Understanding the Human Condition

Understanding the Human Condition

By J. Flowers Health InstituteAlternative HealthHealth & FitnessMental Health
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Understanding the Human Condition episodes

  • John Durie – The Business Of Serving People Through Hospitality & Wellness [Episode 63]

    John Durie is the President and CEO of Redstone Group, a Houston-based investment firm that owns and manages The Houstonian Hotel, Club, & Spa. Prior to joining Redstone five years ago, John served in various executive financial roles within the banking industry.

    Today, Dr. Flowers and John discuss the business of serving people through hospitality and wellness - both very different businesses but both at the heart of serving people. John updates us on the renovation of the Hotel, Club and Spa in 2022. Finally, John tells the audience about the mission, vision and values of his company and where they can go to learn more.

    Key Takeaways

    01:15 – John Durie joins the show to share the history of The Houstonian and

    07:20 – How John has trained his team to provide impeccable customer service

    09:07 – Working through the struggles of a global pandemic

    11:43 – The rich history of The Manor House and current renovations

    17:28 – Robin shares her own experiences visiting The Houstonian

    21:31 – John speaks to the beauty and uniqueness of the centerpiece of The Houstonian, the oak tree

    24:03 – Upcoming events that John is incredibly excited about

    29:57 – Dr. Flowers issues two inquiries about The Houstonian

    31:13 – Dr. Flowers thanks John for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can learn more about The Houstonian

    Tweetable Quotes

    “It was a real picture for me to see what we’re contributing to the city and to the lives of people to create an environment and a space for them to come and stay healthy.” (06:20) (John)

    “What I’ve learned at the Houstonian is that service is a mindset. It really is engrained. People that are successful, our staff members that are successful at the Houstonian have service ingrained in their DNA. I’ll even say hospitality is ingrained in who they are as a person.” (08:30) (John)

    “Two weeks ago, my oldest son got married and we had the reception at The Houstonian. And it was just an incredible weekend to be able to share what we do every day with my family and friends and future in-laws and everybody.” (19:08) (John)

    “I tell our PR people, ‘You’ve got a tough job because you need to make our members feel like the Houstonian is the most exclusive Club that there is. But you gotta make the community feel like The Houstonian is the most inclusive place on the planet.’ So that’s tough, but we do that very well.” (26:15) (John)

    Resources Mentioned


    JFlowers Health Institute – https://jflowershealth.com/

    JFlowers Health Institute Contact – (713) 783-6655

    Subscribe on your favorite player: https://understanding-the-human-condition.captivate.fm/listen


    John’s Email – [email protected]

    John’s Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jpdurie/

    John’s Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068475497816

    John’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-durie-7a53a727/

    Link to The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa – https://www.houstonian.com/

    The Houstonian Main Line – (713) 680-2626

    **The views and opinions expressed by our guests are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect those of J. Flowers Health Institute. Any content provided by our co-host(s) or guests are of their opinion and are not intended to reflect the philosophy and policies of J. Flowers Health Institute itself. Nor is it intended to malign any recovery method, religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

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    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:



    Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    34 min
  • Harold Owens And Jimmy Mooney - Becoming A Compassionate Human Being In A Graceless Age [Episode 62]

    Harold Owens and Jimmy Mooney met each other over twenty years ago through their individual journeys to recovery and hit it off from the very beginning. In fact, Harold even credits Jimmy with saving his life. Today, Harold and Jimmy reflect on their struggles with addiction and what led them both to work specifically in the addiction treatment field. They expound on the amazing gifts that they received and continue to receive from this journey to recovery and open up about the magic that lies within their friendship. Finally, Harold and Jimmy provide advice to those who are interested in pursuing a career in the field of addiction treatment and encourage them to be continual learners in their pursuit of this goal.


    Key Takeaways

    01:28 - Harold Owens and Jimmy Mooney join the show to share their unique friendship and the amazing gifts they received through recovery

    11:48 - Harold reflects on his own recovery and a career transition he recently underwent

    16:12 - Jimmy speaks to the power of being an organ donor

    18:37 - Struggles Jimmy had to overcome throughout his journey

    21:51 - The magic in Harold and Jimmy’s friendship

    23:21 - Advice Harold and Jimmy would give to those looking to enter into the recovery industry

    26:02 - Dr. Flowers thanks Harold and Jimmy for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can learn more


    Resources Mentioned

    JFlowers Health Institute – https://jflowershealth.com

    JFlowers Health Institute Contact – (713) 783-6655

    Subscribe on your favorite player: https://understanding-the-human-condition.captivate.fm/listen

    Harold’s Email - [email protected]

    Harold’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/harold-owens-b7514b12

    Jimmy’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-mooney-17423693


    **The views and opinions expressed by our guests are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect those of J. Flowers Health Institute. Any content provided by our co-host(s) or guests are of their opinion and are not intended to reflect the philosophy and policies of J. Flowers Health Institute itself. Nor is it intended to malign any recovery method, religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

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    Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast

    28 min
  • Neely And Doug Lyons - Healing Addiction Through A Holistic & Passionate Approach [Episode 61]

    Doug Lyons is the co-founder of Clere Consulting, an organization that works with families of means and prominence and a confluence of wealth, addiction and mental health concerns. Prior to founding Clere, Doug spent the last fifteen years with the Hazelden Foundation, finishing his career as the Director of Clinical Services. In an earlier role, he served as the Evaluation Directo, conducting and supervising over twenty-four hundred evaluations for physicians, lawyers and other high-profile figures. He is a highly sought after lecturer and speaker.


    Neely Lyons’ work includes serving as an Executive at the highest levels in all three branches of State government, including when she made history at the age of twenty-five to become the youngest ever elected Mississippi State Senator. Her Senate policy initiatives focused on the convergence of public health and public safety issues, such as drug control, mental health, addiction, domestic violence, and child protection services policies. While achieving professional success, Neely’s family was touched by addiction and mental health issues as well. Her unique 360 degree perspective, political life, professional engagement, and personal experiences complements the collective depth of Clere Consulting’s team, which she joined Clere in 2018.


    Today, Neely and Doug speak to how the world of addiction has impacted them and the inspirational work they are doing at Clere Consulting. Neely touches on how she collaborates with families and the specific processes utilized to ensure their loved ones get better. Doug expounds on his belief that systemic recovery comes from a multi-pronged approach that includes healing the mind, body and spirit. Finally, Neely and Doug reflect on the highlights and low points of their careers and speak to why passion is a critical component of their success.


    Key Takeaways

    01:25 – Neely and Doug Lyons speak to how they got involved in the world of addiction and the inspiring work they’re doing at Clere Consulting

    09:02 – Doug breaks down the specific process they utilize at Clere Consulting

    11:22 – Neely speaks to how she works with families at Clere

    13:46 – The power of collaboration

    14:32 – Doug explains why systemic recovery requires a multi-pronged approach of healing the mind, body, and spirit

    19:18 – Neely speaks to her involvement in the oversight of Sober Living Homes and what families should look for in Sober Living Homes

    22:54 – Neely and Doug reflect on the highest and lowest points of their careers

    30:32 – Dr. Flowers thanks Neely and Doug for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can learn more about Clere Consulting


    Resources Mentioned

    JFlowers Health Institute – https://jflowershealth.com/

    JFlowers Health Institute Contact – (713) 715-1618

    Subscribe on your favorite player: https://understanding-the-human-condition.captivate.fm/listen

    Doug’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-lyons-078b96b/

    Doug’s Contact Info – [email protected] 503-490-2273

    Neely’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/neely-carlton-lyons-jd-a411259b/

    Neely’s Contact Info – 601-720-8734

    Clere Consulting LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/clere-consulting/

    Clere Consulting Website – https://clereconsulting.com/

    Clere Consulting Contact – 866-384-8847


    **The views and opinions expressed by our guests are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect those of J. Flowers Health Institute. Any content provided by our co-host(s) or guests are of their opinion and are not intended to reflect the philosophy and policies of J. Flowers Health Institute itself. Nor is it intended to malign any recovery method, religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

    🎙️🎙️🎙️

    Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast

    33 min
  • John West - Addiction, Loss, And Easing Suffering [Episode 60]

    With a career spanning over ten years, John West has earned a name for himself as an international alcohol and drug Interventionist, Sober Companion and Crisis Manager, specializing in high-profile clients like celebrities, politicians, musicians, scientists, artists and executives.

    Today, John opens up to his dear friend Dr. Flowers about the loss of his father, his battle with drugs and alcohol, and how his personal recovery led him to find his true calling as a Sober Companion and Interventionist in the film and recovery industry, where he can help those who feel unable to share their pain because of their public image. John speaks to the criteria he looks for in a good Sober Companion and the work he and Judy Crane are doing at The Guest House.

    Key Takeaways

    01:22 – John West shares how his life has changed and his shifted perspective since becoming a father last October

    04:24 – John speaks to the incredible work he’s doing at Sober Companions

    06:58 – The criteria for a good Companion

    12:20 – The Guest House Ocala

    17:09 – John opens up about the loss of his father

    21:35 – John’s daily routine that sets him up for success

    24:10 – Dr. Flowers thanks John for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can connect with him

    Tweetable Quotes

    “I think one of the loneliest places to be is to be suffering in pain and not have somebody who understands.” (04:39)

    “At the heart of [The Guest House], what I wanted was, sort of selfishly, if I relapsed where would I go?” (15:13)

    “I think that abandonment or loss at a young age - like a father and son - felt like there was a crack in the universe and only other people who had lost a parent would understand. I tried to live up to him and followed into film, which was great. But then I found my own path and I know now that this is what I’m supposed to be doing. And it still is connected to film.” (19:35)

    “It’s wonderful to see somebody that’s at the top of their game in living excellence. And seeing that it is so inspiring.” (24:53)

    Resources Mentioned

    John West’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-west-11377187 

    Sober Companions Website – https://www.sobercompanions.com/ 

    The Guest House Contact Number – (352) 812-2780 

    The Guest House Toll Free Number – (855) 483-7800

    The Guest House Website – https://www.theguesthouseocala.com/staff_member/john-west/


    JFlowers Health Institute – https://jflowershealth.com/

    JFlowers Health Institute Contact – (713) 783-6655

    Subscribe on your favorite player: https://understanding-the-human-condition.captivate.fm/listen


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    Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast



    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:



    Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    29 min
  • Philip Lawrence - Making Music, Finding Peace And Joy Through Sobriety [Episode 59]

    Philip Lawrence is a songwriter, record producer and entrepreneur best known for his work with the songwriting and production team, The Smeezingtons, alongside Bruno Mars. Philip has won an impressive eight Grammy Awards for his work in the music industry. At the height of his success, and dealing with the challenges of superstardom as well as life on the road, Philip began an inward journey that began with his sobriety just over four years ago. His life looks very different than it did before, and what he has gained throughout this journey is newfound humility as well as a new design for living. Today, Philip opens up about his struggles with addiction and the moment he realized he needed to go into recovery. Philip speaks to his experience going through all of this as an African American and provides advice for others going through a similar situation. Finally, Philip reflects on how his vision of success has dramatically changed and why he believes his most creative years are yet to come.


    Key Takeaways

    01:12 – Phillip Lawrence shares what he learned from his inward journey to sobriety and accepting the truth

    08:49 – Philip opens up about his divorce

    11:37 – Advice Philip would give to artists that are struggling with addiction

    15:09 – Philip reflects on his experience being an African American in recovery and helping others in the African American community with recovery

    19:22 – The Artists in Recovery event that Philip performed at

    21:47 – Philip talks about the new TV show he will be hosting, Come Dance With Me

    24:10 – The highest and lowest points of Philip’s professional career

    29:59 – Parting words of advice from Philip

    32:09 – Dr. Flowers and Robin thank Philip for joining the show and let listeners know where they can follow him


    Tweetable Quotes

    “I think early on I began to use music as my identity. I began to think that that was who I was. And, as I look back on that now, I realize that A, that’s not who I am, it’s just what I do. And B, there is a false sense of validation as a performer and, in performing from such a young age, I became not only addicted to that but conditioned that, wherever I go, I’m gonna be applauded for it.” (05:42)


    “I think the biggest thing for me in life in general is just my awareness of the moment. My being present; my being where my feet are. And so, there’s a level of appreciation and gratitude that comes with, ‘Oh my goodness, look at what I get to do. Look at where I am. Look at the beautiful life that God has gifted me with.’” (14:27)


    “I realized that I had misdefined success. I was not successful. I thought I was. Success cannot be appreciated if you can’t enjoy it. You can’t call it success if that’s what’s happening.” (26:35)


    “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. That was a big one for me. I didn’t know how. Help is a phone call away. Check in with each other. Reach out to people that maybe you haven’t spoken to in a while. We all need confirmation that everything’s gonna be ok, despite what we’re going through. Reach out and lift someone up.” (30:11)


    Resources Mentioned

    JFlowers Health Institute – https://jflowershealth.com

    JFlowers Health Institute Contact – (713) 715-1618

    Subscribe on your favorite player: https://understanding-the-human-condition.captivate.fm/listen

    Philip’s Website – https://www.cmntyculture.com

    CMNTY Culture Twitter – https://twitter.com/CMNTYCulture

    34 min
  • MacKenzie Phillips - We Are Light, We Are Power, We Are Love [Episode 58]

    Mackenzie Phillips is an actor and artist best known for her roles in the 1973 movie American Graffiti, the 1975 sitcom One Day at a Time, and, most recently, her role as Barb on the hit Netflix drama Orange is the New Black. Today, Mackenzie takes Dr. Flowers and Robin through her experiences with chronic pain, addiction, and her journey to long-term recovery.


    Mackenzie opens up with incredible vulnerability about her relationship with her father and the trauma and abuse she suffered. She talks about forgiveness, self-care, and the amazing work she’s doing at Breathe Life Healing Centers. Mackenzie shares her deep love for animals and her own understanding of the human condition.

    Key Takeaways:

    01:47 – Mackenzie Phillips shares her experience with hyperalgesia and her journey to long-term recovery 

    12:22 – Mackenzie talks about her background as an actress and what led her to Breathe Life Healing Centers 

    20:05 – Working with and learning from the master, Kathleen Murphy 

    22:21 – Mackenzie opens up about her experience with generational trauma and her relationship with her father 

    28:32 – Orange is the New Black and other projects Mackenzie has on the horizon 

    31:07 – Jason, Robin, and Mackenzie share their love of dogs 

    32:36 – What Mackenzie does for self-care 

    34:29 – Mackenzie shares her understanding of the human condition 

    35:34 – Jason and Robin thank Mackenzie for joining the show and let listeners know where to follow her


    Resources Mentioned:

    JFlowers Health Institute – https://jflowershealth.com/ 

    JFlowers Health Institute Contact – (713) 783-6655

    Subscribe on your favorite player: https://understanding-the-human-condition.captivate.fm/listen

    Link to Breathe Life Healing Centers Website – https://breathelifehealingcenters.com/  

    Mackenzie’s Twitter – https://twitter.com/MackPhillips  

    Mackenzie’s Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mackphillips/  

    Mackenzie’s Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050576825643  

    Mackenzie’s Books

    • High On Arrival
    • Hopeful Healing


    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable.

    38 min
  • Leigh Steinberg - Winning In Sports And In Life With Integrity [Episode 57]

    In this episode, Dr. Flowers and Robin welcome to the show American sports agent and the inspiration for the titular character, Jerry Maguire, Leigh Steinberg. Leigh has represented over 150 professional athletes in football, baseball, basketball, boxing, and Olympic sports. He has represented the No. 1 pick overall in the NFL draft a record eight times, a milestone unmatched within the sports industry. His client list has included Steve Young, Troy Aikman, Warren Moon, Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas, Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Leinart, Ricky Williams, Howie Long, Dusty Baker, Oscar de la Hoya, and John Starks, to name just a few.


    Today, Leigh takes Dr. Flowers and Robin through his illustrious career, touching on some of the peaks and valleys as well as what has kept him motivated throughout the years. They discuss the art of active listening, the concept of winning with integrity, and the importance of having a plan and sticking to it consistently. Leigh opens up about his struggles with addiction as well as the work he’s done to help other athletes suffering from addictions of their own. Finally, Leigh speaks to a crisis of conscience he experienced mid-way through his career and what he did to ensure his work aligned with his values.


    Key Takeaways:

    02:09 – Leigh Steinberg shares his connection to the film, Jerry Maguire

    04:53 – Robin shares a quick rundown of Leigh’s accomplishments

    06:14 – Leigh expounds on the topics of his two books, Winning with Integrity and The Agent

    09:08 – The art of active listening

    11:57 – Core values and lessons Leigh learned from his father

    14:34 – The highest and lowest points of Leigh’s professional career

    16:32 – The secret to Leigh’s successful sobriety

    17:34 – Leigh’s work in Traumatic Brain Injury and brain health

    20:39 – Leigh speaks to his struggles with addiction and how he helps athletes suffering from addiction

    24:34 – Leigh shares his daily habits and routines

    26:54 – Leigh discusses his experience with Stem Cell implants

    28:58 – Advice Leigh would give to young men and women looking to pursue a career in sports agentry or other sports-related professionals

    32:20 – Leigh weighs in on the incredible success of Nick Saban

    32:53 – Dr. Flowers and Robin thank Leigh for joining the show and let listeners know where to follow him


    Resources Mentioned:

    JFlowers Health Institute – https://jflowershealth.com

    JFlowers Health Institute Contact – (713) 715-1618

    Subscribe on your favorite player: https://understanding-the-human-condition.captivate.fm/listen

    Leigh’s Website: https://steinbergsports.com/en

    Leigh’s Books:

    • The Agent
    • Winning with Integrity
    35 min
  • I Want To Sleep But My Brain Won’t Stop Talking To Itself With Dr. Mary Rose [Episode 56]

    In today’s episode Dr. Flowers and Robin chat with Dr. Rose about her passion working with those suffering from behavioral sleep disorders. Dr. Rose discusses the different sleep disorders, her specialization in CBT for insomnia, working with your prescribing physician to titrate off sleep aids, and how just because a medication is “over the counter” doesn’t mean it’s safe.



    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:



    Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    36 min
  • Changing Lives Through Fitness And Nutrition [Episode 55]

    In today’s episode, Dr. James Flowers, Robin French, David Banks and Theresa Maria Strong discuss the power of being a part of something—anything that challenges you to do (and be) better. David shares his passion for rowing while working on improving diversity in the sport of rowing and other areas. Theresa shares her success with Bel Inizio—the who, what and why of this important nonprofit organization.

    30 min

About Understanding the Human Condition

From the publisher's feed

In each episode of “Understanding The Human Condition”, Dr. Flowers and his most-admired mentors, respected colleagues and VIP guests, share valuable insight into underlying health causes, conditions and issues. These in-depth yet approachable episodes are a great resource for both private individuals and industry professionals.