Recovery is Possible Podcast

In this episode we discuss the effects of addiction on the family and the resources that are available. My guest is Dana Golden the author of Addiction Rescue; The NO-BS Guide of Recovery. Dana is also a blogger for Psychology Today, a Recovery Coach, Family Addiction Coach, and an Interventionist. Her focus and passion is working with families struggling with a loved one's Substance Use Disorder....

I recently appeared on "The Payoff with Pete" podcast hosted by Pete Sousa. In this episode you learn a little bit about my story and background as well as how the disease of addiction progresses. This is an interview full of all kinds of useful information that will equip you with information you can use to not only help yourself, but others as well. This episode is brought to you by FHE Health....

Melissa Hinton started Loudon Serenity House after the death of her sister in 2019. In an effort to help those that are suffering from addiction, Melissa made sure that that Loudoun Serenity House followed the mission of providing supportive and affordable residential services to women and men striving for their best life, a sober life, free from dependency on alcohol, opioids, and other narcotics...

Our guest today is Hilary Phelps, and she shares her experience, strength, and hope. Hilary is an amazing woman originally from Baltimore, Maryland, who was the first of the Phelps' children to jump into the water and become a competitive swimmer. Hilary attended the University of Richmond where she studied Criminal Justice and Sociology, while competing on a swimming scholarship. Today, Hilary is...

Charlie Engle is a fascinating individual who is celebrating 30 years of continuous sobriety in July. As part of his celebration, Charlie will be running for 30 continuous hours to honor sobriety and to raise funds for scholarships and research in an event called "The Penguin." This event will be taking place at Ashley Addiction Treatment Center in Havre De Grace, Maryland on July 23-24, 2022, and...

Irish Angel is a support network for Law Enforcement, EMS, Fire Fighters, and military. They provide education, awareness, and resources about addictions, PTSD, PTSI, TBI, depression and anxiety. They offer opportunities to inform, heal and promote a healthy lifestyle for First Responders. In this episode I speak with Amanda Coleman, Executive Director and Founder of "Irish Angel", who provides a...

Turning it around no matter what. Brian and I met as students at the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School for Addiction Studies, and we connected through our shared background as Police Officers. Brian discusses the progression of the disease of addiction, how it controls your life, and how you are ultimately forced to make a decision. Brian's story demonstrates how you can overcome addiction despi...

We are all a work in progress and need to adapt to whatever life throws at us. This is especially true for First Responders, but everyone can benefit from this idea. Jeff Thompson joins me today to talk about how you can be "the hammer, not the nail" as well as the need for self-compassion. Jeff is a New York Police Department Detective serving as the Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator. In tod...

The era of COVID brought us online video Recovery Meetings. This was something new, and in-person meeting have never been shut down before. Was this a good thing? It was certainly a great departure from how meetings were conducted before. In this episode I discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both, and you can decide. This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth....

I spent the last year working at an Inpatient Treatment Center as part of an internship. What a learning experience! In this episode I share some of my experiences with you and discuss some of the trends I noticed with the patients and the recovery world. This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Plan...

Michael Sugrue just released his book "Relentless Courage: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma". In this episode Michael discusses why he wrote the book and how trauma not only affects First Responders, but all of us. More importantly, Michael discusses what we can do to help overcome the scars of trauma and why it is important for all of us to understand this very important issue. Michael...

Addie Betancourt discusses the reasons for becoming sober. "Find your why" is her mantra, and she discusses how coming to this realization changed her life. You can find your why, and you will change your life forever. Addie is the co-host of the podcast "Over a Cup of Coffee" with Jamie Church, and you are going to be inspired by her infectious personality and compelling story. This episode is br...

This is an amazing milestone for us, our 100th episode discussing recovery. I am joined by Lillie, who was in our very first episode, and she reflects on the first 100 episodes and the key takeaways from all that was covered. There were so many topics discussed and guests that have their unique perspectives on recovery. I also discuss my thoughts as well as what I learned while interning for the l...

In this episode I am being interviewed by Dr. Robb Kelly regarding the effects of trauma in Law Enforcement. The fact is, we all experience trauma, and it has an incredible impact on our well-being on so many levels. This is certainly true for First Responders, but it is also true everyone. I have never met anyone that in recovery, or anyone struggling with getting into recovery that did not exper...

Have you ever wondered about all of the lies people tell you? Would you like to know how to detect when people are lying to you? Frank Runles just published a book called Lies People Tell: An FBI Agent's toolkit for catching liars and cheats. It is an excellent book, and I have known Frank for years beginning when we were both instructors at the FBI National Academy. This book is useful in so many...

Dealing with the demons you face is the beginning of recovery, and Patrick Fitzgibbons knows this as well as anyone. Patrick tells his story of how he was able to get well with the help of others, and how you can do the same if you are willing and open to suggestions. Patrick was able to get the help he needed, and his story is an inspiration to everyone who thinks that life will not or cannot get...

Mindfulness, yoga, and breathe work are tools that can help all of us but is often overlooked. This is especially true for first responders and the military but is also true for everyone. Richard Goerling talks about these practices and how they can be used to help you improve your overall function and vitality. Richard has a long career in law enforcement and as a Health, Humanity, and Performanc...

Helen Bratton joins me in this episode to discuss the challenges she faces with recovery after suffering a severe stroke. Helen is passionate about helping people in recovery that face this challenge, and she is an inspiration to all of us. Helen joins us from Southwest England, and I really enjoyed and learned a lot from this conversation, and I know you will too! This episode is brought to you b...

John Kelly has a long and honorable career with the Broward County Sheriff's Office in Florida. This kind of career is not without its risks, and the risks are not always the physical danger. A career as a First Responder takes a cumulative toll on a person that has devastating effects on every aspect of your being, and it has to be dealt with for a long career and healthy life. John shares his po...

Dr. Robb Kelly, PhD, also known as "The Recovery Expert," was born in Manchester, England, and during his early twenties worked at the elite and influential Abbey Roads Studio as a session musician with the likes of Queen, David Bowie, and Elton John. Dr. Kelly shares with us his own story of addiction, and how he found sobriety. Most importantly, Dr. Kelly discusses how we should treat the proble...

Many people question the statement that addiction is a disease. However, addiction is a disease of both the mind and the body. Alcohol is not processed the same way in the body of the alcoholic as it is for the non-alcoholic. In this episode I explain the difference, and how the genetic mis-wiring of the alcoholic is at the root of this difference. This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Fin...

Paul Bertrand is a retired FBI Agent and former instructor at the FBI National Academy. Paul currently works as a trainer for LivingWorks working to provide suicide training prevention solutions. This is a fascinating discussion centered around how to have a conversation with someone who is struggling, the stigma associated with mental health issues, and what we can do to help everyone around us....

Chaplain Ron Perkins is someone who is in the front lines of confronting the issues of substance abuse, PTSD and suicide in the First Responder Community. Ron is a Senior Chaplain for Public Safety Chaplaincy, Inc. and describes what he is seeing in the First Responder Community at large and the resources available to help those that are committed to helping others. This is a conversation you will...

Michael Sugrue is a national speaker, veteran, and retired sergeant from the Walnut Creek Police Department in California. He is a peer volunteer at the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat and is an ambassador for Save a Warrior. Michael is a dedicated advocate for awareness, prevention, education, and training on Post Traumatic Stress Injury and First Responder Suicide Prevention. Michael continues to...

The concept of a Higher Power is something many people struggle with. As a result, many people will not pursue a path of recovery because they think they will be asked to believe in something they do not want. In this episode, I discuss this issue and give you the perspective I have developed over the years. This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com Music-John Wi...