<p>Casper pays tribute to a loved one lost to the disease of adddciton. </p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/a2apodcast">Support the show</a>

31 - A CONVO WITH "CASPER"; A PHEONIX RISES FROM THE ASHES ... addiction, recovery, overdose, relapse,  #stopthestigma, true crime, funny

Our podcast   provides light, hope, and understanding about addiction and mental health to those living within that life and the people who love them.  After spending 25 years in and out of active addiction, I was able to rise out of those ashes and found my way to recovery. I'm passionate about giving back to society and started my podcast to raise awareness of some of the issues surrounding  addiction. People we lose to addiction and mental health, including those in the opioid crisis, are so much more than a statistic or  how they passed.   They were loved. We focus on addiction from many perspectives, including professionals in the healthcare and recovery industries; people who have risen from the ashes of addiction into the awesomeness of recovery; and those who may still be active in an addiction, and we include the families and loved ones that are conscripted soldiers in a war no one wanted.  Every day of the week is different and unique.  Memorial Monday  is dedicated to the people lost to overdose and/or addiction.  We allow a family member or friend to share the story of who they were in better times.  Tuesdays are typically dedicated to the people who have risen from the ashes of addiction into the awesomeness of recovery and/or who are trying to still fight to find their way back.  Wednesdays is named kaleidoscope Wednesday, and features Ryan Bathgate, a gifted therapist who possesses a master’s degree, and helps us to understand the science and psychology around addiction, and how to come back from the chaos and maintain a fulfilled life from any trauma. His wisdom, charisma, and passion are evident as he answers  questions from our listeners.  He unpacks his answers in a way that is uniquely valuable to all who listen. By Thursday, we are ready for some light n laughter and take a break from the seriousness of our usual topics with "Just the Tip(s)" Thursday, we have some fun with how to navigate society with sobriety. Family Fridays are dedicated to the families and loved ones of addicts, and sharing their stories as they are too often not told, but their battles are just as fierce and heart wrenching of those who are  struggling on a daily basis.  On the Weekend Ramble I am joined my cohost, Karl the Atheist; Lisa, a psychiatrist specializing in addiction,  and often a fourth panelist that changes week to week so as to continue offering a different perspective.  As a panel, we look back at the week and discuss some of the highlights and takeaways.