Slay Today! Podcast

Slay Today! Podcast

By JulianEducationSelf-Improvement
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Slay Today! Podcast episodes

  • Initial App Numbers & Insights About Goals

    (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!

    • Drag Queen Alarm Clock - https://apps.apple.com/in/app/slay-today-drag-queen-alarm/id1573141701
    • Slay Today! Groups App Beta Testers: If you'd like to sign up to be a beta tester for the Groups! emotional support app, fill out the form here (https://slay-today.com/early-access/).
    • All other links: https://linktr.ee/slaytodaypod
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      12 min
    • Season 2 Preview

      (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.

      • Drag Queen Alarm Clock - https://apps.apple.com/in/app/slay-today-drag-queen-alarm/id1573141701
      • Slay Today! Groups App Beta Testers: If you'd like to sign up to be a beta tester for the Groups! emotional support app, fill out the form here (https://slay-today.com/early-access/).
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        10 min
      • "Sober Black Girls Club" Part 2: Challenges for Black Recovery

        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

        • Preview and Recap of Part I of the Interview
        • 01:30 Introducing the challenges people of color face in accessing therapy and mental help.
        • 03:35 Khadi's misdiagnosis and mistrust of doctors
        • 05:00 The Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis as historical perspective and current issues in the Black experience with healthcare.
        • 08:17 How Khadi restored her own faith in doctor's and therapists.
        • 12:51 Gay black males and interracial dating and therapy.
        • 15:40 Khadi's advice to white therapists for being better service providers to people of color.
        • 17:45 Perspectives on the recent developments in the Black Lives Matter movement.
        • 22:10 Khadi's other motivational song, "Savage Remix", Megan Thee Stallion
        • 27:09 Khadi's advice for those struggling alone with their addiction.

          • Information Referenced on Challenges Faced By Black Community and Healthcare

          • "Doctors and Racial Bias: Still a Long Way to Go" (New York Times)
          • "Racial bias in pain assessment and treatment recommendations, and false beliefs about biological differences between blacks and whites" (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)
          • "A Naturalistic Study of Racial Disparities in Diagnoses at an Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic" (American Psychiatric Association)
          • "Tuskegee Experiment: The Infamous Syphilis Study" (History.com)
          • "Tuskegee and the Health of Black Men" (National Bureau of Economic Research)
          • "How we fail black patients in pain" (Association of American Medical Colleges Editorial)
          • "AAMC Press Conference: Racism and Health: How and Where to Make Changes"

            • 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.

            32 min
          • Sober Black Girls Club Interview Part 1

            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

            • 00:00 "Previously On..."
            • 00:37 Introduction: Let's do an Instagram experiment!
            • 01:48 Introduction and discussion of Khadi's motivational song, "Speak" by Jhené Aiko
            • 04:25 Khadi begins to understand her drinking problem.
            • 07:24 The Halloween party where change begins. Khadi attends A.A. and starts her recovery journey.
            • 10:00 Outpatient programs and Khadi's experience in one.
            • 12:24 The creation of Sober Black Girls Club after recognizing existing online discussion of sobriety really was missing diversity and some important perspectives.
            • 14:40 Begin talking about how the therapy experience is different for people of color.
            • 17:48 Wrap-Up and preview of the next episode.

              • Music & Resources Discussed in the Episode

              • Jhené Aiko - Speak
              • Megan Thee Stallion - Savage Remix (feat. Beyoncé)
              • Sober School

                • 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.

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                20 min
              • Great Exercise for Finding Your "Why". Share Your #1 Challenge.

                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

                • Previously On: A clip from the interview w/ Dr. Horvath author of "Sex, Drugs, Gambling, & Chocolate"
                • 00:46: Introduction
                • 02:56: Discussing "Brave" by Sara Bareilles (I totally butcher her name, my apologies for the brain fart)
                • 04:47: Discussing Simon Sinek's exercise for discovering the value you bring to the world - "Finding Your Why" from NPR's "How I Built This" Podcast
                • 12:42: My experience as an emcee for Startup Weekend's COVID-19 event and what I learned about cool tools for building online community.
                • 21:52: Discussing "Love Myself" by Hailee Steinfeld. What kind of self-love are we talking about?
                • 24:33: Closing and request for to hear your challenges via this form (https://forms.gle/YDPWK45FW61HfDqR6)

                  • 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.

                  27 min
                • "Sex, Drugs, Gambling, and Chocolate" Interview with Dr. A. Tom Horvath

                  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)

                  • Introduction and Dr. Horvath's Favorite Tunes
                  • 4:54: Dr. Horvath's Background & Reason for Focusing on Addiction Treatment
                    • 7:50 How do you develop skills in treading addiction
                    • 9:30: What is addiction?
                    • 11:30: If I feel I have a problem, what's should I do?
                    • 14:00: The purpose of the "Sex, Drugs, Gambling, & Chocolate" book.
                    • 15:20: What your first therapy session may look like.
                    • 16:35: Are 12-Step programs the only option?
                      • SMART as self-empowering approach
                      • 19:47: What's SMART Recovery?
                        • 21:46: Powerlessness Approach vs. Self-Empowering Approach to recovery.
                        • 22:40: Nuts & Bolts of SMART Recovery
                        • 26:52: What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT?)
                        • 28:50: Does CBT "Cure" Someone of Addiction? What happens to cravings?
                        • 33:18: What to do if you are the friend or family member of someone who may have a problem.
                        • 36:09: Effects of COVID-19 on the recovery community and Dr. Horvath personally.
                        • 40:16: Final Thoughts. Where to find resources.

                          • Resources: 

                          • SMART Recovery National Website: https://www.smartrecovery.org
                          • SMART Recovery San Diego: https://www.smartrecoverysd.org
                          • Practical Recovery (Dr. Horvath's Private Practice): https://www.practicalrecovery.com
                          • Online Summary of "Sex, Drugs, Gambling, & Chocolate"
                          • Slay Today! Website: http://www.slay-today.org
                          • @slaytodaypod (Instagram, Twitter)
                            • 43 min
                          • Life of a Recovery Coach with Megan Goodrich

                            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

                            • 00:00 Introductions
                            • 0:52 Discussing the experience about sharing my journey publicly on Facebook
                            • 2:15 Discussing Brene Brown's TED Talk "The Power of Vulnerability"
                            • 4:24 Megan's inspirational music, Béla Fleck, “Big Country” and how it moves her.
                            • 7:30 Megan's second music pick, Hanns Zimmer, “Planet Earth II Suite”
                            • 9:59 Life as a Recovery Coach. What does working with a Recovery Coach look like?
                            • 15:21 Megan's life and path to becoming a Recovery Coach
                            • 21:55 Megan begins engagement with SMART Meetings, what connected her to that community?
                            • 25:25 How do you learn how to become a Recovery Coach?
                            • 28:00 Impact of COVID-19 on work, life, and recovery communities.
                            • 31:19 Wrap-up. How to reach Megan
                            • 32:02 Discussing Macklemore feat. Skylar Grey, “Glorious”  Understand your motivation in everything you do. 

                              • Music from the Episode

                              • Hanns Zimmer, “Planet Earth II Suite”
                              • Béla Fleck, “Big Country”
                              • Macklemore feat. Skylar Grey, “Glorious”
                                • Other Links
                                • “The Power of Vulnerability” TED Talk by Brene Brown
                                • Megan Goodrich’s Website
                                • Smart Recovery San Diego

                                  • 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.

                                  35 min
                                • “Lifestyle Balance Pie” with a Bald, Gay, Alcoholic! – Part 2

                                  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.”

                                  Episode Outline
                                  • Intro & Jon's Lapse Back Into Pot 
                                  • Treating Yourself with Kindness Post Relapse - 3:24
                                  • Debunking Personal Rationales for Using - 4:29
                                  • Clip: Bouncing Back from Relapse - 4:52
                                  • Handling Conversations with Folks Who Enjoy Drug Use - 5:42
                                  • Clip: The Mask that Other People Put On - 5:53
                                  • Gay Community and Drugs - 7:40
                                  • Clip: Drugs in the Gay Community - 7:40
                                  • Wrap-Up by Discussing "Everything" by Lauren Daigle - 8:45
                                    • Feedback

                                    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

                                    Links from This Episode
                                    • Slay Today Playlist on Spotify
                                    • “Everything”, Lauren Daigle
                                    • “Monsters”, James Blunt (We didn’t actually discuss this one, but it is one of Jon’s picks)
                                    • “Born a Crime” Book by Trevor Noah
                                      • Other Links
                                      • SMART “Lifestyle Balance Pie”
                                      • All SMART Tools

                                        • 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.

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                                        12 min
                                      • “Lifestyle Balance Pie” with a Bald, Gay, Alcoholic! – Part 1

                                        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.

                                        Episode Outline
                                        • Jon's Self-Intro "Gay, Bald, Alcoholic" - 2:54
                                        • Owning Your Imperfections - 4:48
                                        • More Discussion of "Unstoppable" - 5:32
                                        • Discussing Sia's Breathe Me on "Intervention" - 7:03
                                        • Introducing the "Lifestyle Balance Pie" - 8:50
                                        • 3 Areas of Life We Feel Good About - 9:53
                                        • 3 Areas of Life We Each Need to Work On - 12:34
                                        • Jon's "Fun/Exciting, Vactions, Sex, & Drugs" - 13:26
                                        • How Much Should You Share Your Struggle with Friends & Family - 16:31
                                        • Choosing to Share & Be Supported over "Future-Tripping" - 19:24
                                        • How Many Relapse "Passes" Do You Get? - 20:56
                                        • What It Means to Set Up Boundaries - 22:28
                                        • How Setting Boundaries is Like Coming Out as Gay - 23:40
                                        • Wrapping Up Part 1 - 26:51
                                          • Feedback

                                          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

                                          Music from the Episode
                                          • “Unstoppable”, Sia
                                          • “Breathe Me”, Sia
                                            • Other Links
                                            • SMART “Lifestyle Balance Pie”
                                            • All SMART Tools

                                              • 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.

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                                              28 min
                                            • Building Motivation w/ Antonio Parrales - Part 2

                                              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.

                                              Feedback

                                              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

                                              Episode Outline
                                              • Beginning: Discussing Goals Tony Has for Himself.
                                              • 2:59: The Power of Gratitude.
                                              • 4:49: How to Practice Gratitude.
                                              • 10:39: What to Do When You Don't Feel Motivated (the "Why").
                                              • 12:40: What About When "Why" Doesn't Get You Moving?
                                              • 14:10: How Julian Motivates Himself (Going to the Gym / Work w/ 1 Album Technique).
                                              • 17:38: Breaking Down Our Favorite Motivational Songs.
                                              • 22:14: The Power of the Gratitude Cry (The "GC").
                                              • 25:38: What Tony Says to People Who are Isolated.
                                              • 28:43 Combating the "No One / Only One" Syndrome and the Importance of Reaching Out.
                                              • 36:19: Story of Tony's Step Dad & Alcoholism, Setting Boundaries, Sobriety, & Rebuilding the Family Unit
                                                • Music from This Episode
                                                • Slay Today Podcast Spotify Playlist
                                                • “Alive”, Sia
                                                • “Wake Me Up”, Avicii
                                                • “Fences”, Andy Grammar
                                                • “Step by Step”, New Kids on the Block
                                                • “Step by Step”, Whitney Houston
                                                • “Hand In My Picket”, Alanis Morissette
                                                • “Move Along”, All-American Rejects
                                                  • Other Links
                                                  • More info about SMART Recovery, a non-12 Step program that helped for me.
                                                  • LessonsFromTony on Instagram
                                                  • LessonsFromTony.com
                                                    • Sound Credits
                                                    • https://freesound.org/people/InspectorJ/sounds/398980/
                                                    • https://freesound.org/people/Kinoton/sounds/351259/
                                                    • https://freesound.org/people/il112/sounds/182316/
                                                    • https://freesound.org/people/4barrelcarb/sounds/362832/
                                                    • https://freesound.org/people/ShadyDave/sounds/262259/

                                                      • 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.

                                                      ---
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                                                      34 min

                                                    About Slay Today! Podcast

                                                    From the publisher's feed

                                                    An engaging (and dare I say fun?) podcast focused helping folks in the LGBT community dealing with issues of substance abuse, entrepreneurship, and anything else that's fun.