Serenity Sit Down

Join us for a heartfelt episode of Serenity Sit Down, where Father Jim welcomes Rich Murphy, the dedicated Director of Admissions and Marketing at The Retreat in Wayzata, Minnesota. In this episode, Rich shares his transformative journey from being a guest at The Retreat over eleven years ago to becoming a pivotal figure in helping others find their path to recovery. Discover the unique approach of The Retreat, a 12-step based recovery center that offers a supportive community of volunteers and staff, all of whom are actively working their own recovery programs. Rich's personal story and professional insights provide a compelling look into the life-changing impact of The Retreat’s programs and the compassionate care they offer to those seeking help.

Understanding the family system in recovery helps everyone engage in the process of joyful recovery and our roles in recovery. Today, we explore how families can find support and build resilience on their path to recovery. Join Fr. Jim Swarthout as he talks with Sherry Gaugler-Stewart, the Director of Family and Spiritual Recovery for The Retreat. They discuss the power of understanding addiction and how it empowers families to support their loved ones. The Retreat’s family program provides resources and guidance for families on this journey. This episode equips us with tools for managing emotions, highlights the value of support groups, and ultimately offers a message of hope: healing is possible. 

You don't have to tread into the healing journey alone. Together, we can heal the holes and build a life filled with hope and purpose. In today's conversation, Fr. Jim met with Drew Brook, the director of Faith Partners, a surprise gathering that offered great insight and understanding of how we all work and minister together to heal a hurting heart. Drew sheds light on the crucial role faith-based communities can play in addiction recovery. Through Faith Partners' training programs, people within your congregation gain the knowledge and skills to create a support system for those battling addiction. The path to recovery may not be easy, but you don't have to walk it alone. Join Drew Brook and discover the transformative power of faith and community in healing the "hole in the soul."

Sober living is a daily experience. For 12 years, Jimmy Bogen, the Sober Living Coordinator at The Retreat, addiction controlled his life, but The Retreat's program, with emphasis on the 12 steps and peer support, was the turning point. In today's episode, Jimmy explains how The Retreat helped him find the path toward recovery. He also emphasizes the power of a strong support system that goes beyond family. Discover how The Retreat's family recovery program empowers loved ones to support your journey. So, join Jimmy Bogen and learn more about The Retreat's Sober Living.

The journey to recovery initially seems hard, but a big part of that is because people tend to think they’re on their own. That doesn’t have to be the case. There is power in community, and fellowship does wonders for recovery. In this episode of Serenity Sit Down, hosted by Father Jim, we sit down with Jake Klisivitch, the Men's Program Coordinator at The Retreat in Wayzata, Minnesota. Jake shares his personal journey to sobriety and details the unique, spiritually-focused approach of The Retreat, which emphasizes the principles of the 12-step program over clinical methods. He discusses the daily structure and supportive community environment that aids guests in their recovery, as well as the vibrant alumni network that extends the program's reach beyond the facility. Tune in to learn more about how The Retreat helps individuals find hope and joy in their sobriety journey.

Imagine losing everything to addiction, then discovering a path to not just recovery but a life filled with joy and purpose. Today’s conversation brings us the powerful story of Travis Heppner, the Alumni and Marketing Coordinator at The Retreat. Fr. Jim and Travis discuss how staying connected from the heart enhances a joyful journey to day-to-day recovery. An Alumni program can be the greatest contributor to recovery - sharing the ups and downs of craving and continuing on the path to joy. Today’s episode is a beacon of hope, a reminder that recovery is possible, and a life filled with love and joy awaits! Join Travis Heppner and be empowered by his story.

When a woman reaches out for help and comes to The Retreat, she finds herself in a warm embrace. This episode of Serenity Sit Down features a conversation between Father Jim and Chris Nehotte, the coordinator of The Retreat's women's recovery program. Chris shares her journey to The Retreat, emphasizing her commitment to the 12-step spiritual recovery model. She highlights the program's focus on spirituality, connection, and community, noting the support provided through steps, sponsorship, and a family program. Chris underscores the transformative power of the program and the unique aspects of women's recovery, while Father Jim appreciates the impact and hope The Retreat offers to those struggling with addiction. Tune in for more!

Step into the realm of spiritual guidance in recovery and learn to breathe again in a more joyful way! Fr. Jim Swarthout welcomes Andrea Bruner, coordinator of The Retreat in Wayzata, Minnesota, for an enlightening conversation on navigating recovery through spiritual insight. Andrea shares her profound experience from the inception of The Retreat in 1998, where her vision for a supportive space aligned perfectly with its founding. Reflecting on her personal journey through 12-step recovery and the pivotal role of spiritual direction, Andrea illuminates how The Retreat's women's program fosters transformative connections across generations. Discover the profound impact of spiritual principles and the power of community in guiding individuals towards healing and renewed purpose. Tune in to breathe anew as we explore the joyful essence of recovery at The Retreat.

Sometimes, the straight path to healing is by getting rid of the grind and letting go of everything on your plate. In this episode, Fr. Jim Swarthout sits down with Bob Bisanz, an alcoholic who got sober in 1967 through the power of surrender. Together, they discuss how the retreat center in Wyzetta perfectly combines the 12-step recovery program and a Christ-centered approach to healing. Bob talks about serving others while recovering by eliminating all your internal baggage and opening up to the spiritual guidance of God.

Most alcoholics refuse to get into a retreat center to be treated because most of them have overly expensive costs and utilize demeaning approaches that degrade the people’s dignity. John Curtiss took note of this alarming situation and has decided to take action. In this episode, he joins Fr. Jim Swarthout to share how he provides a more personalized, humane, and affordable treatment of alcoholics through his retreat center in Wayzata. John explains how they effectively integrate the 12-step recovery process in their treatments to guide people toward complete healing. He also discusses how they monitor their “guests” once they are out of the retreat center to help them reduce the chances of relapsing.