The Embrace Family Recovery Podcast

Leading up to our book's release date of February 6th, I have decided to dedicate a miniseries of The Embrace Family Recovery Podcast to introducing you to a few of the 44 women authors who penned 'Voices of the 21st Century Women Empowered Through Passion and Purpose.'  Today, I am honored to introduce you to four more of my magnificent co-authors. Maryann Rivera-Dannert, MRD Empow...

Today, I am thrilled to continue my conversation with Tom Farley, a man in recovery and sibling to the late Chris Farley, the author of The Chris Farley Show and community relations coordinator at Rosecrance . In this episode, we continue to discuss self-acceptance, the benefits of being yourself, and how this allows Tom to find genuine connection with others. Tom shares his recovery journey and d...

Leading up to our book's release date of February 6th, I have decided to dedicate a miniseries of The Embrace Family Recovery Podcast to introducing you to a few of the 44 women authors who penned 'Voices of the 21st Century Women Empowered Through Passion and Purpose.'  Today, I am honored to introduce you to four more of my magnificent co-authors. Brigitte Stills is a property man...

Imagine growing up as the older brother to Chris Farley. I am thrilled to have a conversation with Tom Farley, who candidly shares about his life in the Farley family, their relationships with alcohol, and the dominant emotion of humor. Today, we learn about how their mother blazed a trail of seeking support and Tom's journey of recovery, where he has learned to embrace his true self. Meet To...

Leading up to our book's release date of February 6th, I have decided to dedicate a miniseries of The Embrace Family Recovery Podcast to introducing you to a few of the 44 women authors who penned 'Voices of the 21st Century Women Empowered Through Passion and Purpose.'  Today, I am honored to introduce you to three more of my magnificent co-authors.  Dr. Teresa Barnes is a psychoth...

Today, I conclude my conversation with Heather Tidwell; I have enjoyed talking with another professional serving people with Substance Use Disorder and their loved ones with such passion. We discuss how addiction is the opposite of connection and the importance of understanding and navigating reactive emotions as a family in recovery, recognizing your pain as an affected loved one, and understandi...

Wow, this dream I have held to be an author will be realized soon!! Leading up to our book's release date of February 6th, I have decided to dedicate a miniseries of The Embrace Family Recovery Podcast to introducing you to a few of the other 44 courageous women authors who penned Voices of the 21st Century Women Empowered Through Passion and Purpose. Today, I am honored to introduce you to G...

Today, Heather Tidwell returns, and we dive into harm reduction and the struggle to accept that the disease of addiction is a messy disease that we try to make black and white. Heather's creative approaches when working with her clients reinforce the need to meet them where they are. We also discuss the power of language regarding this disease. Learn more about Heather and her team at B&G...

Today, I welcome Heather Tidwell, a licensed clinical social worker, licensed addiction specialist, and trauma-informed care certified practitioner who has been in the mental health field for 12 years. Learn more about Heather and her team at B&G Counseling Services in North and South Carolina. Heather and I discuss ways current systems are failing families impacted by the disease of addiction...

In this final episode with best-selling author Karen Casey, we talk about family dynamics and the belief that the family we are born into is the family we need to grow as individuals.  Karen discusses her favorite books and why she participates actively in Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon weekly. Grace, acceptance, and compassion for self and others have been a thread throughout our discussion. Ka...

As we continue our conversation with Karen Casey, she shares the benefits of embracing the concept of detachment. Karen is the best-selling author of thirty books, with her first one, 'Every Day a New Beginning: Meditation for Women,' celebrating its 40th anniversary. To think it began with journalling, as all her books have! Karen also shared her concept of how her Higher Power gives pe...

In this episode, we meet the remarkable recovery pioneer Karen Casey, best-selling author of 'Each Day a New Beginning: Daily Meditations for Women,' the first daily meditation book written expressly for recovering women. Millions worldwide spend a few moments each day in quiet reflection, with Karen reading one of her 30 books. Karen believes she was born an alcoholic codependent. Today...

In this final episode with Sheila Hyer, we talk about life with her son, Kevin, who is in recovery.   Sheila shares candidly the impact of the disease that still lingers and what she wishes she had known when her journey began. Sheila believes there is a reason for this and wants to help others. Sheila, Ed, and Kevin have taken this harrowing experience and are making a difference through The Hyer...

The losses and fear created by this family disease have not stopped Sheila. She is continuously learning and fighting to break free of the negative impact of this family disease. It is far too easy to look back with "should haves, would haves"; however, when living in the insanity of active addiction, the Monkey Chatter fuels isolation, shame, and fear. It is the nature of this cunning,...

I am delighted to begin my conversation with Sheila Hyer.  In today's episode, Sheila shares with us the story of how the disease of addiction has affected her throughout her life, not only as a registered nurse but as a family member who has witnessed and experienced its impact on multiple family members, from her mother to her sons.  Each relationship has had its unique impact on her life,...

In Dayna and Mazz's final episode, they dive into their recovery journey. They share valuable tools they have incorporated, how they have embraced life and travel, and the role alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages play in their recovery. This conversation is by no means a promotion of a person in recovery drinking non-alcoholic beverages or not. That is an individual decision between a recover...

In this second episode with Dayna and Mazz, we hear the brutally honest story of the scary depths Mazz's disease took him in denying his alcoholism. Mazz shares how close he came to death. Dayna candidly shares the reality of facing her spouse's disease and recovery and how daunting this can be as a partner. You can learn more about Mazz & Dayna, a couple who beat many odds, through...

A new episode of the Embrace Family Recovery Podcast is live!! Today, we meet Dayna Del Val and Mazz Marry. In this episode of the Embrace Family Recovery Podcast, Mazz shares his story of what it took to realize he was suffering from the disease of addiction. Dayna openly shares her side of the story, her painful journey inward, and the profound realizations she faced. Their story is a journey fr...

In this episode, Annie Augustus Rose, author of 'Addicted, Our Strength Under the Influence' returns to share her unexpected journey of raising her grandchildren. Annie shares some heartbreaking decisions and actions she had to take with her children.  Annie's book offers numerous examples of the Monkey Chatter family members' experience, and a powerful addiction is the written...

Today, we meet Annie Augustus Rose, who shares the deeply personal story of the disease within her family, from her grandfather to her children, and how she has faced numerous challenges head-on. Annie has authored her memoir, ' Addicted, Our Strength Under the Influence.' Annie shares how this book evolved, and her story is an inspiring story of strength and advocacy. Annie has permitte...

Today Mary Beth shares more of her story and how she chose her memoir's title, 'Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction.'  We discuss her path to recovery and how it was vital for her to own her story and navigate a recovery path that felt right for her.  Mary Beth reads an excerpt from her book!  As a retired federal judge, Mary Beth advocates for multip...

Today, I am honored to introduce you to Mary Beth O'Connor. Mary Beth's Memoir is entitled  'From Junkie to Judge.'  Mary Beth is a woman in long-term recovery, courageously sharing her incredible story from a traumatic childhood, a dangerous substance use disorder by the tender age of 17, to a full life, including a career as a judge.  Listen to Mary Beth's vivid descript...

In this final episode with Kelley and Ryan Kitley, we discuss navigating recovery with children and the impact of role modeling for our children. We talk about the selfish nature of addiction and how healing can feel selfish in similar ways. This episode ends with a delightful story about the production team and this brave couple's hope for the future of their movie, Gray Area. #embracefamily...

Welcome Back! In 2017, Kelley Kitley courageously published her autobiography 'MY self.' 'MY self' is described as a near-mythical Phoenix rising tale of triumph against easily considered insurmountable odds, such as an eating disorder, sexual assault, and alcohol abuse that plunged her deeper into the abyss. Far from another crash-and-burn autobiography of grief, 'MY self...

Welcome back to Season 4 of the Embrace Family Recovery Podcast! I am excited to introduce you to Kelley Kiltey , wife, mother, woman in long term recovery, best selling author of 'Myself', movie producer of 'Grey Area, Social Worker, and NBC, Regular Contributor and Ryan Kiltey , husband, father, professional actor in television, film, voice work, and theater. Ryan also coaches and...