Today we’re joined by Gary Menkes, host of The Begin Again Podcast, for a raw and honest conversation about addiction, emotional suppression, sobriety, and personal transformation.

Gary opens up about how he started drinking at an early age, internalising emotions and seeking escape through alcohol and drugs. What began as a coping mechanism quickly spiralled into run-ins with the law and more. His life was on a dangerous downward path, then one day that all changed.

Today we welcome Jonathan Schwartz, a former high-profile entertainment business manager turned therapist, program director, and author, to uncover the truth behind addiction, burnout, forgiveness, and personal transformation.

Jonathan shares his incredible journey from working with A-list celebrities to battling a severe addiction that led to embezzling over $7 million, serving time in prison and ultimate redemption on to helping others heal.

Today we sit down with Brennan Hilleary, a Marine Corps veteran, speaker, coach, and founder of Build Your Power LLC, to break down why burnout isn’t a badge of honor and why real success doesn’t have to come at the cost of your well-being. Are you stuck in survival mode, feeling like you have to push through exhaustion just to succeed? You're not alone.

Brennan has helped high-achieving business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals escape the cycle of overwork, stress, and exhaustion through his Build Your Power philosophy.

Today lets talk about self-talk and how it helps to shape your reality. The way you speak to yourself can either empower you to grow or hold you back in self-doubt.

Negative self-talk can lead to self-sabotage, anxiety, and low self-esteem, while positive and mindful self-talk can rewire your brain for resilience, success, and self-discovery.

Website: https://www.untappedkeg.com/toolkit

Today is a podcast solo when we talk resilience. Something that is important to remember and that is often overlooked in the discussion is that resilience isn’t just about surviving tough times it’s about thriving despite them. In this solo Take a Shot episode, we'll exploring what it really means to bounce back from adversity, manage stress, and develop mental toughness.

Life is unpredictable, and challenges are inevitable. But the difference between those who rise stronger and those who feel stuck often comes down to resilience.

Website: https://www.untappedkeg.com/toolkit

Addiction and trauma don’t define a person, how they rise from them does. In this week's episode, we explore the incredible transformation of James Yount, who defied all odds to reclaim his life from substance abuse, trauma, and personal struggles.

Once you get caught in a cycle of addiction and self-destruction it can be hard to escape and James never imagined he would get through to the other side of it, now sober, stronger and committed to growth.

This week we are joined by Thomas LaGrave's, discussing his journey that defies expectations. Once a proud Navy SEAL, his promising career was shattered by drug addiction, leading to a devastating discharge. Fast forward 30 years, and Thomas has reinvented himself as a successful social worker and licensed clinician with powerful insights on overcoming substance use and relapse.

Thomas opens up about his personal relapse, the challenges of battling addiction, and the hard-won lessons from his recovery journey.

Whether you're battling addiction yourself or supporting someone on their recovery path, Thomas's story is a testament to the power of redemption and the strength of the human spirit.

Today we welcome back Janice Johnson Dowd, a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), recovering alcoholic, and 12-step advocate, this time joined by her daughter to reveal the raw reality of addiction, recovery, and family healing. Discussing pain, broken trust, and emotional distance in their family.

Whether you’re struggling with addiction, supporting a loved one, or trying to heal family wounds, this conversation sheds light on the real challenges and victories of sobriety.

Today we welcome Joshua Deen, whose raw and unfiltered insights on personal transformation will challenge everything you think you know about change, addiction, and self-improvement.

Joshua shares his powerful story of breaking free from addiction, quitting both smoking and drinking without the traditional labels of 'recovery' or “sobriety.”

Discover the mindset shift that helped Joshua quit destructive habits, his unique views on finding your Ikigai (purpose), and why labelling yourself can hold you back from true growth.

Today we welcome Mike Shennan, founder of Trailblazer Life Coaching and a passionate advocate for freedom from alcohol. Mike shares his personal journey of overcoming decades of dependence on alcohol, his struggles to find true freedom in sobriety, and how one decision transformed his life forever.

Whether you’re exploring sobriety, seeking guidance, or simply looking for inspiration, Mike’s story will resonate deeply and remind you that true transformation begins with one decision.