TURTZED

Charles Turtz
  • 5.0 (35)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

TURTZED is where real stories meet deep growth. Hosted by Charles Turtz, this podcast dives deep into the moments that define us—grief, trauma, identity, coming out, rebuilding, and the wild mess of healing. Through unfiltered conversations and vulnerable solo episodes, TURTZED helps you own your story, find your voice, and build a life aligned with who you really are. From navigating mental health and family wounds to rediscovering self-worth and purpose, each episode explores the bridge between surviving and truly living. Whether you’re unpacking your past, questioning everything, or chasing clarity in your career or relationships, this space is for you. No fluff. Just truth, growth, and the kind of talk that hits deep.

  1. 2D AGO

    Darren Hobbs: Overcoming Addiction and Finding Hope | Ep. 56

    How do you rebuild a life when you’ve burnt every bridge and the only person left in your corner is a jailer telling you you're alone? For many struggling with drug addiction, the descent doesn't stop until there is nowhere left to go but inward. In this raw and deeply personal episode, Darren Hobbs shares his transformative journey from facing 20 years on drug charges to becoming a leader in the intervention and recovery space. Darren Hobbs breaks down the "chameleon syndrome" of addiction, the painful reality of a mother’s "tough love," and why true change only happens when you finally decide to "burn the boats." How to Identify the Moment You Must Stop DiggingRecovery often begins not with a plan, but with the exhaustion of being "not tough enough" to keep paying the emotional taxes on a life of addiction. For Darren, this meant dropping the shovel in a jail pod when he realized he was truly alone. Why Tough Love and "Dead to Me" Saves LivesWhen a family stops negotiating with addiction and sets hard boundaries, it creates the "magical moment" where the person in active use must finally face themselves. Darren explains how his mother’s refusal to take his "drama" anymore was the catalyst for his spiritual awakening. Transitioning from Entitlement to Authentic HumilityThe path to rebuilding a life often involves cleaning toilets and taking the bus, far away from the "boujee" expectations of one's past. True freedom comes when the opinion you have of yourself matters more than the metric of being "better" than anyone else. Links & Networking Darren HobbsCharles TurtzTURTZEDFor Coaching, Consulting, Advertising, or Press Inquiries inquire here.Disclaimer: The TURTZED Podcast reflects the opinions of Charles Turtz and his guests. Content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your individual needs. For the full disclaimer, visit our website. 00:00 – The privilege of being honest with yourself01:03 – Why a "train wreck" life is a recovery honor02:12 – The smart guy’s advice for someone in a hole04:50 – A "Sanford and Son" version of the third step prayer07:01 – The first day of school and the " Dominican" discipline10:44 – Why being "Mama’s little angel" wasn't enough11:23 – The "magic prescription" that made his teeth whiter15:37 – The Arkansas ID and the man named "Zeus"18:52 – The exotic confidence of a "middleman" drug dealer21:55 – A stadium cup, a wheelchair, and a win streak ended23:56 – The desperate plea: "Mom, please make it stop"29:03 – Hearing the words: "You’re dead to me"32:21 – The mathematical error that God provided38:37 – Why being the "poop picker upper" was a gift43:51 – The relief of being "too chubby" for the wrong attention48:01 – Why hope is a better drug than cocaine50:25 – The friend’s command to "burn the motherf***ing boats"

    56 min

  2. FEB 11

    James Boucher: Healing from Sexual Trauma & Taking Back Control | Ep. 55

    What do you do when your deepest secrets are weaponized against you? Healing from sexual trauma often begins the moment we decide to bring our hidden stories into the light, refusing to let shame dictate our future. In this moving episode, James Boucher shares his journey from a life of secrecy and censorship to one of radical authenticity. After being secretly recorded and blackmailed, James made the courageous decision to "blast" the narrative by going public, eventually finding a sense of community and relief he never thought possible after years of childhood trauma and addiction. How to Recover from Male Sexual TraumaJames discusses the unique challenges men face when addressing sexual abuse and why it took five years in therapy before he could even mention his childhood experiences out loud. He highlights how shifting from secrecy to speech is a vital component of the healing process. Taking Back Control After Extortion or BlackmailWhen faced with a secret recording and the threat of exposure, James opted for transparency over fear. By sharing his story on his own terms via TikTok and YouTube, he effectively neutralized the power the other person held over him. The Connection Between Trauma and Addiction RecoveryWith ten years of sobriety, James reflects on how quitting drinking was the catalyst for starting the deep "work" in therapy. He explains how progress is often incremental, taking a full decade to transform into the person he is today. Links & Networking James BoucherCharles TurtzTURTZEDFor Coaching, Consulting, Advertising, or Press Inquiries inquire here.Disclaimer: The TURTZED Podcast reflects the opinions of Charles Turtz and his guests. Content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your individual needs. For the full disclaimer, visit our website. 00:00 – The Unexpected Answer in Life's Difficult Moments01:01 – A Lifetime of "Censoring" the Self01:35 – The Silent Impact of Childhood Trauma01:55 – The Secret Recording That Changed Everything02:15 – Why Going Public was the Only Choice03:34 – Turning a Negative into a Public Benefit05:08 – The "Two Separate Lives" Phenomenon07:34 – A Surprise Community in Puerto Vallarta09:28 – The Physical Weight of Being Seen11:12 – Living Free from Small-Town Expectations13:00 – Why Telling the Story Once Changes the Dynamic15:32 – The "No More Skeletons" Content Strategy17:49 – Reaching the Ten-Year Sobriety Milestone19:37 – The Six-Year-Old in the Bedroom Exercise22:20 – The Work Event Compliment That Triggered a Breakdown24:32 – The Invisible Struggle in the Background

    30 min

  3. FEB 4

    Ricki Friedman: Coming Off Adderall After 28 Years | Ep. 54

    What happens to your soul when you’ve been chemically "regulated" since the age of seven? Coming off Adderall isn't just about surviving the physical withdrawal; it is a high-stakes reclamation of the self that requires a total rewrite of what you consider "normal." In this raw and deeply personal conversation, Ricki Friedman shares her journey of stopping a 28-year prescription of stimulants to find a version of herself she never knew existed. She and Charles dive into the biological reality of dopamine deficiency, the link between complex PTSD and concentration, and why true success requires honoring your natural rhythm rather than forcing a medicated societal norm.  How to Function Without AdderallStopping a long-term stimulant prescription requires a fundamental mindset shift from "I can't concentrate" to "I have a dopamine and regulation issue." Success off-medication is found by creating natural dopamine through movement, environment, and honoring the "momentum" of your ADHD rather than fighting it. Reclaiming Intuition from FearStimulants can often blur the lines between intuition and a chemically-induced "loop," making it difficult to feel the body's natural signals. Understanding the difference—where intuition is calm and grounded while fear is loud and full of excuses—is the key to making expansive life decisions. The Reality of Stimulant WithdrawalThe first 30 days of going "cold turkey" from a high dose can involve extreme physical exhaustion and sleeping up to 17 hours a day as the body attempts to find homeostasis. Recovery is a long-term process that requires giving yourself at least a full year to redefine who you are as a human being without a substance.  Links & NetworkingRicki FriedmanCharles TurtzTURTZEDFor Coaching, Consulting, Advertising, or Press Inquiries inquire here. Disclaimer: The TURTZED Podcast reflects the opinions of Charles Turtz and his guests. Content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your individual needs. For the full disclaimer, visit our website. 00:00 – The trio of connections: Self, Success, and Brand02:22 – Being prescribed stimulants at seven years old04:13 – The "Three-Week Sleep" and the reality of cold turkey06:01 – Why life gets "infinitely worse" before it gets better08:14 – Rewriting the story of what is "normal"10:17 – Honoring your natural rhythm vs. the corporate machine12:06 – The realization that changed everything: "It’s like meth"15:34 – Why stimulants dysregulate the nervous system they claim to fix18:05 – The grief of a childhood without access to your own body21:05 – The difference between concentration and dopamine issues25:54 – The top two life-transforming decisions Ricki ever made30:07 – Losing (and finding) your personality on autopilot35:06 – Transitioning from "Dark Ricky" to "Light Ricky"41:59 – The 4-step system for authentic dopamine45:35 – The "Expansive Decision" trap50:44 – Why the medication is no longer serving its purpose

    54 min

  4. JAN 28

    Sonny Von Cleveland: Why Forgiveness is Your Only Path to Freedom | Ep. 53

    How do you stop a cycle of violence when your childhood was defined by it? For many, trauma becomes an armor of anger that eventually turns into a prison of its own making, but true freedom requires the one thing most are too terrified to try: radical compassion for themselves. In this powerful episode, Sonny Von Cleveland shares his harrowing journey from surviving years of childhood sexual abuse and 18 years in prison to becoming a beacon of hope and redemption. Sonny breaks down the precise mindset shift required to stop reliving past trauma and start choosing a life defined by purpose rather than pain.  How to Redefine Strength After TraumaStrength is not just about surviving another day of abuse; it is the conscious choice to ensure your yesterday does not dictate your today. True strength is found in admitting you are human, making the choice to learn from mistakes, and refusing to let your past baggage control your future mindset. Why Forgiveness is an Act of Self-PreservationForgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you off the hook—it is about releasing yourself from the shackles of resentment. By processing your anger and offering yourself compassion, you reclaim the internal freedom that trauma stole from you. How to Give Your Suffering a PurposeSuffering ceases to be suffering the moment it is assigned a purpose, such as using your story to prevent someone else’s pain. By turning your lessons into a "template" for others, you ensure that your past struggles were not in vain and build a legacy of healing. Links & NetworkingSonny Von ClevelandCharles TurtzTURTZEDFor Coaching, Consulting, Advertising, or Press Inquiries inquire here. Disclaimer: The TURTZED Podcast reflects the opinions of Charles Turtz and his guests. Content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your individual needs. For the full disclaimer, visit our website. 00:00 – The "Hey White Boy" catalyst02:08 – Why your mission must be your legacy04:36 – The survival trap: Why surviving isn't enough06:06 – The one-hour rule for a successful life08:50 – Five years in solitary: The birth of compassion11:25 – Turning a loss into a lifelong lesson15:11 – The physical cost of holding toxic anger17:57 – The secret to closure without an apology18:57 – The screwdriver incident and the weight of shame22:48 – Forgiveness vs. Understanding: The healing divide28:57 – Reclaiming freedom through the art of redemption32:37 – Why your worth is never tied to your paycheck33:53 – The extra lunch tray that changed everything36:48 – The "Baby Philosophy" for achieving any goal41:23 – The danger of "Comfortable Pain"44:16 – Why we fear speaking our truth48:33 – Why comparing your trauma is self-sabotage

    51 min

  5. JAN 21

    Christina Rice: Energy Healing for Chronic Illness & Physical Pain | Ep. 52

    Why does your body hold onto pain even after the doctors say nothing is wrong? Energy healing is often the missing link when traditional medicine only provides a "Band-Aid" for chronic symptoms. We dive deep into why your physical health is a direct reflection of your energetic circuitry and how to finally clear the blockages that keep you stuck in a cycle of disease. In this episode, Christina Rice shares her transformation from being on her "deathbed" with excruciating chronic illness to becoming a renowned intuitive and energy healer. She breaks down the mechanics of the "Ahai" frequency, how to read the body's energy circuits like a scan, and the process of returning to your authentic self through the wisdom of your own body How Emotional Trauma Becomes Physical Pain When we suppress our truth or hold onto an emotion without processing it, that energy "calcifies" in specific centers of the body, eventually manifesting as physical symptoms or chronic knots. How to Identify Blocked Chakras Each energy center corresponds to a life theme—for example, the throat chakra is tied to communication and thyroid health, while the solar plexus dictates your personal power and digestive wellness. The Meaning of Your Soul Purpose Your purpose isn't a mystery hidden in another country; it is revealed through the recurring themes and lessons of your life that you are meant to learn and then contribute back to the collective consciousness. Links & NetworkingChristina RiceCharles TurtzTURTZEDFor Coaching, Consulting, Advertising, or Press Inquiries inquire here.Disclaimer: The TURTZED Podcast reflects the opinions of Charles Turtz and his guests. Content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your individual needs. For the full disclaimer, visit our website. 00:00 – The power of holding diametrically opposed beliefs.05:40 – What is the "Ahai" 7D frequency and how does it heal?06:40 – Seeing the body as a "piping system" of energy circuits.10:44 – Why children are naturally magical—and what turns it off.15:42 – The "ego deaths" required to become your authentic self.17:33 – Why the most stubborn people get hit with the loudest wake-up calls.20:30 – Why "Shadow Work" might be leading you down the wrong rabbit hole.23:44 – The energetic link between thyroid issues and suppressed truth.27:00 – How "past life" emotions are stored in the sacral chakra.31:30 – The reason your back pain is connected to a lack of support.35:19 – How your body sends "look at me" messages through pain.40:13 – The "Energy Blob" theory: Why you chose a human experience.49:17 – Why you haven't "tried everything" until you've tried energy work.52:09 – The one mantra the Universe always rewards.56:51 – The "Fear of Being Seen" and why it holds us back from our gifts.

    1 hr

  6. JAN 14

    Marie Ahern: Practicing Mindfulness and Concentration | Ep. 51

    What if being mindful had nothing to do with turning your brain off and everything to do with where your body and mind are at the exact same time? Practicing mindfulness is often discussed in yoga studios as a vague goal, but without a concrete definition, most of us are simply "taking a mental vacation" rather than actually being present in our own lives. In this episode, Marie Ahern, a veteran yoga teacher and life coach with over 20 years of experience, breaks down the "superpower" of concentration. Marie Ahern shares her journey from large-scale yoga training to intimate life coaching, offering a raw look at how we can gain control over the "drunken monkey" mind to foster deeper clarity and better relationships. How to define mindfulness in daily lifeMindfulness is the state of having your body and your mind at the same place at the same time. When your mind drifts to the past, the future, or an illusory state called "Maya," you are no longer experiencing your current reality. Steps to improve concentration and focusImproving concentration is like building a muscle; it requires sitting in an enclosed room with eyes open and observing your surroundings in detail. Most people find their concentration breaks within 20 to 40 seconds, but practicing this "detective" mindset can lead to a deeper understanding of reality. The impact of presence on personal relationshipsWhen you achieve clarity through mindfulness, your relationships with everything around you immediately improve because you are truly seeing what is in front of you. This level of awareness often leads to tangible changes, like reorganizing your home, as you finally notice the details you have ignored for years. Links & NetworkingMarie AhernCharles TurtzTURTZEDFor Coaching, Consulting, Advertising, or Press Inquiries inquire here.Disclaimer: The TURTZED Podcast reflects the opinions of Charles Turtz and his guests. Content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your individual needs. For the full disclaimer, visit our website. 00:00 – The core meaning of living a mindful life01:21 – Introducing a coach who turns yoga into life lessons02:05 – Why your yoga teacher might actually be a great life coach03:47 – The "Avatar" concept: where is your mind right now?04:35 – Understanding "Maya" and the state of illusion05:44 – Why the human brain takes "mental vacations"07:10 – The concentration test that 99% of people fail09:43 – Why the length of your focus equals the depth of your reality11:25 – The "Underwater Kingdom" effect of deep mindfulness12:54 – Why practicing concentration makes you want to clean your house14:52 – Taming the "Drunken Monkey" in your head16:50 – The "Frankenstein" method of learning information18:30 – A professor’s advice on how to eat an elephant21:00 – The truth about virtual versus in-person connection23:22 – Seeing the beauty inside the "Perfect Storm"26:37 – Why working with a coach for too long is a "hindrance"

    28 min

  7. 12/17/2025

    Sarkie Ampim: Healing from Heartbreak & The Power of Faith | Ep. 50

    How do you choose to rise when you are sitting alone in your room, unseen in your pain, and feeling like the world has stopped checking in? Men's vulnerability is often treated as a taboo subject, yet for Zaki, it became the very catalyst for his survival and the foundation of a community he never knew he needed. In this raw and deeply personal episode, Sarkie Ampim (known as Zaki) shares his transformative journey through a "string of moments" that brought him to rock bottom—from the sudden loss of his father and a close friend to the crushing weight of a heartbreak. He discusses the struggle of navigating traditional African family dynamics where emotional openness was rare, and how leaning on faith and the discipline of storytelling on TikTok ultimately led him to find his true purpose. How to Find Purpose After Rock BottomWhen you hit the lowest point in your life, it serves as a "breaking point" where the old version of yourself no longer serves you. Zaki explains that by leaning on faith and focusing on the present journey rather than the destination, you can transform pain into a voice that resonates with others. Breaking the Silence on Men's VulnerabilityFor many men, especially within African traditions, showing emotion is often misconstrued as weakness. This episode explores why being "gentle with yourself" and treating your own pain with the same empathy you would offer a loved one is a vital step toward emotional recovery. Navigating Complicated Family Dynamics and GriefLosing a "male dominant figure" can fundamentally shift a family's nucleus and expose underlying distances. Zaki reflects on the importance of "patching things up" and finding the hidden value in the time we have left, even when the relationship lacks traditional verbal expressions of love. Links & NetworkingSarkie AmpimCharles TurtzTURTZEDFor Coaching, Consulting, Advertising, or Press Inquiries inquire here.Disclaimer: The TURTZED Podcast reflects the opinions of Charles Turtz and his guests. Content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your individual needs. For the full disclaimer, visit our website. 00:00 – The truth about hitting rock bottom02:05 – The "string of moments" that changed everything03:59 – Why no one was checking in during the pain06:40 – The TikTok video that sparked a movement09:15 – What happens when the male dominant figure is gone10:15 – The "unspoken" love in African traditions11:45 – Staring at a corpse and finding a new realization13:30 – Why God puts us in painful positions15:42 – The suicide message that revealed a "hidden power"18:40 – Why your intuition is like a feather20:30 – The secret to being gentle with your own mind23:05 – Using eyedrops to hide the tears before recording27:00 – Walking through NYC to build a business from scratch35:10 – The Frog in the Well: A lesson on selective deafness44:10 – The birthday shower moment that led to a "line in the sand"47:15 – Why the secret to life is having no fear

    48 min

  8. 12/10/2025

    Noah Osborne: Navigating One-Sided Friendships and Evolving Circles | Ep. 49

    Are you the only one always reaching out, or do you feel like you’re grieving a friendship that’s still technically active? Realizing that a one-sided friendship is no longer serving you is a uniquely painful experience, especially when you’ve poured your heart into the connection only to receive silence in return. In this episode, Noah Osborne joins Charles to pull back the curtain on the seasonal nature of relationships and the "victim mentality" that often clouds our judgment when circles begin to shift. Noah Osborne shares his raw journey through marriage and divorce at 22, revealing how major life transitions act as a "time warp" that illuminates who is truly meant to walk into your next season and who was only meant for the last one. How to Identify a One-Sided FriendshipA friendship is often out of balance when one person consistently handles the emotional labor of reaching out and following up while the other remains passive. Noah discusses the exhaustion of being the primary "initiator" and the importance of communicating expectations before resentment builds. Navigating Friendships After Major Life TransitionsMajor milestones like marriage, divorce, or career success can create a "wavelength" gap between you and your old community. When you focus on personal development or therapy, you may find that some friends remain "frozen" in time, requiring a level of grace and the realization that outgrowing people is a natural part of maturity. The Role of Ego and Victim Mentality in LonelinessIt is easy to fall into a victim mentality where you feel like no one cares as much as you do, but this is often a projection of past family dynamics or trauma. By looking in the mirror and addressing these internal narratives, you can learn to distinguish between a friend who is "struggling" and a friendship that has simply reached its natural end. Links & NetworkingNoah OsborneCharles TurtzTURTZEDFor Coaching, Consulting, Advertising, or Press Inquiries inquire here.Disclaimer: The TURTZED Podcast reflects the opinions of Charles Turtz and his guests. Content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your individual needs. For the full disclaimer, visit our website. 00:00 – The "I regret saying that" vulnerability hangover02:38 – The video that exposed the truth about mutual effort03:01 – Why your 20s feel like a friendship "time warp"04:12 – The Bullseye Theory: Moving people between circles05:17 – What happens to your circle when you divorce at 22?06:05 – Dealing with "success jealousy" in old friendships08:34 – Why "Quality Time" is the most dangerous love language10:04 – The apology that changed nothing12:50 – Identifying the "behind the scenes" struggle of distant friends15:59 – Is it your ego or is the friendship actually over?19:30 – The "Quarterly Hangout" and the fear of disappearing24:23 – Returning home to find your friends "frozen" in time27:43 – The difference between being "friendly" and being a "friend"31:13 – Knowing who can actually handle your "trauma dumping"32:41 – The "Big Assumption" mistake that derailed the conversation36:03 – How a spouse can actually save a friendship42:03 – The "Dangerous Prayer" that removed people from Noah’s life50:41 – The mask of "keeping it all together" for too long

    56 min
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5
out of 5
35 Ratings

About

TURTZED is where real stories meet deep growth. Hosted by Charles Turtz, this podcast dives deep into the moments that define us—grief, trauma, identity, coming out, rebuilding, and the wild mess of healing. Through unfiltered conversations and vulnerable solo episodes, TURTZED helps you own your story, find your voice, and build a life aligned with who you really are. From navigating mental health and family wounds to rediscovering self-worth and purpose, each episode explores the bridge between surviving and truly living. Whether you’re unpacking your past, questioning everything, or chasing clarity in your career or relationships, this space is for you. No fluff. Just truth, growth, and the kind of talk that hits deep.

Information

  • Creator
    Charles Turtz
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © TURTZED Podcast LLC
  • Show Website
    TURTZED

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