The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast Ashley Loeb Blassingame

In this captivating episode of "The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast," host Ashley Loeb Blassingame interviews Grammy-winning composer and board-certified music therapist Brendan Berry. Brendan recounts his incredible transformation from a punk rock bassist to a leading figure in music therapy and mental health advocacy.

Struggling with social anxiety and addiction, Brendan found solace and healing through music. His journey led him to not only overcome his personal challenges but also to achieve professional success and recognition.

Throughout the episode, Brendan discusses the therapeutic power of music, sharing how it played a crucial role in his recovery. He provides valuable insights into the intersection of creativity and mental health, highlighting the importance of using one's passion as a tool for healing.

Listeners will be inspired by Brendan's resilience and dedication, learning how music can serve as a powerful means of overcoming adversity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health, music therapy, and the incredible stories of those who turn their lives around against all odds.

Tune in to hear Brendan Berry's story of redemption, recovery, and musical triumph. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the healing power of music and the inspiring journey of a true artist and advocate.

In the podcast interview, Samantha Lander shares her tumultuous journey through substance abuse, recovery, and personal growth. Samantha grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, with a childhood that appeared ideal externally, but was internally marred by emotional neglect and anxious attachments within her family. Her journey into addiction began early, with her first drink in seventh grade, and escalated through her teenage and adult years as she struggled with infertility treatments and a compulsive mindset that led her deeper into substance use.
Samantha's addiction led to significant life challenges, including a prison sentence and an ongoing battle with sobriety intertwined with personal relationships and professional endeavors. She speaks candidly about the emotional work necessary for recovery, revealing that her seemingly perfect childhood had underlying traumas that needed addressing for her to achieve stable recovery. Her story of relapse post-prison, while trying to manage a toxic marriage and motherhood, underscores the complexities of addiction intertwined with personal relationships.
The interview also explores Samantha's efforts to reconstruct her life post-addiction, emphasizing the importance of community and targeted interventions in recovery. She discusses hosting a significant sober giveaway on Instagram, leveraging her platform to engage with a niche audience and share insights on sobriety. The challenges of integrating personal experiences with her professional life as a fitness trainer and the nuances of navigating recovery while rebuilding relationships and managing a personal training business underline the broader theme of resilience and the continuous effort required to maintain sobriety and personal growth.

In this enlightening episode, join our host as they delve into the revolutionary world of Bright Line Eating with Susan Peirce Thompson. Discover why traditional weight loss strategies often fail and how thousands have found lasting success beyond mere willpower. Susan shares her gripping personal journey from battling various addictions to achieving sobriety and becoming a neuroscientist. Learn about the Susceptibility Scale—a pivotal tool in Bright Line Eating that reveals how your brain may be hindering your weight loss efforts. If you’re scoring high, it’s not just about calories; it’s about reprogramming the brain. Tune in for an episode filled with humor, insight, and inspiring stories that could change the way you think about dieting forever.

Welcome Back to The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast! Season 6 Begins

In this special mini episode, I’m excited to share some major updates and the new direction for The Courage to Change podcast as we launch into Season 6. After a much-needed longer break, I’m back, but this time, I’m flying solo. I'll dive into why I've taken this new journey without my usual team.

Big Changes and New Beginnings:

After 14 incredible years, my journey with Lionrock Recovery, the company I built with my co-founders, has come to an end. It’s been sold to a fantastic organization that’s set to take it to new heights.
With the transition, I’ve taken The Courage to Change with me, stepping out like a baby bird from the nest, ready to navigate the world of podcast production on my own.
What’s Next for The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast?

Episodes will now be released every Wednesday. Mark your calendars to catch every update and story we're eager to share.
As I take on the helm of production single-handedly, I'm also funding the podcast personally. Your support means more than ever.
How You Can Support C2C:

Share the podcast with friends to help us gain more traction.
Leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Consider making a donation to support production costs at ashleyloebblassingame.com by clicking on "donate."
Special Mention:

For those interested in production insights or producer consulting, feel free to reach out to our former producer, Scott Drochelman, who is now pursuing other ambitious projects.
Thank you for sticking with us through these transitions. I’m thrilled to embark on this new season with you all!

As we bid farewell to Season 5 of The Courage to Change, join Ashley and Producer Scott as they ring in the new year. Get ready for a New Year's rap, Jamaican Merlins, The Courage to Change Awards, glimpses into 2024 dreams, and a New Year's party that doesn't require you to leave your house. Put on your finest attire and stop by our place as we close out 2023.

Hilary Phelps was an overachiever from the beginning. She was a straight “A” student and the fastest swimmer in the country for her age group, until the age of 14, when she took her first sip of alcohol. From that moment, she was hooked and spent the next 15-years drinking, and feeling empty, lost, and hopeless.