Stairway to Redemption

After a 10-month hiatus, I return with recurring guest Rich for his four-year sobriety anniversary check-in. Rich discusses how sobriety still includes adversity, and emphasizes staying present, practicing AA steps, attending more meetings, prayer, meditation, and reflection to avoid complacency. The conversation highlights gratitude in good and bad times, the importance of service (including Rich’s work with the Third Order Franciscans collecting food for pantries), and how relapse often stems from underlying behavioral, mental, and spiritual issues rather than alcohol itself. They also discuss reducing social media/news exposure, managing anger, and using forgiveness to prevent resentment.

00:00 Show Returns After Hiatus
00:48 Four Years Sober Check In
03:06 Accident And Healing Mass
06:22 Adversity In Sobriety
08:19 Gratitude When It Hurts
13:12 Forgiveness Over Resentment
14:40 Avoiding Complacency
18:18 Why People Relapse
25:56 Pilgrimage And Deeper Faith
29:46 Service As Sobriety Anchor
33:48 Practice the Steps Daily
34:43 Spiritual Tank Check
35:43 Small Steps in Recovery
37:29 Progress Not Perfection
38:38 Optimization Culture Trap
39:58 Detoxing From Social Media
44:03 Anger Driven Algorithms
46:22 Rehab Without Phones
47:36 Resentment and Forgiveness
53:47 Choosing Calm Over Violence
56:52 Thinking Four Steps Ahead
57:55 Sobriety Takeaways Wrap

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Hello and welcome back to another episode of Stairway to Redemption.

In this episode, we welcome Stiz, a personal fitness coach who has overcome addiction and now inspires others to get back on track physically and emotionally. From her struggles with alcohol, drugs, and legal problems to discovering her passion for fitness and health, Stiz shares her raw and heartfelt journey. She discusses the importance of building healthy habits, dealing with past traumas, and maintaining a supportive environment. Join us for an inspirational conversation filled with resilience, hope, and practical advice on transforming your life for the better.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:04 State of Mind Address
01:18 Opening Up About Vulnerability
02:06 The Cat That Saved a Life
03:31 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact
06:58 Struggles with Addiction
08:48 Turning Point and Realizations
12:19 Therapy and Religion as Coping Mechanisms
17:31 Current Relationship with Substances
22:32 Coping Mechanisms and Environment
27:01 Navigating Different Mindsets
27:27 Finding Purpose in Coaching
28:43 Overcoming Self-Doubt
32:42 Transitioning to Online Coaching
36:33 Navigating Gym Culture
40:02 Thoughts on Fitness Trends and Influencers
45:39 Addressing Client Challenges
50:06 Reflecting on Personal Growth
51:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Where to find Stiz:

IG: @stizsantosa

Email: [email protected]

Support the show

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Hello Hello and welcome back to another episode of Stairway to Redemption!

In this powerful episode, recurring guest Rich returns to celebrate his three-year sobriety anniversary. Through an engaging conversation, Rich shares his emotional journey towards maintaining his sobriety, the importance of spiritual and emotional grounding, and his commitment to service within the recovery community. Hear his candid reflections on the milestones and challenges he's faced, and learn about his plans for the future. This inspirational episode dives deep into the realities of overcoming addiction and the power of persistence and support. Join us for an inspiring conversation on recovery, resilience, and redemption.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:21 Rich's Sobriety Journey
00:46 Reflections on Three Years of Sobriety
03:40 The Importance of Spirituality and Mindfulness
04:27 State of Mind and Support Systems
05:56 Relapse and Recovery Stories
13:32 The Turning Point: Seeking Help
17:13 Commitment to Sobriety and Helping Others
19:33 Challenges and Reflections on Long-Term Sobriety
35:32 The Importance of Meetings
36:59 Commitment and Contribution
37:36 The Challenge of Long-Term Sobriety
39:14 Personal Milestones and Celebrations
42:23 The Role of External Validation
44:35 Service and Helping Others
49:17 Empathy and Shared Experiences
52:04 The Power of Identification
01:01:32 Future Goals and Aspirations

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Hello, hello and welcome back to another episode of Stairway to Redemption.

In this heartfelt episode, I welcome Mac, a recovering alcoholic and addict who recently celebrated one year of sobriety. Mac shares his gripping story of addiction, relapse, and the tragic loss of his girlfriend to an overdose. He discusses the importance of building a strong foundation for recovery, finding spirituality through the 12 steps, and the impact of a supportive sponsor. Mac opens up about his struggles, the lessons he's learned, and his ongoing journey towards a better life. This raw and inspirational episode explores themes of resilience, accountability, and the pursuit of inner peace.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:29 Mac's Journey to Recovery
02:12 The Relapse and Its Consequences
03:39 Finding Spiritual Connection
07:11 The Turning Point
12:37 Rebuilding Life and Sobriety
24:41 Living Modestly and Finding Peace
25:38 Dealing with Envy and Personal Growth
26:28 Relationships and Emotional Healing
27:43 Challenges and Acceptance
41:59 Spiritual Fitness and Honesty
44:24 Advice to Younger Self and Final Thoughts

Support the show

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To Contact Us:
[email protected]

Hello hello and welcome back to another episode of Stairway to Redemption,

This week I welcome Jessica Morris, a spiritual coach and author in recovery. Jessica shares her inspiring journey to sobriety through the power of religion and spirituality. They delve deep into her unique story of overcoming trauma, finding her calling in writing, and reconnecting with her faith. Jessica also offers insights into her recovery process, the importance of a supportive community, and how she maintains her peace and resilience. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of faith, acceptance, and personal growth.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:04 Jessica's Journey to Writing and Full-Time Ministry
04:36 Struggles with Social Media and Personal Branding
06:45 Jessica's Early Life and Family Background
14:28 The Turning Point: Encounter with Jesus
18:32 Entering Recovery and Finding Support
26:34 Reconnecting with Faith and Spiritual Growth
33:21 Falling in Love with Jesus
33:29 Discovering Spiritual Direction
33:51 Embracing the Trinity
34:24 Acceptance and Forgiveness
37:50 Recovery and Changing Relationships
39:05 God's Guidance in Sobriety
40:02 Dealing with Judgment and Identity
42:40 The Importance of Support Groups
45:09 Counselor's Impact and Legacy
51:59 Spiritual Direction and Higher Power
53:52 Struggles and Ego in Recovery
58:30 The Power of Truth and Acceptance
01:01:14 Final Thoughts and Resources

Jessica's website:

https://jessicalmorris.com/

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Hello Hello and welcome back to Stairway to Redemption.

In this episode I welcome back Alex, a returning guest from New York City's non-alcoholic bottle shop, Spirited Away. We delve into Alex's sobriety journey, her experiences navigating the non-alcoholic beverage industry, and the cultural shifts toward sobriety. Alex shares her insights on the benefits of being 'Cali sober,' her new job focused on non-alcoholic spirits, and the challenges and rewards of promoting these options in bars and restaurants. The discussion also covers the rise of 'sober curious' influencers, the importance of finding supportive sobriety groups, and the complex relationship between sobriety and spirituality. Tune in for an engaging conversation about personal growth, wellness, and the evolving landscape of sober living.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles
01:08 Welcome Back to the Podcast
01:32 Guest Introduction: Alex's Journey
02:02 Alex's Sobriety and Career
04:32 Life in New York City
05:39 Alex's Recovery Story
10:06 Cali Sober and Weed Use
19:52 The Non-Alcoholic Beverage Space
24:08 The Rise of Sober Influencers
26:10 The Commercialization of Sobriety
28:32 Navigating Brand Authenticity
30:54 Promoting Non-Alcoholic Options
33:28 Balancing Life in Sobriety
36:33 Spirituality and Sobriety
39:52 Finding Support in Sobriety
43:01 Challenges in AA Meetings
45:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Support the show

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To Contact Us:
[email protected]

Hello hello and welcome back to Stairway to Redemption.

In this episode, I welcome a special guest, Rachel, who shares her compelling journey of overcoming alcoholism and mental health challenges. Rachel, who has been sober for three years, talks about her initial struggles with alcoholism, her recovery process, and the crucial role of therapy and community support. She also discusses the challenges of working as a sober bartender and her future aspirations. Tune in to hear Rachel's inspiring story and insights on resilience, faith, and maintaining sobriety while navigating life’s ups and downs.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles
01:08 Special Guest: Rachel's Story
03:26 Challenges of Sobriety
07:49 The Turning Point
20:38 Recovery Journey
32:36 Workplace Incidents and Reflections
39:52 Dealing with a Fired Coworker
40:46 Handling Aggressive Behavior at Work
42:47 Confronting a Repeat Offender
51:47 Struggles with Mental Health
59:05 Coping Mechanisms and Faith
01:09:25 Future Aspirations and Community Support

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Hello and welcome back to another episode of Stairway to Redemption.

This week I have a recurrent guest on the podcast. My dear friend Rich is back to give his take on this week topic.  How much should a person in recovery should disclose about their sobriety? As usual please follow us on social media and support us on Patreon.

Support the show

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To Contact Us:
[email protected]

Hello and welcome back to Stairway to Redemption!

First episode of 2025. After a long hiatus we're back this week with Brian. Brian and I run a weekly Big Book meeting on Long Island. His interpretation skills of the Big Book of AA makes the perfect candidate to talk about this week topic: Redemption. After over 50 episodes, now is the first time the subject of redemption is the focus of a podcast on redemption. Go figure why it took so long. As usual follow us on social media and support us on Patreon. Enjoy!

Support the show

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To Contact Us:
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Hello!

and welcome back to another episode of Stairway to Redemption. This week we stay on the topic on boundaries with returning guest Barb Nangle in our first ever two parts episode. In this episode we delve deeper in the ramifications that come with establishing boundaries. As per usual, please follow us on social media and support us on Patreon.

Where to find Barb:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/higherpowercoaching/

Links mentioned in podcast:
https://higherpowercc.com/
boundariesstarterkit.com

Barb's Podcast:
fragmentedtowhole.com

Support the show

Follow Us on Social Media:
Linktree (https://linktr.ee/stairwaytoredemption)
Support Us:
Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/StairwaytoRedemption)
To Contact Us:
[email protected]