The Way Out Podcast

This week our intrepid recovery podcast co-host Jason has a tremendous interview with Duane Fletcher – a person in long term recovery with nearly 8 years of continuous sobriety and co-host and co-creator of the Our Recovery Life Video Series on YouTube, which like this here podcast, features incredible recovery stories and recovery topics to inspire and enhance recovery. Duane’s story is an extremely powerful and all too familiar one of childhood instability, abuse, trauma, with a through line of chaos and wicked battle with addiction that even in sobriety proved to be a formidable adversary. Duane shares his story in particularly relatable and down to earth fashion and in a way to that is chalked full of hope for those who are still struggling. Through his remarkable journey to and through addiction and into recovery, Duane gives us plenty of recovery and spiritual wisdom we all can apply to our own recovery so Listen Up. Best piece of advice: "Build and use your support network. You are not alone!" Book Re

We’re back with another enlightening and valuable edition of our Recovery Power Topic Series. The topic dejour? Success and Recovery. Anyone who’s ever happened upon a recovery based social media group doesn’t have to look for too long or very hard to find folks highlighting their accomplishments in and out of recovery. Fact is folks do that in recovery meetings quite frequently too; and to that end a big part of 12 Step recovery is centered on celebrating length of sobriety milestones which seems magnified on social media often with corroborative evidence of what life was like pre recovery and what it’s like now in recovery in the form of the ubiquitous pre and post sobriety side by side pic with how much time has been spent sober, sometimes down to the minute. Now no doubt this can show real and honest hope that in fact recovery IS possible AND your cohost and I have certainly produced our own iterations of this very phenomenon in hopes that someone might just see it and think if THAT guy can do it – maybe,

This edition of The Way Out features a story unlike any other we’ve told before. Author, speaker, person in long term recovery and reformed serial bank robber Don Cummins shares his incredible journey to recovery with us with remarkably true humility and candor. For Don this is a story, ultimately, of coming home after spending what seems like more than a lifetime lost and unwell in mind, body, and spirit. Don’s story is poignant and striking evidence that we can and do recover from seemingly hopeless circumstances and indeed proof positive that no matter who we are and how severe our individual case of addiction and or alcoholism is, we don’t ever have to drink or use again – provided we are willing to do a little work. So strap yourselves in, Way Out Casters – you’re about to go on one awe inspiring, heartfelt, and wild ride with one heck of a happy ending courtesy of our new friend Don Cummins – so Listen Up. More about Don & Contacts: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/don_cummins Website: https://don-c

In this installment of The Way Out we’ve got author of the upcoming book, Alcohol Matrix and PHD holder Dustin Dunbar. Much is made of and discussed in recovery circles about the problems that lie within us and how those problems increase our susceptibility, severity, and recovery to alcoholism and addiction. There’s little doubt that adverse childhood experiences, trauma, mental health diagnoses, and arguably even genetics play a role in the chances an individual may become addicted to alcohol or any other substance at some point in their life. What perhaps doesn’t often get enough attention and discussion, is how addictive these substances, and in this case alcohol in particular, actually is. It seems we give alcohol a pass and think of it in a very different way than we do other addictive substances – often faulting the individual who’s become addicted for the problem – and none of it on a toxic substance that anyone can become physically dependent if they consume enough of it for long enough. Maybe becaus

This week I have a thought provoking and unbelievably instructive interview with Life Coach and fellow podcaster, Dennis Berry who is also in long term recovery from addiction and alcoholism. Dennis and I illuminate incredibly important topics that can transform your recovery and life. We talk about purpose in giving, the awesome power of meditation, quieting and calming that funky brain of ours, and truly nurturing our mind, bodies, and spirits with physical, mental, and spiritual actions and activities so that we can truly be living in the present and be living our true purpose so listen up. Contact Dennis Berry! www.DennisBerry.net The Funky Brain Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-funky-brain-podcast/id1483992134 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-way-out-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-way-out-podcast/support

This edition of The Way Out can be summed up by answering a very compelling question: What happens when you’re a life coach and you find yourself in the middle of your very own life crisis that reveals a critical obstacle that’s been preventing you from truly connecting with the people you’re trying to help? The answer my brothers and sisters is you go about the business of healing yourself first; which is precisely what our very special guest, Alyssa Rocco, went about the business of doing as soon as the true nature of her predicament was uncovered. As a life coach, often the presumption is this person has all the answers and furthermore has it all figured out. As we’ll learn however, this isn’t really how life coaching works. No, life coaching is at it’s core a process of allowing the individual on the receiving end of the coaching relationship to get honest about what they are truly seeking, and working with their coach to remove the barriers to achieving that end goal – whatever that might be. As it turns

In this installment of The Way Out we have some serious addiction care and research brain power coming at you by way of Dr. Harshal Kirane, a Medical Doctor, Addiction Psychiatrist and the Medical Director of Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research. Dr. Kirane’s passion and sincere desire is to put in the work to bring the still suffering the best of what we presently know in addiction care, as well as continue advance pertinent research in order to improve care and produce better outcomes for a greater number of those afflicted with the disease of addiction. We dive into important and relevant subject matter in and around the diagnosis and treatment of addiction as well as the genetic and biological predispositions and manifestations of this disease that is still so deeply misunderstood and stigmatized by society at large. Indeed, we’ll learn about how our genetic makeup, childhood experiences, and yes, our very own brains affect our likelihood of becoming addicted and how that addiction manifests in our

In this installment of the Way Out we bring you an enchanting interview with Entrepreneur, former CEO, and Author of “Chasing the High”, Michael G Dash. In long term recovery from both gambling and drug addictions, Michael takes us for a ride through his tumultuous foray into and out of addiction, which included an Adderall infused, six-year legal battle with a former business partner. Through the 12 Steps and a combination of the transformational power of EMDR and FLOW; Michael came out the other side a changed person; which he argues is NOT as difficult as we often want to make it out to be. Michael insists the idea that change is hard is a counterproductive and self-fulfilling prophecy whereby we convince ourselves that change is hard before we have begin to do the work of change; and meaningful change begins by doing something different, something positive one day at a time. That’s a concept I wholeheartedly embrace as the day at a time mindset is very much at the heart of 12 Step Recovery. Michael challe

In this edition of The Way Out we’re back with a serious recovery power topic – The Dangers of Idolizing Others in Recovery. The working title of this episode was a skosh more sensational, but I digress. The desire to pedestalize others who seem to be working the perfect recovery program, or that appear to living the good life because of sobriety is quite natural. We hear phrases like stick with the winners, and to a large extent that’s sage advice. What becomes dangerous, is when we raise these recovery rock stars to demigod like status in our own minds – that’s when the balance has officially tipped precariously too far in the wrong direction. I got better, indeed, most of us got better by finding the people that had what we wanted and applying what worked for them to our own programs of recovery. Some of those things stuck and worked like spiritual and recovery magic while others fell by the wayside due to inefficacy or lack of relevance. When we enable others to be launched into recovery super stardom, or

In this rendition of the The Way Out we have Tim Moon, a frequent listener of The Way Out Podcast who has been in long term recovery from alcoholism for over 2 years. Tim writes about his recovery and spiritually transformative experiences for the website contemplative light, as well as his own website, quantum recovery. Tim’s journey through alcoholism and into recovery is marked by two distinct spiritual experiences, one rooted in religion early in adulthood and another much later as part of his recovery from alcoholism which was firmly rooted in the 12 Steps. The contrast between these two experiences in relation to Tim’s relationship to The God of His Understanding, and the spiritual work involved in the later experience highlight a central truth – faith without works is dead. Both of Tim’s spiritual experiences were quite profound in their own right; the later was infused with transformative action centered in spiritual principles designed to straighten out the relationships held with God, Self, and othe

In this installment of The Way Out Jason’s got a spectacular interview with Author, and person in long term recovery and dual diagnosee, Marques Marchand. Growing up in the 80’s, Marques endured his share of family dysfunction and adversity and like so many of us found drugs and alcohol to be quite the suitable escape from not only the strife within the family, but also his bi-polar II disorder which he wouldn’t discover until well into sobriety. Sober at 22, Marques’ story is a welcome reminder that we don’t have to drink and use for decades to fully qualify as alcoholics or addicts. Indeed, as his recovery journey unfolds, we come to understand what sobriety without working a program of recovery can be like – and how profoundly we can change, grow and truly transform when we start applying fundamental spiritual principles and sound behavior change on a foundation of sobriety. Listening to Marques share his road to true recovery is like sitting with an old friend in Recovery share their story, complete with

In this edition of The Way Out Podcast the best Co-Host in the business has an exceptional discussion with writer and person in long term recovery Adam Fout. Adam’s journey to recovery, like many of ours, begins in fits and starts before it takes hold in a way that’s meaningful and enduring. Relapse is a part of many of our stories, and truly we can learn from them and use what we experienced when the next window of recovery opportunity presents itself. Adam’s window flew open with the undeniable help of the hand of God himself when his brother fell gravely ill and with the push he needed from those that loved him most. What Adam did with that opportunity is the stuff that universally makes recovery possible and indeed sustainable; and the genuine and authentic manner in which Adam relays his God inspired, hope filled, and wisdom bearing story is nothing short of compelling so Listen Up. Website: adamfout.com Contact Info: https://twitter.com/adamfout2 https://www.facebook.com/AdamFoutAuthor https://www.linke

In this edition of The Way Out we’ve got a story and a guest like none we’ve had before with motivational speaker, author, and trauma coach Essi Bagheri. From growing up in Iran and separated from his 11 year old mother before the age of 1 and  subject to untold abuses, to child soldier, to refugee and what amounts to more than a lifetime’s battle with addiction and alcoholism, and finally coming out the other side to use his powerful and inspiring story to drive home a powerful message – Do Not Give Up Now. Essi’s story and amazing journey is a case study in a fundamental truth: so long as we’re still alive – there’s always hope. The circumstances of Essi’s experiences are at once extreme and poignant, yet the universality and commonality of what it means and feels like to battle addiction and alcoholism, and the common solution so many of us have found rings pure and true. No question way out casters, this story right here embodies the fundamental problem we all experience and the universal truth that

In this installment of The Way Out cohost Jason has an outstanding interview with Katy Patton. Now, I stopped believing in coincidences somewhere inside of my first six months of Recovery, and I ain’t about to start now. The fact that we had a last minute cancellation, creating a gap in our weekly episode rhythm, combined with the fact that Jason was quite literally on a trip with Katy who’d already agreed to be on the show, and the house of their mutual friend they were staying in had a professional voice over studio? Well, color me convinced that The God of My Understanding wanted Katy’s story to be our 200th episode – a feat I wouldn’t have dreamt possible prior to my own recovery in 2014 round about 5 and half years ago. Katy’s story is one that in large measure is living on both ends of the spiritual spectrum, from a militant, and for a stretch sober atheist to a down and dirty struggle with addiction, in and out of treatment, to finally, a full and complete surrender to the God of her Understanding, in

In this edition of The Way Out we have a truly extraordinary interview with Scarlet Begonias, a full time traveling professional model and person in long term recovery from addiction. We’re truly honored to be the first to share the story of Scarlet’s journey to sobriety and wellness in no small part because of the passion and authenticity woven into her words as she speaks her truth so that it may encourage and inspire you in your own recovery journey. Beautiful inside and out, Scarlet’s unabashed sincerity, forthrightness, and willingness to be vulnerable with us proves in undeniable fashion that comparing our insides with other folks outsides in equal parts self-injurious and counterproductive.  Stay tuned way out casters – Scarlet’s about to take us from a broken, down and out restaurant worker to a woman in long term sobriety quite literally living her dream – with one down right wicked bout with addiction smack in the middle of it all – and most importantly real recovery wisdom combined with an imp

In this edition of the way out we’ve got a truly wonderful and insightful interview with Kelli Martin, a dear friend of mine whom I had the pleasure of meeting inside the rooms of one of my favorite 12-Step fellowships. There is an old saying in the rooms of recovery to describe someone who has allowed their sobriety and recovery to permeate their entire being, mind body and soul. It goes like so “You know, that so and so wears their sobriety like a loose fitting garment” – and that’s exactly the feeling I get every time Kelli and I get the opportunity to talk Recovery. Kelli’s journey to recovery was not easy, perfect, or always pretty – she had to persevere through some incredibly difficult stuff as a child. She had to shed old ideas about God and life that were not serving her. She had to come back to the rooms after a wicked relapse and be intentional about reconnecting to a higher power and getting involved in the 12-Step program and fellowship. She had to find peace with the fact that her two adult chil

In this edition of The Way Out I’m honored to bring you a terrific interview with a loyal listener and now aspiring recovery podcaster Ray Corona the 3rd. Ray’s story is loaded with adversity as he quite literally takes us from being homeless and getting high behind a parking lot trash dumpster all the way to nearly two decades of sobriety with a loving wife and family and even running a company. Above all this is a story that proves to us once again, that no matter how far down the scale we’ve gone, our experience can indeed benefit others. I sincerely believe there’s magic in Ray’s story that will provide hope and change for many here on this podcast and in his own podcasting adventures. There’s true spiritual power in all of our stories, because we see ourselves in them. Because they give us real hope. Hope that we too can recovery. Proof that we too can change, if we’re willing. To that end, and without further ado I give you Mr. Ray Corona the 3rd – so Listen Up. --- Send in a voice message: https://a

This week our favorite recovery pod co-host Jason’s got an enlightening and relatable interview with David O’Meara, who’s authored 2 books which share is personal accounts of his struggles with and recovery from addiction and alcoholism, as well as schizophrenia and depression. David’s shares his story of what it was like to wrestle with both addiction and mental illness openly, honestly, and unapologetically in print and here for us for one simple but powerful purpose – to help those who are still suffering like he once did – and that is a shared mission here at The Way Out Podcast. Undoubtedly, you’ll find yourself relating and identifying with the more poignant pieces of David’s story, and surely you’ll delight in the unmistakable and undeniable message of hope that’s embodied herein so Listen Up. David’s books: The Book of David: God, Life and Recovery https://www.amazon.com/Book-David-God-Life-Recovery/dp/1718067992/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=The+book+of+David+God%2Clife+and+recovery&qid=159296

The Way Out Podcast is on right now. Along with our beloved cohost Jason, I’m Charlie and this edition of The Way Out we’re talking exactly how we can shed the shame that often accompanies alcoholism and addiction and shed it for keeps. Shame and guilt are frequently used interchangeably but they are two distinctly different feelings. I feel guilty if I take something that’s not mine without permission. I feel ashamed because I can’t stop stealing even though I know it’s wrong. Shame is a feeling of unworthiness. It’s a feeling of plain not being good enough. If you really knew who I was and the things I’ve done you wouldn’t want to have anything to do with me. Shame becomes a part of our identity. There’s two likely culprits of this often debilitating and negative cycle perpetuating beast called shame. We’re either ashamed of how we’ve treated people, including ourselves or we’re ashamed of becoming addicts or alcoholics. No doubt we likely are suffering from one or both of them as we enter into recovery. &n

The Way Out Podcast is on right now. Along with the cohost with the mostess, Jason I’m Charlie and we’ve got a stellar rendition of The Way Out on a topic not oft discussed in and out of recovery. Many of us are quite familiar with the Recovery mantra “Do the next right thing” when faced with uncertainty in how to act in a given moment or situation, and for good reason – this saying embodies the idea that we need to act our way into right thinking, rather than think our way into right living. We have new spiritual principles that we’re now aiming toward, principles that are rooted in love and guided by a power greater than ourselves. What happens wayoutcasters, when it’s hard to do the next right thing? How do we move through decisions and situations where doing the right thing is also seemingly the most difficult thing? It’s times like these where the ol’ platitudes of Just Do It and Don’t think Just Do, frankly fall short and rather flat. While these suggestions might be well intended, they’re not all that