Joann Kenyon grew up an Army brat to a family she thought gave her everything she ever wanted. It wasn’t until later that she realized that wasn’t true. She started drinking at 12 and found Meth at 14. That first night she used, she stayed up all night playing video games and felt the best she’d ever felt. 

Things escalated quickly and suddenly she was a 70lb raver, selling drugs and peeing on everyone’s couch. She was a convicted felon by 18. In and out of treatment. Then back home, shooting ketamine and speed. Getting fired from drugs.

Then came recovery and young people’s meetings, but brought about other addictions outside of using. At the end of each road she would feel things narrowing and would realize once again what she was looking for wasn’t at the end of it. 

Today she’s almost 20 years sober, living a healthy life and working to heal people who feel the same inner turmoil she faced for so long.

Tune in to learn about:

From Childhood to Chaos: Joann's Journey through Addiction:  Learn about her harrowing journey from a troubled childhood to addiction, and how she found solace in substances, only to realize the emptiness they brought.

A Life Unraveled: Joann's Descent into Addiction: Discover the story of Joann's descent into addiction, including her early introduction to drugs, criminal convictions, and the turbulent cycle of recovery and relapse.

Recovery, Relapse, and Resilience: Joann's 20-Year Sobriety Story: Explore Joann's path to recovery, the challenges she faced along the way, and how she eventually found healing and purpose after nearly two decades of sobriety.

Transformation from Addiction to Empowerment: Joann shares her transformation from addiction and chaos to a fulfilling life of sobriety, helping others navigate the same struggles she once endured.

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Connect with Joann

Website | breatheitout.com

Instagram | @breatheitoutwithjoann

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As an award-winning stuntwoman, Kimberly Shannon Murphy was intimate with pain. For years, she propelled her body through dangerous spaces—medicating the trauma of her childhood sexual abuse with the adrenaline rush that came from pushing herself to the absolute limit. But as Kimberly learned, no matter how much you suppress your past, it always catches up with you.

In May, Kimberly released Glimmer, which details her remarkable journey to the top of her field as a Hollywood stuntwoman for many A-list celebrities, including Cameron Diaz, Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie, Taylor Swift, and Sandra Bullock, while carrying the pain of her childhood of sexual abuse in a family that refused to acknowledge its reality. In her memoir, Kimberly reflects on her past and present, chronicling her path to recovery and calculating the long shadow of trauma.

Glimmer is the story of one woman’s quest to reclaim her life and to shine a spotlight on the dark topic of intergenerational familial abuse. As Kimberly reveals, being strong isn’t about getting your black belt, leaping out of four-story buildings, or putting 200-pound stuntmen in chokeholds—it’s about waking up every single morning and choosing to love yourself, no matter your history.

Tune in to learn about:

The Double Life of a Stuntwoman: Kimberly shares her unique perspective on the world of Hollywood stunts, from working with A-list celebrities to the adrenaline-fueled highs. Discover how she used her career as both a refuge and a coping mechanism.

Confronting Childhood Trauma: Delve into Kimberly's courageous journey of acknowledging and addressing her painful past. Learn about the challenges she faced in reconciling her professional success with the shadows of her childhood.

Shining a Spotlight on Intergenerational Abuse: "Glimmer" isn't just a memoir; it's a call to action. Explore how Kimberly uses her story to raise awareness about the dark topic of intergenerational familial abuse and the importance of breaking the cycle.

The True Strength in Self-Love: Kimberly's story is a testament to the power of self-compassion. Discover how she redefined strength, showing that it's not about daring stunts or physical prowess but the daily choice to love oneself, regardless of one's history.

Join us for an inspiring and candid conversation with Kimberly Shannon Murphy, as she shares her journey from Hollywood's heights to healing's depths, offering profound insights into resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of self-love.

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Connect with Kimberly

Book | Glimmer-Story-Survival-Hope-Healing

Instagram | @kimberlyshannonmurphystunts

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In this compelling episode, we dive deep into the intricate and often challenging world of dealing with addicts who attempt to normalize their addiction. Whether it's a family member, friend, or colleague, understanding how to approach these situations with empathy and effectiveness is crucial. Join us as we unravel the complexities of handling such delicate conversations.

Tune in to learn about:

How to Talk to Someone in Denial: Explore practical strategies and communication techniques to engage with individuals who are in denial about their addiction. Discover ways to break through the walls of resistance and encourage self-awareness.

People Who Use Their Achievement to Justify Their Use: We'll discuss the common tactic of using personal achievements or success to justify addiction. Learn how to challenge this rationalization constructively and foster healthier coping mechanisms.

Why the Messenger Matters: Delve into the psychology of trust and credibility in these situations. Understand the pivotal role that the person delivering the message plays in shaping receptiveness and acceptance.

What People Really Need to Hear in This Situation: Uncover the core messages that can make a difference. Explore how to express concern, care, and support in a way that resonates with those struggling with addiction, and ultimately, guides them toward recovery.

Join us as we equip you with the tools and insights to navigate these difficult conversations and help your loved ones find the path to healing and recovery.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

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Lynn Rothenberg is a former social worker, writer and photographer whose son struggled with addiction from a young age. Lynn and her husband split up when her son was only 3 years old and she noticed the effects of the loss early on. 

Her son’s addiction began with Marijuana then progressed and at each phase she just wanted the drugs to stop. Words like addiction began to surface from professionals but she knew her son, that wasn’t him. He was her sweet boy. It was just a phase and once he was able to stop the substances they could go back to the way things had been before. 

There were rehabs and detox and with each came the promise that things would be different. He would feel so clear about everything but it was only a matter of time before they were in the same place again, but this time things had moved on to heroin. 

Her son was eventually arrested and sent to prison for 6 years and Lynn was forced to live an even lonelier existence than she had as the parent of someone in addiction. Each time she visited it was like leaving her son in a war zone where she could never be certain of his safety.

Today her son is sober with a job and a family and she has done incredible work in healing from the experience. She is back to working in photography and is in the last phases of her manuscript about her experience.

Journey Through Addiction and Recovery: Follow the powerful narrative of Lynn Rothenberg, a former social worker, writer, and photographer, as she navigates her son's addiction journey from early signs to eventual recovery.

Addiction Progression and Denial: Explore the harrowing progression of her son's addiction, starting with marijuana and escalating to heroin, while unraveling the emotional complexities of denial within families facing addiction.

Challenges of Incarceration and Redemption: Learn about Lynn's unique experiences as her son faces incarceration for six years, the emotional toll it takes on her, and the ultimate redemption story as her son achieves sobriety, gains employment, and starts a family.

Healing through Art and Writing: Discover how Lynn Rothenberg's return to photography and her manuscript about her experience serve as therapeutic outlets, providing valuable insights and hope to others dealing with addiction-related challenges.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

Connect with Lynn

Facebook | @lynn.rothenberg

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Dr. Evelyn Higgins is the founder of Wired For Addiction®, which specializes in the biological component of mental health and addiction recovery. Dr. Higgins is a recognized international expert in the science of addiction recovery. As a Certified Addictionologist, Diplomate of the American Board of Disability Analysts specializing in pain management, and Diplomate of the American College of Addictionology and Compulsive Disorders, Dr. Higgins has had the honor of advising the U.S. Surgeon General, producing and hosting a Gracie Award winning nationally syndicated health and wellness radio program, and serving as a 1996 Olympic Team Doctor and Olympic torch bearer.  

With 35 years in practice, Dr. Higgins has specialized in the clinical application of the neuroscience and epigenetics behind mental health complexities. Dr. Higgins is also a 2022 TEDx Speaker, 2021 Nominee for Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Innovators in Healthcare, and frequent national media healthcare commentator. Dr. Higgins is at the nexus of epigenetics, neuroscience, and health.

Tune in to Learn About:

Epigenetics and Recovery: Explore the reversible changes that behaviors and environments can make to genetic expression, affecting addiction recovery, as explained by Dr. Evelyn Higgins, an internationally recognized expert in addiction recovery science.

Neuroscience in Mental Health: Learn from Dr. Higgins about the practical application of neuroscience in addressing mental health complexities during the recovery journey, drawing from her 35 years of clinical experience.

Innovations and Advocacy: Discover how Dr. Higgins, a nominee for Modern Healthcare's Top 25 Innovators in Healthcare, is shaping addiction recovery through innovation and advocacy, as evident in her U.S. Surgeon General advisory role and media commentary.

TEDx Speaker on Mental Health: Gain insights from Dr. Higgins' compelling TEDx talk on the intersection of neuroscience, epigenetics, and well-being, providing a deeper understanding of the factors influencing recovery.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

Connect with Dr. Higgins

Website | wiredforaddiction.com

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Join us for an insightful Q&A episode as we delve into the intriguing topic of how addiction creeps into our lives unnoticed and the crucial steps to overcome its grip. In this episode, we'll shed light on the cunning ways addiction takes hold, and how to protect yourself from its snares.

Tune in to learn about:

Ignoring Your Initial Impressions: Explore the deceptive nature of addiction as we unravel why it often starts subtly, making it easy to dismiss. Discover the importance of recognizing the initial signs and how overlooking them can lead to a downward spiral.

Status as a Barrier to Seeking Help: Delve into the influence of societal status on seeking assistance for addiction. Learn how perceptions of status can hinder individuals from reaching out for support, and gain insights into breaking down these barriers.

The Power of Honesty: Explore why honesty, both with yourself and with others, is a fundamental component of tackling addiction. Understand how opening up about your struggles can pave the way for effective recovery and healing.

Navigating Relapses with Resilience: Discover strategies to cope with relapses without losing sight of your recovery goals. Gain valuable insights into understanding relapse triggers, managing setbacks, and using them as stepping stones toward lasting recovery.

Bulletproofing Your Mind against Addiction: Learn proactive measures to fortify your mental defenses against the allure of addiction. Explore techniques for building resilience, boosting self-control, and fostering a strong mindset that empowers you to resist addictive behaviors.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

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Dr. Alexander Elswick grew up with privilege and seemingly all the protective factors that might keep him out of the way of addiction. It was then that anxiety disorders began showing up for him. He began getting in trouble in college. He was prescribed opiates and quickly became addicted.

He went to jail on drug trafficking charges and was kicked off his college baseball team. What followed was a cycle of arrests, homelessness and treatments. He was shocked the way he was treated in homelessness. Nothing had prepared him for that painful experience, but it was eventually a part of his finally getting sober.

Today, Dr. Elswick serves the University of Kentucky as an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery. He is a trained researcher, recovery coach, and mental health therapist, as well as the co-founder of Voices of Hope, a peer-driven recovery community organization, and the co-founder of the University of Kentucky Collegiate Recovery Community, a supportive infrastructure for students in recovery.

Tune in to Learn About:

From Privilege to Addiction: A Journey of Unexpected Struggles

Navigating Rock Bottom: Homelessness, Arrests, and Recovery

Transforming Pain into Purpose: From Addict to Advocate

• Learn how Dr. Elswick's personal struggles fueled his transformation into a trained researcher, recovery coach, and mental health therapist.

Building Resilience and Support: A New Life of Service

• Explore how his journey from addiction to recovery shaped his dedication to creating supportive infrastructures for others struggling with addiction, and gain insights into his unique approach to substance use prevention.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

Connect with Dr. Elswick

Website | voicesofhopelex.org

Instagram | @voicesofhopelex

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David Procyshyn grew up in the suburbs of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In his late teens he started feeling chronically tired. He experienced near constant pain in his gut and chronic tension around his head. He eventually came to realize they were all symptoms of significant depression and anxiety.  

He’d tried to hide his feelings from everyone and the hiding caused him to dissociate and be plagued with social anxiety. He began to search for something different to help him heal and started dabbling with meditation and yoga.

At 22 he desperately needed to get out of the spiraling feeling he was experiencing and took a trip to South Africa as a journey of self discovery. The experience found him seeking deep exploration far off the beaten path.

When he came home, he felt changed and he wasn’t willing to live in the same way as before. He moved to Victoria and found his people. He got deep into Yoga, Pranayama, meditation and holotropic breathwork. He started doing yoga training and found even greater depth and healing with silent retreats. 

In 2008, he created doyogawithme.com which aimed to provide online yoga that was accessible to all. Since then DoYogaWithMe has grown from a few thousand visitors a year to over a million people all over the planet.

Tune in to Learn About:

Overcoming Struggles: David Procyshyn's journey battling chronic fatigue, gut pain, and tension, all of which were symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Hidden Emotions and Disassociation: How David's attempts to conceal his emotions led to disassociation and social anxiety.

Exploration Through Meditation and Yoga: How David's search for healing led him to meditation and yoga as unexpected but transformative tools.

Journey of Self-Discovery: At 22, his life-changing trip to South Africa became a profound exploration of self-discovery and personal growth.

Radical Transformation: Returning home, David's refusal to accept his previous life led him to Victoria, where he immersed himself in Yoga, Pranayama, meditation, and holotropic breathwork.

Yoga Training and Silent Retreats: Discover how David's pursuit of yoga training and engagement in silent retreats led to deeper healing and transformation.

Creating Accessible Healing: In 2008, David's mission culminated in doyogawithme.com—an online platform that started small but has reached millions.

Empowering Wellness: Learn how David's experiences have shaped a platform that empowers individuals on their wellness journeys, making healing accessible to all.

If you're interested in personal growth, the transformative power of yoga, and how online platforms can revolutionize healing, this episode offers insightful takeaways from David Procyshyn's journey of resilience and empowerment.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

Connect with David

Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

Instagram | @doyogawithme

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Join us in the latest Q and A episode of The Courage to Change as we delve into the crucial topic of recognizing the signs that it might be time to re-evaluate your addiction recovery journey. Navigating the path to recovery can be a challenging and transformative experience, but it's essential to recognize when it's time to pause, reflect, and adjust our approach. In this episode, we'll explore the five key indicators that signal a need for re-evaluation, providing valuable insights and support to help you continue your journey towards a healthier and happier life.

Tune in to Learn About:

Stagnation and Isolation: Recovery is an ongoing process, and it's natural to experience plateaus in our growth. However, when you find yourself stagnating, feeling disconnected from others in recovery, or lacking meetings with individuals at a similar stage in life and recovery, it may be time to re-evaluate your support network and explore new avenues for growth and connection.

Drama and Toxic Relationships: Addiction recovery requires a supportive and nurturing environment. If you notice that you are surrounded by drama or engaging in toxic relationships, it can hinder your progress and trigger relapse. We'll discuss the importance of identifying and addressing these toxic influences to safeguard your recovery journey.

Mental Health Struggles: Mental health and addiction often intertwine. If you're facing challenges with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, it can impact your recovery. We'll explore the significance of seeking professional help and incorporating mental health support into your recovery plan.

Relapse and its Warning Signs: Relapse is a common challenge in the recovery journey, and it's crucial to be aware of the warning signs that precede it. We'll discuss the most common thoughts and emotions before relapse, empowering you with knowledge to recognize and intervene before it happens.

Life Events and Evolving Recovery: Major life events, such as becoming a parent, can significantly impact your recovery needs. Ashley shares her personal experience of how recovery had to adapt and evolve after having children. Her story sheds light on the importance of flexibility and embracing change during the recovery process.

If you're on a recovery journey or supporting someone in their quest for sobriety, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in as we unpack these critical indicators and offer valuable insights to ensure your recovery remains a path of growth, resilience, and transformation.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

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Quinn felt her addictive personality early. As a child growing up in New York, her first addictions were sports and dance. Anxiety and depression came along early as well and when she first started drinking and smoking weed, she could tell her relationship was different to her friends around her. They immediately filled a void that nothing else could.

In middle school she also started a relationship that was co-dependent in nature and shaped her relationships for the next several years. She needed drugs and alcohol. She needed to be in a relationship and nothing would stop her from getting either. And with all of it, her addiction grew.

After high school she got into her dream art school, something she didn’t think was possible, but then again the drugs were there to take it away and she came home again. Her parents tried everything they could. They put alarms on the doors and windows to try to keep her safe from herself, but as soon as she was out, she made up for the lost time, by creating a year's worth of havoc in an incredibly short amount of time.

She attempted to move away from the problem again and again. Heroin and IV drugs entered the picture. She shuffled around Florida trying to find recovery. She ran endlessly until one day she couldn’t run anymore.

Today she’s 4 years sober and works as a peer recovery specialist. There she helps others who feel like they couldn’t possibly get better.

Tune In to Learn About:

The Early Signs of Addictive Behavior: Explore how Quinn's addictive personality manifested during her childhood and early adolescence. Understand the critical role of early intervention in addressing addictive tendencies.

The Spiral of Co-Dependency: Delve into Quinn's co-dependent relationship and its impact on her subsequent choices and relationships. Gain insights into breaking free from unhealthy patterns.

The Struggles of Relapse and Seeking Recovery: Learn from Quinn's experiences of repeatedly attempting to escape addiction and the challenges of finding lasting recovery. Discover the power of resilience in the face of setbacks.

The Turning Point: Uncover the pivotal moment that marked the beginning of Quinn's journey towards true healing and recovery. Explore the factors that motivated her to seek help and create lasting change.

Becoming a Beacon of Hope: Join us as Quinn shares her experiences as a peer recovery specialist. Understand the profound impact of her work in supporting others on their recovery paths, offering hope to those who feel trapped in the depths of addiction.

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