably what really roped me in as we initially started dating…although, I can't lie she's a total babe, too! We get into a pretty candid story of how we met and the funny story of our first date. Carlie also opens up about not graduating high school, the shame that hung over her related to that, and how she finally made some big life changes to push through in order to get her GED. This episode will for sure tug at your heart strings a little bit, but will also 100% motivate you to get out there and go after what you want. It was so much fun recording with each other, that we decided she should probably be a regular guest. For now, I really hope you all enjoy part 1 of Carlie’s awesome story.

Carlie's Instagram: @carlieroeartistry
Carlie's Blog: The Positive Hairstylist

Instagram: @comingintofocus
www.comingintofocus.org
Twitter: Coming_To_Focus

Jay sits down with entrepreneur and ex Navy Seal Officer, Jeff Everage. Jeff is a certified Wim Hof Method instructor, and Jay actually got to attend one of his classes and get in the ice bath with everyone. Jay and Jeff discuss aspects of the breath work and cold exposure, involved in the method – and they explore the underlying theme of connection that seems to be at the center of all of the work Jeff does. One such example is the Hold Me Tight couples workshops Jeff runs with his significant other, and Jay's colleague Cristina Trette, LMFT. About two-thirds of the way through Jeff gets very vulnerable and shares about a major childhood trauma he experienced. It really goes to show, whatever your outward impressions of someone are, you never truly know what hardships they have faced in their lives.

Jeff's Website: https://www.jeffeverage.com/

Wim Hof Vice Documentary

www.comingintofocus.org
Instagram: @comingintofocus

In this episode, Jay shares about his first year in recovery. This episode can be seen as a stand alone episode that is intended to give anyone in their first year an idea of what to expect, and how to approach the journey ahead. The information may also be useful for family members with a loved one struggling with addiction. Jay touches on underlying issues that led to his personal struggle, dealing with shame, spirituality, and how he developed coping skills while not being able to afford outpatient treatment or therapy. Jay's recovery journey is unique to him, but many aspects about it are in line with what many may experience. 

Follow on instagram: @comingintofocus
Website: www.comingintofocus.org

This is the FIRST episode of the "Coming Into Focus" podcast! "Coming Into Focus" is a mental health podcast, hosted by Jay Wick, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Focus Therapy in Encinitas, CA. On this episode Jay is joined by guest co-host, Carlie Roe, who helps interview Jay and tell the story of how he became a therapist. Jay shares his past struggles with addiction, how he got into recovery, how the recovery process has changed for him, and some thoughts on 12-step programs. Jay and Carlie discuss some of the challenges and sacrifices that come with making huge life changes, and they get into a discussion about faith and the dreaded "higher power" concept in Alcoholics Anonymous. Jay also explains the overall purpose and mission for creating this podcast.

Website:
www.comingintofocus.org