The Loving Leverage Podcast

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Have you ever considered that addiction isn't just about substances? Beneath the surface of many addictive behaviors lies something profoundly misunderstood—process addiction. Join host Drew Powell as he sits down with therapists Dan and Jill from Valiant Living to unpack this complex topic with remarkable candor and expertise.

"The drug is between your ears," explains Dan, highlighting how process addictions like sex addiction, gambling, internet/gaming, and shopping create the same neurological pathways as substance use, but the source is your own brain producing dopamine. This fascinating conversation reveals why these addictions are often missed or minimized despite their devastating impact on relationships and mental health.

The therapists explain that at its core, every addiction is fundamentally an intimacy disorder—a broken connection. The addiction becomes the primary relationship, pushing loved ones aside as walls of secrecy and shame grow taller. "Your addiction wants you alone," Dan shares, describing how isolation feeds the cycle. While substances numb feelings, process addictions often seek to create feelings, making them particularly complex to treat.

For family members, the discussion offers invaluable insights into recognizing warning signs and supporting recovery without becoming detective-investigators themselves. The specialists emphasize that recovery requires addressing the "why" beneath behaviors, not just managing symptoms, and that the brain needs 75-120 days just to reach baseline functioning where deeper therapeutic work can begin.

Whether you're personally struggling with process addiction, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking understanding, this episode delivers profound wisdom about the path toward genuine connection and freedom. As one recovering addict shares, "My worst day in recovery is better than my best day in addiction." Discover why true strength means asking for help and how community transforms isolation into healing.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone.

Valiant Living helps men and their families move from crisis to stability through clinically driven care, community, and hope.

Learn more about our programs at www.valiantliving.com
or call us confidentially at (720) 796-6885 to speak with someone who can help.

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"I'll have four years in June," Chris tells us, a milestone that seemed impossible when he was consuming 1.75 liters of alcohol daily and taking shots before even getting in the shower for work. His journey through addiction's darkest depths—including two stays in intensive care on life support—to lasting recovery offers both hope and unflinching honesty about the transformation process.

The turning point came during what Chris describes as a "fourth dimension" experience, where he felt himself floating above his body while someone else made the call for help. This supernatural moment led him to detox and eventually to Valiant Recovery, where despite initial resistance, he made a critical decision: "You're all in or you're all out." His full commitment to the program became the foundation for his recovery journey.

What makes Chris's story particularly valuable is his candor about recovery's ongoing challenges. While sobriety brought profound gifts—rebuilding his marriage, purchasing his first home at 52, career advancement, and a spiritual connection—he doesn't sugarcoat the difficulties. "The drink for me is easy. It's all the other stuff that's still hard," he admits, explaining how learning to process emotions without numbing them remains challenging even years into recovery.

Chris emphasizes the vital importance of community, stating "it's absolutely impossible to do any of this by yourself." The relationships formed during treatment have become lifelong connections—people who understand his experience and provide support when needed. His recovery program has evolved over time, adapting to different seasons of life while maintaining sobriety as his top priority.

For those new in recovery, Chris offers wisdom earned through experience: trust the process, embrace discomfort, establish boundaries, give yourself and others grace, and remember that progress matters more than perfection. His story demonstrates that while the recovery journey isn't easy, the ability to face life's challenges sober brings a sense of accomplishment unlike any other.

Reach out to someone who understands when struggling. As Chris says, "If you put three or four [bad days] together, you better be calling somebody."

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone.

Valiant Living helps men and their families move from crisis to stability through clinically driven care, community, and hope.

Learn more about our programs at www.valiantliving.com
or call us confidentially at (720) 796-6885 to speak with someone who can help.

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The addictive patterns that tear relationships apart can actually become the path to deeper connection when partners learn to face them together. In this deeply moving episode, couple therapists Lana Isaacson and Jason Polk share professional wisdom and personal experiences about the complex journey of recovery within committed relationships.

They introduce the concept of "the addiction dance"—those unconscious, destructive patterns couples unknowingly co-create that keep them trapped in cycles of disconnection. Both therapists candidly discuss their own experiences with addiction and family systems, demonstrating how healing occurs when we move beyond shame to examine what drives our behaviors.

"The pattern is the enemy, not your partner," becomes a revolutionary frame that allows couples to stand together rather than against each other. This shift creates space for vulnerability, which both therapists identify as the essential ingredient for rebuilding trust. Through powerful examples, they illustrate how true healing happens when a partner's pain is fully witnessed rather than fixed or dismissed.

Particularly moving is the discussion about disclosure in recovery relationships—that terrifying process of allowing yourself to be fully known after years of hiding. As one partner shared, "When you experience love for the first time because they've seen all of you and still choose you...that's another level I want for everyone."

Whether you're navigating recovery as a couple, supporting loved ones through addiction, or simply wanting healthier relationship patterns, this conversation offers practical wisdom and profound hope. Call us at 720-756-7941 to learn how Valiant Living can support your journey toward authentic connection.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone.

Valiant Living helps men and their families move from crisis to stability through clinically driven care, community, and hope.

Learn more about our programs at www.valiantliving.com
or call us confidentially at (720) 796-6885 to speak with someone who can help.

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Michael Wagner sits across from host Drew Powell, his nervous energy palpable despite 45 years of sobriety under his belt. There's a beautiful vulnerability as Wagner reveals the painful tapestry of his past – growing up with an alcoholic, mentally ill mother whose unpredictable violence shaped his early years. The moment he shares how he broke his infant son's leg during a drunken fall down the stairs, still keeping the tiny cast as a reminder, the room feels charged with honest reflection.

What makes Wagner's testimony so powerful is that even at 82, he continues experiencing breakthrough healing moments. Just months before this recording, he had a profound realization about compassion for his mother that fundamentally changed how he processed decades-old trauma. "How could my children have any compassion for me if I don't have compassion for my mother?" he asks, revealing how this insight helped break generational cycles of pain.

Wagner doesn't sugar-coat recovery's challenges. He speaks candidly about the shame that plagued him and the professional help required to process his wounds. Yet his story sparkles with moments of synchronicity and higher power intervention that feel almost magical – like randomly meeting the son of a man who helped him decades earlier, or twice being saved from the Vietnam draft by the same medical condition and doctor.

The rewards of Wagner's 45-year sobriety journey shine brightest when he speaks of his children. The son whose leg he broke is now a respected Buddhism authority who spends quality time with his father. His other children have thrived despite the challenges of their early years. "I didn't fuck him up," Wagner says with wonder and gratitude about his son, "I did for a while, but he got over it."

Wagner leaves listeners with a powerful message about our inherent worth: "You are magnificent, and all mankind will be judged on its likeness to you." His testimony stands as evidence that no matter how broken we feel, healing is possible when we embrace recovery, seek help, and remain patient with the process. Subscribe now to hear more transformative stories of healing and hope.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone.

Valiant Living helps men and their families move from crisis to stability through clinically driven care, community, and hope.

Learn more about our programs at www.valiantliving.com
or call us confidentially at (720) 796-6885 to speak with someone who can help.

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Unlock the secrets to inner peace and present living in this engaging episode of the Valiant Living podcast! Join us as we dive into mindfulness, connecting with our true selves, and uncovering the transformative power of meditation. Our hosts guide you through personal journeys and explorations of various mindfulness practices that can easily be integrated into your daily routine. 

Discover how simple acts of awareness can drastically improve your mental health and emotional well-being. We discuss the common misconceptions about meditation and show how being present doesn't have to feel daunting. With insights from our wellness director, you’ll learn the significant benefits of mindfulness, from enhancing concentration to reducing stress. 

Stay tuned for a special guided morning meditation focused on gratitude, helping you set a positive tone for your day. This practice encourages awareness of the beautiful moments in life that we often overlook, reminding you to embrace each day with joy and intention. 

Let us invite you to embark on this journey of mindful living together. Whether you're new to mindfulness or seeking deeper clarity, our conversations are designed to educate, empower, and inspire you to live your best life. Tune in, and let’s cultivate peace and presence, one breath at a time. Be sure to subscribe, share with friends, and help us spread the message of hope and healing!

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone.

Valiant Living helps men and their families move from crisis to stability through clinically driven care, community, and hope.

Learn more about our programs at www.valiantliving.com
or call us confidentially at (720) 796-6885 to speak with someone who can help.

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Discover how spirituality can be a lifeline in the journey of recovery as we share powerful narratives of rebirth and transformation. This episode of the Valiant Living Podcast features Ryan, a dedicated leader within the Free Recovery Community. He opens up about his personal path to sobriety, which began on January 7th, 2013, and highlights the critical role that faith played in overcoming addiction. Alongside Ryan, I recount my own experiences as a United Methodist pastor struggling with alcohol addiction and the moment my wife's intervention propelled me towards a newfound clarity and purpose.

We navigate the complex tapestry of questioning faith during times of pain and crisis, emphasizing the importance of asking difficult questions in safe, supportive spaces. Through candid storytelling, we unravel the layers of shame, fear, and identity crises that often accompany addiction, illustrating how sharing these vulnerabilities can lead to profound healing. By drawing on biblical narratives and personal experiences, we explore how recovery mirrors the journey of the Prodigal Son, where unconditional love offers a homecoming for those who have lost their way.

Our conversation takes us on a journey of building and expanding recovery communities that prioritize belonging over belief. Through strategic partnerships with organizations like the Phoenix and CARE Colorado Artists in Recovery, we aim to create environments where individuals can find joy in sobriety through activities such as sober open mic nights and trauma-informed yoga. This episode is an invitation to view recovery as an ongoing process filled with grace and celebration, as we lay plans for launching ten new recovery communities in the next decade, starting with Chicago, and emphasizing the importance of service and presence in one's ongoing journey to wholeness.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone.

Valiant Living helps men and their families move from crisis to stability through clinically driven care, community, and hope.

Learn more about our programs at www.valiantliving.com
or call us confidentially at (720) 796-6885 to speak with someone who can help.

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After years of immersing himself in the world of professional sports, Glenn Hadley had to face the truth about his identity beyond the tennis court. His journey from a chicken farm in East Texas to the highest levels of professional tennis is more than just a tale of athletic triumph; it's a story of personal growth and self-realization. Join us as Glenn shares the profound challenges that come with being defined by a single identity and the transformative power of understanding oneself beyond achievements and titles.

Glenn's story takes an intriguing turn as he shares insights from a retreat where participants let go of their professional identities to forge authentic connections. Inspired by Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, Glenn explores the idea of honoring different facets of oneself, which allowed him to experience a newfound sense of freedom and self-acceptance. By acknowledging all parts of his identity, he discovered the importance of being present and the liberation that comes from genuine human interactions.

The episode concludes with an exploration of Glenn's path in recovery and self-discovery through frameworks like the 12-Step Fellowship and Alcoholics Anonymous. His journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, highlighting the shift from fear-driven living to intentional presence and contentment. Glenn’s involvement in a nonprofit promoting sobriety at raves further illustrates the power of community and support, offering a hopeful message for those on a similar path.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone.

Valiant Living helps men and their families move from crisis to stability through clinically driven care, community, and hope.

Learn more about our programs at www.valiantliving.com
or call us confidentially at (720) 796-6885 to speak with someone who can help.

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What happens when a life of perfectionism and control spirals into a battle with alcoholism? Join us as we explore this profound transformation with Sherry Young, a leader in addiction recovery who reveals her personal journey from unexpected addiction to inspiring resilience. Sherry recounts her pivotal moment attending her first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting after a series of car accidents, a step that marked the beginning of a life-saving recovery process. Her candid story offers a beacon of hope, emphasizing the power of surrender and community support for those facing similar struggles.

In a world where small business pressures can stifle creativity, Sherry and Michael's journey highlights the transformative power of collaboration. Discover how Sherry's introduction of Michael to a nationwide network of practitioners became vital for the survival of Valiant, redefining success in the private practice industry. Together, we unravel the need for a holistic approach to behavioral health, advocating for personalized treatment plans free from conflicts of interest. This episode envisions a future in recovery defined by grace, acceptance, and genuine connection, breaking away from rigid conventions and fostering a community committed to healing families and redefining recovery.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone.

Valiant Living helps men and their families move from crisis to stability through clinically driven care, community, and hope.

Learn more about our programs at www.valiantliving.com
or call us confidentially at (720) 796-6885 to speak with someone who can help.

Send us Fan Mail

Supporting loved ones in crisis is no easy feat, and in this thought-provoking episode of the Valiant Living podcast, I, Drew Powell, open up about my personal experience alongside special guest Jackie Brewster. We share the heartfelt journey of helping my wife, Jamie, through a tumultuous period of emotional turmoil while I was in rehab at Valiant Living. Jackie and her husband, Steven Brewster, were pillars of strength and compassion for Jamie, providing her with a safe haven when she needed it most. Our conversation dives into the crucial elements of creating a supportive environment, emphasizing the power of presence, neutrality, and undistracted communication.

Join us as we explore the profound role of personal boundaries, faith, and surrender in managing emotional stress. Jackie and I discuss the delicate art of maintaining healthy relationships amidst recovery by building trust and understanding past traumas. We highlight the immense value of holding space for friends and family, offering support without letting their struggles consume our own well-being. Personal experiences are shared, shedding light on overcoming feelings of disqualification and the transformative power of supportive relationships in one's healing journey.

Listeners are invited to discover how tools like the Enneagram and attachment theory can foster self-awareness and connection. We examine how these frameworks allow us to understand the motivations behind our behaviors and fears, paving the way for personal growth and deeper empathy in relationships. From exploring addiction and coping mechanisms to the dynamics of attachment, this episode is a testament to the mission of Valiant Living: uplifting individuals towards peace, freedom, and thriving lives. We encourage our audience to seek support, establish boundaries, and embrace the power of grace in their personal journeys.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone.

Valiant Living helps men and their families move from crisis to stability through clinically driven care, community, and hope.

Learn more about our programs at www.valiantliving.com
or call us confidentially at (720) 796-6885 to speak with someone who can help.

Send us Fan Mail

Seasoned marriage and family therapist Chris Anderson joins us for a compelling discussion on the multifaceted world of addiction and recovery. Chris, a pioneer in telehealth therapy specializing in process addiction and gambling, shares his journey from the bustling streets of Chicago back to his Texas roots. Discover how his early shift to virtual therapy has allowed him to reach and support individuals across the nation, offering a unique perspective on the benefits and challenges of this mode of counseling in a post-pandemic world.

Together with Chris, we unravel the intricate labyrinth of gambling addiction, where the lure of winning perpetuates a dangerous cycle unlike any other substance addiction. With personal anecdotes and professional insights, we explore the often-hidden nature of gambling's impact—not just on the individual but on their entire family. Uncover the devastating paradox gamblers face, believing that their next win might solve all their problems, and learn about the essential role of acknowledging and naming these struggles to commence true healing.

Gambling addiction also poses unique challenges to family dynamics, often leaving loved ones blindsided by financial catastrophes. We recount harrowing stories that highlight the severe repercussions of this hidden addiction and the emotional turmoil it inflicts on relationships. Chris and I emphasize the critical importance of community support networks like 12-step programs in navigating this treacherous path. As we spotlight the power of facing these issues head-on, we remind listeners that the heart of recovery lies in overcoming the very challenges that threaten to consume us.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone.

Valiant Living helps men and their families move from crisis to stability through clinically driven care, community, and hope.

Learn more about our programs at www.valiantliving.com
or call us confidentially at (720) 796-6885 to speak with someone who can help.