In this episode, I open up about what it’s been like hitting one year of sobriety from sex addiction. It’s a milestone I’m proud of—but if I’m being real, it’s also been messy, uncomfortable, and full of self-doubt. I talk about how shame still creeps in, how hard it can be to manage urges and thoughts, and how much work it takes to keep showing up for myself and others.I share how dating has played a role in my healing, the tools I rely on to stay grounded, and why facing my fears and taking ac...
Jun 30, 2025•49 min
In this episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow recovery advocate Jakob Miller for a deep dive into the complexities of addiction. We explore the science behind it, break down the disease model, and talk about why it’s so important to recognize symptoms early and develop real coping strategies. Jakob brings powerful insight into the role trauma plays in addiction and how the condition progresses over time if left unaddressed. We also get into the importance of emotional health, community s...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 5 min
In this episode of No Lions Here, I sit down with my friend Ricky to dive deep into something that touches every part of the recovery journey—fear.We talk about how fear shows up in our lives, how it holds us back, and what it takes to move through it. From the fear of failure and rejection to the fear of intimacy and change, we explore how these hidden emotions shape our behavior and mindset in recovery.This conversation is raw and real. Ricky and I open up about the power of trust, the role of...
May 26, 2025•2 hr 19 min
In this episode, I sit down with Jakob to talk about recovery, purpose, and what it really takes to build something that helps people heal.Jakob shares his journey from working as a behavioral health tech to becoming the Executive Director of the Illinois Recovery Center. He opens up about the challenges of opening a treatment facility, the pressure of leadership, and the power of having a team rooted in recovery.We talk about peer support, the emotional weight of relapse, and the difference bet...
May 12, 2025•58 min
In this episode, I get real about where I’m at in my recovery journey. I share some big life updates—like launching my new coaching services and navigating the ups and downs of moving in with my girlfriend. Spoiler: introducing our dogs to each other was way more emotional than I expected.I open up about the anxiety, guilt, and fear that come with change, and how I’m learning (still learning!) to let go of control and lean into uncertainty. I talk about bonding with my partner and her daughter, ...
Apr 28, 2025•46 min
What does it really take to heal from addiction and step into your purpose? In this powerful episode, Alex sits down with Traci Matheu-Trost, a passionate life coach and advocate for recovery, to unpack the real work of healing—emotionally, spiritually, and practically.Together, they dive into:🌱 The connection between addiction and unresolved trauma🧠 How championing your inner child leads to lasting change💬 Why honest communication and vulnerability are non-negotiable in the healing process🔥...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 5 min
In this episode, I open up about my journey of recovery from sex addiction, diving into the challenges of financial insecurity and how they’ve been intertwined with my addiction. I break down the four pillars that have been essential in my recovery—willingness, connection, honesty, and spirituality—and share real, personal experiences of what it means to invest in relationships, self-care, and a healthier mindset. I also talk about navigating urges, rewriting the narratives we tell ourselves, an...
Mar 10, 2025•56 min
In this episode, I take a deep dive into my recovery journey and everything 2024 has thrown my way—the challenges, the growth, and the lessons that reshaped me. I open up about the struggles of dating while in recovery, the emotional work that goes into building healthy relationships, and why mental health remains a top priority.I also reflect on a major milestone: earning my certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist. From stepping into the recovery industry to finding purpose in my career, I ...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 3 min
In this episode, I dive deep into my journey of recovery as a sex addict alongside my amazing partner, Beanie. Together, we share our unique love story that began on a dating app and blossomed into something beautiful. We explore the vital role of emotional intimacy in our relationship, tackle the tough conversations about addiction, and unpack the essential ingredients of honesty, trust, and mutual support that have helped us grow together. Plus, we touch on how spirituality and personal growth...
Jan 27, 2025•33 min
In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Anderson to have an honest and heartfelt conversation about betrayal, addiction, and the journey to healing. Nicole opens up about the emotional struggles she faced as a betrayed partner and how her husband’s addiction impacted their relationship. She shares her experience planning a wedding while navigating her fiancé’s addiction, the feelings of isolation in support groups, and the challenges of balancing support for a partner while prioritizing her own ...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 20 min
🎙️ Welcome to No Lions Here! In this episode, I sit down with Ricky for a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation about recovery, healing, and growth. We dive deep into the challenges of overcoming addiction, with a special focus on sex addiction, and explore how seasonal depression can test our resilience—especially during the holidays. Ricky and I share insights about the importance of connection, community, and healthy relationships, highlighting the role of emotional intimacy and self-worth...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 52 min
Hey everyone, it’s Big Panda here, and I’m excited to bring you this episode of No Lions Here, where I sit down with my good friend Jeff to dive into the wild, beautiful, and sometimes messy world of relationships and dating in recovery. We get real about how recovery has shaped our communication styles, the importance of accountability, and the challenges of balancing personal growth with building healthy connections. I open up about my own journey—how self-awareness, setting boundaries, and my...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 48 min
In this episode, I’m opening up about my journey in recovery—the highs, the lows, and the growth in between. Life doesn’t stop when we’re healing, and I’ve been learning firsthand how to keep my podcast going amid big life changes, all while staying connected to my recovery community and leaning on the support of my sponsor. Recovery isn’t something I can do alone, and in this conversation, I’ll share how the strength I’ve found in sponsorship and connection has made a world of difference on my ...
Nov 18, 2024•48 min
Hey everyone, it’s Big Panda here! In this episode, I'm opening up about a journey that's been incredibly personal and transformative—my path to recovery from sex addiction. I've been learning, growing, and discovering what it really means to rebuild myself. I dive into the power of finding purpose in recovery, how different programs have helped me, and why sharing my story is so meaningful. I'm also talking about some real, vulnerable moments, like reconnecting with clients, facing unexpected c...
Oct 28, 2024•56 min
In this episode, I sit down with Ty Bechel to dive deep into some real, raw, and powerful conversations about recovery, personal struggles, and the vital role community support plays in the healing journey. Ty and I both share our personal stories about addiction and the path to recovery, discussing how we faced those battles and how they shaped us. Ty, who founded Amari, a community recovery organization, opens up about what led him to create this life-changing movement and why it's so importan...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 13 min
In this episode, I open up about my personal journey of recovery from sex addiction. I share the highs and lows, the struggles I’ve faced, and the breakthroughs that have kept me going. Recovery has taught me the power of community and self-care, and I’m excited to talk about how those have been key in my own healing process. I’ll also be reflecting on my recent certification as a peer recovery support specialist, what it means to practice what I preach, and the challenges I’ve faced along the w...
Sep 30, 2024•55 min
In this episode, I sit down with Scott, who shares his deeply personal journey through addiction and recovery. We dive into the challenges he faced—growing up in a family where drinking was part of the culture, serving in the military where alcohol played a huge role, and eventually coming to terms with his own struggles. Scott opens up about his path from denial to acceptance and how making amends became a powerful part of his healing process. We also talk about the role of spirituality, the im...
Sep 09, 2024•58 min
In this episode, I dive deep into some of the highs and lows I've been navigating recently. I talk about the challenges I've faced with the podcast, from feeling a bit disconnected to the overwhelming task of moving all my equipment around. But don't worry, I'm still here, committed to sharing my journey and message with you all. I also open up about the fulfillment I’ve found working at a treatment center—it's been a game-changer for me. Reflecting on my own recovery, I see how far I’ve come, a...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr
In this episode, I sit down with Ricky for a deep and honest conversation about our journeys through recovery. We dive into the power of vulnerability, authenticity, and the connections we've built along the way. Recovery isn't a one-time thing—it's a continuous process of growth, and we talk about how staying present and supportive for others is just as important as working on ourselves. I get personal about the struggles I've faced and the lessons I've learned, sharing stories that highlight h...
Aug 12, 2024•1 hr 44 min
Derek shares his journey of addiction, starting with his early exposure to pornography at a young age. He discusses the emotional and psychological factors that contributed to his addiction, including low self-esteem, emotional disconnection, and societal norms. Derek describes how his addiction progressed over time, leading to more severe behaviors and a warped perception of reality. He talks about the impact of his addiction on his relationships, including the dishonesty and the constant cycle...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 38 min
Join me, Big Panda, and Nate Geyer as we dive into a heartfelt conversation about the power of choice and the importance of self-love in recovery. We open up about our own journeys and the incredible transformations we've experienced. We highlight how awareness can improve our choices and discuss how therapy can foster both awareness and healing.In this episode, I share the significance of the Feeling Wheel in my coaching practice and personal life, revealing how it helps me explore emotions and...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 27 min
Hey everyone! In this episode, I get real about my recent career transition and the emotional rollercoaster that came with it. 🌟 I share my struggles with feeling lost and unmotivated, and how physical activity became my go-to for processing those tough emotions. 🖤 I also open up about the heartbreaking loss of a friend in recovery and how it impacted me deeply. You'll hear about my path to finding purpose, fulfillment, and the critical role of self-care in my recovery journey. Here's what you...
Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Join me in a profound conversation with Dr. Diane Hovey as we navigate the intricate journey of healing and recovery for betrayed partners. Together, we dive into the emotional turmoil, the quest for meaning and purpose, and the crucial role of core values in overcoming betrayal's aftermath. Dr. Hovey offers deep insights into the hero's journey, highlighting the importance of guides, support, and personal growth in this transformative process. We discuss the significant impact betrayal has on r...
Jun 17, 2024•1 hr 9 min
Join me, Big Panda, as I open up about my struggles with sex addiction, relapses, and the challenges I face on the road to recovery. In this podcast, I share my personal journey, reflecting on the need for both internal and external nurturing, confronting the fear of the unknown, and the deep desire to be truly seen and understood. Key Takeaways: Struggles with sex addiction and relapses are a challenging part of recovery. The need for internal nurturing and self-compassion is essential for heal...
Jun 03, 2024•45 min
Hey everyone, welcome back to the channel! Today, we've got a powerful episode lined up for you. I’m sitting down with Michael Ayala-White, who bravely shares his personal journey through addiction, trauma, and recovery. Michael opens up about his experiences with childhood trauma and sexual abuse, and how these painful moments led to his struggles with pornography and sex addiction. In this conversation, we dive deep into the importance of community and meaningful connections in the recovery pr...
May 20, 2024•1 hr 12 min
Join Jessica Jordan, a former wildlife biologist turned addiction recovery coach, on a transformative journey of healing and empowerment. In this captivating podcast episode, Jessica candidly shares her personal story of overcoming trauma and addiction, offering invaluable insights and practical strategies for men grappling with porn addiction and other sex-related challenges. Discover the three essential steps to addiction recovery: detect, define, and download, as Jessica guides listeners thro...
May 06, 2024•1 hr 10 min
Hey everyone, welcome back to my channel! In today's solo episode, I'm diving deep into my journey as an intern at a treatment center, unpacking the crucial role emotions play in our lives. 🧠🔍 Ever heard of a feeling wheel? It's an incredible tool I've come to rely on to help me—and now I'm sharing its power with you! 🎡 I'll walk you through how to use it to identify and process your emotions, something that's been a game-changer for me and my clients. But it wasn't always easy. I'll get real...
Apr 22, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Hey there, it's your host Big Panda, and welcome back to another powerful episode of our podcast! Today, I had the privilege of sitting down with my buddy Sean, a fellow member of our recovery home group. We dove deep into his journey – from stepping into the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous to confronting his struggles with sexual addiction. Sean opens up about the lifeline that is S fellowship, revealing how it's been an anchor throughout his recovery journey. We get real about vulnerability and ...
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 25 min
Hey everyone, welcome back to the channel! Today's episode is one that hits close to home for many of us. I sat down with Cody, a brave individual who's been on an incredible journey of recovery from sex addiction. Cody's story is both inspiring and eye-opening. He opens up about his struggles, his courage to share his experiences, and why it's so vital to break the stigma surrounding addiction. We dive deep into his journey, discussing the feeling of isolation and the importance of finding supp...
Mar 25, 2024•1 hr 12 min
Hey there, Spotify fam! 🌟 Join me, Big Panda, in this deeply personal and raw podcast episode where I spill the tea on my recent journey with anxiety medication and its life-altering effects. 🐼💊 I bare it all, diving into my concerns about sexual sensitivity and how it ties into my battle with sex addiction. But that's not all, folks! 🎙️ Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster as I share a heart-to-heart with my amazing mother. This conversation sparked a major shift in perspective, unveili...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr
