In this episode, Louis shares how the path to recovery begins when you begin putting yourself first. He shares his struggles, loss of a dear friend to addiction, his desire to be there for and with his family, and, above all else, be there for himself to enjoy and experience life.What we discussed during the show: 00:00 Intro01:18 Louis' favorite quote01:36 Louis' background01:57 How his struggle with substance abuse began03:30 What has Louis accomplished in his sobriety journey so far, and, what he hopes to accomplish in the future05:20 Louis' typical day during addiction vs. now08:14 How Louis deals with triggers and cravings10:17 Key to finding long term success in recovery12:28 Why people fail at staying sober15:52 Louis' rock bottom17:10 Happiest moment of life18:07 Has Louis forgiven herself?18:45 What do people often get wrong about Louis19:22 What Louis wished he knew when he was 2019:49 Rapid Fire round - What is on Louis' nightstandWhat is his favorite mealFavorite bookHow many hours of sleep he gets every nightA TV show Louis binged and thoroughly enjoyedOne thing he is truly grateful for today20:39 Louis’ advice to anyone struggling with addictionConnect with @SoberSideChatInstagram: @sobersidechatTwitter: @sobersidechatWebsite: https://SoberSideChat.com/Shownotes & Transcript: https://sobersidechat.com/louis-dimaggio/Other episodes you might find interesting:I Am Enough!The Ability to Dance Fearlessly, SoberChoose Your StruggleLaw Enforcement, PTSD, Addiction & RecoveryAppreciating Little Things and Living a Purposeful Life in SobrietyEmbracing Discomfort to Begin Healing in SobrietyAdding “Alivefulness” to Life My Story: The Ripple Effects of AlcoholismWe are not Bad People Trying to be Good, We are Sick People Trying to be Well How Substance Abuse Destroys Families

Ian has been in recovery since 2001, and has since been working around the world in the Addiction treatment industry - successfully touching the lives of thousands of addicted people and their families, showing them a new way to live and rebuild their lives. Connect with Ian:https://ian-young.com/It’s Not About MeSober ServicesAddiction Recovery Clinic in Phuket, ThailandConnect with SoberSide Chat:Website: https://SoberSideChat.com/Full Shownotes & Transcript: https://sobersidechat.com/ian-young/Instagram: @sobersidechatTwitter: @sobersidechatWhat we discussed during the show:00:00 Intro03:10 Ian's favorite quote(s)06:03 Ian’s background and struggles12:43 How it all started19:33 How he was able to choose abstinence for good26:37 The key to finding long term success in recovery41:19 Rapid Fire roundWhat's on his nightstandFavorite mealFavorite bookFavorite TV showOne thing he's grateful for today37:35 About his book - “It’s Not About Me”41:25 Ian’s advice to anyone struggling with addictionOther Episodes You Might Enjoy:“I am Enough”Choose Your StruggleHealing Your PastUsing Yoga as a Tool to Address AddictionA Retired Police Officer on Dealing with Life on Life’s TermsAppreciating Little Things and Living a Purposeful Life in SobrietyAdding “Alivefulness” to Life My Story: The Ripple Effects of AlcoholismHow Substance Abuse Destroys Families – A Lawyer’s Perspective on Addiction, Suicide & Relationships

In this episode, Heather shares her journey on passing death to life, her struggles with addiction, mental health & the willingness to live, and finally, finding faith and freedom on her path to recovery.What we discussed during the show: 00:00 Intro01:20 Heather's favorite quote02:50 Heather's background03:50 How Heather’s struggle with substance abuse began05:20 How it progressed15:45 How she managed to stop and stay stopped21:30 What has Heather accomplished in her sobriety journey so far, and, what she hopes to accomplish in the future29:50 Heather's typical day during addiction vs. now35:07 Heather’s tips on addressing cravings40:25 Top 3 reasons why people fail at staying sober19:04 What the word 'recovery' means to Heather19:34 Heather’s rock bottom21:15 Happiest moment of life23:53 Has Heather forgiven herself?25:33 What do people often get wrong about her27:11 What is Heather trying to learn27:27 What Heather wished he knew when he was 2040:25 How can friends and family offer support49:40 Rapid Fire round - What Heather likes to do for funWhat is her favorite mealFavorite bookHow many hours of sleep she gets every nightA TV show Heather binged and thoroughly enjoyedOne thing she is truly grateful for today51:25 Heather’s advice to anyone struggling with addiction SoberSide Chat Podcast Details:Website: https://SoberSideChat.com/Shownotes & Transcript: https://sobersidechat.com/heather-stroh/Instagram: @sobersidechatTwitter: @sobersidechatOther episodes you might like:Choose Your StruggleLaw Enforcement, PTSD, Addiction & RecoveryAppreciating Little Things and Living a Purposeful Life in SobrietyEmbracing Discomfort to Begin Healing in SobrietyAdding “Alivefulness” to Life My Story: The Ripple Effects of AlcoholismWe are not Bad People Trying to be Good, We are Sick People Trying to be Well How Substance Abuse Destroys Families – A Lawyer’s Perspective on Addiction, Suicide & Relationships

In this episode, Jay Shifman shares his struggle with a misdiagnosed mental health disorder, two suicide attempts, addiction to prescription pills, and, his long journey to recovery. Jay is a vulnerable storyteller, stigma-destroying speaker, podcaster, and event host. He hosts a wildly popular podcast Choose Your Struggle that has been downloaded over 35 countries. Jay’s personal story of struggle is familiar to the millions of people all over the world who also struggle with issues of mental health, substance misuse, and addiction. Now in long-term recovery, it is Jay’s mission to encourage difficult conversations and honest education. Jay uses his voice, and his platforms to educate, entertain, and empower. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Lauren, and their dog, Nell.Connect with Jay: JayShifman.com | ChooseYourStruggle.comJay’s Podcast: Choose Your StruggleSocial: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTokConnect with SoberSide Chat:Website: https://SoberSideChat.com/Full Shownotes & Transcript: https://sobersidechat.com/jay-shifman/Instagram: @sobersidechatTwitter: @sobersidechatWhat we discussed during the show: 00:00 Intro01:56 Jay's favorite quote: “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche.” 06:33 Jay’s background and struggles10:50 Why Jay prefers the term ‘substance misuse’ (instead of ‘substance abuse’)13:07 Examples of Jay’s favorite practices for mental health care and how we can implement them in our everyday lives16:51 Substance misuse red flags20:54 The key to finding long term success in recovery24:05 Why Jay considers himself in recovery without being sober29:05 About Jay’s podcast ‘Choose Your Struggle’ and his narrative series ‘Rock Bottom Storytellers’33:15 Jay’s lowest point in life37:00 Happiest moment of life39:12 What do people often get wrong about her41:19 Rapid Fire round - 5 QuestionsWhat's on his nightstandFavorite mealHours of sleep he gets every nightFavorite TV showOne thing he's grateful for today42:57 Jay’s advice to anyone struggling with addictionOther episodes you might like:Using Yoga as a Tool to Address AddictionOne Day at a Time – A Life StoryLiving a Purposeful Life in SobrietyEmbracing Discomfort to Begin Healing in Sobriety

In this episode, Erik shares how being separated from drugs and alcohol by force, when he ended up in a jail cell, made him realize that his life would continue to get worse if he stayed on that path. That is when he became willing to do anything suggested to him, embrace a program, and follow the path that was laid out for him in his journey to recovery. What we discussed during the show: 00:00 Intro01:41 Erik's favorite quote: “Let Go and Let God"02:19 Erik's background03:28 How Erik got started drinking04:26 How his drinking progressed05:55 How he managed to stop and stay stopped07:50 What has Erik accomplished in his sobriety journey so far, and, what he hopes to accomplish in the future10:42 Erik's typical day in addiction vs. now13:15 Erik’s thought on the key to finding long-term success in sobriety15:56 Top 3 reasons why people fail at staying sober19:04 What the word 'recovery' means to Erik19:34 Erik’s rock bottom21:15 Happiest moment of life23:53 Has Erik forgiven himself?25:33 What do people often get wrong about him27:11 What is Erik trying to learn27:27 What Erik wished he knew when he was 2035:44 Rapid Fire round - 5 QuestionsWhat's on his nightstand: Notebooks, Books & a Phone ChargerFavorite meal: Poke BowlNo. of hours of sleep every night: 6-8Favorite TV show: The Umbrella AcademyOne thing he's grateful for today: His sobriety. His family.37:40 Erik’s advice to anyone struggling with addiction or lost & confused———————SoberSide Chat Podcast Details:Website: https://SoberSideChat.com/Shownotes & Transcript: https://sobersidechat.com/erik-a/Instagram: @sobersidechatTwitter: @sobersidechat

In this episode, Beth Shaw shares how you can use Yoga as a tool to transform your mind, body and spirit - how you can address addiction and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety through Yoga.Beth is a pioneer in the Wellness, Yoga & Fitness space in North America. She played a critical role in the widespread growth of yoga throughout the U.S. and Canada. In 1994, she founded the global mind-body education school, called YogaFit, which has since certified over 200,000 instructors worldwide. Beth is also a best-selling author of several books including YogaFit, YogaLean, The YogaFit Athlete, and, Healing Trauma With Yoga.She is a go-to yoga & mindfulness expert in the media and has been featured in numerous fitness, business and other publications including SELF, Yoga Journal, Huffington Post, New York Times, Time Magazine, LA Times, Entrepreneur, Washington Post, and USA Today.Connect with Beth: BethShaw.comYogaFitFacebook (@BethShawWellness)Instagram (@beth.shaw.mind.body)LinkedInBeth’s Books:YogaFitYogaLeanThe YogaFit AthleteHealing Trauma With YogaConnect with SoberSide Chat:Website: https://SoberSideChat.com/Full Shownotes & Transcript: https://sobersidechat.com/beth-shaw/Instagram: @sobersidechatTwitter: @sobersidechatWhat we discussed during the show: 00:00 Intro01:58 Beth's favorite quote: “Just for today.” 02:33 Beth’s background03:40 Beth’s experience with addiction04:53 How Beth played a pivotal role in the growth of Yoga throughout the US and Canada06:03 How can Yoga be used as a tool to address addiction and recovery06:45 How does Yoga help with mental health, specifically, anxiety and depression?08:13 Other benefits of Yoga09:03 How does Yoga transform a person physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually11:05 About Beth’s non-profit organization - Visionary Women in Fitness12:38 About YogaFit13:38 Healing Trauma with Yoga15:16 Beth’s lowest point in life16:31 Happiest moment of life17:29 What does ‘recovery’ mean to Beth17:58 Who Beth looks up to 18:42 What do people often get wrong about her19:50 What is Beth trying to learn20:39 What is something Beth wished she knew when she was 2021:09 Rapid Fire round - 5 QuestionsWhat's on her nightstand: Three books - Consciousness Rising, Predictable Revenue, Healing Trauma With YogaFavorite meal: A spinach salad with sauteed walnuts and blue cheese and beetsFavorite resource / book: The Power of NowNo. of hours of sleep every night: 7Favorite TV show: Sinners

Mike is a 57-year-old retired police officer from Long Island, NY. He is a lover of mother nature, and enjoys hunting, fishing, gardening and cooking, among other things. He is a father of two awesome adult children and Papi to two grandsons.In this episode, you will hear Mike share his life story and how a significant incident in his career, and other events that followed, led to his mental health decline and increasing dependence on alcohol. You will also hear about how he got the help he needed, the ups and downs of his life and how he is dealing with life on life’s terms.What we discussed during the show: 00:00 Intro01:51 Mike's favorite quotes (three): “The Axe Forgets What The Tree Remembers”“A Satisfied Life is Better Than a Successful Life”Peace Prayer of Saint Francis:“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:where there is hatred, let me sow love;where there is injury, pardon;where there is doubt, faith;where there is despair, hope;where there is darkness, light;where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seekto be consoled as to console,to be understood as to understand,to be loved as to love.For it is in giving that we receive,it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”05:36 Mike’s background07:41 How his drinking began12:01 How an incident in his career led to his retirement from the police force and  mental health decline15:16 Mike’s attempt at recovery19:08 What Mike has accomplished so far in recovery, and, what he hopes to accomplish in the future22:23 Mike’s thoughts on what the key is to finding long-term success in sobriety26:14 What does the word ‘forgiveness’ mean to Mike27:31 Has Mike forgiven himself?27:37 Mike’s rock bottom28:59 Happiest moment of life31:03 Who Mike looks up to33:00 What is he trying to learn/grow into38:09 Something people often get wrong about Mike35:44 Rapid Fire round - 5 QuestionsWhat's on his nightstand: A lamp and an ASP BatonFavorite meal: Anything that is fun and exciting to prepareFavorite recovery-related resource: My Spiritual Toolkit AppNo. of hours of sleep every night: 8Favorite TV show: Downton AbbeyWhat is Mike grateful for today: Continued growth and understanding of himselfHis children37:40 Mike’s advice to anyone struggling with addictionSee the full show notes and more details at https://sobersidechat.com/mike-lando/———————SoberSide Chat Podcast Details:Podcast Website: https://SoberSideChat.com/Shownotes & Transcript: https://sobersidechat.com/mike-lando/Instagram: @sobersidechatTwitter: @sobersidechat

In this episode, Christian shares how no matter how many times you fall down, you can get back up, embrace sobriety, and live a meaningful life.  You will hear how he was finally able to beat alcoholism by being honest, open-minded and willing;  by letting go of his ego, his stubbornness and accepting help from others. What we discussed during the show: 00:00 Intro01:24 Christian's favorite quote: “Death smiles at us all; all a man can do is smile back.”01:53 Christian’s background04:13 How his drinking began, and, progressed08:03 His coping strategies for cravings10:10 What Christian has accomplished in his sobriety journey so far, and what he hopes to accomplish in the future16:55 Christian’s thoughts on what the key is to finding long-term success in sobriety19:44 Top three reasons why people relapse21:55 What does the word ‘recovery’ mean to Christian22:09 Christian’s rock bottom23:37 Happiest moment of life24:29 Who Christian looks up to25:37 Has Christian forgiven himself?26:44 What is he trying to learn/grow into27:46 What he wished he knew when he was 2035:44 Rapid Fire round - 5 QuestionsWhat's on his nightstand: BooksFavorite meal: PizzaFavorite recovery-related resource: Joe & Charlie’s recovery radioNo. of hours of sleep every night: 6-8Favorite TV show: Sons of AnarchyOne thing he's grateful for today: Constant love and support of his family37:40 Christian’s advice to anyone struggling with addiction———————SoberSide Chat Podcast Details:Podcast Website: https://SoberSideChat.com/Shownotes & Transcript: https://sobersidechat.com/christian-p-life-story/Instagram: @sobersidechatTwitter: @sobersidechat

In this episode, Lisa talks about how we can heal and transform obstructive energy or emotional patterns using meditation, chakras and energy work. Lisa is an energy worker specializing in women's energetics, sexual trauma healing, chakra manifestation, and kundalini awakening. She is the author of Chakra Empowerment for Women and The Art and Science of Meditation. Lisa is certified in mindfulness meditation instruction and trauma sensitivity, and has trained in a variety of kundalini and energy healing modalities. She is a member of the International Association of Meditation Instructors, the Energy Medicine Practitioners Association, and, The Breathe Network.Connect with Lisa: EnlightenedEnergetics.comFacebook (@chakraempowerment)Instagram (@chakraempowerment)Twitter (@mommymystic)Lisa’s Books: Chakra Empowerment for Women and The Art and Science of Meditation———————SoberSide Chat Podcast Details:Website: https://SoberSideChat.com/Shownotes & Transcript: https://sobersidechat.com/lisa-erickson/Instagram: @sobersidechatTwitter: @sobersidechatWhat we discussed during the show: 00:00 Intro01:24 Lisa's favorite quote: “You have more power than you can possibly imagine.” 04:08 What is meditation?09:11 How to get started meditating as a beginner11:09 What are Chakras?11:37 What is energy work?14:02 Men vs. Women in terms of their energy bodies17:37 How to use meditation, chakras and energy work as tools to address addiction19:53 Lisa’s take on finding long-term success in sobriety23:26 Lisa’s lowest point in life25:14 Happiest moment of life25:52 What does 'spirituality' mean to Lisa26:15 Who Lisa looks up to 26:45 What is ‘somatic technique’28:21 What is Lisa trying to learn29:05 What do people often get wrong about her29:58 What is something Lisa wished she knew when she was younger30:13 About Lisa’s two books31:44 Rapid Fire round - 5 QuestionsWhat's on his nightstand: Lots of booksFavorite meal: PastaNo. of hours of sleep every night: 7 or 8Favorite TV show: Ted Lasso, Schitt’s CreekOne thing she's grateful for today: Grateful for a beautiful day, and, where she lives (by the ocean)33:13 Lisa’s advice to anyone struggling with addiction

In this episode, as Eric shares his life story, you will hear how addiction to alcohol slowly crippled his life. You will hear about his battles, the consequences, the ups, the downs, and his efforts at sobriety. He talks about how your environment and circumstances can keep you stuck in that ‘addicted’ zone. He also shares how a single person (in Eric’s case, his cousin) can have a tremendous impact on your path to recovery. What we discussed during the show: 00:00 Intro01:24 Eric's favorite quote: “Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” ― J.K. Rowling01:14 How Eric got started drinking04:15 How his drinking progressed07:39 His coping strategies for cravings11:37 A profound conversation with his cousin17:32 What has Eric accomplished in his sobriety journey so far, and, what he hopes to accomplish in the future18:06 How learning to do uncomfortable things helps him heal19:53 Eric’s thought on key to finding long-term success in sobriety23:19 Eric’s rock bottom28:21 Happiest moment of life31:40 Has Eric forgiven himself?34:29 What do people often get wrong about him35:44 Rapid Fire round - 5 QuestionsWhat's on his nightstand: Two books -  The Four Agreements, and, Alcoholics AnonymousFavorite meal: Chicken Broccoli AlfredoNo. of hours of sleep every night: 6Favorite TV show: OzarkOne thing he's grateful for today: That he’s able to get out of bed without waking up in a cold sweat and shaking, not knowing where his next drink is coming from.37:40 Eric’s advice to anyone struggling with addiction or lost & confused———————SoberSide Chat Podcast Details:Website: https://SoberSideChat.com/Shownotes & Transcript: https://sobersidechat.com/eric-r-life-story/Instagram: @sobersidechatTwitter: @sobersidechat