The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast

Ashley Loeb Blassingame
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The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast Podcast

Welcome to The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast. We are a community of recovering people who have overcome the odds and made monumental life changes. We don't shy away from the nitty gritty - we like to laugh give inspiration and remind you there is hope. Come join us no matter where you are on your recovery journey. Together, we have the courage to change! Subscribe and join our podcast community to hear amazing stories of courage and transformation!

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Brendan McDonough: The Real-Life Hero Behind the Major Motion Picture The Lone Survivor and the Granite Mountain Hotshots

    Brendan was on the verge of becoming a hopeless, inveterate heroin addict when he, for the sake of his young daughter, decided to turn his life around. He enlisted in the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a crew of elite hotshot firefighters based in Prescott, Arizona. Their superintendent, Eric Marsh, was in a desperate crunch after four hotshots left the crew, and seeing a glimmer of promise in the skinny would-be recruit, he took a chance on the unlikely McDonough, and the chance paid off. Despite the crew’s skepticism, and thanks in large part to Marsh’s firm but loving encouragement, McDonough unlocked a latent drive and dedication, going on to successfully battles a number of blazes and he eventually wins the confidence of the men he came to call his brothers.  Then, on June 30, 2013, while McDonough–“Donut” as he’d been dubbed by his crew–served as lookout, they confronted a freak, 3,000-degree inferno in nearby Yarnell, Arizona. The relentless firestorm ultimately trapped his hotshot brothers, tragically killing all 19 of them within minutes. Nationwide, it was the greatest loss of firefighter lives since the 9/11 attacks.  After the unfathomable loss of that day, McDonough suffered from seemingly insurmountable bouts of depression, Post-Traumatic Stress, and issues with alcohol. But the light of hope that inspired him to keep living in one of his darkest moments—his family who needed him—inspired the firefighter to fight on against depression, addiction and to inspire others to find their best selves, even if that means often looking beyond the self. Building a sense of brotherhood within communities gives McDonough great joy – because it helps this fighter honor the legacy of his 19 lost, but not forgotten, brothers.    Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Stitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud   Resourced Mentioned: Brendan's Treatment Center - Holdfast Recovery Brendan's book - Granite Mountain

    1h 47m

  2. 4 SEPT

    Q&A: What is the Difference Between Dependence and Addiction? What is Compulsion

    In this special Q&A episode, we dive deep into the science behind **compulsive behaviors** and explore what’s really happening in the brain of someone with a compulsive disorder. Whether it’s compulsive gambling, overeating, or obsessive cleaning, you’ll learn how the brain’s reward system, emotional regulation, and impulse control are impacted. We break down the key differences between physical dependence and addiction, and explain why people feel driven to repeat these behaviors even when they know the consequences. Tune in for a fascinating discussion that sheds light on the complex world of compulsions and how they affect everyday life!

    26 min

  3. 28 AUG

    From Control to Connection: Sarah Moore's Journey in Al-Anon and Personal Recovery

    In this episode of The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast, Ashley sits down with Sarah Moore, wife of previous guest Preston Moore, to explore her unique life journey. Born in Florida but raised in the UK, Sarah shares her experience of moving back to the United States with dual citizenship and building a life of resilience, creativity, and recovery. Sarah dives into her early life in England, the complexities of growing up in an alcoholic home, and how it shaped her emotional landscape. She discusses the challenges of being in a relationship with someone in recovery, the process of learning about alcoholism, and how these experiences led her to her own path of self-improvement and coaching. Throughout the episode, Sarah offers a raw and insightful look into her struggles with control, self-righteousness, and the journey toward acceptance and self-love. She shares how Al-Anon played a crucial role in her recovery, helping her navigate the emotional turmoil of living with an alcoholic and providing her with the tools to grow as an individual. Sarah also opens up about the intersection of her recovery and parenting, discussing the fears and hopes she has for her son and how she and Preston are working to create a healthy and open environment for him. Finally, Sarah talks about her book, Full of Herself, the process of writing it, and the impact it has had on her life and career. She reflects on the importance of mindset in both personal and professional growth and shares her thoughts on the future, including her goals for financial freedom and family travel. Topics Covered: Dual citizenship and identity Growing up in an alcoholic home Understanding alcoholism and its impact on relationships The role of Al-Anon in personal recovery Parenting in recovery The journey of writing and publishing a book Mindset and business growth Resources Mentioned: Full of Herself by Sarah Moore Daring Greatly by Brené Brown Works by Adam Grant Connect with Sarah Moore: Website: More Soul Sessions Instagram: @more.soul.sessions Tune in for an inspiring conversation about recovery, resilience, and the journey of self-discovery with Sarah Moore.

    1h 0m

  4. 22 AUG

    A Mother's Resilience: Overcoming Grief and Barriers After Her Son's TBI and, Later, Death

    In this poignant episode, I sat down with Brenda Daly, a licensed clinician with nearly 40 years of experience, who opened up about her deeply personal journey of loss, resilience, and love. Brenda shared the harrowing story of her son Kevin’s traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the 11 years of challenges that followed, culminating in his tragic death due to an accidental drug interaction involving fentanyl. We delved into the complexities of living with a TBI, the impact of chronic pain, and the often misunderstood relationship between addiction and traumatic injuries. Brenda also discussed her transformation after Kevin’s death, finding meaning through grief, and the power of resilience. This episode sheds light on the hidden struggles of TBI survivors and their families, and the importance of grief literacy in navigating profound loss.

    1h 8m

  5. 14 AUG

    New Series Announcement: The Courageous Book Club

    The Courageous Book Club is a space where we’re going to explore some of the most important books related to mental health, trauma, recovery, and personal growth. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or someone who prefers to listen in and learn from discussions, this series is for you. Here’s how it’s going to work: I’ll be reading a book—annotating it, pulling out the key insights, and presenting them to you in a series of episodes. I’ll let you know ahead of time what book we’ll be covering so you can choose to read along with me. But if reading isn’t your thing, don’t worry—you can just tune in for the cliff notes and still gain all the valuable information. Each book will be divided into parts, depending on its length, and I’ll release an episode for each part . These episodes will be packed with quotes, references, and even cross-references to other books and resources for a deeper dive. And of course, I’ll link back to relevant interviews from our past six seasons that resonate with the topics we’re covering. My goal with The Courageous Book Club is to create a space where we can not only listen to powerful stories but also learn from them—really dig into the underlying issues and expand our understanding. Whether you choose to read the book or just listen to the episodes, my hope is that you’ll walk away with a deeper perspective and maybe even a new set of glasses through which to view the world.

    6 min

  6. 8 AUG

    Surviving a Convicted Murderer Mother, a Genius Sociopath Father, and Rising from Poverty - The Lauren Eager Story

    Lauren Eager shares her story of growing up with a sociopath father and a mother who committed murder. She discusses the impact of her childhood on her adult life and the importance of being kind to children. Lauren's experiences shaped her into an independent and resilient individual, but also left her with anger and sleep issues. She emphasizes the significance of having a pet and the desire to live life to the fullest. Relationships, both familial and romantic, have been challenging for Lauren, but she has found deep connections in some of them. Lauren Eager shares her experiences and journey, from modeling to starting her own agency, and how it shaped her identity. She discusses her early jobs, the influence of her grandmother, and her decision to pursue modeling. Lauren also talks about her transition into the corporate world and her mission to inspire others. She emphasizes the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and making bold decisions to change your life. Lauren's unique perspective and relentless pursuit of personal growth make her a fascinating and inspiring individual.

    59 min

  7. 1 AUG

    "Double Paternal Suicide: Greg Shindler's Journey from Trauma, Grief, and Addiction to Transforming Cellular Medicine"

    Greg Shindler shares his experience of growing up in an alcoholic household and the impact it had on him. He discusses the importance of vulnerability and the power of being raw and unfiltered. Greg reflects on his journey of healing and forgiveness, as well as the coping mechanisms he developed, such as drinking and drug use. He highlights the need for self-compassion and setting boundaries as part of the healing process. The conversation explores the concept of internal boundaries and the process of owning and processing emotions. It delves into the journey of sobriety and the lessons learned along the way. The importance of community and support in maintaining sobriety is highlighted. The conversation also touches on the power of humility and the ability to surrender to obstacles and learn from them. Various strategies for managing challenging emotions and situations are discussed. In this final part of the conversation, Greg Shindler discusses the importance of self-awareness and personal growth in recovery. He shares how his sponsor helped him understand his true nature and how he could change through sobriety and working the steps. Greg also talks about the liberating experience of facing his true self and the importance of surrendering to the recovery process. He shares personal stories and emphasizes the value of humility, gratitude, and curiosity in personal transformation. Greg also discusses his work in the field of longevity and cellular medicine, highlighting the need to address functional decline and improve health span as people age. 🎧 What you'll learn: The power of vulnerability and creating a culture of safety Overcoming trauma and addiction The significance of community in recovery The role of cellular medicine and stem cells in promoting longevity Practical tips for managing stress and improving overall health More Information: www.GregShindler.com

    1h 22m

  8. 24 JUL

    Sober Curious: Kaitlin Henry's Journey from Questioning Normal Drinking to Finding Peace and Self-Care

    In this episode, award-winning podcast host Ashley Loeb Blassingame interviews Kaitlin Henry, who has been sober for five years. Kaitlin shares her journey from growing up in an environment where alcohol was normalized to becoming a mother and struggling with the pressures of parenthood and societal expectations. She discusses her experience with the sober curious movement, realizing that despite not having outward consequences, she continually broke promises to herself about her drinking. Kaitlin emphasizes the importance of self-care, noticing feelings, and creating healthy coping mechanisms to maintain sobriety and overall well-being.

    1h 9m
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About

Welcome to The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast. We are a community of recovering people who have overcome the odds and made monumental life changes. We don't shy away from the nitty gritty - we like to laugh give inspiration and remind you there is hope. Come join us no matter where you are on your recovery journey. Together, we have the courage to change! Subscribe and join our podcast community to hear amazing stories of courage and transformation!

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