God Took Me to Las Vegas Randy Mortensen

A quick overview of the book " God Took Me to Las Vegas To Get Sober"
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Episode 205 – Crushing the Stigma: Saving Lives & Restoring Relationships


As the host of this podcast, I’m often recognized as a passionate influencer who is on a mission to “Crush the Stigma” surrounding mental health and substance abuse. 


With my deep-rooted belief that mental health-related challenges are not a sign of weakness but rather a common human experience, my commitment is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting conversations in all business sectors and in our faith communities, in order to save lives and restore relationships. 

As a recognized figure in corporate America and in the recovery world, I’m committed to breaking down barriers and providing support for individuals who are struggling with compulsive and destructive behaviors. 


My sobriety journey began more than 32 years ago, when I was only nine months into my third marriage, and I finally realized that it was time for a radical change in my life. In the year 1990, on September 24th, a Sunday afternoon, I slowly walked into a residential treatment center in Southern Utah. 

My commitment to sobriety has allowed me to develop a powerful message of hope and a relentless drive to make a positive impact. Some say I’m a “force to be reckoned with” in the fight against mental health stigma and substance abuse.
If you’re looking for answers to questions about substance abuse or maybe you’d like to know more about my fast-growing business coaching endeavor, please connect via the sources below.
Recovery coaching: http://randymortensen.com/
Office number: 321.757.HOPE
Business Coaching: https://rpmglobaladvisors.com/ 
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Episode 204 Interview with Jewels, author of “The Making of a Woman”
Jewels is an award-winning author, speaker, and bodybuilder and hope to inspire others to push forward, no matter the challenges.
Jewels describes herself as a woman who has lived two lives in one lifetime. The first part was a life of childhood abuse and trauma which grew into the full-blown disease of alcoholism. Her life was out of control, and she says, “I was circling the drain”.
The second part is life today and how she urgently worked through her past and now has a wonderful life as a result. But her story is not your average girl gest sober story. She didn’t just get sober; she truly created a life of authenticity and confidence. Her story is about removing the expectations and the dogma of society, instead of being guided by love and empathy.
Some may call her life risky, unethical, and totally against the norm, but she sees it otherwise. She’s in a very loving and open-minded marriage. She has been sexually liberated as a result of her childhood trauma and just placed 3rd at the national level at the NPC (National Physique Committee) North American Championships.
“The Making of a Woman” is the compelling autobiography of a dynamic female who refused to bow down to the circumstances of her birth. With a prevailing sense of self and survival, Jewels fought a hardscrabble war against the forces and people that populated her life in a way that often crushes others.
Purchase her book here: https://themakingofawoman.com/purchase 
Her email is: Jewels@TheMakingofaWoman.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jewelsthemakingofawoman 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/makingofjewels 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewelsthemakingofawoman 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvmtpgWqE33CwRZl83R6Vg 
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Welcome to today's episode, where we dive into a remarkable journey of personal growth, redemption, and professional success. The focus is on Randy Mortensen's transformative story as detailed in his compelling memoir, "God Took Me to Las Vegas...To Get Sober." 

The narrative is not just about overcoming the clutches of addiction in the heart of a city known for its vices but also about the profound impact this journey had on his personal and professional life.
Randy's story begins with a life seemingly consumed by addiction, a path that led him to the vibrant yet challenging environment of Las Vegas. It was here, against all odds, that he found the strength and faith to turn his life around. His memoir provides a raw and honest look at the struggles faced on the road to recovery, but it's also a testament to the incredible power of determination, faith, and the human spirit's capacity to change.
But Randy's journey didn't just transform him personally. It also had a significant impact on his professional life and business ventures. From the brink of despair, Randy emerged not only as a man reborn but as a business leader driven by newfound clarity, integrity, and a deep commitment to his values. His story is a powerful reminder that personal growth can fuel professional success, transforming challenges into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones.
Join us as we explore Randy Mortensen's inspiring journey, highlighting the key moments of personal growth that led to professional achievements and the lessons we can all take from his experience. Whether you're seeking motivation in your own path to recovery or looking for insights into turning personal challenges into professional triumphs, Randy's story offers profound lessons in resilience, faith, and the art of transformation.
Purchase the book here: https://godtookmetolasvegas.com/
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Episode 201 – Gerry Wagner interview, with the theme of “What Is Love?”


Gerry Wagner is on a mission of “Spreading LOVE to those who may feel unloved”. He recently claimed 32 years of being clean and sober.
Gerry lives in Central Pennsylvania, he serves as the Vice President of Business Development for a global HVAC company and hosts the podcast “Tosot Time” where he hosts a wide array of guests. He interviews TV personalities, HVAC industry experts, and NASCAR race car drivers.
One year ago, he noticed a sign along the road with this question, “What is love?” That sign inspired thought and introspection within him. He realized that his love for his wife is different from his love for his friends, and the love he had for his mother. It was clear that love in every form is incredibly strong and meaningful, but each is unique at the same time.


Sadly, his biological father was an evil, brutal presence that destroyed his mother’s life and deserves no further mention or description. It’s where the absence of self-love is rooted in Gerry’s life. He quotes in an online post, “Imagine if you will, if you can, waking up every morning loathing, hating the blood that runs through your own veins.” 
Defining love is something Gerry still struggles with, but he can define the absence of love and he doesn't want anyone to ever struggle with that sort of encounter, the absence of love, whether for a moment or a lifetime.
In this episode, Gerry shares about his weakest moments 15 months ago, he never thought about drinking and drugging and admits he would have rather put a gun to his head, as that would have been more merciful to himself and those around him. Instead, he leaned on his family members to get through the most difficult 72 hours he has experienced in the past couple of decades.


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerry-wagner-1b154228/ 
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/tosot-bathica/ 


Podcast: Tosot Time  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp4rd7qgiys 
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Episode 200 – Richard Grahn, is a producer, screenwriter, author, and a coach
Richard was born and grew up in California, the youngest of six children in the family, before relocating to Eastern Tennessee.
During one of the darkest times of his life, he told God, “I don’t care if I go to Hell, you either kill me or do something in my life.” The next day, he was arrested for misdemeanor possession of methamphetamines. 

But today, he now has over 22 years clean from Methamphetamines.
While in that life of darkness and pain, he witnessed violence, manipulation, desperation, and a ton of ugliness.
His forthcoming movie, “Escape to Normal” is a Christian film but not your typical mainstream Christian film. While growing up he was always taught in Church that the world is our mission field, not the choir.  Yet, Richard believes that many Christian films in this era are for the choir and today he feels that creative storytellers are called to share the gospel outside of the building. 
“Escape To Normal” will have a worldly look and feel to it. Most of the script is written from Richard’s real life and it speaks about his experiences on the streets, and the movie has a Christ-filled message of hope, identity, and second chances. 

With a focus on becoming a new creation, similar to how he has grown from a time of homelessness, violence, and drug abuse. Since giving his life to Christ and getting clean from Methamphetamines, he’s seeking to help people find their true identity and their mission in life. 


More about the work Richard is doing can be found at various locations online:
Website: https://www.escapetonormal.com

Fundraising site: https://www.givesendgo.com/escapetonormal 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/445450010276355/members 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NormalEscapeto 
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirrichardg 
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