The Recovery Toolkit Podcast

EPIC Restart Foundation
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The Recovery Toolkit Podcast

The Recovery Toolkit Podcast is a podcast brought to you by Epic Restart Foundation - helping people build positive lives after gambling harm. Join Richie as he talks to people in recovery and gets their tips and tricks for you to add to your toolkit.

  1. 12/11/2024

    The Recovery Toolkit Podcast: Episode Thirty - Chris Sylvester: Getting Clean - Soap and Stories

    In this heartfelt episode of the Recovery Toolkit Podcast, host Richie sits down with Chris Sylvester, a passionate advocate for addiction recovery and personal empowerment. Chris shares his journey of helping individuals overcome addiction, focusing on identifying and addressing their unmet needs and barriers. By connecting people with the right resources and partners, Chris ensures that progress is maintained and recovery remains sustainable.   Through his unique approach, Chris highlights the importance of autonomy in recovery, allowing individuals to take control of their own journey and define what success looks like for them. He reflects on the rewarding experience of seeing people who once struggled now thriving, with some even finding employment through the opportunities created by his team.   Chris also opens up about the growth of his organisation, from employing four people in just 18 months to winning a prestigious Gold Owl Award, cementing their reputation as leaders in the recovery community. His passion for Leeds and its people shines through as he talks about the community's involvement in tackling addiction head-on, with his team acting as a powerful, dedicated "army" in the fight against addiction.   This episode is packed with inspiring messages about resilience, the importance of community support, and the transformative power of giving back. Tune in for an uplifting conversation on how one person's dedication can create lasting change for others.   Find out more about Chris's work at http://www.gettingclean.co.uk

    45 min

  2. 12/04/2024

    The Recovery Toolkit Podcast: Episode Twenty Nine - Susan Mosley: Finding Strength: Susan's Journey of Recovery and Self Discovery

    In this deeply personal episode of The Recovery Toolkit Podcast, Richie sits down with Susan Mosley to explore the profound impact addiction can have on loved ones. As an "affected other," Susan shares her experiences of being in a relationship with someone struggling with addiction, the challenges she faced, and the strength it took to rebuild her life.   Susan’s story is one of resilience, healing, and growth. She reflects on how addiction not only affected her confidence and self-worth but also shaped her career in drug and alcohol services. Through her work, Susan found purpose and healing, using her experiences to support others on their recovery journeys.   This conversation delves into the courage it takes to move forward, the importance of embracing new challenges, and Susan’s own journey of self-discovery—culminating in transformative moments like completing the Three Peaks Challenge and finding peace in solo walks and holidays.   Susan’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery isn’t just for those directly battling addiction—it’s a journey of discovery and growth for everyone impacted.

    46 min

  3. 11/27/2024

    The Recovery Toolkit Podcast: Episode Twenty Eight - Graeme Dodds: Finding Your Authentic Self

    In this episode, we’re joined by Graeme, who shares his inspiring journey of achieving two years of abstinence from alcohol, drugs, and gambling. Graeme reflects on his multiple attempts at recovery, explaining how he found lasting change only when he addressed all three challenges together.   He opens up about how addiction stripped away his confidence, self-worth, and mental and spiritual health. With the support of non-judgmental friends and a caring community, he began rebuilding his life. Graeme’s recovery journey included discovering a love for exercise, helping him shed 40kg—from 120kg to 80kg—and reclaim his sense of self-worth. Along the way, he took on numerous challenges, including completing the Great North Run and the Edinburgh Marathon, which became milestones in his transformation.   Graeme also shares how recovery allowed him to rediscover who he truly is and channel his energy into positive pursuits. This includes ConnectTOON, a social inclusion football team, that EPIC Restart has recently partnered with, which uses football as a platform to raise awareness about recovery pathways. With EPIC Restart featured on their kit, the team sparks meaningful conversations about recovery—both within their squad and with their Sunday League opponents. Tune in to hear Graeme’s honest and hopeful story of resilience, community, and self-discovery.

    48 min

  4. 11/20/2024

    The Recovery Toolkit Podcast: Episode Twenty Seven- Building a life after chaos

    In this episode, Richie is joined by David McCormack, whose powerful story of resilience and recovery will inspire listeners facing their own struggles. With raw honesty and vulnerability, David shares his journey from a childhood in the care system to battling addiction, as he navigated a chaotic and difficult environment. In 2011, David reached a breaking point and found the courage to seek help. However, the road to recovery was not without setbacks. After a short reprieve, he was pulled back into old habits, but eventually, he found lasting change through a six-month residential rehab, which became a pivotal moment in his life. David reflects on his life post-rehab, including the challenges of early recovery, the decline of his mental health, and the strength it took to keep moving forward. Proving that it's never too late to turn things around, David returned to education after leaving school at 12 years old, ultimately earning two degrees. In addition to his personal achievements, David has been instrumental in creating a social inclusion football league in Merseyside, offering people who’ve faced adversity a chance to rebuild their lives through sport. What started with one league has now expanded into two leagues and over 20 teams, helping countless individuals reclaim their confidence and sense of community. Despite ongoing challenges in his recovery, including addressing unhealthy behaviours like gambling, David has developed the tools to navigate life’s hurdles. Today, he works to support those leaving the care system, becoming a role model for anyone striving to overcome their past and create a brighter future. David’s story is one of hope, transformation, and the power of never giving up.

    55 min

  5. 11/13/2024

    The Recovery Toolkit Podcast: Episode Twenty Six- Filling the hole in the soul

    In this episode, Richie sits down with Karen Slater, who shares her journey through addiction, recovery, and self-discovery. From an early age, Karen turned to substances as an escape, hoping they would fill the hole she felt in her soul. Her path led her through various attempts to find fulfilment until she discovered that abstinence was the only sustainable solution for her.   Karen felt a sense of belonging in Alcoholics Anonymous, where the 12-step program gave her the structure, community, and moral guidance she needed to rebuild her life. Through this journey, she began to understand her worth and develop a renewed sense of confidence.   Early in her recovery, Karen dedicated herself to helping others, including her children. However, she realised the importance of setting boundaries, focusing on her own growth and being an example to others. Karen has learned to forgive herself, realising the choices she made, were made so she could survive and led her to where she is today.   Karen’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. After struggling with relapse and resentment, she worked to return to recovery, ultimately channelling her experiences into writing and becoming an author. Her story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the strength it takes to reclaim your life.   Tune in to hear Karen's inspiring story of finding hope, purpose, and the tools that sustain her recovery.

    47 min

  6. 11/06/2024

    The Recovery Toolkit Podcast: Episode Twenty Five - Where there is a will, there is a way

    This week, we are honoured to welcome Peter Da Silver, who bravely shares his powerful story of resilience and transformation. Peter opens up about his challenging early years in Middlesbrough, marked by a turbulent childhood, devastating loss, and struggles with substance use. This path led to years of crime and repeated spells in prison, trapping him in a cycle that seemed impossible to break.   But an encounter with an old friend sparked a turning point, showing him that there was another way. Peter began a journey of recovery, supported by rehab and a dedicated lived-experience coach. He speaks candidly about the humbling realisation that he had much to learn if he was going to survive and break free.   Refusing to give up, Peter enrolled in college, earned a degree, secured meaningful work, and even became a published author. His story is a testament to the power of commitment and hard work.   This episode is an inspiring listen for anyone facing their own battles with addiction, recovery, or personal growth, showing that change is possible when you’re ready to embrace it.

    44 min

  7. 10/30/2024

    The Recovery Toolkit Podcast: Episode Twenty Four - When Does Recovery Really Start?

    This week, we’re joined by Sam Starsmore as he shares his journey to recovery, revealing how unresolved trauma from his teenage years impacted his life. Sam reflects on how children and adults often experience the same events in profoundly different ways, and he emphasises the importance of creating safe spaces for young people to process difficult experiences. Sam’s story challenges common perceptions of recovery. While he first reached out for help after hitting rock bottom on New Year’s Eve and attended local Gamblers Anonymous meetings regularly for two years, he views this period as abstinence rather than true recovery. Only after relapsing twice did Sam begin to understand the deeper work required for sustainable recovery, including building resilience, engaging actively in the 12-step program, and finding support through a sponsor. In this honest conversation, Sam discusses how he developed his own toolkit to navigate the challenges of recovery and life’s ups and downs. Tune in to learn about the importance of creating personal strategies to sustain recovery and move forward. Join our community of those in gambling harm recovery online and free for coaching sessions, community connection and events here: https://lamplight.online/in/8UmMO/ff1d0d29a136c2b1b7b2348c7c6ba3cdc2223b8729996a7ace3f9fb3b2e8be20

    45 min

  8. 10/23/2024

    The Recovery Toolkit Podcast: Episode Twenty Three- Navigating the Online World and Neurodiversity

    In this week's episode, we're joined by Ali Barfield, founder of Deflect and Protect CIC, an organisation dedicated to raising awareness about the unique risks the online world poses to the autistic community.   We dive deep into the challenges neurodiverse individuals face when it comes to online gaming and gambling, and why they may be more vulnerable to developing addictions, particularly gambling addiction.   Ali sheds light on how the internet—while a powerful tool for good—has also become a growing threat as people spend more time online. One of the most significant dangers we discuss is the rise of streaming platforms, influencers, and cryptocurrency casinos—areas that many may not even realise pose a risk.   We also explore the impact of an "aspirational culture" driven by constant exposure to content and marketing, especially on younger generations who are growing up almost entirely online. The long-term effects of this exposure remain uncertain, but the potential for harm is clear.   Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or work with young people, this episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the online world and its hidden dangers.

    50 min
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About

The Recovery Toolkit Podcast is a podcast brought to you by Epic Restart Foundation - helping people build positive lives after gambling harm. Join Richie as he talks to people in recovery and gets their tips and tricks for you to add to your toolkit.

Information

  • Creator
    EPIC Restart Foundation
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Recovery Toolkit Podcast

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