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Adam Fout was born to two attorneys in San Diego, CA. Although he didn’t know it at the time, Adam struggled with OCD, depression, anxiety, and binge eating from a young age. He began a ‘legal career of his own’ after a run-in with the Kansas City Bureau of Investigation while in college. Following this experience, Adam’s mental health spiraled out of control. He attempted suicide, spent time in multiple psych wards, and went to rehab. Like many with substance use disorder, Adam struggled with accepting that his substance use was a problem.Today, by working the programs of Cocaine Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, and Alcoholics Anonymous Adam enjoys a life of long-term recovery. He travels with his wife McKayla, who is a travel nurse. Adam is a speculative fiction and nonfiction author as well as an addiction, recovery, and mental health blogger. Adam is currently querying his memoir, which includes several nonfiction chapters listed on his website adamfout.com.Episode ResourcesOvereaters Anonymous |  oa.orgBright Line Eating |  brightlineeating.comLionrock's CommUnity Meetings | lionrock.life/meetingsConnect with Adam FoutAdam's Website | adamfout.comAdam's Instagram | @adamfoutAdam's Facebook | @AdamFoutAuthorConnect with Us  at The Courage to ChangePodcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcastPodcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcastPodcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcastPodcast Email | podcast@lionrock.lifeLooking for Online Support?Lionrock.life provides a variety of aa meetings and aa alternative meetings via Zoom. View Lionrock’s comprehensive meeting schedule here.Interested in CommUnity Table? Check out our upcoming events!Listen & Subscribe to The Courage to ChangeApple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud

We’re excited to introduce our new series, Ask the Expert, where your host, Ashley Loeb Blassingame, exchanges views with and picks the brains of industry leading experts. Our first episode of the series features Dr. Adi Jaffe.Adi Jaffe, Ph.D. is a #1 best-selling author and a nationally recognized expert on mental health, addiction, relationships and shame. He lectured in the UCLA Psychology department for the better part of a decade and was the Executive-Director and Co-Founder of one of the most progressive mental health treatment facilities in the country - until he started IGNTD.Dr. Jaffe, through IGNTD, is changing the way people think about, and deal with mental health issues. His passion in the role of shame destroying lives is the philosophy behind IGNTD Recovery and its aim to greatly reduce the stigma of addiction and mental health. Dr. Jaffe attended UCLA, graduating with a B.A. in psychology. It was during his undergraduate career that Adi began struggling with drug issues himself, eventually leading to a 4 year hiatus from studies and into the Los Angeles drug-dealing world where he became quite successful. During that period of his life, Adi's days looked more like a re-enactment of a beatnik novel or a Quentin Tarantino film than the life of an upper-middle class suburban kid. Following a SWAT team arrest in his apartment, and extended court case and a year-long jail sentence, Adi began rebuilding his life. This eventually led to his attainment of a Ph.D. from UCLA's top-rated doctoral program in psychology, where he graduated with honors. Even before he graduated Dr. Jaffe’s name had become known through his online and academic writing. His views on addiction and his research on the topic have been published in dozens of journals and online publications and he has appeared on numerous television shows and documentaries discussing current topics in addiction and the problem of addiction as a whole.Dr. Jaffe now writes a blog on Psychology Today, and several other online and print sources. His goal is to bring the latest knowledge about addiction to the people who could benefit from it most – those who are suffering because of it. His writing combines personal experience with a decade’s worth of fine-detail research regarding the mechanisms involved in the addictive process. Dr. Jaffe has been featured in CNN, The Huffington Post, Bustle, Los Angeles Times, KTLA.Episode ResourcesDr. Jaffe's Book | The Abstinence MythIGNTD | Hero ProgramConnect with Dr. Adi JaffeDr. Jaffe's Instagram | @dradijaffeIGNTD Instagram | @igntd.meIGNTD Website | igntd.comConnect with Us  at The Courage to ChangePodcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcastPodcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcastPodcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcastPodcast Email | podcast@lionrock.lifeLooking for Online Support?Lionrock.life provides a variety of aa meetings and aa alternative meetings via Zoom. View Lionrock’s comprehensive meeting schedule here.Listen & Subscribe to The Courage to ChangeApple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud

Raised in a small town in Nova Scotia, Canada, Craig Pothier loved playing sports. Excelling at hockey and baseball gave him the confidence he needed to fit in as a child. When he transitioned from elementary school to high school, he realized that people cared more about partying than sports. He quickly discovered that alcohol gave him the self-esteem boost he needed.At the age of 27, after moving from Canada to New York City, a town of millions, he found himself frequenting bars to make friends. When he was on the cusp of losing his job and his sanity, at the age of 36, he finally checked into a rehab facility and began a recovery journey that took time, perseverance, and courage. Craig now resides in Austin, TX and has dedicated his life to helping others as a Sober Life Coach at Mind Uncaged where he helps people clear a path to an alcohol free life without limits.Episode ResourcesLionrock's CommUnity Meetings | lionrock.life/meetingsConnect with Craig PothierCraig's Website | minduncaged.comCraig's Instagram |  @mind.uncagedConnect with Us  at The Courage to ChangePodcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcastPodcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcastPodcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcastPodcast Email | podcast@lionrock.lifeLooking for Online Support?Lionrock.life provides a variety of aa meetings and aa alternative meetings via Zoom. View Lionrock’s comprehensive meeting schedule here.Interested in CommUnity Table? Check out our upcoming events!Listen and Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud

Mike Govoni shared his story on The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast in Episode 94. Ashley Loeb Blassingame invited him back for a pointed discussion on psychedelic therapy.  Throughout the discussion Mike shares his experience with psychedelic therapeutics including MDMA,  ketamine, psilocybin, and ayahuasca.Episode DisclaimerThis episode covers a wide variety of topics related to psychedelic therapy. These topics are controversial and can be difficult or triggering for some people, so use your best judgement when listening to the show. We are not psychedelic therapists or psychedelic health professionals. Information shared on this show is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek professional and or specialist advice for guidance on these topics.The information contained in this episode represents the views and opinions of the guest and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of  Lionrock Recovery or its affiliates.Episode ResourcesMultidisciplinary Association  for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) | maps.orgHealing Beyond Recovery Podcast | Healing with Sacred Plants with Carlos TannerHealing Beyond Recovery Podcast | Psychedelics, Addiction, and the Healing Power of Compassion with Rhonda NelsonConnect with Mike GovoniMike's Website |  mikegovoni.comMike's Instagram | @mikegovoniMike's Facebook | @mikegovoni23Connect with Us  at The Courage to ChangePodcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcastPodcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcastPodcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcastPodcast Email | podcast@lionrock.lifeLooking for Online Support?Lionrock.life provides a variety of aa meetings and aa alternative meetings via Zoom. View Lionrock’s comprehensive meeting schedule here.Interested in CommUnity Table? Check out our upcoming events!Listen & Subscribe to The Courage to ChangeApple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud

Being raised by a single father who was a defrocked Catholic Priest, Mike Govoni’s childhood was anything but traditional. He began using opiates and other substances at a young age to mask the feelings he had associated with childhood trauma. This led him down a path of substance use and addiction until he discovered an unorthodox approach to recovery.Now, having lived in recovery for over 16 years, Mike is passionate about helping people in recovery experience healing and transformation. His experience includes supporting three major hospital emergency rooms in Boston and helping patients with substance abuse and related complications. He works with individuals and groups both in-person and virtually. Mike currently has a thriving private practice working as an Integrative Holistic Recovery Coach. He is able to see through the lens of trauma and believes that helping people create a feeling of safety and connection within their own body is essential to becoming well and achieving long term recovery.Connect with Mike GovoniMike's Website |  mikegovoni.comMike's Instagram | @mikegovoniMike's Facebook | @mikegovoni23Connect with Us  at The Courage to ChangePodcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcastPodcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcastPodcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcastPodcast Email | podcast@lionrock.lifeLooking for Online Support?Lionrock.life provides a variety of aa meetings and aa alternative meetings via Zoom. View Lionrock’s comprehensive meeting schedule here.Interested in CommUnity Table? Check out our upcoming events!Listen & Subscribe to The Courage to ChangeApple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud

Join Ashley, Christiana, and Ashley Jo for this bonus After the Episode where they review Ashley Jo Brewer's episode from this week. They'll cover everything from the paternity scandal she walked through to how to communicate with someone who has experienced a great loss. Toward the end of this episode, Ashley Jo gives some great insight into what has been helpful (and what has not) when discussing the loss of her 10-month old son, Cornelius. The ladies also unpack why it's so difficult to discuss certain topics in society, and Ashley helps give special insight on how we  can start changing the conversation. There is so much to cover in this After the Episode. Let's do this! Episode ReviewedS3 E92 - Ashley Jo Brewer: When a Christian Girl’s World Comes Crashing Down Amidst Addiction, Grief, Loss, and a Gut-Wrenching ScandalResources MentionedMarina Loeb's piece on grief | What is Life? GriefConnect with Us at The Courage to ChangePodcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcastPodcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcastPodcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcastPodcast Email | podcast@lionrock.lifeLooking for Online Support?Lionrock.life hosts Al Anon and ACA meetings for relatives and friends of those struggling with substance use disorder. View Lionrock’s comprehensive meeting schedule here, and find a meeting to join today!Interested in CommUnity Table? Check out our upcoming events!Listen and Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud

As the 2nd of four girls born to a conservative Christian family in a small town in Iowa, Ashley Jo Brewer’s upbringing was filled with music, family and church.  She was raised to love God and live by traditional family values that carried her through to her college years, until one night, her world came crashing down.  After being drugged at a college party, everything Ashley Jo had lived for was thrown out the window.Instead of finding healing, she found a marriage that eventually broke from alcoholism and enduring the most painful loss of her life - the loss of her 10 month old son to a debilitating disease.  Ashley Jo’s story is nothing short of inspirational - tune in to hear her talk about how she found healing and recovery from being the wife of an alcoholic, then later healing from suffering from alcohol abuse herself, along with self-harm, codependency, and grief and loss.  You will be moved to both laugh and cry as you hear her incredible journey to sobriety and recovery, and how she is helping others who are hurting todayEpisode ResourcesLionrock's CommUnity Meetings | lionrock.life/meetingsConnect with Ashley JoNonprofit Website | itcouldvebeenme.orgNonprofit Facebook | @couldvebeenme Nonprofit Instagram | @it.couldve.been.me Ashley Jo's Instagram | @ashleyjobrewerConnect with Us  at The Courage to ChangePodcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcastPodcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcastPodcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcastPodcast Email | podcast@lionrock.lifeLooking for Online Support?Lionrock.life provides a variety of aa meetings and aa alternative meetings via Zoom. View Lionrock’s comprehensive meeting schedule here.Interested in CommUnity Table? Check out our upcoming events!Listen and Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple Podcasts |  Google Podcasts | SpotifyStitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud

Welcome to Season 3 of The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast!Ashley Loeb Blassingame and Christiana Kimmich are back at recording, and they’ve been joined by the team’s new Production Coordinator, Ashley Jo Brewer. Throughout the Season 3 Intro, they’ll discuss all of the exciting things coming up including lots of laughter about bad hair, where are they now, special guests, and important topics being covered on the show. You’ll also hear Ashley Loeb Blassingame share where she went at the end of Season 2, discuss motherhood and recovery, and share the importance of awareness and self-care. Let’s do this! Additional Resources & InformationWe love hearing from our listeners. If you have questions, comments, or feedback, send us a note at podcast@lionrock.life. If you’d like to have your story featured on The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast, complete our Podcast Guest Application to be considered for Season 3. Episode ResourcesLionrock’s CommUnity Support GroupsTrue North Health CenterLionrock.lifeConnect with Us at The Courage to ChangeWebsiteInstagramFacebookListen and Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery PodcastApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifyStitcheriHeartTuneInOvercastSoundCloudLooking for Online Support?Lionrock.life provides a variety of aa meetings and aa alternative meetings via Zoom. View Lionrock’s comprehensive meeting schedule here.Interested in CommUnity Table? Check out our upcoming events!

It's a wrap on Season 2!!  Join Ashley & Christiana for a nostalgic look-back on all the guests and happenings of Season 2 on The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast.  From changing our podcast branding and music to figuring out how to survive and thrive during the pandemic and everything 2020 brought, Ashley & Christiana  talk about all the behind-the-scenes happenings throughout this last season.Tune in to hear the podcast stats since it's start in February 2020 when we went live, along with some fun things ahead for Season 3!Interested in becoming a guest on Season 3?  Fill out our guest application here. 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)Interested in CommUnity Table?   Check out our events list here. Connect with Us:Podcast Website | Podcast Instagram | Podcast FacebookLionrock.Life Facebook | Lionrock.Life InstagramQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

Episode Short for Kendra Allen's Episode (#35): Introducing a new type of episode - the "Episode Short"!  In this bite-sized episode format, tune in to hear an audio snippet from one of our favorite episodes of the season.For this next featured Episode Short, we are pleased to feature a snippet from Kendra Allen's episode (#35).  You'll hear Kendra talk about how helpful Al-Anon has been in her recovery journey, and how she has learned to set proper boundaries and learn to stop being the "fixer" and "rescuer" to everyone's problems.To listen to Kendra's full episode, click here.Visit Kendra's websiteFollow Kendra on Instagram 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 FacebookLionrock.Life Facebook | Lionrock.Life InstagramQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

Introducing a new type of episode - the "Episode Short"!  In this bite-sized episode format, tune in to hear an audio snippet from one of our favorite episodes of the season.For this next featured Episode Short, we are pleased to feature a snippet from Chuck O's episode (#73).  You'll hear Chuck talk about his experience right after his relapse, and how his family helped him transition once and for all off his MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment), which is something he thought would never happen.To listen to Chuck's full episode, click here. 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 FacebookLionrock.Life Facebook | Lionrock.Life InstagramQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

Episode Short for Caroline Strawson's Episode (#54): Introducing a new type of episode - the "Episode Short"!  In this bite-sized episode format, tune in to hear an audio snippet from one of our favorite episodes of the season.For this next featured Episode Short, we are pleased to feature a snippet from Caroline Strawson's episode (#54).  You'll hear Caroline talk about her journey to self-healing, and how realizing that she could "rescue herself" was one of the greatest and most empowering realizations of her life.To listen to Caroline's full episode, click here.Buy Caroline's Book on Amazon - "Divorce Became My Superpower"Join the Self-Healer's CircleContact CarolineCaroline's WebsiteCaroline's Facebook pageCaroline's LinkedIn profileCaroline's Instagram pageCaroline's Twitter profileCaroline's YouTube 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 FacebookLionrock.Life Facebook | Lionrock.Life InstagramQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

Episode Short for Andre Roberts' Special Bonus Episode: Introducing a new type of episode - the "Episode Short"!  In this bite-sized episode format, tune in to hear an audio snippet from one of our favorite episodes of the season.For this first featured Episode Short, we are pleased to feature a snippet from Andre Roberts' Special Bonus Episode in honor of the Black Lives Matter movement.  You'll hear Andre talk about an incredible connection he made while in rehab, and how the power of connecting with people one-on-one and listening to them can break bondages that are ages old.To listen to Andre's full episode, click here. 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 FacebookLionrock.Life Facebook | Lionrock.Life InstagramQuestions, comments or feedback?  Email us at podcast@lionrock.life

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