Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 58 | Jamie McDonald, owner of Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, recounts his discovery of barbecue, his career in various engineering roles, his struggle with bulimia, and his unexpected success in competitive eating. Jamie's story highlights his entrepreneurial spirit, opening Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue despite numerous challenges. His tale is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of pushing through life's obstacles while championing recovery from addiction.

00:00 Introduction to the Recovery Matters Podcast

00:26 Discovering a Passion for Barbecue

01:00 Starting Bear's Barbecue

03:30 Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship

04:57 Expanding the Business

11:04 Sustainability Efforts

14:10 Growing Up in Kansas City

17:49 Joining the Navy

26:35 Acupuncture and Early Career

27:08 Meeting Cheryl and Starting a Family

27:45 Balancing Work and Education

29:21 Pursuing Veterinary Dreams

31:09 Moving to Florida and Career Shifts

31:52 Managing Mental Health and Obsessions

43:46 Bodybuilding and Competitive Eating

46:59 Reflecting on Competitive Eating

54:17 Investing in the Restaurant Business

54:59 Conclusion and Podcast Outro

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

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Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 57 | Robert Ashford, the Executive Director of Unity Recovery based in Philadelphia, discusses his personal recovery journey, the challenges he faced, and the impact of creating recovery community organizations. He emphasizes the importance of integrating mental health and substance use recovery support, building sustainable recovery communities, and the potential of digital recovery services. Robert also talks about the innovative social enterprises linked to Unity Recovery, including yoga studios and a taco shop, which aim to employ people in recovery and provide them with living wages. The episode highlights the future of recovery support and the ongoing need for advocacy and innovation.

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Matters Podcast

01:13 Meet Robert Ashford: A Journey in Recovery

04:17 Childhood Memories and Early Influences

09:00 Struggles and Turning Points

14:26 Path to Recovery and Advocacy

19:44 Building Collegiate Recovery Programs

23:19 Leadership and System Change

30:19 The Power of Community in Recovery

31:48 The Origin of Unity Recovery

34:37 Challenges and Strategies in Inclusive Recovery

41:06 The Role of Peer Services in Recovery

49:28 Entrepreneurship and Recovery Support

59:49 Looking Ahead: The Future of Recovery Support

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

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Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 56 | This episode of the 'Recovery Matters' podcast from CCAR features hosts Phil and Sandy Valentine engaging with Dimitri and Robin Bakes, a couple who navigated the tumultuous waters of addiction and recovery together. Dimitri shares his experiences with alcoholism, drug addiction, and multiple incarcerations while illustrating the pivotal role that Robin played in his path to recovery. The conversation explores their struggles, Dimitri's relapses, and eventual redemption, highlighting the supportive framework provided by CCAR and the importance of a loving partner in the recovery journey.

00:00 Introduction to the Recovery Matters Podcast

00:27 Meet the Hosts: Phil and Sandy Valentine

01:37 Introducing Robin and Dimitri Bakes

03:08 Robin and Dimitri's Relationship Journey

06:47 Dimitri's Early Life and Struggles

14:40 Dimitri's Descent into Addiction

25:47 Life in Prison and the Path to Recovery

44:20 Reconnecting and Relapsing

45:30 Rebuilding from Scratch

46:06 Support and Milestones

46:16 First Job After Recovery

48:27 Relapse and Realization

51:42 The Family Disease

54:47 The Struggle with Secrecy

58:44 The Turning Point

01:01:05 Seeking Help and Treatment

01:07:58 A New Path in Recovery

01:10:44 Finding Purpose in Helping Others

01:14:39 The Power of Support

01:22:36 A Second Chance

01:33:57 Conclusion and Gratitude

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

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Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 55 | Phil and Sandy Valentine engage in a deep and revealing conversation with Daryl McGraw, a person in long-term recovery. Daryl recounts his journey from growing up in an impoverished, violent neighborhood and getting involved in drug dealing to being incarcerated multiple times. He shares how education and recovery transformed his life, enabling him to become an advocate for systemic change and a supporter of others in recovery. Daryl discusses the challenges of navigating systemic racism, the need for culturally competent recovery support, and the importance of rebuilding communities affected by addiction. His powerful story highlights resilience, the significance of lived experience, and the drive to bring others along on the path to recovery.

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Matters Podcast

00:25 Hosts Phil and Sandy's Banter

01:18 Introducing Guest Daryl McGraw

02:04 Daryl's Journey to Recovery

06:42 Daryl's Professional Path

12:08 Growing Up in Stamford

15:18 Life Lessons from the Streets

33:11 Reflections on Leadership and Systemic Challenges

39:52 A Mother's Influence and Early Life Choices

40:30 The Cycle of Incarceration and Substance Use

41:16 Institutionalization and Dual Identities

43:54 The Impact of Trauma and Violence

46:51 Education as a Path to True Power

53:30 Navigating Leadership and Systemic Challenges

01:09:30 The Importance of Cultural Competence in Recovery

01:16:28 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

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Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 54 | Rabbi Ilan Glazer, founder of Our Jewish Recovery shares his poignant story of growing up with significant family challenges and multiple relocations enforced by his father's rabbinical duties. He discusses his struggles with multiple addictions, the internal conflict with traditional recovery models in predominantly Christian contexts, and his path toward healing and recovery. Rabbi Ilan also highlights the importance of community and the transformative power of creating spaces where Jewish identity and recovery coexist harmoniously. His journey from personal turmoil to becoming a recovery coach and advocate within the Jewish community is both inspiring and enlightening.

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Matters Podcast

00:27 Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice in Recovery

02:19 Introducing Rabbi Ilan Glaser

03:12 Challenges for Jews in Traditional Recovery Circles

08:46 Educating the Jewish Community About Addiction

14:22 Rabbi Ilan Glaser's Personal Recovery Journey

14:44 Early Life and Family Challenges

20:21 Struggles with Addiction and Self-Discovery

30:44 Finding Strength and Purpose

35:13 Facing the Reality of Addiction

36:26 A Week of Healing and Self-Discovery

37:29 Sharing Trauma and Finding Hope

38:49 The Journey of Recovery

42:21 Building a Support System

47:48 Creating Our Jewish Recovery Community

52:06 Becoming a Recovery Coach

59:35 Challenges of Clergy in Recovery

01:03:08 Final Thoughts and Resources

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

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Recovery Matters Podacst Episode 53 | Phil and Sandy Valentine welcome their guest, Leigh, who discusses her transformative experiences, from overcoming addiction and working as a fitness trainer, to discovering the importance of community and multiple pathways to recovery. The hosts explore various topics with Leigh, including her engagement, family dynamics, and her current role with The Phoenix, a national nonprofit focused on connecting people through physical activities and creative events. The episode highlights the significance of finding joy, building meaningful relationships, and embracing diverse routes to recovery.

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Matters Podcast

00:37 A Personal Anniversary and Memories

02:04 Introducing Leigh and Her Journey

02:29 Professional Bio and Career Path

04:52 Educational Background and Interests

14:56 Childhood Memories and Early Influences

33:04 First Experiences with Substances

40:04 Childhood Mischief and School Troubles

40:38 Fighting and Anger Management

42:40 High School Struggles and Dropping Out

44:57 Casino Life and Substance Use

51:55 Recovery Journey Begins

53:55 Discovering Narcotics Anonymous

56:51 Embracing Multiple Pathways to Recovery

01:00:23 Fitness and CrossFit Obsession

01:05:40 The Phoenix: Building Community in Recovery

01:11:41 Home Life and Personal Interests

01:15:26 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

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🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 52 | Michael shares his powerful and emotional story of recovery, detailing his traumatic experience of being shot while working at a gas station, his struggles with addiction and PTSD, and his journey towards healing and transformation. Michael also discusses his work with CCAR, including his role as a volunteer manager and his ambition to be a Master Recovery Coach. Through his faith, volunteering efforts, and the support of the recovery community at CCAR, Michael exemplifies resilience and the impact of recovery coaching.

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Matters Podcast

00:26 Meet the Hosts: Phil and Rebecca

00:51 Weather Talk and Personal Preferences

02:19 Michael's Journey in Recovery

02:36 The Spanish Podcast: Recuperación Importa

03:12 Michael's Role and Career Path

03:53 Inspirational Figures: Art and Geraldo

13:35 Michael's Life-Changing Incident

32:11 Struggles with Addiction and Paranoia

32:45 Panic Attacks and Job Instability

33:19 Triggers and PTSD

33:54 Isolation and Trust Issues

36:54 Therapy and Recovery Journey

37:41 Cultural Barriers in Therapy

38:57 Building Relationships in Recovery

42:25 Impact of Recovery Coaches

01:02:11 Future Goals and Aspirations

01:06:42 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

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Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 51 | Maysha recounts her journey from a challenging childhood in Brooklyn under her grandmother's care, dealing with her parents' absence, to battling alcoholism and navigating through a cancer diagnosis. She shares insights into her career transitions, personal growth, struggles with self-worth, and her eventual path to sobriety and service in the recovery community.

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Matters Podcast

00:26 Phil's Dad Jokes and Sandy's Reactions

01:29 Sandy's Lifestyle Changes

02:16 Introducing Maysha Zakrevsky

03:24 Maysha's Early Life and Family Background

11:08 Challenges in School and Moving to Virginia

18:00 High School Struggles and Finding a Place

23:17 College Life and Drinking Issues

31:43 Teaching Career and Meeting Her Husband

35:54 Meeting in Norwalk and Enabling Each Other

36:16 Father's Illness and Drinking Escalation

38:26 Father's Passing and Drinking Justification

39:40 Job Changes and Drinking Issues

42:18 Food Tour Guide Experience

46:38 Realization and Admission of Alcoholism

50:15 Journey to Sobriety and Breast Cancer Diagnosis

01:01:21 Recovery and Life Today

01:15:28 Conclusion and Reflections

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

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🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

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Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 49 | Amanda shares her journey from struggling with addiction, depression, and trauma to embracing recovery. She opens up about her experiences with early prescription medication, homelessness, multiple rehab stays, a life-altering overdose incident at a McDonald's, and the pivotal moments that led to her recovery. Through the support of her family, recovery programs, and her own resilience, Amanda now helps others find hope and recovery.

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Matters Podcast

00:36 Hosts' Personal Camping Stories

01:30 Amanda's Camping Memories

03:49 Amanda's Role at CCAR

04:45 Amanda's Childhood and Family Background

07:17 Struggles During School Years

10:13 College and Early Adulthood Challenges

12:24 Descent into Addiction

18:22 Life in the Food Service Industry

22:50 The Turning Point: Overdose and Recovery

32:33 The Importance of Team Sports

33:27 Coaching Philosophy and Parental Involvement

35:44 Personal Journey Through Sobering Centers

37:06 Finding Support and Building Connections

40:01 Transitioning to a New Career

41:25 The Role of Music in Recovery

44:52 Working in Mental Health and Case Management

46:25 Joining CCAR and Overcoming Fears

51:37 Life in Recovery and Family Dynamics

56:27 The Impact of Recovery Coaching

01:03:47 Final Thoughts and Reflections

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

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