In this compelling episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Mankey invites motivational speaker and CEO Jay Barnard to share his transformative journey from addiction and trauma to recovery and empowerment.

Jay details his struggle with addiction, stemming from deep-seated trauma, and his multiple battles with suicidal thoughts—even years into his recovery. He discusses finding solace and purpose in being a chef, where he created the brand 'Chef Recovery.' 

Jay's turning point came through a profound personal investment in a relationship coach, which led him to understand that healing required addressing his trauma directly. 

Now, as the founder of Empower to Recover Foundation, Jay travels Canada hosting events that unite recovery communities by demonstrating that everyone heals differently but that hope and transformation are universally accessible. His honest recounting of his setbacks, including nearly taking his life even after years of sobriety, underscores the importance of self-love, continuous personal development, and the courage to seek and offer help. 

This episode is a poignant reminder that healing is a lifelong journey where small steps can lead to monumental change.

Follow Jay’s journey and join the movement:
IG: @chefrecoveryjaybarnard
🌐 empower2recover.com
IG: @empower2recover

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Beyond the podcast, Gary is also the founder of RCVR Brand, a movement dedicated to celebrating recovery and resilience through empowering apparel. RCVR is all about breaking the stigma, building community, and wearing your sobriety with pride. Explore the collection and join the movement!

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 In this Episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Meghan Melin—recovery advocate, mother, and creator of the Sober Strong YouTube channel—for a deeply honest and uplifting conversation about addiction, healing, and breaking generational patterns. Meghan opens up about her struggles with alcohol and the emotional unraveling that eventually led her to choose sobriety. Her story is one of courage, self-reflection, and determination to create a better life not just for herself, but for her children.

As a mother in recovery, Meghan speaks candidly about the complex emotions of parenting through past trauma, the guilt she’s worked through, and the freedom that comes with learning to forgive herself. She and Gary dive into the power of conversations in breaking toxic cycles, the strength in vulnerability, and the importance of modeling emotional health for the next generation.

Whether you're in recovery, sober curious, or simply seeking inspiration, Meghan’s story is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible—and that we are all capable of rewriting our stories. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to begin again.

About Meghan Melin:

Meghan Melin is a sobriety advocate, devoted mother, and the creator of the Sober Strong YouTube channel, where she shares raw, honest, and empowering content about recovery, motherhood, and healing generational trauma. After battling addiction and navigating the challenges of parenthood in early sobriety, Meghan has become a powerful voice for those seeking connection, self-awareness, and lasting change. Through her videos and social presence, she fosters a safe space for others to feel seen, heard, and supported on their path to wholeness.

👉 Follow Meghan’s journey and uplifting content on YouTube: @soberstrong 

► Visit our website here: TheBeginAgainPodcast.com

🔥 Check Out RCVR Brand! 🔥
Beyond the podcast, Gary is also the founder of RCVR Brand, a movement dedicated to celebrating recovery and resilience through empowering apparel. RCVR is all about breaking the stigma, building community, and wearing your sobriety with pride. Explore the collection and join the movement!

🔗 Shop Now: https://RCVRbrand.com/

🌟 Become a Voice for Recovery – Earn While Inspiring Others

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In Episode 89 of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes welcomes sobriety and happiness coach Austin Karr, whose journey from high-functioning social drinker to powerful recovery advocate is nothing short of transformational. Austin opens up about how a decade of heavy drinking—disguised as “normal” in social and professional circles—gradually unraveled his confidence, creativity, and sense of purpose. He shares the pivotal moment when he realized alcohol was no longer serving him and the courageous steps he took to begin again.

In this deep and honest conversation, Austin talks about the emotional and psychological toll addiction took on his life and how sobriety helped him reconnect with his authentic self. From battling his inner critic to learning how to celebrate personal wins, Austin reveals the mindset shifts and tools that helped him reclaim joy and meaning. He also shares insights from his coaching work, emphasizing the importance of community, mindfulness, and being fully present.

Whether you're sober curious, early in recovery, or supporting someone on their journey, this episode offers hope, humor, and practical wisdom from someone who’s walked the path. Tune in and be inspired to live fully—without numbing, without fear, and with purpose.

About Austin Karr:

Austin Karr is a certified sobriety and happiness coach, motivational speaker, and founder of the “Embrace Your Today” movement. After overcoming alcohol addiction in 2015, Austin shifted his focus to helping others break free from limiting beliefs by embracing the power of the present moment. Through his signature programs like “100 Days of Sobriety” and “Momentum Coaching,” he empowers clients to cultivate joy, self-trust, and intentional living. Austin’s coaching philosophy centers on mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and actionable strategies to support sustainable recovery and personal growth.

Connect with Austin and join his supportive community to learn more about his coaching programs and resources. 

📲 Instagram at @austinjkarr, 

📲 TikTok at @austinjkarr, or visit his 

🌍 Website:

► Visit our website here: TheBeginAgainPodcast.com

🔥 Check Out RCVR Brand! 🔥
Beyond the podcast, Gary is also the founder of RCVR Brand, a movement dedicated to celebrating recovery and resilience through empowering apparel. RCVR is all about breaking the stigma, building community, and wearing your sobriety with pride. Explore the collection and join the movement!

🔗 Shop Now: https://RCVRbrand.com/

🌟 Become a Voice for Recovery – Earn While Inspiring Others

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 In Episode 98 of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Jim McKinley, a former Army officer, high-level corporate executive, and now a passionate writer and spiritual guide. Jim opens up about his deeply personal journey through alcoholism—how a life filled with external success masked internal turmoil, and how surrender became the turning point that led him to lasting recovery.

In this moving conversation, Jim shares how addiction unraveled his seemingly stable life and how a transformative rehab experience forced him to confront the root causes of his behavior. He reflects on the mindset shift that changed everything: learning to let go of control, trust in something greater, and embrace his authentic self. With honesty and humility, Jim walks us through his spiritual awakening and how it shaped his work today as a writer and advocate for growth, recovery, and resilience.

Gary and Jim also explore the unique nature of every recovery path, the power of shared stories, and the role of gratitude and spirituality in long-term sobriety. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating their own recovery—or supporting someone who is.

About Jim McKinley:

Jim McKinley is a U.S. Army veteran, author, and former international business consultant who has transformed his life through recovery and a renewed sense of purpose. After earning his bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University, he served as an infantry officer before transitioning into a successful corporate career. Following his personal battle with alcoholism, Jim pursued a master's degree in chaplaincy from Liberty University, deepening his spiritual journey and commitment to helping others. Today, he channels his experiences into writing and community engagement, aiming to inspire and support those on their own paths to recovery.

You can follow Jim's journey and insights on his 

🌍 Website: jtmckinley.com  

Follow him on Instagram: @j_t_mckinley. 

► Visit our website here: TheBeginAgainPodcast.com

🔥 Check Out RCVR Brand! 🔥
Beyond the podcast, Gary is also the founder of RCVR Brand, a movement dedicated to celebrating recovery and resilience through empowering apparel. RCVR is all about breaking the stigma, building community, and wearing your sobriety with pride. Explore the collection and join the movement!

🔗 Shop Now: https://RCVRbrand.com/

🌟 Become a Voice for Recovery – Earn While Inspiring Others

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 In Episode 97 of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with George Haymaker, a neuroeducator, coach, and recovered addict, for a deeply insightful conversation about addiction, healing, and the power of rewiring the brain. George opens up about his own struggle with alcoholism and addiction—what began as casual drinking in college spiraled into a destructive lifestyle fueled by unresolved trauma and genetic predisposition. After years of battling his dependency, George embarked on a life-changing journey to understand the brain's role in addiction and recovery.

Through neuroscience and habit transformation, George not only found his path to sobriety but built a new life centered on service, coaching, and corporate consulting. In this episode, he and Gary explore how early childhood experiences shape our neural patterns, the science behind relapse, and why understanding your brain is key to long-term recovery. George shares practical tools—like meditation, positive visualization, and dopamine regulation—that helped him and now help others reclaim their lives.

Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about the mind-body connection, this episode is packed with transformative insights. Tune in for an inspiring story of redemption, science, and self-discovery that proves recovery is not only possible—it can be your greatest strength.

About George Haymaker:

​George Haymaker is a Certified Neuroscience Coach and Consultant who transformed his life by overcoming addiction and mastering his mind. Through his coaching programs, he empowers individuals and organizations to rewire their brains, break unhelpful patterns, and achieve peak performance. George's approach is rooted in the science of neuroplasticity, helping clients harness their brain's potential for lasting change. He offers one-on-one coaching, executive sober companionship, and workplace consulting to support clients in optimizing their mental well-being and achieving their goals. 

To learn more about George's work and connect with him, 

visit his 🌍 Website: georgehaymaker.com 

follow him on LinkedIn: https

► Visit our website here: TheBeginAgainPodcast.com

🔥 Check Out RCVR Brand! 🔥
Beyond the podcast, Gary is also the founder of RCVR Brand, a movement dedicated to celebrating recovery and resilience through empowering apparel. RCVR is all about breaking the stigma, building community, and wearing your sobriety with pride. Explore the collection and join the movement!

🔗 Shop Now: https://RCVRbrand.com/

🌟 Become a Voice for Recovery – Earn While Inspiring Others

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 In this inspiring episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Keelie Allen, a sobriety and mindset coach whose powerful story of transformation is rooted in her personal battle with addiction. Keelie opens up about her journey from alcohol dependency and depression to a life of purpose, clarity, and self-love. During the height of the pandemic, a pivotal moment at a lockdown party forced her to confront the destructive cycle she was in. That realization set her on a path of change—and ultimately, recovery.

Keelie shares how she found strength in online sober communities and how embracing vulnerability and authenticity became her greatest tools in rebuilding her identity. Her story defies the traditional narrative of “rock bottom,” proving that transformation doesn’t have to follow a specific script. Instead, Keelie empowers others—especially women—to rewrite their own recovery journeys and embrace the sober curious lifestyle on their own terms.

From hiding behind alcohol to leading a thriving sober community, Keelie’s experience is a testament to what’s possible when we choose to begin again. If you’re seeking motivation, connection, or a reminder that healing is possible, this episode offers a powerful message of hope and self-discovery.

About Keelie Allen:

​Keelie Allen is a sobriety and mindset coach dedicated to empowering women to embrace alcohol-free living and rediscover their authentic selves. After overcoming her own struggles with alcohol dependency, Keelie transformed her life and now guides others on their journey to self-love, clarity, and purpose without relying on substances. Through her coaching, she fosters a supportive community that celebrates personal growth and resilience. Keelie shares her insights and experiences on Instagram, offering daily inspiration and practical tools for those exploring a sober lifestyle. 

Follow her at @k33li3louis3 for motivation and guidance on your path to empowerment.

 

► Visit our website here: TheBeginAgainPodcast.com

🔥 Check Out RCVR Brand! 🔥
Beyond the podcast, Gary is also the founder of RCVR Brand, a movement dedicated to celebrating recovery and resilience through empowering apparel. RCVR is all about breaking the stigma, building community, and wearing your sobriety with pride. Explore the collection and join the movement!

🔗 Shop Now: https://RCVRbrand.com/

🌟 Become a Voice for Recovery – Earn While Inspiring Others

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 In Episode 95 of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes welcomes Mike Savidant, creator of Sober Savvy, for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about addiction, healing, and the power of choosing a new path. Mike opens up about his nomadic upbringing across Canada, early exposure to alcohol, and how his drinking spiraled after moving out of an abusive home. As his alcohol dependency intensified, Mike found himself caught in a cycle of hiding his addiction and suffering in silence—until a serious accident forced him to confront his reality.

What follows is a raw and honest look at the pivotal moments that led Mike to seek help and embrace a life of sobriety. From attending his first AA meetings to building an online community through Sober Savvy, Mike shares how vulnerability, accountability, and connection helped him rebuild his identity from the ground up.

Together, Gary and Mike reflect on the chaotic grip addiction can have and the freedom that comes from recovery. This episode is a reminder that no matter how far gone you feel, it’s never too late to begin again.

🎧 Don’t miss this powerful conversation on healing, hope, and the journey toward a sober, purpose-driven life.

About Mike Savidant:

Mike Savidant is a passionate sobriety advocate and content creator dedicated to inspiring others on their recovery journey. After overcoming his own struggles with alcohol addiction, Mike launched Sober Savvy, a platform where he shares honest reflections, motivational insights, and tools to support those seeking a healthier, substance-free life. With a powerful voice in the online recovery community, Mike encourages open conversations about addiction, mental health, and the daily challenges of sobriety. His relatable content continues to resonate with thousands navigating their own path to healing. 

Follow Mike on Instagram to stay connected: 

🌍 Website: https://www.instagram.com/sobersavvy/ 

► Visit our website here: TheBeginAgainPodcast.com

🔥 Check Out RCVR Brand! 🔥
Beyond the podcast, Gary is also the founder of RCVR Brand, a movement dedicated to celebrating recovery and resilience through empowering apparel. RCVR is all about breaking the stigma, building community, and wearing your sobriety with pride. Explore the collection and join the movement!

🔗 Shop Now: https://RCVRbrand.com/

🌟 Become a Voice for Recovery – Earn While Inspiring Others

Join the RCVR Affiliate Program and share the message of hope, healing, and living your best life.

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 In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes welcomes back Aaron Mead for an unfiltered conversation on the reality of addiction, relapse, and the relentless pursuit of recovery. Aaron shares his deeply personal story of isolation, addiction, and the pivotal moment that led him to a Zoom meeting that changed everything. From drinking alone in his basement to finding hope through community and breathwork, Aaron opens up about what it means to surrender, seek help, and rebuild a life with purpose.

Aaron reflects on the importance of daily rituals like inventory and meditation, the mental clarity that came with doing the work, and the ongoing challenge of staying grounded through highs and lows—especially when the deceptive “pink cloud” fades. He and Gary explore the impact of returning to old neighborhoods, the growth that comes from making amends, and how discomfort became the gateway to transformation.

Now co-founder of 3 Degrees STL and a leading voice in wellness and recovery, Aaron offers real tools and raw truth to inspire those navigating their own path. If you or someone you love is struggling, this conversation is a reminder: recovery is not only possible—it can be your greatest comeback story.

About Aaron Mead:

Aaron Mead is a dedicated wellness advocate, recovery speaker, and co-founder of 3 Degrees STL, a wellness studio in St. Louis offering transformative healing through breathwork, cold plunges, and sauna therapy. Having battled years of addiction, Aaron found sobriety through community, self-inventory, and embracing discomfort as a path to personal growth. His journey from the depths of relapse to building a life of purpose has inspired countless others navigating recovery. Today, he uses his platform to promote holistic wellness and encourage others to rediscover their strength.

Follow Aaron’s journey and connect with him:
 📲 https://www.instagram.com/aaronjennermead/
📲  https://www.instagram.com/plunge_3d/
🌐 https://3degreesstl.com/ 

► Visit our website here: TheBeginAgainPodcast.com

🔥 Check Out RCVR Brand! 🔥
Beyond the podcast, Gary is also the founder of RCVR Brand, a movement dedicated to celebrating recovery and resilience through empowering apparel. RCVR is all about breaking the stigma, building community, and wearing your sobriety with pride. Explore the collection and join the movement!

🔗 Shop Now: https://RCVRbrand.com/

🌟 Become a Voice for Recovery – Earn While Inspiring Others

Join the RCVR Affiliate Program and share the message of hope, healing, and living your best life.

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 In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Lauren White, a motivational speaker, addiction counselor, and fierce mental health advocate, to explore her deeply personal and transformative journey. Lauren opens up about her traumatic upbringing, her battle with substance abuse, and how she turned her pain into purpose. Through raw vulnerability, she discusses the complexities of recovery, including her experience with her mother’s relapse, her own struggles with work addiction, and the emotional avoidance patterns that surfaced in early sobriety.

Lauren shares how she ultimately embraced self-acceptance, community, and authenticity to begin her healing journey—proving that recovery is not just about abstaining from substances, but about rebuilding the self from the inside out. Together, Gary and Lauren delve into the emotional toll of addiction, the impact of societal pressures (especially in the public eye), and the tools that helped them both reconnect with their true selves.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that the road to healing is not linear, but it is always worth it. Whether you're in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking inspiration, Lauren’s story will move you, challenge you, and fill you with hope.

About Lauren White:

Lauren White is a dynamic motivational speaker, certified addiction counselor, and fierce advocate for mental health and recovery. With a personal journey rooted in overcoming childhood trauma, substance abuse, and emotional turmoil, Lauren has transformed her pain into purpose. She now empowers others to reclaim their lives through honest storytelling, powerful coaching, and compassionate guidance. Her mission is to normalize conversations around addiction, self-worth, and healing—while reminding others that recovery is not only possible, but life-changing.

Follow Lauren and join her community for inspiration and support:
 🌐 https://www.laurenwhitespeaker.com
📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlaurenwhite

 

► Visit our website here: TheBeginAgainPodcast.com

🔥 Check Out RCVR Brand! 🔥
Beyond the podcast, Gary is also the founder of RCVR Brand, a movement dedicated to celebrating recovery and resilience through empowering apparel. RCVR is all about breaking the stigma, building community, and wearing your sobriety with pride. Explore the collection and join the movement!

🔗 Shop Now: https://RCVRbrand.com/

🌟 Become a Voice for Recovery – Earn While Inspiring Others

Join the RCVR Affiliate Program and share the message of hope, healing, and living your best life.

Sign Up Now

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In this episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Zach Loescher, a former EMT whose journey through addiction, mental health struggles, and recovery has led him to a new purpose in life. Zach opens up about the immense pressures of working as a first responder, how alcoholism became his escape, and the pivotal moment that set him on the path to sobriety. From grappling with dark thoughts to a life-saving intervention, his story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation.

Now in recovery, Zach has taken his experience and turned it into a movement with Soberpreneur, an initiative that helps individuals in recovery build meaningful, entrepreneurial lives. He shares how he learned to shift his mindset, break free from self-destructive patterns, and pursue his dreams without alcohol. Gary and Zach also discuss the power of goal-setting, spirituality, and the importance of building a fulfilling life beyond addiction.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, this conversation is a testament to the possibility of change and new beginnings. Follow Zach’s journey and mission at soberpreneur.life. 

About  Zach Loescher: 

Zach Loescher is a former EMT turned recovery advocate and entrepreneur, dedicated to helping others reclaim their lives after addiction. After struggling with alcoholism and mental health challenges, a life-changing intervention set him on the path to sobriety. Through his initiative, Soberpreneur, Zach now empowers individuals in recovery to channel their resilience and creativity into entrepreneurial success. His journey from rock bottom to rebuilding his life serves as an inspiration for those seeking purpose beyond addiction. 

Follow Zach’s journey and insights and support:

📲 Instagram: instagram.com/zloescher1 

🌍 Website: soberpreneur.life. 

► Visit our website here: TheBeginAgainPodcast.com

🔥 Check Out RCVR Brand! 🔥
Beyond the podcast, Gary is also the founder of RCVR Brand, a movement dedicated to celebrating recovery and resilience through empowering apparel. RCVR is all about breaking the stigma, building community, and wearing your sobriety with pride. Explore the collection and join the movement!

🔗 Shop Now: https://RCVRbrand.com/

🌟 Become a Voice for Recovery – Earn While Inspiring Others

Join the RCVR Affiliate Program and share the message of hope, healing, and living your best life.

Sign Up Now

★ Let's connect:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/BeginAgainPdcst
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thebeginagainpodcast/
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