Retrieving Sanity

A Surgeons Addiction : Brett’s Story

SummaryIn this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read speaks with Brett Cortez, a retired physician whose life was dramatically altered by opiate addiction. Brett shares his journey from a successful medical career to the depths of addiction, detailing the pivotal moments that led to his struggles and eventual recovery. The conversation explores themes of personal experience, the impact of addiction, the importance of willingness in recovery, and the role of a higher power in the healing process. In this episode, Keegan and Brett delve into the complexities of recovery from addiction, discussing the importance of sponsorship, the nature of addiction as a choice versus a circumstance, and the significance of community support. They share personal anecdotes that highlight the challenges and lessons learned throughout their journeys, emphasizing the need to avoid the first drink and recognizing addictive behaviors. The conversation also touches on the stigma surrounding addiction compared to other illnesses, and the importance of building supportive relationships in recovery. Brett shares valuable insights and wisdom from his experiences, reinforcing the idea that recovery is a continuous journey that requires self-awareness and community support.takeaways
Brett found common ground with others in rehab.
His upbringing emphasized academics and achievement.
A cancer diagnosis led him to pursue medicine.
Opiates were first introduced during his cancer treatment.
Boredom became a significant trigger for his addiction.
He began stealing medication from patients.
Recovery started after a 90-day rehab stint.
The gift of desperation is crucial for recovery.
Willingness is essential for making progress in recovery.
Building a relationship with a higher power is important. Working with a sponsor is a personal relationship.
Addiction is not a choice; it's a disease.
Avoiding the first drink is crucial in recovery.
Personal experiences shape our understanding of addiction.
Stigma around addiction differs from other illnesses.
Community support is vital for recovery.
Friendships can change during recovery.
Addiction is often viewed as a moral failing.
Recognizing addictive behaviors is essential.
Recovery requires ongoing self-awareness and support.
Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction to Addiction Recovery
02:59 Brett's Journey: From Surgeon to Addiction
05:56 The Impact of Opiates on Brett's Life
08:57 Boredom and Triggers in Addiction
11:55 The Downward Spiral of Addiction
15:01 Recovery Begins: The Role of Rehab
18:13 The Gift of Desperation and Willingness
20:56 Practicing Willingness and Building Trust
23:59 The Importance of a Higher Power
25:33 The Role of Sponsorship in Recovery
28:09 Understanding Addiction: Choice vs. Circumstance
29:46 The Importance of Avoiding the First Drink
33:15 Personal Anecdotes and Lessons Learned
37:19 The Stigma of Addiction vs. Other Illnesses
40:15 Building a Supportive Recovery Community
43:00 Friendships and Relationships in Recovery
45:08 The Moral Perspective on Addiction
51:27 Recognizing Addictive Behaviors
57:22 Wisdom from Recovery Experiences
 
#addiction #recovery #addictionrecovery #opiate #drugs #alcoholism #desperatation #cancer #fight #onedayatatime
 
Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!
Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources!Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis! Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources!Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast

Breaking Schizophrenia Stereotypes with Dale Walsh

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Dale Walsh shares his profound journey through mental health challenges, particularly schizophrenia. He discusses his unique approach to poetry as a means of expression, the misconceptions surrounding mental illness, and the vital role of family support and therapy in his recovery. Dale also reflects on his personal history, the impact of societal perceptions, and his journey of self-reinvention, all while maintaining a humorous and insightful perspective on life. In this conversation, Keegan Read and Dale E Walsh explore the complexities of living with schizophrenia, touching on themes of self-perception, the impact of mental illness on relationships, and the importance of education for families. Dale shares his personal experiences with hospitalizations, coping strategies, and the humor he finds in his condition. The discussion emphasizes the need to challenge stereotypes surrounding mental illness and the significance of response versus reaction in managing relationships with loved ones. Dale also shares his aspirations for the future, including writing projects and personal growth.Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction to Dale Walsh and His Journey
02:55 The Poetic Expression of Mental Health
06:02 Understanding Schizophrenia and Its Misconceptions
08:58 Family Dynamics and Support in Mental Health
11:57 The Role of Therapy in Recovery
15:00 The Impact of Personal History on Mental Health
17:57 Reinventing Oneself: The Journey of Dale Walsh
20:59 Conspiracies and Generational Perspectives
27:39 Perceptions of Self and Others
28:47 Understanding Schizophrenia
30:46 Living with Schizophrenia
32:56 Hospitalizations and Rebirths
34:10 Finding Humor in Schizophrenia
37:29 Response vs. Reaction
39:23 Educating Families
40:45 Breaking Codependency
41:34 Future Aspirations
54:07 Challenging Stereotypes
Visit: https://www.dewlivelove.net/
Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!
Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources!Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis! Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources!Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast

Permission to Play: A Path to Happiness with Zander Phelps

In this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read speaks with Zander, the Z Play coach, about the significance of play in our lives, especially as adults. Zander emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with our childlike spirit through play, discussing techniques to activate a 'play flow state' and the benefits of activities like juggling and using a footbag. The conversation explores how play can enhance mental health, foster connections, and combat self-consciousness, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace playfulness in their daily lives. In this conversation, Zander shares his passion for play and the importance of creating connections through playful activities. He discusses the ultimate gift of play, the tools he creates to facilitate it, and the personal connections that arise from sharing these experiences. The dialogue explores the challenges of adulting, the need for permission to play, and the responsibility that comes with spreading joy. Zander emphasizes the significance of making time for play, especially in a digital age that often distracts from real human connections. The conversation concludes with a focus on combating digital isolation and the importance of fostering community through play. In this engaging conversation, Keegan Read and Zander explore the challenges of digital addiction, particularly among the younger generation, and the importance of finding balance between technology and real-life interactions. They discuss the significance of play in rediscovering purpose and joy, especially in a world increasingly influenced by AI. The conversation also highlights the power of gratitude in overcoming life's challenges and the importance of mental health awareness, emphasizing the need for accessible crisis support.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Play and Its Importance03:06 Understanding the Play Flow State05:57 The Role of Play in Adult Life09:12 Techniques to Reconnect with Play12:00 The Benefits of Juggling for Mental Health15:02 Exploring the Footbag and Its Impact19:36 The Ultimate Gift of Play20:26 Creating and Sharing Play Tools22:30 The Power of Personal Connection23:43 The Gift of Play and Its Impact24:37 Permission to Play26:04 Navigating the Responsibility of Joy27:40 Making Time for Play29:00 Breaking Down Barriers to Play30:36 Play in Serious Situations32:18 Addressing Digital Distractions35:20 Combating Digital Isolation36:54 The Importance of Human Connection39:13 The Struggle with Digital Addiction42:06 Finding Balance in Gaming and Real Life43:03 Rediscovering Purpose in a Tech-Driven World44:41 The Role of Play in Finding Joy and Purpose50:15 The Power of Gratitude in Overcoming Challenges55:20 Crisis Support and Mental Health Awareness#play #mentalhealth #retrievingsanity #personalgrowth #permission #flowstate #playstate #footbag #digitaladdiction #happiness
Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis! Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources!Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast

Transforming Pain into Purpose with Austin Page #newyou

In this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read speaks with Austin Page, a mindset and fitness coach, about his transformative journey from a reckless lifestyle to a purpose-driven life. Austin shares the harrowing details of a life-altering car accident that led him to reevaluate his choices and ultimately find a new identity through rehabilitation and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of mindset in overcoming adversity and encourages listeners to take control of their lives by building a better version of themselves. In this conversation, Keegan Read and Austin Page explore the themes of personal growth, mindfulness, and the importance of setting boundaries. They discuss the significance of living in the present, using regret as a guide for better decision-making, and the necessity of building oneself up before helping others. The dialogue emphasizes the need to identify and cut out negative influences, or 'anchors,' in life, and the power of saying 'no' to foster self-discipline. They also touch on the concept of creating a personal brand to define one's future self and the importance of learning from those we admire. In this conversation, Keegan and Austin explore the importance of implementing daily practices for personal growth, the value of role models, and the connection between physical and mental health. They discuss mindset training, the significance of actions in shaping identity, and the importance of accountability. The episode concludes with a focus on mental health awareness and crisis support resources.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Austin Page and His Journey02:15 The Life-Changing Accident06:17 Rehabilitation and Personal Growth09:20 Finding Purpose Through Pain12:42 Creating a New Identity14:36 Mindset and Personal Development17:21 Embracing the Present: The Power of Today18:35 Using Regret as a Guide: Learning from Past Mistakes20:12 Mindfulness and Control: Navigating Life's Challenges21:55 Building Yourself First: The Path to Selflessness24:38 Identifying and Cutting Anchors: Letting Go of Negativity27:31 The Power of No: Setting Boundaries for Self-Improvement30:41 Creating a Personal Brand: Defining Your Future Self36:27 Implementing Daily Practices for Personal Growth39:10 Finding Role Models and Learning from Them42:22 The Connection Between Physical and Mental Health45:11 Mindset Training: Building Discipline and Accountability51:44 Creating Identity Through Actions54:36 Crisis Support and Mental Health AwarenessYou can find his website here: https://gymflocoaching.com/#newyou #retrievingsanity #recovery #reckless #recklesstoredemption #mentalhealth #coach #winthemorning #youcandoit #mentaltraining #self-improvement #personalgrowth #discipline #rolemodels
Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis! Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources!Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast

”Choose Love Not Hate” Q&A Panel with Holocaust Survivor: Ben Lesser

SummaryIn this conversation, Holocaust survivor Benjamin Lesser shares his harrowing experiences during the Holocaust, detailing his life before, during, and after the atrocities. He discusses the importance of remembrance, mental health, and the legacy of sharing stories to educate future generations. Lesser emphasizes the need for schools to teach about the Holocaust comprehensively and the role of his foundation in preserving these memories. The discussion also touches on the impact of trauma, the significance of literature, and the use of technology to keep the stories alive. In this profound conversation, Benjamin Lesser shares his harrowing experiences as a Holocaust survivor, exploring themes of faith, free will, love, and the importance of remembrance. He reflects on the loss of trust and the journey towards forgiveness, emphasizing the need to choose love over hate in today's world. Lesser discusses the impact of his past on his parenting and the significance of teaching future generations about kindness and acceptance. His story is a testament to resilience and the power of love in overcoming trauma.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Holocaust Experience02:48 Life Before the Holocaust06:35 The Impact of the Nazi Occupation10:50 Survival and Liberation14:33 Books and Resources on the Holocaust17:24 Mental Health After Trauma21:09 The Importance of Remembrance23:46 Continuing the Legacy26:50 Empowering the Next Generation30:19 Cherished Memories32:20 Using Technology for Storytelling36:21 Shouting Out for Peace38:08 Open Conversation and Reflections47:00 Faith and Free Will in the Face of Atrocity50:05 Trust and Forgiveness After Trauma53:06 The Power of Love Over Hate53:57 Parenting Through the Lens of Trauma56:52 The Complexity of Forgiveness59:58 Resistance and Resilience During the Holocaust01:03:01 The Importance of Teaching Love01:06:07 Choosing Love in a Divided World01:10:15 Finding Purpose After Trauma01:11:56 The Role of Family in Healing01:14:05 Final Reflections and Messages of Hope#holocaust #survivor #mentalhealth #love #lovenothate #retrievingsanity #recovery #adversity #strong #overcome
Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis! Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources!Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast

Smoking Cessation with Jessi Hartnet

SummaryIn this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read speaks with Jessi Hartnett about her journey through addiction and recovery. Jessi shares her experiences with smoking, drinking, and the challenges she faced along the way. They discuss the concept of initiation in substance use, the interplay of nature and nurture in addiction, and the pivotal moments that led to recovery. Jessi emphasizes the importance of self-talk and the power of affirmations in overcoming negative beliefs and fostering self-love. In this conversation, Jessi Hartnett and Keegan Read explore the complexities of self-talk, emotional regulation, and the journey of addiction recovery. They discuss the importance of affirmations, the role of meditation in managing emotions, and the significance of accepting one's feelings. The dialogue also delves into the challenges of triggers and cravings, emphasizing the need for self-compassion and understanding in the healing process. Ultimately, they highlight the value of personal growth through adversity and the importance of nurturing oneself. In this conversation, Jessi Hartnett and Keegan Read explore themes of acceptance, gratitude, transformation, and the journey of self-discovery. They discuss the importance of moving forward from past traumas, the power of gratitude in recovery, and the necessity of embracing struggles as part of personal growth. Jessi shares insights from her book 'Honor Your Heart', emphasizing the significance of connecting with one's heart and intuition in the healing process. The conversation concludes with a reminder of the importance of community and support in navigating life's challenges.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Recovery Journeys02:56 The Struggles of Addiction05:58 The Role of Initiation in Substance Use09:08 Nature vs. Nurture in Addiction11:59 The Pivot Points in Recovery14:58 Self-Talk and Its Impact on Recovery18:03 The Power of Affirmations22:02 Mothering Yourself: A New Approach to Self-Care27:57 Accepting Emotions: The Key to Healing31:00 Triggers and Cravings: Managing Addiction35:05 Deep Roots of Addiction: Understanding Personal Struggles37:43 Acceptance and Moving Forward39:03 The Power of Gratitude40:45 Transformation Through Struggle42:41 The Journey of Self-Discovery44:38 Releasing the Need for External Validation46:38 Healing from Trauma and Addiction51:18 Connecting with the Heart54:19 The Importance of Intuition55:31 Introducing 'Honor Your Heart'Check out her website here: Honoryourheart.net#interview #smoking #recovery #addiction #mentalhealth #retrievingsanity #honoryourheart #awareness #nicotine #smokingrecovery
Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis! Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources!Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast

A Look at Septemics with Jim Marshall

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jim Marshall and Septimics04:30 Applying Septimics: Analyzing Relationships and Motivations09:45 Natural Law and the Scales of Human Experience14:55 Clarity Through Understanding: The Gradient Problem19:22 Understanding the Gradients of Life23:11 Engineering the Human Psyche25:14 Decoding Relationships with Scales27:10 The Power of Asking the Right Questions29:09 Observations from a Human Development Engineer31:20 The Emergence of New Levels33:54 Mathematical Manifestations in Human Behavior37:56 Discovering Seven-Level Scales39:39 Understanding Gradients in Human Affairs40:41 The Periodic Table of Human Phenomena43:07 Analyzing and Predicting Human Behavior45:07 Practical Applications of Scales in Education47:27 Navigating Life's Challenges with Scales49:05 The Complexity of Personal Growth50:27 Historical Examples of Purpose Transformation53:14 Leadership and Purpose in History55:58 The Legacy of Leadership and Folklore56:55 Understanding Personal Levels and Self-Realization58:28 The Destructive Nature of Leadership01:00:28 Analyzing Historical Figures Through Scales01:02:33 Avoiding Toxic Relationships Through Awareness01:04:49 The Importance of Self-Assessment in Relationships01:06:15 Communication Skills and Their Impact01:09:54 The Power of Understanding in Relationships01:12:47 Exploring Septimics and Its ApplicationsSummaryIn this conversation, Keegan Read interviews author Jim Marshall about his book 'Septimics', which explores the concept of human phenomena occurring in a sequence of seven levels. Jim explains how these levels can be applied to various aspects of life, including relationships and motivations, providing listeners with a framework to analyze and improve their understanding of human behavior. He emphasizes the importance of motivation and how recognizing one's position on these scales can lead to personal growth and clarity in interactions with others. In this conversation, Jim Marshall discusses the concept of gradients in life, particularly in relation to physical fitness and personal development. He emphasizes the importance of gradual progression and understanding one's current state to achieve better health and well-being. Marshall also explores the engineering of the human psyche, the significance of relationships, and how asking the right questions can lead to personal growth. He shares insights from his extensive experience as a human development engineer, highlighting the emergence of new levels of understanding and the mathematical manifestations of human behavior. In this conversation, Jim Marshall discusses the development of seven-level scales that can be applied to various aspects of human behavior and affairs. He explains how these scales can help individuals understand their current position and the next steps they can take in their personal and professional lives. The discussion also touches on the practical applications of these scales in education, the analysis and prediction of human behavior, and historical examples of purpose transformation. Marshall emphasizes the importance of understanding these scales to navigate life's challenges effectively and achieve personal growth. In this conversation, Jim Marshall discusses the importance of understanding personal levels and the impact of leadership styles on relationships and society. He emphasizes the significance of self-realization and awareness in avoiding toxic relationships and improving communication skills. The discussion also touches on historical figures and their destructive behaviors, providing insights into how these patterns can be analyzed through the lens of Septimics, a framework for understanding human phenomena.#retrievingsanity #podcast #mentalhealth #septemics #human #toxic #relationships #awareness #needs
Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis! Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources!Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast

Your Vitality Coach and Self-Discovery with Zoe Smith

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Vitality Coaching05:51 Insights into the UK Healthcare System09:11 Personal Experiences with Mental Health12:59 Exploring Alternative Health Practices16:09 Connecting with Zoe's Coaching Services19:00 Unpacking Personal Issues21:58 The Fear of Consequences24:56 Breaking Free from Societal Norms28:03 The Journey of Self-Discovery32:03 Patience and Personal Growth37:19 The Power of Breath and Movement in Yoga39:01 Understanding Yin and Hatha Yoga40:45 Practical Yoga Techniques for Tension Relief42:02 The Role of Yoga Mats in Practice43:01 Exploring Hot Yoga: Benefits and Experiences44:25 Finding Joy in Self-Care Practices46:21 Meditation: Clearing the Mind and Finding Focus48:24 Techniques for Managing Anxiety and Depression51:17 The Importance of Relaxation in Modern Life54:49 Mind, Body, and Soul: A Holistic ApproachSummaryIn this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read speaks with Zoe Smith, a vitality coach, about her journey from teaching and working in local government to her current role in holistic health. Zoe discusses the concept of vitality coaching, her personal experiences with mental health, and the challenges within the UK healthcare system. She emphasizes the importance of alternative health practices and shares insights into her coaching services, aiming to help individuals regain their vitality and well-being. In this conversation, Keegan Read and Zoe Smith explore the complexities of personal issues, the fear of consequences, and the journey of self-discovery. They discuss how societal norms can create anxiety and depression, the importance of patience in personal growth, and the liberating feeling of breaking free from traditional thought patterns. Zoe shares her experiences with counseling, moving away, and the lessons learned through travel, emphasizing the significance of understanding oneself and the layers of healing involved in that process. In this conversation, Zoe Smith and Keegan Read explore various aspects of yoga, meditation, and self-care practices. They discuss the benefits of different yoga styles, including Yin and Hatha yoga, and share practical techniques for relieving tension. The conversation also delves into the importance of finding joy in self-care, the challenges of meditation, and the necessity of relaxation in modern life. Zoe emphasizes the holistic approach of mind, body, and soul, encouraging listeners to find practices that resonate with them.Check out ⁠www.yourvitalitycoaching.com⁠ For all of your coaching needs!Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!Be sure to check out ⁠Retrievingsanity.com⁠ for all past guest resources!Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast#retrievingsanity #yourvitatlitycoach #coach #personalgrowth #recovery #mentalhealth #rabbitholes #holistichealth
Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis! Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources!Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast