The Begin Again Podcast

<p>At the Begin Again Podcast, our mission is to inspire and to showcase the incredible stories of those who have overcome addiction and achieved massive success in their fields and who have found redemption and purpose in sobriety. Through authentic, inspirational, and often spiritual conversations with our guests, we aim to break the stigma around addiction and show that recovery is possible, and that sobriety can be a source of strength and resilience. We believe that by sharing these stories of sobriety, we can empower individuals to achieve their fullest potential, create positive change, and build a better world.</p>

🎙️EP61- Pete Sousa: Deep Addiction, Ultimate Faith, Epic Comeback

PODCAST DESCRIPTION:In this compelling episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with ESPN sports broadcaster and host of the "Payoff with Pete" podcast, Pete Sousa. Pete opens up about his personal journey through addiction, sharing the highs and lows of his battle with alcoholism. He recounts the pivotal moments that led him to seek help and ultimately embrace sobriety, transforming his life and career in the process.Pete's story is one of resilience, faith, and the pow...

09-05
01:04:45

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒EP60- The Power of Community in Addiction Recovery: Mary Alice O'Hara's Tale

PODCAST DESCRIPTION:In this deeply moving episode, Gary Menkes welcomes the inspiring Mary Alice O'Hara, who shares her raw and powerful journey from alcohol addiction to sobriety. Once gripped by addiction and depression, Mary Alice transformed her life at the age of 61 and is now a beacon of resilience and hope. Listen as she candidly discusses her struggles with mental health, the impact on her family, and her empowering path to recovery. Discover the crucial role of community su...

08-29
46:55

🧘EP59- RJ Zimmerman: A Journey from Alcoholism to Self-Acceptance

Dive into this deeply personal and inspiring podcast episode as RJ Zimmerman, a certified coach with 'This Naked Mind' and founder of Untapped Keg, shares his journey of overcoming alcoholism. Born and raised in Wisconsin, a place heavily influenced by alcohol, RJ's early life was marred by destructive drinking habits. However, his path to recovery has turned him into a beacon of hope for others battling similar issues. In this episode, RJ opens up about his struggles with self-este...

08-22
52:53

🌤️EP58: Surviving the Storm: Inspiring Tales of Recovery

In this special compilation episode of The Begin Again Podcast, we bring you a profound and moving collection of moments from some of our most powerful guests. Each of these individuals has faced their darkest hours, whether battling addiction, enduring life-threatening illnesses, or confronting personal demons. Yet, through resilience and determination, they have all found a way to rise from the depths and begin again.Join us as we revisit these raw and inspiring stories from guests like Der...

08-15
01:42:59

💯EP57: Sobriety Stories: Gary Menkes

PODCAST DESCRIPTION:Join us in this powerful compilation episode as Gary Menkes shares his inspiring journey to sobriety. From his early struggles with alcoholism to the pivotal moments that led to his transformation, Gary's story is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and personal growth. This episode brings together the most poignant reflections from various episodes, highlighting Gary's experiences in rehab, his battles with identity loss and imposter syndrome, and the importanc...

08-08
57:11

🙏EP56: Brandy Ledford: Embracing Recovery and Inspiring Change

In this riveting podcast episode, host Gary Menkes sits down with acclaimed actress and model, Brandy Ledford. Brandy courageously opens up about her deeply personal battle with addiction, her path to recovery, and her ongoing mission to help others grappling with similar struggles. From her early days of substance abuse to finding solace in spirituality, Brandy's story is a powerful testament to resilience and the transformative power of seeking help. She delves into her experience...

08-01
51:42

EP55: 🌟Eliza Foltz: Conquering Addiction and Pioneering in Healthcare

In this captivating podcast episode, Gary Menkes interviews Eliza Foltz, the Chief Growth Officer at Pretaa, who shares her extraordinary journey from battling addiction to becoming a beacon of hope in the world of behavioral healthcare. Eliza's life, marked by resilience and transformation, takes us through her struggles with substance abuse, including painkillers, heroin, and fentanyl. Her journey is not just about survival but also about her remarkable transition from being an athlete...

07-25
56:15

🎗️Ep54- Alecia Spendlove: A Story of Healing, Love and Sobriety

In this powerful episode, host Gary Menkes welcomes Alecia Spendlove, a resilient individual who has turned her personal struggles into a source of inspiration for others. Alecia, a commercial actress turned inspirational speaker, shares her compelling journey from battling alcoholism and low self-esteem to overcoming ovarian cancer. She delves into her transformative experiences with EMDR and 12-step programs, and how meditation has been a crucial part of her path to sobriety. Alec...

07-18
50:15

🤝EP 53- Voices of Recovery: The Power of Asking for Help

In this special episode of The Begin Again Podcast, we revisit some of the most powerful moments from our incredible guests, focusing on the crucial theme of asking for help. Throughout our journey, we've been honored to share stories of resilience, transformation, and the unyielding strength of the human spirit. This compilation episode highlights the profound impact that seeking support can have on one's path to recovery. Our guests have opened their hearts to share their experiences, and i...

07-11
43:35

💊EP52- Jacob Scholze: Jacob Scholze: From Alcohol Dependence to Instagram Inspiration

In this gripping episode, Gary Menkes delves into the courageous journey of Jacob Scholze, from battling alcohol addiction to emerging as a beacon of hope. Jacob opens up about his struggle with liver cirrhosis, the impact of genetics on addiction, and the power of self-awareness. He candidly shares how he spiraled into dependency, and how the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated his drinking habits, leading to severe health complications and a life-threatening hospital stay. Desp...

07-04
43:42

🎙️EP 51- Amanda Lockyer: Navigating Addiction's Impact on Relationships

🎙️In this powerful episode, host Gary Menkes welcomes Amanda Lockyer, a dedicated addiction coach and host of the 'Addiction Makes Three' podcast. Amanda opens up about her personal journey, beginning with her partner's battle with addiction and how it led to her transformation into a wellness coach. She candidly discusses the emotional turmoil, societal stigma, and the importance of supportive surroundings in overcoming addiction. Amanda's unique insights into post-traumatic growt...

06-27
50:16

🏆EP50- MJ Gottlieb's Transformation: From Substance Abuse to Sober CEO

In this riveting episode, Gary Menkes sits down with MJ Gottlieb, the co-founder and CEO of Loosid, a transformative app providing a sober social network and dating platform. MJ opens up about his personal journey, marked by a fear-filled childhood, substance abuse struggles, and his path to sobriety that began on March 21st, 2012. With raw honesty, he delves into his experiences with trauma, anger, and addiction, revealing how these challenges led him to create Loosid. This episode is a deep...

06-20
50:35

🧘‍♀️EP49- Michelle Curial: From the Shadows of Addiction to a Life of Sobriety

In this riveting episode, join Gary Menkes as he sits down with Michelle Curial, an inspiring woman who has battled and overcome substance addiction. Michelle bravely shares her journey from a strict religious upbringing, through her struggle with drugs, alcohol, and prescription medications, to her triumphant recovery. She vividly recounts her rebellious teenage years, her chase for fame in Los Angeles, and her descent into the grip of crack cocaine and heroin addiction. Listen as ...

06-13
01:07:05

💪EP48- Kenny Dunn: From Alcoholism to Ultra-Marathons

PODCAST DESCRIPTION:Discover the transformative journey of ultra-marathon runner Kenny Dunn in this episode of the Begin Again podcast with host Gary Menkes. From struggling with obesity and secretive drinking to achieving sobriety, Kenny's story is one of resilience and determination. He openly discusses his battle with alcoholism, his experiences with a 12-step recovery program, and his path to becoming a better father. Witness his inspiring weight loss success with DDP Yoga, and ...

06-06
52:11

🧠EP47- Brian Deagan: Neuroscience, Breathwork, and Sobriety

PODCAST DESCRIPTION:In this riveting episode, Gary Menkes invites profound recovery advocate, Brian Deagan, for an enlightening discussion on battling addiction. Brian, a survivor of alcoholism, delves into his personal journey to recovery, sharing his unique blend of science, spirituality, and breathwork. He discusses the transformative power of 12-step programs and narrative therapy, providing a deeper understanding of the neurological impact of addiction. Brian also reveals how i...

05-30
45:37

EP46- Flindt Anderson & Jason LaChance: Transforming Lives through Addiction Recovery

PODCAST DESCRIPTION:In this deeply moving The Begin Again podcast episode, Flindt Anderson and Jason LaChance engage in an open and heartfelt conversation about their personal journeys through addiction and recovery. Both share their experiences, from their darkest moments to their transformative periods of clarity that led them to a life of service and purpose. They discuss the alarming rise of fentanyl use, the lack of intervention in emergency situations, and the importance of family ...

05-23
01:05:54

EP45- 🎙️Tracy Viola: The Power of Sobriety & Personal Growth

In this deeply moving The Begin Again podcast episode, Tracy Viola, a resilient survivor and advocate for sobriety, shares her personal journey from addiction to recovery. She discusses the profound impact the 12-step program has had on her life, the unwavering bonds formed with her 'recovery friends', and the transformative power of sobriety. Tracy candidly reveals her family history with alcoholism, her own struggles with substance abuse, and the societal pressures that led her to...

05-16
01:05:41

EP44- 🤩Mike Diamond: An Interventionist's Tale of Addiction & Triumph

PODCAST DESCRIPTION:In this powerful episode, Gary Menkes welcomes special guest, Mike Diamond, a renowned author, TV personality, and sobriety advocate. Mike opens up about his personal journey from addiction to sobriety, a transformative shift that took him from the gritty streets of Perth, Australia to the glitzy world of New York's music and acting industries. With raw honesty, Mike shares his experiences from his days of addiction to his current role as a trusted interventionist on ...

05-09
01:17:28

EP 43 : 💯 The Begin Again Podcast: A Roundup of Inspiring Recovery Stories

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 ...

05-02
24:54

EP 42 - 💥Paul Summers Jr: Triumph Over Addiction & A Journey to Sobriety

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 ...

04-25
01:00:01

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