Team BS (Bob the Old Rucker and Shannon) share in Tom’s 40 plus years of sobriety and how alcohol nearly ruined his marriage, family, and United States Navy career. Because of the change he credits God for in his life, Tom dedicates his life to giving back that which was so freely given to him.

In this heartfelt and humorous episode of Shoutout From the Pit, retired Navy Commander and pastor Tom shares his powerful journey from youthful drinking and military service to hitting rock bottom and finding redemption through sobriety. With over 40 years of recovery, Tom recounts his path from blackout drinking, career turbulence, and near family collapse to becoming a spiritual leader and dedicated AA sponsor. Through military stories, personal trials, and hard-earned wisdom, Tom emphasizes the transformative power of service, faith, and fellowship—proving it’s never too late to change, heal, and help others.

In this episode we get to hear Melissa’s story.  Melissa shares how she overcame alcohol, food addictions, awkwardness, and injuries as a differently abled person dealing with cerebral palsy. She shares how a famous iconic figure changed her life.

Immersion Table Jam – Immerse yourself into recovery

The Immersion Table Jam – Immerse Yourself Into Recovery discussion centers on the concept of fully committing to a recovery program and the role of spirituality in that journey. Members of the tribe share personal experiences, emphasizing that recovery isn’t just about abstaining from alcohol or drugs but rather a complete transformation of mindset and lifestyle. Brett introduces the idea of immersion by analyzing key phrases from recovery literature that reinforce the necessity of being “all in” to achieve lasting change. The discussion expands to personal revelations about the struggles and breakthroughs experienced in recovery, including spiritual awakenings and the importance of surrendering old behaviors and beliefs to fully embrace a new way of living.

As the conversation progresses, the group delves into the role of a higher power in recovery, recognizing that spirituality can be a deeply personal yet essential component of healing. Various perspectives emerge, from traditional religious beliefs to broader spiritual concepts, highlighting that recovery programs offer flexibility in defining one’s own higher power. Members discuss the significance of faith, self-reflection, and the support of others in sustaining sobriety. The discussion also touches on the importance of engaging in life beyond recovery meetings, maintaining a balance between personal growth and enjoying life’s experiences. The episode closes with reflections on camaraderie, the value of shared experiences, and a commitment to continued support within the recovery community.

Today’s discussion is Sex, Love, and Pornography Ole Rucker is joined by The Reverend, Tony, Pat and RedBeard. They discuss the impact of sex, love, and pornography in modern society. The hosts acknowledge the sensitive nature of the topic and highlight the prevalence of sex-related content in Hollywood, advertising, and digital platforms. They explore how societal norms have shifted over time, making discussions about sex more mainstream while issues like death have become taboo. Reverend emphasizes that sex is a gift from God but has been distorted by cultural influences, leading to unrealistic expectations and addiction. The episode touches on the psychological and spiritual consequences of pornography addiction, highlighting its effects on relationships and personal well-being.

The conversation expands to the intersection of addiction recovery and sexual behavior, discussing how individuals recovering from substance abuse often struggle with newfound compulsions, including sex addiction. The hosts stress the importance of accountability, open dialogue, and community support in overcoming destructive habits. They acknowledge that pornography addiction operates on the same neural pathways as hard drugs, making it difficult to overcome without external support. Human trafficking is also addressed as a significant issue tied to the pornography industry, underscoring the need for awareness and intervention. To support listeners, the episode concludes with recommendations for resources like Covenant Eyes, a program designed to promote accountability in online behavior. The hosts encourage listeners to seek help, share their struggles, and engage with a supportive community rather than battling these challenges alone.

Members of the tribe gather to discuss principles from their program, focusing on “love and tolerance is our code” and “principles before personalities.” They share personal experiences of how these values have shaped their recovery journeys, emphasizing the importance of treating others with kindness, regardless of differences. They acknowledge that while they don’t have to agree with or even like everyone, they must extend the same patience and support they once received. This mindset not only strengthens their sobriety but also allows them to help newcomers who are struggling. They also highlight that love and tolerance do not mean being a doormat; boundaries are necessary to maintain personal growth and respect.

The discussion shifts to healthy routines and practices, with members emphasizing the role of structured habits in maintaining sobriety. Key routines include prayer, service work, attending meetings, and staying connected to a support network. They discuss the importance of adaptability, acknowledging that while routines provide stability, they must also evolve as they grow in their recovery. Burnout and complacency are common obstacles, and they stress the importance of balancing recovery with other life responsibilities. By keeping recovery as a priority and practicing discipline even on difficult days, they ensure long-term success in their sobriety.

Finally, they address obstacles that can derail healthy habits, including laziness, overcommitment, and life distractions. They recognize that recovery requires consistent effort and self-awareness to avoid falling into old patterns. The discussion concludes with a reminder that their world has expanded since getting sober, and their primary purpose is to help others while staying accountable to their own growth. They emphasize that maintaining balance and being open to change are key to sustaining a fulfilling and sober life.

Screw Shame!

Kristi’s Battle Plan for Recovery

Resources:

An approach to self-improvement is built on the “Three P’s”: Program, Purpose, and Passion, with actionable frameworks like REMAP (Reading, Exercise, Meditation, Action/Anonymous Service, Prayer) and FUN (Focus, Use Your Tools, Never Quit). They encourage listeners to stay the course, find their purpose, and build a fulfilling life.

REMAP FUN

Remember, you’re not alone—Bob and Redbeard are here to support you.

Brett and featured guest Mark share what it means to be a quadriplegic and correlations between physical disabilities and alcoholism.

Mark is a quadriplegic, public speaker, and advocate who supports individuals with recent injuries and their families in navigating the adjustments and challenges of life in a wheelchair. Learn more about Mark at his website:  http://www.makeasplashinc.com/

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

https://hiredpower.com/blog/service-in-recovery

Includes Benefits of Service and What to be Careful of When Being of Service

https://www.anewcomerasks.com/post/what-is-service-work

More service work benefits and some ideas how you can do service work in your recovery group

Write us or Call us

Natasha an Alaskan Native adopted into a non native family shares her recovery journey.

Without great sorrows, you don’t have great joys.

Learn from the past and be in the present.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline #988 or 1-800-273-8255

You can call us and leave a voicemail 501-613-8915

The history of adoption and Native American boarding schools is a tough one, deeply intertwined with attempts to assimilate Native children into white culture, often at the cost of their own identity and heritage. This all kicked off in the late 19th century with the establishment of Native boarding schools like the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in 1879. These schools were built on the idea of “Kill the Indian, save the man,” with a mission to transform Native kids into what was seen as “civilized” by European-American standards. They banned students from speaking their languages, wearing traditional clothes, or practicing their customs, pushing them instead to adopt English and learn trades that fit into mainstream American society.

These boarding schools were, frankly, brutal. Many kids were taken from their families against their will, subjected to harsh discipline, poor living conditions, and even physical and emotional abuse. With the goal of erasing Native culture, children were forced to reject their heritage, and it led to a deep sense of cultural dislocation that still impacts families today. While this system peaked in the early 1900s, it persisted well into the 1960s.

In the mid-20th century, this approach continued through government programs that encouraged Native American adoption by white families. The Indian Adoption Project of the 1950s to the 1970s led to many Native kids being adopted out, often without proper consent or understanding from their families. This effort to remove Native children from their cultural backgrounds and place them with non-Native families has led to generations of Native people growing up disconnected from their roots, sometimes called a “Lost Generation.”

After years of activism and resistance from Native communities, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was passed in 1978. The ICWA pushed back on these forced assimilation efforts, aiming to keep Native kids within Native communities whenever possible. Today, there’s a lot of work being done by boarding school survivors, adoptees, and their descendants to reconnect with their culture, share their stories, and heal the historical trauma created by these policies.

For more information visit https://boardingschoolhealing.org/list/ and https://www.pbs.org/articles/native-american-history-documentaries-about-residential-schools-and-forced-adoptions