Spiritual Underground Podcast

I met John-Michael the day I arrived at my now home group, the Spiritual Underground, that was late 2014, he immediately made an impact - he smile, his cool laid back confidence, his attentiveness to what was going on in that meeting - all intrigued me. He has been a good friend every since, and we are about to take a journey together that I'm excited about.

Known him for a while, never heard his story, you need to hear it too, amazing, he has been around recovery for some 40 years and has learned a lot that he can share with you.

If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today!

Enjoy!

My connection to Christine is another one of these awesome twelve step stories, I hate doing show notes, what do you say?

She tells her story, vulnerably, authentically, and heartfelt

Look back a couple episodes and find Sam's story, her partner.

Recovery is available, you can do it

If you are not having a blast in your Recovery, you are not doing it right!

And --- Thank you for allowing Christine and I to participa te

in our Recovery in this manner right now

Marion was in Ethiopia when we taped this episode, how cool is it that I'm having these opportunities from all over the world!What a wonderful soul, who is out as a force for the good.https://a.co/d/6Utwp3Q"Adira's Pot of Gold"Unlock Your Potential: A Story of Hope, Resilience, and Achieving True FreedomIn a world where success often feels elusive, Adira dares to dream bigger. While many remain stuck in their comfort zones, Adira embarks on a life-changing journey, breaking free from mediocrity to reach her full potential. This empowering story blends adventure and fantasy, showcasing the magic in ordinary moments and the extraordinary challenges that shape us.Overcome Obstacles and Find Freedom. Follow Adira as she fights through every setback, proving that success is within reach for those who are willing to rise above their struggles. Along the way, she learns the value of perseverance, resilience, and believing in herself-key lessons for anyone seeking to turn their dreams into reality.This inspiring tale is not just a story; it's a powerful guide to overcoming the barriers holding you back from achieving the life you deserve. Filled with valuable life lessons, this book will uplift your spirit and motivate you to pursue your own path to success.

Sam just hit 18 months, hard earned - we discuss the difficulties of early recovery - Sam, like me, "stumbled out of the gates".

A young man, with a new child, he has a super bright future ahead of him - what a miracle it is to get sober young.

It is an honor to hear his story, to get to witness his struggle, and then his success, he's a great addition to our already awesome home group.

Thanks Sam!

Thank You for Allowing me to Participate in my Recovery in this manner today!

And

If you are not having a blast in your recovery - you are not doing it right!

If I had a 12 Step idol, it would be Scott L... He simply speaks in a frequency that I hear, it aligns with my inner soul. He has a new book out, a toolbox really, and I took that opportunity to connect with him - you do need this book, it's not just grief and anger - but yet it still is anger and grief - you'll never know it until you face it head on and go through it. Thank You Scott, you'll never know how much you have meant to my recovery, and also the recovery of the men and women (yes women) that have been sent to me - I Love You Brother Anger and Grief Relief: https://a.co/d/gywsykk I Think I've Gotta Be God's Favorite Kid https://a.co/d/4timJy8 True Fish Stories and Other Lies https://a.co/d/1iU86HG Spirituality for the Religiously Challenged https://a.co/d/0q6jouV Salesmen Can Go to Heaven! https://a.co/d/bF6bwid Stop Smoking The Hard Way https://a.co/d/2y4kJA0

Michael Anthony is an award-winning speaker, author, and mindset mentor, he shows people how to stop limiting themselves, so they become unstoppable. He has helped tens of thousands of people transform their lives by changing their thinking, emotions, motivation, and results. Whether speaking to a large crowd, a smaller group, or mentoring one-on-one, Michael loves showing people how to move forward quickly. I really loved our conversation and I think you will too! Thank You for Allowing me to Participate in my Recovery in this manner today! And If you are not having a blast in your recovery - you are not doing it right!

What a guest - I had a blast! Ayla has had a passion for understanding as much as possible about the human experience and how our life experiences impact us and help us evolve.

She is an experienced therapist, qualified in Clinical Hypnotherapy, Time-Line Regression Therapy & NLP (certified by the American Board of Hypnotherapy, Time-Line Therapy Institute and American Board of NLP respectively), as well as Life Coaching (ICF Certified Coach Practitioner) and Dr. Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry approach. And frankly - So much more. Tune in and Enjoy! Thank You for Allowing me to Participate in my Recovery in this manner today! And If you are not having a blast in your recovery - you are not doing it right!

Rosalia is a Nurse Practitioner, Artivist, Author, Speaker, Breathwork & Somatic Facilitator, Alchemy & Integration Coach. She specializes in Quantum Alchemy Psycho Spiritual Therapy, Integration and the Subconscious Mind through her method: The Zebra Guided Self Healing, Alchemy, & Transformation Method. Amongst other courses and offers she provides through her platform Quantum Alchemist Master. She has been featured in MysticMag, Shoutout Miami, CanvasRebel and more. Over the last 6 years, she has successfully treated professionals from all backgrounds. Rosalia’s passion is working with people to transmute and transform their trauma, addictions, and perceived limitations at the root cause by accessing the Akashic Records, Subconscious Mind and the Quantum Field while sharing tools for guided self healing and transformation as part of her soul’s mission here on earth. Her main focus is to provide you with the tools for you to be able to do it yourself. She loves sharing her gifts and what she has learned through her own journey after a Near-death Experience, her work with Plant Medicines, and her own alchemical process and inner work. Rosalia hosts her own podcast as well--available on all major platforms called Quantum Alchemist Master Podcast. Find here her latest book here: Becoming Your Own Quantum Alchemist Master: Remembering your SOUL, divinity, multidimensionality, and infinite potential. https://a.co/d/3IkIDNU

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Colin's sobriety date is 9/19/23, meaning he just crossed that wonderful ONE YEAR!

I'm honored to be his sponsor, Higher Power sends me the most awesome men, and let me briefly say that Colin's wall were up about as high as anyone I've met - anyone I've met that moved down the road and completed the work.

Most fellas blocked off to this level will need to go back out and "get some more pain", not Colin. He had decided that this is as far down the scale as he wants to go.

Not as easy as it sounds.

I love this gig that Higher Power has given me, because there's not anything that brings more joy to my heart than walking them through the steps and watch their life bloom.

Enjoy!

If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today! 

I've known Summer for longer than I thought, we have a mutual friend and that something cool about recovery is that the small world thing happens and we get to know an amazing number of friends.

Summer's sobriety date is 8/13/17, listen in as she states that 8/12/17 was one of the worst days ever, how true for so many of us - what seemed to awful, turned out to be the blossoming of a new way of life.

If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today!

Enjoy!

From September 11th through the 21st, ten men in recovery journeyed to the Granby Colorado area, some hiked, some fished, some hunted - but mostly, we all went on an adventure together.

Recovery is not boring, my home group does fun stuff, we adventure, we experience life together, and we have gathered together to share these experiences with you.

Enjoy!

If you're not having a blast in your recovery, you are not doing it right!

and

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today!

Natalie's sobriety date is 4/5/24, she recently crossed over two hard earned years, and boy howdy has she been through the ringer - And more importantly, she has arrived on the other side!

And now you get a front row seat to the story right here, right now, grab your seat and hang on!

Enjoy!

If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today!

Mike's sobriety date is 2/12/15, approaching ten years! Multiple traumatic events are in his story, a few are mentioned in this episode, he has overcome them, and as we like to say "life keeps happening" and he just went through a terribly tough time in just the past year - proving once again that one can get sober no matter what has happened to you, and one can stay sober no matter what you are going through. Mike has started a non-profit organization to help others recover. Check out https://www.thehousesofcare.com/ "If you are not having a blast in your recovery, you are not doing it right" AND Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today!

First -If you are struggling with depression, or with any mental health issue, please dial 988, help is available.

Rebecca's sobriety date is 9/4/2019, coming up on five years - I guess I've known her for a couple years now, I met her brother Bobby at the Spiritual Underground and that's how the connection was made.

It was fun episode, being a reserved personality, Rebecca was not sure how it would go, but she was here with a message - To honor her brother Bobby, who's life was tragically taken by this disease two years ago.

I really enjoyed getting to know Rebecca better, there was sort of a cloud over us as we knew we were straddling a tragic event, she did great, honoring her brother, carrying the message of 12 Step recovery, and allow her vulnerability to come out on the air She shines like a diamond! (she even brought me some gifts!)

If you are struggling with depression, or with any mental health issue, please dial 988, help is available.

You are worth it, you are loved, this too shall pass - dial 988.

Rest In Peace Brother Bobby

7/12/67 - 7/22/22

If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today! Enjoy!

Second guy in a row with a 5/8/24 sobriety date, Daniel has been a joy to watch, this never gets old - witnessing a man transform from a drunk to a blooming man of purpose - it will never get old and is one piece of humanity that continues to give me hope.

If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me, and Daniel, to participate in my recovery in this manner today! Enjoy!

Man - Life still shows up, It appears that was was the overarching theme of tonights talk. First.. I feel funny recording my own talks and then distributing them on my own podcast - which is primarily focused on other folks stories.

I hope, and I think, you know that my only purpose is carrying this twelve step message as best I can.

I had a difficult day, Higher Power has a purpose for our difficult times and I'm glad I know that today.

If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today! Enjoy!

Our guest this week is Cody, he's been a shrining example of just how full your life can be when working the 12 Steps and surrendering what you think you know - he certainly has a "go to any length" attitude and jumped in with both feet.

It's a pure miracle, it's an honor, it's something I need in my life - To watch a man come into recovery and transform their life, I love being a part of it.

And it's open to you too!

If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today! Enjoy!

Check out iM12 on YouTube!

It's been a while since Shane has been in for a talk, miracles continue to happen in his life and I like to demonstrate that as "we keep coming back" - we continue to work this program in our lives - Shane is an awesome example.

See also Episodes 104 and 160 for past "Shane" episodes!

If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today! Enjoy!

Ross had the honor of carrying the message and the VOA, a men's recovery center. In my opinion, a tough place to speak, quite a few SU guys have been there lately and that is what my opinion is formed on, Ross broke through that night and poured some hope all over those men.

If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today! Enjoy!

Robert had the opportunity to speak at a friend's 5th sobriety birthday!!

If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today! Enjoy!

The Talbot House has been receiving a dose of The Spiritual Underground Juice, this week it was Travis's turn to carry the message, and that he did, Travis does it in a straight forward way with a ton of confidence while maintaining humility, not an easy feat - Great Job Travis!

If it’s working - Keep doing it! —  If it’s not working - STOP

If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today! Enjoy!

Michael's sobriety date is 10/18/19, his story is the miracle of what the 12 Steps can do in your life when you push all of your chips to the middle of the table. I realize that I can be accused of using the term "miracle" liberally, but listen to Michael's Story and tell me I'm wrong.

Thanks Michael for sharing your time with me, I really enjoyed getting to know you better as we trudge this road of happy destiny.

If it’s working - Keep doing it! —  If it’s not working - STOP

If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today! Enjoy!

Germane hit one year on the final day of 2023, yep December 31, the December birthday meeting was awesome and with a very unusual occurrence of only having one guy celebrating.

It's been an honor to witness his growth, his transformation over the past year.

If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today! Enjoy!

Vlad came on his 365th day back in 2019, like me, he started over after a period of sobriety, he's here to share that story with you.

Vlad hold a special place in my heart, can't explain it other than the bond that is formed through this work, I'm super proud of hi comeback and I'm glad he is willing to share his experience through that period.

Vlad's 365 show is Episode 136

If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today! Enjoy!

Brian got sober April 29, 2011

He was the guest of Episode 234, he's back to update what's been going on, and as I mentioned in the show, I wish to get with previous guests in 2024 and have them on again, see how recovery is going - and to demonstrate how it works and that it works.

This is the last episode of year five! Thank you all for listening and supporting the show as we move into year 6, 2024!

-----> If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today! Enjoy!

Max just celebrated one year, his sobriety date is 11/11/22.

I've known Max through a mutual friend which is discussed in the episode, and I've been more attuned to his story than he probably realizes, attraction rather than promotion is one of the vehicles that brought Max to 12 Step Recovery.

He's a guy who did not have to go to the bottom's that some of us have, tune into this fascinating story and find out how it all went down.

If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today! Enjoy!

Matt is a friend I didn't know I had, I haven't been feeling well and I for got to ask his sobriety date, pretty sure he mentioned it in the show.

A sincere dude with a great recovery story!

If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today! Enjoy!

Andrea and I chat about creativity among others things.

Andrea Guendelman is a writer, speaker and entrepreneur who specializes in Expansive Leadership—helping individuals and organizations unlock potential through openness. 

Through her deep and varied background—from practicing law to tech start-ups, diversity initiatives to energy work—Andrea has come to embody an inspiring and unique kind of alchemy, fluidly transitioning between the worlds of business and spiritual growth. Her strength derives from the intersection of these forces and allows her to bring a unique energy and mindfulness forged with a keen business acumen to her work and to those around her.  

Steve’s sobriety date is Nov. 24, 1994 !!

I first met Steve in a meeting named Emotional Sobriety, it was based on a Grapevine article of the same name and really focused on exactly what it said, how to achieve sobriety in our emotional states - yes, the dope and booze might be gone, but are we acting in a way that shows true recovery,

He was then, and continues to be a man I look up to, I’m eternally grateful for Steve, and folks like him who modeled what a recovered being should look and act like.

Fascinating story, particularly for me as I had no idea he was a Hoosier, let alone born in my home town.

If you’re not having a blast in your recovery, you ain’t doing it right!

And

Thank you for allowing me to participate in my recovery in this manner today! Enjoy!