Sober Conversations

Today’s episode is a conversation with social and business entrepreneur, Kevin Kirby. Kevin is the co-founder and CEO of Face It Together, which works in Kevin’s words, “In revolutionary ways to solve our nation’s most challenging health and social issue–the disease of drug and alcohol addiction.” Kevin’s passion for this trail blazing work stems from his own 12 year and counting survival of the disease. He says it clearly right up front, “Everything we think and do about addiction has to change. That means we’re driven by a commitment to collaboration.” Kevin and his team at Face It Together are committed–NO DRIVEN to disrupting the status quo and transforming our world for the better…a team I’m standing up and cheering for. If you want to learn more about a team of people who are harnessing the forces of change and the tools of business to unleash the full potential of individuals, families and communities, listen in. You can find out more about Kevin Kirby and his work at WeFaceItTogether.org.

Today’s episode is a conversation with Recovery Advocate and leading addiction recovery blogger, Beth Wilson. Beth has been in the Recovery Community for many years and now selflessly contributes to the New Recovery Advocacy Movement as an integral part of ManyFaces1Voice.org and FacesAndVoicesOfRecovery.org. With her background as a seasoned journalist, Beth is also the ghostwriter for The Anonymous People’s Greg Williams. Her blog, BHereToday.com with its tag line, “Be present. Find peace. On purpose”, will come through loud and clear through this thoughtful and focused advocate for addiction recovery. Beth will share her recovery journey generously and transparently in her now 24th year of living here, now and proud of it.

Today’s episode is a conversation with, Joe Schrank and his refreshing and direct perspectives on recovery advocacy. Joe has spent his life in and around active alcoholism. After stabilizing his own post-undergrad depression and alcoholism, he returned to school and studied clinical social work at Iona College and the University of Illinois. Following a tenure at Promises in Malibu, CA, Joe established the first sober living facility in New York City, Loft 107. Frustrated with the lack of media attention on the recovery community, Joe then co-founded TheFix.com a really great online presence on things addiction and recovery. Most recently, Joe founded Rebound Brooklyn, an innovative treatment program in Brooklyn, New York. Joe has a regular media presence in mainstream media as an outspoken and well spoken Recovery Advocate par excellence.

Joe’s hobbies include obsessing over the Yankees and avoiding human contact in that very New York and great way. Joe’s dog, Mik, is one of the staff at Rebound Brooklyn in a very unique way. Joe’s been intoxicant free for a long time and just wait till you get a hold of this man’s “go brainer” as a result. To find out more about Joe go to TheFix.comand ReboundBrooklyn.com.

Today’s episode is a conversation with Myrton Wesley Running Wolf. Myrton is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Indian Tribe, has an undergraduate degree in mathematics, a Master’s degree in Fine Arts and is a Ph.D. candidate in Theater and Performance Studies at Stanford University. The soon to be Dr. Running Wolf is also a professional actor seen in the wildly popular, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and he produces short subject films heightening awareness about Native American issues that are really all of our issues. I asked Myrton to come to Sober Conversations to explore Native American Wellbriety and the similarities and differences with the issues and challenges of our Native America and addiction recovery. For more information on Myrton, see the “people” tab at Stanford University’s Department of Theater and Performing Arts and the search word, “WellRed” at Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Today’s conversation is with a person in long-term recovery and long time participant in recovery advocacy, Bobby Coffey. Bobby’s personal recovery journey began over 20 years ago and he has been involved in advocacy for people in or seeking recovery for 15 years. As a practical example of the “Power of One”, Mr. Coffey has testified before the District of Columbia’s City Council and has also advocated in front of the Department of Health and Human Services. He is a founding member of DC Recovery Community Alliance and a board member of Faces and Voices of Recovery. Bobby’s important work was featured in the interviews and out-takes of the recent documentary, The Anonymous people. His advocacy work has also translated to a cutting edge treatment facility in Washington, DC called, Aquila Recovery.

Today’s episode # 36 is about The New Recovery Advocacy Movement via a conversation with author, educator and father of the movement, William L. White. Bill has worked full time in the addictions field since 1969 as a street worker, counselor, clinical director, researcher and well-traveled trainer and consultant. He has authored or co-authored more than 400 articles and 17 books on the subject of addiction. His book, Slaying the Dragon – The History of Addiction Treatment and Recovery in America has featured him on such celebrated programs as Bill Moyer’s PBS special, Close to Home: Addiction in America and the Showtime documentary, Smoking, Drinking and Drugging in the 20th Century. Bill is also featured on Greg William’s critically acclaimed, feature documentary, The Anonymous People.  Bill White’s sustained contributions are an ongoing treasure for Recovery Advocacy.

Today’s conversation is with Dr. Steven Kassels who has had the privilege of treating patients from all walks of life during his years of practice in both Emergency Medicine and Addiction Medicine. He believes that everyone deserves compassion and access to medical care regardless of the nature of the illness. He wrote, Addiction on Trial – Tragedy in Downeast Maine to both entertain and educate, and to depict the struggles of addiction for an audience of avid readers who may expand their understanding of addiction on the basis of evidence.

Addiction on Trial – Tragedy in Downeast Maine

Addiction on Trial is a journey of suspense while exploring love and loss, family dysfunction, and the “what ifs” of life. It sends a powerful message of societal discrimination toward drug addicts and explores common misperceptions about what drug addiction really is – a chronic illness requiring a similar treatment approach as other chronic diseases. Medical and behavioral aspects of addiction are woven into the intrigue of this thriller, which culminates in a riveting murder trial.

Listen in as Dr. Kassels tells us how and why he created Addiction on Trial to change the conversation about addiction and its staggering and destructive effects on our culture. To learn more about Dr. Kassels go to: AddictionOnTrial.com.

What’s YOUR story? Educator, author and counselor, Steve Sundberg joins Sober Conversations today with his writing/journaling process and book called, Sober Diary. Steve understands the power of the introspective process of personal storytelling and has created his Sober Diary to help people through this story learning, knowing and changing process in addiction recovery. He teaches the process in numerous South East Florida addiction treatment centers with rave reviews. Steve is also the author of Street Logic, a novel about the often misunderstood and underserved homeless population in this nation. As you’ll soon learn, Steve is a humble and dedicated man interested in helping people have better and more productive lives. He tells us that most of us don’t know how to begin and that’s why he’s created a 32 step-by-step process in his Sober Diary to help people get started. To learn more about Steve Sundberg and his work, or to get a Sober Diary of your own, go to SoberDiaries.com. Join us if you’re interested in a great way to help/add to your wellness and thriving in recovery journey.

Today’s conversation is with Life and Business Coach, Scott Silverman. For over two decades Scott Silverman was the Executive Director and Founder of Second Chance, a human services agency that is committed to breaking the cycle of unemployment, poverty, and homelessness by offering job readiness training, employment placement assistance, mental health counseling, case management, and affordable housing referrals to people who desire to change their lives. Over the past 15 years Scott has assisted more than 24,000 people in San Diego gain employment – underscoring that Scott is a charismatic speaker and coach, helping people achieve their passions in life.

As a man in long term recovery, Scott is the author of, Tell me No, I Dare You: A Guide for Living a Heroic Life of which Ken Blanchard said, “This account of how one determined man has helped countless people transform from victims into productive members of society will touch your heart and melt away your cynicism.”

Scott’s future plans include opening a substance disorder day treatment center for professionals in the San Diego area. To learn more about Scott Silverman go to www.WithToughLove.com.

Today’s conversation is with Mr. Gary Mendell, Chairman and CEO of Shatterproof.org. Gary’s son, Brian lost his battle with addiction when Gary said, ENOUGH! Shatterproof.org, formerly Brian’s Wish was created to honor Brian’s memory with the promise to spare other families the anguish of this disease. The now, “stronger than addiction”, very present and robust organization’s vision is to unite and empower, to end the stigma, to advocate for change and to research and innovate. As you’ll hear, first and foremost, Mr. Mendell’s Heart and then keen business sense and plan, have led him to gain the attention of such change agents as the Bill Clinton Global Initiative and the Clinton Health Matters Initiative. Learn more about Gary Mendell’s story and his national campaign as well as getting involved at Shatterproof.org. Watch Gary’s short while moving speech at the Clinton Health Matters Initiative, here.