SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT - Sober Living, Sobriety, Addiction Recovery, Emotional Sobriety, Alcohol Free

In this episode of Sobriety Checkpoint, we are joined by Frank Somerville, who shares his powerful story of addiction, recovery, and personal transformation. 

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Frank Somerville is a five time Emmy award winning former main anchor for KTVU in the Bay Area. During the course of his career he witnessed two executions at San Quentin Prison, watched an autopsy, flew with the Blue Angels (and threw up mid flight), and was embedded with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Swat Team during a 48 hour non-stop competition (it was the first and only time they allowed a reporter to cover Urban Shield from the inside).

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Frank opens up about his journey to sobriety, reflecting on how childhood trauma and undiagnosed ADD led him to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. He candidly discusses the impact of his work as a journalist, which exposed him to the harsh realities of violence and tragedy, and sheds light on the turning point that led him to embrace sobriety. Throughout the conversation, he delves into the role of community and personal growth in his recovery, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the challenges and triumphs along the path to emotional sobriety. Join us for part one of this deeply moving and inspiring narrative.

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00:00 Podcast features Frank Somerville on emotional sobriety.

03:42 Coke made me feel invincible, calmed me.

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10:13 Emotional burdens weigh you down, impacting everything.

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10:59 Learning to cope and control for real recovery.

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16:58 Seeking courage to change my ways improves trust.

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18:50 Grew up in Berkeley, no church, diverse religious groups.

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21:09 Next week: fatherhood, mental health, sponsorship.

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**It’s time for that desperately sought after solo Target run.. Grab your keys and let’s go for a drive... There’s no judgment (or breathalyzer) at this Sobriety Checkpoint.**

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• Linktree -  linktr.ee/sobrietycheckpoint.co

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Music for Sobriety Checkpoint created by my cousin: Jake Meyer - Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.

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This episode of Sobriety Checkpoint was produced by Bob Slone Audio Productions --＞https://bobslone.com/

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****The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Felicia Hermle and her guests and do not reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or are a part of.****

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****The information contained in this podcast is general information for educational purposes only, it is not, nor is it intended to be, therapy or psychological advice. Please consult your physician or mental health provider regarding advice or support for your health and wellbeing. If you are in crisis, please call your local 24-hour hotline or 911.****

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 sobriety, emotional sobriety, recovery, parents in recovery, mental health, spirituality, relationships, trauma, addiction, alcoholism, drug addiction, therapy, 12 steps, support system, family dynamics, emotional coping, coping mechanisms, AA, higher power, personal transformation, self-acceptance, community support, sobriety journey, personal growth, mental health coaching, self-care, self-improvement, self-reflection, mindfulness, fatherhood, hope

Welcome back to Sobriety Checkpoint! In this powerful episode, we continue our conversation with Janice Dowd, a licensed master social worker, author, speaker, recovering alcoholic, and mother. Join our host, Felicia Hermle, as she delves into Janice's journey from addiction to recovery, focusing on the important topic of repairing the bonds of family and self. Janice shares her personal experiences, struggles, and triumphs, offering valuable insights and guidance for those who have faced similar challenges. Discover the turning points, the bridge between treatment and reconnecting with family, and the process of repairing relationships. Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion that offers hope and inspiration. Stay tuned to hear more on the release of Janice's new book. Let's dive in!

00:00 Treatment center creates new family, bridging recovery and reconnecting with family.

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05:11 Depression, repairing relationships, addressing alcoholic issues.

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07:25 From addiction to repaired relationships with kids.

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14:08 Need ambient, wine, honesty, involvement, rejection.

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14:53 Communication is key; address concerns and feelings.

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21:40 Can't promise, but can prevent, appreciate.

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25:16 Child's pride in shared uplifting event. Service work important for recovery. Lesson in overcoming difficulties for kids. Hope in strained parent-child relationship.

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27:22 Please subscribe, leave a review, and share.

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• Linktree -  linktr.ee/sobrietycheckpoint.co

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Janice’s Links: 

• Instagram @parenting_in_recovery

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Music for Sobriety Checkpoint created by my cousin: Jake Meyer - Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.

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This episode of Sobriety Checkpoint was produced by Bob Slone Audio Productions --＞https://bobslone.com/

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****The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Felicia Hermle and her guests and do not reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or are a part of.****

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****The information contained in this podcast is general information for educational purposes only, it is not, nor is it intended to be, therapy or psychological advice. Please consult your physician or mental health provider regarding advice or support for your health and wellbeing. If you are in crisis, please call your local 24-hour hotline or 911.****

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KEYWORDS: sober parent, sober mom, sober dad, parenting and recovery, social worker, author, speaker, recovering alcoholic, journey into sobriety, late in life drinker, alcoholic home, adult child of an alcoholic, people pleasing, low self esteem, insecurities, drugs, peer pressure, athlete, control, social drinker, problem drinker, full blown alcoholic, denial, shame, guilt, impact on motherhood, treatment, inpatient treatment, intervention, fear of losing kids, principles of the program, hiding behind the program, disconnect with family, emotional distance, coping mechanisms, new coping skills

Welcome back to Sobriety Checkpoint, the podcast that explores the journey of sobriety and recovery. In today's episode, we have a special guest joining us, Janice Dowd, a licensed master social worker, author, speaker, and most importantly, a recovering alcoholic and mother to four children. Janice shares her powerful story of late-in-life drinking, the impact it had on her role as a mother, and the journey she took to find sobriety. She discusses the challenges she faced in prioritizing her own recovery while also navigating the responsibilities of being a mom. We dive deep into the idea of hiding behind the principles of recovery and the importance of addressing and repairing relationships with loved ones. This is a conversation you won't want to miss. So sit back, relax, and join us for another episode of Sobriety Checkpoint.

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03:10 Late-in-life drinker from alcoholic home becomes social worker.

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05:15 Avoided drugs, focused on career, became therapist.

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09:18 Internal struggles led to drinking in 40s. Coping mechanisms were lies. Denial and shame as a social worker.

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12:51 Growing up with addiction, ignoring personal vulnerability.

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16:40 Lost connection with kids while in treatment.

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18:27 Sobriety is key. Focus on family too.

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21:37 Acceptance found among like-minded recovery peers.

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25:03 Harness your inner strength, fight, and thrive.

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• Linktree -  linktr.ee/sobrietycheckpoint.co

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Janice’s Links: 

• Instagram @parenting_in_recovery

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Music for Sobriety Checkpoint created by my cousin: Jake Meyer - Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.

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This episode of Sobriety Checkpoint was produced by Bob Slone Audio Productions --＞https://bobslone.com/

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****The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Felicia Hermle and her guests and do not reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or are a part of.****

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****The information contained in this podcast is general information for educational purposes only, it is not, nor is it intended to be, therapy or psychological advice. Please consult your physician or mental health provider regarding advice or support for your health and wellbeing. If you are in crisis, please call your local 24-hour hotline or 911.****

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KEYWORDS: sober parent, sober mom, sober dad, parenting and recovery, social worker, author, speaker, recovering alcoholic, journey into sobriety, late in life drinker, alcoholic home, adult child of an alcoholic, people pleasing, low self esteem, insecurities, drugs, peer pressure, athlete, control, social drinker, problem drinker, full blown alcoholic, denial, shame, guilt, impact on motherhood, treatment, inpatient treatment, intervention, fear of losing kids, principles of the program, hiding behind the program, disconnect with family, emotional distance, coping mechanisms, new coping skills

I think it’s really normal in our culture to struggle with asking for help. We’re supposed to do it all, wear all the hats and do everything perfectly. We’re supposed to know how to do it even though we never got the instruction manual. There is no instruction manual for life or for parenting. In this episode I’m asking for your help. I want to make this podcast even better for you. I want to know what you want to hear about, what topics are relevant to your life, do you like the interviews? Tell me everything! Please reach out and schedule a call and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a $50 Target gift card. I’m so excited to hear from you!!!

**It’s time for that desperately sought after solo Target run.. Grab your keys and let’s go for a drive... There’s no judgment (or breathalyzer) at this Sobriety Checkpoint.**

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• Linktree -  linktr.ee/sobrietycheckpoint.co

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Music for Sobriety Checkpoint created by my cousin: Jake Meyer - Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.

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This episode of Sobriety Checkpoint was produced by Bob Slone Audio Productions --＞https://bobslone.com/

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****The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Felicia Hermle and her guests and do not reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or are a part of.****

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****The information contained in this podcast is general information for educational purposes only, it is not, nor is it intended to be, therapy or psychological advice. Please consult your physician or mental health provider regarding advice or support for your health and wellbeing. If you are in crisis, please call your local 24-hour hotline or 911.****

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 ALCOHOL-FREE LIFESTYLE, ADDICTION RECOVERY, MENTAL HEALTH, EMOTIONAL SOBRIETY, SOBER LIFE, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION

Steffen is a certified life coach, devoted father, passionate about life and nature, love and kindness. He has always wanted to help people and now as a life coach he can focus on helping other parents have a more loving and fulfilling relationship with themselves.

Outside of coaching and other work, he loves spending time with his daughter. He loves going on big and small adventures together, be it exploring in nature, dancing and being silly in the grocery store or a movie night at home.

Steffen also loves spending time in nature by himself, where he finds inner peace and connection to the world and himself.

Today, Steffen is here with us to speak to the power of being a present parent in recovery. 

**It’s time for that desperately sought after solo Target run.. Grab your keys and let’s go for a drive... There’s no judgment (or breathalyzer) at this Sobriety Checkpoint.**

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• Linktree -  linktr.ee/sobrietycheckpoint.co

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Steffan’s Links: 

Instagram - @steffeneidem

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@steffeneidem

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Music for Sobriety Checkpoint created by my cousin: Jake Meyer - Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.

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This episode of Sobriety Checkpoint was produced by Bob Slone Audio Productions --＞https://bobslone.com/

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****The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Felicia Hermle and her guests and do not reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or are a part of.****

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****The information contained in this podcast is general information for educational purposes only, it is not, nor is it intended to be, therapy or psychological advice. Please consult your physician or mental health provider regarding advice or support for your health and wellbeing. If you are in crisis, please call your local 24-hour hotline or 911.****

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 ALCOHOL-FREE LIFESTYLE, ADDICTION RECOVERY, MENTAL HEALTH, EMOTIONAL SOBRIETY, SOBER LIFE, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION

Thais Gibson joins me today on an episode about The Power of the Subconscious Mind. In this 2-part series, we discuss attachment theory, attachment styles, and how to become more secure in your relationships. Thais Gibson is a Ph.D. candidate with over 13 certifications in modalities such as CBT, NLP, somatic experiencing, internal family systems, and shadow work. She has nearly a decade of experience running a successful private practice and engaging with over 30,000 clients through individual sessions, workshops, and an educational platform. This diverse background has culminated in creating Gibson Integrated Attachment TheoryTM, an innovative framework uniting traditional attachment theory, developmental psychology insights, and potent subconscious reprogramming techniques that are woven throughout the course material within The Personal Development School and taught within our innovative coach training program. The Personal Development School was created by Thais Gibson when her private practice got fully booked with a 2-year waitlist. It quickly expanded to thousands of members and counting in 113 countries. The school has over 38 million views on social media. In surveys, members have reported a 95% satisfaction rate and an 88.7% improvement in their relationships!

**It’s time for that desperately sought after solo Target run.. Grab your keys and let’s go for a drive... There’s no judgment (or breathalyzer) at this Sobriety Checkpoint.**

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• Linktree -  linktr.ee/sobrietycheckpoint.co

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Thais Gibson

• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool

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Music for Sobriety Checkpoint created by my cousin: Jake Meyer - Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.

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This episode of Sobriety Checkpoint was produced by Bob Slone Audio Productions --＞https://bobslone.com/

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****The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Felicia Hermle and her guests and do not reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or are a part of.****

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****The information contained in this podcast is general information for educational purposes only, it is not, nor is it intended to be, therapy or psychological advice. Please consult your physician or mental health provider regarding advice or support for your health and wellbeing. If you are in crisis, please call your local 24-hour hotline or 911.****

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 ALCOHOL-FREE LIFESTYLE, ADDICTION RECOVERY, MENTAL HEALTH, EMOTIONAL SOBRIETY, SOBER LIFE, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION

Thais Gibson joins me today on an episode about The Power of the Subconscious Mind. In this 2-part series, we discuss attachment theory, attachment styles, and how to become more secure in your relationships. Thais Gibson is a Ph.D. candidate with over 13 certifications in modalities such as CBT, NLP, somatic experiencing, internal family systems, and shadow work. She has nearly a decade of experience running a successful private practice and engaging with over 30,000 clients through individual sessions, workshops, and an educational platform. This diverse background has culminated in creating Gibson Integrated Attachment TheoryTM, an innovative framework uniting traditional attachment theory, developmental psychology insights, and potent subconscious reprogramming techniques that are woven

**It’s time for that desperately sought after solo Target run.. Grab your keys and let’s go for a drive... There’s no judgment (or breathalyzer) at this Sobriety Checkpoint.**

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• Linktree -  linktr.ee/sobrietycheckpoint.co

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Thais Gibson

• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool

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Music for Sobriety Checkpoint created by my cousin: Jake Meyer - Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.

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This episode of Sobriety Checkpoint was produced by Bob Slone Audio Productions --＞https://bobslone.com/

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****The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Felicia Hermle and her guests and do not reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or are a part of.****

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****The information contained in this podcast is general information for educational purposes only, it is not, nor is it intended to be, therapy or psychological advice. Please consult your physician or mental health provider regarding advice or support for your health and wellbeing. If you are in crisis, please call your local 24-hour hotline or 911.****

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 ALCOHOL-FREE LIFESTYLE, ADDICTION RECOVERY, MENTAL HEALTH, EMOTIONAL SOBRIETY, SOBER LIFE, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION

On today’s episode, Stewart Lee is back for another Morning Meditation. Today’s reading is from Alcoholics Anonymous, Daily Reflections for October 5: Yesterday’s Baggage. 

**It’s time for that desperately sought after solo Target run.. Grab your keys and let’s go for a drive... There’s no judgment (or breathalyzer) at this Sobriety Checkpoint.** .

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• Linktree -  linktr.ee/sobrietycheckpoint.co

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Stewart’s Links: 

www.facebook.com/sobrietyrocksuk www.stewartleeauthor.co.uk

Instagram @sobrietyrocksuk

Instagram @stewart_lee_author

TikTok @the_recovery_author 

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Music for Sobriety Checkpoint created by my cousin: Jake Meyer - Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.

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This episode of Sobriety Checkpoint was produced by Bob Slone Audio Productions --＞https://bobslone.com/

.

.

****The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Felicia Hermle and her guests and do not reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or are a part of.****

.

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****The information contained in this podcast is general information for educational purposes only, it is not, nor is it intended to be, therapy or psychological advice. Please consult your physician or mental health provider regarding advice or support for your health and wellbeing. If you are in crisis, please call your local 24-hour hotline or 911.****

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 ALCOHOL-FREE LIFESTYLE, ADDICTION RECOVERY, MENTAL HEALTH, EMOTIONAL SOBRIETY, SOBER LIFE, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION

GREGG CHAMPION   Gregg Champion, a TEDx speaker and former branding expert, has worked with top consumer brands (Gap, Mattel, Doritos, Pokemon, NIKE), major television networks (NBC, FOX, and Fox Sports), and professional sports teams during the first 15 years of his career.  He now focuses his energy on selective start-up ventures as an entrepreneur, advisor, educator, and start-up coach.   Gregg has helped, supported, and career coached over a 100 Millennials and Gen Z’s helping them successfully land their first job or internship in the "real world." Through his vast experiences working with Fortune 500 brands, running his own companies, and fostering relationships with young people at colleges and universities across the nation, he has developed a purpose driven playbook on how to land, keep, and thrive at your dream job. In June 2015, Gregg was named Mentor in Residence at USC's Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurship after serving as a co-teacher for a 400-level undergraduate course on Venture Management within the Marshall School of Business.   Sensing a shift in the economy and the media industry, Gregg’s intuition told him he needed to pivot. He came up with a mantra that he said to his wife and the universe every day…   “I want to get paid for being me.”    What came of that daily prayer, and the patience of his loving wife… was the opportunity to go into drug treatment facilities, sober living centers, and intensive outpatient programs and “facilitate” / “teach” / “coach” others in his version of recovery.  

**It’s time for that desperately sought after solo Target run.. Grab your keys and let’s go for a drive... There’s no judgment (or breathalyzer) at this Sobriety Checkpoint.**

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• Linktree -  linktr.ee/sobrietycheckpoint.co

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LINKS: 

www.startuprecovery.com 

www.therecoveryplaybook.com   

www.startupwellness.com     

https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggchampion/ 

Instagram:

@greggchampion

@startuprecovery

@therecoveryplaybook

@startupwellness       

START UP RECOVERY YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFxE9bWT6qA 

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Music for Sobriety Checkpoint created by my cousin: Jake Meyer - Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.

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This episode of Sobriety Checkpoint was produced by Bob Slone Audio Productions --＞https://bobslone.com/

.

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****The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Felicia Hermle and her guests and do not reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or are a part of.****

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.

****The information contained in this podcast is general information for educational purposes only, it is not, nor is it intended to be, therapy or psychological advice. Please consult your physician or mental health provider regarding advice or support for your health and wellbeing. If you are in crisis, please call your local 24-hour hotline or 911.****

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.

 ALCOHOL-FREE LIFESTYLE, ADDICTION RECOVERY, MENTAL HEALTH, EMOTIONAL SOBRIETY, SOBER LIFE, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION

Gregg Champion, a TEDx speaker and former branding expert, has worked with top consumer brands (Gap, Mattel, Doritos, Pokemon, NIKE), major television networks (NBC, FOX, and Fox Sports), and professional sports teams during the first 15 years of his career.  He now focuses his energy on selective start-up ventures as an entrepreneur, advisor, educator, and start-up coach.   Gregg has helped, supported, and career coached over a 100 Millennials and Gen Z’s helping them successfully land their first job or internship in the "real world." Through his vast experiences working with Fortune 500 brands, running his own companies, and fostering relationships with young people at colleges and universities across the nation, he has developed a purpose driven playbook on how to land, keep, and thrive at your dream job. In June 2015, Gregg was named Mentor in Residence at USC's Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurship after serving as a co-teacher for a 400-level undergraduate course on Venture Management within the Marshall School of Business.   Sensing a shift in the economy and the media industry, Gregg’s intuition told him he needed to pivot. He came up with a mantra that he said to his wife and the universe every day…   “I want to get paid for being me.”    What came of that daily prayer, and the patience of his loving wife… was the opportunity to go into drug treatment facilities, sober living centers, and intensive outpatient programs and “facilitate” / “teach” / “coach” others in his version of recovery.

**It’s time for that desperately sought after solo Target run.. Grab your keys and let’s go for a drive... There’s no judgment (or breathalyzer) at this Sobriety Checkpoint.**

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• Linktree -  linktr.ee/sobrietycheckpoint.co

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LINKS: 

www.startuprecovery.com

www.therecoveryplaybook.com 

www.startupwellness.com   

https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggchampion/

Social Media

@greggchampion

@startuprecovery

@therecoveryplaybook

@startupwellness     

START UP RECOVERY YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFxE9bWT6qA  


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Music for Sobriety Checkpoint created by my cousin: Jake Meyer - Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.

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****The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Felicia Hermle and her guests and do not reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or are a part of.****

.

.

****The information contained in this podcast is general information for educational purposes only, it is not, nor is it intended to be, therapy or psychological advice. Please consult your physician or mental health provider regarding advice or support for your health and wellbeing. If you are in crisis, please call your local 24-hour hotline or 911.****

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 ALCOHOL-FREE LIFESTYLE, ADDICTION RECOVERY, MENTAL HEALTH, EMOTIONAL SOBRIETY, SOBER LIFE, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION