After years of immersing himself in the world of professional sports, Glenn Hadley had to face the truth about his identity beyond the tennis court. His journey from a chicken farm in East Texas to the highest levels of professional tennis is more than just a tale of athletic triumph; it's a story of personal growth and self-realization. Join us as Glenn shares the profound challenges that come with being defined by a single identity and the transformative power of understanding oneself beyond achievements and titles.

Glenn's story takes an intriguing turn as he shares insights from a retreat where participants let go of their professional identities to forge authentic connections. Inspired by Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, Glenn explores the idea of honoring different facets of oneself, which allowed him to experience a newfound sense of freedom and self-acceptance. By acknowledging all parts of his identity, he discovered the importance of being present and the liberation that comes from genuine human interactions.

The episode concludes with an exploration of Glenn's path in recovery and self-discovery through frameworks like the 12-Step Fellowship and Alcoholics Anonymous. His journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, highlighting the shift from fear-driven living to intentional presence and contentment. Glenn’s involvement in a nonprofit promoting sobriety at raves further illustrates the power of community and support, offering a hopeful message for those on a similar path.

What happens when a life of perfectionism and control spirals into a battle with alcoholism? Join us as we explore this profound transformation with Sherry Young, a leader in addiction recovery who reveals her personal journey from unexpected addiction to inspiring resilience. Sherry recounts her pivotal moment attending her first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting after a series of car accidents, a step that marked the beginning of a life-saving recovery process. Her candid story offers a beacon of hope, emphasizing the power of surrender and community support for those facing similar struggles.

In a world where small business pressures can stifle creativity, Sherry and Michael's journey highlights the transformative power of collaboration. Discover how Sherry's introduction of Michael to a nationwide network of practitioners became vital for the survival of Valiant, redefining success in the private practice industry. Together, we unravel the need for a holistic approach to behavioral health, advocating for personalized treatment plans free from conflicts of interest. This episode envisions a future in recovery defined by grace, acceptance, and genuine connection, breaking away from rigid conventions and fostering a community committed to healing families and redefining recovery.

Supporting loved ones in crisis is no easy feat, and in this thought-provoking episode of the Valiant Living podcast, I, Drew Powell, open up about my personal experience alongside special guest Jackie Brewster. We share the heartfelt journey of helping my wife, Jamie, through a tumultuous period of emotional turmoil while I was in rehab at Valiant Living. Jackie and her husband, Steven Brewster, were pillars of strength and compassion for Jamie, providing her with a safe haven when she needed it most. Our conversation dives into the crucial elements of creating a supportive environment, emphasizing the power of presence, neutrality, and undistracted communication.

Join us as we explore the profound role of personal boundaries, faith, and surrender in managing emotional stress. Jackie and I discuss the delicate art of maintaining healthy relationships amidst recovery by building trust and understanding past traumas. We highlight the immense value of holding space for friends and family, offering support without letting their struggles consume our own well-being. Personal experiences are shared, shedding light on overcoming feelings of disqualification and the transformative power of supportive relationships in one's healing journey.

Listeners are invited to discover how tools like the Enneagram and attachment theory can foster self-awareness and connection. We examine how these frameworks allow us to understand the motivations behind our behaviors and fears, paving the way for personal growth and deeper empathy in relationships. From exploring addiction and coping mechanisms to the dynamics of attachment, this episode is a testament to the mission of Valiant Living: uplifting individuals towards peace, freedom, and thriving lives. We encourage our audience to seek support, establish boundaries, and embrace the power of grace in their personal journeys.

Seasoned marriage and family therapist Chris Anderson joins us for a compelling discussion on the multifaceted world of addiction and recovery. Chris, a pioneer in telehealth therapy specializing in process addiction and gambling, shares his journey from the bustling streets of Chicago back to his Texas roots. Discover how his early shift to virtual therapy has allowed him to reach and support individuals across the nation, offering a unique perspective on the benefits and challenges of this mode of counseling in a post-pandemic world.

Together with Chris, we unravel the intricate labyrinth of gambling addiction, where the lure of winning perpetuates a dangerous cycle unlike any other substance addiction. With personal anecdotes and professional insights, we explore the often-hidden nature of gambling's impact—not just on the individual but on their entire family. Uncover the devastating paradox gamblers face, believing that their next win might solve all their problems, and learn about the essential role of acknowledging and naming these struggles to commence true healing.

Gambling addiction also poses unique challenges to family dynamics, often leaving loved ones blindsided by financial catastrophes. We recount harrowing stories that highlight the severe repercussions of this hidden addiction and the emotional turmoil it inflicts on relationships. Chris and I emphasize the critical importance of community support networks like 12-step programs in navigating this treacherous path. As we spotlight the power of facing these issues head-on, we remind listeners that the heart of recovery lies in overcoming the very challenges that threaten to consume us.

What if your fear of missing out on social events could cost you your life? That’s what happened to our guest, who found themselves at rock bottom after a life-threatening hospital stay due to acute liver failure in December 2022. This gripping episode unpacks their journey from the high of youthful partying to the depths of addiction, before realizing the deeper fear of missing out on life's meaningful moments, like being there for their children. We share a profound testament to the human spirit's resilience and the critical decisions that spark a path toward healing.

Join us as we navigate the challenges and triumphs of recovery. Our guest takes us through their transformative experience with the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) at Valiant, shedding light on the importance of community and connection in overcoming addiction. The program provided not just physical detox, but a family-like support system that was essential in learning to live sober. The stories of camaraderie and shared experiences illustrate the power of collective strength and motivation in the journey to sobriety, providing profound insights into the recovery process.

A life of sobriety isn’t just about quitting substances; it’s about embracing authenticity and finding fulfillment in simplicity. We explore the transformative power of honesty and transparency, with contributions from Brady's fiancée, Jenny, and Brady's father, who share their insights and personal achievements in sobriety. This episode emphasizes the lifelong tools of recovery, like honesty and self-care, that foster personal growth and the joy of living an addiction-free life. We delve into the liberating feeling of living openly and authentically, inspiring listeners to embrace their own potential for transformation.

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to support a loved one through addiction recovery? Join us as Kelly, the first spouse to share her journey on the Valiant Living podcast, opens up about her experiences. She candidly reveals the emotional challenges and pivotal moments that led her husband to seek treatment at Valiant Living, spotlighting the often-unseen struggles faced by spouses and families, especially the impact on young children. Through her heartfelt narrative, Kelly underscores the critical importance of support systems and the healing process for both the partner in recovery and the family left behind.

Throughout our conversation, Kelly offers valuable insights into the emotional rollercoaster of detachment, boundaries, and self-care. She shares her journey of learning healthy detachment and the personal growth that came with not rescuing her husband from treatment. The discussion expands on the complexities of maintaining household stability while embracing the transformative power of personal well-being. Kelly talks about how structured communication with therapists and family support calls can offer crucial insights and emotional backing, emphasizing the significance of maintaining connections even during periods of separation.

Finally, we delve into the empowerment that comes with personal growth and the courage to trust the recovery process despite the fear of relapse. Kelly's reflections reveal the importance of balancing trust and skepticism while navigating early recovery as a spouse. Her story serves as both a beacon of hope and a powerful testament to resilience, encouraging listeners to prioritize their own healing and recognize the ever-evolving journey of recovery advocacy. Whether your relationship withstands the trials of addiction or forges a new path, Kelly’s journey is a reminder of the strength found in personal healing and the ongoing commitment to self-care.

Unlock the secrets of your nervous system and transform your understanding of personal safety and connection, as we journey through the enlightening universe of polyvagal theory alongside a knowledgeable member of our Valiant team. This episode promises to broaden your perspective on how the autonomic nervous system, especially the vagus nerve, serves as a crucial link between the brain and body. We explore the foundational work of Stephen Porges and its clinical adaptations by Deb Dana, revealing how these insights can enhance our everyday interactions and even influence the environments we create for comfort and healing.

Guided by engaging stories and practical strategies, we examine the three states of our autonomic nervous system: social engagement, fight or flight, and shutdown. Discover how recognizing these states and finding "glimmers" of safety can be transformative, especially for those in recovery. The conversation seamlessly connects the dots between nervous system states, addiction recovery, and the importance of self-care and self-awareness. Through exercises, meditation, and self-compassion, we demonstrate how managing these states can lead to emotional resilience and a more balanced life.

Finally, the episode delves into the dynamics of healthy relationships and co-regulation, essential for recovery and emotional well-being. By sharing personal experiences and insights, we highlight the importance of understanding our own and our partners' nervous systems to foster connection and navigate conflicts. With resources like Stephen Porges' "Our Polyvagal World" and Deb Dana's "Anchored," listeners are equipped with tools to further explore these concepts and enhance their emotional intelligence and relationship dynamics. Join us for an enriching discussion that underscores the power of self-awareness and compassion on your journey to emotional and relational growth.

What happens when an interventionist with two decades of experience opens up about her own journey to recovery? Meet Wendy Stine, a seasoned expert who once stood on the other side of the intervention process. From hitting rock bottom to discovering a transformative path at a residential program in Estes Park, Wendy's story illuminates how personal struggles can ignite a passion for helping others. In this episode, Wendy takes us through her metamorphosis from client to professional, shedding light on the powerful impact of realized dreams in recovery.

What if the key to successful recovery lies not just with the individual but within the family? We explore this provocative question by diving into the nuanced role family dynamics play in addiction recovery. Wendy and I discuss the importance of viewing the family as the primary client, tackling issues like codependency and generational addiction through therapy and educational programs. Drawing from personal anecdotes, we reveal how healing interventions within a family can catalyze change for everyone involved, providing a more holistic path to recovery.

Mental health struggles often come with a sense of urgency, especially when mood changes or suicidal ideations are present. Wendy shares her deeply personal story of losing her brother to suicide, highlighting the necessity of timely and compassionate interventions. We dissect the emotional and logistical aspects of these interventions, emphasizing how they can serve as pivotal turning points for hope and healing. By supporting both the individual and the family, we offer a blueprint for navigating the challenging yet rewarding journey toward long-term recovery and wellness.

What if the key to healing family wounds lies in the simple act of conversation? Join us for an emotionally charged episode as I sit down with my dad, Gary, to explore the transformative power of fatherhood. With a rich background as a pastor and a deep connection to Southern gospel music, Gary shares his wisdom on the importance of grace and understanding in father-child relationships. Together, we open up about our own experiences, highlighting how fathers can profoundly shape their children's lives.

In a candid discussion, we navigate the deeply emotional terrain of family wounds and reconciliation. Reflecting on my childhood, including the pain of church splits and my driven nature leading to burnout, we delve into the significant impact these experiences had on my personal and professional life. My dad offers his heartfelt perspective on witnessing my struggles, especially during my disqualification from ministry and rehabilitation. Through our conversation, we underscore the importance of honest and open communication in the healing process.

Our dialogue also turns to the role of faith and community in recovery. We scrutinize the shortcomings of modern evangelical churches in addressing issues of brokenness and addiction, contrasting them with the supportive environments found in 12-step programs. Gary and I discuss the necessity of unconditional love, patience, and prayer in supporting a loved one through recovery. By sharing our journey, we hope to inspire a vision for a church that fully embraces brokenness and offers a pathway to healing, breaking harmful cycles and fostering healthier patterns for future generations.

Have you ever felt trapped by societal expectations and struggled to find your true self? Join us as we sit down with Bob "Bobby" Ferguson, a remarkable entrepreneur and dear friend of the Valiant Living Podcast. Bobby opens up about his privileged Manhattan upbringing and the relentless pressure to fit in that led him down a dark path of substance abuse. His raw and honest reflections on his early encounters with drugs shed light on the complexities of addiction and the vital need for open dialogue and support.

In this heartfelt episode, Bobby recounts his chaotic journey through addiction, the grueling cycles of rehab, and the pivotal moment at Hazelden in Minnesota that changed everything. A counselor's tough love and the power of peer feedback became the turning point in my path to recovery. Bobby discusses the transformative role of community and the supportive environments that enabled him to rebuild his lives far from the toxic influences of his past. 

We dive deep into the evolution of addiction treatment, emphasizing the importance of real-life recovery experiences and long-term care. From the creation of Jaywalker Lodge to the implementation of the Open Community Model of Care, we highlight the value of honesty, transparency, and peer support in achieving sustainable recovery. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with resilience, hope, and the enduring power of community to overcome addiction. Join the Valiant Living community as we strive to educate, encourage, and empower individuals on their journey towards peace and freedom.