Addie Betancourt discusses the reasons for becoming sober. "Find your why" is her mantra, and she discusses how coming to this realization changed her life. You can find your why, and you will change your life forever. Addie is the co-host of the podcast "Over a Cup of Coffee" with Jamie Church, and you are going to be inspired by her infectious personality and compelling story. This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com coffeechatnm.com Music-John Williams and ...
Apr 15, 2022•57 min•Ep. 101
This is an amazing milestone for us, our 100th episode discussing recovery. I am joined by Lillie, who was in our very first episode, and she reflects on the first 100 episodes and the key takeaways from all that was covered. There were so many topics discussed and guests that have their unique perspectives on recovery. I also discuss my thoughts as well as what I learned while interning for the last year at a 28 Day In-patient addiction recovery center. This is an exciting time, and I am lookin...
Apr 10, 2022•57 min•Season 3Ep. 100
In this episode I am being interviewed by Dr. Robb Kelly regarding the effects of trauma in Law Enforcement. The fact is, we all experience trauma, and it has an incredible impact on our well-being on so many levels. This is certainly true for First Responders, but it is also true everyone. I have never met anyone that in recovery, or anyone struggling with getting into recovery that did not experience some form of trauma. Dr. Kelly describes how trauma and addiction are related, and most import...
Apr 06, 2022•39 min•Season 3Ep. 99
Have you ever wondered about all of the lies people tell you? Would you like to know how to detect when people are lying to you? Frank Runles just published a book called Lies People Tell: An FBI Agent's toolkit for catching liars and cheats. It is an excellent book, and I have known Frank for years beginning when we were both instructors at the FBI National Academy. This book is useful in so many ways, but in this episode, we discuss how his tools can be applied to the recovery world as we try ...
Mar 25, 2022•57 min•Season 3Ep. 98
Dealing with the demons you face is the beginning of recovery, and Patrick Fitzgibbons knows this as well as anyone. Patrick tells his story of how he was able to get well with the help of others, and how you can do the same if you are willing and open to suggestions. Patrick was able to get the help he needed, and his story is an inspiration to everyone who thinks that life will not or cannot get better. After years of serving in the military and law enforcement, Patrick serves as a National Ou...
Mar 19, 2022•57 min•Season 3Ep. 97
Mindfulness, yoga, and breathe work are tools that can help all of us but is often overlooked. This is especially true for first responders and the military but is also true for everyone. Richard Goerling talks about these practices and how they can be used to help you improve your overall function and vitality. Richard has a long career in law enforcement and as a Health, Humanity, and Performance Coach, he teaches his concepts all over the country to include SWAT Teams, military personnel, and...
Mar 07, 2022•50 min•Season 3Ep. 96
Helen Bratton joins me in this episode to discuss the challenges she faces with recovery after suffering a severe stroke. Helen is passionate about helping people in recovery that face this challenge, and she is an inspiration to all of us. Helen joins us from Southwest England, and I really enjoyed and learned a lot from this conversation, and I know you will too! This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com [email protected] Music-John Williams an...
Feb 21, 2022•58 min•Season 3Ep. 95
John Kelly has a long and honorable career with the Broward County Sheriff's Office in Florida. This kind of career is not without its risks, and the risks are not always the physical danger. A career as a First Responder takes a cumulative toll on a person that has devastating effects on every aspect of your being, and it has to be dealt with for a long career and healthy life. John shares his powerful story with us, and his pain is being used to help others through a difficult career. This epi...
Feb 15, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 94
Dr. Robb Kelly, PhD, also known as "The Recovery Expert," was born in Manchester, England, and during his early twenties worked at the elite and influential Abbey Roads Studio as a session musician with the likes of Queen, David Bowie, and Elton John. Dr. Kelly shares with us his own story of addiction, and how he found sobriety. Most importantly, Dr. Kelly discusses how we should treat the problem, not the symptoms. He has worked for many years helping addicts and alcoholics to recover their li...
Feb 04, 2022•49 min•Ep. 93
Many people question the statement that addiction is a disease. However, addiction is a disease of both the mind and the body. Alcohol is not processed the same way in the body of the alcoholic as it is for the non-alcoholic. In this episode I explain the difference, and how the genetic mis-wiring of the alcoholic is at the root of this difference. This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets I...
Feb 01, 2022•18 min•Season 3Ep. 92
Paul Bertrand is a retired FBI Agent and former instructor at the FBI National Academy. Paul currently works as a trainer for LivingWorks working to provide suicide training prevention solutions. This is a fascinating discussion centered around how to have a conversation with someone who is struggling, the stigma associated with mental health issues, and what we can do to help everyone around us. This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com Website: livingworks.ne...
Jan 18, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 91
Chaplain Ron Perkins is someone who is in the front lines of confronting the issues of substance abuse, PTSD and suicide in the First Responder Community. Ron is a Senior Chaplain for Public Safety Chaplaincy, Inc. and describes what he is seeing in the First Responder Community at large and the resources available to help those that are committed to helping others. This is a conversation you will not want to miss and may be life changing for someone struggling through a profession that can be d...
Jan 14, 2022•58 min•Season 3Ep. 90
Michael Sugrue is a national speaker, veteran, and retired sergeant from the Walnut Creek Police Department in California. He is a peer volunteer at the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat and is an ambassador for Save a Warrior. Michael is a dedicated advocate for awareness, prevention, education, and training on Post Traumatic Stress Injury and First Responder Suicide Prevention. Michael continues to speak at Law Enforcement agencies all over the United States and you will not want to miss his mess...
Jan 03, 2022•53 min•Season 3Ep. 89
The concept of a Higher Power is something many people struggle with. As a result, many people will not pursue a path of recovery because they think they will be asked to believe in something they do not want. In this episode, I discuss this issue and give you the perspective I have developed over the years. This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger...
Dec 28, 2021•20 min•Ep. 88
It is believed that Abraham Lincoln once said, "If I had an hour to chop down a tree, then I would spend the first 45 minutes sharpening my ax." Recovery is the same way; we spend a lot of time getting ready for the day when our sobriety is tested. It is the preparation leading into that day that is going to count. We need to "sharpen our ax" and today's discussion reminds us of the importance of preparing ourselves. This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com Mu...
Dec 26, 2021•17 min•Season 2Ep. 87
Join me for this fascinating discussion with Charlie Engle, Ultramarathon runner and author of Running Man: A Memoir. Charlie was also highlighted in the 2007 documentary "Running the Sahara" which was narrated by Matt Damon, where he, Ray Zahab, and Kevin Lin attempted to run across the entire Sahara Desert. In this episode we cover topics that include Charlie's recovery from drugs and alcohol, as well as the importance of fitness in recovery, and some of Charlie's upcoming projects. Instagram:...
Dec 23, 2021•52 min•Season 2Ep. 86
In this episode we discuss powerlessness, unmanageability, and how we want to "fix our back problem" by getting others off of our back. We also discuss how addiction is isolation, and how recovery is community. This is Part II of a presentation I conducted on 9/30/2021 titled "Addiction, Prevention, and Treatment" for the New Mexico Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates. I want to thank Mark Pfetzer and the San Juan County Sheriff's Office for all of their support in making this event p...
Dec 12, 2021•28 min•Season 2Ep. 85
One of the biggest challenges of early recovery is getting through the Holiday Season and staying sober. The good news is it can be done! In this podcast I discuss some simple concepts to think about as we enter this season. This episode is brought to you by fhehealth.com Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Dec 01, 2021•17 min•Season 2Ep. 84
In this episode we discuss life balance, pushing yourself to the point of injury, process addictions, and more. Heidi previously appeared in Episode 20 of this podcast, and she wanted to let us know what has happened since then. Heidi has married and gained a whole new perspective on life and balance. Please check out this tremendous interview, and don't forget to listen to Heidi's previous interview to hear the transformation yourself! Heidi Ramsey's e-mail: [email protected] This episode...
Nov 14, 2021•54 min•Ep. 83
In this episode Lieutenant Molly Harris of the Ohio Highway Patrol and I discuss Ohio ASSIST and the origin and purpose of Post Critical Incident Seminars (PCIS). The Ohio ASSIST Post Critical Incident Seminar (PCIS) is a three-day program that provides counseling, peer support, and education for Ohio’s safety services personnel, their families, retirees and coworkers. This interview has lots of information in it for everyone, so you will not want to miss it! https://www.dpsohioassist.ohio.gov/ ...
Nov 05, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 82
My good friend Steve Miranda discusses how our trauma can be used to help others and their families. Steve spent a career as a Corrections Officer and has seen firsthand the devastating effects of trauma on himself, his family, and those around him. Steve has also seen how this same trauma can be used to benefit others in their struggles. You will not want to miss Steve's compelling story. Email: [email protected] Phone: 508-951-3685 This episode is brought to you by fhehealth.com Music-Joh...
Oct 30, 2021•41 min•Season 2Ep. 81
My good friend and fellow FBI Academy instructor now retired Art Nieves explains what Reiki is and how it can be used to reduce stress and promote healing. We are always looking for tools to help us in recovery and life. Art gives us an outstanding explanation of this tool! Find Art Nieves on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/art-nieves-6533606 This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets I...
Oct 28, 2021•53 min•Season 2Ep. 80
David Nassef is the Senior Advisor and Envoy for Ashley Treatment Center. In this interview David not only gives us tremendous insight into the founding of Ashley, but a first hand account of how Father Joseph Martin came to be associated with Ashley and the creation of the now classic "Chalk Talk" series on alcoholism. You will certainly not want to miss this episode! Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
Oct 19, 2021•52 min•Season 2Ep. 79
On 9/30/2021, I conducted a presentation titled "Addiction, Prevention, and Treatment" for the New Mexico Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates. This is part I of the four hour presentation I did. In this presentation you will hear about the development of a course titled "Leading At-Risk Employees", the disease and progression of addiction, and why our society still stigmatizes those that are afflicted with addiction. Thank you to Mark Pfetzer and the San Juan County Sheriffs Office fo...
Oct 04, 2021•48 min•Season 2Ep. 78
In this episode Eric Stephenson discusses the First Responders Peer Support Network which is doing great work helping First Responders get the help they need in a career that can be toxic to the mind, body, and spirit. You will not want to miss Eric talk about this tremendous resource and how they can help you or someone you know. Website: www.frpsn.org Hotline: 833-377-7648 This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmon...
Sep 20, 2021•50 min•Season 2Ep. 77
We spend a lot of time talking about the addict and the destruction caused by addiction. But what about the family? In this episode I speak with Kim Humphrey, Executive Director of Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL). Join me in this fascinating discussion and learn how you can take care of yourself during this difficult time. Website: https://palgroup.org This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The ...
Sep 08, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 76
Fear is a double-edged sword. It is often what drives people towards recovery and often it is also what keeps some people in recovery. However, fear can also prevent us from living a full and meaningful live. In today's episode, we discuss the ups and downs of fear and a simple way of managing it. This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger...
Sep 01, 2021•14 min•Ep. 75
Many people have misperceptions about recovery that get in the way of pursuing a life of freedom and joy. Join me as I discuss this issue with Don Thiry, a fellow student at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Graduate School. Don describes the many facets of recovery and how you can find a path that works for you. This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger...
Aug 30, 2021•52 min•Ep. 74
Andrew Pierce has a new book called "Resolving Spiritual Skepticism In Recovery" and discusses his views on the podcast. Spirituality is an issue that nearly everyone will need to address in recovery, and this is a fascinating interview that you will not want to miss. Website: www.andrewgpierce.com This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger...
Aug 24, 2021•59 min•Season 2Ep. 73
In this episode I talk with A.K. Dozanti, founder and creator of Life Saver Wellness. A.K. discusses "beating the burnout" and shares her experience as a former Deputy Sheriff and Criminal Court Victim Advocate who ultimately became a Yoga instructor, Life Coach and educator who combined all of her skills to build Life Saver Wellness. Website: lifesaverwellness.com This episode is brought to you by FHE Health. Find out more at fhehealth.com Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchest...
Aug 08, 2021•50 min•Season 2Ep. 72
