There’s something about music that cuts deeper than words alone. A single lyric, a familiar melody, or even the rhythm of a beat can stir memories we thought were long forgotten and awaken parts of ourselves we may have buried. It reminds us of who we were before the chaos, before the pain, before substances clouded our vision. 

Pursuing our favorite hobbies before substance use can be a lifeline back to our core, a way of reclaiming the truest version of ourselves. Listen in as our guest this week shares how he turned his lifelong passion into purpose and found a way back home to himself.

Skyler Ray was born on November 28, 1990, in San Jose, California. He grew up in foster homes and spent multiple years homeless—going from being locked up to sleeping on the sidewalks of downtown Portland.

His music is deeply rooted in his life experiences, including addiction, incarceration, and homelessness. He is a firm believer in spreading hope and giving back to the community he once helped destroy.

Since being released from prison on November 30, 2018, Skyler has refocused on his music and is determined to share his message with the world. He continues to live in Portland, Oregon, and remains clean and sober.

In this conversation, Jamie Demeris and Skyler Ray discuss what it really takes to rebuild a life after addiction. Together, they explore the mindset shifts that turn relapse into resilience, why consistency and small steps matter more than giant leaps, and how reconnecting with your passions can anchor you in sobriety. 

Skyler shares how music became both his therapy and his message, and why vulnerability and self-respect are the foundation of lasting recovery. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting a loved one, or just searching for hope, this conversation will remind you that transformation is always possible.

Topics Discussed:

• The importance of continuously working on yourself 

• Why relapse isn’t a step back and how you can stand up stronger 

• Pursuing your passions and who you are at your core in sobriety

• Why small, consistent steps make the most impact

• Reconnecting with your why & remembering who you were before substances

• Learning to love and respect yourself

—

CHAPTERS: 

​​0:00 Introduction to Positive Recovery MD

01:10 Meet Skylar Ray: From Addiction to Recovery

02:16 Skylar's Battle with Addiction

03:56 Turning Point: Embracing Music and Sobriety

12:50 The Road to Recovery Tour

19:35 Overcoming Disbelief and Embracing Change

22:54 Climbing the Corporate Ladder

23:43 A Humbling Demotion

24:17 Prison Reflections and Personal Growth

26:22 Musical Journey and Personal Transformation

29:14 The Power of Sound and Recovery

33:23 Chasing Dreams and Overcoming Challenges

40:33 Tour Dates and Final Thoughts

—

Connect with Skyler Ray: 

• Road to Recovery Tour: https://www.officialskylerray.com/road-to-recovery-tour 

• Website: www.officialskylerray.com 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealSkylerRay 

—

Connect with PRC on Social:

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/positiverecoverycenters 

• FB: https://www.facebook.com/PositiveRecoveryCenters 

• TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@positiverecoverycenter 

• LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/positiverecoverycenters 

• YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4JcDF1gjlYch4V4iBbCgZg

Want even more expert insights and support on the recovery journey? Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiration, mental health tips, and community updates—straight to your inbox! 💙📩 https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/wg6vK39/monthlynewsletter 

About Positive Recovery Centers

Positive Recovery is a strengths-based addiction treatment program with locations across Texas. We offer a full continuum of care, from medical detox to sober living, all supported by an ever-growing alumni community network. 

Our evidence-based curriculum blends the best of the old with the new, supporting our mission: Recovery is best pursued when meaningful, intentional, positive habits are formed through empowerment and resilience instead of negativity and shame.

If you or someone you know needs addiction treatment, please visit the website or call the number below to schedule an assessment. We are here to help!

• Call: 877-476-2743

• Website: https://positiverecovery.com 

• Locations: https://positiverecovery.com/locations/

It's not every day you get to be a fly on the wall for a heart-to-heart between a father and his children, but that's exactly what this week's episode of Positive Recovery MD offers. In a touching and transparent Father's Day special, host Jamie Demeris invites his children, Lauren and Dean, into the studio for a rare and meaningful exchange that spans generations, emotions, and lived experiences. 

As the three of them share laughs, swap stories, and revisit pivotal memories, what unfolds is a raw and beautiful reflection on the power of authenticity, the scars and strength born of addiction, and the unshakable bonds of family.

Whether it's Dean sharing the lessons that shaped him or Lauren opening up about how recovery has touched her worldview, this episode is filled with moments that will tug at your heart and leave you thinking about your own relationships.

If you're looking for inspiration, connection, or just a reminder of how recovery ripples through generations in the most powerful ways, this one's for you.

Topics Discussed:

• Healing families, building bridges, and creating space for healing

• How emotional honesty in children reflects the generational impact of recovery

• The value of leaning into diversity, discomfort, and finding your people

• Emotional intelligence in kids: How vulnerability becomes a superpower
• Understanding the choice between living in regret or teachable moments

--- CHAPTERS: 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:09 A Personal Episode with Family

02:59 Meet the Kids: Lauren and Dean

04:16 Memorable Moments and Friendships

10:42 Life Lessons and Reflections

15:53 Yoga and Creating Habits

16:51 Memorable Birthdays and Funny Moments

17:33 The Question Game Begins

17:54 School Experiences and Diversity

20:06 Personal Growth and Confrontation

21:47 Reflecting on Work and Life

24:48 Deep Questions and Emotional Reflections

29:42 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

--- Connect with PRC on Social:

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/positiverecoverycenters 

• FB: https://www.facebook.com/PositiveRecoveryCenters 

• TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@positiverecoverycenter 

• LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/positiverecoverycenters 

• YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4JcDF1gjlYch4V4iBbCgZg

 Want even more expert insights and support on the recovery journey? Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiration, mental health tips, and community updates—straight to your inbox! 💙📩 https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/wg6vK39/monthlynewsletter 

About Positive Recovery Centers:

Positive Recovery is a strengths-based addiction treatment program with locations across Texas. We offer a full continuum of care, from medical detox to sober living, all supported by an ever-growing alumni community network. 

Our evidence-based curriculum combines the best of the past with the present, supporting our mission: Recovery is most effectively pursued when meaningful, intentional, and positive habits are formed through empowerment and resilience, rather than negativity and shame.

If you or someone you know needs addiction treatment, please visit the website or call the number below to schedule an assessment. We are here to help! 

• Call: 877-476-2743

• Website: https://positiverecovery.com 

• Locations: https://positiverecovery.com/locations/

In this special BONUS Mother's Day episode of Positive Recovery MD, host Julie DeNofa honors moms' unwavering love and resilience in navigating their children's recovery journeys. Through heartfelt stories from mothers in the Positive Recovery community, Julie shares moments of fear, courage, and transformation that come with loving someone through addiction.

Moms like Millie, Sandy, Carol, Kim, and an anonymous mother offer vulnerable reflections on letting go, setting boundaries, and never losing hope. These real-life experiences highlight the shared pain of addiction and the shared healing that recovery brings to families.

This episode is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, healing is ongoing, and love plays a vital role in the journey. With insights on support, honesty, and self-care, this conversation offers comfort and connection for anyone walking alongside a loved one in recovery.

Topics Discussed:

• Understanding addiction as a family disease, not a moral failure 

• Setting boundaries as an extension of love with structure, not rejection

• Why support systems are vital for long-term healing

• Holding onto the grace in the process of recovery that defies logic

• A mother's strength is hope in the face of heartbreak

• Why mothers should prioritize self-care and seek their own support

• Staying informed, knowing the signs of addiction, and when/how to implement tools like Narcan 

—

CHAPTERS: 

00:00 Welcome to Positive Recovery MD

00:59 Mother's Day Reflections

03:21 Millie and Colleen: A Mother's Journey

08:35 Sandy and Chris: A Tale of Resilience

11:56 Carol and Steven: Overcoming Together

19:11 Kim's Perspective: Dual Recoveries

26:02 Anonymous Mom: Holding Onto Hope

27:57 A Heartfelt Letter from an Anonymous Alumni

31:18 Tips for Moms: Supporting Children in Recovery

36:01 Final Thoughts and Resources

--- Connect with PRC on Social:

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/positiverecoverycenters 

• FB: https://www.facebook.com/PositiveRecoveryCenters 

• TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@positiverecoverycenter 

• LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/positiverecoverycenters 

• YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4JcDF1gjlYch4V4iBbCgZg

Want even more expert insights and support on the recovery journey? Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiration, mental health tips, and community updates—straight to your inbox! 💙📩 https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/wg6vK39/monthlynewsletter 

About Positive Recovery Centers:

Positive Recovery is a strengths-based addiction treatment program with locations across Texas. We offer a full continuum of care, from medical detox to sober living, all supported by an ever-growing alumni community network. 

Our evidence-based curriculum blends the best of the old with the new, supporting our mission: Recovery is best pursued when meaningful, intentional, positive habits are formed through empowerment and resilience instead of negativity and shame.

If you or someone you know needs addiction treatment, please visit the website or call the number below to schedule an assessment. We are here to help!

• Call: 877-476-2743

• Website: https://positiverecovery.com 

• Locations: https://positiverecovery.com/locations/

In this episode of Positive Recovery MD, host Jamie Demeris sits down with Greg Walker, a husband, father, entrepreneur, and recovery advocate, who shares his extraordinary journey from addiction to freedom. With refreshing honesty, Greg opens up about the power of vulnerability, the strength found in community, and the peace he discovered through his relationship with God.

Greg’s story is one of second chances and spiritual transformation. From running a successful business to quietly battling a 21-year addiction to opiates and heroin, Greg sheds the layers of shame and isolation that once kept him trapped. What finally changed everything? A commitment to authenticity, a newfound faith, and a desire to walk alongside other men through their own healing.

Whether you’re navigating recovery yourself or supporting someone you love, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that healing is possible, peace is within reach, and you are never alone. Vulnerability isn't weakness; it’s the key to building a life where you can truly flourish.

Topics Discussed:

• Why vulnerability is the foundation for true connection and lasting recovery

• The myth of perfection—and how showing up messy is often the bravest step

• The spiritual turning point that reshaped Greg’s life, marriage, and mission

• How relapse, setbacks, and shame don’t have to define your story

• The problem with isolation: Why our secrets keep us sick 

• Defining meaning and purpose in your life that’s greater than you

—

CHAPTERS: 

00:00 Introduction to Positive Recovery MD

01:22 Meet Greg Walker: A Journey of Vulnerability

02:08 The Power of Vulnerability in Recovery

03:27 Greg's Personal Struggles and Triumphs

09:20 Finding Faith and Community

11:21 Overcoming Challenges and Helping Others

19:59 Greg's Mission and Current Endeavors

21:22 A Betrayal and a Test of Faith

22:02 Finding Peace Amidst Financial Struggles

22:16 Passion for Recovery and Helping Others

22:48 The Power of Vulnerability and Accountability

24:51 The Role of Community in Recovery

27:23 Gratitude and Its Impact on Wellbeing

29:29 Manifestation and Faith

31:39 The Journey of Recovery and Mentorship

35:15 Concluding Thoughts and Final Messages

--- Connect with PRC on Social:

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/positiverecoverycenters 

• FB: https://www.facebook.com/PositiveRecoveryCenters 

• TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@positiverecoverycenter 

• LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/positiverecoverycenters 

• YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4JcDF1gjlYch4V4iBbCgZg

Want even more expert insights and support on the recovery journey? Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiration, mental health tips, and community updates—straight to your inbox! 💙📩 https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/wg6vK39/monthlynewsletter 

About Positive Recovery Centers:

Positive Recovery is a strengths-based addiction treatment program with locations across Texas. We offer a full continuum of care, from medical detox to sober living, all supported by an ever-growing alumni community network. 

Our evidence-based curriculum blends the best of the old with the new, supporting our mission: Recovery is best pursued when meaningful, intentional, positive habits are formed through empowerment and resilience instead of negativity and shame.

 If you or someone you know needs addiction treatment, please visit the website or call the number below to schedule an assessment. We are here to help!

• Call: 877-476-2743

• Website: https://positiverecovery.com 

• Locations: https://positiverecovery.com/locations/

Andrew Soren is the founder and CEO of Eudaimonic by Design, an advisory firm that partners with organizations worldwide to make work a place where people can bring their best to do good. He is a leadership coach, facilitator, and expert in applied positive psychology. 

Andrew currently helps lead the International Positive Psychology Association and has been part of the instructional team in the University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program for 12 years. He hosts his own podcast called Meaningful Work Matters.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Jamie, Julie, and Andrew explore the complexities of meaningful work and its impact on individuals and organizations. Grounded in the ancient Greek concept of eudaimonia, or human flourishing, they discuss how aligning work with values and purpose can lead to both personal fulfillment and professional growth. They also examine the emotional toll of deeply meaningful yet often underfunded roles—such as those in recovery and caregiving—and the challenges that come with sustaining motivation and well-being in these spaces.

Drawing on his extensive experience in organizational wellbeing and positive leadership, Andrew offers insight into the balance required to make meaningful work sustainable. The group highlights the importance of cultivating both individual resilience and supportive workplace cultures, emphasizing that change must happen on both personal and organizational levels. They also explore strategies for preventing burnout, maintaining boundaries, and fostering environments where people feel empowered to thrive 

Jamie, Julie, and Andrew also provide actionable takeaways for integrating meaning and purpose into professional settings and everyday life. From the value of practical wisdom to the need for balanced living, this conversation is a powerful reminder that meaningful work isn’t just about what we do—but how and why we do it. 

Topics Discussed:

• Cultivating meaning within your work and life 

• Discovering your purpose, significance, and congruence

• Compassion & connection with oneself to build strong relationships with others

• Why “voice before choice” is key to designing a healthier, more human-centered system

• Finding a balance between big, long-term goals, and small, daily, easily-achievable goals

—

CHAPTERS: 

00:00 Introduction to Meaningful Work

00:11 Welcome to Positive Recovery MD

01:10 Introducing Andrew Soren

03:13 The Dark Side of Meaningful Work

04:03 Exploring the Concept of Meaning

08:42 Challenges in Meaningful Professions

12:56 Organizational and Individual Solutions

21:32 Creating Shared Understanding in Organizations

24:35 Voice and Choice in Positive Recovery

25:57 The What If Statement: Becoming Your Most Onic Self

26:31 Aristotle's Eudaimonia and Modern Society

28:56 Balancing Work, Wellbeing, and Practical Wisdom

36:07 The Importance of Meaning in Life and Work

38:20 Maslow's Hierarchy and the Sailboat Metaphor

40:16 Struggles and Solutions in Recovery

43:35 Conclusion and Community Connection

—

Connect with Andrew Soren on Social: 

• Website: https://www.eudaimonicbydesign.com/ 

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andrewsoren 

• Podcast: https://www.eudaimonicbydesign.com/podcast

—

Connect with PRC on Social:

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/positiverecoverycenters 

• FB: https://www.facebook.com/PositiveRecoveryCenters 

• TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@positiverecoverycenter 

• LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/positiverecoverycenters 

• YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4JcDF1gjlYch4V4iBbCgZg

Want even more expert insights and support on the recovery journey? Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiration, mental health tips, and community updates—straight to your inbox! 💙📩 https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/wg6vK39/monthlynewsletter 

About Positive Recovery Centers:

 Positive Recovery is a strengths-based addiction treatment program with locations across Texas. We offer a full continuum of care, from medical detox to sober living, all supported by an ever-growing alumni community network. 

 Our evidence-based curriculum blends the best of the old with the new, supporting our mission: Recovery is best pursued when meaningful, intentional, positive habits are formed through empowerment and resilience instead of negativity and shame.

If you or someone you know needs addiction treatment, please visit the website or call the number below to schedule an assessment. We are here to help!

• Call: 877-476-2743

• Website: https://positiverecovery.com 

• Locations: https://positiverecovery.com/locations/

Cassandra Herman, LCDC, is a Substance Use Counselor at Positive Recovery whose journey into this field is as inspiring as it is personal. Cassandra's path has taken her from the outdoors of Michigan to radio broadcasting, living abroad and in Shanghai, running in 13 half marathons, and ultimately to the world of addiction recovery.

Her deep commitment to faith, family, and personal growth has shaped her perspective, not just as a mother who walked alongside a child struggling with addiction but as a professional who now helps others navigate their own path to healing. 

In this episode, host Jamie Demeris sits down with Cassandra to explore the layers of strength and purpose that define her story—the endurance of a marathon runner, the unwavering love of a mother, the clarity of a morning mindset, and the deep belief in faith and positive psychology as tools for transformation.

Together, they dive into what resilience really looks like in daily life, how small habits and intentional movement can spark lasting change, and the ways families can support loved ones through addiction without losing connection. This conversation is a powerful reminder that recovery isn't just about surviving—it's about creating a life where you can truly flourish!

Topics Discussed:

• Focusing on what you gain rather than what you give up

• Shifting from a victim mindset to an empowered mindset 

• How agency and positive daily habits lead to long-term recovery

• Focusing on character strengths and recognizing that joy is internal

• The difference between resilience and post-traumatic growth

• How connection builds the foundation for long-term change

---

CHAPTERS: 

00:00 Introduction to Positive Recovery MD

01:11 Meet Cassandra Herman: A Journey of Resilience

03:27 Cassandra's Radio Broadcasting Experience

05:34 The Power of Morning Routines

10:15 Cassandra's Path to Recovery Counseling

17:30 The Importance of Choice in Recovery

28:55 Focusing on Positivity in Recovery

29:35 The Role of Faith and Habit in Recovery

31:21 Building a Firm Foundation in Early Recovery

32:25 The Importance of Community and Long-Term Growth

35:39 Mindset and Physical Challenges

41:06 Living Abroad: Experiences in Shanghai

44:32 Navigating Family Challenges and Personal Growth

47:30 Reflections on Recovery and Life's Purpose

53:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

---

Connect with PRC on Social:

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/positiverecoverycenters 

• FB: https://www.facebook.com/PositiveRecoveryCenters 

• TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@positiverecoverycenter 

• LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/positiverecoverycenters 

• YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4JcDF1gjlYch4V4iBbCgZg

Want even more expert insights and support on the recovery journey? Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiration, mental health tips, and community updates—straight to your inbox! 💙📩 https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/wg6vK39/monthlynewsletter 

About Positive Recovery Centers:

Positive Recovery is a strengths-based addiction treatment program with locations across Texas. We offer a full continuum of care, from medical detox to sober living, all supported by an ever-growing alumni community network. 

Our evidence-based curriculum blends the best of the old with the new, supporting our mission: Recovery is best pursued when meaningful, intentional, positive habits are formed through empowerment and resilience instead of negativity and shame.

If you or someone you know needs addiction treatment, please visit the website or call the number below to schedule an assessment. We are here to help!

• Call: 877-476-2743

• Website: https://positiverecovery.com 

• Locations: https://positiverecovery.com/locations/

Grif is a coach, speaker, mentor, and lifelong transformation student dedicated to inspiring mindset shifts and personal growth. With a career spanning over 35 years as an entrepreneur and technology executive, he has built and led high-performing teams while mentoring business leaders to reach their full potential.

Beyond his success in entertainment technology, Grif has been deeply involved in sober coaching, family recovery, relationship work, lay spiritual counseling, and grief facilitation for families who have lost a child. His passion for human development is rooted in a lifelong study of the human sciences, including a completed psychology major at the University of Texas.

Guided by the belief that true growth comes from adversity, Grif resonates deeply with Boris Pasternak's words: "I don't like people who have never fallen or stumbled. Their virtue is lifeless, and it isn't of much value. Life hasn't revealed its beauty to them." 

With extensive experience coaching and supporting individuals—from executives to those navigating addiction recovery—Grif brings a unique blend of wisdom, humility, and gratitude to his work. Whether guiding professionals toward leadership growth or helping individuals reclaim their lives, he remains committed to fostering transformation at every level.

Topics Discussed:

• Beyond sobriety, embracing recovery as a beautiful, endless journey

• Why community matters in finding healing and connection 

• Humility is something you seek out—or it finds you

• Why recovery is more than abstinence; it’s a spiritual fitness

• Reclaiming the power of choice in mind, body, and spirit

• Tapping into the mind-body connection through breathwork and movement

• Positioning yourself- mind, body, & spirit- to find the real you

Connect with Grif Palmer on Social: 

• Coaching Website: www.primecoach54.com

• Coaching Services: https://calendly.com/primecoach54/30 

• Coaching FB: https://www.facebook.com/primecoach54/

• Coaching IG: https://www.instagram.com/primecoach54/

• LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grifpalmer/

• FB: https://www.facebook.com/jupiterbreathwork/

• FB: https://www.facebook.com/ayear2live/

• Website: https://www.sweetsoundsations.com/ 

Connect with PRC on Social:

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/positiverecoverycenters 

• FB: https://www.facebook.com/PositiveRecoveryCenters 

• TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@positiverecoverycenter 

• LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/positiverecoverycenters 

• YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4JcDF1gjlYch4V4iBbCgZg

Want even more expert insights and support on the recovery journey? Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiration, mental health tips, and community updates—straight to your inbox! 💙📩 https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/wg6vK39/monthlynewsletter 

About Positive Recovery Centers:

Positive Recovery Centers is a strengths-based addiction treatment program with locations across Texas. We offer a full continuum of care, from medical detox to sober living, all supported by an ever-growing alumni community network. 

Our evidence-based curriculum blends the best of the old with the new, supporting our mission: Recovery is best pursued when meaningful, intentional, positive habits are formed through empowerment and resilience instead of negativity and shame.

If you or someone you know needs addiction treatment, please visit the website or call the number below to schedule an assessment. We are here to help!

• Call: 877-476-2743

• Website: https://positiverecovery.com 

• Locations: https://positiverecovery.com/locations/

Tom’s journey has been anything but conventional. Having spent decades in prison, he found profound wisdom and resilience in the face of adversity. His experiences have shaped his perspective on redemption, trust, and the power of human connection.  A devoted member of the recovery community, Tom attends AA meetings almost daily and remains deeply engaged in the principles of service and self-discovery.

Born and raised in Houston, Tom Dodson has dedicated his life to personal transformation and the pursuit of deeper connection. After getting sober in 1993, he reestablished a daily meditation practice that has remained a cornerstone of his recovery and spiritual growth. With decades of experience in substance use disorder treatment, Tom holds an active Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) credential and continues to guide and support others on their paths to recovery.

Beyond his work in recovery, Tom is passionate about live music and nature. He finds joy in the simple, unfiltered moments that life has to offer. His story is one of perseverance, growth, and the undeniable strength of the human spirit.

Topics Discussed:

• Sobriety: the greatest act of self-love

• Shifting our energy and emotion to live in amends

• Redemption and resilience: returning back to love and connection

• How recovery grants us permission to try something new

• The ripple effect of aligning with your most authentic self

Connect with us on Social:

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/positiverecoverycenters 

• FB: https://www.facebook.com/PositiveRecoveryCenters 

• TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@positiverecoverycenter 

• LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/positiverecoverycenters 

• YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4JcDF1gjlYch4V4iBbCgZg

Want even more expert insights and support on the recovery journey? Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiration, mental health tips, and community updates—straight to your inbox! 💙📩 https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/wg6vK39/monthlynewsletter 

Learn more about the Human Kindness Foundation: https://www.humankindness.org/

About Positive Recovery Centers:

Positive Recovery Centers is a strengths-based addiction treatment program with locations across Texas. We offer a full continuum of care, from medical detox to sober living, all supported by an ever-growing alumni community network. 

Our evidence-based curriculum blends the best of the old with the new, supporting our mission: Recovery is best pursued when meaningful, intentional, positive habits are formed through empowerment and resilience instead of negativity and shame.

If you or someone you know needs addiction treatment, please visit the website or call the number below to schedule an assessment. We are here to help!

• Call: 877-476-2743

• Website: https://positiverecovery.com 

• Locations: https://positiverecovery.com/locations/

Redefining joy and connection means breaking free from the idea that alcohol is essential to social fulfillment. When we create genuine human connection beyond the influence of substances, we can nurture authentic relationships and support individuals post-recovery. Our guest this week challenges the norms of traditional social spaces by creating experiences that foster genuine connection, inspiring hope for those seeking true meaning in their sober journey, through his work at Sans Bar. 

Chris Marshall is a former substance use counselor turned entrepreneur and the founder of Sans Bar, the first non-alcoholic bar in North America, established in 2017. Prior to founding Sans Bar, Chris worked as a substance use counselor in Texas for eight years, dedicating his career to helping individuals navigate recovery and mental health challenges.

As a sought-after speaker, Chris has taken the stage at prestigious events including the Aspen Ideas Festival, South by Southwest, and Bar Convent Brooklyn. He is also a recognized mental health thought leader, with his insights featured in major outlets such as CNN, The New York Times, Men’s Health Magazine, and The Today Show.

Chris brings over 18 years of personal sobriety to his work, inspiring others through his lived experience and professional expertise. Residing in Austin, Texas, he shares his life with his wife and two children. He is the author of the forthcoming memoir Faster Than Light, an intimate exploration of mental health and substance use recovery.

Topics Discussed:

• Helping individuals separate the trigger from their environment

• Staying in love with the idea of sobriety 

• Having the courage and bravery to ask for help and continue to do the work

• Creating experiences that make sobriety worthwhile 

• How discomfort can give us the tools for personal growth 

• The alcohol-free movement: disrupting the disease of addiction

Connect with SansBar:

• Website: https://www.thesansbar.com/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@thesansbar/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sans_bar

Connect with us on Social:

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/positiverecoverycenters 

• FB: https://www.facebook.com/PositiveRecoveryCenters 

• TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@positiverecoverycenter 

• YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4JcDF1gjlYch4V4iBbCgZg

Additional Links:

Want to receive the daily Positive Intervention from Dr. Powers’ Positive Recovery Daily Guide? Subscribe here! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/OtK48nO/dailypositiverecovery.

Need an extra daily pick-me-up? Download your FREE 30+ inspirational wallpapers! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/GUp7F11/InspirationalWallpaper 

About Positive Recovery Centers:

Positive Recovery Centers is a strengths-based addiction treatment program with locations across Texas. We offer a full continuum of care, from medical detox to sober living, all supported by an ever-growing alumni community network. 

Our evidence-based curriculum blends the best of the old with the new, supporting our mission: Recovery is best pursued when meaningful, intentional, positive habits are formed through empowerment and resilience instead of negativity and shame.

If you or someone you know needs addiction treatment, please visit the website or call the number below to schedule an assessment. We are here to help!

• Call: 877-476-2743

• Address: 902 West Alabama Street, Houston, Texas 77006

• Website: https://positiverecovery.com 

• Services: https://positiverecovery.com/services/ 

• FAQ: https://positiverecovery.com/faq/ 

Imagine standing at a crossroads, watching a family weighed down by addiction, conflict, and trauma. It's a place where you may find yourself in this moment—unsure of how to move forward, yet realizing that fighting through the pain no longer serves you. Maybe you're in a place where you've recently discovered that true healing doesn't come from avoiding conflict or silencing the hurt but from working through it together. 

If you're looking to find inspiration for your journey and learn how our guest has overcome many hardships through addiction and how this strength and resilience have fueled her 40-year dedication to helping others find hope, healing, and recovery, this episode is for you!

Cynthia Moreno Tuohy, BSW, NCAC II, CDC III, SAP, is an Executive Consultant for NAADAC, the Association of Addiction Professionals, with over 40 years of experience in addiction services. She has held leadership roles, including Executive Director of the Danya Institute and the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center. Moreno Tuohy has directed programs addressing homelessness, poverty, substance use, and co-occurring disorders, as well as overseeing publicly funded centers that provide services from prenatal care to the elderly for more than two decades.

 As an international and domestic trainer for over 25 years, Moreno Tuohy specializes in Conflict Resolution, Anger Management, Clinical Supervision, and Medication-Assisted Treatment. She is the author of Rein in Your Brain from Impulsivity to Thoughtful Living in Recovery. Cynthia has also developed numerous training programs and manuals on addiction treatment, leadership development, and community mobilization. 

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in social work and administration and is nationally certified in addiction counseling, and has focused on a variety of subjects, including (but not limited to) intensive outpatient and continuing care, gang intervention/ suppression/treatment, school intervention, workforce development plans, and the co-occurrence of poverty and substance use, as well as co-occurring disorders.

Topics Discussed:

• Overcoming family challenges and healing in Recovery

• Difference between fighting through conflict vs working through conflict

• Effective prevention & intervention programs that focus on human connection

• Why children thrive with trusting adult relationships who can guide them

• Understanding trauma and how it affects children, adolescents, and adults

• How to support counselors and global collaboration in addiction research

Connect with Cynthia Moreno Tuohy:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiamorenotuohy/

• Book: https://www.amazon.com/Rein-Your-Brain-Impulsivity-Thoughtful/dp/1616494670 

Connect with us on Social:

• • IG: https://www.instagram.com/positiverecoverycenters 

  • FB: https://www.facebook.com/PositiveRecoveryCenters 

  • TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@positiverecoverycenter 

  • YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4JcDF1gjlYch4V4iBbCgZg

Additional Links:

Want to receive the daily Positive Intervention from Dr. Powers’ Positive Recovery Daily Guide? Subscribe here! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/OtK48nO/dailypositiverecovery.

Need an extra daily pick-me-up? Download your FREE 30+ inspirational wallpapers! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/GUp7F11/InspirationalWallpaper 

About Positive Recovery Centers:

Positive Recovery Centers is a strengths-based addiction treatment program with locations across Texas. We offer a full continuum of care, from medical detox to sober living, all supported by an ever-growing alumni community network. 

Our evidence-based curriculum blends the best of the old with the new, supporting our mission: Recovery is best pursued when meaningful, intentional, positive habits are formed through empowerment and resilience instead of negativity and shame.

If you or someone you know needs addiction treatment, please visit the website or call the number below to schedule an assessment. We are here to help!

• Call: 877-476-2743

• Address: 902 West Alabama Street, Houston, Texas 77006

• Website: https://positiverecovery.com 

• Services: https://positiverecovery.com/services/ 

• FAQ: https://positiverecovery.com/faq/