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Hosted by mental health advocate and former reality television star Alexis Haines, Recovering from Reality illuminates the messy and magical path of coming home to yourself. Whether you’re on the road to recovery, seeking self-care techniques for surviving the capitalist machine, or just need a moment to remember that you’re not alone in your loneliness, we’re serving up the ultimate truth: your trauma doesn’t define you - your decision to deal with it does. Razor sharp, modern, and cultural ...
This week’s episode is my last solo episode on the podcast. I’m choosing to listen to the signals my body is sending me and take a step back and slow down. In this episode, I dive into the Roe v. Wade reversal, the trauma of Covid, and answer your questions about what I wish I saw in the wellness community, my favorite workouts, getting in the mood…
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PRIDE HIGHLIGHT: Ep. 62 Becoming the Messenger That You’ve Been Waiting For with Ashlee Marie Preston
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This week, I had a profound conversation with activist Ashlee Marie Preston. Ashlee is a proud black, transgender woman who is constantly advocating for LGBTQ+ youth and those who are struggling. She is now 8 years sober, and has the humility and kindness to share her story of recovery from childhood abuse, meth, prostitution and homelessness with …
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Ep. 149 Embracing Parenting and Postpartum as a Season of Change with Brandi Jordan
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Today’s guest is Brandi Jordan! Brandi has been helping new families grow, adjust, and find balance for almost two decades. She is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Pediatric Sleep Specialist, Newborn Care Specialist and a Postpartum Doula. (bio via thecradlecompany.com) She’s also the host of the Dear Doula podcast on the Dear Media network!…
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Ep. 148 Caroline Stanbury on Being a Single & Working Mother, Reality TV Misconceptions, and Navigating a Public Divorce
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Today’s guest is Caroline Stanbury—host of Divorced Not Dead and cast member of the brand new Real Housewives of Dubai.We dive into our experiences on reality tv, common misconceptions about being a reality star, being a single and working mother, building the life of your dreams, and going through a public divorce. Our lovely sponsor this week is:…
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Ep. 147 Happy Fucking Pride with Jeff Epstein
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Happy Pride Month! In this week’s episode I am sitting down with one of my closest friends—Jeff Epstein. We dive into my unhinged 30th birthday in Vegas, Grindr vs. lesbian Tinder, what pride means to us, Jeff’s coming out story, queer terminology, why you shouldn’t go to your family to vent about your partner, our thoughts on AA, first times, one-…
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Ep. 146 Navigating Divorce and Co-Parenting with Attorney Nicole Sodoma
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In this week’s episode I am sitting down with Nicole Sodoma—a Marriage-loving Divorce Attorney and Author. We discuss our shared backgrounds of growing up in divorced households, the importance of dual devotion in a partnership, what you should know about prenups, why you shouldn’t say “I’m sorry” when someone tells you they’re divorced, explaining…
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Ep. 145 Planned Parenthood’s Dr. Meera Shah on the Rode v. Wade Reversal, Reproductive Rights, and Action Steps to Take
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In this week’s episode I am sitting down with Planned Parenthood’s Dr. Meera Shah—a board certified family medicine physician specializing in sexual and reproductive healthcare for all genders. Dr. Shah is the chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic in New York and the medical director of Whole Women’s Health Alliance in South Be…
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Ep. 144 Parenting a Special Needs Child While in Recovery with Ashley Montano
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In this week’s episode I am joined by my good friend Ashley Montano. Ashley has two special needs children and as you know, we’ve been on a journey of getting Dakota a diagnosis and professional support. We talk our experiences raising special needs children while sober, our opinions on ABA, navigating daily schedules, the pressure co-parenting can…
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Ep. 143 Unpacking Aging, Femininity, and Movement with Dr. Amanda Hanson
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In this week’s episode I am joined by Dr. Amanda Hanson—a clinical psychologist and coach working to reimagine Midlife & reclaim the glory of being women. We discuss the benefits of movement, the societal narrative surrounding aging, Amanda’s choice to age naturally, how our lifestyles are impacting the aging process, the intersection of gender nor…
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Ep. 142 Q+A: Your May Reading, My New Relationship, and Working Through Abandonment
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In this month’s solo episode we begin with an oracle card reading (answered prayers and divine guidance lie ahead), I address the new man in my life, this new season of monogamy, how to regulate your nervous system, the importance of breath work, and how I’ve been working through abandonment wounds. Our lovely sponsors this week are: Get 35% off wi…
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Ep. 141 Empowering ourselves with knowledge about our reproductive health with Dr.Ghadir
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In this week's episode I am sitting down with Dr. Ghadir from the Fertile Life Podcast. As a founding partner of Southern California Reproductive Center, Dr. Ghadir is board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He is currently an assistant clinical professor in the department of Obstetrics and …
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Ep. 140 Rachel Slawson on being the first openly LGBTQ Miss USA
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In this week's episode I am joined by my friend Rachel Slawson. Rachel was the first openly queer Miss USA representing Utah. She joins me on the podcast today to talk about her mental health journey, what it was like growing up in the Mormon church and coming out as Bi while competing for Miss USA. Rachel is also in an open relationship so we dive…
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Ep. 139 Understanding our different parts using Internal Family Systems with my mom, Andrea Arlington
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In this week's episode I am joined by my mom, Andrea! We are discussing a new healing modality that we have both been using to heal our inner children, called Internal Family Systems (IFS). Do you ever wonder why you can’t get the voices in your head to stop repeating the same things to you over and over? Us too! Using IFS we have been able to iden…
In the last episode I briefly opened up about the struggles that I was facing in my marriage. At the time I wasn't ready to disclose the details about what had transpired or how Evan and I would be moving forward. As always, I feel that it is necessary for me to live authentically and vulnerably, even if it comes with an immense amount of temporary…
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Ep. 137 Turning our adversities into our advantages with Doug Bopst
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In this week's episode I am joined by my friend, and fellow podcast host Doug Bopst. I celebrated my 11 years in recovery on March 8th and I thought that doing an episode on recovery was only fitting. This episode will leave you feeling inspired even if you don't deal with substance issues as Doug's story is about so much more than addiction. We ta…
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Ep. 136 Using manifestation for the greater good with Gabby Bernstein
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In this week's episode I am joined by NY Times best selling Author Gabrielle Bernstein. While yes, we are discussing manifestation, we are taking a deeper dive into the bigger systemic issues in the wellness and self help community. I asked her the tough questions like, "Is manifesting under capitalism sustainable?" and "Is there a correlation betw…
This week I am doing a solo Q&A on spirituality and manifestation. As we go into March I want to support you all on your path towards reclaiming your power and healing your limiting belief systems. We are talking about clearing out limiting belief systems, healing generational trauma to set us free from subconscious patterns, manifestation tools, a…
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Ep. 134 What's blocking you from love? with Liz Marz
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This week I am sitting down with Liz Marz who is a relationship coach. I was introduced to Liz through our mutual friend Angel, who has joined me on the pod a few times. In this episode we are taking a deep dive into the topic of how to cultivate healthy love in your life and looking at the blocks that might be in place that are keeping you stuck. …
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Ep. 133 Your Worst Date Stories feat. Ali Kolbert
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This week I am sitting down with Ali Kolbert (my lesbian wing-woman) for the second half of our swap—listen to me on Ali’s show here. We dive into Ali’s relationship advice, your disastrous dating stories, and discuss everything from titty pics to dating app lines. Upstart is the fast and easy way to pay off your debt with a personal loan–all onlin…
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Ep. 132 Sofia Franklyn on Public Scandals, Attachment Issues, Healing, and Manifestations
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Today I am sitting down with Sofia Franklyn—one of my most requested guests of all time! Sofia and I discuss everything in this interview including childhood traumas, experiencing a public scandal, growing up with a single mom, abandonment issues, how she healed, current manifestations, and what’s next on her journey. Sofia with an F: https://sofia…
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Ep. 131 Manifesting Your Perfect Partner, Dating Conversation Starters, Navigating Ghosting
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It’s February! This month we are talking all things love and relationships. In this solo, I discuss my recent miscarriage and the work that’s brought up, marriage and lifelong relationships, my thoughts on love languages and attachment styles, ghosting, the importance of dating yourself, and manifesting your perfect partner. Ghia is here for a good…
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Ep. 130 Deconstructing Polyamory, Jealousy, and Cheating with Morgan, Creator of Chillpolyamory
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In today's episode, I am joined by Morgan—a Queer Polyamory Mentor and the creator of Chillpolyamory. She’s been consensually non-monogamous since 2012, and coaching others on their journeys since 2018. We discuss the western narrative surrounding monogamy, exploring polyamory, the negative connotations of jealousy, how Evan and I’s communication h…
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Ep. 129 Creating Authentic Friendships in Adulthood with Danielle Bayard Jackson
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In today's episode, I am joined by Danielle Bayard Jackson a certified friendship coach, PR agency owner, licensed educator, and author. We discuss how lacking friendship education is, making friends in adulthood, losing friends as you grow, how friendships are a need not a want, and working to move past friendship break-ups in a healthy way. Ghia …
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Ep. 128 Supporting Addicts with Connection Not Control with Tarah Dowling
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In today's episode, I am joined by Tarah Dowling a model, daughter of an addict, former foster child, and creator of the documentary To the Moon and Back. We discuss Tarah’s journey experience during her mom’s active addiction, her time in foster care, how their relationship evolved as showcased in the documentary, and using a compassionate approac…
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Ep. 127 Johann Hari on Reclaiming Your Stolen Focus
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Johann Hari—bestselling author Chasing the Scream and Lost Connections—joins me on RFR for the second time to discuss his new book, Stolen Focus. In this phenomenal episode, we discuss the environmental shifts that have caused focus to deteriorate, how to improve your attention, and inspiring collective change. Shop Stolen Focus: https://stolenfocu…
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Ep. 126 Doja Cat, the Devine Feminine, and Radical Acceptance
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In this month’s solo episode I answer your questions about babysitting Doja Cat, sex kinks, identity development, my wedding day, new tattoos, navigating tough days, and using routine to maintain your mood. Mentioned in this week’s episode… - Ep. 120 Pecan Pies, Panties, and Parenting with my Mom, Andrea Arlington - Ep. 121 Asexuality, Kinks, and S…
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Ep. 125 Spiritual Trauma, Being Addicted to Emotions, and Innate Worthiness with Scout Sobel
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Today I am joined by Scout Sobel. Scout is the founder of Scout’s Agency a PR agency that gets women as guests on podcasts, the co-host of Okay Sis Podcast and the host of SCOUT Podcast. We discuss… - Using your emotions to guide you in balancing mental health and professional goals - Scout’s perspective on how her bipolar originated—the genetic co…
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Ep. 124 Lala Kent on Insecurities, California Sober, and Mocktails
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Today I am joined by the sober queen herself—Vanderpump Rules star Lala Kent! We discuss… - Lala’s upbringing—family dynamics, childhood insecurities, bullying, and how this impacted her addiction - The addiction cycle and Lala’s experience navigating it in Hollywood - Navigating the guilt of getting sober without facing the huge consequences many …
In today’s solo episode I reflect on my younger self and how she helped me become the woman I am today. I discuss coming home to my true self in the past year, going to jail 11 years ago, my time in active addiction, and subconscious belief systems. Watch Redeeming Love in theaters on January 21st and learn more by heading to redeeminglovemovie.com…
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Ep. 122 Shifting the Recovery Narrative with Evan Haines
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In today’s episode I’m joined by my husband, Evan Haines. Evan is not only the co-founder of Oro House but now an author of Can America Recover: Reimagining the Drug Problem. We discuss… - How Evan’s early sobriety journey led him to found Oro House - Why non-traditional 12 step treatment can be extremely effective for addiction and what makes Oro’…
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Ep. 121 Asexuality, Kinks, and Sensuality with Ev’Yan Whitney
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In today’s episode I’m joined by Ev’Yan Whitney—a sexuality doula, writer, facilitator, and sensualist. We discuss… - What led Ev’Yan to the work they are doing now—origins in purity culture, childhood sexual exploration, and their journey to sexual healing and liberation - How the same messaging can be received in both a toxically sex positive hou…
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Ep. 120 Pecan Pie, Panties, and Parenting with my Mom, Andrea Arlington
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In today’s episode I’m joined by my Mom—Andrea Arlington to dive into challenging family dynamics during the holiday season. We discuss… - Setting boundaries with parents in active addiction - Relapsing during the holidays—common causes and supporting a loved one using again - Having a loved one come home for the holidays while in early recovery or…
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Ep. 119 Normalizing Suicidal Ideation with Tara Bixby
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In today’s episode I’m joined by Tara Bixby, LPC a therapist, activist, and anxiety coach working to change the mental health narrative. We discuss… - Tara’s journey from cosmetologist, to 911 dispatcher, to clinician in an all male prison, to an anxiety coach and therapist - The prevalence of suicide in the United States and why we need to normali…
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Ep. 118 Q+A: Supporting Someone Who is Suicidal & Natural Depression Remedies
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In honor of the upcoming holiday season and November being Suicide Survivor’s Month I answer your questions on natural remedies for depression, spiritual bypassing, pharmaceutical medications for mental health, Evan’s advice on supporting someone through suicidal depression, if depression is connected to living truthfully, and the physical componen…
In this week's episode I am joined by my girlfriend, Kris! Y'all have been asking for this podcast to happen and I finally begged enough to make it happen. I will preface this episode by saying that Kris is a very introverted and private person with an avoidant attachment style, so to say that doing this was a challenge for her would be an understa…
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Ep. 116 Exploring and Understanding Sexual Desires with Angelika Alana
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Today I am joined by Angelika Alana a love, sex, and relationship coach specializing in body based healing for spiritual women and gender non-conforming people. We dive into sexual exploration, sitting in discomfort rather diving into desires, how to establish safety in your nervous system, communicating our sexual needs in an effective way, and be…
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Ep. 115 Our Open Marriage with Evan Haines
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In this week's episode of Recovering From Reality, I am joined by my wonderful partner, Evan Haines. We take a deep dive into our relationships and how we came to the decision to open up our marriage after 10 years of monogamy. We are answering your questions from the ask me anything I posted a few weeks ago and we cover a range of topics like how …
Hi family. Welcome home to Recovering From Reality. In the first episode of this new season, I dive into why I took a step back from the podcast, stepping into my sexuality, navigating this new season in my marriage, and what’s coming on the podcast. If you or someone you know needs addiction treatment please visit www.alorecovery.com Follow Alexis…
After immense contemplation and reflection, I’ve decided to take a step back from the podcast for the time reason. Listen to hear my thought process on this decision... This episode is brought to you by Beekeeper’s Naturals. Head to beekeepersnaturals.com/reality for 15% off your first order! This episode is brought to you by Pipette Baby. Visit pi…
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Ep. 112 Unpacking Britney with Evan Haines
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Today I am sitting down with my husband Evan Haines. Evan Haines is a Co-Founder of Alo House, and specializes in admissions, and marketing and business development. An active participant in the recovery world, it felt natural for Evan to transition into the sober living business, and help others obtain and maintain sobriety. In 2010, he and Jared …
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Ep. 111 Your Quality of Life Matters with Dr. Will Cole
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Today I am sitting down with Dr. Will Cole. Dr. Cole is a leading functional-medicine expert, consulting with people around the world via webcam and locally in Pittsburgh. He specializes in clinically investigating underlying factors of chronic disease and customizing health programs for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal dysfunctions,…
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Ep. 110 Ego States and Setting Boundaries in Family Systems with Andrea Arlington
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Today I am sitting down with my Mom, Andrea Arlington. Andrea's journey led her through decades of living with loved ones who suffered with addictive patterns from heroin and alcohol to sex and other substance use disorders, she also suffered with multiple forms of both addictive and co-addictive patterns herself. When her 3rd marriage failed, she …
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Ep. 109 Q+A: Why I Got Vaccinated, Processing Emotional Eating, Adoption Updates, and more!
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Today I am sitting down for a solo episode where I answer your questions. In this Q+A, I dive into the following topics… - Why I decided to get the Pfizer COVID vaccination and taking a balanced, holistic approach to medical care - How to navigate relationships when you are at different places of self-awareness and growth - My current struggle with…
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Ep. 108 Politics and Spirituality Are Not Mutually Exclusive with Marianne Williamson
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In today's episode, I am joined by Marianne Williamson. Marianne is a bestselling author, political activist and spiritual thought leader. For over three decades Marianne has been a leader in spiritual and religiously progressive circles. She is the author of 14 books, four of which have been #1 New York Times best sellers. A quote from the mega be…
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Ep. 107 Using Food as Empowerment with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
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In today's episode, I am joined by Dr. Will Bulsiewicz (@theguthealthmd). Dr. Bulsiewicz, MD MSCI, is a graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine. He trained in internal medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and gastroenterology at The University of North Carolina Hospitals. He also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Investigati…
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Ep. 106 Behind the Backstreet Boy with AJ McLean
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In today's episode, I am joined by AJ McLean. AJ is a close personal friend as well as a songwriter, actor, dancer, model, and member of the Backstreet Boys. We dive into the following topics… - AJ’s family life, parental relationships, and - His first stint of sobriety from 2001-2007 and perspective on recently reaching 1 year of sobriety - The ca…
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Ep. 105 Q+A The Social Causes of Addiction and Mental Health with Bob Forrest and Evan Haines
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In today's episode, I am joined by Bob Forrest and Evan Haines. Bob and Evan are co-founders of Alo House Recovery Centers, a holistic, non-12-step rehab facility. Both former addicts, Bob and Evan have extensive experience in the recovery field and are experts in the compassionate care model. We dive into the following topics… - Calling things int…
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Ep. 104 Self-Accountability and Sobriety with Kat Von D
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In today's episode, I am joined by Kat Von D Kat is a tattoo artist, model, entrepreneur, and television personality. She appeared on LA Ink as a tattoo artist beginning in 2007. Since then she founded and ran Kat Von D Beauty. (Bio adapted from Wikipedia) We dive into the following topics… - Kat’s childhood and what lead to her addiction and now 1…
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Ep. 103 Our Brains Aren’t Broken, Our Society Is with Johann Hari
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In today's episode, I am joined by Johann Hari. Johann is the author of two New York Times best-selling books. His first, ‘Chasing the Scream: the First and Last Days of the War on Drugs’, is currently being adapted into a major Hollywood film by Oscar-winning director Lee Daniels, and into a non-fiction documentary series. His most recent book, ‘L…
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Ep. 102 Teenage Depression and Behavior Modification Programs with Sadie Sutton
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In today's episode, I am joined by Sadie Sutton. Sadie is a 17-year-old high school senior from the Bay Area. After receiving a year and a half of intensive treatment for severe depression and anxiety, she was inspired to share her story with fellow teens going through their own personal growth. She is the host of She Persisted, a podcast offering …
