Sober Conversations

Today’s episode is a conversation with social and business entrepreneur, Kevin Kirby. Kevin is the co-founder and CEO of Face It Together, which works in Kevin’s words, “In revolutionary ways to solve our nation’s most challenging health and social issue–the disease of drug and alcohol addiction.” Kevin’s passion for this trail blazing work stems from his own 12 year and counting survival of the disease. He says it clearly right up front, “Everything we think and do about addiction has to change. That means we’re driven by a commitment to collaboration.” Kevin and his team at Face It Together are committed–NO DRIVEN to disrupting the status quo and transforming our world for the better…a team I’m standing up and cheering for. If you want to learn more about a team of people who are harnessing the forces of change and the tools of business to unleash the full potential of individuals, families and communities, listen in. You can find out more about Kevin Kirby and his work at WeFaceItTogether.org.

Today’s episode is a conversation with Recovery Advocate and leading addiction recovery blogger, Beth Wilson. Beth has been in the Recovery Community for many years and now selflessly contributes to the New Recovery Advocacy Movement as an integral part of ManyFaces1Voice.org and FacesAndVoicesOfRecovery.org. With her background as a seasoned journalist, Beth is also the ghostwriter for The Anonymous People’s Greg Williams. Her blog, BHereToday.com with its tag line, “Be present. Find peace. On purpose”, will come through loud and clear through this thoughtful and focused advocate for addiction recovery. Beth will share her recovery journey generously and transparently in her now 24th year of living here, now and proud of it.

Today’s episode is a conversation with, Joe Schrank and his refreshing and direct perspectives on recovery advocacy. Joe has spent his life in and around active alcoholism. After stabilizing his own post-undergrad depression and alcoholism, he returned to school and studied clinical social work at Iona College and the University of Illinois. Following a tenure at Promises in Malibu, CA, Joe established the first sober living facility in New York City, Loft 107. Frustrated with the lack of media attention on the recovery community, Joe then co-founded TheFix.com a really great online presence on things addiction and recovery. Most recently, Joe founded Rebound Brooklyn, an innovative treatment program in Brooklyn, New York. Joe has a regular media presence in mainstream media as an outspoken and well spoken Recovery Advocate par excellence. Joe’s hobbies include obsessing over the Yankees and avoiding human contact in that very New York and great way. Joe’s dog, Mik, is one of the staff at Rebound Brooklyn in a very unique way. Joe’s been intoxicant free for a long time and just wait till you get a hold of this man’s “go brainer” as a result. To find out more about Joe go to TheFix.comand ReboundBrooklyn.com.

Today’s episode is a conversation with Myrton Wesley Running Wolf. Myrton is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Indian Tribe, has an undergraduate degree in mathematics, a Master’s degree in Fine Arts and is a Ph.D. candidate in Theater and Performance Studies at Stanford University. The soon to be Dr. Running Wolf is also a professional actor seen in the wildly popular, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and he produces short subject films heightening awareness about Native American issues that are really all of our issues. I asked Myrton to come to Sober Conversations to explore Native American Wellbriety and the similarities and differences with the issues and challenges of our Native America and addiction recovery. For more information on Myrton, see the “people” tab at Stanford University’s Department of Theater and Performing Arts and the search word, “WellRed” at Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Today’s conversation is with a person in long-term recovery and long time participant in recovery advocacy, Bobby Coffey. Bobby’s personal recovery journey began over 20 years ago and he has been involved in advocacy for people in or seeking recovery for 15 years. As a practical example of the “Power of One”, Mr. Coffey has testified before the District of Columbia’s City Council and has also advocated in front of the Department of Health and Human Services. He is a founding member of DC Recovery Community Alliance and a board member of Faces and Voices of Recovery. Bobby’s important work was featured in the interviews and out-takes of the recent documentary, The Anonymous people. His advocacy work has also translated to a cutting edge treatment facility in Washington, DC called, Aquila Recovery.

Today’s episode # 36 is about The New Recovery Advocacy Movement via a conversation with author, educator and father of the movement, William L. White. Bill has worked full time in the addictions field since 1969 as a street worker, counselor, clinical director, researcher and well-traveled trainer and consultant. He has authored or co-authored more than 400 articles and 17 books on the subject of addiction. His book, Slaying the Dragon – The History of Addiction Treatment and Recovery in America has featured him on such celebrated programs as Bill Moyer’s PBS special, Close to Home: Addiction in America and the Showtime documentary, Smoking, Drinking and Drugging in the 20th Century. Bill is also featured on Greg William’s critically acclaimed, feature documentary, The Anonymous People.  Bill White’s sustained contributions are an ongoing treasure for Recovery Advocacy.

Today’s conversation is with Dr. Steven Kassels who has had the privilege of treating patients from all walks of life during his years of practice in both Emergency Medicine and Addiction Medicine. He believes that everyone deserves compassion and access to medical care regardless of the nature of the illness. He wrote, Addiction on Trial – Tragedy in Downeast Maine to both entertain and educate, and to depict the struggles of addiction for an audience of avid readers who may expand their understanding of addiction on the basis of evidence. Addiction on Trial – Tragedy in Downeast Maine Addiction on Trial is a journey of suspense while exploring love and loss, family dysfunction, and the “what ifs” of life. It sends a powerful message of societal discrimination toward drug addicts and explores common misperceptions about what drug addiction really is – a chronic illness requiring a similar treatment approach as other chronic diseases. Medical and behavioral aspects of addiction are woven into the intrigue of this thriller, which culminates in a riveting murder trial. Listen in as Dr. Kassels tells us how and why he created Addiction on Trial to change the conversation about addiction and its staggering and destructive effects on our culture. To learn more about Dr. Kassels go to: AddictionOnTrial.com.

What’s YOUR story? Educator, author and counselor, Steve Sundberg joins Sober Conversations today with his writing/journaling process and book called, Sober Diary. Steve understands the power of the introspective process of personal storytelling and has created his Sober Diary to help people through this story learning, knowing and changing process in addiction recovery. He teaches the process in numerous South East Florida addiction treatment centers with rave reviews. Steve is also the author of Street Logic, a novel about the often misunderstood and underserved homeless population in this nation. As you’ll soon learn, Steve is a humble and dedicated man interested in helping people have better and more productive lives. He tells us that most of us don’t know how to begin and that’s why he’s created a 32 step-by-step process in his Sober Diary to help people get started. To learn more about Steve Sundberg and his work, or to get a Sober Diary of your own, go to SoberDiaries.com. Join us if you’re interested in a great way to help/add to your wellness and thriving in recovery journey.

Today’s conversation is with Life and Business Coach, Scott Silverman. For over two decades Scott Silverman was the Executive Director and Founder of Second Chance, a human services agency that is committed to breaking the cycle of unemployment, poverty, and homelessness by offering job readiness training, employment placement assistance, mental health counseling, case management, and affordable housing referrals to people who desire to change their lives. Over the past 15 years Scott has assisted more than 24,000 people in San Diego gain employment – underscoring that Scott is a charismatic speaker and coach, helping people achieve their passions in life. As a man in long term recovery, Scott is the author of, Tell me No, I Dare You: A Guide for Living a Heroic Life of which Ken Blanchard said, “This account of how one determined man has helped countless people transform from victims into productive members of society will touch your heart and melt away your cynicism.” Scott’s future plans include opening a substance disorder day treatment center for professionals in the San Diego area. To learn more about Scott Silverman go to www.WithToughLove.com.

Today’s conversation is with Mr. Gary Mendell, Chairman and CEO of Shatterproof.org. Gary’s son, Brian lost his battle with addiction when Gary said, ENOUGH! Shatterproof.org, formerly Brian’s Wish was created to honor Brian’s memory with the promise to spare other families the anguish of this disease. The now, “stronger than addiction”, very present and robust organization’s vision is to unite and empower, to end the stigma, to advocate for change and to research and innovate. As you’ll hear, first and foremost, Mr. Mendell’s Heart and then keen business sense and plan, have led him to gain the attention of such change agents as the Bill Clinton Global Initiative and the Clinton Health Matters Initiative. Learn more about Gary Mendell’s story and his national campaign as well as getting involved at Shatterproof.org. Watch Gary’s short while moving speech at the Clinton Health Matters Initiative, here.

Today’s conversation is with Carrie Wilkens, Ph.D., who is co-founder and clinical director of CMC, The Center for Motivation and Change in New York City. Dr. Wilkens is a dedicated practitioner and researcher of the most effective treatments for substance use problems and compulsive behaviors. Her expertise is regularly sought by the CBS Early Show; Fox News; Newsweek; O, The Oprah Magazine; and Psychology Today. Together with Jeffrey Foote, Ph.D. and Nicole Kosanke, Ph.D., Dr. Wilkens is the co-author of Beyond Addiction – How Science and Kindness Can Help People Change. She has collaborated with Dr. Foote in a number of clinical and research settings. Her most recent work as Project Director for The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA) was on a federal grant examining the effectiveness of motivational interventions for college binge drinking. In her work on the project, Dr. Wilkens gained extensive experience working with young adults and is well-versed in the developmental and environmentally specific factors that need to be addressed with this population. Previously, Dr. Wilkens was the Clinical Coordinator for Evaluation Services at the Smithers Addiction Treatment and Research Center in NYC. Dr. Wilkens specializes in motivational treatments and group psychotherapy, and has worked with traumatized populations in both individual and group modalities. Join us as Dr. Wilkens discusses her team’s, “revolution in addiction treatment based on evidence and a new model for change.” For more information go to MotivationAndChange.com.

Today’s episode # 30 is a conversation with health and wellness expert Mark Sisson. Mark is the bestselling author of The Primal Blueprint and one of the leading voices of the burgeoning Evolutionary Health Movement. His highest ranked blog, MarksDailyApple.com, with millions of visitors each month, has paved the way for robust health enthusiasts to challenge conventional wisdom’s diet and exercise principles and take personal responsibility for their health and well-being. He operates Primal Blueprint Publishing in Malibu, CA, publishing his own titles as well as work from other authors promoting ancestral health principles. Mark lays it out there clearly and scientifically: It’s up to us to take responsibility for our own health and wellbeing–a message the addiction recovery community will appreciate. He has graciously agreed to join us today to talk about how his work is just what the addiction recovery community needs: Right Now.

Today’s conversation is about the journey of family recovery with father, son, blogger and exemplary recovery advocate, Dean Dauphinais. Dean’s blog, “My Life As 3D, (Dean’s initials are DDD…) – 3D-mensional musings from the father of an addict”, was just named as one of the top 55 Recovery Blogs for 2014. Dean’s transparency comes through as he describes what he’s about, “Me? As the father of a recovering son, I try to do the best I can under the circumstances, living in the moment and working on my own recovery one day at a time–sometimes one hour at a time. This blog helps. I hope it might help you, too.” Listen in as Dean humbly and seriously takes the suggestion of one of his respected addiction recovery counselors by, “being the change he wanted to see in his son.” Dean is ready and is doing what it takes, while working toward breaking the stigma associated with addiction as he generously shares with us one Dad’s experience of family recovery. Go to Dean’s blog here: MyLifeAs3D.blogspot.com.

Today’s episode # 28 is a conversation with Dr. John Kelly, the founder and Director of Recovery Research Institute in association with Harvard Medical School and its affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. His mission is, “To push the agenda for addiction recovery forward by conducting high quality, recovery relevant research and implementing results for the benefit of our communities and broader society.” My kinna guy…Dr. Kelly is, as you’ll learn, a man dedicated to integrating cutting edge research with programs that really make a difference. To learn more about the Recovery Research Institute and Dr. Kelly, go to: RecoveryAnswers.org.

Today’s conversation is with Troy Casey, The Certified Health Nut. Troy’s mission is teaching holistic health, self-care and getting back in touch with what he calls our “symbiotic relationship with Planet Earth.” Troy’s journey and studies have taken him to gather knowledge and wisdom from the Amazon Rain Forests and its indigenous intelligence to bringing it home to what he teaches us is, “Truly relevant for mankind: Clean air, water, soil and peace on Earth.” Our discussion includes his story about “getting sober” and the power of his at-home, underwater birth of one of his children. Troy is present, On Fire and FULL of LIFE. Join us for this invigorating conversation. To learn more about Troy go to: CertifiedHealthNut.com. 

Today’s conversation is about yoga and recovery with author, speaker and yoga instructor, Kyczy (“Keet Ski”) Hawk. Kyczy has with much dedication and practice, wedded the ancient tradition of yoga practice with the wisdom of the Twelve Steps. She has also written the critically acclaimed, Yoga and the Twelve-Step Path and teaches students through her “Y12SR” program and also teaches yoga instructors through her “SOAR” (Success Over Addiction Relapse) certification program. Kyczy has taught in excess of 1500 classes to recovering individuals asserting that each one, a renewing and revitalizing experience. Kyczy explains why a mind-body-spirit practice like yoga is so important for recovering individuals and how easy it truly is to have some form of a practice every day and only–one day at a time. Listen in to have a refreshing, mindful and peaceful experience. In my experience, Kyczy is very contactable, communicative and available for presentations and speaking engagements about this important work. To find out more about her go to YogaRecovery.com or Facebook.com/KyczyHawk.

Today’s conversation is with Dr. Mayday Levine-Mata, Program Director at Sierra Tucson Hospital in stunning, Tucson, Arizona. Sierra Tucson Hospital is dually licensed as both a Special Hospital and a Behavioral Health Residential Treatment Center for addiction and compulsive disorders. Dr. Levine-Mata is uniquely qualified to spearhead the leadership of programs at Sierra Tucson with her impressive resume and her focus to patient centered care, holism and the Heart she brings to her work. Sierra Tucson approaches addiction treatment with a cutting edge and ever evolving integrated, multidisciplinary team as the addiction treatment community continues to learn more about the multifactorial causes and best outcomes for the brain disorder and disease of addiction and related conditions. Join us for an uplifting and informative conversation about what’s happening in this leading residential treatment facility.

Today’s episode # 24 is a conversation entitled, “Dude, Where’s My Health?!” Nothing better than being around Spirit, enthusiasm and endless energy all of which my guest today embodies. Transformational Coach, Clark Danger is the gracious host of the podcasts PaleoHacks and Dude, Where’s My Health? He comes to Sober Conversations as a lover of holistic health, personal development and has a passion for inspiring others–as you’ll soon hear. Clark’s forthcoming book, “Dude, Where’s My Health?!” promises to be a no-nonsense, “dental to mental” guide on the how and what makes for a healthy, thriving life. Find Clark–and Dude, you’ll be glad you did, at ClarkDanger.com.

Coach and consultant, Tripp Lanier joins us today to talk about authentic masculinity for the 21st Century man or as Tripp refers to it, The New Man. His, The New Man Podcastand eBook, The New MANual are refreshing, cutting edge bodies of work that help men find their true ways of being and the careers, relationships and family lives of their dreams. I asked Tripp to talk about how his work is similar to addiction recovery since he agrees, old habits die hard. He delivers clear and insightful ways as to how men can go for the best versions of themselves if they’re willing to, #1: Discover emotional power, #2: Do what we love instead of playing it safe and #3: Know that we can’t do it alone. Tripp is an affable, intelligent, “doing-my-life’s-homework” man. Join the conversation as two men share what they’ve learned about giving up what they are to become who they can be.

Today’s episode # 22 is a conversation entitled “Rehab: Now What?”. I have the distinct pleasure of having a conversation with Alex Zemeckis, visionary and founder of a healing place called, The Grounds in beautiful La Jolla, California. Alex and his team of professionals have created a model for a continuum of care as he calls it and as we all know is required for long-term addiction recovery. The Grounds specializes in working with young men from 18 to 30 years in age who are seeking a holistic path toward finding the right balance of education, work, good health and community to support a sober and wellness lifestyle. Go to www.TheGroundsRecovery.com or call 805.698.1947 for more information.