Thrive While Loving an Addict | Addiction | Sobriety | Recovery | Relapse

In this episode, the host, KL Wells welcomes sobriety coach Jen Lee Hurst to discuss the complexities of sobriety, self-care, and the impact of addiction on relationships. Jen shares her personal journey with alcohol abuse, her path to sobriety, and the valuable lessons she has learned. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, community support, and navigating her marriage during recovery. The...

In this podcast episode, our host, KL Wells, a mother with personal experience in dealing with a loved one's substance use disorder, speaks with Andrew Schultz, an international speaker and entrepreneur. They discuss the critical role of supportive communities in the recovery process. Andrew shares his journey from addiction to recovery, emphasizing the importance of love, vulnerability, and commu...

In this episode, host KL Wells, a mother with firsthand experience, and guest Tucker Stine, a CMO and recovery advocate, discuss the complexities of rebuilding family relationships post-recovery. Tucker shares his personal journey of recovery, emphasizing the importance of patience, grace, and vulnerability. They explore the concept of "living amends," highlighting actions over words in rebuilding...

In this podcast episode, Andrew Schultz, a podcaster and entrepreneur, shares his heartfelt story of addiction, recovery, and the power of family interventions. Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Andrew turned to substances after trauma and despite career success, he lost everything due to addiction. Influenced by his father's battle with alcoholism and subsequent recovery, Andrew eventually sought he...

Imagine the life that you thought you were living was actually a lie as you witness your entire world unravel. Meet today’s guest, Rachel Graham, CEO and Co-founder of Healing Springs Ranch, an addiction treatment center in Tioga, Texas. In this episode, Rachel dives deep into PTSD, emotional unavailability, and the interplay between trauma, mental illness and addiction. She also shares her firsth...

Welcome to a deeply personal episode, featuring best-selling author and podcast host, Laura Cathcart Robbins. Her memoir, Stash, My Life In Hiding, is a testament to her resilience and authenticity. As a champion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and a TEDx speaker, Laura's voice is a beacon of courage and wisdom. In this episode, we delve into her struggles with addiction, exploring how privil...

When we are in the throes of a loved one’s addiction, change can be one of the biggest obstacles that lies in the way of allowing ourselves to thrive. In today’s episode, KL Wells shares her journey of learning how critical role the brain plays in embracing real change. She shares her most unexpected lesson in dealing with her own son’s addiction simply by learning the power to say “no.” She even...

In today’s Voices InCourage episode, we feature Jen Lee Hirst, a dynamic full-time working mom of two and a sobriety coach on a mission to empower women to boost confidence through a life without alcohol. Jen's journey is nothing short of inspiring – from facing two DUIs and battling intense anxiety to the point of drinking mouthwash, she found herself on the brink of a life-altering decision to g...

Embracing our emotions has incredible healing power, yet can be one of the hardest acts to accept. It doesn’t have to be that way. Meet Cerita Yvonne , trauma coach and therapist, who guides us through the process of acknowledging the validity of our emotions and embracing forgiveness in the healing process from emotional trauma. Cerita shares her recovery from emotional abuse, unveiling the power...

Growing up with alcoholism in the family creates a storm many families cannot weather alone. Join us with the author of Chaos to Clarity , Marci Hopkins , who shares her story from being raised by an alcoholic mother to the chaos and clarity she found in her journey of recovery. She gives us an honest account as she recalls the effects of childhood abuse, which caused her to battle inner turmoil,...

Relapse is a part of the majority of an addict's journey. KL Wells opens up about her son’s relapse and how she went months with no contact. She advocates for elevating oneself above the chaos and challenges us to redefine the way we navigate life. Join her as she delves into the concept of avoiding the rabbit hole and reclaiming control over one's destiny. KL dismantles the futility of worry and...

Experience a transformative conversation with Susan Bartz Herrick in today's episode that dives into the heartbreaking loss of her son to opioid addiction. Susan explores the 13 precursors to addiction and the profound insights into the 3 C's – cause, control, and cure – that shaped her own experiences in understanding her son's disease. Her story serves as a message of resilience, uncovering how...

In today’s episode, we have author, podcast host, speaker, and grief therapist Claire Bidwell Smith – a resilient woman who weathered the storm of losing both parents to cancer at a young age. Claire witnessed the loss of her mother during her freshman year of college, only later to face the death of her father senior year. With a compelling narrative spanning five books on grief, our speaker shar...

Life is a whirlwind, especially when you're a parent facing the challenges of your child’s addiction and alcoholism. But guess what? Those challenges don't define you. Embrace "The Power of Optimism" with Dr. Kate Lund as we navigate the art of seeing the positive outside of life's challenges. Learn how to foster change from the inside out and discover how to manage your stress response with the p...

As we navigate this year’s holiday season, Dr. Bill Crawford is back in today’s episode to share practical strategies to redefine our experience using his 5-Step Model for clarity, confidence, and purpose. In this episode, Dr. Crawford illuminates how these principles can transform our encounters, urging us to create the magic within ourselves rather than relying on external expectations. Tune in...

Did you know it takes at least 9 months for a brain to recover from prolonged substance abuse? Addiction is often a complex web of genetics, environment, and psychological factors. In this vulnerable episode, KL and Tucker share their personal insights and experiences as they dive deep into the mind of an addictive brain and explore the profound hold substances can have on the mindset and biology...

Dr. Lynyetta Willis , a trauma survivor, shares her inspiring insights of personal transformation in five key areas she calls "PATHS”: Perspective, Awareness, Tools, Healing, and Self-Empowerment. Dr. Willis challenges us to explore the stories we tell ourselves. What narratives have shaped our lives, and how can we shift our perspective? Finally, Dr. Willis drops a profound truth bomb: trauma wil...

In the turbulent landscape of addiction, anger often emerges as an unwelcome companion. In this gripping podcast episode, host KL takes you on a deeply personal journey of transformation, where compassion triumphs over fury. KL divulges her own process of learning to let go of anger's tight grip, revealing how even the briefest moments of fury can quietly erode our well-being. Listen in as she imp...

Prepare for a podcast episode that may well be the most profound and impactful from Voices InCourage. Whether you've grappled with the loss of a child to addiction or are simply a concerned parent navigating your child's substance use, this episode is for you. Jim Horton 's courageous vulnerability touches the core of every parent as he shares his insights on handling the holidays after losing his...

In this episode of Voices InCourage, we welcome Robin Detmer , a woman whose life is a testament to love, resilience, and transformation. A physical therapist, mother, published author, and shamanic medicine mesa carrier, Robin's story is as captivating as it is inspiring. Born and raised in the wilds of Belize, her life was marked by natural disasters, addiction, and sexual abuse. Yet, along with...

If you've ever welcomed a loved one back after their release from prison, you understand the rollercoaster of emotions that ride alongside. In today's engaging podcast episode, KL reconnects with Jeannie, a mother who has recently welcomed her son back into her life following his battle with addiction and prison release. Together, they explore the intricacies of these delicate reunions and the hur...

This is a story of empathy, understanding, and unwavering love with Jan Salisbury, whose daughter is a recovering alcoholic of 18 years. Learn as we explore how every individual's chemistry is different and how becoming aware of these differences can be the first step toward support. We unveil the concept of being emotionally detached without casting blame. KL and Jan provide actionable advice on...

Join us for an emotionally charged episode that dives deep into the raw realities of love and crisis. VIC’s CEO KL Wells' world shattered as her beloved son, Sam, fell into the grip of drug psychosis, and was taken to jail right before her eyes. But within the shadows of despair emerged an unexpected glimmer of hope in the form of Grace Burkhart, who is our very first guest that works in the crimi...

Uncover the compelling journey of Dana Killion , acclaimed author of " Where the Shadows Dance ," and a wife to an alcoholic. In this heart-rending podcast episode, KL engages in a candid conversation, delving into the sacrifices made by wives of alcoholics and the transformative lessons they learn while finding their truth amidst chaos and getting out of the silence of alcoholism. Experience the...

Imagine moving From Junkie to Judge and the depth of work and clarity it took for Mary Beth O'Connor to achieve this goal. Today, learn what happened after she decided to get clean and sober, while her best friend and sister did not. How did she handle those feelings of despair and terror and manage the racing thoughts: "I got sober. Why can't you?" Mary Beth sits down today with KL Wells to discu...