From struggling with addiction starting at a young age, to relapse after relapse, Paul found that only by completely surrendering, could he overcome addiction. Through using tools and consistently working on mind, body, and spirit, Paul realized that despite pain, defeat, and loss, he was empowered in his decisions. Paul joins us today to share his story and discuss what tools and techniques have helped him while in active recovery.

Paul Leafstedt co-founded a treatment center in California with 4 other partners. Paul is now the founder and Executive Director of Healing Pines Recovery, a residential treatment center in Elizabeth, Colorado. He is a loving, grateful father and husband and an advocate for freedom in recovery and is continuing his journey in the field of addiction by helping others on the path of recovery.

Guest Speaker - Paul Leafsted

Bryce Givens

Michael Maassel joins us today to share her story beginning with her first taste of alcohol at 13 to her decades-long battle with alcoholism and addiction. Michael shares the sacrifices within her family relationships and how she resolved to seek treatment. Michael recounts how recovery is a choice every day, and much like running a race, it is a battle a mile at a time, and a minute at a time.

Michael is living her motto daily of sharing the “message of recovery” by helping others on their journey to recovery. Michael is currently an Alumni and the Director of Recovery Support Services for The Harmony Foundation. She is also the host of Unfiltered Recovery and Monday State of Mind podcasts where she pushes the limits on the conversation revolving around recovery with her guests.

Guest Speaker - Michael Maassel:

Bryce Givens:

• Instagram

After crashing into her friend's yard while under the influence on Christmas of 2013, Sasha Walden realized something needed to change. Sasha joins Thriving in Recovery today to share her story of addiction and how second chances from others made the biggest difference in her active recovery journey.

In honor of her late husband, Christopher Walden, Sasha is active on the Board of Directors for the Christopher Walden House of Hope. Sasha is active in the recovery community and is currently pursuing certification as a substance abuse RN to work in treatment centers. Sasha has been clean and sober since December 27th, 2013, and chooses to be in active recovery daily.

Guest Speaker - Sasha Walden

Bryce Givens: 

Episode Show Notes:

Christopher Walden Foundation of Hope 

On the morning of January 7, 2013, Ryan Canaday finally surrendered and began to shift his mindset with his addiction. Ryan shares his story from becoming sober through the 12-step program to continuing to be involved in the recovery community in Denver. 

Rev. Ryan Canaday continues to serve as Lead Pastor and Executive Director of FREE Spiritual Community in Denver, Colorado. FREE is a recovery community for Addicts, Loved Ones of Addicts, and Spiritual Refugees. Ryan and his wife, Tami, founded FREE in 2018 to break the silence of addiction and create space for healing, recovery, and spiritual connection. Ryan is active in recovery and has been sober since January 7, 2013.

Guest Speaker - Ryan Canaday

Website: FreeSpiritualCommunity.com 

Instagram: @rycanaday @FreeSpiritualCommunity  

Facebook: Ryan Canaday Free Spiritual Community

Bryce Givens:

• Instagram

Episode Show Notes:

Natasha Crabtree joins us today to talk about what happened after hitting her rock bottom, and what resources have helped her heal and grow. From starting drugs at an early age to having her first child a week after high school graduation to going to jail several times, Natasha shares her victories and challenges in rebuilding her life from addiction. 

Natasha, now a proud mother of 5, owns a successful hair salon and is passionate about helping other women feel confident. She aspires to continue giving back by sharing her experience, strength, and hope with others on their recovery journey and hopes to build more resources for sober living.

Guest Speaker: Natasha Crabtree

Bryce Givens:

Charlie Mills joins us today as he shares his story of addiction and recovery. As a certified Tony Robbins coach, Charlie shares his powerful insights from many years battling addiction to his 18 years in recovery.

From living in a constant state of emotional discomfort, Charlie turned to vehicles, which began to eat away at his life. Robbed of his career and relationships, Charlie correlates how lack of discipline drove him back to old habits. Charlie shares the idea that only by becoming teachable and productively channeling motivators was he able to reach a true definition of recovery. Through his resolve, Charlie was able to tour with Billy Idol without relapse and began giving back by becoming a coach and contributing to others’ recovery journeys. 

Join Justin and Bryce as they dive into Charlie’s story as he shares how shifting mindset can lead to powerful results.

Guest Speaker - Charlie Mills:

• Reach out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NewJerseyRecoveryAdvocates

Bryce Givens:

• Instagram

Episode Show Notes:

New Jersey Recovery Advocates: 

www.facebook.com/NewJerseyRecoveryAdvocates

www.newjerseyrecoveryadvocates.org

Tony Robbins Coaching:

www.tonyrobbins.com

When addiction brought him to his knees, Cody took counsel from a mentor who told him to “do what you’re told”. For the first time in his life, he listened. This advice kickstarter Cody’s recovery journey where he devoted himself to expanding his spirituality.

Cody shares the story of his world travels, connecting to his spiritual self, and how he began serving others on the journey of recovery. Through his experiences, Cody found that recovery has added happiness and joy to his life.

Living by his motto “good things are coming,” Cody has been in recovery since 2006 and has worked in the treatment industry for 15+ years. Cody now helps others in the recovery process by consulting for treatment centers all across the nation. True North Recovery Services is a licensed outpatient treatment center that Cody consulted with co-host of Thriving In Recovery, Bryce Givens.

Guest Speaker - Cody Gardner

Justin Harris

Bryce Givens

John Egan joins us today to share his story of recovery. From having the seemingly “perfect” childhood, John shares his struggles with how what is shown on paper may not always be the whole story. John shares with us his journey with drug addiction, living on the streets, his time as a sex worker, and the difference between perception and behavior.

Join Justin and Bryce as they interview John about his story, struggles, and recovery journey beginning with finding strength from others who share his story.

Bryce Givens: Instagram

Thriving in Recovery Podcast is dedicated to sharing stories of recovered and thriving individuals to empower others on their own path of recovery.

Find more resources and learn more about our recovery residences homes and IOP services:

truenorthrecoveryservices.com

elevaterecoveryhomes.com