Recovery Matters! Podcast Don Smith, Phillip Valentine, Sandy Valentine, Melvin Cabrera

In this emotional episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, host TJ chats with Jason, who shares the intense and harrowing story of his struggles with addiction and his path to recovery. Jason reveals his early start with substance abuse at the age of 12, driven by an abusive household, and his subsequent descent into the world of drugs and criminal activity. The narrative covers his multiple incarcerations, the lows of his addiction, moments of introspection, and pivotal turning points. Jason also talks about how he found a support system through Narcotics Anonymous, rediscovered his self-worth, and eventually turned his life around. This episode serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of recovery.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:30 Jason's Early Drug Use and Family Struggles
02:41 Life on the Streets and First Encounter with Cocaine
07:21 Living with a New Family and Deeper Involvement in Drugs
10:50 First Trouble with the Law and Juvenile Detention
14:16 Life in Juvenile Detention and Reinforced Addiction
17:52 The Halfway House Experience
18:19 A Counselor's Eye-Opening Advice
20:01 Struggles with Relapse
21:54 A Humbling Experience
23:33 A Turning Point
26:02 Starting Over
32:28 Recovery and Rediscovery

In this episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, host TJ, a young person in long-term recovery, converses with Mike, who has been in recovery since March 5, 1984. Mike shares his journey, beginning with his struggles with alcohol from the age of 12, escalating during his time in the Air Force, and eventually leading to his turning point at 21. They discuss the role of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the importance of connection in recovery, and the concept of living one day at a time. Mike also opens up about his experience of coming to terms with his sexuality and the eventual acceptance from his family. Both TJ and Mike emphasize the significance of honesty, dealing with fear, and the support from peers in their recovery journeys. Mike reflects on the realization that most fears are unfounded and talks about the evolution of his personal identity while in recovery.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:31 Mike's Early Struggles with Alcohol
02:18 The Turning Point: Entering Recovery
05:12 The Importance of Connection in Recovery
05:29 TJ's Recovery Journey
07:46 Identity and Recovery
10:27 Living Authentically in Recovery
15:40 Overcoming Fear and Shame
18:34 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Phil discusses his diagnosis of diffuse aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and his reflections on dealing with cancer for the second time, emphasizing his attempts to put affairs in order and contemplate the significance of life and the possibility of an afterlife. Jackie shares her story of being diagnosed with leukemia at 17, undergoing a bone marrow transplant, and facing various long-term side effects and subsequent cancer diagnoses. The conversation also explores their attitudes towards treatment decisions, the importance of self-care, and the support they've received from their community. Throughout, both exhibit a strong sense of resilience, focusing on living in the present, the therapeutic value of creating art, and the idea of legacy and impact on others.

00:00 A Heartfelt Conversation on Cancer and Resilience
02:32 The Second Battle: Doubts and Reflections
13:35 Navigating Treatment Choices and Embracing Uncertainty
18:52 Exploring Faith and Spirituality Through Cancer Recovery
22:06 Reflecting on Life's Challenges and the Journey of Recovery
22:19 Embracing Retirement and Passing the Torch
23:33 The Essence of Recovery and Self-Care
27:22 Personal Growth and Future Aspirations
34:41 The Healing Power of Community Support and Spirituality
38:37 Navigating the Side Effects of Treatment and Embracing Change

In this raw and deeply personal conversation, previously recorded on 2/6/24, Sandy and Phil Valentine openly discuss Phil's cancer diagnosis and the impact it is having on their lives. As Phil is preparing to start chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin's B Cell Lymphoma, they reflect on their experiences of Phil's previous bout with cancer in 2010. Sandy expresses her struggle with seeing her partner in pain again while Phil shares his contemplation on death, revealing spiritual questions and emotional fears. The couple discusses the importance of kindness, community and maintaining a strong support system. Through it all, they highlight the importance of recovery and their faith, reiterating their determination to stay resilient against cancer.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
00:06 Reflecting on Past Experiences with Cancer
01:35 Dealing with Emotions and Anger
02:27 Facing a New Diagnosis: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
05:07 Understanding the Medical Process and Delays
05:44 Navigating the Healthcare System
07:54 Contemplating Mortality and the Afterlife
08:44 Facing the Possibility of Death
14:31 Dealing with Anger and Emotional Changes
18:18 Understanding the Treatment Regimen
18:46 The Four Quadrants of Health
21:16 The Role of Art in Coping
24:20 Facing Chemotherapy
30:34 The Impact on Family
33:00 The Power of Kindness
34:55 Coming to Terms with the Unknown

Journey through Recovery: A Conversation with Dr. Rick Davila

In this podcast episode, Dr. Rick Davila shares his personal journey with recovery from alcohol addiction which started in October 1966, when he was only seven years old. He shares about his transformative years, the importance of 12-step recovery programs and his strong emphasis on AA meetings for his recovery. Davila explains his experience of transitioning from a troubled adolescent, a military stint and his struggle with heavy alcoholism to becoming a recovery coach. Despite his struggles, he emphasizes his commitment to helping others battling with addiction. He reflects upon the evolution of alcohol and drug rehabilitation treatment, and the emergence of multiple pathways to recovery beyond the traditional 12 step programs. Finally, he expresses his view on maintaining daily recovery wellness and his continued commitment to assisting others on their path to recovery.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation
00:05 Dr. Rick Davila's Early Life and Recovery Journey
01:13 Military Service and Struggles with Alcohol
02:33 Discovering Alcoholics Anonymous and Recovery Culture
04:04 The Struggles and Challenges of Early Recovery
07:27 Transition into the Field of Helping Others
08:14 The Impact of Ego and Power in Recovery
10:36 Returning to the Field and Overcoming Challenges
16:19 Maintaining Recovery and Giving Back to the Community
16:51 Reflections on Multiple Pathways to Recovery
20:17 Closing Remarks and Reflections

Conversations on Recovery: An Open Discussion with Kevin Connelli

Phil converses with Kevin Connelli, an individual navigating through his path of recovery. Kevin talks about his experiences with addiction, spanning from his early life to his multiple attempts at detox. He talks candidly about his struggles with relapses, the impact of his addiction on his life and relationships, and his gradual understanding of recovery. This powerful conversation sheds light on the hardships, realizations, and resilience that are a part of the journey towards sobriety.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:31 Understanding Recovery and Its Impact
01:16 Childhood and Early Life Experiences
02:43 Passions and Interests Growing Up
04:56 Struggles with Addiction in Teenage Years
07:15 Life in Charlotte and the Cycle of Addiction
11:57 Temporary Sobriety and Family Life
13:29 Relapse and the Struggle to Stay Sober
17:20 Current State of Recovery and Future Plans
27:34 The Importance of Helping Others in Recovery
28:09 Understanding Impulsivity in Addiction
30:12 The Struggle of Relapse
32:09 The Role of Faith in Recovery
35:44 The Consequences of Relapse
36:45 The Power of Choice in Recovery
36:52 The Desire for Continuous Recovery
45:12 The Fear of Relapse
47:58 The Role of Emotions in Recovery
49:11 The Value of Consecutive Recovery
52:29 The Power of Helping Others as a Recovery Strategy