Recovery Plus Podcast: F*ck Yesterday, Focus on Today

Join Dr. Mei-Li Hennen in Episode 57 as she interviews Rachel Vasquez, a certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor working as a Clinical Manager at an outpatient facility with an awe-inspiring journey of resilience and personal transformation. From a destructive path that began at the age of 12 to encounters with the criminal justice system by 22, Rachel's story takes a turn towards redemption wh...

I'm your host, Dr. Mei-Li Hennen, and today, we have the privilege of speaking with Charlotte Dougherty—a resilient soul, lifelong rider, and unwavering advocate for empowering overlooked populations through the incredible world of second chance horses. Charlotte's journey is a testament to her strength, overcoming trauma, sexual abuse, two kidnapping incidents, multiple relapses, incarceration, a...

Tune in to our inspiring podcast episode featuring Ken Guidroz, a former pastor and retirement plan expert with over two decades of experience. Discover how his life took a dramatic turn as a parent, facing unimaginable heartbreak when all his children battled substance abuse simultaneously. In the face of tragedy, when one son's actions led to incarceration, Ken found a unique channel for healing...

Dr. Robb Kelly, PhD is a sought-after neuroscience and positive psychology expert who believes that rewiring the brain can lead to positive and lasting change in a person’s life.  Dr. Kelly has appeared on such shows as The Doctors, Eye Opener, Good Morning Texas, and Kens5 morning news.  A frequent contributor to radio and print interviews including The Jim Bohannon show, Miracles in Recovery, US...

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Dan Z. Joseph, a remarkable individual with a unique journey. An Army Veteran and accomplished book author, Dan's story is one of resilience, transformation, and the pursuit of a higher purpose. Having served as an Army Combat Engineer while concurrently pursuing a master's degree in psychology, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and personal ex...

Join Dr. Mei-Li Hennen as she engages in a heartfelt conversation with her next guest, Barbara Legere, an extraordinary author and advocate who has transformed personal tragedy into a powerful mission to uplift and support others. Barbara's journey as a single parent navigating her son Keven's battle with substance use disorder and depression was marked by immense challenges. Unfortunately, her wo...

Join us in this insightful episode with your host, Dr. Mei-Li Hennen, as she dives deep into the world of addiction medicine in conversation with Dr. Chuck Smith and Dr. Jason Hunt.  These doctors have personally triumphed over their own battle with addiction, and together, they have co-authored the groundbreaking book, "Understanding Addiction: Know Science, No Stigma," and are on a mission to ed...

Wow, can you believe it?  We hit our 50 th  podcast episode - fuck yes!   It's truly incredible to think about the journey we've embarked on, and we couldn't have done it without the unwavering support of our amazing guests and dedicated listeners like you. From heartfelt stories of triumph to expert insights on recovery, each episode has been a testament to the power of resilience and the transfo...

Join Recovery Plus Podcast host, Dr. Mei-Li Hennen for her 50 th  episode! This episode includes an inspiring conversation with Martyn Davies as he shares his remarkable journey of redefining entertainment without the need for alcohol or substances. In this episode, Martyn opens up about his initial fascination with the rock 'n roll lifestyle, having envy of his older brother living that life, and...

Sonia Kahlon, a remarkable individual who has embarked on an incredible journey of transformation. You see, Sonia wasn't just a successful orthodontist; she built and sold a thriving multi-location practice in 2016. But her accomplishments didn't end there. In 2017, she made a life-altering decision to become sober.   Since embracing sobriety, Sonia's path took an inspiring turn. She has transitio...

Please join podcast host Dr. Mei-Li Hennen of Recovery Plus as she talks with Mei McIntosh, founder of the sober community, The Creative Sober, where creatives have an opportunity to connect with other like-minded people who are navigating sobriety, health, and spiritual awareness through highlighted stories, art, music, and creative expression. Mei's recovery journey consists of being sober for f...

Join podcast host Dr. Mei-Li Hennen on the Recovery Plus Podcast as she invites you to step into the world of Colette Safhill—a remarkable individual who embodies the essence of embracing the whole person. In this transformative podcast, Colette shares her personal journey of recovery, discussing the challenges of addiction and the pursuit of sobriety.   She delves into the complexities of being a...

William Kemm was diagnosed with childhood leukemia at the young age of 10, which meant he had to endure radiation, painful chemotherapy treatments, and even morphine. Throughout this challenging time, his mother was his rock - not only providing him with the medical care he needed, but also serving as his best friend and constant source of support.  One night after treatment, William and his broth...

Rachel Hechtman had her first drink when she was 14. Alcohol quickly became a crutch and a way to numb the pain of her childhood traumas, her parents’ divorce, the onset of her anxiety/depression.  It provided the escape she was always searching for.  Rachel’s drinking increased in her teen’s requiring repeating sophomore year at a boarding school.  She was then diagnosed with ADHD which was life-...

Melissa Vashé lives on a ranch Tierra del Alma (Land of the Soul) with several acres along with her herd: three horses, one mule, and three dogs, with numerous cats she fosters.  On this ranch located in a sleepy town, Hondo, New Mexico, life is far cry from what life was like during her addiction, heartbreak, and trauma that haunted her for years. Melissa now over 25 years in total recovery, has...

Before Diana Yáñez transformed her own life, she recovered from bulimia and attended Al-Anon for a decade due to family members suffering from alcohol addiction.  Diana reports that “recovery changed my life! The way I live, think, and relate to myself and others is so much deeper because of the changes that recovery brought me.” Today, Diana is the founder of All the Colors and is a Certified Fin...

Denise has enjoyed what some may call a colorful life! With 24 years of experience working in pubs, bars and restaurants (and the odd race-course) in the UK she has seen, heard and ‘done’ it all. But two years ago after losing her job in the pandemic Denise decided it was time for a change and started looking at life a little differently. It started with an interest in her own personal fitness, wh...

Patt Ochoa truly is a person of many talents, with one mission – saving lives of those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction.  He is currently the Program Director at Liberty House, a drug treatment facility in Redlands, CA.  and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor III (CADC III) passionate about helping people recover from addiction. Patt also is invested in the community working with t...

Dr. Chuck Smith works as an addictionologist in South Florida where he provides patient care including detox, residential, and outpatient management of addictive diseases. He is a graduate of Marshall University and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Smith has completed an Addiction Medicine  Fellowship at the University of Florida.  Dr. Smith is also a co-author of the book, Un...

Dawn Comolly is known in the alcohol-free world as “Sober Fish”. Before her life transformed, Dawn was the ultimate party animal but slowly she had become bored of endless partying, sleepless nights, extreme emotions, two-day hangovers, toxic relationships, living in a fog and generally being miserable. During the summer of 2016, Dawn decided to conduct a personal experiment to spend the entire ye...

Katy McLaren is an Enneagram business coach from Fort Collins, Colorado. After experiencing a very challenging and stressful 2019, the pandemic and a changing body, Katy began to question the role of alcohol in her life. This journey has focused on better understanding her triggers, re-shaping her friendships and improving her mental and physical wellbeing.   Email: katy@insights-coaching.com   Li...

Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, Jensen was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (AKA Mormon) until they were 16 years old. Unsurprisingly, in Mormon culture, alcohol is demonized. It goes against Mormon values to consume alcohol under any circumstances and people who drink were viewed quite negatively. Jensen developed a sincere fear of alcohol that was reinforced not on...

  Drew Sullivan is an entertainment executive, seasoned talent agent and marketing representative with over 12 years of entertainment and speaking industry experience. Drew is a Senior Vice President at American Program Bureau, Inc. (APB) where he has been on both the marketing and the sales side since he started in 2015. However, outside of his professional success, Drew battled alcohol and cocai...

Carrie describes her story as almost being sober and in recovery by accident.  Before her successes, Carrie has experienced domestic violence, abuse, addiction, lost businesses and homes, has had chronic health problems and was a single parent with a special needs child, but somehow remained on her feet. Her journey began in martial arts. Unfortunate life experience led to her passion of teaching...

Welcome to Episode 34 of the Recovery Plus Podcast: F*ck Yesterday, Focus on Today! Joey Pagano is a Recovery Cowboy making a difference. Joey wears many hats: a professor, a drug and alcohol therapist and supervisor, a speaker, a veteran, a husband, a father, and an author of an upcoming book! No addict left behind: It’s a Recovery Medicine State of Mind available on April 25, 2023.  Joey has bee...