Recovery: The Whole Enchilada

Send us Fan Mail

Character Defects or Coping Mechanisms? 

Hosts Peg McDermott and Heather discuss “character defects,” reframing them as survival-based coping mechanisms rooted in fear and often formed through dysfunctional or traumatic experiences. 

They explore how these patterns—people-pleasing, control, resentment, dishonesty, pride, perfectionism, anger, shame, blaming, and self-sabotage—intensified during drinking and can persist in sobriety unless brought into awareness through self-inventory, vulnerability, and professional support. 

Peg shares examples from childhood and adulthood to illustrate how early unmet needs shape later relationship choices and recurring patterns, emphasizing that healing requires naming what’s hidden, meeting needs more effectively, and using tools like pausing before reacting and Dan Siegel’s “four S’s” (safe, seen, soothed, secure). 

They conclude that coping behaviors can be transformed back into assets when brought into the light, supporting sustained sobriety and healthier relationships.

00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup

01:17 Reframing Defects as Coping

03:35 Peg on People Pleasing and Anger

08:57 Heather Childhood Roots and Alcoho 

11:43 Writing Your Story Inventory

12:33 Eraser Story and Breaking Patterns

19:18 Awareness and Self Sabotage

23:15 Willingness Higher Power and Change

26:48 Four S Relationship Check

28:19 Pause Before Reacting

31:11 Seasonal Relationships and Boundaries

32:40 Bring Defects to Light

33:25 Closing Thanks and Subscribe

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of "Recovery, the whole enchilada," host Peg McDermott and co-host Heather Haman discuss recovery anniversaries, sparked by Peg’s 31-year sobriety milestone (sobriety date January 27, 1995). Peg recounts getting sober at age 36 in Syracuse, New York, after escalating drinking, shame, multiple car accidents, and a DWI, and describes finding safety and belonging at her first meeting at Grace Episcopal Church at Syracuse University. 

The conversation explores how sobriety is maintained one day at a time through meetings, prayer, community support, and service, while recognizing the disease remains in remission on a 24-hour basis. They talk about learning to have fun without alcohol by rebuilding hobbies and social life—softball leagues, dancing, golf, and creative activities—while avoiding high-risk environments tied to past drinking. 

They also cover emotional sobriety, managing anxiety around anniversaries, imposter syndrome, gratitude, and noticing other compulsive behaviors like overspending, sugar, isolation, or workaholism. Both reflect on the importance of authentic relationships formed in recovery, the value of “meetings before and after meetings,” and how recovery shifts thinking away from negativity, blame, and resentment toward curiosity, growth, and connection.

00:00 Welcome to Recovery, the Whole Enchilada + Today’s Topic: Anniversaries

00:33 Peg’s 31-Year Sobriety Milestone (Doing the Math)

01:16 What Drinking Looked Like: Escalation, Shame, and Hitting Bottom

03:21 The Turning Point: First Meeting, Feeling Safe, and Finally Belonging

04:43 Consequences & the Elevator Down: DUIs, Accidents, and ‘Not Yet’

08:43 Staying Sober Long-Term: Moving, Meetings, and One Day at a Time

10:52 Can You Still Have Fun? Relearning Joy Without Alcohol

16:40 Community Beyond the Rooms: Socializing, Real Friendships, and Support

18:05 Emotional Sobriety: Gratitude, Service, and Catching Old Patterns

21:00 Anniversary Anxiety, Imposter Syndrome & the 24-Hour Reprieve

27:49 Surrender, Gratitude, and Why Recovery Is the Greatest Gift

29:30 Closing: Share, Subscribe, and Keep Growing

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to 'Recovery, the Whole Enchilada,' a podcast dedicated to the multifaceted journey of healing within the recovery community. Hosted by Peg McDermott and Heather Hagaman, this episode dives into the challenges of staying sober during the quiet and cold winter months. 

With the post-holiday lull, decreased sunlight, and isolation often leading to higher risks of relapse, Peg and Heather share personal experiences and practical tips for maintaining sobriety. 

Topics include creating rituals for self-care, the importance of light exposure, strategies for staying connected, and ways to enjoy solitude without falling into isolation. They also discuss incorporating Ayurvedic practices and the power of intention-setting and self-reflection. 

Join us for a heartfelt conversation aimed at providing support and inspiration for anyone navigating their sobriety through the winter season.

00:00 Introduction to Recovery, the Whole Enchilada

00:16 Challenges of Staying Sober in Winter

00:59 Coping Strategies for Winter Sobriety

04:00 Rituals and Practices for Winter Well-being

06:53 Personal Reflections on Winter and Sobriety

13:16 The Importance of Connection and Community

20:42 Embracing Quiet and Self-Reflection

26:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Send us Fan Mail

Join hosts Peg McDermott and Heather Hagaman on this episode of 'Recovery, The Whole Enchilada' as they explore the concept of joy, particularly during the holiday season. 

They share personal stories and insights on how to redefine joy away from substance-induced happiness to genuine, enduring joy through connection, personal growth, and service to others. Heather recounts a touching story about a letter recalling her late father, revealing the power of unexpected kindness and memory in creating joy. 

This episode emphasizes the importance of staying present, lowering expectations, and embracing the simple, yet profound joys in life. Whether you are early in your recovery journey or have been on the path for a while, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on finding and nurturing joy.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:18 Exploring the Concept of Joy

01:00 Redefining Fun and Joy in Recovery

02:19 A Heartwarming Story of Connection

06:31 Finding Joy in Small Acts

08:58 The Importance of Being Present

15:33 Rediscovering Joy Through Hobbies

22:58 The Role of Self-Talk in Experiencing Joy

27:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of 'Recovery, the Whole Enchilada,' hosts Peg McDermott and Heather Hagaman dive into the complexities of celebrating holidays while on the path to recovery. 

They discuss the trigger points of holiday gatherings, share personal stories of overcoming addiction challenges during family events, and offer practical strategies for maintaining sobriety. 

From setting boundaries and having exit plans to incorporating self-care routines and creating new traditions, this conversation is packed with insights to help anyone navigate the holiday season while staying committed to their recovery journey.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:26 Navigating Holiday Challenges

01:36 Personal Stories of Holiday Struggles

04:25 Creating New Holiday Traditions

07:33 Strategies for a Sober Holiday

12:20 Maintaining Emotional Sobriety

18:08 Empowerment and Self-Care

31:13 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to 'Recovery, the Whole Enchilada,' where hosts Peg McDermott and Heather Hagerman dive into the concept of living life on life's terms. Sharing personal stories and insights, Peg and Heather discuss the importance of acceptance, self-care, and building resilience amidst life's challenges. From navigating sobriety to managing life's unexpected turns, they emphasize that true healing comes from within and the support of a like-minded community. Tune in for an engaging conversation about embracing life's complexities and cultivating a foundation for enduring growth and happiness.

00:00 Introduction to Recovery, the Whole Enchilada

00:23 Living Life on Life's Terms

01:40 Acceptance and Personal Growth

03:04 Building a Spiritual Bank Account

03:26 Forewarned, Forearmed: Being Prepared

03:56 The Reality Check of Sobriety

05:41 Handling Hard Times with Self-Care

11:13 Embracing Life's Challenges and Joys

29:11 The Importance of Community and Support

30:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of 'Recovery, the Whole Enchilada,' hosts Peg and Heather delve into the complex interplay between career changes and recovery from addiction. 

They share personal stories and insights on navigating work environments, dealing with job dissatisfaction, and making meaningful career shifts post-recovery. 

The conversation touches on maintaining sobriety in professional settings, overcoming workaholism, and leveraging newfound clarity and confidence to explore new career opportunities. Tune in for a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of integrating recovery with professional growth.

00:00 Introduction to Recovery: The Whole Enchilada

00:24 Navigating Career Transitions Post-Recovery

02:51 Personal Stories of Career Changes

07:16 Finding New Opportunities and Growth

10:59 Balancing Sobriety and Professional Life

15:23 Maintaining Emotional Sobriety at Work

31:05 Final Thoughts and Next Episode Preview

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to another episode of 'Recovery, the Whole Enchilada,' hosted by Peg McDermott and her co-host Heather Hagaman. 

In this episode, Peg and Heather discuss the stories we tell ourselves and how these narratives shape our perceptions of the world. They delve into personal anecdotes, exploring how early childhood experiences and unconscious beliefs influence our adult lives. 

They emphasize the importance of self-awareness, challenging negative self-talk, and the role of supportive communities in fostering growth and healing. Tune in for an insightful conversation on rewriting our internal scripts for a healthier, more positive outlook.

00:00 Introduction to Recovery, the Whole Enchilada

00:23 The Stories We Tell Ourselves

02:42 Childhood Influences and Self-Perception

07:10 The Role of Trauma and Default Mode Network

09:41 Reparenting and Self-Love

16:18 Mind Reading and Communication

21:15 Victim Mentality and Self-Responsibility

24:11 Tools for Recovery and Self-Improvement

30:07 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Send us Fan Mail

Join hosts Peg and Heather on this heartwarming episode of 'Recovery, The Whole Enchilada' as they delve into the profound impact of gratitude in healing and personal growth. Heather shares touching memories of her late father, a Marine Corps general, and reflects on the evolution of her grief into a deep sense of gratitude. The co-hosts discuss the science behind gratitude, its ability to rewire the brain for positivity, and the importance of daily gratitude practices. Tune in to explore how gratitude can transform pain into peace and help navigate life's challenges with a heart full of thanks.

00:00 Introduction and Birthday Celebration

01:01 The Power of Gratitude

02:25 Personal Stories of Loss and Gratitude

09:34 Daily Gratitude Practices

22:03 The Neuroscience of Gratitude

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of 'Recovery, the Whole Enchilada,' hosts Peg and Heather delve into the complexities of decision-making during and after recovery. 

They reflect on impulsive choices made during addiction, the physiological and cognitive changes in early sobriety, and the essential role of values and community in making healthier decisions. 

They also discuss the importance of neuroplasticity, support systems, and spiritual and emotional evolution in the recovery journey. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how to navigate and grow through the layers of recovery.

00:00 Welcome to Recovery: The Whole Enchilada

00:28 The Impact of Addiction on Decision Making

03:57 Early Sobriety: The First 30 Days

07:48 Neuroplasticity and Long-Term Recovery

12:17 The Role of Values in Recovery

16:11 Intuition and Wise Counsel

26:14 The Importance of Community and Support

29:07 Conclusion: Embracing Your Recovery Journey