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Norman Curtiss has been a practicing pharmacist for about 8 years.  He grew up always playing sports as a child and throughout high school.  Norman struggled with substance use disorder with either alcohol, Adderall or both throughout most of his 20's and early 30's.  His journey to recovery started with a phone call to Lionrock.  That was June 2, 2018, and he has been sober from alcohol since that day.  His addiction to Adderall continued until July of 2019 when he was arrested for diverting medication from the pharmacy where he was working.Norman’s goal is to be more open about his past in order to help eliminate the negative stigma associated with substance use disorders, especially in the healthcare field.   He has now put himself in a position to be as happy as he's ever been - living a sober, active lifestyle.  He now works part-time as a pharmacist and has started taking classes to become a physician assistant.  His goal is to become a PA in order to work directly with patients who are suffering from addiction disorders and mental health issues and help them on their way to recovery. Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Contact Norman with any questions here Looking for Online Support?Click here to view Lionrock.Life's online support groups and meetings (12-step and other) Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

Pete Caraher is a stay-at-home-dad of two boys - one a senior in college and the other in a high school transition program for special needs kids.  After years of working to support his family, he and his wife decided to do the untraditional role reversal for 22+ years (him staying at home, her working to support the family).  Pete struggled to find his new identity as a stay-at-home-dad, and his drinking progressed for years until he was confronted with losing his family forever.Pete and his family now live in Northern Wisconsin, and he enjoys an alcohol-free life focused on his family. Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Looking for Online Support?Click here to view Lionrock.Life's online support groups and meetings (12-step and other) Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

Bonus Episode: It's the holidays FINALLY the end of 2020!!  Join Ashley and Christiana as they talk about what 2020 meant to them, say how they're ushering in the holidays and list resources to help support sobriety and recovery through this season. Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Resourced Mentioned:Holiday Fellowship MarathonNational Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1-800-273-8255Crisis Textline Website - Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor Looking for Online Support?Click here to view Lionrock.Life's online support groups and meetings (12-step and other) Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookLionrock.Life Facebook | Lionrock.Life InstagramQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

Brock Bevell is a well-regarded family man with 7 children, six daughters and one son. He is a retired Police Officer who was run over on duty and ultimately retired from the injuries.  The injuries caused him to endure numerous knee surgeries and constant rehabilitation. To deal with the pain, he was prescribed opioids. After months and months of therapy, the department and doctors made the determination that his injuries would prevent him from doing the job effectively and could place others at risk. It was decided that he would be medically retired from the department. ​For the next few years, Brock struggled with being retired. The day after turning in his equipment, he felt ostracized and not a part of the brotherhood. This was a huge blow to his ego. One day you're chasing bad guys and the next you're picking up your kid’s toys. It was a difficult transition. It was at this time that Brock’s addiction took control of his emotions and he began to spin out of control, and he proceeded to self-medicate himself.  During the height of his addiction, he went through a very difficult divorce. He lost time with his children and made poor decisions costing him his children’s trust.​Since recovering from his addiction, Brock has helped hundreds of men and women combat addiction. He utilizes an unconventional approach to recovery. This approach continues to lead men and women to lasting sobriety. Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Resources Mentioned:Brock's Contact Information:Chase the Vase WebsiteChase the Vase Podcast on SpotifyChasing the Vase - FacebookEmail Brock - chasingthevase@gmail.com@brockbevell InstagramConnect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

ATE for Episode #'s 85 & 86: Today brings another exciting After the Episode! Ashley and Christiana sit down to recap two more guest episodes this week (see links to their episodes below in the 'Resources' section of the show notes), along with deep diving into the important topics covered. Tune in to hear more about Danielle Gregorich and Kevin Barhydt's stories, along with discussing what it looks like to walk out the recovery mantra 'One Day At A Time' and finding endurance for the things that truly matter. Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Resourced Mentioned:Episodes we are reviewing:Ep #85 - Danielle GregorichEp #86 - Kevin BarhydtLionshare Organic CoffeeHoliday Fellowship MarathonSugarAddiction.com: Michael Collins Sugar-Free January ChallengeEp #62 - Michael CollinsLooking for Online Support?Click here to view Lionrock.Life's online support groups and meetings (12-step and other) Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookLionrock.Life Facebook | Lionrock.Life InstagramQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

Kevin Barhydt is a YouTube creator, and the author of Dear Stephen Michael’s Mother. His YouTube channel creates a safe space for survirors of addiction, abandonment, adoption and child sexual abuse, and to explore the healing process.Abandoned by his mother at birth, Kevin was enveloped in a labyrinth of adoption, addiction, and child sexual abuse. By age 20, a shell of the boy he once was, Kevin succumbed completely to a suicidal lifestyle of drug dealing and prostitution.  At 45, after many years of recovery, Kevin began a painful journey to uncover his origins, and the hopeful search for his mother. His book, “Dear Stephen Michael’s Mother”, chronicles the unfolding of these stories.The interwoven perspectives offer an unflinching look at the myriad ways life can cloak us in darkness and helplessness yet still resonate with joy and recovery. Kevin Barhydt's life is summed up with these eight words: to be of service to God and others.As a YouTube creator, actor, educator, and disability technology evangelist - as a son, husband, father and friend - he gives of himself with one expectation: that you can only keep what you have by giving it away. Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Resources Mentioned:Kevin's Contact InformationYouTubeWebsiteTwitterFacebookLinkedInInstagramBuy Kevin's book - "Dear Stephen Michael's Mother" Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

ATE for Episode #'s 82 & 83: Today is an exciting After the Episode with a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT in the beginning! Ashley and Christiana sit down to recap two more guest episodes this week (see links to their episodes below in the 'Resources' section of the show notes), along with deep diving into the important topics covered. Tune in to hear more about Brendan McDonough's incredible story that was relived through the hit movie "Only the Brave", along with discussing the realities and difficulties of living through and dealing with suicidal ideations and some important resources that can help.  Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Resourced Mentioned:Episodes we are reviewing:Ep #82 - Brendan McDonoughEp #83 - Christina KimbroughOther episodes referenced:Ep #10 - Charise ThompsonEp #11 - Amy PetersonEp #5 - Kara IsraelAmy Peterson's Instagram - @cptsdchroniclesChristina Kimbrough's Instagram - @ckimbrough1National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1-800-273-8255Crisis Textline Website - Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor Looking for Online Support?Click here to view Lionrock.Life's online support groups and meetings (12-step and other) Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookLionrock.Life Facebook | Lionrock.Life InstagramQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

Danielle Gregorich is an Arizona native, an Air Force wife and a sober Mom of two amazing children.  She is a multiple suicide attempt survivor, a kidney cancer survivor and a stroke survivor.  In short, she is a living miracle!Danielle started writing about her sobriety daily.  She wrote raw and  authentically about her struggles with sobriety, marriage and motherhood.  Writing quickly became therapeutic and played a crucial role in her first years of sobriety.Her writing culminated in her first book - Stroke of Sobriety - The Essential Daily Guide.  Her book is available for purchase exclusively on Amazon.  Today, Danielle is an active member in the recovery community and works at a treatment center.  She is a public speaker sharing her experience, strength and hope anytime she gets the opportunity to do so. Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Resources Mentioned:Danielle's Book - Stroke of Sobriety on Amazon Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

Christina Kimbrough was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio.  She is a childhood survivor of abuse, and grew up in a very strict evangelical Christian environment with no tv, radio or any sources of media.  She struggled with anxiety as long as she could remember, but didn’t pick up a drink until she was about 21 years old.  Once she started, her drinking started progressing very quickly.  After being diagnosed with a panic disorder at 25, her anxiety dovetailed into suicidal ideations, and she finally hit her bottom in January of 2020 when she decided she needed help.  After moving back home to get help and continuing to drink for months, she finally entered IOP treatment and finished the first week of lockdown from the COVID-19 Pandemic. Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

Brendan was on the verge of becoming a hopeless, inveterate heroin addict when he, for the sake of his young daughter, decided to turn his life around. He enlisted in the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a crew of elite hotshot firefighters based in Prescott, Arizona. Their superintendent, Eric Marsh, was in a desperate crunch after four hotshots left the crew, and seeing a glimmer of promise in the skinny would-be recruit, he took a chance on the unlikely McDonough, and the chance paid off. Despite the crew’s skepticism, and thanks in large part to Marsh’s firm but loving encouragement, McDonough unlocked a latent drive and dedication, going on to successfully battles a number of blazes and he eventually wins the confidence of the men he came to call his brothers. Then, on June 30, 2013, while McDonough–“Donut” as he’d been dubbed by his crew–served as lookout, they confronted a freak, 3,000-degree inferno in nearby Yarnell, Arizona. The relentless firestorm ultimately trapped his hotshot brothers, tragically killing all 19 of them within minutes. Nationwide, it was the greatest loss of firefighter lives since the 9/11 attacks. After the unfathomable loss of that day, McDonough suffered from seemingly insurmountable bouts of depression, Post-Traumatic Stress, and issues with alcohol. But the light of hope that inspired him to keep living in one of his darkest moments—his family who needed him—inspired the firefighter to fight on against depression, addiction and to inspire others to find their best selves, even if that means often looking beyond the self. Building a sense of brotherhood within communities gives McDonough great joy – because it helps this fighter honor the legacy of his 19 lost, but not forgotten, brothers.  Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Resourced Mentioned:Brendan's Treatment Center - Holdfast RecoveryBrendan's book - Granite Mountain Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

ATE for Episode #'s 79 & 80: Ashley and Christiana sit down to recap two  guest episodes this week (see links to their episodes below in the 'Resources' section of the show notes), along with deep diving into the important topics covered. Tune in to hear more about the amazing power and bond that exists within the recovery community, along with dealing with processing grief and loss and how healing can come from the process. Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Resourced Mentioned:Episodes we are reviewing:Ep #79 - Eileen Robertson HamraEp #80 - Randy Eileen's book - Time to Fly on Amazon Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookLionrock.Life Facebook | Lionrock.Life InstagramQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

A native of Orange County, California, Randy grew up surfing, skateboarding and slam dancing.  After his parents divorce, the heavy weight of anxiety and uncertainty fell and started increasing.  At the age of 13, he gravitated toward the kids who were drinking and smoking pot - feeling the instant release from his constant anxiety.  Having grown up with an alcoholic father, he thought it was the norm to drink daily.  That same pattern of drinking settled onto him, and set him on a path of fear, attempting to fill the void and destruction.After finally coming to terms that alcohol was causing him tremendous problems, he found the 12 step program and started plugging in to a place where he could learn to be authentic and heal from the destruction that alcohol had caused.  Randy has been sober since February 22nd, 1994, and is deeply entrenched in the 12-step community.Randy would like to dedicate this podcast in memoriam to his close friend, Billy Brown. Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud  Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

Eileen could have never imagined how her life would change in the course of one wintery night. Authorities confirmed that the plane her husband was piloting on his way home to celebrate Christmas with the family had crashed, and he had not survived. With three young children and an entire lifetime ahead of her, Eileen’s journey through the valleys of grief and the peaks of hope brought her to a place that is nothing short of miraculous. Author, speaker, yogi, and philanthropist, Eileen Robertson Hamra, shares her experiences in her first book, Time to Fly, available now through City Point Press and Simon and Schuster. Along the way Eileen discovered that keeping promises to those that have left this world is a lifelong act, and honoring one love does not mean foregoing the freedom and love that is found in reopening your heart, trusting in new love and expanding your definition of family. Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Resourced Mentioned:Eileen's book - Time to Fly on AmazonEileen's websiteFollow Eileen on social mediaInstagramFacebookTwitter Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

ATE for Episode #'s 76 & 77: Ashley and Christiana sit down to recap two  guest episodes this week (see links to their episodes below in the 'Resources' section of the show notes), along with deep diving into the important topics covered. Tune in to hear more about compulsive behaviors (including compulsive shopping - a newer topic highlighted recently on our podcast), and some in-depth insight for family members with loved ones fighting all forms of addiction. Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Resourced Mentioned:Episodes we are reviewing:Ep #76 - Betsy AmesEp #77 - Chris Paulson Compulsive shopping article on Psychology TodayBetsy's company - Mindful StyleChris Paulson's rehab - Discover Recovery (in Washington)Al-Anon MeetingsLionrock Recovery's Family Matters ProgramFind a therapist on Psychology TodayWant to be considered as a guest on the podcast in Season 3?  Fill out the guest app here Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookLionrock.Life Facebook | Lionrock.Life InstagramQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

Chris Paulson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over fifteen years of experience working within the field of behavioral health. He holds a masters degree in clinical psychology and has a wealth of clinical experience and expertise, having previously served as a clinical director, clinical supervisor, director of admissions, program director, etc at a number of behavioral health organizations ranging from the non profit to the private sector. Chris has been sober for over sixteen years, and much of his personal experience has helped shape his belief systems surrounding the effective treatment of substance use disorders.In 2018 Chris helped start and co-found a detoxification and residential treatment program in Washington state called Discover Recovery. To a large extent, this recent endeavor has been the culmination of collective experience borrowed from his previous work experiences. His life has not been idyllic, as he has had to overcome a significant amount of personal adversity, however, his ability to weather these proverbial storms has reinforced his belief in the process of healing and the ability to persevere.Chris has appeared on national television as an expert on addictive disorders, was previously a keynote speaker for the University of California's Collegiate Recovery Conference, and continues to strive to be a voice of compassion and humanism within the world of addiction. Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Resourced Mentioned:Discover Recovery WebsiteDiscover Recovery's FacebookDiscover Recovery's Instagram Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

Betsy Ames is the owner of Mindful Style. She's a Closet Curator turned Social Worker and is currently working toward earning her clinical license to become an addiction focused therapist. She's also a recovering compulsive shopper and alcoholic. She currently teaches others sustainable and mindful shopping practices and decluttering tips. She walks her talk and practices what she teaches.You can find out more about her by going to mindfulstyle.com/meet-betsy. Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Resourced Mentioned:More Info About Compulsive ShoppingAbout ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families)Join an ACA MeetingMindful Style - Betsy's businessContact Betsy on social mediaMindful Style FacebookMindful Style InstagramMindful Style Twitter Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

ATE for Episode #'s 71, 72, 73 & 74: Ashley and Christiana sit down to recap two  guest episodes this week (see links to their episodes below in the 'Resources' section of the show notes), along with deep diving into the important topics covered. Tune in to hear more about adoption and it's connection to trauma and substance abuse, and how to reach and relate to someone who is struggling. Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Resourced Mentioned:Episodes we are reviewing:Ep #71 - Arlina AllenEp #72 - Preston MooreEp #73 - Chuck OEp #74 - Russian Danny Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookLionrock.Life Facebook | Lionrock.Life InstagramQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

Daniil Khorunzhiy AKA, Russian Danny, was born in Kiev, Ukraine and immigrated to Los Angeles, CA when he was a wee young lad. He hit the ground running and found himself immersed in the LA culture of crime, graffiti and drugs. After several close calls with death and bouts in the notorious LA County Jail—Russian Danny turned the page and started a new chapter in his life. He now produces and hosts a successful podcast called It’s All Bad, and is pursuing a career in acting and film making. He also volunteers with several organizations that focus on giving back to the streets he grew up in.  Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Resourced Mentioned:Danny's Podcast: It's All Bad Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

ATE for Episode #'s 68 & 69: Ashley and Christiana sit down to recap two  guest episodes this week (see links to their episodes below in the 'Resources' section of the show notes), along with deep diving into the important topics covered. Tune in to hear more about adoption and it's connection to trauma and substance abuse, and how to reach and relate to someone who is struggling. Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Resourced Mentioned:Episodes we are reviewing:Ep #68 - Brandon CrockettEp #69 - Whitney Horne Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookLionrock.Life Facebook | Lionrock.Life InstagramQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

Born and raised in Mesa, AZ, Chuck O couldn’t explain why he kept getting into trouble as a young kid.  After his 70th separate felony, he became a ward of the state at the young age of 13.After living in a home with other convicted felons until 18, Chuck went on tour with the Grateful Dead where his drinking and substance use picked up significantly.  After an arduous journey with substance use that left him hopelessly addicted to heroin, Chuck turned to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help him transition off heroin through the use of methadone.Chuck found the 12-step program while on medication-assisted treatment.  In this episode, he talks about breaking the stigma of being sober on MAT, and openly shares his story of relapse after years of recovery and how he and his family dealt with it and helped him find recovery again and ultimately do a blind detox off Suboxone.This episode is gut-wrenching to hear, but the story of love and redemption ring so clear in Chuck's story. Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life