Recovery Lab

Episode #77: The Sobering Truth - Our Personal Paths Beyond Addiction

In this raw and revealing episode of The Recovery Lab podcast, join hosts Daniel Anderson and Drew Hassin as they delve into their deeply personal journeys toward sobriety. Episode #77, "The Sobering Truth - Our Personal Paths Beyond Addiction," offers an intimate look at the struggles, revelations, and turning points that led them to the realization that drugs and alcohol can never truly solve life's challenges. Listen in as they share the pivotal moments that shifted their perspectives, the resources that supported them, and the ongoing commitment required to maintain a life free from the grip of substances. Whether you're seeking inspiration, understanding, or a sense of community, this conversation is a testament to the power of resilience and the hope that exists on the other side of addiction. Tune in to discover why Daniel and Drew firmly believe that a sober life is not only viable but also vibrant and fulfilling. This episode produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Episode #76: The Triumph of Tenacity - Sean Guy's Journey from Addiction to Advocacy

n today’s enlightening episode of The Recovery Lab, our hosts Drew Hassin and Daniel Anderson welcome a beacon of hope and resilience, Sean Guy, who has navigated the turbulent waters of addiction and emerged with over three decades of sobriety. Sean's story isn't just one of recovery; it's a narrative that weaves through the halls of higher education, the intricacies of law, and the commitment to community service.
With a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Mississippi College, Sean has not only excelled academically but also contributed significantly to student politics and legal forums like the Moot Court Board. As a legal eagle focusing on criminal defense and civil litigation, Sean has tackled complex cases spanning from product liability to toxic torts, all while maintaining an unwavering dedication to sobriety and ethics.
Beyond his remarkable legal career, Sean's past roles as a registered representative for New York Life and a marketing director for a behavioral health hospital have equipped him with a unique perspective on the intersection of addiction, recovery, and professional life.
Currently, Sean channels his passion for service into his role as a board member for two vital non-profit organizations—Harbor House of Jackson and the National Council for Alcoholism and Drug Dependence—demonstrating his commitment to supporting those grappling with the challenges he once faced.
In this episode, we dive deep into Sean's personal journey, exploring how his experiences have shaped his approach to criminal defense and his advocacy work. We'll also discuss the pivotal role that faith and community have played in Sean's life, as he shares insights from his active involvement in St. James Episcopal Church.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sean, where we celebrate his 30 years of sobriety and learn how one man's path to recovery can light the way for countless others. Whether you're struggling with addiction, supporting someone who is, or you're a professional navigating these issues in your field, this episode is an invaluable wellspring of wisdom and encouragement. Don't miss out on Sean's powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit on The Recovery Lab.
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Recovery Lab Podcast, Episode #75. Chris Thompson, CEO, Sober Sidekick APP

Recovery Lab Podcast, Episode #75. Chris Thompson, CEO, Sober Sidekick APP
Today on the Recovery Lab Podcast, Chris Thompson, the visionary CEO behind the revolutionary Sober Sidekick App, sits down with your hosts, Drew Hassin and Daniel Anderson, for an enlightening conversation you won't want to miss.
Chris Thompson is not just the mind behind Sober Sidekick; he's a beacon of hope for many. His journey from battling his own demons with alcohol and drug addiction to creating a platform that supports thousands in their recovery is nothing short of inspirational. After waking up on a sidewalk in the rain on Thanksgiving Day in 2018, facing rejection from hospitals, and grappling with the consequences of his addiction, Chris decided to turn his life around. This decision was the genesis of the Sober Sidekick App, a project he started in his garage during the early stages of building a new life.
Sober Sidekick is a testament to Chris's dedication to providing genuine support without compromising trust. The app, which boasts features like a sobriety tracker, in-app accountability messaging, 24/7 AA meetings, and access to professional help, has grown from 50,000 users to over 400,000 in just 18 months. Despite its potential for profit through leads to substance abuse treatment centers, Chris chose to prioritize the well-being of his users over revenue, walking away from tempting offers from VCs and eliminating certain revenue streams in favor of partnerships with an unnamed insurance provider and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Chris's story is a powerful reminder that today can be day one of your comeback story. His commitment to fixing the brokenness of the addiction treatment industry and his belief in the importance of trust in recovery platforms make him a fascinating guest you'll definitely want to hear from.
 
Episode produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions

Recovery Out Loud: Lindsay Bettis' Journey of Hope. Episode #74.

Join Daniel Anderson as he has an in-depth conversation with the inspiring Miss Florida 2022, Lindsay Bettis.
Lindsay is not just a beauty queen; she's a beacon of hope and resilience. Despite the challenges of struggling with mental health and experiencing the impact of substance abuse within her family, she has risen above to become an advocate for recovery and wellness.
In this episode, titled "Recovery Out Loud: Lindsay Bettis' Journey of Hope," Lindsay will share her personal experiences with loved ones in recovery from drugs and alcohol. She's dedicated her life to connecting her community with the resources needed to build healthy and sustainable lives.
Lindsay believes in the power of sharing our stories, saying, "I am using my story to encourage others to recover out loud and ultimately create a world where everyone who needs help, gets help."
Tune in to *Recovery Lab Podcast* Episode #73 to hear how Lindsay Bettis is transforming her trials into a message of strength and support for others.
Subscribe now, set your reminders, and prepare to be moved by Lindsay's journey and her mission to make a difference. Let's learn, grow, and recover out loud together.
Episode #74 is available on all major podcast platforms! #RecoveryLabPodcast #MissFlorida2022 #RecoverOutLoud #MentalHealthMatters #SubstanceAbuseRecovery
Produced by Daniel Anderson
Audio Alchemy Productions
Drew Hassin
Recovery Lab

Episode #73 - Healing on the Homefront: Veterans and PTSD with Dr. Kelley Pears

In episode #73 of the Recovery Lab Podcast, hosts Drew and Daniel engage in a profound conversation with Dr. Kelley Pears, a psychologist renowned for her work with military veterans grappling with PTSD. Dr. Pears shares her insights on the unique challenges faced by veterans transitioning back to civilian life and the complexities of PTSD. She discusses evidence-based therapeutic approaches, the importance of community support, and the role of resilience in the healing process. Tune in to this powerful episode as we delve into the courageous journeys of those who've served and learn about the vital work being done to assist them in reclaiming peace and purpose post-service. Whether you're a veteran, know someone who is, or are just interested in the field of psychological recovery, this episode offers valuable perspectives and hope for recovery. Join us in understanding and supporting our veterans' path to wellness. Audio Alchemy Productions

Behind the Curtain of the Recovery Lab Podcast with Drew Hassin and Daniel Anderson. Episode 72.

In this special episode of the Recovery Lab Podcast, your hosts Drew Hassin and Daniel Anderson pull back the curtain to reveal the inner workings of the show. Dive deep into the journey of the Recovery Lab Podcast, from its inception to where it stands today. Drew and Daniel share the challenges and triumphs they've encountered along the way, the lessons learned, and how the podcast has evolved over time. Discover the rewarding aspects of creating content that resonates with their audience, the impact it has had on their personal and professional growth, and the unexpected ways it has contributed to the recovery community. This behind-the-scenes look offers an intimate glimpse into the dedication and passion that goes into each episode, making the Recovery Lab Podcast a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. Join us for an episode that celebrates the power of storytelling, community, and the transformative journey of recovery. Drew Hassin Daniel Anderson Audio Alchemy Productions

Episode #71: Transformational Healing with Matt Milliman - A Mercy House Perspective

In this compelling 71st episode of the Recovery Lab Podcast, we have the honor of featuring Matt Milliman, the esteemed Executive Director/CEO of Mercy House Adult & Teen Challenge, a beacon of hope for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. With Drew Hassin away, Stacey Leggitt steps in as our insightful co-host alongside Daniel Anderson, to delve into the powerful stories of transformation, the unique approach Mercy House employs in aiding recovery, and the impactful leadership of Matt Milliman in navigating the challenges and triumphs in the realm of addiction treatment. Tune in for this not-to-be-missed conversation on healing, hope, and the journey to recovery. Audio Alchemy Productions Stacy Leggett Matt Milliman Daniel Anderson Drew Hassin

Embracing the Recovery Journey: Insights and Inspirations from Kirby Wilson. Episode #70

Join hosts Drew Hassan and Daniel Anderson on episode 70 of the Recovery Lab podcast as they welcome guest, Kirby Wilson. A survivor and an influential figure in the recovery community, Kirby takes us through the turning points of his recovery journey - a journey that began in 2008. Sharing insightful and powerful stories of his recovery, Kirby reflects on the choices, challenges, and self-discoveries that have shaped his path.Drawing an analogy to an onion's layers, Kirby explores the ongoing work of recovery, highlighting the courage needed to confront and digest buried childhood trauma and unexpected emotional hurdles. Kirby's story stands as a testament to human resilience and the significance of community and connection in aiding recovery. Moreover, this episode brings to light the shifting landscape of drug abuse, with the increasing presence of dangerous substances and how it impacts choice-making during active addiction stages.In this deeply personal and transformative conversation, both Kirby and Daniel reiterate the idea of embracing the recovery journey for its growth and self-discovery opportunities, rather than fixating solely on the end-goal of sobriety. Kirby articulates how important it was to realize that peace and serenity were not instant rewards of sobriety but required consistent commitment to the practices that led to recovery. Experiencing joy on this healthy path and learning to find peace amid adversities becomes a highlight of this conversation.The discussion moves forward accentuating the value of accountability and community within recovery programs and the sense of belonging they provide. Daniel shares an impactful experience from his past that spurred his commitment to sobriety, reminding listeners of the importance of addressing all aspects of life during recovery. The episode leaves listeners with the strong message that despite its challenges, the recovery journey, aided by effort, resilience, and support, is undoubtedly a beacon of hope and a path worth taking.This episode is not just a deep dive into the realm of addiction recovery; it's also a profound exploration of internal struggles, the power of personal choices, and the ongoing journey of rediscovery. All while highlighting powerful resources like Alcoholics Anonymous and the importance of supportive connections. Ultimately, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in or contemplating addiction recovery, offering hope, strength, and insights for those on this challenging, yet rewarding journey.

Harnessing Spirituality, Accountability and Gratitude in Addiction Recovery

Dive into the profound venture towards sobriety with hosts Drew Hasson and Daniel Anderson in the Recovery Lab Podcast. This episode unveils the transformative power of sober living, spirituality, accountability, and gratitude in addiction recovery. Discover how sobriety is a journey to a more fulfilling, purposeful life, not just an escape from addiction.Explore the diverse and profound approaches towards recovery that go beyond the conventional realms of organized religions, touching upon a personal relationship with a higher power or spirituality. The hosts shed light on the real-life challenges encountered during recovery and the pivotal role of admitting defeat, embracing help, and letting go of control.The conversation delves deep into the essence of accountability and self-ownership, asserting that liberation begins with acknowledging our role in our own problems and resentments. Learn how shifting from victimhood to gratitude brings about an attitude transformation, leading to personal growth and higher chances of successful recovery.From tracing back to the roots of our issues, celebrating minor wins, to beautifully managing hard knocks of life - this episode underscores the need to stay humble, grounded, and perpetually thankful.By incorporating real-life experiences and practical advice, Drew and Daniel create a thought-provoking dialogue on overcoming addiction. This episode is an inspiration for acknowledging the worth of a sober life and persistently fighting for it.

Christina Dent. Episode #68

Drew Hassin and Daniel Anderson welcome the founder and president of End It For Good, Christina Dent. She shares her experience, strength, and hope surrounding her experience with addiction and helping those in need. Audio Alchemy Productions