The Way Out Podcast

In this rendition of The Way Out we’ve got a fascinating and indeed incredibly illuminating interview on the science of addiction with Neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Kaloostian. Dr. Kaloostian and I discuss the effects addictive substances have on our brain’s reward and memory centers, our physical wellness, and yes, even on our very genetic makeup which dovetails on what we already know about genetic predisposition to addiction. The known impact of addictive substances on our brain and body is quite profound, from the negative effect on our brain cells in response to these substances and behaviors, to the at times severe impact on our physical bodies. Equally or perhaps even more profound is the remarkably adaptive and healing properties of our brain cells and bodies to long-term abstinence and healthy behaviors that in many cases can completely reverse the damage initially caused by addictive substances or behaviors. We go on to explore the science behind how some of us are genetically predisposed to addictive subst

In this installment of The Way Out we’ve got an incredibly enlightening and supremely relevant interview with Author of the new book “The Weight of Air – A Story of the Lies About Addiction and the Truth about Recovery” and person in long term recovery, David Poses. David’s story is rooted in the all-too-common dual struggle of having a mental health disorder such as depression and addiction, which creates an often incredibly difficult and complex chicken or the egg, which is the problem and which is the symptom, kind of issue to address. Are the substances causing the mental health disorder or is the mental health disorder the root and the cause of the addiction? Certainly, there’s plenty of evidence to support the fact that drug and alcohol abuse and addiction can exacerbate mental health disorders, and indeed make difficult or impossible to effectively treat. Indeed, addiction can cause what might be best described as situational mental health issues like depression and anxiety and once the addiction is tr

In this edition of The Way Out Jason’s got an interview that’s sure to be an instant classic here at The Way Out Podcast with person in long term recovery and author of the new memoir Eternally Expecting: A Mom of Eight Gets Sober and Gives Birth to a New Life...Her Own, Amy Liz Harrison. Jason and Amy talk about the pressures that came from trying to keep up appearances, both inside and outside the home, which was tantamount to Amy leading a Jekyll and Hyde double life. From the all too familiar childhood sense of feeling different from everyone else, to feeling like our substance of choice was the answer to all our problems, to the nothing short of miraculous recovery born out of the ashes of her rock bottom – Amy’s journey to and through recovery to this point is incredibly relatable, enlightening, and indeed inspiring. The journey through all the heartache will truly give you hope when you hear what recovery has done for the lives of Amy and her family. This one is genuinely a must hear so listen up. Conn

In this installment of The Way Out we bring you a remarkable, incredibly useful, and yes desperately needed discussion on how couples can build healthy, meaningful relationships in Recovery. It was a true pleasure and honor to interview Author and Attorney Chantal Jauvin, whom, along with her husband Bill has navigated their own and collective recovery journeys for 13 years and counting. There are many resources for those with a substance use disorder, like alcoholism or addiction and likewise a plethora of resources for those whom identify as co-dependent, the all too common manifestation of the family disease that is addiction. What is lacking, until now, is a guide for couples to work through the complex and challenging issues that they are faced with when alcoholism or addiction surfaces. Chantal set out to fill this chasm in the recovery literature sphere, and quite frankly – she nailed it with Love Without Martinis How Couples Build Healthy Relationships in Recovery based on real stories. Unquestionably

In this rendition of The Way Out our tremendous co-host Jason interviews woman in long term recovery, Jennifer Leone. Jennifer is truly an open book as she shares how she came back from the ashes of addiction and childhood trauma to find herself, rebuild her relationships, develop a stellar career, and found a powerful voice that she uses to help others recover! Jason and Jennifer talk about trauma, parenting, and purpose. Her story is proof positive that we can indeed recover from addiction, trauma, and live a rewarding life of purpose in sobriety. The recovery and spiritual truths that emanate throughout Jennifer’s journey are both universal and incredibly relatable. Her story also reminds us recovery is an ongoing process, and some things need to be worked on repeatedly. All of this makes for one highly instructive and inspiring interview so listen up. The Edge Treatment Center on Facebook and online: https://www.facebook.com/1801725480077272/ www.theedgetreatment.com Jennifer's Live Talk Show- https://m.y

In this edition of the The Way Out we have an incredibly brave, honest and enlightening interview with someone that has recently begun their journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. When this interview was recorded, Hope Collaton had a collective 104 days clean and 69 days sober – and it’s important to stress they were not continuous, and that’s been an important part of her process as she continues to learn and apply the tools of SMART recovery in her daily life. Often we in the recovery community get very hung up on a clean and sober date; after which point we’ve remained completely abstinent – and should we slip, or relapse we start all over again with a new date – like we’ve lost all of that time in sobriety we just worked so hard to accumulate. Without question, one of the big recovery truths that comes out of Hope’s journey to and through recovery to this point is that every day that we’re clean and sober, counts and helps us as we navigate the often non-linear, rocky road to meaningful and

This week we’ve got a truly extraordinary interview for you with two brothers in long term recovery from alcoholism and addiction. We hear what it was like for these brothers to grow up in the same house, with a single Mom and Dads that were either barely there, or not there at all. That’s right folks, our exceptional co-host interviews his younger brother, Brandon Rudeen on his own journey to and through this point in his recovery and let me tell you right now folks, it’s one wild ride with a whole lot of spiritual and recovery truth layered in. This interview is a genuinely special one to Jason, as evidenced by the deep talks they get into about recovery and the evolution of their relationship over the years. They used to get high together, and now by the grace of God they do recovery together so listen up. Contact Info: Brandon.rudeen59@gmail.com Best piece of advice: Bring the body, the mind will follow Book recommendation: Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous Song that reminds Brandon of my recovery: Nice to

In this edition of The Way Out, we’ve got an incredibly special interview with a person in long term recovery from the Native American Indigenous Community. His Native American name is Wanbdi Gdeska, which translates to Spotted Eagle, and he’s otherwise known as Michael Oconnor. Michael’s journey through and to this point in his recovery is both strikingly similar to, and profoundly different to so many we’ve had the sacred opportunity to share. So many of us can relate to adverse childhood experiences, and the trauma that can haunt us. So many of us can relate to the allure and vicious and seemingly unbreakable spell alcohol, drugs, and addictive behaviors can have on us. Indeed many of us can relate to reaching spiritual and emotional bankruptcy, and the unmistakably awful feeling that accompanies it. The truly fortunate among us have had the experience immediately following of a profound and sincere surrender and a genuine willingness to truly change and do whatever it takes to get better. Not too many of

This week our magnificent co-host Jason has a genuinely instructive interview with person in long term recovery, Jesse Plumley.  Jesse’s story of overcoming his battle with drugs and alcohol reinforces truly universal truths about alcoholism, addiction and what it takes to achieve durable recovery. We must, as Jesse did, admit to and face the fact we have a problem and then, and this is so critical, we must reach out and seek help from those who have overcome similar problems. We must, as Jesse did, be willing to do whatever it takes to get better and recover and be willing to help others just as we were when we needed it most. We must, as Jesse did, make fundamental lifestyle changes and surround ourselves with others who’ve done and are doing the same. Jesse’s recovery is not rooted in any one particular program, yet his journey and lifestyle changes mirror many of the fundamental principles of any well-known recovery program! No doubt about it, there’s lots of great recovery insights in this episode s

In this installment of The Way Out we’ve got an outstanding interview with person in long term recovery, Yoga and meditation practitioner and advocate, as well as a Yoga Teacher and founder of The Balanced Self – Will Black. Will recounts his journey through alcoholism and to and through recovery to this point in extremely relatable, authentic, and transparent fashion. Of specific value is to hear Will share about his personal struggle with alcohol and depression and how tapping into a recovery community combined with meditation and ultimately Yoga provided a transformational pathway to lasting and meaningful recovery. Undoubtedly one of the key recovery truths Will’s story highlights is how important connecting to a recovery community with others in sobriety is in entering and maintaining recovery. This is how we learn and really begin to believe that if other folks that are like us can get better, then indeed we can too. Of equal importance is finding a recovery pathway that both speaks to you and works for

In this edition of the way out our exceptional co-host Jason brings us an outstanding interview with person in long term recovery and author of the new addiction memoir Savage: A Journey Through the Opioid Epidemic, Stephen J Sacchi. If you’re like us, you’ll be instantly smitten with Stephen’s quick wit and always honest and often dark and self-deprecating humor that is artfully interwoven into a spellbinding recounting of his often-rocky road to recovery. He shares honestly about the struggles he had along the way and what it was like writing his memoir Savage. Without question, Stephen’s story illuminates two irrefutably universal truths about addiction and recovery. First, our rock bottom is when we stop digging and often that is an emotional and spiritual bottom – not a monetary or material one. Second, and equally as instructive, is that recovery and building a new life is a process that takes time, often years or even decades. If we allow ourselves to be patient and bite it off in one day at a time chu

In this installment of The Way Out we have an ultra-informative and super-instructive interview with person in long term recovery and Author of the new, and folks I don’t say this often, absolute must-read book  - 50 Ways to Worry Less Now -  Gigi Langer. Gigi shares with us her journey to and through recovery and what she’s learned up to this point in 35 years of sobriety including many of the recovery, spiritual, energy, and cognitive tools that can put an end to the pernicious worry, anxiety and ultimately fear that dogs so many of us prior to, and even in sobriety. Without question one of the overriding and compelling elements arising out of Gigi’s story is the series of reckonings and recoveries that occur throughout her recovery journey, starting with addiction and alcoholism, all the way through codependency and being an adult child of an alcoholic. Equally as fascinating is the phenomenon and experience of being an a Highly Sensitive Person, first identified by Dr. Elaine Aron and how profou

We have Author of the new book Tri-Polar: The Story of a Bipolar Athlete and person in long term recovery Tim Davis. Tim, as you may have guessed, lives with Bipolar disorder and shares an exceedingly instructive and remarkable story of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction in the midst of also having to come to grips with and learn to successfully cope with his mental health. Tim’s story is ultimately one of personal triumph over two seemingly intractable afflictions; addiction and bipolar disorder. Out of this victory we gain incredibly valuable wisdom and insight into what it took for Tim to overcome the very diseases that threatened his very life and come to understand that if we apply the same formula to our own lives, we too can achieve meaningful and enduring recovery. Without question, Tim’s story bears irrefutable witness to the redeeming value of true surrender, absolute willingness to do whatever it takes to get better, and the commitment to addressing mental health alongside a recovery program

In this edition of the The Way Out our tremendous co-host Jason gets the straight truth in his interview with Veronica Powell. Veronica talks about growing up on the south side of Chicago, becoming a product of the harsh and difficult environment in which she grew up, and how trying it was to navigate her childhood without any real positive male role models. After years of abusive relationships and struggling with drugs and alcohol, Veronica tells us how God set her free from the chains of addiction and gave her a newfound purpose and a servant's heart! She definitely sticks to the truth and keeps it real on this episode so listen up. Best piece of advice: Just be YOU! Book Recommendation: Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren Song that symbolizes recovery for Veronica: Your Love by William Murphy Recovery Resources: changingourcity.org minnesotahopedealerz.org  and Truth101 via FaceBook --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-way-out-podcast/message

In this edition of The Way Out co-host extraordinaire Jason has a certified must listen interview with person in longtime recovery and co-founder of the Recovery group Sober Squad, Colin Cash. Colin was born on a reservation in northern Minnesota but was raised as a ward of the state, bouncing between foster homes and group homes. With no roots and no loving home, he shares about where his problems took him and how he ultimately found a way out. No doubt one of the over-arching themes of Colin’s recovery story is the false beliefs that kept him stuck and in his addiction, and the positive beliefs, like in that of his Higher Power, that helped him achieve a meaningful and lasting recovery and a very special belief that led him to start a movement which would help those within and outside of his community! Colin’s come from thinking he was a zero to a being a true recovery hero and he’s just getting started so listen up. Contact Info: Sober Squad Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SoberSquad2016/?r

This week Jason’s got a wonderful interview with the founder and creator of the YouTube Recovery Series Our Recovery Life. Tom's story resonates on so many levels as he shares his journey to and through recovery thus far with a no holds barred approach on sharing what it was like, what happened, and what it’s like now. There’s some downright insane moments that will leave you wondering how he gets through and equally inspiring moments that provide real, honest to goodness hope. Tom has developed new passions on this journey and found some great meaning and purpose in his own life along the way. You quite simply can't help but be inspired by the story you're about to hear so Listen Up. Book Recommendation: NA Basic Text and The Journey Continues Recovery Song :High Cost Of Living by Jamey Johnson Best piece of advice: Never give up Most difficult thing Tom did: Ask for help Most rewarding thing Tom did: His Family Contact Tom via email : ourrecoverylife@gmail.com Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/Our-Re

In this edition of The Way Out we’ve got a must listen interview with Richard Capriola who shares with us invaluable tools that can serve as a guide we can use should we have an adolescent child or loved one that may be engaging in Substance Abuse. Many of us know all too well, how devastating addiction and alcoholism can be to a family, especially if the addicted individual is a child or adolescent.  For over two decades, Richard has been providing mental health and addiction counseling services to both adults and adolescents, giving him a wealth of experience and knowledge in the areas of addiction and mental health diagnosis and treatment. One critical fact we explore in our discussion is the key differences in how addiction manifests itself in the life of an adolescent as compared to an adult. These key differences impact how we identify a substance abuse problem in an adolescent versus an adult and can make all the difference in making a real and meaningful difference in a child’s life.  Richar

We have a truly remarkable story to share with you about a woman, who’s life throughout her adolescence and for most of her adult life, had two constants - chaos and alcohol. Like so many of us who have battled King Alcohol or the Dictator that is Addiction the all too familiar company of trauma and mental health issues make their appearances in this truly extraordinary story of how this remarkable woman who’s relationship with alcohol never seems to be a problem. In fact, in so many ways Alcohol becomes so tightly integrated into her identity it becomes nearly impossible to separate herself from the alcohol fueled escapades that only serve to add to the wild and enigmatic persona that is always the life of the party and surely the last one to call it a night. A story, told through the eyes of mother, writer, and soon to be published Author, and indeed the one person who had the best view of it all, Victoria Vanstone herself. Victoria’s story is chalked full of relatable experiences, wisdom, and sobriety trut

We’ve prepared for you an incredibly relevant and applicable Power Topic to serve as the main feature of this rendition of The Way Out Podcast. If we’ve been in recovery for any substantial length of time, it’s quite likely we’ve experienced a common and often subtle enemy to our serenity, happiness, and indeed sobriety itself. Regression, or backsliding as it may be dubbed, is process in which we revert to either old patterns of thinking or behavior, or pickup new counter-productive thoughts or conduct that actively work against our forward progress in Recovery. These attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors, if left unchecked can very much erode our serenity and peace of mind, often referred to us being “dry” or suffering from “untreated alcoholism or addiction” and even could present the ultimate consequence – relapse. These warning signs are also an opportunity to apply the HOW in our recovery toolkit, wherein we apply rigorous honesty about the attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors we’re currently and actively en

In this rendition of the The Way Out we’re truly honored to bring you a special interview with The Very Reverend Canon Dr. John Crean Jr., an ordained Episcopal Priest, Professor, Author, and now distinguished guest of this very podcast. Father John is an expert in Religious Medieval German literature as well as foreign language teaching methodologies. During his work, Father John struck upon on an incredible document with roots going all the way back to 480 AD, written by Saint Benedict. This document originally penned in Latin during a very chaotic time in the Roman Empire had been translated to German for Female Convents. Benedict had fled Rome for the desert due to the rampant sin, debauchery, and decidedly unchristian behavior that had befallen Rome at the time and others began to join him in search of a more God centered life than what Rome had to offer. While there, he authored what’s now called the Rule of Saint Benedict – a guide for how monasteries should be run.  Father John, no stranger to th