Primary Purpose with Pej

Rhapsody Voices | Pej Media
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Welcome to Primary Purpose with Pej, the podcast where host Pejman "Pej" Alaghamandan dives deep into the moments that define us. Through raw and insightful conversations with entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, recovery advocates, and thought leaders, Pej explores what truly drives people to change, grow, and find purpose. Each episode unpacks powerful stories of resilience, transformation, and personal discovery—offering inspiration for anyone seeking direction, clarity, or motivation. Whether you're on a journey of self-improvement or just love a compelling story, Primary Purpose is here to ignite your passion and fuel your pursuit of meaning. Subscribe now and join the conversation!

  1. 2D AGO

    The 3 Boundaries That Actually Save Lives with Brian Schultz

    On this episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, Brian Schultz recounts the life-altering moment on May 24, 2018, when he walked into his sister’s home to find a professional interventionist and his family waiting to confront his worsening substance use and mental health struggles. Once the "angry and resistant" recipient of an intervention, Brian now serves as a Certified Case Manager and Interventionist, using his lived experience to help families navigate the fear, emotional exhaustion, and complex dynamics of addiction. This conversation dives deep into the power of compassionate boundaries, the importance of evidence-based practices like motivational interviewing, and how the lowest point of Brian’s life became the foundation for a restored family and a life rooted in accountability and purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 14m

  2. MAR 5

    The Truth About Addiction and Family Recovery

    Today on Primary Purpose with Pej, we sit down with Carlton Norwood, a recovery advocate whose life story is defined by resilience, responsibility, and a deep calling to help families find their way back from chaos. Carlton’s journey includes years of substance use and self-destructive behavior that placed his life — and his relationships — at serious risk. After reaching a moment of undeniable clarity, he committed to making a drastic and meaningful change that would rebuild his life and reshape his purpose. For nearly 30 years as a Financial Advisor, Carlton guided hundreds of families through uncertainty and hardship, helping them find clarity in moments that required calm leadership and sound judgment. Combined with raising four successful children, that experience reinforced his belief that families can recover when structure, boundaries, and accountability are put in place. An Augusta, Georgia native, Carlton is deeply rooted in family and community. Today he dedicates his work to helping families create environments where recovery is possible and loved ones can finally access the help they need. This conversation explores addiction, recovery, family intervention, and how small intentional steps can restore lives and relationships. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, this episode offers perspective, hope, and practical insight into the path toward recovery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min

  3. FEB 26

    The Cost of Living Fast: Motorcycles, Rebellion, and Finding Purpose with Randy Underwood

    The "Fast Life" wasn’t just a phase for Randy Underwood—it was his identity. In this week’s episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, we sit down with Orange County native Randy Underwood. Growing up in the heart of the San Diego and L.A. surf and punk scenes, Randy lived a life defined by motorcycle racing, DIY culture, and the rebellious spirit of Generation X. But when "living fast" starts to catch up, what happens when the noise finally stops? Randy opens up about the turning point that led him to sobriety and how he transformed his rebellious energy into a life of intention, humility, and true freedom. This isn't a story about losing your edge; it’s about refining it into something stronger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 10m

  4. FEB 19

    Cutting Through the Chaos: How to Move from Paralysis to Clarity with Matt Brown

    In this episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, we are joined by Matt Brown, a professional interventionist who has spent over 20 years guiding families through the storm of addiction. Matt’s expertise isn't just academic—it’s lived. In 2001, his own family staged an intervention that saved his life. Since entering recovery in 2003, he has dedicated his career to paying that gift forward, helping hundreds of families move out of the "paralysis of fear" and into structured, meaningful action. In this conversation, Pej and Matt dive into: The "Full Circle" Perspective: What it’s like to sit on both sides of the intervention table. Debunking the "Rock Bottom" Myth: Why waiting for things to get worse is a dangerous strategy—and how to act early. The Balance of Compassion and Firmness: How to cut through a loved one’s denial without stripping them of their dignity. Restoring the Family: Moving away from enabling and toward healthy boundaries that foster long-term recovery. Whether you are a family member feeling stuck in the cycle of chaos or someone looking to understand the mechanics of a successful intervention, Matt’s direct and steady approach offers a roadmap from uncertainty to clarity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min

  5. FEB 12

    Stop Enabling, Start Helping: How to Love an Addict Without Losing Yourself | Katie Sanders

    "You don't steal someone's comeback story, you support it." In this episode of Primary Purpose, Pej sits down with Katie Sanders (NCACIP, NCFRC), a family recovery coach who specializes in turning household chaos into clinical clarity. Katie didn’t just study recovery; she built her practice in the high-stakes world of private detox and intervention. With a background in Finance and Risk Management, she brings a "grounded and practical" approach to the emotional whirlwind of addiction. Pej and Katie dive deep into why families are often the missing piece of the recovery puzzle and how to move from desperate reaction to a purposeful response. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 min

  6. FEB 6

    Finding Your Rhythm in Recovery, Patrick O’Neill on Music, Sobriety, and Purpose

    In this heartfelt episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, we sit down with Patrick O’Neill, a Southern California native whose life story is rooted in adventure, creativity, and hard-earned growth. From years behind the bar and travels across the globe to his transition into the corporate world, Patrick shares how connection, curiosity, and music have always been guiding forces in his life. Now 16 months sober, Patrick opens up about recovery, self-work, and learning how to live with intention one day at a time. As a lifelong musician, single father, and someone who continues to embrace life’s evolution with humility and humor, Patrick reminds us that recovery isn’t the end of the story — it’s the moment you finally start playing your own music again. This episode is a powerful reminder that purpose is found not in perfection, but in progress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 25m

  7. JAN 29

    The Truth About Interventions, Boundaries, and Family Recovery | Scott Stein

    On this episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, we sit down with Scott Stein — family coach, interventionist, and founder of Capital Companion and Transport — for one of the most honest conversations about addiction, family dynamics, and recovery you’ll hear. Scott doesn’t teach recovery from theory — he lived it. His addiction spanned opioids, alcohol, weed, benzos, nightlife culture, and the “work hard, party harder” mentality that eventually left him homeless, evicted, and disconnected from reality. While everyone around him saw the problem, Scott couldn’t — until his mother’s growth became the mirror he couldn’t ignore. Today, Scott works with families and individuals navigating addiction at every stage: • Before treatment • During treatment • After treatment and re-entry into real life His focus goes beyond sobriety — into executive functioning, boundaries, routines, life skills, accountability, and structure — the areas most people overlook but families desperately need help with. Scott believes: You don’t steal someone’s comeback story — you support it You set boundaries, not band-aids You offer truth, not rescue Whether someone lives on Park Avenue or the streets, Scott shows up the same way: direct, practical, and rooted in real love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    57 min

  8. JAN 22

    I Manifested My Worst Nightmare — Until Faith Set Me Free with Marco Ferrante

    In this powerful episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, Pej sits down with Marco Ferrante — pastor, mentor, nonprofit leader, and founder of Journey to Solutions — to share a raw and deeply moving story of addiction, identity, and spiritual transformation. Raised in a traditional Sicilian family where reputation meant everything, Marco learned early that admitting addiction was considered weakness. What followed was years of darkness marked by substance abuse, incarceration, homelessness, paranoia, and loss — despite once having scholarships, athletic success, and opportunity at his fingertips. Addiction followed him across borders, from the U.S. to Europe, proving that distance can’t heal what only truth and connection can. Everything changed when Marco encountered Christ not as religion, but as a personal invitation. What began as desperation turned into freedom through faith, community, discipline, and surrender. Today, Marco serves as the Owner of Journey to Solutions Educational Resource Center, President of Journey to Solutions Recovery Ministry, Vice President of PRP Nonprofit, and host of the Journey 2 Solutions Podcast — all rooted in servant leadership and the belief that lives can be restored and purpose rediscovered. This episode is about more than recovery. It’s about identity, redemption, and the power of grace to rewrite even the darkest story. If you’re struggling with addiction, mental health, shame, or feeling too far gone — this conversation is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 17m
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Trailer

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About

Welcome to Primary Purpose with Pej, the podcast where host Pejman "Pej" Alaghamandan dives deep into the moments that define us. Through raw and insightful conversations with entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, recovery advocates, and thought leaders, Pej explores what truly drives people to change, grow, and find purpose. Each episode unpacks powerful stories of resilience, transformation, and personal discovery—offering inspiration for anyone seeking direction, clarity, or motivation. Whether you're on a journey of self-improvement or just love a compelling story, Primary Purpose is here to ignite your passion and fuel your pursuit of meaning. Subscribe now and join the conversation!

Information

  • Creator
    Rhapsody Voices | Pej Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Pej Media
  • Show Website
    Primary Purpose with Pej

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