Retrieving Sanity | Mental Health & Recovery from Addictions and Traumas

"Recovery focused healing from addictions and traumas with personal experiences."
Hey there! My name is Keegan, Host of ”Retrieving Sanity”, a podcast aiming to become a non-profit for mental health resources and services for veterans, people struggling with homelessness, addiction, and traumas. Are you looking to help kick an addiction? Maybe you've got some traumas you'd like to heal from? There's plenty of that to be found here, and we're just getting started!
I want you to know, whatever it is you're going through; you're not alone and there is someone willing to help. I know in the middle of it all, it seems crazy and never-ending, so that's why me and my guests are here to walk with you and show you the ways out.
If you like what you hear, leave a comment, subscribe to the YouTube Channel, and check us out on air on WDJY 99.1 FM (Every Friday 7am EST) or on Reveel!
Get the merch here!
Retrieving Sanity is here to help you pick up the pieces of yourself, reclaim your mental sovereignty, and together, we can help make the world a better place, one conversation at a time!
Check out https://www.retrievingsanity.com for a list of all guests and their websites!
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
Episodes
Episodes



Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Transforming Pain into Purpose with Austin Page #newyou
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
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



Monday Mar 17, 2025
”Choose Love Not Hate” Q&A Panel with Holocaust Survivor: Ben Lesser
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
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



Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Smoking Cessation with Jessi Hartnet
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
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



Saturday Mar 15, 2025
A Look at Septemics with Jim Marshall
Saturday Mar 15, 2025
Saturday Mar 15, 2025
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



Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Your Vitality Coach and Self-Discovery with Zoe Smith
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
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



Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Life After Loss with Lisa Sugarman (Trigger Warning)
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Advocacy05:58 Discovering the Truth About Loss08:55 Transforming Pain into Purpose12:05 Understanding Suicide and Mental Health15:00 The Importance of Crisis Support17:59 The Role of 988 in Mental Health20:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts24:08 Engaging First Responders in Mental Health25:52 Navigating Personal Stories in Mental Health28:35 The Power of Language in Discussing Suicide31:18 Breaking the Stigma Around Suicide33:10 Understanding the Impact of Suicide on Families36:38 The Shift in Perception of Suicide and Mental Illness40:30 Navigating Grief and Acceptance42:01 The Journey of Healing44:02 Coping Mechanisms and Emotional Expression46:02 Creating a New Relationship with Loss47:54 Finding Connection in Nature50:00 The Importance of Presence and Awareness52:02 Upcoming Projects and Resources for Grief SupportSummaryIn this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read speaks with Lisa Sugarman, a mental health advocate and author, about her journey through grief and loss after losing loved ones to suicide. Lisa shares her personal story, the impact of discovering the truth about her father's death, and how she transformed her pain into purpose by advocating for mental health awareness and support. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding suicide, the role of crisis support, and the significance of the 988 hotline for those in need. In this conversation, Keegan Read and Lisa Sugarman discuss the importance of mental health awareness, particularly in relation to suicide and crisis support. They explore the role of storytelling in healing, the need for open discussions about suicide, and the impact of language on stigma. Lisa shares her experiences with NAMI and the significance of engaging first responders in mental health education. They also address the evolving perceptions of suicide and the importance of recognizing mental illness as a health issue rather than a moral failing. In this conversation, Lisa Sugarman shares her personal journey through grief and healing after losing her father. She discusses the importance of acceptance, the long process of healing, and the various coping mechanisms that can help individuals navigate their emotions. Lisa emphasizes the significance of maintaining a connection with loved ones who have passed and how nature can serve as a source of comfort. The discussion also touches on the importance of being present and aware of our feelings, as well as the upcoming projects and resources she is developing to support others dealing with grief.#recovery #mentalhealth #loss #suicide #grief #life #resources #advocacy #coping #988Check out Thehelphub.co for any mental health resources you could need! 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



Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Navigating the Maze of Anxiety with Barbara
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Chapters00:00 Introduction to Anxiety and Panic06:27 Understanding Anxiety and Its Triggers12:22 Changing Your Relationship with Anxiety15:30 Grounding Techniques and Self-Awareness19:34 Understanding Anxiety and Calm Skills21:55 The Importance of Calm in the Face of Panic22:54 Communicating with Anxiety: Letter Writing Techniques23:22 Building a Foundation of Calm25:31 Anxiety as an Overreactive Protector29:11 Societal Pressures and Anxiety31:00 The Healing Power of Facing Fears36:00 Transforming Anticipatory Anxiety into Curiosity37:40 Understanding Anxious Thoughts40:04 Managing Input and Boundaries42:24 Reclaiming Life and Healing43:22 The Ripple Effect of Recovery46:22 Distinguishing Between Panic and Heart Attack49:16 Changing Anxious Self-Talk52:24 Practicing Calmness53:02 Resources for RecoverySummaryIn this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read speaks with Barbara Spaulding, an LCSW and anxiety coach, about her personal journey with panic attacks and anxiety. Barbara shares her experiences of living with anxiety for over 15 years, the challenges she faced, and the strategies she developed to overcome it. The conversation delves into the importance of practical skills in managing anxiety, changing one's relationship with anxiety, and the significance of self-awareness and grounding techniques in the recovery process. In this conversation, Barbara Spaulding, an anxiety coach, discusses various techniques for managing anxiety, emphasizing the importance of recognizing anxious reactions and developing calm skills. She introduces the concept of communicating with anxiety through letter writing, the significance of building a foundation of calm, and the impact of societal pressures on anxiety levels. The discussion also touches on the healing power of facing fears and transforming anticipatory anxiety into curiosity. In this conversation, Barbara Spaulding, an anxiety coach, discusses the nature of anxious thoughts, the importance of managing input and setting boundaries, and the journey of reclaiming one's life from anxiety. She emphasizes the need for self-care, the ripple effect of recovery, and practical strategies for distinguishing between panic attacks and heart issues. The discussion also covers the significance of changing self-talk and practicing calmness, along with resources available for those struggling with anxiety.#retrievingsanity #recovery #anxiety #self-talk #boundaries #onedayatatime #youcandoit
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



Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Food Warriors for Mental Health with Shannon Dobbs (Radio Edit)
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Chapters00:00 Introduction to Food Justice and Mental Health05:56 Building a Grocery Store: Challenges and Setbacks11:57 Innovative Food Rescue Strategies17:58 Navigating the Nonprofit Landscape24:32 The Search for a Simpler Life30:52 Challenging Food Regulations37:02 Impending Crises and Societal Ignorance42:56 The Role of Money in Food Politics48:08 The Impact of Environment on Mental Health54:14 Empowering Communities to Combat Food Insecurity01:00:15 The Journey Towards Self-Sufficiency and Community BuildingSummaryIn this episode, Keegan Read interviews Shannon J Dobbs, a food justice warrior and veteran, who shares his journey from running nightclubs to advocating for food justice and mental health. Shannon discusses the challenges he faced in establishing a grocery store in a food desert, the impact of the pandemic on his personal growth, and innovative strategies for food rescue. He highlights the connection between food waste and climate change and navigates the complexities of the nonprofit sector while seeking collaboration with the farming community. In this conversation, Shannon J Dobbs discusses the complexities of modern food systems, the mental health implications of food insecurity, and the urgent need for new farmers. He shares personal experiences and insights into the bureaucratic challenges faced by those trying to innovate within the food industry. The discussion highlights the hidden truths about food distribution, the narrative surrounding food waste, and the societal ignorance towards impending crises related to food and agriculture. In this conversation, Shannon J Dobbs and Keegan Read explore the intricate relationship between mental health, addiction, and community environment. They discuss the Rat Park experiment, which highlights how environment influences addiction, and emphasize the importance of community in improving mental health. The dialogue also covers practical solutions for food insecurity and waste management, advocating for grassroots initiatives that empower communities to take charge of their health and environment. The conversation concludes with reflections on finding community and support in the journey of self-discovery and mental well-being.#mentalhealth #foodjustice #recovery #crazy #foodwarrior #foodforall #worldhunger #hungergames
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









