In this deeply honest episode of Ask Kati Anything, guest Jared Craft shares valuable insights into overcoming his ego, financial fears, and the lifelong work of surrendering control. Jared opens up about his journey through addiction and recovery - He details how growing up closeted in a conservative town fostered a deep-seated need for external validation and people-pleasing. He discusses his corporate career at Google and YouTube and the subsequent struggles with exercise addiction and substance abuse, which ultimately led to a dramatic family intervention. This is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand the true gift of recovery and how to finally let go of control for personal and professional growth.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction: Jared Craft

01:42 - Living for external validation in his 20s

02:20 - Growing up closeted in a conservative Minnesota town

03:36 - The early desire for external success and people-pleasing

04:44 - The unexpected process of coming out

07:06 - Moving to LA and the start of deeper addiction struggles

10:29 - The Lance Bass photos

11:09 - The conversation with his sister and parents about his sexuality

18:37 - The Intervention that forced him into his first rehab stint at 24

20:09 - The misconception about what recovery was

23:40 - Sobriety, relapse, and the key difference the second time around

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Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ

If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support.

26:46 - What is an Inventory? (Self-check for resentment, fear, and harm)

29:29 - The deep-rooted fear of financial trauma and scarcity

32:39 - The Set Aside Prayer for walking into conflict or anxiety

33:58 - Getting over prejudices about the word 'God' and finding a Higher Power

40:32 - The 'Whack-a-Mole' nature of control and addiction

41:49 - Advice for someone who is Day One Sober

42:53 - The Gifts of Recovery

44:48 - How fear of losing clients resulted in poor boundaries

48:03 - Intimate relationships as the current area for growth

51:37 - Jared's next steps: Overcoming the fear of change

Ask Kati Anything ep. 289 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Jared is on TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/@jcraft

MAIN YOUTUBE CHANNEL www.youtube.com/@Katimorton

MY BOOKS

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j

Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY

ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month)

While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati

PARTNERSHIPS

Nick Freeman | [email protected]

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship.

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