...warning - talk of trauma in this episode which may effect some listeners.... my guest for this episode - Dr. Victoria F. Burns from Instagram account @betesandbites got sober in 2013 and is a fierce advocate for ending stigmas around trauma, addiction and mental health. She is a courageous trailblazer in her profession - a profession that typically suggests to “be quiet” about being in recovery. She is a transparent warrior, who speaks her truths about being in recovery while holding a PhD and treating others.

In this episode I get to talk (and laugh a lot!) with my friend , Carmell , from www.carmellpelly.com, who inspired me a few years ago to lean into my desire to begin a recovery podcast . She has been sober for 15 years and has a comprehensive website that houses her own podcast in Recovery LifeStyles , coaching classes, zoom interviews with many inspiring humans in the recovery realm, and so much more ! Follow her on Instagram at @carmellpelly

Cassie, from Instagram account @cass.andralynn , lived a turbulent life as a youngster in her family of origin where she first starting using drugs and alcohol. Pull up her Instagram account while you listen to her extraordinary story of transformation from drug addiction to a Certified Life Coach “obsessed with activating women to achieve their full potential and create a life of their dreams.”

I am incredibly humbled to have Jay Barnard of chefrecovery.com, on my podcast for this episode . He shares his jaw dropping story of drug and alcohol addiction, prison time , institutions, suicide attempts and how he finally got sober . Now, over 12 years clean and sober he is a highly successful CEO & Corporate Chef at Freshwater Cuisine in Ontario, Canada. The rest of his time is spent doing service work from the rooms of his recovery program to venues all over Canada , like The Salvation Army and TEDx talks. Thank you Jay for taking the time to join my podcast family non helping me to share and celebrate the hope in recovery !!

Tim, a former IV heroin drug addict, shares with incredible transparency and courage about how he always felt something was missing - a void- and how an opiate prescription from a car accident turned into a means of numbing his emotions that were never addressed. Opiates to IV Heroin drug use....Learn how an emotional breakthrough and surrendering to his disease resulted into a renewed self love, sense of belonging and purpose. This “Sober Guru” created a huge online support program (The Sober Guru), and a 34k following Facebook page . This is an episode that inspired me being measure. PLEASE Take an hour to soak up this Incredible story of hope and redemption. Visit his Facebook site “The Sober Guru and his website http://www.thesoberguru.com/ or call at (866) 316 - 4557

Never feeling comfortable in her own skin, Mackenzie turned to alcohol to help her feel “normal,” and medicate her anxiety. Her entire young life she was Riddled with shame, guilt and perfectionism - this only fueled her addiction. Until one night, after hours of drinking , she was left on a snow bank ..... listen to Mackenzie’s incredible story of courage and willingness to end her battle with alcohol. See her beautiful life on Instagram at @mackenziekiesel .

Today’s guest is a brave young man who got sober while working as an Intelligence Specialist with the Navy. He is a husband and father and is so grateful to finally be free of the chains of addiction . He went to rehab to bravely wrestle with some past demons and let go of some difficult emotions. He was a joy to talk with and listen to his happiness with being sober.

How I felt before and after I quit drinking alcohol.

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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sobergratitudes/message

Learn the amazing way I met my special new friend , and the guest of today’s episode . Karen shares her story from active alcoholism to 9 years of sobriety. She truly believes that her desperation , willingness and courage helped her to get sober. Her daily work in AA and gratitude is what keeps her sober, one day at a time. ❤️🙏🏻

Today's guest is Author and awakened spiritual seeker, Kenny G. Down. Kenny's story is amazing! His transformation from active addiction to recovery is incredibly inspiring. Now that he is sober, he spends time writing. Through his writings and Vlogs, he encourages spiritual seekers to rid themselves of harmful thinking and pursue their hearts desire; creating the life they were meant to live. Kenny has an incredible calmness and peace about him. I actually felt so relaxed and serene after our conversation. After the episode , be sure to visit his website at newthoughtlife.org. There, you can connect with him and his work and learn more about what he can offer you in enriching your spiritual life.

Www.Newthoughtlife.org 

Twitter Account @newthoughtlife