Andy's Chomping at the Bit

SEASON 3 FINALE! An excellent opportunity to reflect and go back to the very first episode of "Andy's Chomping at the Bit!" I will miss sharing with you my journey and takes on various topics along the way over the extended break between now and season 4, but I am truly thankful for your support and encouragement along the way! I look forward to the day I share once more, but until that day, I'm g...

Is it a coincidence that the Labor Day released episode for a podcast typically on Fridays is about accountability? Not at all! Here's a very thorough take on accountability; the challenges it has presented/presents, and why it's a focal point of my recovery AND personal growth journey! Presented by Big Andy Media Music by Big Andy Media If you enjoyed this episode, or any previous episodes, I enc...

Grief, emergencies, and trauma tend to cross paths from time to time... I discuss grief [and slide a bit into trauma as well] on today's episode, while also talking about a family emergency that occurred early on this past weekend. For the most part, they tie together. Presented by Big Andy Media. Music by Big Andy Media. If you enjoyed this episode, or any previous episodes, I encourage you to sh...

Meditation has been an essential tool for me to stay grounded and continue to grow over the past two years, and the last several days are a perfect example. This was an interesting week for me, with a wider range of high and low points than in the previous several weeks. In this episode, I discuss several forms of mediation, how and why I choose to use them, and what benefits I've noticed from usi...

There's no question that we are all aware of various stigmas out there, and the harm that they can cause. I discuss the issue with categorizing/judging people on a single commonality, as well as my struggles and successes with facing stigmas, stereotypes, and generalizations on both ends of the topic. Presented by Big Andy Media Music by Big Andy Media  If you enjoyed this episode, or any previou...

Far too often, people hear the word content, and confuse it with complacent. In this episode, I dive in and discuss both as they relate to my journey to help differentiate the two. *Spoiler* There's a significant difference between the two! There's another state as well that I briefly mention, and will discuss further in an upcoming episode. A Big Andy Media presentation. If you enjoyed this episo...

Shame is a topic I've frequently mentioned, as it played a significant role during the stretch of my darkest moments. It's time to discuss this toxic feeling, and address the consequences it carries. A Big Andy Media presentation. (Originally recorded/released as a video-cast) If you enjoyed this episode, or any previous episodes, I encourage you to show your support by following/liking/subscribin...

Sex is one of the least talked about addictions, and because of that, it's also one of the more misunderstood addictions (on top of the already existing stigmas addicts dealing with substances face). Today I'm discussing my journey with a focus on the mental challenges from my sex addiction. A Big Andy Media presentation. (Originally recorded/released as a video-cast) If you enjoyed this episode,...

Today's episode is completely independent, and deviates away to some extent from the more traditional structure of previous Andy's Chomping at the Bit episodes. Though based within a very heated topic (immigration), the focus goes beyond simple party lines, and rather seeks to share an understanding of certain consequences, and possibly even some common ground on what is unacceptable behavior. (Or...

This challenge stretches well beyond just the lives of people who are in recovery or live with a mental health diagnosis. Managing and tackling projects, especially the big ones, can very easily feel overwhelming. I personally have struggled with this for the vast majority of my life. As I share in this episode, I've greatly improved, though there's still always plenty of room for growth! A Big An...

Lots of events are considered "next chapters," from graduation, retirement, starting a family, etc. This is my take, from experiences/moments of the past and present. This is episode is also a tribute/honor to all who are beginning a new chapter in life, regardless of the page that's being turned. A Big Andy Media presentation. (Originally recorded/released as a video-cast) If you enjoyed this epi...

Recalling and reflecting on the moment that changed my understanding and outlook on life, and opened the doors for me to discover what makes me, me. A Big Andy Media presentation. (Originally recorded/released as a video-cast) If you enjoyed this episode, or any previous episodes, I encourage you to show your support by following/liking/subscribing to my podcast and sharing with your friends and f...

This ties in really well with fear and somewhat with ego (the lack of) as well. It's important to remember that learning and working to improve are a continuous part of the journey. The bar for potential growth continues to rise as long as you continue to willingly and honestly work on yourself. With that being said, and with my knowing how much I've already grown so far, doubt is (in my opinion)...

This is a very sensitive subject, and it may be challenging for some of you to listen to, but I ask that if you are safely able, please take a moment to watch. I assure you, this one isn't comfortable for me either, but it's something that needs to be discussed. A Big Andy Media presentation. (Originally recorded/released as a video-cast) If you enjoyed this episode, or any previous episodes, I en...

This has been one of my bigger challenges throughout my life, dating back to my teenage years. Discovering the reasons behind the challenge have helped me develop an understanding that has enabled me to face rejection in several aspects of my life, and deal with it in a more constructive manner. A Big Andy Media presentation. (Originally recorded/released as a video-cast) If you enjoyed this episo...

"There is no path to happiness; happiness is the path." I know it's easy to get caught up looking ahead to the finish line for our goals and various journeys in life, but there's so much you can miss out on if you don't find ways to enjoy/appreciate the current moments getting there. A Big Andy Media presentation. (Originally recorded/released as a video-cast) If you enjoyed this episode, or any p...

What better topic to discuss after a brief break than CHANGE? A Big Andy Media presentation. (Originally recorded/released as a video-cast) If you enjoyed this episode, or any previous episodes, I encourage you to show your support by following/liking/subscribing to my podcast and sharing with your friends and family! Thank you for your support and sharing! If there is a topic that you would like...

There are lot of people out there that (in the eyes of society) have everything, yet they still aren't happy. Of course, I don't agree with society's perspective. This is my take on happiness, and an insight on what it means to me. A Big Andy Media presentation. (Originally recorded/released as a video-cast) If you enjoyed this episode, or any previous episodes, I encourage you to show your suppor...

I have noticed that when discussing addiction and some of the ongoing challenges I face in recovery, people often get confused about what substituting addictions really is, and I feel that to some extent it exposes a disconnect that many people who haven't directly experienced addiction have when it comes to understanding the disease. A Big Andy Media presentation. (Originally recorded/released as...

There's is A LOT covered in today's episode, including an explanation of what is considered an opportunity, with a balanced focus on its significance for opportunities of the past and present. There's also some exciting news that I share with you that you are not going to want to miss! 😃 A Big Andy Media presentation. (Originally recorded/released as a video-cast) If you enjoyed this episode, or...

I always try doing a topic that's either on my mind, or is standing out in my daily life. Considering that I arrived home from a hockey game around 1am, sleep was on my mind! I made sure to not only discuss how I've struggled with both ends of the sleeping issue, but I also mention some helpful tips and tricks that have worked for me that I still use today! 🛌 A Big Andy Media presentation. (Origi...

Honesty might seem like a relatively simple topic,, but I can assure you that addressing past mistakes and the struggles of the present can be very uncomfortable. I can also say with confidence that being honest despite the discomfort and [at times] fear has improved the course of my life over the past couple of years (though not always in the ways I was expecting it to). A Big Andy Media presenta...

There are a lot of powerful memories to reflect on from Christmas past... I'm grateful for the opportunity to share some of those moments with you, as well as discuss how I perceive the meaning of Christmas! 🎄🎅🎁 WARNING! There are moments in today's episode where I discuss some ideas and personal beliefs that you may not agree with! I respect any differences that we may have in our beliefs, and...

Today's topic might not be very familiar with a lot of people out there, so I decided to chomp quite a bit at this one and, well... I kept it PG, so viewers under 18 can safely watch it without learning any new words, except for possibly the word "compromise." ** Feel free to share this with people that you feel may have forgotten or are not familiar with this topic! 😉 ** A Big Andy Media present...

With the holidays being an extremely challenging time for many people (for various reasons), I wanted to address depression, and my struggles with it. As with addiction, there are a lot misconceptions around depression. I hope today's episode helps you or someone you know who may be struggling with depression or feeling depressed during the holidays. A Big Andy Media presentation. (Originally reco...