On this episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, licensed psychotherapist Dr. Vicky Truong, LMFT, Ph.D. breaks down what it really looks like to heal generational trauma — not just in her clients, but in her own life.

Based in Tustin, CA, Vicky specializes in trauma and couples therapy for adult children of immigrants, helping people navigate the emotional, cultural, and relational wounds passed down through generations. She’s certified in EMDR for PTSD and acute trauma, works as a 730 child custody evaluator, and serves as a forensic mental health consultant in high-conflict family cases.

This episode is raw, eye-opening, and deeply human, offering real insight into trauma, healing, family systems, and the work required to build a new legacy.

Watch now to see what breaking generational trauma truly looks like, in real life.

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This week on Primary Purpose with Pej, we sit down with Freeman Palmore — a man whose life is living proof that redemption is real and recovery is possible.

Once a promising athlete, Freeman’s world was shattered after the sudden loss of his father. What followed was a long descent into addiction, isolation, and self-destruction — until one day, he made the choice that changed everything.

Now, with over 23 years of continuous sobriety, Freeman has turned his pain into purpose, dedicating his life to helping others find healing. From sponsoring men in recovery to guiding families through interventions, his story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the human spirit’s capacity for change.

This episode isn’t just about surviving addiction — it’s about becoming the person you were meant to be after the fall.

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Meet Charlie Engle — the man who ran across the Sahara Desert, climbed ice-covered volcanoes, swam with crocodiles, and even served time in federal prison. But his hardest race isn’t measured in miles — it’s the one he runs every single day.

In this powerful episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, Charlie opens up about the challenges that shaped him, the humor that saved him, and how he turned pain into purpose. From impossible adventures to life-changing lessons, his story reminds us that resilience, laughter, and purpose can carry us through anything.

💬 Charlie says it best:

“I’m an addict who runs. And I’m a runner who writes.”

This conversation dives into:

Finding purpose through endurance and discipline

The mindset behind surviving the impossible

How humor can save you in your darkest moments

Turning an obsessive nature into a superpower for good

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In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, Paula shares her incredible story of resilience and recovery. Once a sober stripper who helped women escape addiction and prostitution, she opens up about her journey in Portland’s underground scene — and the misconceptions that come with it.

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Today’s episode is one of the most emotional and personal conversations I’ve ever shared.

Together, we talk about the years of heartbreak, fear, and hope our family went through as I battled addiction and found my way back to life. She watched me lose everything, and she also watched me rebuild from nothing. Her strength, boundaries, and faith carried me when I couldn’t carry myself.

This episode isn’t just about addiction or recovery — it’s about the unconditional power of a mother’s love, the beauty of forgiveness, and the grace of second chances.

If you’ve ever loved someone who’s struggled, or if you’ve ever needed someone to believe in you when you couldn’t believe in yourself — this one’s for you.

👉 Subscribe for more stories of purpose, healing, and redemption.

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In this powerful return to Primary Purpose with Pej, Sam Davis shares his remarkable journey from addiction and family chaos to a life of freedom and purpose. With over a decade of experience as a professional interventionist, Sam has helped thousands of families navigate the painful yet transformative path to recovery.

In this heartfelt conversation, Pej and Sam open up about their own journeys and their work together as colleagues and interventionists through Intervention On Call. They dive deep into:

The importance of setting boundaries and breaking the cycle of enabling

The role of family in creating lasting change

Structured sober living and how accountability supports recovery

Choosing the right treatment centers for long-term success

Their shared philosophies on Methadone and Suboxone, and the importance of individualized recovery plans

Today, Sam lives with purpose, peace, and gratitude — proving that recovery is possible not just for the individual, but for the entire family.

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In this episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, we sit down with Mark C. Manderson, a pioneer in the fields of addiction recovery and mental health. With decades of experience, Mark has dedicated his life to helping individuals and families break free from destructive habits, overcome self-sabotaging behaviors, and build a foundation for lasting transformation.

As the founder of Pacific Shores Recovery—a trusted name for over 25 years—Mark has combined science-based strategies with compassionate care to create programs that truly change lives. From detox services to online counseling, veterans’ support, and mental health innovation, his work is centered on one mission: to remove the stigma around addiction and mental health so people can feel safe to heal and grow.

Mark is also the author of The Recovery Way and the creator of the Pacific Shores App, designed to retrain the brain for better mental health. His impact reaches far beyond treatment centers—into communities, families, and individuals who have found hope through his leadership.

Join us as we dive into Mark’s philosophy of recovery, his groundbreaking methods, and his vision for a world where healing is possible for everyone.

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In this powerful episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, we sit down with Kat B, a courageous mother and survivor whose life took a dark turn through addiction, trauma, and incarceration—but who fought her way back to light.

Born and raised in Orange County, Kat had every opportunity for a bright future. But the absence of her father created a deep emotional wound that led her into toxic relationships and substance abuse. Her addiction escalated from prescription pills to heroin, fentanyl, and meth—eventually landing her in a cycle of prostitution and a felony conviction.

Now 19 months sober and thriving in recovery, Kat opens up about the pain that fueled her addiction, the power of medication-assisted treatment, and her path to rebuilding her life, family, and identity.

This episode is a raw and redemptive journey through darkness to healing. If you’re struggling, know that hope is real—and recovery is possible.

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In this episode of Primary Purpose, Pej sits down with Dre Weil, who shares his remarkable story of resilience, redemption, and faith.

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In this very special episode of Primary Purpose, host Pejman "Pej" Alaghamandan turns the mic on himself to share his own powerful journey. From struggles with addiction to finding meaning through recovery, Pej opens up about the challenges, lessons, and transformations that shaped his life.

For years, Pej has sat down with inspiring guests to uncover what drives them—but today, he’s sharing his truth with you. This is a story of resilience, growth, and the pursuit of purpose that may resonate with anyone seeking hope and direction.

If you’ve ever wondered what fuels Primary Purpose, this is the episode to watch.

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