SHOW UP

Soulfulness | Professor | Hurdles | Opportunities | Growth |
Challenge | Acceptance | Lemonade | Community | Support

In this episode of "When I Stop Fighting," host Daryl Dittmer converses with Idongesit Obeya, a Nigerian nursing professor and podcast host. Dittmer expresses his admiration for Idongesit’s vibrant personality, which he discovered during his recent appearance on her podcast. 

Idongesit also introduces herself as Professor Obeya, and shares insights about her life journey, which includes her roles as a professor and host of two podcasts: the "Abeg Vex Podcast" and one focused on medical education, Unshelling Medicine. Throughout the conversation, Idongesit discusses the challenges she has encountered and the importance of self-reflection in navigating these hurdles. She highlights that responses to obstacles can either involve inward healing or outward blame, comparing this to the stages of grief—where one experiences anger, depression, and acceptance.

A key theme in the discussion is the idea of turning challenges into opportunities for growth, captured in the metaphor of making "lemonade out of lemons." Idongesit emphasizes the importance of recognizing what deserves one's energy, particularly when facing biases and external pressures. 

Additionally, Idongesit shares a personal anecdote about preparing for her daughter’s birthday amidst her responsibilities, revealing a balance of joy and chaos in motherhood. Despite overspending time and energy on party supplies, her focus remains on creating a happy experience for her child.

Overall, the podcast presents a meaningful dialogue about personal growth, resilience, and the value of community support, encouraging listeners to engage authentically in their journeys and learn from life’s challenges. Idongesit's experiences serve as an inspiration for navigating life's complexities with determination and grace.

In this BONUS Episode, we welcome back our guests from the first half of Season 2, with short clips of their most helpful insights on how we can all live the life we've been dreaming about, inside and out!

These will be short journeys, so please enjoy! Please take whatever helps you out on your journey!

Wishing everyone healing, health, peace, and contentment.

www.daryldittmer.com

Addiction | Treatment | Recovery | Health and Fitness | Making a Difference | Giving Back | Gratitude 

In this episode of "When I Stop Fighting the Podcast," I am happy to welcome Angie Manson, CEO of Elevate Addiction Services. 

Angie's journey began with substance use at age eleven in Reno, Nevada, leading her into addiction. After a series of legal troubles and a pivotal intervention by her family, she was sentenced to treatment rather than prison, which marked the beginning of her recovery journey. 

Now, with thirty years of sobriety, Angie has discovered her true calling in helping others struggling with addiction. As the leader of Elevate, the only drug rehab facility with a CrossFit gym, Angie emphasizes the importance of health and fitness in recovery. 

 She has received several accolades, including the Forbes Riley Outstanding Humanitarian Award, and her organization has won the Excellence in Treatment Gold Award. Angie passionately believes that former addicts can make excellent employees due to their resilience and work ethic. Her team mainly comprises individuals who have overcome addiction, which enhances their credibility with clients. 

Daryl and Angie discuss the gratitude that stems from their experiences, noting that the challenges they've faced ultimately shaped who they are today. Angie's story showcases the transformative power of recovery and the importance of using personal experiences to uplift and educate others on the path to sobriety.

Find Angie here:

https://www.instagram.com/angiegoingrogue/ 

Loss | Despair | Uncertainty | Motivation | Support | Mission | Success | New Paths | Connection

In this episode of "When I Stop Fighting – The Podcast," I welcome Jonathan Emery, who shares his transformative journey following the loss of a two-decade job and a painful divorce. 

This experience propelled Jon into self-discovery, leading him to embrace authenticity and strengthen his connections with his children. Motivated by his journey, he launched his own podcast, "Life's Checkmark," where he creates a supportive platform for individuals feeling lost or isolated. He also provides guidance for aspiring podcasters, helping them overcome self-doubt and find their voices. 

During the discussion, Jon reflects on the societal expectations he followed, such as marriage, parenthood, and stable employment, which he thought defined a successful life. However, when his workplace closed down unexpectedly, he faced an opportunity for change. 

Initially uncertain about his future, John reframed this experience as a chance to pursue new paths. He transitioned into the life insurance industry, leveraging a connection he had from his previous job. Though he initially struggled to make sales, he utilized platforms like YouTube to educate himself about the insurance policies he could offer, sharing his knowledge with others. Through this journey, Jon emphasizes the importance of storytelling, both for personal growth and helping others navigate their own challenges, ultimately creating a space for value and connection in difficult times.

Find Jon here:

Life’s Checkmark Podcast https://lifescheckmark.libsyn.com

Become part of the HUB - Podcaster’s Hub where other podcasters and aspiring podcaster connect and grow. https://www.lifescheckmark.com/podcastershub

https://www.youtube.com/@lifescheckmark

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.emery.167 

Childhood Trauma | Neglect | PTSD | Isolation | Recovery | Sharing | Healing

In this episode of "When I Stop Fighting - The Podcast," I’m very happy to welcome Mary Beth O'Connor, author of the memoir "From Junkie to Judge." 

Mary Beth shares her journey from addiction to becoming a federal administrative law judge. She discusses her traumatic childhood marked by violence and neglect, which she identifies as key factors that led to her addiction, starting with alcohol at twelve and escalating to meth by seventeen. 

Despite a few years of better choices while attending college, Mary Beth struggled with addiction for nearly two decades, battling severe anxiety and PTSD stemming from her traumatic past. She emphasizes that addressing trauma is crucial for recovery, as many individuals face similar mental health challenges while overcoming addiction. 

Mary Beth reflects on the chaos of her upbringing, noting the lack of support and control in her life, which contributed to her feelings of isolation and responsibility for her younger siblings.

The conversation explores the complexities of recovery, the importance of sharing personal stories, and the resilience required to overcome profound struggles. 

Through her experience, Mary Beth advocates for understanding addiction not merely as a substance issue but as intertwined with trauma, highlighting the multifaceted approach needed for healing and personal transformation.

Find Mary Beth here:

https://junkietojudge.com

From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction: O'Connor, Mary Beth: 9780757324567: Amazon.com: Books

X/Twitter: @MaryBethO_

Bluesky: marybethoconnor

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-beth-o-connor-8aaa4b121/

Yoga | Breath | Healing | Gratitude | Meditation | Mindfulness | Pranayama | Tranquility | Resilience

In this episode of "When I Stop Fighting – The Podcast," I speak with my dear friend Dr. Amit Anand, a board-certified expert in pulmonary critical care and sleep medicine. Based in Boston, Dr. Anand has an impressive educational background, having obtained his MBBS from Seth GS Medical College in India and completing several prestigious fellowships, including a master's program from the combined MIT-Harvard Medical School. He holds teaching positions at renowned institutions and is a trained instructor in primordial sound meditation and the Amrit yoga method. 

I express my gratitude for the transformative impact Amit has had on my life and family, reflecting on their long-standing friendship. Together, they have explored various wellness practices, including meditation and pranayama, which focuses on breath control—a field Dr. Anand is passionate about. 

We discuss the increasing demands of modern life and the importance of finding quietude amidst the chaos. Amit emphasizes how these practices can alleviate stress and foster mental well-being, particularly for younger generations experiencing burnout. 

I found it important to share that the primordial sound meditation and pranayama, taught to me by Amit, has become essential to my daily routine, comparing its value to that of oxygen. Even a small amount of time dedicated to these practices can yield significant benefits, highlighting the long-lasting impact of mindfulness techniques on achieving tranquility and resilience in today’s fast-paced world.

Find Amit here:

www.breathonance.com

Recovery | Sharing | Stories | Challenges | Awakening | Self-Discovery | Commitment | Connection

In this episode of "When I Stop Fighting – The Podcast," I speak with Dr. Bob Beare, a psychologist and recovery expert. The conversation begins with a warm exchange, highlighting their deep connection and shared experiences, particularly around recovery and personal journeys. They discuss the nature of the journey, acknowledging its ups and downs—how it can be both exhilarating and daunting. Bob reflects on the importance of connecting with others and sharing stories, emphasizing that such narratives can resonate and help those facing similar struggles. 

While he acknowledges the need for important information about addiction and trauma in today’s turbulent world, he has shifted his approach to storytelling, finding more impact in sharing personal experiences rather than just imparting data. 

Both Daryl and Bob express a common understanding of the complexities of human experiences, including the metaphorical train wrecks and brick walls they've encountered in their lives. They recognize that as people age, they must confront the challenges and traumas that can either awaken them or lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms. The discussion circles back to the idea that the journey involves continuous self-discovery and understanding, despite the unconscious forces that drive much of human behavior. Through this exchange, they affirm their commitment to personal growth and awareness, emphasizing the importance of staying connected and engaged in their recovery processes.

 Dr Bob Beare

Deep Waters Recovery

Dr. Bob Beare (@DrBobBeare) / X (twitter.com)

Bad Choices | Struggle | Change | Faith | Introspection | Resonance | Healing | Good Choices | Inspiration

In this episode of "When I Stop Fighting – The Podcast," we welcome Omar Garcia, co-founder of the Omziel Healing Sanctuary. Omar reflects on his transformative journey, stating that growing up in Brooklyn shaped his understanding of life. 

Omar acknowledges making bad choices, likening it to getting a haircut if you spend too much time at a barbershop. Omar emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's inherent perfection, which he believes has liberated him from past struggles. 

He shares his experience of feeling discontent and out of control despite initially believing he had everything figured out. During quiet, introspective moments, Omar became aware of internal voices that urged him for change. 

Omar explored various healing practices—silent retreats, ashrams, and different belief systems—searching for lasting solutions. Despite his efforts, he often felt drawn back into unproductive patterns. 

Daryl highlights the power of personal stories in helping others navigate their own challenges, emphasizing how experiences can resonate long after they've been shared. 

Omar recounts his early life, marked by emotional turmoil following his father's departure when he was nine. This personal history informs his current endeavors and insights. 

The conversation underlines the significance of storytelling in healing and personal growth, suggesting that sharing one's journey can provide valuable lessons and inspiration for others facing similar struggles.

Find Omar here:

https://www.omzielhealingsanctuary.com

Omziel Sanctuary - YouTube

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Instagram

Turmoil | Despair | Change | Transformation | 12 Steps | Resilience | Service | Gratitude | Sharing

In this hard-hitting episode of "When I Stopped Fighting – The Podcast," I welcome Robert B., a recovering alcoholic and drug addict who has turned his life around. Robert opens up about his emotional journey, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share his story. He reflects on the profound changes he has experienced, moving from a place where he was asked to leave a bar for making people uncomfortable to sharing insights on life and recovery. 

Daryl emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in sharing personal stories and how the twelve steps serve as a roadmap for transformation. He believes everyone's story is unique and valuable, with the potential to inspire others. 

Robert defines alcoholism not just by societal failures but by the constant thoughts of drinking and the inability to stop once he begins. He acknowledges that his story is not exceptional compared to others, but highlights that it took significant personal turmoil for him to confront his issues. He shares his background, characterized by frequent relocations due to his father's government job, and describes his early experiences with alcohol during high school. 

Despite drinking, he maintained a balance with work and studies until he transitioned into commercial fishing and later law enforcement. Through this dialogue, both Daryl and Robert explore themes of resilience, personal growth, and the importance of sharing one’s journey to encourage others facing similar struggles.

Find Robert here:

X The Ex Problem Drinker (@WorldofRobert1) / X

Silent Suffering | Grief | Stories | Sharing | Healing | Mom | Triplets! | Empathy | Understanding

In this episode of "When I Stop Fighting – The Podcast," we welcome Angela Dunn-Cartledge, a working mom of triplets from Knoxville, Tennessee. With a background primarily in finance, Angela sought to connect with others on a deeper level, leading her to create her own podcast titled "Been There, Dunn That," which she launched in March 2024. Angela’s mission is to reach out to those who are silently suffering from grief and feeling stuck in their lives, providing them a platform where they can resonate with shared experiences and find understanding. The episode opens with Daryl expressing appreciation for having Angela as a guest after experiencing a fulfilling discussion on her podcast. 

Turning to the core theme of storytelling, Daryl expresses his belief in the power of sharing personal narratives. He emphasizes that stories are essential not only for individual expression but also for collective healing. He invites Angela to share her own story and what led her to create "Been There, Done That." Angela highlights the importance of acknowledging one's life story, noting that many people often downplay their experiences as mundane or unimportant. She encourages listeners to give themselves permission to share their stories, recognizing the healing and connection that can arise from such openness. 

Angela’s candidness reflects her desire to create a safe space where others can feel validated in their experiences. Daryl and Angela's discussion serves as a reminder of the significance of storytelling in understanding and supporting one another. 

The episode ultimately revolves around the themes of connection, community, and the transformative power of sharing personal experiences, underscoring how storytelling can serve as a bridge for those in need. 

In summary, this podcast episode is a rich conversation between two individuals committed to sharing their journeys and supporting others, particularly those grappling with grief and seeking connection. They leverage their experiences to highlight the importance of community and the stories we carry, fostering an environment of empathy and understanding.

Find Angela here:

Www.dunnthatpodcast.com

Instagram:  

https://www.instagram.com/dunnthatpodcast?igsh=cm1obzB2czdmYzAy&utm_source=qr

Facebook:  

https://www.facebook.com/share/15KCgR5GVq/?mibextid=wwXIfr