All Podcasts
Episode 218 - You're Capable of Everything You Dream of | RJ Zimmerman
Send us a Text Message.Episode 2018 - Interview with RJ Zimmerman, Sobriety & Mental Health AdvocateRJ is a resident of Virginia, recently celebrated 8.5 years of sobriety, and is on a mission to let others know they’re not alone. He wants the person struggling with substance abuse to understand that the poor choices made should not cause you to give up on life. Making the decision to change is the beginning of living your life unshackled.He is a father of two and the founder of “Untapped Keg”, a podcast about sobriety and mental health. Each week, “Untapped Keg” is providing hope and spotlighting stories about sobriety and mental health.The hosts talk about their own sobriety, mental health, being vulnerable about their struggles, and celebrating their wins.RJ Zimmerman loves to share his story in depth. He goes through how he got to where he is now, okay with himself and working on friendships, using his past to boost himself forward, and doing everything he can to help show others they are not alone.You can find “Untapped Keg” on all social media platforms and on YouTube. Join the community that is allowing room for growth, while showing it’s okay to not be okay.Website: https://www.untappedkeg.com On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UntappedKeg Email for RJ: [email protected] To access the podcast: https://www.untappedkeg.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/untappedkeg Charity board: Up4MentalHealth.orgacourageousrecovery.com
Episode 217 - Transforming Lives with Patrick Callaghan
Send us a Text Message.Episode 217 - Transforming Lives with Patrick CallaghanIn this enlightening episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Patrick Callaghan, a certified transformational coach, life mastery consultant, and personal trainer. Patrick's life story is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to helping others unlock their full potential.Patrick's journey is marked by a profound transformation from stagnation to a life brimming with purpose and fulfillment. His work is not just a profession but a calling to guide individuals toward their soul's true purpose. As a Certified Life Mastery Consultant and Certified Personal Trainer, Patrick combines his expertise to help people design and manifest lives that resonate with their deepest desires. He believes in the inherent potential within every individual and is dedicated to helping them achieve more than they ever thought possible.Today, Patrick's passion lies in working closely with youth and teens, introducing them to the fitness lifestyle and instilling values of confidence, resilience, and personal growth. He is developing a transformative program aimed at empowering teens to live their dreams. In addition to his coaching and training, Patrick is authoring a book on teen confidence, further extending his impact and dedication to youth empowerment. His goal is to touch the lives of over 1000 individuals in the next five years.Patrick employs the proven Brave Thinking® technology in his coaching, helping clients achieve extraordinary results in a remarkably short time. His content-rich, interactive workshops are designed to take participants on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Through these workshops, individuals can define, test, and experience a clear vision of the life they desire, aligning their actions with their highest purpose.Join us as we explore Patrick's incredible journey and his relentless drive to empower others. Tune in to hear more about Patrick Callaghan's work, his upcoming book, and how he continues to make a significant impact in the lives of many. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to transform their life and reach their fullest potential.To Connect with Patrick:His email is: [email protected] website URL: https://www.patrickcallaghan.ca/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.callaghan.77736 acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 216 – Keeper Catran-Whitney, author of “HELPLESSNESS”
Send us a Text Message.Episode 216 – Keeper Catran-Whitney, author of “HELPLESSNESS”As a victim of childhood sexual abuse, during this episode, you will learn about the transformative message that Keeper Catran-Whitney has developed while focusing on leadership and personal growth, following some very challenging years as a youth in Northern California.Keeper was born in the San Francisco area, one of eight children, and his journey began in a disadvantaged black singing family, where their dreams of major musical success were shattered by his predatory stepfather. Years later, Keeper confronted this painful past, turning his trauma into a powerful leadership asset. In his literary breakthrough titled, 'Helplessness' - he explores the depths of heartache and redemption while unveiling a narrative that intertwines passion and pain. By facing hard truths, he helps leaders unlock their potential, gain new perspectives, and develop empathy, ultimately enhancing their leadership skills.Keeper has been honored to share his insights on several notable podcasts, including Mediocre Dads, The Health Revolution TV Show, and Unsolicited Perspective. His story is not just inspirational but transformational, offering a fresh perspective on harnessing one's past to become a more empathetic and effective leader. His testimony involves significant trauma, leading to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and leading to very clear side effects such as stuttering. As a survivor of sexual assault and having witnessed his sisters endure similar experiences, he’s had to navigate a substantial amount of emotional and psychological baggage. Keeper’s journey has not only involved managing his own trauma but also supporting his siblings through their healing processes. Through his memoir, he’s learned the concepts of resilience and the importance of confronting difficult truths. He touts learning that facing these challenges together can make them more manageable and foster a stronger sense of support and recovery.In this episode, you will learn some shocking statistics about child sexual abuse, which is exactly why Keeper is on a mission to create a bridge for sisters and brothers to become allies, not enemies, in the conversations related to sexual abuse. His mission is to save thousands of children from the horrors of sexual abuse.Connect with him online:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepercw/ Website: https://keepercatranwhitney.com acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 215 – Interview with Jill Krzyzanowicz, she goes by the byline – “Live Out Loud!”
Send us a Text Message.Episode 215 – Interview with Jill Krzyzanowicz, she goes by the byline – “Live Out Loud!”Jill wants people to understand they are NOT a victim. They call the shots. They must take responsibility. And they can change the game whenever they so choose. We all must find and heal what ails us, to be free of our addictions.Jill is an author, speaker, and a personal coach, she resides in Dunkirk, NY. After 20+ years in public education, she has decided to use her Masters Degree and teaching experience to become a personal empowerment mentor. She is the creator of the blog - justbeingjill.com - and also writes under the pen name, Margo Reilly. Jill has recently completed a life coach course and hopes to assist others with their own transformational journeys.Born into a family of raging alcoholics, both sides, her Mother and her sister both drank themselves to death in their sixties. Tons of generational trauma and substance abuse was a natural in her family. Her mother was actually the first one to give her drugs as a young child. One day Jill decided that she didn't want to turn into her Mother and said “enough”. Then came her admission that she was on a downhill trajectory, so she took action. Jill purchased a 90-day online program which was just what the doctor ordered. For her Father, his recovery ended up being "cold turkey." For her older brother, "AA" was the answer to his sobriety. Today, she believes everyone has to explore their own path as they journey back home to the life they desire. Her newly published book under the pen name of Margo Reilly, entitled "When the Apple Falls Far from the Tree”, outlines a lifetime of adversity and the tools she used to make it to the other side. From growing up chaotic in a house of violence, to cancer recovery, multiple weight loss surgeries, and a newly sober lifestyle - Jill feels compelled to share the "gifts" she has discovered along her path of personal growth. Her website is: https://www.justbeingjill.com Purchase her book: https://www.justbeingjill.com/mybook Amazon: https://amzn.to/3i1RbIg Jill’s email is: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/justbeingjill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justbeingjill acourageousrecovery.comacourageousrecovery.com
Episode 214 – Xander Marshall: From Undocumented Child to Sobriety Champion
Send us a Text Message.Episode 155 – Xander Marshall: From Undocumented Child to Sobriety ChampionXander's journey began when he crossed the Mexican border with his mother as a child, only to lose her due to death soon after and become an orphan. Adopted by a couple, Xander struggled during his early teen years, enduring hardship and isolation while attending a distant boarding school.However, after dropping out of high school, Xander found a new path in life with the help of a Marine Corps recruiter who assisted him in obtaining a green card and enlisting in the military. Serving in combat, Xander eventually earned his citizenship in 2007 and was honorably discharged in 2010 after a decade of service.After leaving the Marines, Xander found success in the fitness industry in California and later in Colorado, where he managed multiple locations for Fitness 19. However, when he got married, he transitioned to interior design with Home Depot and relocated to Colorado in 2017, continuing to thrive professionally.On March 23rd of this year, Xander celebrated eight years of sobriety and remains committed to helping others overcome destructive behaviors. His family's immigration journey was also chronicled in a 45-minute-long video by Espinosa Films for PBS in 1988, with a shorter version available on YouTube.-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ7yeCBcB6E&t=5sSince then, Xander has achieved professional success, starting a small insurance business in 2019 and rising to the position of District General Agent, serving from Arvada to Cheyenne.He is an active member of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals of Northern Colorado, serving as its president and the Vice President-Elect representing the State of Colorado.In addition, Xander serves as the Ward Mission Leader for his church in Loveland and the Chapter President for Dynamic Referrals of the Business Network International chapter in Thornton.He enjoys spending time with his family, serving in his church's temple, and embracing new challenges. Xander's outgoing personality and passion for networking make him a joy to be around.More info on his work with Elite Solutions LTD can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elitesolutions-ltd/ Or you can call their office at: (720) 388-8000acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 213 - Understanding and Practicing Step Eleven
Send us a Text Message."We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”In Step 10, the focus is largely on keeping your thoughts and emotions in check, this step guides you to look at the very foundation of your restoration and recovery. As most should know by the time they’ve reached Step 11, the foundation of recovery is centered on your spiritual growth. Many don’t realize in the early stages of recovery that every single step is about spirituality in one form or another.Those dealing with substance abuse or another form of compulsive and destructive behaviors, while in the midst of their destruction, don’t understand the spiritual lessons to be learned and those that should be put into practice on a daily basis. Spirituality is not the same as religion!In recovery, we find that spirituality really is constantly developing and changing - just like us. You now have new situations and new people in your life who influence and impact your growth in powerful ways. This step lends you a hand-up, encouraging you to find ways to improve your conscious contact with God. By this time you already have awareness of the changes in your life that began as early as Step 2, but as you’ve progressed there’s a new understanding in your life that improving your relationship with God comes from consistent prayer and meditation.I encourage you to pray this prayer daily: Lord, my prayer is that you would guide me to offer comfort to others rather than seeking it for myself. Help me to love others, like you love me. Show me how to forgive, so I can be forgiven and awaken me as I pursue eternal life. Amen! acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 212 – Jeremy Weintraub, Economic Empowerment & Poverty Alleviation Professional
Send us a Text Message.Episode 212 – Jeremy Weintraub, Economic Empowerment & Poverty Alleviation ProfessionalMy guest for this episode is Jeremy Weintraub, a Berkeley, California metro area resident. He recently celebrated 23 years of sobriety, getting sober at the young age of 22 – following six years of battling to be clean and sober. Today, he’s a successful business professional and has an amazing wife and three awesome children. In his early twenties, the problems were mounting all around him and he was sick and tired of being sick and tired. Jeremy shares that he was surprised to learn that - “Desperation is a gift.” He went on to understand that the willingness to ask for help is a gift and a moment of grace, but that’s when the real work started. He touts that he wouldn’t be here today without family, mentors, friends, coaches, and at least a few guardian angels along the way.In addition to English, Jeremy speaks Hebrew and Spanish, in his professional life he’s an Area Vice President of Sales at BetterUp. His purpose statement is, “I want to leave this place better than I found it, while serving others.”You can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyweintraub/ acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 211 – Interview with Dr. Marlene Carson, U.S. Advisory Council on Trafficking Chair
Send us a Text Message.Episode 211 – Interview with Dr. Marlene Carson, Chair of the U.S. Advisory Council on Trafficking at the White HouseIn the realm of childhood, where laughter echoes freely and innocence reigns supreme, lies an unthinkable darkness: the theft of joy, playfulness, and innocence itself. This grim reality often unfolds when children fall prey to abhorrent crimes like sexual exploitation or kidnapping. Shockingly, in the United States, a child vanishes every 40 seconds, culminating in a staggering total of 765,000 missing children per year.My guest on this episode is the esteemed Dr. Marlene Carson, a renowned social activist in the area of human rights and women’s empowerment. Marlene has earned numerous awards for her service – President Obama gave her the Presidential Lifetime Achievement award, President Trump then appointed her to the U.S. Advisory Council, and President Biden, again awarded her in 2022 with the Lifetime Achievement Award.Her personal Mission Statement is: I am a fearless defender of justice with a mission to challenge the status quo by effecting systemic change within and without the system. I strive to embody change within humanity and communities, while providing tools for sustainability to marginalized people.As you’ll learn more about in this episode, she was first trafficked as a 15-year-old and refers to herself as a “SurThrivalist”, a survivor of sex trafficking who’s now thriving in business and ministry. She prides herself in being a “revivalist of dead dreams, visions, and purpose.Marlene is the author of numerous books and is one of the world’s foremost experts on sex trafficking. She has built multiple trauma-informed safe houses for victims and survivors of sex trafficking around the world, with programming that is unique in its application and results-driven. Through accredited education and Peer Support with accountability, Dr. Carson supports survivors with the ability to redefine their destiny, demonstrate their dreams, and design a sustainable social enterprise while being compensated.B.L.A.S.T. was created with the purpose of bringing together Black leaders from different industries and backgrounds to work together to address the root causes of sex trafficking, to educate, and to provide solutions and support for survivors. The secondary meaning of BLAST is rooted in our core values, Building Partnerships, accessing Legal Resources, exposing Anti-Oppression, breaking Systematic Change, and Training – each letter representing a core value that guides the initiative’s efforts. By working together to address the systemic issues that contribute to sex trafficking, such as poverty and lack of access to education and employment opportunities, B.L.A.S.T. aims to create a world where sex trafficking is no longer possible.Her connections are:Email: [email protected]: (615) 981-7653Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blast_movement Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.marlenecarson Website: https://marlenecarson.com Website: https://blastmovement.org/ acourageousrecovery.com
EPISODE 210 – NATE, GOD REWARDED HIS BELIEFS
Send us a Text Message.Nate Maliscke (his nickname and stage name is Nate Crash) started Break Dancing in 2012 and he was able to take his passion global. Nate grew up in Western North Dakota, his parents divorced when he was very young, and along with his two younger sisters, they ultimately ended up in the foster care system. As he was finishing art school, he was able to leverage a hobby and his passion, while traveling to ten foreign countries in dance competitions and stage performances. He has competed in some of the largest breaking events in the world: Outbreak Europe, Silverback Open Championships, and Freestyle Session. He has traveled and performed in widely varied countries with Break Free Ministries and IMPACT Spain, performing at large-scale stadium events to small charity events. Nate has performed at various Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) theaters including the Cowles Center, the Barbara Barker Center and the Ordway. He was able to spread light to others through his gift of dance.Nate’s faith grew exponentially at age 15, while in his desperation he called out to God. His faith journey expanded following that experience and God showed him a miracle when his father’s cancer was healed. Shortly thereafter, his mother surrendered her life to the Lord, as she sought solutions to her brokenness and angst. Today, his one sister is a West Point grad, and the other sister is currently a student at the University of Honolulu.Now, Nate is a Dad to a miracle baby and has been married to his wife for four years. He’s involved in the non-profit sector, striving to bring sustainable earth homes to the United States, and works with the University of Minnesota IT Department.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathan.maliscke acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 209 – Chris Terzakos, On a Mission to Empower & Uplift Lives
Send us a Text Message.Episode 209 – Chris Terzakos, On a Mission to Empower & Uplift LivesChris, the founder and leader of “The Healing Warrior,” is driven by a powerful passion and on a quest for well-being. He envisions a world where young and older men walk through the fields of life, carrying a kind of strength that creates purpose, inner peace, and happiness for themselves and those who cross their paths. He recently relocated from New York to the Gulf Coast of Florida.Christopher Terezakos is an entrepreneur, self-healing coach, and the author of three books; “Hernia Without Surgery”, “Natural Testosterone After 60”, and “Belonging to Yourself”. He has been an active athlete for most of his life. Chris’ passion for health and fitness started early in life. From adolescence into adulthood, he faced many ongoing ups and downs and adversities. He often wondered why it had to be this way. After losing loved ones and several relationships, Christ finally realized that he needed a shift that would change the relationship he had with himself. Chris shares these experiences in his book – “Belonging to Yourself”. Today, he dedicates his life to self-healing and self-growth by connecting to his own natural wisdom, being open to learning, and connecting genuinely with others with the intention of improving their lives.Chris was born and raised in New York City and spent over 35 years in leadership roles helping and mentoring people in the business world associated with unions and organizing their members. He has worked on several high-profile projects building airport terminals and the largest casino in the United States. Chris’ presence in the construction field made a significant impact on the related businesses and people’s lives.You can learn more about his work and engage with him via the following links:Email: [email protected] Website: www.healingwarriors.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/chris-terzakos-b9b4651a4/ acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 208 – Interview with Charles Meyer, Porn Addiction Recovery Coach
Send us a Text Message.Episode 208 – Interview with Charles Meyer, Porn Addiction Recovery CoachCharles is on a mission to end fatherlessness in American homes, and eventually worldwide.Based on the West Coach of Florida, Charles Meyer became a Porn Addiction Recovery Coach because of his own struggles with addiction and a strong sense of purpose from God. For 12 years, he battled with pornography and drug addiction, feeling empty despite having everything he thought he wanted. He tried to fill the void with various vices, but they never brought true happiness.He found freedom in his faith, but it was also a long journey of healing from trauma, faulty beliefs, false identities, and reconciliation. His entire life had to change in order for freedom to be truly sustainable. He was a mess, but now claims freedom, there are no chains holding him back.The turning point in his life came when he found freedom from his addictions. Charles realized that the solution wasn't in external things but in having a genuine relationship with God. This discovery inspired him to help others break free from their own addictions and find real purpose and fulfillment.At first, Charles wasn't sure how to best serve others, but he kept seeking guidance from God. Over time, it became clear that his mission was to help husbands and fathers overcome addiction and become the leaders their families needed. He believes that ending fatherlessness in American households requires men to be free from addiction and to lead by example.Charles is passionate about his mission and wants to provide the tools, support, and community needed for total freedom from addiction. Through his coaching, he aims to transform lives and help others experience the same freedom and purpose he found.Online Connections:https://www.instagram.com/freedomworkercharles https://www.facebook.com/FreedomWorkerCharles1 Know Thyself Coaching info: https://bit.ly/CharlesMeyer Email: [email protected] acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 207 – Step 5 – We Admitted
Send us a Text Message.Episode 207 – Step 5 – We AdmittedStep 5 in faith-based recovery programs outlines how you will grow by admitting to God, oneself, and another person the exact nature of your wrongs. This step is pivotal as it embodies the principles of confession and accountability, which are foundational in Biblical teachings and essential for true healing and transformation.Participants in engaging with Step 5 are encouraged to embrace humility and honesty. This act of opening up is not merely about acknowledging past mistakes; it is a profound exercise in trust and vulnerability, allowing individuals to experience the liberating power of God’s grace in a tangible way. As they share their deepest faults and failures, they step out of isolation and into community, fostering deep connections that are vital for sustained recovery.This step is often described as challenging yet incredibly rewarding, for it paves the way for spiritual renewal and personal growth. It is a decisive move towards reconciliation—with God, with others, and with oneself. As a pastor, I would emphasize the courage it takes to confront and confess one’s shortcomings, and I would affirm the immense strength found in the fellowship of believers and the unconditional love of God that meets us in our moments of openness and genuine repentance.If you want to learn more about the recovery journey, please check out my recently released book, titled “God Took Me to Las Vegas…..to Get Sober” – go here to learn more about my memoir: https://godtookmetolasvegas.com/ acourageousrecovery.com
A quick overview of the book " God Took Me to Las Vegas To Get Sober"
Send us a Text Message.A quick overview of the book " God Took Me to Las Vegas To Get Sober"acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 205 – Crushing the Stigma: Saving Lives & Restoring Relationships
Send us a Text Message.Episode 205 – Crushing the Stigma: Saving Lives & Restoring RelationshipsAs the host of this podcast, I’m often recognized as a passionate influencer who is on a mission to “Crush the Stigma” surrounding mental health and substance abuse. With my deep-rooted belief that mental health-related challenges are not a sign of weakness but rather a common human experience, my commitment is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting conversations in all business sectors and in our faith communities, in order to save lives and restore relationships. As a recognized figure in corporate America and in the recovery world, I’m committed to breaking down barriers and providing support for individuals who are struggling with compulsive and destructive behaviors. My sobriety journey began more than 32 years ago, when I was only nine months into my third marriage, and I finally realized that it was time for a radical change in my life. In the year 1990, on September 24th, a Sunday afternoon, I slowly walked into a residential treatment center in Southern Utah. My commitment to sobriety has allowed me to develop a powerful message of hope and a relentless drive to make a positive impact. Some say I’m a “force to be reckoned with” in the fight against mental health stigma and substance abuse.If you’re looking for answers to questions about substance abuse or maybe you’d like to know more about my fast-growing business coaching endeavor, please connect via the sources below.Recovery coaching: http://randymortensen.com/Office number: 321.757.HOPEBusiness Coaching: https://rpmglobaladvisors.com/ acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 204 Interview with Jewels, author of “The Making of a Woman”
Send us a Text Message.Episode 204 Interview with Jewels, author of “The Making of a Woman”Jewels is an award-winning author, speaker, and bodybuilder and hope to inspire others to push forward, no matter the challenges.Jewels describes herself as a woman who has lived two lives in one lifetime. The first part was a life of childhood abuse and trauma which grew into the full-blown disease of alcoholism. Her life was out of control, and she says, “I was circling the drain”.The second part is life today and how she urgently worked through her past and now has a wonderful life as a result. But her story is not your average girl gest sober story. She didn’t just get sober; she truly created a life of authenticity and confidence. Her story is about removing the expectations and the dogma of society, instead of being guided by love and empathy.Some may call her life risky, unethical, and totally against the norm, but she sees it otherwise. She’s in a very loving and open-minded marriage. She has been sexually liberated as a result of her childhood trauma and just placed 3rd at the national level at the NPC (National Physique Committee) North American Championships.“The Making of a Woman” is the compelling autobiography of a dynamic female who refused to bow down to the circumstances of her birth. With a prevailing sense of self and survival, Jewels fought a hardscrabble war against the forces and people that populated her life in a way that often crushes others.Purchase her book here: https://themakingofawoman.com/purchase Her email is: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jewelsthemakingofawoman Twitter: https://twitter.com/makingofjewels Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewelsthemakingofawoman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvmtpgWqE33CwRZl83R6Vg acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 203 – The release of my memoir: “God Took Me to Las Vegas….to Get Sober!
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to today's episode, where we dive into a remarkable journey of personal growth, redemption, and professional success. The focus is on Randy Mortensen's transformative story as detailed in his compelling memoir, "God Took Me to Las Vegas...To Get Sober." The narrative is not just about overcoming the clutches of addiction in the heart of a city known for its vices but also about the profound impact this journey had on his personal and professional life.Randy's story begins with a life seemingly consumed by addiction, a path that led him to the vibrant yet challenging environment of Las Vegas. It was here, against all odds, that he found the strength and faith to turn his life around. His memoir provides a raw and honest look at the struggles faced on the road to recovery, but it's also a testament to the incredible power of determination, faith, and the human spirit's capacity to change.But Randy's journey didn't just transform him personally. It also had a significant impact on his professional life and business ventures. From the brink of despair, Randy emerged not only as a man reborn but as a business leader driven by newfound clarity, integrity, and a deep commitment to his values. His story is a powerful reminder that personal growth can fuel professional success, transforming challenges into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones.Join us as we explore Randy Mortensen's inspiring journey, highlighting the key moments of personal growth that led to professional achievements and the lessons we can all take from his experience. Whether you're seeking motivation in your own path to recovery or looking for insights into turning personal challenges into professional triumphs, Randy's story offers profound lessons in resilience, faith, and the art of transformation.Purchase the book here: https://godtookmetolasvegas.com/acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 202 – Gerry Wagner interview, with the theme of “What Is Love?”
Send us a Text Message.Episode 201 – Gerry Wagner interview, with the theme of “What Is Love?”Gerry Wagner is on a mission of “Spreading LOVE to those who may feel unloved”. He recently claimed 32 years of being clean and sober.Gerry lives in Central Pennsylvania, he serves as the Vice President of Business Development for a global HVAC company and hosts the podcast “Tosot Time” where he hosts a wide array of guests. He interviews TV personalities, HVAC industry experts, and NASCAR race car drivers.One year ago, he noticed a sign along the road with this question, “What is love?” That sign inspired thought and introspection within him. He realized that his love for his wife is different from his love for his friends, and the love he had for his mother. It was clear that love in every form is incredibly strong and meaningful, but each is unique at the same time.Sadly, his biological father was an evil, brutal presence that destroyed his mother’s life and deserves no further mention or description. It’s where the absence of self-love is rooted in Gerry’s life. He quotes in an online post, “Imagine if you will, if you can, waking up every morning loathing, hating the blood that runs through your own veins.” Defining love is something Gerry still struggles with, but he can define the absence of love and he doesn't want anyone to ever struggle with that sort of encounter, the absence of love, whether for a moment or a lifetime.In this episode, Gerry shares about his weakest moments 15 months ago, he never thought about drinking and drugging and admits he would have rather put a gun to his head, as that would have been more merciful to himself and those around him. Instead, he leaned on his family members to get through the most difficult 72 hours he has experienced in the past couple of decades.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerry-wagner-1b154228/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tosot-bathica/ Podcast: Tosot Time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp4rd7qgiys acourageousrecovery.com
Episode 201 - Interview with Richard Grahn, a Producer, Screenwriter, Author and Coach
Send us a Text Message.Episode 200 – Richard Grahn, is a producer, screenwriter, author, and a coachRichard was born and grew up in California, the youngest of six children in the family, before relocating to Eastern Tennessee.During one of the darkest times of his life, he told God, “I don’t care if I go to Hell, you either kill me or do something in my life.” The next day, he was arrested for misdemeanor possession of methamphetamines. But today, he now has over 22 years clean from Methamphetamines.While in that life of darkness and pain, he witnessed violence, manipulation, desperation, and a ton of ugliness.His forthcoming movie, “Escape to Normal” is a Christian film but not your typical mainstream Christian film. While growing up he was always taught in Church that the world is our mission field, not the choir. Yet, Richard believes that many Christian films in this era are for the choir and today he feels that creative storytellers are called to share the gospel outside of the building. “Escape To Normal” will have a worldly look and feel to it. Most of the script is written from Richard’s real life and it speaks about his experiences on the streets, and the movie has a Christ-filled message of hope, identity, and second chances. With a focus on becoming a new creation, similar to how he has grown from a time of homelessness, violence, and drug abuse. Since giving his life to Christ and getting clean from Methamphetamines, he’s seeking to help people find their true identity and their mission in life. More about the work Richard is doing can be found at various locations online:Website: https://www.escapetonormal.comFundraising site: https://www.givesendgo.com/escapetonormal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/445450010276355/members Twitter: https://twitter.com/NormalEscapeto Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirrichardg acourageousrecovery.com
Back to God with Randy
Send us a Text Message.This is an episode with Randy Mortensen as a guest on Back to God Radio.acourageousrecovery.com
Interview with Aimee Eddy - A survivor of mental illness, bullying, breast cancer & abuse
Send us a Text Message.Aimee Eddy is a survivor! She's a survivor of mental illness, bullying, breast cancer, and abuse.One of her quotes touts the "Light of Recovery", she said, "Climb out of the dark hole and into the light. Dance, rejoice and stand within the light of recovery from mental illness and breast cancer."Aimee is an author, a motivational speaker, and a coach. She's a 2-year survivor from breast cancer. And is married to the love of her life.The goals she recommends for the person who's seeking to be a survivor are: 1) Choose someone to confide in about what is going on inside you. 2) Find a good therapist you feel comfortable with. 3) Find a psychiatrist that is good and knows medications well. 4) Get rid of unhealthy relationships. 5) Build a good support system. 6) Know your limits and maintain them. 7) Make it a priority to fight every day to reach the light.Her email is: [email protected] information is on her website: https://aimeeeddygross.wordpress.com/acourageousrecovery.comacourageousrecovery.com
