Recovery Nuggets Podcast
By David Clemen
Recovery Nuggets Podcast Apr 12, 2024
Pete Rubinas' Nugget - Smart Recovery
Pete Rubinas has been a SMART Recovery participant, facilitator, and Regional Coordinator. He comes to his current position with a diverse set of experiences that he plans to use to help SMART Recovery USA thrive. Pete’s last position saw him lead a local Montessori non-profit from a one-room private preschool into a thriving private preschool and public charter school serving children through 8th grade. In that role, he did extensive work creating an effective governance structure across three separate non-profit organizations to keep the community focused on its mission while complying with the requirements of being a public school. Prior to that, Pete spent 10 years as an internal control auditor and consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Pete believes that SMART Recovery should be available in every community and to individuals from all walks of life. He has studied how power is held in organizations, and how to shift that power so that more voices are included in the decision-making that occurs. He passionately believes that empowerment is the ultimate goal in supporting those with addictive behaviors and those who love them. If we collectively stay focused on empowering one another at all levels of this organization, someday soon SMART Recovery will be a household name and the demographics of those we serve will have expanded dramatically from where we started.
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Pete has worked hard to build a balanced life that includes time for his family, birding, native pollinator gardening, and running. He continues to facilitate a local SMART Recovery meeting and an online Family & Friends meeting in Chapel Hill, NC on a volunteer basis. His mantra is “You are enough.”
Wendie Kidwell's Nugget-Ricky's Retreat
This week Wendie Kidwell joins the show. She shares about her journey in recovery, losing her son to sucide as a result of undiagnosed mental illness, and how it was the catalyst to make something happen to help others. Thank you for listening.
Ricky's Retreat
Ricky's Retreat is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created as a free resource for young community members to receive mental health support from trained Peer Support Specialists in a safe and welcoming environment. Ricky's Retreat provides a unique place to connect with peers and discuss challenging issues.
Mini Nugget-Spring has sprung!
Welcome to another mini nugget-Spring has spring! How is spring changing your thoughts, actions, and motivations?
David hops on to share an update all things going on, including a fundraising he is taking part in.
https://www.facebook.com/donate/911394723863480/10161626647608185/
Katie Lain's Nugget-Thrive Alcohol Recovery
Katie Lain jumps on the podcast to discuss a Not so New method to help others with Alcohol Substance Use disorder. She shares her story and the spiral Alcohol took her on and how this method turned her life around. Thanks for listening.
Dr. Dallas Bragg's Nugget
Dr. Dallas Bragg comes on the podcast to share his story of recovery from Crystal Meth. He helps gay men break free from the chains of Crystal Meth with a spiritual approach. You can read more about Dallas and his services here:
All of his social media handles are listed there as well. Enjoy the show!
Rebecca Boney's Nugget
A good friend of David, Rebecca Boney joins the show to share her experience strength and hope. Great story my friend!
Gigi Langer's Love More Now Nugget
Gigi Langer is a 2 time guest on the show. She jumps on the podcast to discuss her new book LOVE MORE NOW.
We have a delightful chat about Opening our Hearts more to life in front of us. Thank you Gigi!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999122053?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_7MXWBVWJHM6EB34WDV7W
Mary Beth O'Connor's Nugget- From Junkie to Judge
Mary Beth O'Connor joins David Clemen to discuss her journey from Junkie to Judge and all things along the way. Thank you for listening!
https://www.amazon.com/Junkie-Judge-Womans-Triumph-Addiction/dp/0757324568/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XI3KL9
She is on Twitter as well:
https://twitter.com/MaryBethO_
From a junkie addicted to methamphetamines to a federal judge, Mary Beth O’Connor’s memoir shares her inspiring journey from rock bottom to resilience as she forged a personal path to recovery from trauma and addiction.
Silver Award, 2023 Nonfiction Book Awards
Searing, unsettling, and ultimately triumphant, Judge O'Connor's debut memoir takes readers on a wild ride through the rock-bottom underbelly of intravenous drug addiction to the hallowed halls of justice where she rose to the pinnacle of success as a federal judge.
With wit and unabashed honesty, O’Connor shares her remarkable three-phase journey: the abuse and trauma that drove her to teenage drug use, the chaos that ensued from her addiction; and how she developed a personalized secular recovery plan that led to twenty-nine years of sobriety. Her story proves any addict can recover and anyone can build a productive and happy life, no matter how low the bottom or how deep the pain.
Within a week of being born, O’Connor was dropped off at a convent. When she was brought into her home, her mother focused on her own needs and desires, ignoring her young child. When she was nine, her stepfather kicked her in the stomach for spilling milk, beat her when she didn’t clean a plate to his satisfaction, and molested her when she was twelve. A few months later, with her first sip of Boone’s Farm Strawberry Hill wine, her life changed. She felt euphoric and relaxed. So she got drunk as often as possible, adding pot, then pills, then acid. At sixteen, she found her drug of choice--methamphetamine. With her first snort, she experienced true joy for the first time. When this high was no longer sufficient, she turned to the needle and shot up.
During the next sixteen years, she descended into a severe meth addiction, working her way down the corporate ladder, destroying relationships, and shattering her physical and emotional well-being.
At thirty-two, she entered rehab, where she was ordered to submit to the 12-steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. As an atheist, turning her will and her life over to a higher power was not an option, and she refused to agree she was powerless. Told to comply or fail, she bravely created a new path that combined ideas from multiple programs and even incorporated some AA concepts.
Clean and sober now for more nearly three decades, she is proof that anyone can find their sober self, their best self, no matter how far they have fallen. Along with her inspiring story, she offers a comprehensive checklist of questions for readers to ask themselves as they take the brave steps toward recovery, offering a powerful blueprint for personal change.
MIni Nugget-100th Episode
Thank you all for being a part of the podcast! I never thought the podcast would make it this far. It has been an eye opening journey and I am grateful. This episode I reflect back on the the start of the show and where we are now! Grateful.
Andrew Susskind's Nugget
Grateful to welcome back Andrew Susskind on the show to discuss his new workbook "It's Not about the Sex, Moving from Isolation to Intimacy After Sexual Compulsivity"
This is another insightful chat with Andrew Susskind. The discussion covers lots of topics in the area of recovery from Sexual Compulsivity. Thanks again Andrew!
The workbook is available on Amazon 2/22/2024
https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-About-Sex-Workbook/dp/103265046X
Freida MacDonald's Nugget - Know Hope North Carolina
Freida MacDonald hops on the pod to share her story of turning grief into a Mission to help others. I am grateful to have her on the show. Thank You!
Freida Knott MacDonaldFounder, Know Hope NC
Freida founded Know Hope North Carolina after the loss of her two sons. The purpose of her mission is to assist those who are suffering with grief and/or addiction.
If you are struggling in North Carolina and need help
Please call: 1-800-688-4232
or 919-256-5864
Michele W Miller's Nugget-Author/Attorney
Fellow Recovery trailblazer Michele W. Miller jumps on the pod, to share her story. A wild ride turned on its head when Michele got clean some 34 years ago. I am grateful she joined us to talk story, recovery, and share about her books. Enjoy!
The Lower Power is Michele W. Miller’s fourth published novel. She has lived most of her life in Upper Manhattan—Harlem and Washington Heights—where her novels often take place and where she currently resides with her husband, 20-year-old twin sons, two cats, and a large dog. Former chief government ethics prosecutor for NYC, she currently serves as General Counsel for a non-profit agency that provides re-entry services to the formerly incarcerated. She has herself overcome addiction, homelessness, and incarceration. She has a black belt in the Jaribu system of Karate and worked her way through law school dancing on roller skates.
Kathy Mou's Nugget
Kathy hops on the podcast to discuss her relationship with Alcohol, Infertility difficulties and a diagnosis of Endometriosis. (Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.)
She is a life coach and even does Numerology readings!
Check Her our at:
Mini Nugget-Facing Fears and Keeping your Word
Happy New Year everyone! Happy to be back and recording a mini nugget! Today I discuss facing fears as well as keeping your word to yourself and others! Thank you for listening
Heather B's Nugget
Heather B jumps on Recovery Nuggets to share her story as well as share her life today and what works in her recovery! You can find her new instagram feed at
Scott Coolidge's Nugget
Scott jumps on the pod to discuss his recovery from Crystal Meth. He discusses how a relationship, and certain situations led to a 2 year battle with getting clean. He is a man of faith and has a great attitude towards life and recovery. He is a hairstylist, and is studying to get his Masters in Social Work. Enjoy the show!
Lindsay Villandry's Nugget
This week Lindsay Villandry jumps on the podcast to share her story, her recovery and some Recovery Nuggets!
find all of her links at lindsayvillandry.com
Lindsay Villandry
To sum it up: I'm here to kick addiction's ass.
My "Bio"
In long-term recovery.
Certified Addiction Counselor, Florida.
Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
Certified Behavioral Health Technician, Florida.
Mental Health First Aid Certified.
Member NAADAC, Association for Addiction Professionals.
Member FL - Florida Association of Addiction Professionals.
Dr. Evelyn Higgins' Nugget
Dr. Higgins joins David Clemen on the podcast to discuss new technologies that are helping people with addiction in their lives. We hope you enjoy the conversation!
Check out her website at
You can find a link to her Ted talk, Bio, Consulatation, Books on Amazon, and lots of other great info.
Dr. Evelyn Higgins is a recognized international expert in the epidemiology of substance use disorders, process addictions, and mental health conditions. She is a graduate of the State University of New York with postgraduate studies at Harvard Medical School in Body, Mind, and Spirit medicine with an emphasis on resiliency. A Diplomate of the American College of Addictionology and Compulsive Disorders, she is also a member of the Pharmacogene Variation Consortium, is a Certified Addictionologist, Certified Addiction Professional, Doctor of Chiropractic, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Disability Analysts specializing in pain management. Dr. Higgins’ work with addictions and primary mental health conditions led her to invent the patent-pending custom panel utilized exclusively by her companies Wired For Addiction® and the Neurotransmitter Reset Program®.
Mini Nugget - When life shows up!
David hops on the show to talk about real life situations and how he is dealing with them. Enjoy the Mini Nugget
Mini Nugget-Dog Days of Recovery
David jumps on for a mini nugget. Recovery isn't always pretty. Life on life's terms can be challening. We can Face every thing and recovery or we can F**k everything and Run. Stay in the present and deal with it.
Enjoy the episode. As always, thank you for showing up for your recovery. =)
Dr. Jamie Marich and Dr. Stephen Dansigers Nugget
The new workbook is Available August 29, 2023
Dr Jamie Marich and Dr. Stephen Dansiger hop on to discuss the new workbork for Trauma and The 12 Steps. We discuss all things recovery as well as how this workbook can enhance your recovery.
Dr. Jamie Marich (she/they) describes herself as a facilitator of transformative experiences. A clinical trauma specialist, expressive artist, writer, yogini, performer, short filmmaker, Reiki master, TEDx speaker, and recovery advocate, she unites all of these elements in her mission to inspire healing in others. She began her career as a humanitarian aid worker in Bosnia-Hercegovina from 2000-2003, primarily teaching English and music while freelancing with other projects. Jamie travels internationally teaching on topics related to trauma, EMDR therapy, expressive arts, mindfulness, and yoga, while maintaining a private practice and online education operations in her home base of Northeast Ohio. Jamie is the author of numerous books on trauma recovery and healing, with many more projects in the works. Marich is the founder of The Institute for Creative Mindfulness.
Dr. Steve played CBGB and Max’s Kansas City in the late 70s; drank, played in a toy rock band and then got sober in the 80s; became an international social justice/diversity educator and rocker again in the 90s; and is now a sought after consultant, trainer, clinician, writer and meditation teacher. Dr. Steve has attempted to cure Marc Maron on WTF, become a master EMDR therapist and provider of EMDR Training as Senior Faculty with the Institute for Creative Mindfulness, and has become a pioneer in the Buddhist recovery field. He is the CEO of StartAgain Associates, where he develops trauma-focused mindfulness based mental health training and technology solutions. He created the MET(T)A Protocol (Mindfulness and EMDR Treatment Template for Agencies), a design for mental health agency treatment using Buddhist mindfulness and EMDR Therapy, currently being utilized in trauma and addiction treatment centers across the country and internationally.
Mike Fecht's Nugget - Author of An Unlikely Yogi
David is reunited with former Manager and all around good dude Mike Fecht. Mike has come on to share his story of dealing with the grief, after the loss of his spouse Shani. He has written a book that chronicles his life after one phone called changed his life.
This episode is dedicated to Shani Fecht and her brilliant spirit.
Famous athletes and their agents. South Beach. After a tumultuous young adulthood, Mike Fecht finally found the job and life of his dreams. Managing a sports performance facility for some of the world’s most famous athletes in South Florida, life was looking up for thirty-five-year-old Mike and his wife of eight years, Shani. Then during the process of relocating from Atlanta, Mike received a call that would change his life forever.
His wife had been murdered in Atlanta.
Dark depths of despair and rage consumed Mike. The grief was overwhelming. But in healing from her own mother’s death, Shani left the blueprint for Mike to follow. At times it seemed as if she might just be throwing nuggets of clues from the other side.
A regular yoga practice was one of Shani’s final gifts to Mike. Although Mike avoided it for years, Shani convinced him to take up yoga a couple of years before her death. In his grief, the yoga mat became Mike’s rabbit hole into a spiritual journey of healing, transformation and connection to his late wife.
Mike let go of all he thought he knew to become something he never imagined.
An Unlikely Yogi takes the reader through an at-times intense journey of grief and loss to hope, healing and recovery on the other side.
------------------------------------------------------
“Mike has truly created a masterpiece! Doing what he does best: finding strength through the discomfort and creating calmness through the breath. An Unlikely Yogi empowers anyone who has gone through some form of trauma to keep flowing. It's an example of what we're capable of overcoming when inner work is our focus. Namaste.”
Jelani Jenkins
5-Year NFL Veteran
Founder/CEO, Postseason
"I cried, then I smiled. I cried some more, then I laughed. This beautiful memoir of hope after tragedy is something everyone can learn something from. Reading about the impact yoga had on Mike’s life has inspired me to create my own yoga space in my home because of the powerful benefits."
Shannon Furman
7-Time Emmy Award-Winning Producer and Director With NFL Films
“Mike’s ability to feed life into others is a gift that has blessed my life wholeheartedly. Mike’s story not only encourages others that have been through adversity, but also how to connect with your inner being. Through yoga and meditation, Mike has taught me to 'let it be.' Mike, I want to thank you, because what we did in Miami changed my life forever! Love the book and love what you stand for!"
Jamar Taylor
8-Year NFL Veteran
"I’ve known Mike for a decade and have found his story and journey inspiring on many levels. Mike pushes himself to not only find his own path to peace but takes the time to help those around him in the process. Having the opportunity to get to know Mike has been a gift, and I look forward to following his growth for many years."
Kathryn Petralia
Cofounder and Chief Keeper, Keep Financial
Cofounder and Former COO, Kabbage.com
Forbes Magazine Top 100 Most Influential Women in the World
Link to the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Yogi-Grief-Post-Traumatic-Growth/dp/B0C9RWW3LX
*******Mike's Ted Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPs9Et43rB0&t=7s
Tara Gilmore's Nugget - Awaken Your Essence
You can find out more about Tara's offerings, retreats, and reiki here:
Tara jumps on the podcast to share her story of overcoming addiction and turning into quite the artist, hustler, and entreprenuer. She has pivoted into a new direction in her business and now is a reiki practicioner as well as a health and wellness retreat host. Her and her husband Shannon have had a show on HGTV called Rehabbed. https://www.tdn.tv/rehabbed
Tara's bio:
My name is Tara Gilmore and I live in Wilmington, NC. I live with my husband Shannon and our dog Hank. I am fortunate and grateful to be surrounded by friends, loved ones, and a community of amazing support! I believe in the power of healing and transformation through connection and whole hearted authentic living! I am a certified integrative health and wellness coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, a 200 RYT, certified Reiki Practitioner through the Usui Method of Natural Healing, and a certified sound healer in Divine Resonance with Hudson Mind Body Spirit. Because of my past struggles with addiction and my commitment to recovery for over 23 years, I have been afforded the opportunity to dive deep into my search for external resources to fix my internal problems. I understand the darkness of this exhausting search for external fulfillment and I also know the light of recovery and limitless possibilities.
Traveling and experiencing different cultures, spending quality time with my husband, dog, and loved ones, and entertaining with delicious ayurvedically inspired meals for my tribe of favorite people are among some of my favorite things to do! I also shamelessly love late night insomnia cookies and ice cream with my husband. Life is about balance!
As adults, sometimes we are disillusioned by the idea that asking for support is a sign that we are somehow “broken” Allow yourself to see that imperfection is truly a gift and is the vehicle to greater connection with yourself and others. Not having all the answers all the time is a great relief. It allows the beauty of having a beginners or childs mind to open to new possibilities and the beauty learning and growing together.
I understand that making changes to your lifestyle may seem scary and overwhelming. I want to make this process exciting, enjoyable, and sustainable! I am here to support you on your journey and would love to be a witness to your success!
You can find out more about Tara's offerings, retreats, and reiki here:
Mini Nugget - Recovery is a renovation
Your Host David Clemen returns to drop a mini nugget discussing the past couple of months, renovating a house, and freedom from active addiction on July 4th, 2023. His anniversary is coming up. July 8th will be 17 years clean! Thank you for listening.
Angie Shy's Nugget-Life Love Music and Space Travel
lifelovemusicandspacetravel.com
instagram.com/coloradogirl777
Thank you for listening
Mini Nugget- Faith Hope Strength and Resilience
David hops on the mic to share his thoughts on Faith Hope Strength and Resilience in relation to life and recovery. Thanks for Listening!
MIni Nugget - Recovery and Relapse
David returns after a hiatus to drop a mini nugget on Recovery and Relapse. Thanks for listening!
Nick Ciadellas Nugget - Never Alone Recovery
One of the founders of neveralonerecovery.com jumps on the podcast to share his story as well as discuss the non profit never alone recovery.
Created by addicts for addicts, Never Alone Recovery is a free resource that aims to provide treatment program matching, drug rehab placement, intervention assistance, and recovery-related education to those struggling with active addiction as well as their loved ones who suffer with them.
At Never Alone Recovery, we believe the highest quality, evidence-based drug and alcohol treatment is necessary if you hope to start a new chapter in your life. Having witnessed the horrors of addiction both personally and professionally, we recognize that you are likely experiencing one of the darkest and most difficult periods in your life.
We pride ourselves on purpose, passion, and efficiency as we aid individuals and their families through the process of finding the right addiction treatment program at the best drug rehab for their addicted loved one.
Dealing with addiction is hard whether you’re the one who’s addicted or you’re that individual’s loved one. For that reason, our goal is to make this entire journey as simple and painless as possible.
MIni Nugget - Give yourself a break and put down the bat.
David hops on the mic to discuss his week. Cracked teeth, grinding, stress, resistance to change etc. Also, the reality that even in recovery, we are
gonna make mistakes, and not only is it ok, it's human. Thank you for listening.
Mini Nugget - Winter and Recovery
David reads an excerpt from Discover Inner Peace- A Guide to Spiritual Well Being by: Mike George.
The Season is Winter and it can give or force us to let go of all the BS , illusions and delusions. What BS have you been telling yourself, and is it time to let go?
Recovery is like a tree in Winter. Exposed and Vulnerable, but solid in the ground. Enjoy the episode.
Theresa Clower's Nugget - Intolightproject.org
Founder | Artist
I’ve had a long-time association with non-profits and have had the good fortune of establishing and directing a number of them over the past forty-some years. That experience, along with my attraction to the arts, has melded beautifully in forming INTO LIGHT PROJECT. I am not a professional artist. I had never done a portrait before attempting the first one of Devin. But something deep inside of me exploded. I can’t stop drawing faces!
The tragic loss of my son, Devin, in Feb 2018 has presented me with a wonderful gift…INTO LIGHT PROJECT. Through this project, I am able to look into the eyes of so many wonderful people, many of them at the prime of their lives, and see the intensity of their compassion, kindness, spirit, zest, humor, their troubles, their pain, and so much more. I get to sit and visit with them quietly. I treasure this time and I hope that through the portraits that are produced, others can see that we are all more alike than different. Thank you. Devin, for leaving this gift for me to find. Peace, my son.
How INTO LIGHT PROJECT was born
Motivated by the death of her son, Devin, to an overdose of fentanyl, founder Theresa Clower took up portrait work as a way of working through her grief. After completing Devin’s portrait, she was inspired to find others who lived and died like her son and to show the extent of the drug epidemic through exhibits involving each State. She aspired to draw their portraits, tell their stories, and start a dialogue around the disease.
What We Do
• PUT A HUMAN FACE on the disease of addiction through hand-drawn portraits and written narratives.
• CHANGE THE CONVERSATION ABOUT DRUG ADDICTION to help erase the stigma and shame so those with the disease will seek the quality care they need and deserve.
• EDUCATE the public about drug addiction as a disease.
• ORGANIZE EXHIBITIONS representing each of the 50 states.
intolightproject.org
Mini Nugget-Overthinking
David Clemen discusses his bumpy entry intro into the new years, talks Dental Issues, and learns it's all gonna be alright.
Jill Fitzgerald's Nugget - Confidant Health
Our Mission
We’re here to help people establish the mindset, habits, and skills to thrive.
We created a model that pairs incredible providers who deliver evidence-based interventions with digitized behavioral-health resources. Our approach maximizes the impact of high-quality care with minimum overhead and without traditional marketing techniques. We transfer the savings directly to our clients – making our care better, more affordable, and more convenient.
Lori and Dean Ashenfelder's Nugget- Fentanyl Poisoning and djswish.org
Lori and Dean join the show to discuss their son's life and legacy. They are the founders of djswish.org
This is a topic that is quite common in today's society. We welcome these parents to discuss this topic so others are aware of what is happening and offer some solutions. Thank you for listening.
From their website:
On July 16, 2021, our lives took a drastic turn. That was the day we lost our only child to illicit fentanyl poisoning.
Life wasn’t perfect before that day, but we were happy and hoped that DJ would find a way to beat the demons that dragged him back into active SUD time after time. God had a plan for DJ and Dean and me. It wasn’t the plan we prayed for and dreamt of. We had a choice to make, live in our sorrow or find a way to keep DJ’s memory alive and help others.
Like many families we watched our son change before our eyes. The real DJ was there at times, but SUD is a wicked disease without an easy remedy. Dean and I felt so very isolated. Few in our circle of family and friends were familiar with SUD. The stigma that surrounds it leads you to believe that you must hide the truth. It tells you that your loved one is weak and if they were just more determined they could beat it. The stigma tells you that you have failed. The stigma is WRONG. We quickly found there are hundreds of thousands of families like ours that don’t know what to do or where to turn.
We helped DJ get into recovery programs and while there we had hope for a bright future. Our son was back, he was healthy and working hard to free himself of the disease. He completed the programs and came home to re-build his life but found so many roadblocks that none of us were prepared to get around. The disease was active again and we helplessly watched the changes in our son once again.
We did all the things traditional “therapy” suggests… set hard boundaries, cut him off, brought him home and so much more. We took him to detox centers and were turned away. For us the traditional efforts were not working. Finally in the summer of 2021 we tried once more to bring DJ home and set strong boundaries in place and thought we were helping him make good decisions. He found a job he enjoyed, stayed away from the people and places that triggered his addiction and we thought we were on the right path. It wasn’t perfect, but we had time – or so we thought. That day in July seemed so normal. We had no idea what the morning would bring.
Losing our son forced us to decide how life would look without him. The first few days and weeks nearly destroyed us both. The grief was suffocating. The anger was fierce. A giant hole made breathing a task. Something had to be done. We had to make a stand and we had to give our son a voice again. He told a friend that if he didn’t survive, he hoped others would be saved because of his death.
In October, DJ’s Wish-Freedom From Fentanyl was launched as a Facebook page to help us spread information and news on the illicit fentanyl crisis our country is facing. While we are still a small group our reach grows daily. We are giving a voice to many, and God has provided many opportunities that we didn’t dream were possible.
DJ’s Wish strives to be a resource for those who feel isolated.
Ryan Nilsen's Nugget- Clen Apparel
Ryan jumps on the podcast to discuss design, sobriety, and keeping busy in recovery. Ryan has his own style and motivations that help keep him sober. On top of being a full time tech designer, he has his own clothing apparel where the design is CLEN and top notch. Thanks Ryan for being on the show!
Check him out at clenapparel.com
You can see his designs on instagram as well instagram.com/clen_lifestyle_gear
Harriet Hunter's Nugget - Miracles of Recovery
Harriet Hunter joins the podcast to talk Recovery and share about her book Miracles of Recovery. Thank you for listening.
Alcoholism and other addictions helped to create a 30-year journey into the darkness of sex, drugs, and alcohol. These obsessions served to stripped me of opportunities to succeed and rise out of my self-imposed hell. It took 30-years of trying to escape from reality to connect-the-dots to freedom and to find hope sufficient to find sobriety. It was about time.
My name is Beth H. For the purposes of my book, my pseudo-name is Harriet Hunter. it was suggested I let you know who I really am. Since my walk into recovery in 1999, I’ve had one primary purpose: to show others how they can achieve their miracles with a vision and determination to never-ever go backwards one day at a time.
Quint Boa's Nugget
Quint visits the podcast all the way from the UK. It was a wonderful conversation about recovery, mental health related animations and much more. Thanks Quint!
Writer/Producer/Director
Video creator
Founder of @shootyou
Animation / Video Production 🎥
Mental Health Advocate 🧠
Psychotherapist (UKCP / BPS / APA)
www.shootyou.com/understanding
instagram.com/quintboa
Brittany L Shelton's Nugget - Freedom from childhood trauma and self destruction.
Brittany Shelton is an author and hops on the podcast to discuss recovery from complex childhood trauma and self destruction. Thank You for listening.
https://twitter.com/_BLShelton
•Author: 'Discovering Beautiful' •15 years #sober •Complex Childhood Trauma Advocate •Generational Freedom •COA •CSA •DV •Breaking Cycles •Art = My therapy.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1981006036/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_T6-aGbNKK15DZ
Mini Nugget - Forgiveness, Gratitude annnnd Sarcasm?
David hops on the mic to drop a mini nugget. Heading into the Holidays can be stressful, yet it's a good time to stay in a place of appreciation and gratitude.
Keep on the path. You got this.
Dana Krull's Nugget - I Kissed Alcohol Goodbye
A Message From Dana...
Thanks for stopping by
As a former Army chaplain who developed a toxic relationship with alcohol after leaving the military, I stayed on a solo rollercoaster of rock bottoms, recoveries and relapses...
Finally, in the winter of 2022, I found my way out of the cycle by connecting with people like you.
Let's break up with booze together!
ikissedalcoholgoodbye.com
Martin Lockett's Nugget
Martin Lockett is a writer and speaker whose words have impacted thousands of people, even before leaving prison. He served almost 18 years for manslaughter, caused by an accident one New Year’s eve where he drank excessively and drove through a stop light, colliding with a car carrying three people. Upon learning that the two people who died that night were volunteers in the drug and alcohol recovery community, Martin chose to honor them by dedicating his life to helping others through addiction counseling and drinking and driving prevention.
Martin has made the most of his incarceration by striving to achieve an education and certifications to become a counselor. His list of educational accomplishments includes:
- Earned his high school GED
- Earned a Certificate of Human Services from Louisiana State University
- Graduated from Indiana University: Associate of Arts
- Graduated from Colorado State University-Pueblo: Bachelor of Science in Sociology with honors
- Graduated from California Coast University: Master of Science in Psychology with honors
- Became a member of the Delta Epsilon Tau International Honor Society
- Completed comprehensive substance abuse treatment program
- Interned and earned state certification as a substance abuse counselor (CADC I)
While in prison, he worked in the educational programs for inmates where he:
- Moderated DUI victim impact panels for three years that included offenders and victims and told his own story
- Recorded detailed account of the night of the crash for use at various online panels during the pandemic
- Mentored and trained inmates to become mentors for addictions recovery
- Tutored inmates through the GED curriculum
- Counseled inmates through addictions treatment
As a writer, Martin has used his time behind bars to write in various forms, all with the intention of helping others with his story and life experiences.
- Wrote and published two books: his memoir, Prison to Purpose Pipeline and My Prison Life, his collection of essays
- Published hundreds of blog posts on adjusting to prison life, maximizing opportunities behind bars, the impact of incarceration on families and communities, and current social justice issues
- Published articles in the Oregonian: Honoring my victims every day (2019);Time to pull back on mandatory minimum sentences (2020); Returning to Portland from prison with a commitment to make amends (2021); and Ex-offenders seeking a fresh start need help finding a home base (2021)
While serving his time, Martin Lockett modeled exemplary behavior throughout the entirety of his sentence by not receiving a single disciplinary report. He has focused on achieving his pledge to take up the work of his victims, which he intends to do for the rest of his life.
You can find Martin at martinlockett.com
Jeff Collins Nugget - Gambling Addiction Recovery
Ingrid Clayton's Nugget-Author of Believing Me: Healing from Narcissistic Abuse and Complex Trauma
This week Ingrid Clayton Phd hops on the podcast to discuss recovery from Narcissistic Abuse and Complex Trauma.
With a Masters in transpersonal psychology and a PhD in clinical psychology, Ingrid has a holistic approach to psychotherapy, incorporating trauma-informed modalities like Somatic Experiencing, EMDR and other experiential ways of working with the nervous system.
Based on the belief that a therapist can’t take her clients further than she is willing to go, Ingrid has been using a relational approach to therapy since 2004, bringing her whole self to the work including her personal experience, intuition and education. This enables her to be in real connection and collaboration with her clients.
Joanna Free's Nugget - Buttkicking Nicotine
Joanna Free jumps on the podcast to discuss recovery from Nicotine and Vaping. This is a great topic for discussion as a lot of people in recovery are trying to break free from the chains of Nicotine. Thanks for listening.
https://www.amazon.com/Joanna-NicciTina-Free/e/B09NY3QK4J/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk
“Make your mess your message,” they said. Amen to that! But first she had to clean up the mess.
Joanna NicciTina Free was Joanna Cummings: a dedicated (and, frankly, messy) smoker with no hope whatsoever of stopping smoking, ever. She lit up before getting out of bed in the morning and smoked until she was ready to turn out the lights. “I would have bet against myself kicking - the odds were that bad.” Later, with credentials in both mental health and in the treatment of addiction, she still found herself unable to kick the one drug that was still kicking her backside daily.
The author of Kick Butts Take Names and Buttkickers: Twenty Ways to Leave Tobacco (now in its tenth anniversary edition), her work in smoking cessation has been praised by addiction professionals, fellow buttkickers, and even a former US Surgeon General as life-changing, innovative, transformative. She loves buttkickers, even the ones who are just kick-curious to start. As one buttkicker said, “She meets you right where you are” and joins with you on your individual path to freedom.
Mini Nugget -What lies beneath
David talks about miscommunication and misunderstandings. What lies beneath could teach us to be more compassionate to the other.
Thanks for listening.
Mini Nugget-The falling of the leaves
A mini nugget on the gifts of fall. The leaves and what they can teach us. Enjoy.
Mini Nugget-A desire to stop using
Welcome to another mini nugget. The recovery spin wheel was used to pick a topic for this week. A desire to stop using is really the key before surrender. It helps us admit to ourselves there is a problem and then get to the place where we want to stop and STAY STOPPED. Enjoy the episode.
Mini Nugget - Put the bat down/Self Criticism
David shares his thoughts on putting the bat down. Sometimes you just gotta take stock, do something different, and let go.
Thank you for listening.
mini nugget - let go or be dragged
David shares his favorite zen proverb. Let go or be dragged. What are you holding onto that is not serving you today?
Thanks for listening! email the show at recoverynuggetspodcast.com
Mini Nugget - Self Compassion
David shares where he is at and how he deals with emotional surprises. Compassion is easier to practice with ones we know and love, yet practicing self compassion it can be a struggle. Give yourself a break. Recovery is a process and we can survive our emotions today. #grateful.