Natalie DeLaCruz - The Purple Effect 
Youth Engagement Specialist at The Herren Project

Podcast - The Purple Effect
https://open.spotify.com/show/1nurXzz1jY3NobIvuVdo6N

A special holiday series of people in recovery sharing stories about their experience, strength and hope.

A special holiday series of people in recovery sharing stories about their experience, strength and hope.

A special holiday series of people in recovery sharing stories about their experience, strength and hope.

Wearing his emotions on his sleeve, Kevin recounts doing the impossible, surviving a jump off the Golden Gate Bridge.  From the moment his hands left the railing, he regretted the leap, and has dedicated himself to preventing others from ever getting to that point.  There’s so much we can do, all of us, starting with not shying away from the conversation.  

It doesn’t always make it easier to not drink, but in Carlos’ case, life and career are just better without the booze.  From heavy drinking and barroom fights, to a role on The Walking Dead and Marvel’s Hawkeye, he details for Dan his journey that he’s dubbed “mugshot to Marvel.”  These days, when not on set, he’s on the softball field coaching his daughter’s team, and he couldn’t be happier.

The man has no time for negativity in his life.  A far from perfect childhood, a relentless drive to be better both in and out of the ring, and countless difficult decisions have all built Rico into the fighter, father, and big hearted guy that he is today.  Getting candid on what it takes to be the absolute best in the world, and sharing personal, heartfelt moments from his past, Rico gets brutally honest and surprises Dan on this episode.

This time of year can be difficult for so many people, but don’t just give yourself or someone you care about a free pass.  If you need help, ask for it.  If you know someone that looks like they may be struggling, ask how they’re doing, how they are really doing!  The holidays were my excuse to drink more and care less.  Don’t make that same mistake.  Give yourself or someone you love the gift of a better life.  - Dan

One of the most active, honest and powerful voices in the recovery community, Chris Herren hammers home the importance of reaching kids early by focusing on the first day, not the last.  While sharing his own story of being an NBA player who suffered from brutal addiction, Chris and Dan also hit on the progress that needs to be made in creating more awareness, and the role of parents and schools in addressing issues of substance use, self-worth, and more.   When Chris speaks it has impact.  You need to hear this.

Since Dan last saw him when in high school together, STATiC has been a professional musician for over twenty years.  After battling addiction, he made the decision towards a more clear life. His sobriety exposed him to an ever-expanding world of influential mindsets, practical attitudes, and inner-growth based practices all of which have helped him to reshape and continue a blessed experience in the music industry.  Static openly explains how his years of sobriety have affected his life and how he interacts with the world around him, and his rewarding work and outreach with at-risk youth.