(Video Version: https://youtu.be/as8CgQDEqE8)

Initial App Numbers: 00:50

So the my little Drag Queen Alarm Clock app has now been in the Apple App Store for a month. I didn't really announce anything because I'm still working out some little details and bugs, but let's take a look at the initial report of downloads, users, sales, etc. You'll get to see what I see on this front. 

Atomic Habits Book Club: 07:56

Because my day job got a little busy, I had to push back the start of the book club a couple weeks. Nevertheless, we had our first meeting this week. It was great to get to know new people and reconnect with others. We discussed the Introduction and Chapter 1 of the book and had some interesting discussions regarding the value of setting goals and setting up systems to achieve those goals. I hope to go more in-depth on the stuff we discussed in an upcoming interview.

Apple iOS Apps:

Would you like to try out the apps I've been developing? Check out the links below!

(Video Version: https://youtu.be/FTLDDStenYQ)

Wow! Hard to believe that it has been over a year since the last podcast episode. A lot has been in the works since then and it's time to catch you all up!

Podcast Season 2

First off! Happy to announce Season 2 of the podcast. While I loved all the great conversations I had in Season 1, in Season 2. I want to broaden the format. In Season 2 I'll be hosting a virtual book club on the book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. The principals in this book parallel a lot of what people encounter in recovery and so I think it can be a great supplement to other material. Also, it's just a great book for making big changes in your life. In the podcast we'll be talking with people about their goals, things they are learning from the book, and our lives. It should be an interesting adventure and I hope you join us by subscribing to the podcast.

Even Bigger News!

I big reason I stepped away from the podcast was to work on an app idea I had. People often don't know how to really tap into the all the support that their friends and family are willing to give and I wanted to address this. In this episode I discuss the emotional support app I've been developing and how you can try it out for free. 

Bonus: A Fun Drag Queen Alarm Clock 

As a fun side project, I asked the question: "How could I design an alarm clock people looked forward to going off?" The answer: an alarm clock where you get fun, supportive messages from drag queens waking you up in the morning. Check it out at the link below.

In Part 2 of my interview with Khadi Olagoke, the woman behind Sober Black Girls Club  we talk about race...a lot.  We talk about how race has affected both her and my ability to get quality support. How it complicates engaging with support groups like A.A. and makes it more difficult to find a relatable therapist. We also discuss our impressions of the current developments in Black Lives Matter. Finally, we close out with a discussion of one of her favorite motivational song and advice for people who may be struggling alone with their addiction.

Episode Outline

Information Referenced on Challenges Faced By Black Community and Healthcare

Disclaimer: This podcast is not affiliated with any other recovery program. Opinions expressed are the opinions of the speaker and do not represent any org. If you are struggling with addiction or other behavioral or mental health issues, please consult a medical professional. Small segments of certain copyrighted content are made use of as “Fair Use” §107 of the Copyright Act. © Lexploration LLC All rights reserved.

This is the first part of a two part interview with Khadi Olagoke, the woman behind Sober Black Girls Club (@SoberBlackGirlsClub). We had a great conversation about her life coming from an African Muslim family and becoming a lawyer in New York. Along the way she’s had to overcome an issue with alcohol.

We had a great discussion about the intersection of race and the world of substance abuse and recovery. When you search on social media for topics like #sobriety and #soberlife, etc. you’ll find the overwhelming number of posts are from white women. How is that possible when we know substance abuse disproportionately effects people of color. Listen to the episode while we explore that issue and more.

Episode Outline

Music & Resources Discussed in the Episode

Disclaimer: This podcast is not affiliated with any other recovery program. Opinions expressed are the opinions of the speaker and do not represent any org. If you are struggling with addiction or other behavioral or mental health issues, please consult a medical professional. Small segments of certain copyrighted content are made use of as “Fair Use” §107 of the Copyright Act. © Lexploration LLC All rights reserved.

I felt a little burn-out from the first burst of episodes and had to figure out how to do this sustainably. But now happy to be back. This episode discusses two motivational songs and I highlight a great exercise I learned about via Simon Sinek's appearance on NPR's "How I Built This" for identifying your core values in the world - a key tool to help identify your motivation in recovery. Also discuss the recent online Startup Weekend event I got to emcee and how the tools we used at that event could be used for building dynamic online recovery communities.

REQUEST: Please take a moment to complete this survey on the #1 Challenge you face (https://forms.gle/YDPWK45FW61HfDqR6). It will help me create content and tools to help you the most. 

Episode Outline

Disclaimer: This podcast is not affiliated with any other recovery program. Opinions expressed are the opinions of the speaker and do not represent any org. If you are struggling with addiction or other behavioral or mental health issues, please consult a medical professional. Small segments of certain copyrighted content are made use of as “Fair Use” §107 of the Copyright Act. © Lexploration LLC All rights reserved.

This week had a great interview with Dr. A. Tom Horvath, author of "Sex, Drugs, Gambling, and Chocolate." We talked about the nature of addiction, his practice, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and his favorite motivational music.

Outline of Episode (Minutes:Seconds)

Resources: 

April 8th at 10:00am I was excited to do our first live stream show (after a bit of a bumpy start). The show included a great interview with Megan Goodrich who talked about her work as a recovery coach. She also opened up to share the story of her own struggle with alcohol. We get into some of her favorite motivational music (see the links below) and and talk about the impact COVID-19 is having on her work these days. 

Episode Outline

Music from the Episode

Disclaimer: This podcast is not affiliated with any other recovery program. Opinions expressed are the opinions of the speaker and do not represent any org. If you are struggling with addiction or other behavioral or mental health issues, please consult a medical professional. Small segments of certain copyrighted content are made use of as “Fair Use” §107 of the Copyright Act. © Lexploration LLC All rights reserved.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Jon (see Part 1 here) we explore his recent, temporary lapse back in the smoking pot – a substance he had decided to abstain from. How easy it is to talk yourself back into using after a spell of sobriety.

We also work through a situation I found personally confusing – when friends are talking about (and even glorifying) their own drug use, does that mean it’s fair game to jump back into using yourself? If they can enjoy certain vices without repercussions, then maybe those things aren’t so bad, right?

Finally, we close out with a great (and rather peaceful) song that Jon introduced me to. Also, Jon’s third song, “Monsters” didn’t actually make it into the podcast, but here’s what he had to say about it.

“Life is short and death is unavoidable. So live in peace and love and don’t let death catch you with regrets.”

If this episode spoke to you or if you you would like to share your own story or any other feedback, please send an email to yourvoice (at) slay-today.com

Disclaimer: This website and related podcast is not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by SMART Recovery (TM) or any other recovery program. Opinions expressed on the website or podcast are the opinions of the speaker and do not represent any other organization. If you are struggling with addiction or other behavioral or mental health issues, please consult a medical professional.

This episode we’re talking with my friend Jon. What I love about Jon is that he’s really taken ownership of his identity in a way that’s super-empowering as you’ll see.

And the topic…Well we start off going over SMART’s Lifestyle Balance Pie talking about the 3 best and worst areas of our life (HOW FUN! 😀). Then we go deeper talking about boundaries with friends and family. This one is more of a conversation than an interview as I think this is an area I needed to explore in my own life and Jon had some great insights. Of course we start off talking about his favorite inspirational music.

Once you finish this be sure to check out Part 2 of the conversation here.

If this episode spoke to you or if you you would like to share your own story or any other feedback, please send an email to yourvoice (at mark) slay-today.com

Disclaimer: This website and related podcast is not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by SMART Recovery (TM) or any other recovery program. Opinions expressed on the website or podcast are the opinions of the speaker and do not represent any other organization. If you are struggling with addiction or other behavioral or mental health issues, please consult a medical professional.

This is is a continuation of the interview with Antonio Parrales. In this episode we go deeper into the nuts and bolts of motivation. Tony also shares how his family dealt with a family member who struggled with alcohol abuse for decades and how they were eventually able to repair what had become a broken relationship.

If this episode spoke to you or if you you would like to share your own story or any other feedback, please send an email to yourvoice (at) slay-today.com

Disclaimer: This website and related podcast is not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by SMART Recovery (TM) or any other recovery program. Opinions expressed on the website or podcast are the opinions of the speaker and do not represent any other organization. If you are struggling with addiction or other behavioral or mental health issues, please consult a medical professional.