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In this podcast, through our stories, together we walk through our joys and our sufferings, as well as our gratefulness. We share useful tools to support you in shifting from fear, anxiety and self-destruction, to a life well-lived - full of meaning and fulfilled dreams. Through new practices, new principles and a new mindset our stories of being a victim and our attitude of self-loathing becomes one of humility and gratitude.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
Russell Marchese’s story is indeed a profound narrative of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of faith and love. It’s a story that resonates with many who have faced similar battles, and it serves as a beacon of light for those still navigating the path of recovery.
The journey of self-discovery and the embrace of one’s spirituality can be transformative. It’s a process that often begins with the challenging acknowledgment of our own role in our struggles, leading to a deeper understanding and acceptance of ourselves. Russ’s experience underscores the importance of this self-awareness and the strength that comes from a connection with a higher power. Russ says,” Once I put GOD 1st, you 2nd, I began to love the Man in the Mirror.”
Every day of sobriety is a milestone, a testament to the commitment to a life reclaimed. The clarity and freedom that come with sobriety are indeed akin to a rebirth, offering new perspectives and possibilities.
Russ’s story, like so many others, is a reminder that while the road to recovery may be long and fraught with challenges, it is also paved with moments of triumph and the potential for a renewed sense of purpose. It’s a journey that not only changes the individual but also has the power to inspire and impact the lives of others.
May Russ’s story continue to inspire and offer solace to those who are on their own journey towards healing and self-discovery.
Thank you Russ for sharing such an inspiring account of transformation and hope. I love you and will be eternally grateful.
“When the student is ready the teacher will appear”
Monday Jun 10, 2024
Monday Jun 10, 2024
Rachel’s profound journey to freedom is indeed a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the transformative power of recovery. Born into a challenging environment, she faced her struggles head-on. Rachel’s journey from dealing with an eating disorder and substance abuse to becoming a pillar of support and inspiration is nothing short of remarkable. By turning her life around and dedicating herself to helping others, Rachel exemplifies the strength that can emerge from adversity.
Her dedication to mindfulness, community, and physical wellness has not only been a cornerstone of her own recovery but also a source of strength for those around her. As Rachel continues to support others and spread her message of recovery, she embodies the very essence of service. Her efforts are indeed making a significant impact, and her story will undoubtedly continue to guide and inspire many on their paths to healing and well-being.
Rachel’s words, “Together we will continue to embrace the pillars of peaceful balance through seeking resources to support your journey, -I’m here to help,” reflect a powerful commitment to service and a reminder that no one is alone in their struggles. It’s a call to action for communities to come together, share resources, and uplift each other in the pursuit of well-being.
“Rachel, your journey is a testament to the power of hope and the strength of the human spirit” – Matty I
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Episode 13 - 3 Pillars to a Peaceful Balance
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
3 Pillars to a Peaceful Balance:
- Mindfulness / Meditation:
- Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help you cultivate awareness of the present moment, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Consider incorporating mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, body scans, or guided meditation into your daily routine.
- Building and maintaining meaningful connections with others is essential for emotional health. Engage with your community, whether through social activities, volunteering, or participating in group events. Supportive relationships provide a sense of belonging and contribute to a peaceful balance.
- Prioritize your physical health by adopting a balanced diet and regular exercise. Proper nutrition fuels your body and mind, while physical activity promotes vitality and reduces tension. Remember to stay hydrated and get adequate rest to maintain overall well-being.
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Episode 12 "A Journey of Resilience & Purpose" Special Guest: Gerry Coleman
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Wednesday May 22, 2024
JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE AND PURPOSE
From the rolling hills of Pennsylvania to the warm embrace of the South, Gerry’s life’s journey has been anything but ordinary. At the tender age of 10, his family’s move to Irmo introduced him to a world where Gerry’s biracial heritage was as rare as it was misunderstood. The challenges were manifold: financial constraints that led to ridicule and a sense of isolation in a place where he stood out for all the wrong reasons. Yet, amidst these trials, his parents’ unwavering dedication to providing a loving home and education taught Gerry the value of hard work and perseverance.
As Gerry navigated through college, his ambitions crystallized around a singular goal: to achieve financial success and escape the shadows of Gerry’s childhood hardships. Gerry’s career as a Strategic Account Manager in the Cardiovascular Division of a major medical device company became a testament to his drive and determination. But with success came an unexpected adversary—alcohol. What began as a celebratory ritual slowly morphed into a struggle that threatened to undermine everything Gerry had worked for.
March 2007 marked a pivotal turning point. Embracing sobriety, Gerry found solace and strength within The Irmo Group, which has since become his steadfast home group. Gerry’s commitment to recovery also led him to serve as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at The Courage Center, where Gerry could extend a helping hand to others embarking on their own paths to healing.
The past five years have been a period of profound introspection and growth. The end of an 18-year marriage, devoid of the joys of parenthood, prompted Gerry to look beyond the superficial markers of success. No longer confined by the titles and accolades of Gerry’s profession. Gerry says,” I am on a quest to discover my true purpose—a purpose that transcends the material and seeks to make a meaningful impact on the world around me.”
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Tuesday May 07, 2024
William A. McCauley, a Certified Peer-Support Specialist affiliated with The Courage Center, has not only embraced this title but also woven it into the very fabric of his identity. His journey is one of resilience, transformation, and unwavering commitment to recovery.
For over 25 years, William grappled with the relentless grip of addiction. The last decade was particularly harrowing, marked by IV Meth and Fentanyl use. His existence revolved around the pursuit of substances, leaving behind a trail of broken connections and a fractured family. By the time he stumbled upon the path to recovery, he stood on the precipice of homelessness, isolated and desperate.
The turning point arrived during a moment of sheer vulnerability. After surviving 14 overdoses, William found himself in the throes of withdrawal, haunted by the certainty that the next dose could be fatal. Fear and craving waged war within him, creating a paradoxical panic. That fateful night, he screamed his defiance to the universe, refusing to succumb to addiction’s grip. In the quiet aftermath, a newfound resolve settled over him—a resolve that would alter the course of his life.
Treatment became his lifeline. Armed with knowledge from various treatment centers, he drew from the well of 12-step literature and embarked on a journey of self-reinvention. But William’s path was not rigid; he blended multiple approaches, creating a personalized roadmap to recovery. At its core lay a commitment to service, a foundation that sustained him through the darkest days.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), specifically Suboxone, played a pivotal role. It provided stability, easing the physical and emotional turmoil. And then, on February 1, 2021, William realized a long-held dream—he stepped into a career as an addiction professional. His house, his car, and his vibrant recovery community bear witness to the transformation. Today, life is not merely good; it’s great.
William’s story is one of redemption, resilience, and the unwavering belief that change is possible—even when the odds seem insurmountable. His journey serves as a beacon of hope for others navigating the treacherous waters of addiction.
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Episode 9 "I no longer carry the Iron Cross of shame" - Special Guest Matty I
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Matthew’s Journey: From Darkness to Light
Matthew’s life was a tempest, a storm that threatened to drown him. As a child, anger clung to him like a shadow, and he struggled to find his place in a world that felt alien. But the universe had more trials in store for him.
At the tender age of six, Matthew lost his closest companion—the brother who shared secrets, laughter, and dreams. The void left behind was vast, an abyss that threatened to swallow him whole.
Yet fate wasn’t done with Matthew. At eight, he faced a horror no child should endure: molestation by a trusted family priest. Innocence shattered, trust fractured, he retreated into darkness.
Desperation drove him to seek solace in the forbidden embrace of alcohol and drugs. By twelve, he was already ensnared in their grip. The path he chose led him through four tumultuous decades—a journey marked by shattered dreams, fractured relationships, and the relentless pursuit of oblivion.
But within the chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged. Matthew discovered the 12 principles of a 12-step program—a lifeline thrown to a drowning soul. With unwavering determination, he clung to those principles, inching toward recovery.
Today, Matthew stands on solid ground. His life, once a tempest, now flows with purpose. He extends a hand to other recovering souls, sharing his battle scars and victories. In local detox centers, he weaves hope into the hearts of those still lost at sea.
Matthew wears many hats: a loving husband, a devoted father, a dutiful son, and a steadfast brother. His journey from darkness to light is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of community.
May his story inspire others—a beacon in the night, guiding them toward their own path of healing. 🌟
Thursday Apr 25, 2024
Episiode 8 "My Defects Became My Assets" - Special Guest Amber Frazier
Thursday Apr 25, 2024
Thursday Apr 25, 2024
Amber serves as a peer support specialist at a recovery community organization and she serves on the South Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition Political Affairs committee. Harm Reduction is a health centered approach that focuses on public health and safety. Examples of harm reduction we use in everyday life can be a seat belt, hard hat, life jacket, and oxygen. Examples of harm reduction in the community of recovery and for people who use drugs can vary; it includes naloxone, fentanyl and xylazine testing strips, education on safer IV use, providing sterile supplies, and policy change. Harm Reduction is the practice of unconditional love for people who use drugs.
“My drug use began when I was in 8thgrade. I was the quite shy girl and I wanted to fit in. It started with alcohol, cigarettes, inhalants, and drug use games," says Amber. By the time she finished high school she was using everyday. Her dad was a local politician, her mom was going through breast cancer, and this was all in the eye of the public.
“Everything I was experiencing, my community knew about. It wasn’t a pretty divorce. My dad cheated on my mom, I felt abandoned and like I was not good enough for him to stay. I remember the exact moment that my use changed. After my parents sat me down to tell me that they were getting a divorce I went to my friends to process and talk about it, I did not like the way I was feeling so I left. After the news of my parents separation I started misusing my prescription medications and started to drink heavily, and eventually turned to illicit drugs.
In her early 20s she recognized she was “overdoing” her drug use, she says, “For so long I was telling myself I was young, having fun, and everyone was doing it. But everyone was not fighting, getting locked up, suicidal, running their friends over with their cars, yet I couldn’t identify as someone with a substance use disorder because of the way society painted that picture.”
She’s come to realize that this disorder does not discriminate, and recognize she needed to do something different, and decided the solution was to settle down, start a family and do what society expected.
“I ended up in a relationship with someone who shared a substance use disorder and down the line made the switch from stimulants, hallucinogens, and alcohol to opiates. I remember when I first tried an opiate, at the time my partner said it would be cheaper than a bar tab and that made perfect sense to me. We stayed in a relationship with each other for about 5 years and throughout our time together I became fully dependent on my partner. I couldn’t hold a job, I couldn’t pay for our responsibilities, and I couldn’t pay for our habit.”
At the end of her relationship her partner ended up leaving, and Amber was left with financial responsibilities, mental and emotional responsibilities, and a habit that she had to figure out how she was going to support. She introduced Amber to the methadone clinic because it was working for her.
Amber describes more of her journey:
In the beginning of my journey on MAT my intentions were not pure, it was essentially a safe supply. From 2015 to 2017 I was still engaging in stimulants and alcohol but stayed away from opiates. During this time period I was able to gain some things back, mostly my independence. I was working in service industry, which was not a healthy environment for me. At the end of 16 going into 17 I lost my job serving and bartending and went to work for my dad in construction. This gave me the accountability I needed. At the time I was living in a not so good neighborhood in a run down home.
I started my own cleaning business and was able to keep up with my responsibilities. In 2019 I started my mental health journey and was medicated. I moved into my own place by myself and the one friendship I had at the time ended. I was alone in this journey and that was hard. I heard about 12 step recovery before but never really tried it so I thought what the hell, it can go one of two ways; good or bad. It ended up being a good thing for me, I got that sense of community and felt heard and not so alone. I shared with this 12 step community that methadone was helping my recovery process, that did not go over well for me. I was shamed and told my recovery was not valid, that sucked and I felt isolated. I did find a group of people who didn’t have this misunderstanding and I didn’t feel so alone again. I shared what happened to me with a member and he asked me, what my intentions were on the medication, to be well or be high? The was profound to me because by that time my intentions were to be well.
I was still harassed and excluded by some members but shut them out, it still made a negative impact on my self worth and self acceptance but I stayed because that’s all that I knew was available and I still got some sense of community. I did always feel like I was an outcast. I stayed in the 12 step community from 2019 to 2023. As my role of peer support developed I came to understand substance use disorder and realized that there are multiple pathways to recovery.”
Today I have a relationship with my family, in my active use I was so angry and sad and did not care for a relationship with my dad. Today the relationship we have is better than it was before. I get to show up for my family, friends, and community. I’m ok with me! I’m ok to advocate for my mental and medical needs. I have a sense of peace and understanding – I’ve learned that things are not so black and white. I get to participate in community events and am part of something bigger than myself – a movement for people who use drugs to be seen and heard! Today I have hard conversations on stigmatizing subjects, I can understand both sides. I’m not afraid to speak up for the unspoken, the “discarded”, mistreated, and overlooked. I’ve turned some of my “defects” into assets, I use them to advocate for others! I’m proud of that!
My most significant achievement is my courage to speak out about my medication assisted treatment, specifically methadone. Something that is widely misunderstood and judged, some of the harshest critics are those in recovery.
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
Episode 7 "Discipline is My Foundation" - Special Guest Norman Ferris
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
Norman Ferris born and raised in upstate NY, and even though he considers his childhood a good one, he found himself very self-conscious, and a very sensitive person. Norman was a good athlete in high school and loved working with horses.
“My first drink qualified me as a drunk. Working with horses allowed me to drink. Drinking for oblivion, no rhyme or reason. It's just what I did. Isettled for less in all areas of my life and in time I did not like myself for what I had become, says Norman.”
In this episode Norman tells the story of a huge, unexpected change that came when he was 25 years sober. While he maintains change is a natural part of life and always occurring, this was a realization that transformed his life. Norman keeps the change occurring by being disciplined, which he says if the foundation of his sobriety.
He says, “I get up early, I shower, brush my teeth, eat healthy, wash my clothes make meetings because I hear the language of the heart. When you talk about you, I learn about me.”