Suzanne, co-founder of the Seek Purpose podcast, calls herself a "more-aholic".

Sobering up at the age of 23, Suzanne has not had a relapse, does not use any sort of drugs and has recovered from many other addictions: gambling, sex, smoking, food & spending, She describes this to Kathleen (Kathleen, the Sober Machine episode) & I as the Whack-A-Mole game. Once you think you're in the clear, bam! Another addiction pops up!

Suzanne has also written a book, Seeking Intimacy: Connecting Through Communication. Her husband is also in recovery, with 36 years to Suzanne's thirty years.

I loved having Kathleen on board as my co-host this week!

Hey.....Tyler Perry!

Here's a movie you need to direct! The road to recovery is definitely.. well.. let's just say we can't make this $h#t up!

Meet Diedre, a beautiful, glowing, funny-as-all-get-out amazing woman.

The coolest grandma on the block. A dedicated friend and sister.

I cannot describe her journey in recovery with words to do it justice.

*****

So I will summarize instead:

Growing up in South Central as a 16 year old prodigy who attended UC Berkley with the dream of becoming a lawyer;

fish dreams & Ronnie with the "good hair";

a thing with white powder and booze;

prostitution and the Southside Slayer / Grim Sleeper;

ending her job in "public relations" and becoming a homeowner.

****

Whew! And that's just the appetizer!😃 This is definitely an episode you will not want to miss!

special thanks to GUEST CO-HOST: Gabrielle (from episode 30)

Krystal first entered rehab at the age of 17. Like too many young adults, she couldn't truly accept that she might have a problem with alcohol. It wasn't until she was 23 that she became open to the idea.

With a Master's in Applied Behavioral Analysis, Krystal is also a fanatic about nutrition and fitness. We talk animatedly about the wonder of our bodies.

How amazing it can be when we take care of our bodies, minds and souls.

15 years of recovery have also made it possible for Krystal to be reunited with her 18 year old son.

My guest for this episode was the winner of The Retired Blackout Artist coffee mug drawing held in July. Brooke hosts a recovery podcast, Seek Purpose Now, and designs recovery apparel. In her spare time she's a videographer and oh, yeah...a mother to some beautiful children.

We discuss the link between eating disorders and substance abuse. Brooke herself severely restricted her calorie intake(known as anorexia nervosa) beginning at the age of 14, followed by drug and alcohol abuse at the age of sixteen.

For many, the two are closely linked. Food can be used like any drug or drink: it can quench the sadness, loneliness, _______. And like any other substance we can't get enough of, it can rule our world in an unhealthy manner.

We also talk about our recovery stories and with tears in her eyes, Brooke shares the devastation of her brother's death in addiction.

One of the blessings of being the host of The Retired Blackout

Artists podcast is the connection with the guests. The comfort we find talking to someone like ourselves. The feeling of not being alone in this world. And today didn't disappoint!

Amy lives in Pennsylvania. She and I met through social media. Often times, looking at your friends' pages and posts can seem a bit daunting. The perfectly groomed family on their oh-so fab trips. Catch my drift?

Social media has become a "highlight reel" where we attain to look perfect instead of letting our peers see us for who and what we really are: human.

Amy shares with me how she's staying sober during the pandemic, the new sober friends she's found and how her growing confidence while setting boundaries has been a freeing experience.

Don't forget..... #kindnesswins 😉

What if you gambled away over $6500 (5K pounds) in one evening? Would your spouse notice? Would the bill collector just "catch you next month"?

How would you feel internally, knowing you are out of control? That the money in your pocket was driving you mad?

Darren is not only the first Scottish guest, he's also the first recovering gambling addict on The Retired Blackout Artists podcast.

This episode is like so many to precede it because addiction IS addiction. You insert "gambling" where one might say "alcoholic" or "drug addict". It still leaves behind the feelings of despair, hopelessness and helplessness.

That is something we can relate to.

Sit back, relax and give it a listen.

Give us a follow if you like: Instagram, Twitter, FB and your favorite listening platforms.

And don't forget....#kindnesswins !

Macee is settling into her chair in as we get ready to record her episode. She is wearing her pumpkin sweater and talking about tattoo work she's having done later in the morning. This bright eyed young woman is ready to make her podcasting debut.

As a nature lover, living in Denver, Colorado is ideal for Macee and her boyfriend. But like any recovery story, it wasn't always rainbows and butterflies.

Macee grew up in an uncensored home. While her parents were loving, they didn't set strict rules. That's something Macee wishes hadn't been so and may have contributed to feelings of low self esteem.

We dive into the Alcoholics Anonymous program and the importance of finding a sponsor.

When asked about one of the challenges she's faced in recovery, Macee replies "Pause, Pray, Proceed. I have impulse issues. I have to stay very self aware."

While in recovery, Macee has been able to launch her own business, 2 Ugly Dogs (found on Instagram and Facebook).

If you find you're struggling with addiction, Macee is here to help. You can find her on Instagram @macee.hicks .

Las Vegas native Tiffany had to endure hell in the form most of us have not.

While listening to this episode, you will hear about drug use, death of a child, toxic and abusive relationships and sex.

Through sobriety, Tiffany has found a way to forgive herself. She has emotional freedom and practices meditation.

She has been given the gift to co-parent with a caring and respecting man in recovery himself. Life is never perfect for any of us.

But Tiffany has finally found her "happily ever after".

Dorothy, we're not in Kansas anymore!

Starting his sober journey at the ripe age of 62, Dale from Canyon Country, CA. took suggestions from anyone with more sobriety than himself, including a 14 year old.

Find the meaning of the yellow brick road as we explore the early years through that moment Dale had the rope around his neck and whispered, "God help me".

I hope you'll fall in love with this delightful, charming man as I have.

My guest this episode lives near the country music capital of the world..... Nashville, Tennessee!

Kristen is not only an actress and fashion model (yes, she's walked NYC fashion week!), she is also an aspiring novelist. And what's more....she's a Kansas City Chiefs football fan!

Kristen has a recovery date of February 26, 2020. She discusses how trauma fed her alcoholism which then fed her anxiety and depression.

One thing that frustrates her is drinking alcohol is viewed as the norm.

"I wish it were more normalized to simply choose sobriety."

When asked what she would say to the younger version of herself, Kristen replied that she'd have let go of trying to please everyone and realize she is enough.

"Sobriety has given me so much, but being able to be a better role model is something that I do not take for granted."