Picture a world where every individual's suffering is truly recognized and understood by others across the globe. This might seem like a dream, but with the power of information age, we're closer than you think. As we examine the Israel-Gaza conflict, we promise you'll gain a new perspective, moving beyond political affiliations to see the shared human suffering that lies at the core of this issue. Drawing from Unraveling 39: No Exit, a podcast episode featuring Jocko and Darrell Cooper, we venture into the depths of this complex conflict.

Does carrying a grudge really lead to happiness? We don't think so. In fact, we believe that true joy stems from living a righteous life. Drawing parallels to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, we reflect on the role of the younger generation in shaping these longstanding issues and how understanding and redemption are key to personal growth. Whether it's a vendetta between nations or a squabble with your neighbor over rug damage, we'll explore how humility and understanding can help resolve any dispute. 

This episode isn't just about global conflicts and personal growth, it's also a celebration of the journey to sobriety. With my 20th anniversary celebration around the corner, we invite you to join us at the Greenwood Group's  Room Park Slope for an evening of reflection and gratitude. The path to sobriety can be a tough one, but by embracing the struggles and the growth that comes with it, we can all gather strength from each other's experiences. Tune in for an episode filled with insightful discussions, personal reflections, and shared resilience.

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Have you ever wondered about the deep-rooted origins of the tension that seems to engulf the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Or perhaps questioned the role of the US in this ongoing war, and how our relationships with Muslim and Middle Eastern friends might influence our understanding of it? In today's episode, we tackle these intricate issues, bringing to light aspects of this conflict that rarely make it into mainstream conversation. 

We take a deep dive into the power dynamics at play, peeling back layers to reveal the stark imbalance between the Israeli government's sophisticated defense systems and the comparatively disadvantaged Palestinian side. We evaluate allegations of human shields and the disproportionate responses in similar situations by the US. We'll also venture into an emotionally charged discussion about the impact of this conflict on civilians, especially the children who make up more than half of Gaza's population. 

To wrap up, we'll navigate the delicate waters of the possible effects of the Abraham Accords, the UAE's potential recognition of Israel, and the broader implications these could have on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We'll conclude with an important reminder: to not forget our shared humanity, to not persecute people for the sins of their forefathers, and to spread love in all that we do. Prepare yourself for a thought-provoking exploration of conflict, humanity, and hope.

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Step into a time capsule as we fire up and head straight back to the vibrant 90s music scene, with grunge, hip-hop, and alternative rock setting the pace. Get ready to jam as we wax nostalgic about iconic bands like Sound Garden, Pearl Jam, and Chili Peppers, and delve into a time when the Wu Tang Clan ruled the hip-hop scene. From the hard-hitting beats of the Wu Tang Clan to the laid-back appeal of a good cigar, we're about to embark on a trip down memory lane.

Switching gears from 90s nostalgia, we move to some hard-hitting topics. As we dissect a recent open house for prospective RISD students, we notice the stark lack of diversity. We grapple with the silent struggle of self-harm, as seen through a student with self-harming badges, and the judgment they attract. We also delve into the uphill battle faced by working artists, highlighting the importance of understanding how to build a business, not just creating art. 

The final leg of our journey takes us to a concealed carry permit class, a space that prompted us to reflect on the attitudes and motivations around gun ownership. The aim isn't just to understand the laws and regulations around gun ownership, but to grasp the implications of such a choice. We wrap up this episode with a discussion about Jared Kushner, reflecting on his humility in discussing his father's criminal past and the business acumen that has fueled his success. Be prepared for some serious talk and a good dose of nostalgia, all in the same episode.

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Imagine walking a mile in the shoes of a man who's had a turbulent journey through addiction and recovery. That's the experience we bring to you today. Join us as we sit down with our guest, Alan, a man who transitioned from a simple life in Minneapolis to a complicated one in Brooklyn, New York. You'll hear about his childhood, the culture shock of college life, and the introduction to alcohol that would become a life-altering addiction.

Alan's path was far from smooth. He shares about the dual life he lived, the hidden alcoholism, and how his fear and jealousy led him to extremes. His life spiraled out of control, affecting his relationships and leading to a painful divorce. Alan's story takes a turn when a friend introduces him to a 12-step program. You'll learn about the unpredictable surprises he encountered along the way, like his brother's humorous approach to recovery and the unexpected spiritual experiences that changed his perspective.

But the journey doesn't end there. Alan's story of recovery, of rebuilding relationships, and facing the fears that once held him captive is nothing short of inspiring. He speaks of the importance of a supportive network, the courage to confront his feelings head-on, and the profound relief he found on the other side of addiction. A tale of transformation, redemption, and the human spirit, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

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Are you finding it hard to stay committed to your goals? You're not alone. We're uncovering the raw truth about commitment in our recent episode of Sober Experience. We talk about the hurdles in setting goals and maintaining the promise to oneself. It's a battle against negative mindsets and procrastination, but we firmly believe in the power of self-awareness. Drawing from our own experiences, we discuss how having a platform to share can help us progress. 

Making a change - it sounds simple, right? But it’s anything but that. We delve into the arduous yet rewarding process of self-accountability. We shed light on how our actions can sometimes lead us into a cycle of guilt and shame, and how consistently reflecting on our behavior can lead to profound growth. No sugar-coating - we use the real-life example of a woman from our program to illustrate the struggles and triumphs of this journey. 

But, we're not stopping there. We also explore how our past can cast a shadow on our present. Our past experiences can shape our world views, and breaking away from these patterns can be challenging. We discuss how we can use these experiences as stepping stones towards personal growth. Lastly, we touch upon the importance of community. It takes courage to reach out when we need support, and we can't stress enough the power of doing so. So, join us, connect, and remember, it's okay to love yourself.

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When darkness clouded our lives through a family medical emergency, the rays of faith and gratitude pierced through, showing us the miracles at work. This episode explores how our resilience and trust in a higher power helped us navigate the harrowing ordeal. We shed light on addiction and alcoholism, highlighting the lessons learned and the tools acquired that have fortified us in life's constant battle. 

Taking you on a journey through the complex world of handling disputes, setting boundaries, and saying 'no', we share some unparalleled experiences from our rug and carpet business. We reflect on the power of understanding and humility in resolving conflicts and improving communication, both personally and professionally. The significance of trusting your intuition and remaining firm with your policies is something we delve into while discussing the challenges of working with customers who try to haggle for lower prices.

We end this episode with a heartwarming tale of the profound impact of being there for someone in need. The power of kindness, compassion, and being non-judgmental can never be overstated, and we emphasize this through our story. Wrapping up, we celebrate the miracles in our lives, drawing from the experience of my wedding day – a day that was everything I could have hoped for and more. We hope our stories inspire you to recognize and surrender to the miracles in your own life.

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Buckle in, as we embark on an emotional journey where we take a detour down memory lane and revisit personal milestones — starting off with the giddiness of my recent wedding. We share a laugh or two about how my parents devoured all the cake and left none for me, and how my son's heartfelt speech became a poignant reminder of the love people around us have to offer. But it's not all fun and games, as we also tackle the realities of comfort versus personal growth and expectations. 

As the journey progresses, we delve into the unexplored territories of leadership and personal responsibility — examining how a failure is, in reality, an opportunity to learn and grow. We then venture into the spiritual realm, discussing the power of faith and its ability to inspire, unite, and motivate. We ponder on our personal morality, learning to recognize and understand our internal struggles, and how to use that knowledge to build a stronger moral compass.

The episode culminates as we revisit a previous episode and reflect on the challenges of embracing our true selves. As we navigate the labyrinth of honesty with ourselves and others, we use our past experiences as teaching moments. This episode is a woven tapestry of personal anecdotes, life lessons, and reflections, meant to stimulate thought, inspire, and motivate. Join us, as we explore these themes and make sense of our experiences and the world around us.

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Ever wondered what it’s like to emerge from the grips of addiction and reconstruct your life? Join us as we sit down with Liz, who vividly shares her journey from the rough streets of 70s and 80s Brooklyn, through the depths of substance use, to her triumphant recovery. Liz's experiences, both harrowing and uplifting, shed light on the courage it takes to overcome personal obstacles and thrive.

Through engaging storytelling, Liz recounts her early years, marked by feelings of inadequacy and a resulting struggle with addiction. She takes us down memory lane, from her first encounter with marijuana at 19 to her descent into harder substances. Liz also gives us a glimpse into her battle to reclaim her life, which included learning basic life skills like money management, letting go of her ego, and finding balance. This episode is honest, raw, and a testament to Liz’s indefatigable spirit.

We wrap up the conversation on a hopeful note, as Liz reflects on her journey of self-discovery and acceptance. She reveals the moment she realized her problem wasn't just with drugs and alcohol, but with her own self-destructive thoughts and behaviors. Her story is a powerful reminder that we are more than our addictions and that recovery, though challenging, is possible. So tune in, get inspired, and witness the joy and triumph of overcoming addiction from a woman who's been there and emerged victorious.

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As I take a deep breath, standing just five days away from my wedding, I can't help but reflect on the journey that brought me here. From the single life to being on the precipice of marital bliss, it's been an incredible ride. In the midst of the excitement and preparations, I'm also eagerly anticipating my son’s arrival to be my best man. However, life’s not without its surprises—an accident deterring my son's fiancée from attending the wedding is a poignant reminder of that. 

Ever wondered how to navigate the complexities of relationships? Join me as we explore the trials and victories of finding love and nurturing genuine connections. I candidly share my experiences of surrendering to the process of a relationship and realizing the profound value of being together. But this episode isn't just about me—it's about you, our listeners. I'm thrilled to share that our humble podcast has touched hearts from the United States to Tanzania, and it's time to celebrate this milestone. This episode is set to be a token of our appreciation for your unwavering support.

A highlight of this episode is sharing the lifelong lessons from my father about the significance of doing right and staying humble. These lessons hold a mirror to my own journey of parenting, teaching, and understanding self-worth. The importance of having a support network and the strength in vulnerability are also themes we delve into. As we wrap up, I can't wait for our upcoming chat with my friend Liz. Stay tuned as this sobering experience continues to unfold, and remember, this journey is one we're embarking on together.

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https://www.youtube.com/@TheSoberExperience

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Have you ever wondered how one grapples with the entwined complexities of growing up in rural America and struggling with addiction? Meet Otis, a friend and guest on our podcast, who shares his riveting journey from a small village in Vermont, through the throes of alcoholism and onto the path of recovery. His story begins in an idyllic setting that soon reveals the harsh realities of absentee fatherhood and a family under the grip of addiction. 

Otis gives us a peek into his fascination with alcohol, a fascination that quickly spiraled into a dangerous dependency. We journey through his college years, where he straddled academics and habitual drinking, setting the stage for a self-destructive path. His post-graduation leap into the unknown lands him in Peru and marks the beginning of a transformative journey. As he transitions from a secure job to freelancing, Otis walks us through how he masked his addiction with the veneer of success and ambition.

The climax of Otis's story unfolds as he opens up about his battle with alcoholism. He recounts the pivotal moments that led him to recognize and confront his addiction - from harrowing experiences of drunk driving to the emotional realizations at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. His journey to sobriety is not linear nor easy, but through self-acceptance, validation, and the support of his sponsor, Otis shares how he found hope and redemption. Join us as we delve into this powerful narrative of resilience and recovery.

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https://www.youtube.com/@TheSoberExperience

See you on the flipside !!