Welcome to the Sharing Without Shame podcast, dedicated to parents and anyone else who loves someone in active addiction. In this episode, host Donna Marston, author of Peeling the Onion and Sharing Without Shame, sits down with Austin Wynn, CEO and founder of Never Alone Recovery.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the Sharing Without Shame podcast, host Donna Marston welcomes Mone' Cassier, co-founder of the former Sober Sisters Recovery and current executive director of Malley Farm for Women. Mone' opens up about her personal journey through addiction, spanning over 25 years, and how relapse was a major part of her recovery story. She recounts the critical moments that led her to long-term sobriety, including a life-changing intervention from her parents and her transformative time in a therapeutic community within a county jail.

Mone' shares how her struggles with addiction eventually paved the way for her to help other women. She discusses the challenges of running a women's sober home and her decision to shift from the 12-step model to a more holistic, abstinent-based recovery model at Malley Farm. The new approach integrates wellness practices like yoga, Reiki, and guided meditation, focusing on healing both the body and mind.

Donna and Mone' also explore the importance of family involvement in recovery, the difficult yet necessary boundaries families must establish, and the profound impact of helping women in recovery reclaim their lives.

Mone’s story is one of resilience, healing, and service to others—a testament to the power of recovery and the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for women to heal. This episode offers hope, inspiration, and insight for those struggling with addiction or supporting loved ones through their recovery journey.

Sponsors:

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Malley Farm for Woman

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In this episode of the Sharing Without Shame podcast, host Donna Marston speaks with Dr. Rob Kelly, a world-renowned addiction expert. Dr. Kelly shares his personal journey from homelessness and addiction to becoming a successful psychologist, discussing how confronting past trauma and reshaping neural pathways can lead to recovery. He emphasizes that addiction is not just about substances but often tied to deeper issues like childhood trauma. Kelly's candid approach, often compared to Gordon Ramsay’s, underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of addiction and fostering recovery through understanding and neuroscience.

In this powerful episode of "Sharing Without Shame," Donna Marston is joined by special guest Maureen Cavanagh, an influential advocate and author dedicated to supporting families affected by addiction. Together, they share a candid conversation about the often unspoken struggles these families face. Maureen, drawing from her personal experience and advocacy work, discusses the emotional turmoil and complex dynamics that addiction introduces into family relationships. Both she and Donna emphasize the importance of open communication, acknowledging the pain, and finding a support system that understands the unique challenges these families endure. Through their heartfelt dialogue, they offer listeners hope and practical strategies for coping with the rollercoaster of emotions that come with loving someone who is battling addiction.

In this episode of "Sharing Without Shame," host Donna Marston delves into the intricate and often misunderstood world of addiction and recovery, particularly focusing on the familial aspects and generational trauma. Donna begins by reflecting on her journey, highlighting the significance of her first daughter's birth, which coincided with her sober date, marking a profound synchronicity in her life.

In this episode of "Sharing Without Shame," host Donna Marston welcomes James Kachnoskie, who shares his powerful story of overcoming an 11-year addiction to alcohol. Born and raised in Shemokin, Pennsylvania, James faced significant challenges that threatened to derail his life. He opens up about the tragic loss of his best friend at age 21, which triggered his descent into alcoholism. James discusses the impact of his addiction, including job losses, legal issues, and strained family relationships.