In this heartfelt episode of the Steel City Roundtable, Mark Kneebone opens up about the unexpected challenges and profound reflections encountered during his early sobriety journey. As he approaches 28 months sober, Mark shares personal stories of battling old habits, confronting emotional triggers, and the relentless pursuit of self-awareness. Join Mark as he candidly discusses the importance of a "warrior's plan" in recovery and the ongoing struggle to rebuild trust and relationships. This episode is a raw and inspiring look at the complexities of addiction and the resilience required to overcome it.

#SobrietyJourney #Recovery #AddictionAwareness #SelfAwareness #SteelCityRoundtable

Another warrior found his way to the Round Table. Chris Cerci is a veteran fireman, addict and alcoholic. Chris and I met through Facebook recently and immediately connected on several levels. Our experience in public service, addiction and mental health struggles just being a couple ways. We also share a history of self destructive behavior leading us to burn bridges everywhere we went. The most important similarity is the rock bottom moment that thrust us into change and seeking sobriety. Chris’s tells his story of struggle, despair and redemption in this episode. Thank you Chris for becoming part of my recovery family. You are helping through the telling of your story. This is a must listen to all you Round Table friends and family.

Key Topics:

Chris's early life and the impact of losing his father The role of addiction in his life and career The turning point: a life-changing motorcycle accident The power of faith and community in recovery Insights into mental health and addiction

Hashtags: #AddictionRecovery #Faith #MentalHealth #Podcast #Newbeginnings #Community #Addiction #Mentalhealth #Personalgrowth #growthmindset

Call to Action: Listen now to be inspired by Chris's journey and learn how hope and determination can lead to a new beginning. Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of resilience and transformation.

Natalie’s back home at the SCRT! In this episode, I’m a bit riled up about a post I saw recently. It really bugs me when smart people say really stupid things. It’s even worse when they’re criticizing law enforcement as a whole. Making sweeping generalizations is a sign of closed-mindedness and the inability to think through the problem logically. Do you want to be a follower or a leader? Do the work and come to your own decision and form an educated opinion. Natalie and I discuss this in depth and how blanket statements are useless. We also talk about self-isolation, making a 180 in life, and how things can be a bit complicated. Natalie opens up about her experiences parenting two daughters while in mental health recovery. As always, we had a great time making this episode and hope you enjoy it!

• Social media can create challenges for teenagers and families.
• Public perception of law enforcement is often generalized and unfair.
• There are both good and bad officers in law enforcement.
• Personal growth often requires confronting uncomfortable truths.
• Sobriety can change relationships and social dynamics.
• Emotions play a significant role in decision-making processes.
• Self-awareness is crucial for managing emotions and reactions.
• Apologizing to loved ones can strengthen relationships.

In this episode, Mark Kneebone and Drew Moore discuss the differences in recovery culture between the East and West Coasts of the United States. They explore the importance of community, the 12 steps of recovery, and the significance of self-awareness and finding a personal higher power in the journey of sobriety. The conversation emphasizes that true recovery comes from within and that the ripple effect of sobriety can positively impact those around us.

Takeaways:

• Recovery culture varies significantly between the East and West Coasts.
• Community plays a crucial role in the recovery process.
• The 12 steps are foundational but can be interpreted in various ways.
• Self-awareness is key to understanding one's addiction and recovery.
• Finding a personal higher power can aid in the recovery journey.
• Sobriety can lead to a ripple effect, positively impacting others.
• It's important to get sober for oneself, not for others.
• Interventions may not be effective for everyone.
• Living a sober life requires hard work and dedication.
• Recovery is a continuous learning process. 

Tom Kaminsky is a successful business man in Hollywood California, but this is not how his story began.  From his East coast roots to his West coast success a lot of shit happened in between.  I met Tom through TikTok, one of the few times the algorithm actually worked.  Tom is a recovering addict with 10,000 days of sobriety under his belt.  This wasn't handed to him it was earned through hard work and a love and dedication to service.  Tom has devoted over 27 years to helping those who suffer and struggle with addiction.  He doesn't do it behind the veil of some hidden agenda.  He isn’t some 20 something who is trying to make money of the suffering of others. Sobriety is his life and he faces every day figuring out how to help others.  Tom sits down with me and tells his story from drug addiction to alcoholism and then to a happy and fulfilling live in sobriety.  I hope someday I can say I have helped those that I can.  It's not the days sober he counts, it's the days sober where he gets to help another human succeed.  You are a warrior my brother and we should all learn from your example.  It’s not all pretty, but either way good can come out of bad.  The struggle isn't in vein if you are striving to help others.  We as addicts learn from each other, what better source of information is there than another addict or alcoholic. Preach my brother Preach!!

#addcition #recovery #selfless #helpothers #servicework #wedorecover #Pittsburgh #Pennsylvania #California #hollywood #podcaster #podcast #motivational #trendingvideo #sobriety #sober #courage #strength #hope #faith #steelcityroundtablepodcast #fellowship #community #bestlife #betterdecisions #selfhelp #lifelessons #growthmindset #personalgrowth #sharingiscaring #truth #stories #communication

In this episode Natalie and I go head to head discussing cops and attorneys.  We all choose our path through this world.  Cops and attorneys are no different.  The difference is that not all careers put you in front of the public eye.  When working in the criminal justice system privacy goes out the window.  Everything you do is criticized, second guessed and picked apart piece by piece.  Does this mean that the "higher standard" idea removes the idea of basic humanity, feelings, and personal opinion?  Yes we all choose our path but we are all still part of the human condition.  We all suffer the same struggles, stresses, and challenges.  Why should cops and attorneys be any different? Natalie and I talk about these ideas and we do not always agree.  The difference is that we talked through it and both came to an understanding of one another's view points.  Communication is key and leads to mutual understanding.  Come join us was we get real....again!

Life places people in your lives for a reason. Throughout our lives we meet so many people that have the potential to affect us both positively and negatively. Matt Brooks is one of those people for me. I met Matt in rehab down in Delray Beach Florida in May of 2023. He was the first "client" I met when I got there and we later became roommates. Late night bitch sessions, deep conversations and sharing the experience formed a bond that will never be broken. Matt helped and guided me through my time at rehab and became one of my closest friend. My experience in rehab and my recovery would not be the same without him. Knowing that Matty B. shared his life and experiences with me helped shaped who I am as a sober human. Don't believe me listen to Matty as he tells his journey with alcohol and his ongoing recovery. I'm sure some of you will relate. I love you Matty B. as my brother and always will. Thank you for coming into my life when you did, I will never be the same!!

Welcome back to my partner in crime Natalie Snyder. She is back in the mix after taking some personal time....unapporved by her boss of course!! So glad your back kid!! I expected her to be back sooner......that brings us to the topic for this episode unreasonable expectations. What are they and why do we set ourselves up for failure! Throughout my recovery journey I have had to come to terms with my ability to totally screw myself by setting unreasonable expectations. We sit down and talk about some of the problems we have faced and experiences we have witnessed from the outside. Add a side of narcissism to the mix and you got a show! I have a history of narcissism and I'm not proud of it. Let's just say I am qualified to speak on this subject in depth. And don't worry Natalie never holds back. We decided to put these topics together because they both can have an extremely negative affect on our mental health. Hope you enjoy!!

Bart Heaney is an emergency services dispatcher in the Pittsburgh area. He was previously a EMT and also hosts the Weight We Carry Podcast. I've known Bart for a long time and he is one hell of a human. He has dedicated his life to serving his community and the first responders that work within these communities. Bart also has a a really heart hitting story of recovery. Bart struggles with PTSD like so many of us. Through the support of his family and support network he is arisen from the darkness to live his best life. Bart sat down with me to talk about his journey and his struggles. He is nothing less than amazing if you ask me. Not only is he handling business with his mental health, he is also paying it forward with his podcast and his willingness to share his story. Thanks again Bart love you man! Can't wait to hear wha you do next.

#PTSD

#mentalhealth

#recovery

#struggles

#truestory

#podcast

#interview

#conversation

#sharing

#firstresponder

#EMT

Tony Moreno is a retired LEO and current Mayoral candidate in Pittsburgh PA.  I met Tony back in 2007 when he taught my LEO academy class.  Throughout the years we formed a working as well as personal relationship.  Between the two of us we have seen some down right horrible officers and supervisors.  In this episode Tony and I rip into the inadequacies and straight up corruption in law enforcement.  Those of you in active status know what we are saying is true, and you would say it too if you weren't employed by one of the LEO agencies and at risk of losing everything.  We're out so don't give a shit!.  We believe that the majority of LEO are good and just, performing this duty with the highest purpose.........to help others.  For those of you who choose to do shady shit, you deserve to get called out.  We are talking about perpetuating personal agendas and policies, cheating the system to make more money, and down and out just being shitty.  We speak of OUR experiences and do not speak for anyone else.  If you don't like it go back to watching reality tv and ignore that this is a problem.  Once again there are a select few that manipulate the system for their ultimate benefit and these people suck!!

#LEO #police #badapples #corrupt #justice #injustice #morality #moralcompass #values #dishonest #personalagenda #bethesolution #gooddecisions #thinbluelineisbroken #purpose #professionalism #citizensfirst #serveandprotect #dotherightthing #shadyshit