Primary Purpose with Pej

This year on Primary Purpose with Pej, we sat down with some of the most powerful voices in recovery, mental health, performance, leadership, and personal transformation. This special end-of-year episode brings together the most impactful moments, stories, and insights from our best guests — conversations that challenged perspective, sparked growth, and reminded us what purpose really looks like w...

Michael’s life took him across the world — from New Jersey to Puerto Rico to Hong Kong — but addiction followed no matter how far he ran. Despite a strong upbringing and early success in sports, Michael began drinking at 12 and was addicted to heroin by 18. After leaving college and cycling through rehab, he built a successful career in shipping and logistics. On the outside, life looked stable —...

Today on Primary Purpose with Pej, we sit down with a man whose life’s work has quietly transformed tens of thousands of lives — long before addiction medicine was respected, understood, or widely practiced. Dr. Faried Banihamd began his career in academic emergency medicine, teaching and researching at UCLA/Kern Medical Center and later UC Irvine. But despite a prestigious path, his true calling...

On this episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, licensed psychotherapist Dr. Vicky Truong, LMFT, Ph. D. breaks down what it really looks like to heal generational trauma — not just in her clients, but in her own life. Based in Tustin, CA, Vicky specializes in trauma and couples therapy for adult children of immigrants, helping people navigate the emotional, cultural, and relational wounds passed down...

This week on Primary Purpose with Pej, we sit down with Freeman Palmore — a man whose life is living proof that redemption is real and recovery is possible. Once a promising athlete, Freeman’s world was shattered after the sudden loss of his father. What followed was a long descent into addiction, isolation, and self-destruction — until one day, he made the choice that changed everything. Now, wit...

Meet Charlie Engle — the man who ran across the Sahara Desert, climbed ice-covered volcanoes, swam with crocodiles, and even served time in federal prison. But his hardest race isn’t measured in miles — it’s the one he runs every single day. In this powerful episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, Charlie opens up about the challenges that shaped him, the humor that saved him, and how he turned pain...

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, Paula shares her incredible story of resilience and recovery. Once a sober stripper who helped women escape addiction and prostitution, she opens up about her journey in Portland’s underground scene — and the misconceptions that come with it. From breaking stigmas to building community, Paula’s honesty sheds light on an industry...

Today’s episode is one of the most emotional and personal conversations I’ve ever shared. For the first time, I’m sitting down with the person who knows my story better than anyone — my mom. Together, we talk about the years of heartbreak, fear, and hope our family went through as I battled addiction and found my way back to life. She watched me lose everything, and she also watched me rebuild fro...

In this powerful return to Primary Purpose with Pej, Sam Davis shares his remarkable journey from addiction and family chaos to a life of freedom and purpose. With over a decade of experience as a professional interventionist, Sam has helped thousands of families navigate the painful yet transformative path to recovery. In this heartfelt conversation, Pej and Sam open up about their own journeys a...

In this episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, we sit down with Mark C. Manderson, a pioneer in the fields of addiction recovery and mental health. With decades of experience, Mark has dedicated his life to helping individuals and families break free from destructive habits, overcome self-sabotaging behaviors, and build a foundation for lasting transformation. As the founder of Pacific Shores Recove...

In this powerful episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, we sit down with Kat B, a courageous mother and survivor whose life took a dark turn through addiction, trauma, and incarceration—but who fought her way back to light. Born and raised in Orange County, Kat had every opportunity for a bright future. But the absence of her father created a deep emotional wound that led her into toxic relationship...

In this episode of Primary Purpose, Pej sits down with Dre Weil, who shares his remarkable story of resilience, redemption, and faith. Born in Slovakia and adopted at age 4, Dre grew up in sunny Orange County but carried deep wounds from abandonment and adoption struggles. Those wounds led to addiction, mental health battles, and years of hardship—homelessness, hospitalizations, and countless rela...

In this very special episode of Primary Purpose, host Pejman "Pej" Alaghamandan turns the mic on himself to share his own powerful journey. From struggles with addiction to finding meaning through recovery, Pej opens up about the challenges, lessons, and transformations that shaped his life. For years, Pej has sat down with inspiring guests to uncover what drives them—but today, he’s sharing his t...

Ryan Kendall’s story is one of resilience, hope, and transformation. After spending nine years living homeless, Ryan made the life-changing decision to turn his life around. Through the AA program, he discovered purpose, community, and a new way of living. Today, he embraces life one day at a time and is truly living his best life. In this powerful episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, Ryan shares:...

Once trapped in a cycle of heroin, meth, alcohol, and prison, Danny Lansdale has been clean and sober since January 2, 2012. Today, he’s a counselor, interventionist, and the founder of Standing United — a foundation helping hundreds transition from homelessness and addiction into lives of purpose and hope. In this powerful episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, Danny shares: His darkest days of add...

In this gripping episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, we sit down with Eric Duffner — a man whose life has been defined by extremes. From teenage ICU stays and prison hustles, to building and burning millions, to the devastating murder of his father, Eric’s story is one of chaos, addiction, and survival. Eric opens up about: Growing up rebellious and running from authority Becoming a drug dealer w...

Lauren Carter’s journey is one of pain, perseverance, and ultimately, redemption. At her lowest point, she was homeless and trapped in the cycle of addiction. Life felt hopeless, dark, and unmanageable. But with the help of friends, family, and professional support, Lauren fought her way back. Today, she’s clean, healthy, and living with purpose. In this powerful episode of Primary Purpose with Pe...

In this episode of Primary Purpose, Pej sits down with Ottis Johnson, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor at New Directions for Women, to discuss one of the most overlooked—but most powerful—parts of recovery: family healing. Ottis explains why treating only the addict isn’t enough, and how untreated family dysfunction often sets the stage for relapse. Through his work leading family groups, he h...

In this inspiring interview, meet Jennifer Hope, the founder of H.O.P.E. for Families of Addicts, a remarkable organization dedicated to providing support and resources to families affected by addiction. Jennifer shares her personal story, the motivation behind starting H.O.P.E., and the incredible work her organization is doing to bring hope and healing to families in need. Watch to learn more ab...

In this powerful episode of Primary Purpose, host Pej sits down with Dean Cramp—transformational life coach, breathwork facilitator, and founder of Transcend Healing and Breathwork. Dean’s story is one of radical transformation. After 20+ years of addiction, he got sober at 41, experienced a profound spiritual awakening, and walked away from a high-powered career in luxury car sales. What followed...

In this powerful episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, we sit down with Jessy—a native Angeleno, co-owner of Namaste Sober Living, and a woman who has turned 16 years of addiction into a life of service, healing, and purpose. With multiple years of continuous sobriety, Jessy shares her deeply personal journey through recovery and the spiritual awakening that followed. From the depths of addiction t...

Meet Kris Shuman, the authentic southern voice of inspiration! Get ready to be motivated and uplifted by Kris's powerful words of encouragement. In this amazing interview, Kris shares their inspiring story, spreading positivity and good vibes to help you overcome life's challenges. If you're looking for a dose of southern charm and inspiration, you're in the right place! Tune in and let Kris's inf...

Tye Helmer’s story is one of pain, persistence, and profound transformation. After ten years of sobriety in the '90s, he relapsed for 15 years—trapped in a cycle of resentment, isolation, and self-destruction. His rock bottom came in 2016, when he barricaded himself inside his condo and was shot twice in the chest by SWAT. Even after surviving that, the grip of alcoholism held tight for six more m...

Join us as we share an incredible story of redemption and triumph! From the depths of addiction to becoming a coach, Johnny's inspiring recovery journey is a testament to the human spirit. With unflinching honesty, Johnny shares his struggles, setbacks, and ultimate triumph, offering a beacon of hope to those struggling with addiction. Get ready to be motivated and inspired by this amazing transfo...

Join Pej as he sits down with Kimberly to share her powerful and inspiring journey from addiction to recovery. From the darkest moments to the triumphant breakthroughs, Kimberly opens up about her struggles and the lessons she learned along the way. This raw and honest conversation is a must-watch for anyone who has been affected by addiction, or is looking for hope and inspiration in their own jo...