Retrieving Sanity | Recovery from Addictions and Traumas

Dark Tourism, Therapy, Morality and More with Dr. Chad Scott

"Nothing grows in a comfort zone." Today, we’re stepping into the shadows with Dr. Chad Scott. We dive deep into why acknowledging our "personal demons" is crucial for therapy and how historical sites of suffering can foster empathy and resilience. If you've ever felt disoriented by your own past, this conversation on Memento Mori and purposeful living is for you.Check out his website here: https://www.drchadscott.com/
Key Topics
Dark tourism and healingShadow integration and self-awarenessPersonal growth through confronting dark places
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Dark Tourism and Personal Trauma03:11 Experiences in Haunted Places14:40 The Healing Power of Dark Tourism21:34 Unexpected Connections in Cemeteries26:26 Shadows and Personal Demons34:08 Finding Meaning Through Dark Experiences37:20 Beyond Materialism: Redefining Life's Meaning39:24 Memento Mori: Living with Awareness of Mortality40:55 Transforming Pain into Purpose: A Personal Journey48:44 The Recovery Mindset: Embracing Change52:55 Finding Meaning in Life and Death📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com 🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week 💸Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread Recovery & Mental Health Podcast #mentalhealthpodcast #recovery #retrievingsanity #darktourism #healing #personalgrowth #trauma #spirituality #shadowintegration #livertransplant #selfawareness #shadowwork
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

How Looking at Your Shadow Is Good for Your Recovery with Justin Shaw

Recovery is more than just staying clean; it’s a journey of self-discovery. Today, we’re breaking down the concept of the "Shadow"—those hidden fears and limiting beliefs that control your life from the dark. Learn how meditation, creative expression, and the Law of Attraction play a role in permanent emotional healing.
 
Check out his website here: https://www.awakenthesourcerer.com/
Key Topics
Shadow work and shadow integrationThe role of religion and spirituality in recoveryTurning trauma into growth and purpose Shadow work and shadow traitsActive healing through meditation and mindfulnessThe impact of trauma and limiting beliefsLaw of attraction and manifestationEmotional regulation and self-awareness
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sorcery and Recovery04:46 Understanding the Shadow10:39 The Impact of Trauma on Beliefs19:33 Dealing with the Shadow in Daily Life27:18 Embracing the Shadow: Understanding Our Inner Demons34:29 The Addictive Nature of Emotions: Understanding Anger and Control40:15 The Power of Choice: Overcoming Feelings of Powerlessness47:16 Respecting the Process: Patience in Healing49:18 Rewiring the Brain: The Effort of Change📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com
🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week
💸Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread
Recovery & Mental Health Podcast #mentalhealthpodcast #recovery #retrievingsanity #EmotionalIntelligence #AngerManagement #HealingTrauma #ShadowWork #SelfDiscovery #RecoveryJourney
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

The Spouses Story of Alcohol Addiction with Alicia and Damian Bloss

Most people hit rock bottom alone. For Damien and Alicia, it happened simultaneously. In this deep dive into the complexities of trauma and recovery, we explore how addiction corrupts the brain and what it actually takes to rebuild a life from the ground up.
This episode features Damien and Alicia sharing their profound journey through addiction, recovery, and rebuilding trust in their relationship. They discuss the challenges of enabling, the importance of self-care, and the power of forgiveness and understanding in healing together.Check out their Link tree for all things for Breaking the Silence: https://linktr.ee/breakingthesilence0424?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=5f042487-0f63-43f4-8b79-705638539103
Key Topics
The impact of addiction on relationshipsThe process of recovery and rebuilding trustEnabling behaviors and their effectsThe importance of self-care and boundariesForgiveness and healing in relationships
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Recovery and Relationships
02:13 The Early Signs of Addiction
07:31 Self-Blame and Recovery
09:50 Navigating Emotional Turmoil
12:36 The Breaking Point
20:52 The Journey of Healing Together
32:42 Facing Withdrawal: The Struggles of Recover
38:02 The Complexity of Trust: Rebuilding After Addiction
39:53 The Journey of Apologies: When Words Lose Meaning
45:25 Forgiveness: A Two-Way Street in Recovery
49:28 Relearning Each Other: The Evolution of Relationships
54:44 The Fun of Discovery: Finding Yourself in Recovery
 
📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com
🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week
💸Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread
 
#mentalhealthpodcast #addiction #retrievingsanity #alcoholaddiction #recovery #enabling #selfcare #sobriety #relationship #marriagetrouble
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

The Truth About Healing: Stop Trying To Be Perfect!

"When it stops being fun, that's enough."
Are you stuck in a cycle of "push and crash"? Jackie Baxter joins Keegan Read to discuss why perfectionism is the enemy of recovery. We’re breaking down practical breathwork techniques for emotional regulation and how to set boundaries that actually protect your peace.
Key Takeaways:
Practical breathwork for daily regulation.
How to embrace the "Unfamiliar Pleasure" of resting.
Finding joy in the small wins of recovery.
Check out Jackies Podcast and Website here: https://longcovidpodcast.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Recovery and Perfectionism06:09 Creating for Yourself13:25 Finding Joy in Recovery19:26 The Search for Balance and Harmony21:07 Navigating Recovery and Identity26:41 Setting Boundaries for Self-Care29:00 Letting Go of Control31:56 Understanding Identity Shifts in Recovery39:09 Looking Forward: The Journey Beyond Illness44:52 Self-Discovery and Personal Growth47:38 Lessons Learned Through Adversity
📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com
🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week
💸Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread
Recovery & Mental Health Podcast
#mentalhealthpodcast #recovery #retrievingsanity #Breathwork #Perfectionism #SelfCare #ChronicIllness #HealingJourney
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

Stop Losing Your Energy: The Secret to Stronger Boundaries in Recovery with Daryl Dittmer

Are you stuck in a cycle of blame? Keegan Read and guest Daryl Dittmer dive deep into why responsibility is the key to unlocking your true self. From setting boundaries that preserve your energy to embracing vulnerability as a strength, this episode of Retrieving Sanity is a roadmap for anyone navigating the messiness of personal growth and addiction recovery.
 
We explore the "poison of blame," the necessity of saying "no," and how to find your "next right step" when life feels confusing.Check out his website here: https://www.daryldittmer.com/
Key Topics
Responsibility and blame in recoveryThe role of boundaries and discernmentVulnerability as strength and growthThe importance of change and adaptabilityInner work and spiritual connection
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Recovery and Personal Growth00:34 The Poison of Blame03:17 Boundaries and Personal Responsibility08:39 Vulnerability as Strength17:38 Navigating Confusion in Recovery32:22 Game Show Segment: The Next Right Step49:53 Retrieving Sanity: A Continuous Journey📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com 🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week 💸Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread
Recovery & Mental Health Podcast
#mentalhealthpodcast #recovery #retrievingsanity #personalgrowth #recovery #boundaries #vulnerability #change #sobriety #selfawareness
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

(Fixed File) I Grew Up in a Haunted House: How Trauma Became My Fuel with Amanda Fasciano

What happens when your childhood home is literally haunted? Author Amanda Facciano (The Otherworld Saga) joins Keegan Read to discuss how her paranormal upbringing and personal traumas became the "fuel for her fire" in storytelling. We dive deep into the healing power of writing, the "emotional devastation" of art, and how to reinvent yourself when life feels like it's falling apart.
Check out her website here: https://authoramandafasciano.com/
Key Topics
Amanda's haunted house experiences and paranormal encountersHow storytelling serves as a trauma release and healing toolThe creative process behind The Otherworld Saga and character developmentThe importance of self-awareness and mental health in writingInteractive storytelling and improv as a form of creative expression
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Amanda Facciano and Her Work
01:00 The Influence of a Haunted Childhood
04:21 Exploring Paranormal Experiences
08:00 The Journey to Writing and Publishing
14:04 The Art of Storytelling and Emotional Depth
19:56 Improv Storytelling and Audience Interaction
23:44 Trauma and Writing: A Healing Process
29:57 Finding Light in Darkness
33:11 Transforming Pain into Purpose
39:20 Identity and Reinvention through Writing
45:20 The Journey of a Writer
48:49 Creative Processes and Inspirations
55:32 Retrieving Sanity: Self-Awareness and Forward Momentum
📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com
🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week
💸Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread
Recovery & Mental Health Podcast
#mentalhealthpodcast #recovery #retrievingsanity #paranormal #storytelling #trauma #writing #hauntedhouse #fantasy #authorinterview #traumarecovery
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

They Called Him a Monster, Now He Helps People Slay Them to Heal with Thomas Wilson

In this deeply moving episode of Retrieving Sanity, Thomas Wilson joins Keegan Read to discuss his journey from being labeled a "monster" to becoming a leading advocate for the neurodiverse community. We dive into the raw reality of navigating self-hatred, the hidden impact of ableism, and why storytelling is the ultimate tool for healing trauma.
If you’ve ever felt like an outsider or struggled to set boundaries while helping others, this conversation on creative problem-solving and compassion is for you.Check out his website here: https://www.rhcreativeadvocacyandstorytelling.net/
 
Key Topics
Thomas Wilson's personal journey from trauma to advocacyThe importance of storytelling in healing and connectionCreating safe, inclusive spaces for neurodiverse individualsThe impact of empathy, boundaries, and accountabilityUsing role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons for social and emotional growth
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Thomas Wilson's Journey04:48 The Power of Storytelling07:47 Creating Safe Spaces in Dungeons and Dragons10:37 Navigating Ableism and Bias27:37 Navigating Self-Hatred and Accountability31:23 The Role of Compassion in Advocacy39:05 The Importance of Self-Care and Boundaries44:11 The Challenge of Feedback and Criticism52:22 Retrieving Sanity: Personal Reflections and Practices📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com 🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week 💸 Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread
#Neurodiversity #MentalHealth #DungeonsAndDragons #TraumaRecovery #SelfCare #Advocacy #Storytelling
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

Healing From Trauma: The BREAK System to End Shame Forever with Emma Lyons

Is shame blocking your manifestation and personal growth? Keegan speaks with Emma while she reveals the BREAK system, a practical method to combat shame and reclaim your sovereignty. We discuss the cultural roots of shame and how individual transformation is the only way to change society. Check out her Substack here: https://traumamatrix.substack.com/
Key Topics
The role of shame as a control mechanism in societyTools and systems to break shame cyclesThe connection between shame and narcissismPractical steps to reclaim authenticity and self-love
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Shame and Identity Crisis04:55 Understanding the Impact of Shame12:53 The BREAK System Explained18:31 The Role of Shame in Society21:20 Narcissism and Shame26:43 The Challenge of Authenticity32:57 Transforming Shame into Self-Reflection37:35 The Roots of Shame in Human Identity40:57 The Power of Shamelessness as Self-Love44:14 Shame as a Barrier to Manifestation47:03 Tools for Breaking Up with Shame50:52 The Journey Towards Authentic Happiness
📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com
🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week Recovery & Mental Health Podcast
💸Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread
 
#mentalhealthpodcast #recovery #retrievingsanity #shame #authenticity #selflove #societalchange #empowerment #breakfree #traumarecovery #brokensystem
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

Why Your Body Remembers What Your Mind Tries to Forget with Naomi Morad

Ever feel like your body is reacting to something your mind can’t quite name? In this episode, Keegan Read and Naomi Morad dive deep into the world of psychosomatic healing. Discover why "the issue is in the tissue" and how somatic release can help you reclaim your life from the grip of past trauma. We explore how dissociation serves as a survival mechanism and why traditional talk therapy sometimes isn't enough to reach the trauma stored in your cells.Check out her website at: https://www.naomimorad.com/
Key Topics
The connection between subconscious beliefs and tissue responseHow trauma is stored in the body and methods to release itThe importance of guided somatic therapy and bodyworkBuilding self-trust through emotional processingThe role of consciousness and mental models in healing
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Psychosomatic Healing02:15 Understanding the Mind-Body Connection07:46 The Role of Dissociation in Survival12:52 The Importance of Guidance in Healing19:15 Unraveling Trauma and Healing Connections23:26 The Journey to Trusting Our Bodies26:19 The Role of Consciousness in Healing30:16 The Omnipresence of Trauma in the Body38:10 Embracing Feelings: The Path to Self-Compassion41:18 Releasing Trauma: Practical Steps43:54 Burning Bridges: Letting Go of Toxic Relationships46:45 The Healing Journey: A Continuous Process52:27 Acknowledging Progress in Healing
 
#mentalhealthpodcast #retrievingsanity #recovery #trauma #psychosomatic #healing #mindbodyconnection #emotionalrelease #traumatherapy #selfawareness #innerchild #emotionalhealing
 
📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com
🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week
💸Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread
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

Witches in Recovery: Reclaiming Spirituality in Addiction Recovery with Sunshine Witchski

**Podcasthon Special**Can witchcraft be a tool for healing? Sunshine Witchski joins the podcast to break down the misconceptions of witchcraft and how the "Sovereign Phoenix" is creating a safe space for witches in recovery. We explore the link between addiction and societal control, the power of harm reduction, and how to protect your energy while navigating the chaos of healing.The Sovereign Phoenix Website: https://thesovereignphoenix.com/
The Sober Witch Life Website: https://soberwitch.life/
Reflection Sheet here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kkrbxLVqQkJo2Xr7akVas4nW8gWvzZCT/view?usp=drive_link
 
Key Topics
Recovery as an act of rebellion
The role of spirituality and witchcraft in healing
Shadow work and self-discovery in recovery
Chapters
00:00 The Intersection of Recovery and Spirituality02:18 Personal Journeys: Sunshine's Path to Recovery08:17 Defining Witchcraft: Beliefs and Practices13:55 The Sovereign Phoenix: A Movement for Healing16:53 Addiction and Control: Breaking the Cycle23:22 Reclaiming Identity and Self-Discovery26:06 The Burden of 'Shoulds' in Life28:18 Living Authentically vs. Checking Boxes36:09 The Sovereign Phoenix Movement and Shadow Work39:52 The Power of Saying No43:51 Supporting Recovery Initiatives46:28 The Journey of Self-Discovery54:04 Finding Peace and Purpose in Recovery
 
📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com
🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week
💸Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread
 
#mentalhealthpodcast #recovery #retrievingsanity #witchcraft #addiction #addictionrecovery #shadowwork #selflove #sovereignty #healing #personalgrowth #recoveryjourney
 
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