Recovery Daily Podcast

In today's episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I explore the concept of complete mental absorption. I talk about how easy it is to tighten around our focus rather than relaxing into it. I've been learning in stroke recovery that relaxing into focus can help manage chronic pain. I discuss techniques, like minute meditations, slowing down, self-massage, and more, that can be integrated in...

In this special Reads and Recovery episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I review "Educated: A Memoir" by Tara Westover. I explore how Tara's journey of resilience, self-redefinition, and finding her own way offers lessons for those in recovery from alcoholism and stroke. Join me as I uncover the importance of sharing our stories and not letting others' opinions define our self-...

In today's episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I explore the space between self-pity and confidence in recovery. I discuss how humility serves as the bridge between these extremes, helping us maintain a grounded and realistic perspective. Learn how practicing the steps, taking action, and embracing mistakes can lead to personal growth and a fulfilling sober life. Join me as I focus on the i...

In today's episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I explore the critical distinction between "being a drunk" and "having the disease of alcoholism." Drawing insights from the book "Under the Influence: A Life-Saving Guide to the Myths and Realities of Alcoholism," I discuss the stigmatization of the term "drunk" and how understanding alcoholism as a dise...

In today's episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I explore the threefold nature of our illness—physical, mental, and spiritual—and how spirituality paves the path to serenity. Join me a I discuss my understanding that with spirituality there is an internal depth beyond where I've been able to reach while drinking. It was necessary to clear out the junk in my "dark place" to unco...

In today's episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I explore the concept of giving freely in recovery. Prioritizing sobriety helps everything else fall into place and initiates the transformation from feeling confined to feeling free. I talk about the principle of giving freely, understanding how sharing our experiences, strength, and hope with others reinforces our own sobriety. During the ear...

In this episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I talk about living on borrowed time and the responsibility it brings to help those who are still struggling. I share how my journey through alcoholism and stroke recovery has been anchored by the pillars of faith and patience. I discuss the importance of these qualities, especially during uncertain times, and how they have helped me navigate my &quot...

In this episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I discuss physical limitations and finding freedom within them, within ourselves. Drawing from my experiences with alcoholism and stroke recovery, I share how emotional and mental freedom can be achieved despite physical limitations. I emphasize the importance of humility, taking suggestions, and letting go of fears to create space for hope. She discu...

In this episode, I explore the conflict between the selfishness of alcoholism and the selflessness required in parenting and recovery, and back to the selfishness side of self-care. I share about my experience with how prioritizing my well-being and doing the next right thing has become essential in maintaining sobriety as well as progress in stroke recovery. From detox to new habits and ongoing i...

In this episode, I discuss the tendency many of us in recovery have to hide our unpleasant feelings, behaviors, and even ourselves. I share my experiences of moving from hiding to healing and the challenges and rewards of embracing honesty. Throughout my life, I’ve had an automatic reaction to unpleasant feelings: hide them. This tendency was most intense during my late active alcoholism when I wo...

Join me in this episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast as I explore the impact of Step 7 in my recovery program and how I've adopted the meaning of prayer in my life. I talk about prayer being a commitment to doing the footwork, and serves as an expression of willingness and a bridge to self-reflection. Learn how aligning our actions with the next right thing in our lives can lead us to our hig...

Join me on a special episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast as I celebrate my 50th birthday and reflect on the incredible, unexpected gifts I've received through dual recovery. From forgiveness to self-awareness, connection, purpose, and resilience that sobriety has brought into my life, these gifts have shaped my journey in ways I never imagined. Tune in to hear how the greatest gifts often co...

In this episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I explore the powerful role of honesty in recovery and how to navigate the judgments of others. I share my personal stories from my college days as an active alcoholic, through getting sober, and now living in stroke recovery. I discuss the importance of stopping the cycle of judging others, handling gossip and criticism, and how my approach to relati...

In this episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I talk about balancing self-indulgence with our natural instincts. I explore the importance of delaying gratification and practicing moderation, especially when faced with the frustration of aligning our desires with our (dis)abilities. I share how to manage internal tantrums and avoid rushing through life as a way to escape underlying fears. Join me...

In this episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I start with talking about the desire to change. I explore the impact of catastrophic thinking and how using words like "always" and "never" can trap us in a negative mindset. Drawing inspiration from the "A Vision for You" chapter in the Big Book of AA, I discuss how finding a higher power helped me find myself. I share...

In this episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I discuss the balance between self-reliance and reliance on a higher power. I share about my relationships with humility and responsibility in recovery. I explore the mantra "Thy will, not mine, be done" and how it guides me to align my actions with a higher purpose—the next right thing. Join me as I discuss the difference between the power...

In today’s episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I discuss Step 8 of AA's 12-step program: making a list of all those we harmed and becoming willing to make amends to them all. I explore the types of harm we may have caused to others—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—and our character defects that could have been involved, such as ego, intolerance, insecurity, and fear. I share perso...

Today on the Recovery Daily Podcast, I explore the relentless pursuit of MORE and the difficulty in taking time to bask in our successes. I discuss how this constant drive affects our mental health and recovery, and how to find a balance between striving for more and enjoying the present moment. I share my experiences with this struggle, in each version of me, and offer strategies to help you let...

Today on the Recovery Daily Podcast, I explore transforming an obsession with alcohol into an obsession with recovery. Discover why immersing ourselves in recovery activities is essential, especially in early sobriety, and how this approach can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves. I share my personal journey of redirecting thoughts from alcohol to recovery, the importance of consistent pra...

In this episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I explore the concept of emotional sobriety and how it differs from simply not drinking. I include story time about my insanity that came with active alcoholism, characterized by extreme errors in judgment and actions driven by unchecked emotions. I share my journey from the chaotic early days of sobriety to the clearer, more balanced life I lead toda...

In this episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I discuss the importance of employer support in the recovery of an employee, focusing on the chapter "To The Employer" from AA’s Big Book. I share my experiences working with both unsupportive and supportive employers, highlighting how their attitudes made a significant difference in my sobriety. I explore the chapter's key points, inclu...

In this episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I discuss deciphering our self-will and learning to turn it over. Join me as I explore how self-centered fear and character defects drive our behavior, leading to stress and disharmony in our lives. Discover the shift from being willful to being willing, and learn how to make choices that align with your values—your true self. Through introspection an...

In this episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I explore how self-centered fear underlies many of our character defects and how we can find freedom from these defects through Step Seven. Join me as I discuss identifying and addressing fears such as fear of failure, judgment, abandonment, and pain. Whether you believe in a higher power or not, there are practical ways to approach Step Seven and ach...

In this episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I explore the gift of clarity that comes with sobriety, stroke recovery, and medical retirement, as we call it in vestibular therapy. Join me as I share insights on how to live a stress-LESS life, manage priorities, and make the most out of this newfound clarity. Learn about balancing activity and rest, practicing mindfulness, and keeping thoughts and...

In this episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, I tackle the challenges and strategies for maintaining sobriety while on the road, errrr uh, in the air. Traveling can present numerous triggers and temptations, from airports and layovers to hotels with bars and social meal times. Join me as I share tips based on my experiences on how to navigate these situations successfully. Plan ahead, stay connec...