Unpause Your Life

My guest on this episode is Michael Venn. Michael is a director, writer, producer and content creator whose background in music led him into the film world. He made his writing and directorial debut in 2010 with the short film “Dark Scribbles”, which premiered in the short film corner at the 2010 Festival De Cannes and was an official selection at film festivals across the country.

In 2012, Michael went on to produce and co­-direct the award-winning feature documentary “In Danger of Being Discovered”. In 2014, he wrote and directed a series of 4 music videos for the Grammy Ballot nominated singer/songwriter Lizzy Marella. He was nominated for a regional Emmy® at the 39th Boson/New England Emmy Awards for the PSA “It’s Time. Let’s Talk.” in 2017 Michael won the New Hampshire Filmmaker of the year award at the New Hampshire Film Festival.

Michael’s current project is the feature documentary film “The Heroin Effect” (Now available on Amazon, iTunes and GooglePlay), which was inspired by the opioid crisis that is currently plaguing the country.

The Heroin Effect (blog post excerpt) -

"I am not an addict. I am not in recovery. I don't have a personal connection to the opioid crisis, or at least that's what I thought before the production of The Heroin Effect. Three and a half years ago I started filming a documentary film about the opioid epidemic. And that process changed not only my perception of a disease, but it also made me want to create a film that would do the same for others by letting the characters in the film share their stories in their own words."

This is an amazing film, unlike any other which focuses on the current addiction crisis. I highly recommend this fantastic piece of work!

Visit the Unpause Your Life site for the full post and more details:
https://unpauseyourlife.com/52

For more information on Michael Venn:

https://theheroineffect.com

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MichaelSVenn
https://twitter.com/theheroineffect

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/michael.venn
https://www.facebook.com/TheHeroinEffect/

LinkedIn:
https://linkedin.com/in/michaelvenn/

More info - http://unpauseyourlife.com

Sponsored by:
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Coaching & Intervention Training: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/

Music courtesy of Crowfly - http://crowflyrocks.com/

Unpause Your Life with Dr. Cali Estes
https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/unpause-your-life/

My guest is the celebrated musician, Jam Alker. After touring and playing in a successful rock band, the rockstar lifestyle eventually caught up to him. Once he found heroin, Jam put his guitar down for over a decade. Eventually, after he came to the conclusion that drugs weren’t his problem, but only covering the real problem that was lying dormant, he started to make positive strides in the right direction. And his desire to play music came back.

Since then he has released a solo album, Sophrosyne. He is involved in the recovery community and continues to speak about and teach the positive properties of music. This interview with Jam is a great introduction to the subject of music for recovery purposes, as well as the life of a man who is recovering despite the desperation of hitting rock-bottom many years ago. Listen along.

A Musician First
Jam talks about how he was a musician first and foremost before he began to experiment with drugs. Music was a great outlet for expression; it did wonders for him. But as he states during the interview, “it worked until it didn’t.”

Growing up in his teens and wanting to devote his life to music, Jam had a limited understanding of what being a successful musician meant. Chasing the ‘rockstar’ persona, he admits that his addiction was always present, it was just manifesting itself in different ways: through his ego, his anger, and so forth.

To hear this segment in Jam’s own words, tune in.

Real Estate, Record Label, and Recording Studio
Jam started making a decent amount of money while he was a musician. He was involved in some real estate, a record label, and owned his own recording studio.

In addition to his other pursuits, he was drinking and doing drugs; it was just a part of the lifestyle. It was normal. As he says, the only time quitting is ever possible is when things start to seem unmanageable. While you are touring in a rock band and are still functioning fine, the lifestyle seems sustainable during the day-by-day happenings. And then suddenly it catches up with you. Once the cash came in, his lifestyle of addiction and compulsion only continued. Eventually, though, the party had to stop.

Trying To Fill The Void
He was well on his way to become a millionaire musician. He had performed in fronts of screaming fans. But the hole inside of him was still prominent and just as large as it had always been. He was miserable and turned to the one thing that he found could actually numb that misery: heroin. For more on the events that led to his turning to heroin, listen along.

An Exemplar For The Recovering Community
There is pressure in being labeled as a musician who is in recovery; the community looks to Jam for additional support and guidance. And although there can be pressure, Jam says he loves it because it keeps him focused and holds him to a standard. He is in the position to reach out to a lot of different people who are struggling with addiction and will keep pursuing those aims.

Music is Medicine
Jam is involved with Music is Medicine, which is a non-profit that centers on showing the healing properties of music. Basically, the organization is focused on showing how music can become a part of an addict's recovery. Through benefit concerts with educational information, resources, and peer-to-peer recovery examples throughout, the musical events are a platform that brings everyone together through music. This platform is great because it is a way to deliver information to people that might otherwise have never gotten it. For more information listen along.

Strategic Playlists For Positive Triggers
Jam talks about how during his work with recovering addicts, music is used to frame the mindsets of those who might be triggered to take drugs again. Because music can be so powerful and elicit emotional responses like empathy, understanding, and so forth, the playlists that are made can be strategic tools used to keep recovering addicts on the right path. The moment they start to stray, the music can bring them back. For more, listen along!

Recovery Unplugged
Jam talks about his involvement with the organization and just how important experiential therapy is through the immersion of music. He reminds listeners not to ask “why the addiction?” But instead, to ask, “why the underlying pain?” For more on this powerful interview, tune in. And be sure to check out the links below to learn more about Jam and his efforts.

Key Links And References
Jam's Website - https://www.jamalker.com/
Jam's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thejamagram/
Recovery Unplugged - https://www.recoveryunplugged.com/

Music included in this episode:
Song: Junkyard
Artist: Jam Alker
Album: Sophrosyne
Licensed to Unpause Your Life and Dr. Cali Estes by Jam Alker

More info - http://unpauseyourlife.com

Sponsored by:
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Coaching & Intervention Training: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/

Music courtesy of Crowfly - http://crowflyrocks.com/

Unpause Your Life with Dr. Cali Estes
https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/unpause-your-life/

My guest Chellie Campbell has helped countless people with her Financial Stress Reduction® Workshops and is the best-selling author of The Wealthy Spirit, Zero to Zillionaire, and From Worry to Wealthy. In addition to her game-changing contributions to the financial industry, she is a past president of the Los Angeles Chapter of NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) and was Los Angeles District SBA Women in Business Advocate. Chellie focuses on working with clients to provide a balance between taking a risk and being financially responsible; she promotes financial literacy for everyone. This is just the tip of the iceberg though; listen along and soak up everything she has to say. Her advice is invaluable.

Not As Easy As You Think
To start, Chellie talks a little bit about how seemingly impossible writing a book seemed to her. Her clients had affirmed her ability to teach and convey considerable wisdom on financial matters, but they wanted her advice in book form. After struggling with the prospect of writing a book, she found the structure for The Wealthy Spirit that she wanted to utilize and did so with aplomb. The rest is best selling history.

Positive Affirmations
Chellie also states that for many people, the logical progression to financial success starts with the law of attraction and then the law of action. This means that positive thinking will ultimately spur the kinds of activities that are conducive to success. One wouldn’t expect an interview to go well when one’s mind has already determined a negative result. But there is also a limit to just how effective positive affirmations can be! Positive affirmations are very important to frame a successful action; but, as Chellie states, you can sit at a piano and make affirmations for hours--eventually, though, you will have to practice to get any good at playing.

Send Out Ships
Another key aspect of the episode is Chellie breaks down the importance of her famous saying: “send out ships.” Take positive actions in personal life and professional life. Don’t just send emails, but instead, call clients. Reach out to people and put positivity out into the world. She also breaks down the historical meaning of the phrase. It comes from a 19th-century instance where London merchants would load up their ships with provisions and send them out on yearlong endeavors with no means for communication. It would take a while, but eventually, their ship would come in, treasure and all! And so, she tells her friends, colleagues, and clients that you must send out a lot of ships. Ultimately, you will reap the rewards.

For much more, including poker, Chellie’s new program coming in February, taking risks, and plenty of other useful tidbits, listen along. You won’t want to miss it!

How to Connect with Chellie:
Chellie’s Phone Number: 310-476-1622

Email Address: [email protected]

Business Website URL: http://www.chellie.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Chellie.Campbell
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/chelliecampbell
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChellieCampbell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chellie-campbell

For various podcast episodes with Chellie as guest: https://www.chellie.com/downloads/

More info - http://unpauseyourlife.com

Sponsored by:
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Coaching & Intervention Training: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/

Music courtesy of Crowfly - http://crowflyrocks.com/

Unpause Your Life with Dr. Cali Estes
https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/unpause-your-life/

In this episode, guests Joe Turner and Stephen Swisher share their strategic approach to addiction treatment and recovery--one cup of coffee at a time. As the owner of Happy People Coffee Company (and a veteran coffee artisan to boot), Stephen Swisher teamed up with the founder of Recovery Champions, Joe Turner, to roll out their Recovery Coffee.

Coffee Treatment
Knowing the copious amounts of coffee that are consumed at treatment centers during an average attendee’s time spent in recovery, both Joe and Stephen knew they could make a difference by supplying high-quality coffee to each center. They also wanted to provide alternatives for recovering addicts who find themselves consuming sugary drinks and unhealthy foods after the 10:00 AM coffee cut-off time.

Focus on Nutrition
In addition to making the highest quality Recovery Coffee, they provide teas and sports drinks, as well as focus on nutrition and education to supplement the positive recovery habits they instill in participants. They really are making considerable strides in replacing the well-worn treatment center approach towards beverages and foods.

Worth it
Also, you can taste the love and quality with each cup of Recovery Coffee: both of them understand the need for absolutes and things to look forward to during the difficult road to recovery. Waking up and finding adequate motivation to tackle the program work and stay focused on treating addiction is much easier when the day has been started with an excellent cuppa joe. And during the interview, it is said that weak coffee is one of weakest links in treatment centers around the nation.

Recipe for Success
As Stephen Swisher states, most treatment centers offer weak coffee and then feed members high-carb, sugary foods. About 10:00 AM, most crash and want to go back to bed. That’s hardly a recipe for success. And so, Stephen and Joe will continue to supply the proper fuel to help everyone looking to recover from his or her addictions.

For much more, tune into this episode. It is awesome stuff!

How to Connect with Joe and Stephen:
Recovery Coffee / Happy People Coffee Website: http://happypeoplecoffee.store/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/happypeoplecoffeeco/

Joe’s Phone Number: (859) 707-3864

Best Email Address: [email protected]

Recovery Warriors Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/191599614670097/?source_id=286793408429657

Recovery Champions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/big_joe_recovery_champion/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joedt7074
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoVTw-BLurOInrRKMka4R8g

Joe’s LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-turner-ncacip-ncrc-1b9180128/

More info - http://unpauseyourlife.com

Sponsored by:
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Coaching & Intervention Training: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/

The Functional Psychology Pro - Natural Solutions to Mental Health: http://drteralyn.com/

Music courtesy of Crowfly - http://crowflyrocks.com/

Unpause Your Life with Dr. Cali Estes
https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/unpause-your-life/

James Matthews is an incredible guy, he has been cycling around the United States in an effort to bring awareness to the opioid epidemic and also, to let people know the recovery success is possible.

So far he has totaled over 7,600 miles on his bicycle and is planning an impressive ride from Key Largo, Florida to Seattle, Washington as a memorial to those who have lost their lives to overdose and substance abuse related suicide.

During our fascinating conversation, James shares his story of growing up in Philadelphia, MA in a dysfunctional family, and how that affected his outlook on life. The instability and inconsistencies of the situation eventually lead him to believe running away was his best options. And as a young teenager, he found himself on the streets, where he says it was actually more comfortable than at home.

This life wasn't easy though, and he found himself a "frequent-flyer" of detention centers, the life eventually landing him in a boot camp where he found a place that resonated, a place where he could excel.

James talks about how he stumbled upon the idea for his first "Ride for Recovery". This first ride from Florida to Los Angeles was totally spontaneous, and an instant success in bringing awareness to the addiction crisis.

His generosity and desire to help the addiction community is inspiring and his humbleness is refreshing. Discover how he does these tremendous rides, that it comes down to mental preparation and toughness more than anything.

James shares some highlights and unbelievable low points along his rides, including near-death experiences.

Why does he do it? What's his ultimate goal?

Listen in and find out!

How to Connect with James:

web: http://sobersavagerecovery.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/sobersavage
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sober_savage

More info - http://unpauseyourlife.com

Sponsored by:
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Coaching & Intervention Training: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/

Music courtesy of Crowfly - http://crowflyrocks.com/

Unpause Your Life with Dr. Cali Estes
https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/unpause-your-life/

Vanessa joins the show to tell us about her shift from psychology to real estate and how along the way she has always felt that it's important to continue living your life and living your dreams.

She tells the story of how she stumbled into real estate on her way to becoming a forensic psychologist and never looked back. Vanessa also shares one of her secrets, keep moving forward and don't slow down, because most people, especially in her area, tend to be lackadaisical. Their slowness allows those with hustle to move past and succeed.

If you want to be inspired, and moved to get into real estate, listen to this great episode.

Prior to joining Related ISG International Realty, Vanessa was the Broker of The Olbe Group and proved to be a highly successful agent at The Real Estate Empire, E.A.G. Realty, Inc, and Real Estate Sales Force. She studied Mass Communication at New York University before graduating summa cum laude from Florida International University with a degree in Psychology.

Vanessa has been featured in Miami Agent Magazine and maintains an ample customer database that features a vast array of Miami’s finest residents.

Vanessa is known for her results-driven, no-nonsense, approach to business that has helped her become so successful at such a young age. Vanessa is fluent in English, Spanish, and possesses a strong knowledge of Italian. She is a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Florida Association of Realtors, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals South Florida Chapter, and is a founding member of BNI Action. Vanessa also proudly ranked in the Top 20 of sales volume at her firm for 2015, 2016, and 2017.

How to Connect with Vanessa:

Office: 786-505-1479
web: https://www.MiaLuxuryBroker.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/mialuxurybroker
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mialuxurybroker

More info - http://unpauseyourlife.com

Sponsored by:
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Coaching & Intervention Training: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/

The Functional Psychology Pro - Natural Solutions to Mental Health: http://drteralyn.com/

Music courtesy of Crowfly - http://crowflyrocks.com/

Unpause Your Life with Dr. Cali Estes
https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/unpause-your-life/

Dr. Rusilko specializes in creating healthy lifestyles that support longevity and improved overall quality of life through medically supervised and customized diagnostic and treatment programs, with an emphasis placed on personal patient attention and follow-up. His brand of Lifestyle Medicine caters to patients who desire and who are committed to investing in themselves, to discover true transformation and regain aspects of their life they may have been lost while they weren’t paying attention.

Destined to augment the lives of his patients, Dr. Ivan Rusilko’s personalized approaches dives in…biophysically. “Age…well that’s just a number, “ he shares, confidently. After graduating from Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania, Dr. Rusilko earned his osteopathic medical degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. With changing lives on his agenda, Dr. Ivan Rusilko created a private practice to inspire a supreme quality of life for any motivated individual who crosses his path.

Nestled comfortably in the heart of Miami Beach, this exclusive practice welcomes anyone truly dedicated and seeking an alternative way to prevent or correct any ache, pain or issue. By applying diagnosis and treatment on an environmental, behavioral, and medical level, Dr. Rusilko creates healthy lifestyle programs that support longevity and help to improve overall quality of life. Getting to know his patients one-on-one, he targets lifestyle-related problems with an advanced clinical approach and individualized prescription.

“Think of me as an internal dermatologist.” He says.

Dr. Rusilko is proud to have served as the former Medical Director and Co-Founder of Club Essentia Wellness Retreat at The Delano in Miami Beach, and the Medical Fitness, Nutrition and Sexual Health Specialist at The MIAMI Institute. Dr. Rusilko has been featured as a health writer and lifestyle coach for The Washington Times and serves as a media expert and spokesperson for the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. A global teacher for Empire Medical Training, Dr. Rusilko teaches aesthetic and wellness-based certification courses and sits on the Physician Advisory Board for the American Academy of Procedural Medicine.

While he practices out of his Miami Beach office, Dr. Ivan Rusilko’s talents are recognized across the globe. A recipient of the Dean’s Award for promoting osteopathic medicine on an international level, he is also a certified sports nutritionist and a celebrity personal trainer. With his first-hand knowledge in the exercise and nutrition fields, Dr. Rusilko helps his patients to discover true transformation and regain aspects of their lives.

The way he sees it…“Whether you are 18 or 80, you deserve to feel and look your absolute best.” So why not start that today?

SOCIAL MEDIA
Website: https://www.LFSTM.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drivanrusilko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctorivanrusilko/
Amazon – The Winemaker’s Dinner Trilogy – Erotic Romance series
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_qz_back?sf=fr&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aivan+rusilko&keywords=ivan+rusilko&unfiltered=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1536680457

More info - http://unpauseyourlife.com

Sponsored by:
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Coaching & Intervention Training: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/

The Functional Psychology Pro - Natural Solutions to Mental Health: http://drteralyn.com/

Music courtesy of Crowfly - http://crowflyrocks.com/

Unpause Your Life with Dr. Cali Estes
https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/unpause-your-life/

"Never take an opioid so you won't find out if you're one of the 20% who will likely become addicted."

Pioneering Opioid Sparing orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, knees, and shoulders. Team physician UMass Lowell. Dr. Sigman was one of the earliest advocates of Opioid Sparing surgery. He is a leading educator in the field. He has authored numerous publications and video techniques for surgeon education. He has also been an outspoken proponent on educating patients on the options of Opioid Sparing surgery.

Website - https://scottasigmanmd.com/
Website - https://www.planagainstpain.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/scottasigman
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scott-Sigman-MD/208458845851494
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottasigmanmd/

More info - http://unpauseyourlife.com

Sponsored by:
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Coaching & Intervention Training: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/

The Functional Psychology Pro - Natural Solutions to Mental Health: http://drteralyn.com/

Music courtesy of Crowfly - http://crowflyrocks.com/

Unpause Your Life with Dr. Cali Estes
https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/unpause-your-life/

Shane Ramer is the creator and host of ThatSoberGuy.com and Sober Guy Radio. He also created, produces, and hosts a corporate podcast for a CA fortune 500 company. In September 2013, after a long battle with addiction, Shane checked himself into a 30-day rehab facility and has remained clean and sober ever since.

In 2014 Shane created ThatSoberGuy.com and Sober Guy Radio, which focuses on sharing personal experience and offers resources to help those struggling and recovering from alcoholism and addiction. Longtime friend and co-host Seth Manter officially joined the show in 2018 after many guest appearances. Shane and Seth bring a unique, open, honest, and sometimes comical approach to addiction recovery. The Sober Guy platform continues to grow with weekly Friday and Tuesday podcasts that reach listeners across states and continents.

Featured guests have included musicians, athletes, doctors, writers, producers, professionals in the treatment industry, and many more.

Shane is married to his wife Jessica of 16 years. They have a daughter Lucy, son Cash, and live in Northern California.

Website - http://www.ThatSoberGuy.com
Twitter - @5ThatSoberGuy
Instagram - @realthatsoberguy

More info - http://unpauseyourlife.com

Sponsored by:
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Coaching & Intervention Training: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/

The Functional Psychology Pro - Natural Solutions to Mental Health: http://drteralyn.com/

Music courtesy of Crowfly - http://crowflyrocks.com/

Unpause Your Life with Dr. Cali Estes
https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/unpause-your-life/

Sex, Drugs & Rock ‘N’ Roll

At 34, Amanda Meredith had it all – A successful career, a home, a child, and everything that should have made her happy. She was also crazy in love; his name was Cage, and their love would become her first addiction—but not her last. Some would say that love destroyed her, but what she let ravage her mind, body, and soul had nothing to do with love and everything to do with a deep-seated need to destroy herself.

With the prick of a needle and a shot of methamphetamine, she lost everything- her child, her career, and she lost Cage. Homeless and alone on the streets of Dallas, she became a statistic. A broken nobody that had hit the gutter and licked it. Her story is not for the faint of heart. It is, however, a true account of what a life lived without a true sense of self, without self-love, and addiction looks like.

Addict Chick: Sex, Drugs & Rock ‘N’ Roll is her heartbreak, her sorrow, and the story of how she fought like hell to save herself, with a little help from the Man above.

In this memoir, one woman proves that no matter who you are or how far you have fallen, nobody is beyond redemption.

About
Amanda Meredith is a recovering drug addict whose foray into the twisted and dark world of chemical dependency will profoundly change the way you view the disease of addiction. She has an amazing son, a crazy Doberman named Tempest and loves Rock ‘N’ Roll! She divides her time between Lexington, Kentucky and Tyler, Texas.

Website: http://www.addictchick.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AddictChick/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1483444767/

More info - http://unpauseyourlife.com

Sponsored by:
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Coaching & Intervention Training: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/

The Functional Psychology Pro - Natural Solutions to Mental Health: http://drteralyn.com/

Music courtesy of Crowfly - http://crowflyrocks.com/

Unpause Your Life with Dr. Cali Estes
https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/unpause-your-life/