Claim OwnershipThe Begin Again Podcast
Subscribed: 17Played: 144
Subscribe
© 2025 The Begin Again Podcast
Description
The Begin Again Podcast is a space for redemption, resilience, and raw truth. Hosted by Gary Menkes, each episode dives deep into the powerful, unfiltered stories of people who have faced addiction — and chosen to rise. These aren’t just stories of sobriety. They’re stories of spiritual awakenings, shattered stigmas, and second chances that turned into extraordinary lives.
Through heartfelt, often spiritual conversations, we explore what it truly means to begin again — not just once, but every day. Whether you’re in recovery, sober-curious, or walking alongside someone on their journey, this podcast is here to remind you:
You are not alone.
You are not broken.
And your most meaningful chapter might still be ahead.
This is more than a podcast. It’s a movement of hope, healing, and the belief that no matter your past, you can begin again.
112 Episodes
Reverse
In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary sits down with Ali Yule, who will be celebrating three years of sobriety in August. Ali shares her deeply personal journey from growing up with anxiety and substance abuse in her family to falling in love with sobriety. Despite experimenting with alcohol in high school, it was a traumatic event at 21 that thrust Ali into full-blown addiction, leading to numerous relapses and stints in rehab. A turning point came after ...
In this compelling episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Josh Datant, a talented musician and powerful advocate for recovery. Josh shares his harrowing journey through addiction, which began at the tender age of 15 when he first tried heroin. From heavy alcohol use to engaging in identity theft and fraudulent checks, Josh's life spiraled out of control. He recounts how addiction led him to lose his career, relationships, and even custody of his son. T...
In this heart-wrenching and inspiring episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Gabe Cohen, a man whose journey through addiction and multiple incarcerations has led him to become a passionate advocate for recovery. Gabe shares his raw and personal experiences, from getting arrested at 15 for a shooting incident and grappling with cocaine addiction, to facing homelessness and numerous stints in prison. He talks about hitting rock bottom when a near-fatal ...
In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, Gary Menkes interviews Thomas LaGrave, a former Navy Seal whose career ended tragically due to drug use. Thomas shares his compelling story of addiction, starting his drug use at age 14, and how it ultimately led to his discharge from the military. Despite this dark period, Thomas found recovery and has been sober for over 35 years. He dedicates his life to mentoring young people through recovery and personal growth, and is the founde...
PODCAST DESCRIPTION: In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Mankey welcomes Alexandra Talbot, a health and lifestyle coach and founder of Sober Active Canada. Alexandra shares her harrowing journey of battling addiction starting from the tender age of 10 to her triumphant path to recovery and transformation. She delves into the emotional lows of losing her job and nearly facing homelessness, and the pivotal moment on April 22, 2017, that led to her 'rebirth...
In this riveting episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Mankey sits down with Chris Rosburg to discuss his harrowing journey through addiction and his inspiring path to sobriety. Chris opens up about his early experiences with alcohol and drugs, the dangers he faced, and how his life spiraled out of control. He shares poignant moments from his life, including an unforgettable stint on a reality dating show and the critical turning points that led him to seek help. Chris rec...
In this heartfelt narrative, Kate Vitela shares her raw and unfiltered experience with addiction and her initial struggles with sobriety. She describes a poignant moment of clarity at a support meeting, where she felt a deep sense of belonging for the first time. Acknowledging the importance of personal responsibility in recovery, this story encapsulates a critical point in Vitela's journey that led her to find the strength and self-worth needed to overcome her addiction. This ins...
In this episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes interviews Joshua Bennett-Johnson, a licensed alcohol and drug counselor from Waltham, Boston, MA. Joshuaua shares his harrowing experiences with addiction, including a traumatic childhood marked by fear and anxiety. He also recounts his descent into substance abuse, starting with smoking his first joint at 12 to robbing a bank at 29 to feed his addiction. Joshuaua speaks candidly about his turning point in jail, his recovery ...
In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes, dives deep into the raw and transformative story of Elan Hardy, a trauma-informed somatic coach and sobriety specialist. With 12 years of sobriety under her belt, Elan shares her tumultuous journey through addiction starting from a young age in a wild and boundary-free childhood. She recounts her various attempts at rehabilitation, the tragic loss of a loved one, and the moment that catalyzed her commitment to sobrie...
In this episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Mankey speaks with Melissa McGovern, a certified sobriety coach and the host of the Sober New Yorker podcast. Melissa opens up about her lifelong battle with alcohol, beginning with her early drinking experiences in Wisconsin, through her struggles during the pandemic, and the series of personal losses that heightened her dependence on alcohol. She describes hitting rock bottom, receiving alarming health statistics during a doctor's ...
In this compelling episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Mankey invites motivational speaker and CEO Jay Barnard to share his transformative journey from addiction and trauma to recovery and empowerment. Jay details his struggle with addiction, stemming from deep-seated trauma, and his multiple battles with suicidal thoughts—even years into his recovery. He discusses finding solace and purpose in being a chef, where he created the brand 'Chef Recovery.' Jay's turning point came ...
In this special roundup episode, host Gary Menkes revisits the most impactful moments from the season, featuring 42 inspiring guests sharing their unique recovery stories. From Derrick Machaud's advice on avoiding temptation to Luke Worsfold's take on embracing accountability, this episode is packed with wisdom and courage. Hear about Michael Quiqley’s Sober Shares Podcast and powerful testimonies like Dan Jett’s transformative journey and Jen Hirst’s perspective on managing emotions through ...
In this riveting episode, Gary Menkes delves into an intimate conversation with Paul Summers Jr. about his harrowing journey from addiction to sobriety. Seventeen years ago, Paul's life was spiraling out of control, with suicidal thoughts, a failing marriage, and a powerful addiction. His remarkable transformation from a man on the brink of despair to a successful builder, author, and beacon of hope is a testament to resilience. They discuss the devastating impact of addiction on family...
In this gripping episode, Flindt Andersen, a recovered addict turned advocate, shares his raw and harrowing journey from severe opiate addiction to sobriety. He uncovers the harsh realities of addiction, the devastating impact on health, family, and society, and the critical need for effective solutions. Drawing from his personal battles with alcoholism, drug addiction, and a life-changing open-heart surgery, Flindt paints a vivid picture of the unrelenting grip of addiction. He also bo...
In this captivating podcast episode, we delve into the unexpected journey of Jeanine Coulter as she shares her personal and harrowing experience with addiction. Breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions, Jeanine highlights the importance of understanding that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their upbringing or background. Jeanine takes us through her past, reflecting on her belief that addiction is a personality trait and how she felt that rules didn't apply to her. From her hi...
In this powerful and inspiring The Begin Again podcast episode, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Jen Hirst, a woman who triumphed over addiction and transformed her life in unimaginable ways. Jen opens up about her personal struggle with addiction, sharing the pivotal moments that led her down a destructive path and the harrowing consequences it had on her life. From hiding her struggles for years due to fear of ruining her image, to self-medicating with Adderall in college, ...
In this captivating podcast episode, we explore the life of Dan Jett, a remarkable individual who has triumphed over addiction with raw honesty and vulnerability. Dan shares his tumultuous childhood in Detroit, shaped by the prevalence of alcoholism, offering insights into the lack of support he faced before social media's era. His journey includes battling addiction through martial arts and bodybuilding, facing the toll on his relationships and well-being. Despite the darkness,...
In this episode, we sit down with Dana White-Guerrie, a woman who has overcome addiction and trauma to become a strong advocate for recovery and sobriety. Dana shares her personal journey with addiction and the challenges she faced, including the concept of bonding through trauma and the impact it had on her identity and relationships. She also discusses the importance of focusing on hope and positivity in recovery, rather than dwelling on past traumas. Dana opens up about her experienc...
In this episode, host Gary Menkes sits down with Gigi Langer, a renowned author, speaker, and expert in the field of addiction recovery. Gigi shares her personal journey of overcoming childhood trauma and finding self-worth through therapy and a higher power. She also opens up about her struggles with alcoholism and how she found recovery through therapy and 12-step meetings. Throughout the conversation, Gigi shares powerful insights and tools for finding inner peace and fulfillment in...
In this powerful and inspiring episode, host Gary Menkes sits down with TV personality, talent judge, and choreographer, Dan Karaty, as he opens up about his personal journey of alcoholism, rehab, and sobriety. Dan shares his experiences of feeling disconnected and alone during his time in rehab, highlighting the value of self-discovery and the power of recovering out loud. Throughout the conversation, Dan reflects on the challenges he faced, including a pivotal moment when he prioritized dr...
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States