Let The Journey Begin

This week, Alex and producer Ryan are joined by sober mentor and founder of Pro Recovery Power, Alika Gambill. Alika grew up on the Big Island of Hawaii with great parents, a great support system, and stability. However, even with a great "home life," he was still an introvert and striving for acceptance from his peers. He wanted something to help him get out of his shell and this is when he was quickly introduced to drugs and alcohol. From then on, Alika talks about how he fell into a 20-year cycle of using, destroying everything around him, moving to a new place, and doing it all over again. Drugs and alcohol got him to a point in which he would lie and be deceitful about everything, but that all finally changed when his sister no longer bought into his lies. Today, Alika is nearly four years sober and has found purpose in helping those suffering from addiction. He discusses how there isn't enough treatment or resources in the state of Hawaii and why it has become his passion to change that. Also, one of the biggest pieces of advice Alika offers is the idea of transferring action. He states that while individuals in the midst of their addictions focus so much time and energy on maintaining their habits, they would be amazed how much their lives can change when they focus that same time and energy on staying sober. Finally, ever since he was a child Alika has wanted to be a husband and a father, and because of his newfound recovery, he has since become both.

Connect with Alika:

Instagram: @alikagambill, @pro_recovery_power

prorecoverypower.com

For more information on the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org

If you are interested in donating to the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org/donate

Follow us on Instagram at: @redsongbirdfoundation

New episode every Thursday!

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Sober Fausto is a motivational speaker, recovery coach, author, and founder of the SoCal Hope Dealers movement. Fausto grew up and was surrounded by trauma his whole life. He had an alcoholic father that was never around, he was sexually abused by a peer at a young age, he was molested by an older man in his teenage years, and his mother developed breast cancer. Like every young child, he just wanted to feel loved and accepted and all this trauma left him confused, angry, and full of anxiety. He found drugs and alcohol in the ninth grade as a means to cope, but they quickly took him down a path of destruction causing him to destroy relationships, lose jobs, and eventually have the desire to end his own life. Finally, he experienced a spiritual awakening that completely changed his life and started his journey of self-discovery. He broke everything down to the basics: who am I surrounding myself with, what am I eating, going celibate, simplifying everyday tasks…everything he did was centered around recovering from his life's trauma. Today, Fausto is four years sober and has dedicated his life to helping others and showing them the love he so desperately wanted growing up. Hilary, Alex, and Fausto talk about the idea of writing down goals and manifesting them into existence. Fausto is one of the most positive individuals you could meet and is a true believer in the idea that he endured what he endured so that he could help others find hope in their own suffering.

www.soberfausto.com

Instagram: @soberfausto

SoCal Hope Dealers Instagram: @socalhopedealers

YouTube: Sober Fausto

For more information on the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org

If you are interested in donating to the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org/donate

Follow us on Instagram at: @redsongbirdfoundation

New episode every Thursday!

Check us out on YouTube every Friday! Let The Journey Begin Podcast

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Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Our very own Director of Development for the Red Songbird Foundation and Founder & CEO of The Maria Group, Vito Maria, joins Hilary and Jason this week. Vito does not personally struggle with drug or alcohol addiction, but he has certainly endured his own fair share of trauma. Vito talks about losing his father suddenly at the age of 17 and how much of a shockwave it sent through his family. Although it is a certain kind of pain no teenager should have to endure, he explains how it ultimately changed the trajectory of his life and made him a stronger individual. Vito also talks about the challenge of having his wife diagnosed with a non-curable blood cancer while trying to raise a family. However, through both of these challenges and the difficulties faced in everyday life, Vito stresses the importance of perspective when looking at one's own problems. He explains how difficult and even horrible things can happen to each and every one of us, but it is merely the way you respond to these challenges that can make all the difference in the world. The Maria Group's goal is to help non-profit organizations expand their reach and fulfill their noble work in the world and Vito has worked diligently in assisting the Red Songbird Foundation with that. Vito, again, does not personally struggle with addiction but the nearly 30-year struggle of a close friend has made the world of addiction very real to him. Vito has a strong desire for helping those who want to help and he credits Hilary and Jason's own passion for why the Red Songbird Foundation's mission is so important.

themariagroup.net

For more information on the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org

If you are interested in donating to the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org/donate

Follow us on Instagram at: @redsongbirdfoundation

New episode every Thursday!

Check us out on YouTube every Friday! Let The Journey Begin Podcast

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Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Jason and Alex are joined this week by Helpful Hats Project founder, Shana Vander Kooy. Growing up in a rural farm community, Shana always knew she was destined for bigger and brighter things. She traded in the small town for New York City when she received a scholarship to play collegiate softball. She reminisces on how it was the experience of a lifetime, however, it was also where she was exposed to drugs, alcohol, partying, and the big city lifestyle. Shana eventually found her way to the West Coast where the partying lifestyle continued. It wasn't until Shana and her wife were seeking to have children that she realized she needed professional help. She then admitted herself into detox because she knew she would not be able to be there for her kids in the condition she was in. Shana, Jason, and Alex continue to discuss how truly special and supportive the recovery community can be, as even though all of us are very different people, so many of us have very similar stories and that no one is alone when it comes to sobriety. Fast forward to the present day, Shana talks about how she wanted to do something for the recovery community to give back, as it is what saved her life. In this quest, she recalls how overwhelming it was for her as she began her sobriety journey in that she did not know where to go or who to reach out to for help. She then formed the Helpful Hats Project, a project hoping to provide struggling individuals an opportunity to approach someone wearing a Helpful Hat for help and guidance. Now, over five years sober, Shana talks about how her wife and two adopted sons are her life and driving force and how all of that wouldn't have manifested if it wasn't for her getting the help she knew she needed.

You can find Shana and the Helpful Hats Project at:

Website: www.helpfulhatsproject.com

Instagram: @helpful_hats_project

For more information on the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org

If you are interested in donating to the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org/donate

Follow us on Instagram at: @redsongbirdfoundation

New episode every Thursday!

Check us out on YouTube every Friday! Let The Journey Begin Podcast

Please subscribe, rate, and review!

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Catalyst Recovery Chief Marketing Officer, Dr. Corey Jentry, Ph.D. joins Hilary and Alex this week. Corey was introduced to treatment at a young age. What he thought was a cool hangout spot for teenagers and young adults, was actually a place his peers were in trying to get sober. He didn't think he had a problem and didn't think he was like the people around him, but a particular incident in this treatment center opened his eyes enough to make him realize he did have a drug and alcohol problem and that he couldn't stop on his own. Corey eventually lost all prospects because of his usage and went into treatment at the age of 17. Nearly 21 years later in the present day, Corey talks about how he has built such a different life for himself that it is hard imagining wanting to go back to that life. For Corey, it was very hard to admit he had a problem at such a young age and the group discusses why it is such a hard-sell to convince younger generations to quit outright. He also explains how taking things one day at a time was a big key to his success. Rather than setting big, lofty goals from the start, he believes starting out with smaller, manageable goals in sobriety and in life will map out a path for success. Finally, Corey discusses the importance of building a life that is attractive to yourself. Build something that you are excited about every single day when you wake up so that there is no desire for that former life, as this is one of the things that has helped him for over 20 years. Today, as the Chief Marketing Officer for Catalyst Recovery, Corey gets to put his knowledge and experience in the treatment field to great use helping individuals find the right rehab.

To get in touch with Corey and Catalyst Recovery:

Email: [email protected]

catalystrecovery.com

Instagram: @catalystrecovery

Twitter: @CatalystRecover

YouTube: Catalyst Recovery

For more information on the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org

If you are interested in donating to the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org/donate

Follow us on Instagram at: @redsongbirdfoundation

New episode every Thursday!

Check us out on YouTube every Friday! Let The Journey Begin Podcast

Please subscribe, rate, and review!

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

This week, we conclude William Walker with Part 2. After going through his own trials and tribulations brought on by his drug and alcohol abuse, William talks about the work he is doing now and how he is using his own experiences to help others struggling. William works in the legal system as a court liaison for those dealing with issues brought on by drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. He discusses how, while incarcerated himself, he would research everything he could about his own cases and now uses this knowledge for those in the same position he was in years ago. He further explains why his own dark past has enabled him the ability to truly connect and empathize with his clients in a way that most people cannot, helping provide a level of trust for individuals going through a tough battle. Also, while incarcerated, William missed the first six years of his son's life, which he explains was one of the hardest things he had to endure as a result of his addictions. However, things today have completely turned around as he talks about how his greatest achievement in recovery is reconnecting and being in his son's daily life, to the extent that his son now lives with him. Finally, William stresses the importance of being good to yourself, as so many of his own addiction problems stemmed simply from a poor inner view of himself.

To get in touch with William:

nvokeconsultinggroup.com

Phone: (714) 803-8424

For more information on the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org

If you are interested in donating to the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org/donate

Follow us on Instagram at: @redsongbirdfoundation

New episode every Thursday!

Check us out on YouTube every Friday! Let The Journey Begin Podcast

Please subscribe, rate, and review!

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

This week, Hilary and Alex are joined by William Walker, an individual with such an in-depth and deep story, we didn't think it could be contained into one episode. In Part 1 of a two-part episode, William shares how his drinking career began and how a traumatic car accident would change his life forever, igniting his addictions full force. He loved the way prescription pills made him feel, but when the scripts ran out, he had to find other means to feel this way, which quickly turned into hard drugs. His addictions soon got the better of him, landing him in all sorts of trouble with the law, which was bookended with him being sentenced to six years in prison and losing his father to cancer while incarcerated. William talks about what he believes was divine intervention to finally make a change in his life and also talks about how the birth of his son made him truly recognize how bad his addiction had gotten. It took William getting to the lowest of lows to begin finally turning his life around and getting to the point of incredible service he partakes in today.

In Part 2 of William Walker, William talks about how he made good use of his time incarcerated and how he is using those skills today to help others struggling with addiction issues. He also talks about the process of reconnecting with his son after prison and how this has been the greatest gift in his recovery. Tune in next week!

To get in touch with William:

nvokeconsultinggroup.com

Phone: (714) 803-8424

For more information on the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org

If you are interested in donating to the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org/donate

Follow us on Instagram at: @redsongbirdfoundation

New episode every Thursday!

Check us out on YouTube every Friday! Let The Journey Begin Podcast

Please subscribe, rate, and review!

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

This week, Jason and Alex are joined by mental health influencer and co-founder of the Silent Warrior Chronicles, DesiGirl. In the current world we're living in, strong mental health is more important than ever, and DesiGirl is someone who has struggled her whole life with anxiety and her overall mental health. She talks about suffering from a separation anxiety disorder at the age of five and how her irrational fears almost ruined her schooling. DesiGirl also discusses how her anxiety affected her relationship with her now-fiancé when they first began dating and how important effective communication was for their relationship. Today, DesiGirl has made it her mission to spread awareness of the importance of strong mental health because of how much it has affected her own life. She talks about how she still suffers from anxiety regularly but gives some of the helpful methods she uses to calm it down, including meditation and critical thinking. She also, most notably, co-founded the Silent Warrior Chronicles under the name "DesiGirl," a mental health blog and podcast, where she and her co-founder discuss a variety of topics related to mental health and hope to provide a safe space for all.

For more information on the Silent Warrior Chronicles, please visit:

https://linktr.ee/silentwarriorc

https://www.silentwarriorchronicles.net/

Instagram: @silentwarriorchronicles

For more information on the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org

If you are interested in donating to the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org/donate

Follow us on Instagram at: @redsongbirdfoundation

New episode every Thursday!

Check us out on YouTube every Friday! Let The Journey Begin Podcast

Please subscribe, rate, and review!

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

This week, Hilary and Jason are joined by therapist and CEO of Smith Psychotherapy Group, Jennifer Smith, LMFT. The pandemic has impacted us all in a dramatic way and we've all been isolated significantly more than we're used to within the last year and half. Jennifer gives a therapist's perspective as to what difficulties she's seen arise in people of all ages and talks about who she believes has been impacted the most by pandemic isolation. Jennifer also shares some tips and tricks for those suffering and/or wanting to change their lives. For example, she talks about how people aren't generally able to respond well to being told, "No," so Jennifer is a big proponent of progressively changing habits and building up coping skills over time before you begin chipping away at a problem. Additionally, Jason and Hilary ask Jennifer how she originally found her way into therapy and if there were any traumatic experiences in her life that made her want to pursue social work, as this is the case for so many people. Finally, therapists are always helping their patients find answers and solutions to feel better in their own lives, but Jason and Hilary are curious what Jennifer does for her own mental health to keep her constantly motivated to help others.

You can find more information about Jennifer and Smith Psychotherapy Group at:

Email: [email protected]

smithpsychotherapygroup.com

For more information on the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org

If you are interested in donating to the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org/donate

Follow us on Instagram at: @redsongbirdfoundation

New episode every Thursday!

Check us out on YouTube every Friday! Let The Journey Begin Podcast

Please subscribe, rate, and review!

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

This week, Hilary and Jason are joined by Kristina Padilla, Vice President of Education and Strategic Development for the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. Kristina got involved with gangs and drugs in her teenage years to fit in, feel powerful, and pass the time she had by herself. However, the drugs soon took over and she one day found herself looking up at the ceiling surrounded by paramedics who had revived her after an overdose. This is the day Kristina believes was the turning point in which she no longer wanted to be shackled by this toxic lifestyle. Today, Kristina has turned her tribulations into her triumphs. She began working in the California prison system as a mentor and counselor out of a desire to help people. She began to speak to inmates in hopes of inspiring them, especially those in for life, that although they did a bad deed, they are not bad people and that not all is lost. Kristina also talks about how she draws on her past experiences with drugs and gang life, as well as her gender fluidity, as a helpful means to relate to those incarcerated. Due to these advantages, she talks about how she wouldn't want to change anything about her past as it has led to all this good in the present. Kristina has experienced a lot in her life and has achieved almost too many titles to list, but she believes she has truly found her purpose in this life.

Reach out to Kristina at:

[email protected]

[email protected]

For more information on the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org

If you are interested in donating to the Red Songbird Foundation, please visit:

redsongbird.org/donate

Follow us on Instagram at: @redsongbirdfoundation

New episode every Thursday!

Check us out on YouTube every Friday! Let The Journey Begin Podcast

Please subscribe, rate, and review!

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.