Recovery Plus Podcast: F*ck Yesterday, Focus on Today

Join Dr. Mei-Li Hennen in Episode 57 as she interviews Rachel Vasquez, a certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor working as a Clinical Manager at an outpatient facility with an awe-inspiring journey of resilience and personal transformation.

From a destructive path that began at the age of 12 to encounters with the criminal justice system by 22, Rachel's story takes a turn towards redemption when she decides to return to school at 37, ultimately graduating with a college degree. Having battled addiction for over two decades and now in recovery since 2014, Rachel shares her incredible journey and unwavering commitment to helping others overcome addiction, trauma, and grief.

In this episode, Rachel delves into her focus on potential, willingness, vulnerability, and surrender as crucial elements in her path to recovery and personal growth.

Tune in to explore Rachel's resilience and her passionate drive to make a positive impact, along with insightful thoughts on navigating the Holidays.

Don't miss this empowering episode that showcases the strength of the human spirit and the possibilities of a purposeful life.

I'm your host, Dr. Mei-Li Hennen, and today, we have the privilege of speaking with Charlotte Dougherty—a resilient soul, lifelong rider, and unwavering advocate for empowering overlooked populations through the incredible world of second chance horses.

Charlotte's journey is a testament to her strength, overcoming trauma, sexual abuse, two kidnapping incidents, multiple relapses, incarceration, addiction, and adversity. What sets her story apart is the profound connection she shares with a power greater than herself. In the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, Charlotte discovered a guiding force that opened unexpected doors, enabling her to achieve goals against all odds. 

Growing up in a family that always had horses, Charlotte's riding journey began at the age of five. By the age of 12, she harbored a dream of establishing her own horse program, a dream that became a reality. Her love for horses has taken her through diverse disciplines, including Western Pleasure, Gymkhana, and High School Rodeo, showcasing her versatility as a rider and lifelong learner.

With 30 years of riding experience and a wealth of teaching expertise, Charlotte holds certifications as a Certified Equine Health Care Instructor through SpiritHorse International, a PATH Instructor through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, and an EAGALA certification. This intensive training ensures the safety and effectiveness of the riding experiences she provides to individuals of all ages and abilities.

Charlotte's lifelong dedication to teaching and learning is evident in her multifaceted approach to riding. As the founder of the SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center in the San Francisco Bay Area, Charlotte is on a mission to create meaningful, healing connections between individuals and horses.

Charlotte emphasizes the significance of maintaining connections within a supportive community, especially as we approach the upcoming Holiday Season.

Join us in this episode as Charlotte shares her inspiring journey, guided by a power greater than herself, and discover how her passion for horses and teaching has become a catalyst for positive change. For more information about Charlotte and the impactful work at SpiritHorse, visit http://spirithorsebayarea.org, you can also reach Charlotte at 707-720-6360.

Don't miss this enriching conversation with Charlotte Dougherty, a lifelong rider, educator, and advocate for second chances!

Tune in to our inspiring podcast episode featuring Ken Guidroz, a former pastor and retirement plan expert with over two decades of experience. Discover how his life took a dramatic turn as a parent, facing unimaginable heartbreak when all his children battled substance abuse simultaneously. In the face of tragedy, when one son's actions led to incarceration, Ken found a unique channel for healing—writing heartfelt letters to his son.   These letters between father and son not only transformed their relationship, but also became the cornerstone of his moving book, “Letters to My Son in Prison: How a Father and Son Found Forgiveness for an Unforgivable Crime.”

Join us as Ken shares his profound journey towards reconnection, forgiveness, and rediscovery of faith beyond the boundaries of religion. Learn how he and his wife navigated the storm, preserving their marriage amidst the trials. This episode is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the healing potential of genuine connection and making a goal to not be an asshole. 

Key Podcast Highlights:

More about Ken:

https://kenguidroz.com

Dr. Robb Kelly, PhD is a sought-after neuroscience and positive psychology expert who believes that rewiring the brain can lead to positive and lasting change in a person’s life. 

Dr. Kelly has appeared on such shows as The Doctors, Eye Opener, Good Morning Texas, and Kens5 morning news.  A frequent contributor to radio and print interviews including The Jim Bohannon show, Miracles in Recovery, USA Today, and participated in McLean Hospital’s (Harvard Medical School) study on the stigma associated with mental illness. Dr. Kelly hosted Sober Celebs show on KLIF radio in Dallas, and currently hosts the Breaking Through Addiction podcast featuring special guests discussing a variety of mental health issues.

Dr. Kelly created Let’s Get Back to 98% Recovery DVDs used in prisons and recovery treatment centers throughout the US. He has lectured on addiction, trauma and mental wellness at high-profile universities, national conferences, treatment facilities, public schools, churches, business organizations and hospitals. Dr Kelly is currently the CEO of the Robb Kelly Recovery Group, a transformation coaching company he created based on extensive research and behavior studies conducted over the past 20 years. Dr. Kelly shares his personal highs and lows as he struggled and overcame crippling alcoholism and mental illness in the November 2019 release of the book “Daddy, Daddy Please Stop Drinking”. 

Professional Credentials:

 Take a listen!

More about Dr. Robb Kelly and his upcoming September 22nd & 23rd  The Neuro Hero Conference in Boca Raton, Florida:

If you need a 10-15 min consult with Dr. Robb Kelly – refer to this podcast and call # 214-600-0210.

[email protected]

www.robbkelly.com

www.facebook.com/drrobbkelly

twitter.com/RobbKellyGroup

linkedin.com/in/dr-robb-kelly-07718133

https://www.instagram.com/robbkellyrecoverygroup/

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Dan Z. Joseph, a remarkable individual with a unique journey. An Army Veteran and accomplished book author, Dan's story is one of resilience, transformation, and the pursuit of a higher purpose.

Having served as an Army Combat Engineer while concurrently pursuing a master's degree in psychology, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the realm of recovery and mental health. As a child of immigrants from the Middle East, he has overcome significant challenges, including surviving child abuse, and navigating mental health issues. His collegiate years were marked by self-medication, yet he managed to transition into a successful bio-tech career.

Despite his achievements, Dan felt a yearning for something deeper and more meaningful. This longing led him to forge powerful connections within the military community, where he discovered a shared sense of purpose centered around duty, brotherhood, and a fervent commitment to serving their nation.

Having grappled with anxiety, addiction, and self-medication, Dan's life took an unexpected turn when he joined the military at the age of 32. Armed with the insights gained from his own journey of recovery, he found himself aiding those grappling with post-traumatic stress. Now, he is determined to extend his knowledge and support to others who are on their own paths to healing.

As an accomplished author, Dan penned "Backpack to Rucksack:  Insight Into Leadership and Resilience By Military Experts," a book delving into potent leadership strategies derived from military and tactical perspectives. Join us in this conversation as we delve into Dan's profound insights, and his dedication to supporting service members. 

Key Messages:

More about Dan:

https://combatpsych.com

https://www.instagram.com/combatpsychology/

https://www.youtube.com/sixfigurecrouchsurfer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dzj/

Join Dr. Mei-Li Hennen as she engages in a heartfelt conversation with her next guest, Barbara Legere, an extraordinary author and advocate who has transformed personal tragedy into a powerful mission to uplift and support others. Barbara's journey as a single parent navigating her son Keven's battle with substance use disorder and depression was marked by immense challenges. Unfortunately, her world was shattered by the devastating loss of her son to substance use disorder, depression, and ultimately death by suicide.

Barbara found strength in turning her grief into a catalyst for change through her book, "Keven's Choice," which bravely shares her heartbreaking story. She sheds light on the realities of mental health struggles, addiction, and the aftermath of suicide, providing solace to those who have experienced similar tragedies.

In this episode, Barbara courageously discusses "grief brain," a phenomenon often overlooked. Similar to a brain injury, it manifests as cognitive difficulties and altered mental functioning during an extended period of grief. Through her insights, Barbara emphasizes the importance of compassion and support for those grappling with this invisible struggle.

Barbara's dedication to advocacy is evident in her book, "Talk to Me I'm Grieving," where she breaks down barriers surrounding grief, offering practical advice and compassionate insights on supporting those who are grieving. Her work exemplifies the potential for healing and transformation in the face of darkness. Join us as we explore Barbara's inspiring journey and discover the power of empathy and understanding in the midst of grief.

More about Barbara:

Check out Barbara’s website to purchase her moving and insightful books!

 Resources:

Join us in this insightful episode with your host, Dr. Mei-Li Hennen, as she dives deep into the world of addiction medicine in conversation with Dr. Chuck Smith and Dr. Jason Hunt.  These doctors have personally triumphed over their own battle with addiction, and together, they have co-authored the groundbreaking book, "Understanding Addiction: Know Science, No Stigma," and are on a mission to educate, empower, and eradicate the stigma surrounding addiction. 

Their book has quickly become a go-to resource for healthcare professionals, individuals struggling with addiction, and their families. 

Listen in as they shed light on the groundbreaking approach of Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT), which combines medication, counseling, and behavioral therapies to tackle opiate addiction. We'll explore the unique challenges faced by pregnant women who are addicted and emphasize the significance of specialized care that prioritizes the health and well-being of both mother and the unborn child. Join us as we debunk myths surrounding MAT and dispel the notion of "crack babies." 

Whether you're a healthcare professional, someone affected by addiction, or simply curious about the topic, this episode offers invaluable insights into addiction medicine. Dr. Chuck Smith and Dr. Jason Hunt's passion for destigmatizing addiction shines through as they provide a roadmap for a better understanding of addiction, the benefits of MAT, and the specialized care required for pregnant women suffering from addiction. 

Dr. Chuck Smith works as an addictionologist in South Florida where he provided patient care including detox, residential, and outpatient management of addictive diseases.  He is a graduate of Marshall University and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.  Dr. Smith has completed an Addiction Medicine Fellowship as the Univ. of Florida, and in recovery. 

Jason M. Hunt, MD, is an assistant professor with the Dept of Psychiatry's Division of addiction medicine at the University of Florida College of Medicine. Dr Hunt joined UF faculty in 2017 after completing the addiction medicine fellowship at UF. Dr. Hunt earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois in 2002. He then completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Louisville in 2006.   Before becoming an addiction medicine physician, Dr. Hunt practiced OBGYN for several years in Kentucky and Alabama. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Alabama Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association. He now practices addiction medicine at UF Health / Florida Recovery Center in Gainesville, FL.  Dr Hunts interests and expertise are in opioid use disorder in pregnancy. He is also a Peer Prescriber Mentor for the State of Florida.  

Take a listen!

More info:

Book: 

Amazon:  Understanding Addiction: Know Science, No Stigma: Smith, Dr. Charles, Hunt, Dr. Jason: 9781737235200: Amazon.com: Books

Join Recovery Plus Podcast host, Dr. Mei-Li Hennen for her 50th episode!

This episode includes an inspiring conversation with Martyn Davies as he shares his remarkable journey of redefining entertainment without the need for alcohol or substances. In this episode, Martyn opens up about his initial fascination with the rock 'n roll lifestyle, having envy of his older brother living that life, and yearning for a taste of that world. However, he soon discovered the dark underbelly of the music industry, realizing that alcohol and drugs were deeply intertwined with the entertainment scene.

Martyn candidly discusses his own 27-year battle with addiction and the immense challenges he faced while striving to achieve sobriety. He emphasizes that the road to recovery is rarely a straightforward path, highlighting the obstacles he encountered along the way that included loss of relationships, loss of money, a suicide attempt, a family intervention, and a stint in rehab.

Now, 5.5 years sober from alcohol, drugs, and gambling, Martyn's story takes a positive turn. Drawing from his 17-year experience in the entertainment sector as a stand-up comedy booker, he successfully launched the UK's first alcohol-free comedy club, known today as The London Alcohol-Free Comedy Club. Additionally, Martyn actively engages in the community, volunteering his time at various charities, and a treatment center, raising awareness about alcohol and addiction.

Tune in to this episode and discover how Martyn has reintroduced joy and fun into the sober lifestyle, proving that sobriety can be a source of incredible enjoyment and laughter.

Upcoming shows at the Backyard Comedy Club in London, sponsored by Sober Is Fun:

More about Martyn:

Linktree:  https://linktr.ee/Soberisfun

IG: @soberisfunuk

Website:  https://soberisfun.co.uk

Email:  [email protected]

Sonia Kahlon, a remarkable individual who has embarked on an incredible journey of transformation. You see, Sonia wasn't just a successful orthodontist; she built and sold a thriving multi-location practice in 2016. But her accomplishments didn't end there. In 2017, she made a life-altering decision to become sober.

Since embracing sobriety, Sonia's path took an inspiring turn. She has transitioned into a recovery coach, devoting her life to making a meaningful difference. Her passion for social impact investing led her to dedicate her time to volunteering with the incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and victims of sex trafficking. It is through these experiences that Sonia discovered her calling—the power of peer support.

Today, Sonia is the founder of EverBlume, an innovative approach to group support fostering connection and support for individuals on their recovery journey. EverBlume brings together like-minded individuals, matching them into small groups based on their shared struggles. These groups serve as a safe haven for members to engage in conversation, offer meaningful support, and receive valuable feedback from one another.

But behind Sonia's extraordinary achievements lies a story of personal trials. She recently went through a divorce, which presented a formidable challenge to her sobriety. Cultural and family pressures, particularly as an Indian woman, deeply influenced her addiction and recovery journey. However, it is through these adversities that Sonia has discovered an unwavering strength within herself.

Sonia's path has taken her from a life solely focused on external success, leading to despair about her future, to a project she is more passionate about than ever before. Through EverBlume, she aspires to empower others to reclaim their lives in recovery, find solace in meaningful connections, and overcome the challenges that lie ahead.

Join us as we delve into Sonia’s inspiring story of resilience, cultural resilience, transformation, recovery, and the incredible power of peer support.

More about Sonia:

Article:  https://thesobercurator.com/the-only-reflection-i-could-see-how-drinking-made-my-personality-fluid/

IG: @joineverblume

Website:  https://www.joineverblume.com

FB:  https://www.facebookcom/EverBlume/

Email:  [email protected]