Step Zero

What if everything in your life was going right - until suddenly it wasn’t? 

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Ruegg, whose journey from thriving business owner to a stage four pancreatic cancer diagnosis - and then full remission - is nothing short of extraordinary. 

We talk about the science-meets-spirituality work of Dr. Joe Dispenza, how Mark transformed his health through meditation, mindset, and a sober-curious lifestyle, and what it means to take radical ownership of your healing. 

This one will move you, challenge you, and maybe even shift something inside you.

Here are the highlights:

Dr. Joe Dispenza (0:40)

Mark's Introduction and Initial Life Story (1:59)

Building a Career and Personal Life (4:46)

Medical Journey and Diagnosis (6:31)

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This episode is for anyone caught in that push-pull: do I trust, let go, and wait… or is it time to act? 

I’m sharing the exact wrestle I’ve had with that question throughout my sober-curious journey, and how learning to trust both surrender and strategy has changed everything. 

I walk you through the signs that it’s time to release control, versus when life is nudging you to move - even if your hands are shaking. 

This episode is full of personal stories, spiritual reflections, and practical ways to reconnect with your own inner guidance. If you're in a transition or craving clarity, this one’s for you.

Here are the highlights:

The Power of Surrender (2:22)

Taking Action with Faith (4:37)

Signs of When to Surrender or Act (7:48)

Balancing Surrender and Action (11:50)

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In this week’s episode, I’m reframing the way we think about failure - not as the opposite of success, but as the path to it. 

From messy early sobriety attempts to launching a podcast while recovering from a cold, I’m walking you through why “getting it wrong” is often exactly what moves us forward.

You’ll hear my personal stories, creative flops that turned into wins, and practical tools to help you shift out of a perfectionist or procrastination mindset. 

If you’ve been holding back because you’re scared to get it wrong, this one’s your permission slip to go for it anyway - and find power in the process.

Here are the highlights:

My Personal Experience with Failure (2:44)

The Role of Failure in Creativity (4:10)

Embracing Failure as Fuel (5:01)

Practical Tools to Shift Failure Mindset (10:11)

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In this solo episode, I’m sharing what it really means to take responsibility for your energy, your reactions, and your healing - especially when life feels like a lot. 

I talk about the moment I almost skipped recording this very episode, what pulled me back, and why that simple Serenity Prayer line - the courage to change the things I can - landed so deeply for me.

From resisting old reactive patterns to integrating lessons from my Joe Dispenza retreat, this is a raw check-in on emotional sobriety, meditation, and learning to pause before you spiral. 

If you’ve been sitting with ruminating thoughts, relationship tension, or just wondering how to show up when you’re not feeling it - this one’s for you. 

Remember - It’s not about changing them. It’s about changing you.

Here are the highlights:

Reflecting on Meetings and Personal Growth (1:49)

Handling Co-Parenting and Emotional Control (4:35)

Joe Dispenza Retreat and Inner Work (6:15)

Personal Transformation and Daily Practices (11:13)

Joe Dispenza's Teachings and Emotional Mastery (11:34)

Balancing Personal and Professional Life (14:56)

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How do you go from selling alcohol for a living to helping people quit drinking? In this episode, I sit down with Luke Celico, a former liquor consultant turned sober coach, who shares his raw, unfiltered journey through addiction, loss, and the moment he finally decided to stop digging. 

From his early struggles with social anxiety to using alcohol as a coping mechanism, Luke gets real about what kept him stuck for so long—and what finally set him free.

We talk about the mindset shifts, self-discovery, and emotional sobriety that were even harder than quitting drinking itself. Luke opens up about co-parenting as a sober dad, navigating relationships post-sobriety, and why personal growth is an ongoing process. 

If you’re questioning your own relationship with alcohol or looking for inspiration to make a change, this conversation is proof that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

Here are the highlights:

Luke’s Teenage Years and Parental Divorce (5:55)

Adulthood and Career in the Liquor Industry (7:55)

Rock Bottom and Sobriety Journey (9:15)

Daily Habits and Healthy Living (12:47)

Impact of Sobriety on Parenting (14:46)

Advice to Younger Self (15:07)

Connect with Luke:

Instagram @dadonthemocks

Luke's Free eGuide: https://stan.store/dadonthemocks/p/dad-on-the-mock-free-eguide-pdf

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Does getting sober always have to look the same? In this episode, I sit down with Amber Susa, a holistic health coach and embodiment expert, to explore different paths to sobriety beyond the 12-step model. 

Amber shares her personal journey - from rehab at 19 to a decade in AA, followed by 15 years of drinking before ultimately choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle in a way that felt right for her.

We talk about self-abandonment, nervous system regulation, and the role of spirituality in healing. Amber also opens up about the internal dialogue that kept her stuck, the social pressures of drinking, and how embracing somatic practices helped her finally break free. 

If you’ve ever felt like traditional recovery methods didn’t quite fit, this episode will help you reframe what sobriety can look like - on your terms.

Here are the highlights:

(1:40) Amber's Journey to Sobriety

(5:53) Challenges and Decisions in Maintaining Sobriety

(10:53) Support Systems and Alternative Practices

(27:53) Daily Practices and Spiritual Growth

(33:04) Navigating Social Situations and Personal Growth

(47:07) Resources and Support for Listeners

Connect with Amber:

Website: https://allomi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambersusa.allofme/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amber.susa/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@borntobeallofme?si=gq2yoto8CjbkF1Re

Connect with Kaitlin:

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What if discomfort wasn’t a sign to stop, but a signal to listen? In this episode, I explore how emotional resistance and fear often point us toward the very things we’re meant to pursue. 

Whether it’s a career pivot, a shift in relationships, or the call to sobriety, I share how surrendering control and allowing space for change has led to the biggest breakthroughs in my life.

We’ll talk about visibility, self-trust, and the beliefs that shape our actions - many of which were ingrained long before we realised. Plus, I’ll introduce a powerful three-step framework for manifesting what you truly want, without the self-sabotage. 

If you’ve ever felt stuck between fear and possibility, this episode is your reminder that you’re exactly where you need to be.

Here are the highlights:

(2:26) Personal Journey and Book Writing

(3:50) Emotional Sobriety and Spirituality

(5:06) Pivoting and Letting Go of Control

(8:24) Manifestation and Asking for Help

(11:21) Beliefs and Personal Growth

Dr. Amanda Barrientez's Podcast is here

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What if the key to handling life’s chaos wasn’t about fixing everything, but learning to be okay with the mess? 

In this episode, I’m talking about what to do when things aren’t okay - and why that’s completely normal.

From navigating co-parenting challenges to dealing with environmental stressors, I share how I’ve learned to trust uncomfortable emotions instead of running from them.

We’ll explore how asking for help (from yourself, others, or a higher power) can shift everything, why some priorities are just plastic plates you can let drop, and how accountability - whether for a book deadline or a life goal - can keep you moving forward. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone, and you don’t have to have it all figured out.

Here are the highlights:

(3:02) Turning to Emotions as a Guide

(7:08) The Role of Higher Power in Sobriety

(9:30) Managing Life's Demands

(11:57) Seeking Help and Taking Accountability

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First responders are trained to save lives, but who’s there to save them? In this powerful conversation, Kaitlin sits down with retired firefighter-paramedic Matty Fiorenza, founder of the First Responder Peace and Refuge Foundation.

Matty opens up about his battle with PTSD, addiction, and the struggles that nearly took his life—and the life-changing support that helped him heal.

They discuss the stigma around mental health in high-stress professions, why traditional therapy isn’t always enough, and the alternative treatments making a real difference.

If you or someone you love has ever felt trapped by trauma, this episode is a must-listen.

** We had a few connection problems on the call for this episode, so apologies for the drop in quality in some sections - it was such a great conversation though that we wanted to still get it out there **

Here are the highlights:

(5:22) Matty's Journey to Firefighting and Early Struggles 

(13:25) Matty's Turning Point and Recovery

(29:50) Matty's Involvement in the First Responder Community

(1:03:22) Matty's Work with the First Responder Peace and Refuge Foundation 

(1:07:36) Matty's Role in the Recent Wildfires and Community Support 

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What does success really look like without alcohol? In this episode, I share how my perspective on achievement transformed after sobriety. 

I once measured success by ticking society’s boxes—marriage, kids, a house—yet still felt unfulfilled. It wasn’t until I redefined success as a daily practice that things shifted.

Regulating your nervous system, being a safe presence for others, and embracing laughter - I explore how these simple but powerful principles can reshape your life. 

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re truly thriving, this episode offers a new way to measure success - one that’s authentic, joyful, and entirely your own.

Here are the highlights:

(2:11) Personal Achievements Post-Sobriety

(2:47) Pillars of Redefining Success

(3:25) Practical Steps to Achieve Success

(7:36) The Impact of Alcohol on Daily Life

(11:33) The Plant Analogy

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