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“Can One Person’s Recovery Heal an Entire Family?” A Tribute to My Dad, and the Weekend That Changed Everything

Episode Description:
This episode is deeply personal. It’s more than a conversation—it’s a tribute to my father, Dr. Douglas Coombs, who was not only my dad, but my best friend. He graduated this life last summer, and I’m honored to share this recorded moment with him, alongside my sister Melissa Jones.

Together, we talk about how addiction impacted our family from the inside out, and how healing became possible—not through quick fixes or ultimatums, but through boundaries, vulnerability, and the slow rebuilding of trust.

You’ll hear about:

• The weekend in Newport Beach that changed everything
• How my dad and I reconnected after years of distance
• What it really looks like to set boundaries that protect, not punish
• And how emotional sobriety can ripple through an entire family system

If you’re a parent, a sibling, or someone who loves a person struggling with addiction, this episode will speak to the pain—and the possibility—of recovery that goes beyond the individual. My dad’s wisdom, humility, and quiet strength shaped my own journey. This is one way I get to honor that.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or right here on YouTube.

🎓 Free Webclass:

• For Families: www.liveunhooked.com/family
• For Individuals: www.liveunhooked.com/individual

📚 More Resources:
Grab my book Unhooked on Audible or Amazon
Visit www.brickhouserecovery.com for addiction recovery programs and support

This episode is for every family who’s ever held onto hope through heartbreak. I see you. And you’re not alone.

Support the show

Join Jason Coombs LIVE each week for tips and tricks and LIVE Q&A’s. Go to https://www.liveunhooked.com/live-unhooked. 

For information about treatment services visit https://www.brickhouserecovery.com/

For more information about Warrior Heart Bootcamp for men visit www.awarriorheart.com

https://awarriorheart.com/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Warrior Heart = 2026Brick100

To learn more about the women’s retreat, Heart of a Woman:
 https://theheartofawoman.net/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Heart of a Woman = 2026Brick100

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In this episode of Get Unhooked, we welcome Jeff and Bree—real-life warriors in recovery and marriage. Jeff shares his experience of hitting rock bottom, finding God, and rebuilding his life. Bree vulnerably walks us through the pain of loving an addict, and the spiritual and emotional journey she had to take to find her voice, her boundaries, and ultimately, herself.

This is a conversation about surrender—not just to recovery, but to the process of becoming whole. Whether you're the one struggling or you love someone who is, this episode offers powerful perspective and encouragement.

👉 Subscribe and share if this message speaks to you.
🔗 Get Jason’s book Unhooked on Amazon or Audible
🌐 Learn more: brickhouserecovery.com

Support the show

Join Jason Coombs LIVE each week for tips and tricks and LIVE Q&A’s. Go to https://www.liveunhooked.com/live-unhooked. 

For information about treatment services visit https://www.brickhouserecovery.com/

For more information about Warrior Heart Bootcamp for men visit www.awarriorheart.com

https://awarriorheart.com/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Warrior Heart = 2026Brick100

To learn more about the women’s retreat, Heart of a Woman:
 https://theheartofawoman.net/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Heart of a Woman = 2026Brick100

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When a loved one struggles with addiction, it doesn’t just impact them—it shakes the entire family to its core. In this powerful episode of The Get Unhooked Podcast, Jason Coombs sits down with the real experts: mothers who have lived through the chaos, grief, and heartbreak of a child’s addiction journey.

In their own honest, unfiltered words, these courageous mothers reveal what they wish they had known sooner—the mistakes they made, the boundaries they finally learned to set, and the powerful shift from enabling to true support.

You'll hear raw reflections on:

• Facing the pain of "losing" the child they once knew
• Overcoming the guilt and shame that addiction brings to families
• Learning that real love sometimes means stepping back, not stepping in
• Finding peace even when their loved one’s path remains uncertain
• The practical tools and mindset shifts that changed everything

If you’re a parent, family member, or someone who loves an addict, this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and empowered.
 You’re not alone. There’s a way forward—and it doesn’t require sacrificing your own sanity or happiness.

🎯 Subscribe to the channel for more real conversations, practical strategies, and inspiration for families navigating addiction recovery.

🔔 Join our community and access weekly coaching calls, resources, and Jason’s book Unhooked at BrickHouseRecovery.com.

Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction
4:06 - Facing painful questions about your child
6:33 - Counterintuitive parenting strategies
11:31 - Grieving the child you once knew
14:16 - When pride turns into painful honesty
19:49 - Emotional depletion and finding renewal
21:32 - What families truly wish for most
25:07 - How to connect with a support community

Support the show

Join Jason Coombs LIVE each week for tips and tricks and LIVE Q&A’s. Go to https://www.liveunhooked.com/live-unhooked. 

For information about treatment services visit https://www.brickhouserecovery.com/

For more information about Warrior Heart Bootcamp for men visit www.awarriorheart.com

https://awarriorheart.com/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Warrior Heart = 2026Brick100

To learn more about the women’s retreat, Heart of a Woman:
 https://theheartofawoman.net/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Heart of a Woman = 2026Brick100

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In this illuminating episode of The Get Unhooked Podcast, Jason Combs interviews his mentor and "book whisperer" Bridget Cook-Burch about transforming personal experiences into powerful published works. As a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Bridget reveals the process of creating transformational books—from initial concept to final publication—while Jason shares insights from his own journey writing "Unhooked."

Episode Highlights

[04:01] Jason reflects on the various motivations behind writing a book, from professional credibility to changing lives

[08:05] Bridget explains that great storytelling requires vulnerability: "In the darkness often lies the seeds of your greatest glory"

[13:27] The critical importance of creating a timeline to see patterns and meaning in your life experiences

[15:31] The powerful shift from writing for yourself to writing specifically for your readers

[19:11] Bridget shares how author Melissa Moore wrote for one specific "avatar" yet reached countless others

[32:05] Winston Churchill's quote about writing being a journey from "toy" to "tyrant" that you eventually "fling to the public"

[44:01] Jason reveals how his book "Unhooked" helped parents who lost their son to an overdose find peace

[51:33] The origin story behind Bridget's Inspired Writers Retreat and her promise to help others tell their stories

Writing for Your Avatar: The One Person Who Needs

Your Message

A critical shift occurs when writers move beyond self-expression to focus on serving readers. Jason describes his own breakthrough when reading "Millionaire Messenger" by Brendan Burchard:

The Hero's Journey Framework

Both Jason and Bridget reference Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey as an essential structure for transformation stories.

The Writing Timeline: A Churchill-Worthy Warning

For those expecting a quick process, Winston Churchill's quote offers sobering perspective:

"To begin with, it's a toy, then an amusement, then it becomes a mistress, then it becomes a master, and then it becomes a tyrant. And in the last stage, just as you were about to be reconciled to your servitude, you kill the monster and fling him to the public."

Jason candidly shares that his book appeared on his vision board for ten consecutive years before publication. Rather than being discouraging, this timeline allowed for deeper insights and experiences to inform the work.

Action Steps for Writers

Create a personal timeline to identify patterns and meaning in your experiences

Identify your specific "avatar"—the one person who needs your message most

Watch "Finding Joe" documentary to understand the hero's journey framework

Consider reading "Aspire" by Kevin Hall for an example of layered storytelling

Start with vulnerability rather than trying to appear perfect

Begin writing sessions with intention (meditation, prayer, or reflection)

Recognize that significant books often take longer than expected to complete

Resources Mentioned

"Unhooked" by Jason Combs

"Finding Joe" documentary about Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey

"Aspire: Discovering Your Purpose Through The Power of Words" by Kevin Hall

"The Witness Wore Red" by Rebecca Musser and Bridget Cook-Burch

"The Shack" by William Paul Young

YourInspiredStory.com - Bridget's website with various writing programs

This episode offers both practical guidance and inspiring examples for those seeking to transform personal experiences into published works. As Bridget emphasizes, "Stories can change the world"—and with the right approach, yours might be exactly what someone needs to hear

Support the show

Join Jason Coombs LIVE each week for tips and tricks and LIVE Q&A’s. Go to https://www.liveunhooked.com/live-unhooked. 

For information about treatment services visit https://www.brickhouserecovery.com/

For more information about Warrior Heart Bootcamp for men visit www.awarriorheart.com

https://awarriorheart.com/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Warrior Heart = 2026Brick100

To learn more about the women’s retreat, Heart of a Woman:
 https://theheartofawoman.net/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Heart of a Woman = 2026Brick100

Send us Fan Mail

In a compelling episode of The Get Unhooked Podcast, Jason Coombs celebrates 16 years of sobriety while revealing his proven three-step process for making critical decisions when supporting addicted loved ones. Through candid conversations with coaching session participants and reflections from his book "Unhooked," Jason provides a roadmap for families struggling with the complex terrain of addiction recovery.

Episode Highlights

• Jason outlines his three-step decision-making process: research thoroughly, make the best decision possible, and seek spiritual guidance
• Jason emphasizes keeping a "personal revelation journal" to document insights and breakthroughs
• Important reminder that addiction is a mental illness requiring treatment - "they're sick needing to get well, not bad needing to get good"
• Jason reflects on his 16-year sobriety journey that began March 19, 2009
• "Instead of looking for God's hand in our lives, look for his fingerprints" - finding guidance in seemingly small moments

The Decision-Making Framework That Changes Everything

Jason outlines a straightforward yet profound approach to making decisions when helping someone battling addiction:

1. Research thoroughly – Weigh the costs, benefits, risks, and rewards of each option
2. Make the best decision possible with the information available
3. Seek spiritual guidance through prayer, asking for discernment if the chosen path aligns with divine will

The final key? Follow through on the course of action once determined.

The Overlooked Power of Journaling Personal Revelations

Jason emphasizes an essential practice for lasting recovery: maintaining a "personal revelation journal" to capture insights during moments of clarity.

"These calls aren't just a one hour of, 'okay, I feel better now. Now what?' Think of these calls as opening up the channels of light and love to heaven and to your higher power," Jason explains.

He recommends:

• Writing "PR" (personal revelation) in margins to mark significant insights
• Reviewing past journals regularly to recognize patterns and growth
• Recording "aha moments" to reference during difficult times

From Selling Hot Dogs to Saving Lives: Jason's Journey

March 19, 2009 marks the beginning of Jason's sobriety journey. His path from selling hot dogs outside Home Depot to founding Brick House Recovery illustrates the unexpected ways recovery unfolds.

"At the time I was like, my whole life squandered and I'm starting over," Jason recalls of his early sobriety at 31. "I was comparing myself to others that I'd gone to school with that were on their fourth kid and were vice presidents in their companies."

A pivotal moment came through an unexpected sign – literally. While contemplating educational directions, Jason noticed a utility box marked "communications" – the exact program he'd researched the night before. This led him to meet his future wife and ultimately establish his treatment center.

The Fingerprints of Guidance

Jason introduces a perspective shift for those seeking direction: "Instead of looking for God's hand in our lives, look for his fingerprints."

This approach transforms seemingly minor decisions into meaningful turning points:

• Moving in with parents to save money while in graduate school
• Pursuing communications instead of business
• Making decisions based on intuition rather than fear

&

Support the show

Join Jason Coombs LIVE each week for tips and tricks and LIVE Q&A’s. Go to https://www.liveunhooked.com/live-unhooked. 

For information about treatment services visit https://www.brickhouserecovery.com/

For more information about Warrior Heart Bootcamp for men visit www.awarriorheart.com

https://awarriorheart.com/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Warrior Heart = 2026Brick100

To learn more about the women’s retreat, Heart of a Woman:
 https://theheartofawoman.net/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Heart of a Woman = 2026Brick100

Send us Fan Mail

In this "Get Unhooked Podcast" episode, Jason Coombs (Brick House Recovery) discusses Chapter 11 of "UNHOOKED" – the Hope chapter. He explores establishing boundaries, effective communication, and transforming struggles into service opportunities.

Key Moments

• 2:26 "Fear is lack of mental discipline" - Mental choices precede emotional responses
• 6:10 "Empathy isn't empathy without boundaries" - Proper boundaries bring hearts closer
• 8:03 Faith vs. fear - Challenges refine us "like a rolling stone down the river"
• 10:08 Service as path out of fear - Helping others alleviates obsessive thinking
• 13:03 "True recovery is identity change" not just abstinence
• 19:03 Two categories of fear - Not getting what we want; losing what we have
• 29:04 Testimony - Service transforms self-obsession into purpose
• 32:14 Recovery coach certification opportunities

Mental Discipline: Foundation for Change

Jason establishes that managing addiction – whether our own or supporting others – begins with mental choices, not emotional reactions. "Every day, what I have control over is how I choose to view any situation," he emphasizes.

Three Guiding Principles

• Boundaries enhance empathy – Referencing Brené Brown, Jason shows how boundaries actually bring hearts closer
• Faith as mental discipline – Contrasting faith (cultivated mindset) with fear (default state)
• Service as freedom – Serving others provides the fastest path out of fear

Identity Change: The "Sober Secret"

True recovery requires identity transformation beyond abstinence. "A lot of people can get sober, but the true recovery is identity change," Jason explains, sharing his transition from seeing himself as a failure to recognizing his qualification to help others.

Understanding this distinction helps family members better support the whole-person transformation essential for lasting change.

Understanding Fear

Jason identifies two core fear categories that drive anxiety around addiction:

1. Fear of not getting what we want
2. Fear of losing what we have

Service: The Antidote

Participants share how serving others transformed their journeys. One notes: "Serving with other struggling parents has made such a difference. All my things about myself get lost in being of service."

Actionable Takeaways

• Pause before responding emotionally
• Establish empathy-enhancing boundaries
• Identify your loved one's stage of change before communicating
• Distinguish between sobriety and recovery
• Find service opportunities to escape fear
• Join recovery communities for shared strength

Resources

• Get Unhooked podcast on major platforms
• "Unhooked" book (Audible, Amazon, Jason's website)
• Eight-week Get Unhooked family course
• Recovery coach certification paths
• Brick House Recovery services

Jason concludes with gratitude for the community, acknowledging that transformation occurs through connection with others and a higher power.

For more resources, visit Brick House Recovery or explore Jason's book UNHOOKED. For emergencies, call 911.

Support the show

Join Jason Coombs LIVE each week for tips and tricks and LIVE Q&A’s. Go to https://www.liveunhooked.com/live-unhooked. 

For information about treatment services visit https://www.brickhouserecovery.com/

For more information about Warrior Heart Bootcamp for men visit www.awarriorheart.com

https://awarriorheart.com/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Warrior Heart = 2026Brick100

To learn more about the women’s retreat, Heart of a Woman:
 https://theheartofawoman.net/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Heart of a Woman = 2026Brick100

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Jason Coombs of Brick House Recovery shares how a teen's frightening drug-induced psychosis transformed into an opportunity for healing and growth. After using psilocybin mushrooms and high-potency cannabis concentrates, the teen experienced severe hallucinations, mood swings, and panic attacks lasting five days.

Through building trust, identifying underlying issues, and reframing anxiety as a potential strength, Jason demonstrates how even the most challenging situations can become catalysts for positive change.

The Unexpected Emergency Call

When Jason Coombs received an urgent text from a concerned mother about her teenage son experiencing a drug-induced psychotic episode, he knew immediate action was necessary. The teen had been suffering from audible and visual hallucinations, mood swings, and panic attacks for five days straight—a situation requiring careful, informed intervention.

What began as a crisis evolved into a powerful lesson about modern substance risks, trust-building techniques, and transforming traumatic experiences into opportunities for growth.

Episode Highlights

• 1:06 A teen facing drug-induced psychotic episode after five days of symptoms
• 4:02 The dangerous combination of psilocybin mushrooms and THC concentrates
• [5:03 Cannabis education: Modern concentrate forms, potency levels and administration methods
• 9:36 Physical and psychological side effects of concentrated cannabis products
• 12:52 How Jason developed rapport through non-judgmental questioning and normalization
• 17:32 The three strategies: Transforming a nightmare experience into personal growth opportunities
• 22:16 Personal application: Jason's journey with anxiety as both a curse and a motivating superpower

The Reality of Modern Cannabis Concentrates

During conversations with the teen (referred to as "Troy" in the podcast), Jason discovered the crisis stemmed from a combination of psilocybin mushrooms and highly concentrated cannabis products. This reflects a dangerous trend facing today's youth.

Modern cannabis concentrates present significantly heightened risks compared to traditional cannabis:

• Potency levels: Concentrates contain 60-90% THC compared to just 15-25% in traditional cannabis flower
• Common forms: Wax, dabs, shatter, butter/batter, crumble, live resin, honeycomb, BHO, sugar, sauce, and more
• Administration methods: Vape pens, dab rigs, nectar collectors, edibles, tinctures, and infused joints

The physical effects can include rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, impaired coordination, respiratory issues, nausea, and headaches. More concerning are the psychological effects: acute anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, hallucinations, memory impairment, and potential triggers for psychosis in vulnerable individuals.

Creating Trust Through Non-Judgmental Communication

Jason's approach to helping Troy demonstrates the critical difference between gaining trust and building rapport with teens in crisis:

"Trust is a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, and strength in someone. Rapport is a close and harmonious relationship in which you understand each other's feelings and ideas."

Jason employed several key techniques that parents and professionals can learn from:

• Asking non-judgmental questions
• Normalizing experiences to reduce panic and shame
• Taking the "long game" approach rather than forcing immediate disclosure
• Focusing on the teen's needs rather than parental expectations

As Jason notes in his book 

Support the show

Join Jason Coombs LIVE each week for tips and tricks and LIVE Q&A’s. Go to https://www.liveunhooked.com/live-unhooked. 

For information about treatment services visit https://www.brickhouserecovery.com/

For more information about Warrior Heart Bootcamp for men visit www.awarriorheart.com

https://awarriorheart.com/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Warrior Heart = 2026Brick100

To learn more about the women’s retreat, Heart of a Woman:
 https://theheartofawoman.net/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Heart of a Woman = 2026Brick100

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Get Unhooked Podcast - Episode Notes

Episode Summary
Jason Coombs hosts this insightful episode of the Get Unhooked Podcast, focusing on the transformative journey of identity change throughout recovery. As an influencer and industry expert, Jason shares his personal evolution from addiction, introducing the powerful metaphor of "embracing the cactus" - accepting life's struggles as essential components of personal growth.

Key Points
- Identity transformation is a crucial element of sustainable recovery
- Jason's personal journey illustrates the power of redefining oneself
- "Embracing the cactus" concept: viewing struggles as valuable, formative experiences
- Participants encouraged to see themselves as future storytellers and influencers
- Finding purpose beyond personal recovery creates lasting motivation

Actionable Tools
- Daily vow of silence: Dedicated time for self-reflection and internal dialogue
- Journaling practice: Document thoughts and insights during recovery
- Service mindset: Shift focus from self to helping others in similar situations

Takeaway Quote
"Your story isn't just for you—it's a beacon for others still finding their way through darkness."​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Actions: Spend time in meditation and journaling every day for one week and see how you feel. 

Support the show

Join Jason Coombs LIVE each week for tips and tricks and LIVE Q&A’s. Go to https://www.liveunhooked.com/live-unhooked. 

For information about treatment services visit https://www.brickhouserecovery.com/

For more information about Warrior Heart Bootcamp for men visit www.awarriorheart.com

https://awarriorheart.com/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Warrior Heart = 2026Brick100

To learn more about the women’s retreat, Heart of a Woman:
 https://theheartofawoman.net/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Heart of a Woman = 2026Brick100

Send us Fan Mail

Hey guys, Jason Coombs here. Today we're going to talk about something that's been on my heart lately - the gap between wanting something and being willing to do what it takes to achieve it. You know, in my years of working with families affected by addiction, I've noticed a universal truth that applies not just to recovery, but to every meaningful pursuit in life.

Tune in now!

Support the show

Join Jason Coombs LIVE each week for tips and tricks and LIVE Q&A’s. Go to https://www.liveunhooked.com/live-unhooked. 

For information about treatment services visit https://www.brickhouserecovery.com/

For more information about Warrior Heart Bootcamp for men visit www.awarriorheart.com

https://awarriorheart.com/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Warrior Heart = 2026Brick100

To learn more about the women’s retreat, Heart of a Woman:
 https://theheartofawoman.net/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Heart of a Woman = 2026Brick100

Send us Fan Mail

EPISODE SHOW NOTES: 

EMBRACING YOUR TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY

EPISODE OVERVIEW

Welcome to a powerful episode that will shift your mindset, fuel your confidence, and remind you that everything is working out exactly as it should. This episode is all about transformation—helping you see your greatness, trust your path, and step boldly into your best life. If you've been searching for clarity, motivation, or just a reminder that you are unstoppable, this is it. Tune in and let's make it happen!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Mindset Shift: How to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth
• Self-Confidence: Practical techniques to recognize and embrace your inherent greatness
• Trust Your Journey: Understanding why your path, including its detours, is unfolding perfectly
• Taking Bold Action: Strategies for moving forward despite uncertainty or fear
• Finding Clarity: Methods to cut through confusion and identify your next steps

POWERFUL MOMENTS

• The truth about transformation and why discomfort is actually a sign you're on the right track
• Why most people miss the opportunities hiding in plain sight during difficult times
• The simple daily practice that can completely rewire your confidence
• How to differentiate between fear-based decisions and intuition-guided choices
• A powerful visualization exercise for connecting with your future self

ACTIONABLE STEPS

1. Morning mindset routine to set your day up for success
2. Journaling prompts to uncover limiting beliefs
3. The "Evidence Collection" technique for building unshakable self-trust
4. How to create a personalized mantra that resonates with your specific journey
5. Building a support system that elevates rather than limits your growth

MEMORABLE QUOTES

"Transformation isn't about becoming someone new—it's about remembering who you've always been beneath the stories and limitations you've accepted."

"Trust isn't blind faith. It's recognizing patterns of growth even when they don't match your expectations."

"Your greatness isn't something you achieve—it's something you uncover by removing what stands in its way."

The Get Unhooked Podcast - Your Guide From Chain Breaker to Change Maker

Support the show

Join Jason Coombs LIVE each week for tips and tricks and LIVE Q&A’s. Go to https://www.liveunhooked.com/live-unhooked. 

For information about treatment services visit https://www.brickhouserecovery.com/

For more information about Warrior Heart Bootcamp for men visit www.awarriorheart.com

https://awarriorheart.com/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Warrior Heart = 2026Brick100

To learn more about the women’s retreat, Heart of a Woman:
 https://theheartofawoman.net/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Heart of a Woman = 2026Brick100