This is Your Wake-Up Call || alcoholic, addict, co-dependent, tools and resources for recovery, HOPE

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Meet Char'Dae, PhD candidate with an extraordinary background! Her mantra, 'it's never too late' is such an alegory of OVERCOMING! Feeling so very different at the earliest age, Char'Dae credits her Grandfather with the message to her young heart that said, "Just be you". 

Ever sensing she wasn't 'enough', she went to the counseling center in college, where, though she wouldn't find anyone who looked like her, she began to understand that her struggles were rooted in anxiety and depression. WIth a mom who struggled with alcohol, as well as her b...

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Meet Richard - aka, The Drinking Machine! Early on there was what he describes as 'the accident that changed everything'. That would trigger his own story in a family line filled with alcoholics. Climbing the 'success ladder' to epic levels of financial success, Richard shares of how each move, the drinking would increase, cocaine would become a new norm, and the psychological trauma that would follow. The story doesn't end there! Let's go listen now...

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share with someone you believe would benefit. And be sure...

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Meet Susan - Mom to Andrew from our last episode! This mother shares the good, the bad, and the ugly of this disease through the lens of a parent. As a military family, there were ample moves along the way, and somehow that saying, "Birds of a feather, flock together" rings true in this story. 

At one point along the way, she shares the fearful dark side of the near-fatal overdose situation, in back-to-back trips to the ER. Ultimately, Andrew, recognizing the truth of his situation, stating, 'I need help.' B...

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Andrew describes his journey of addiction in the title of today's episode. At one point he knew he was 'at death's gate' with a pit of emptiness that was eroding his very life. 

But it had't always been that way, and thankfully, that's hardly the end of the story. Andrew grew up in a beautiful, loving family and enjoyed a great life, as he describes it. But then a terrible accident 'turned on' the addiction that had been lurking since birth.

Now he's celebrating recovery at the Men's Center o...

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Meet Jade & Kyle. High school sweethearts with a journey like so many of ours. Or is it? If you are needing some HOPE, this is your episode!

Their 'backstory' incorporates so much what many of us know or have experienced for ourselves - the deception that runs rampant within this horrific family disease.

Yet with GOOD NEWS abounding, the radical detours this couple went on over the course of their 14 year relationship has a number of unique elements, not the least of which is their remarriage after divorce. You...

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Just WOW! Meeting Jennifer was such a treat for me - and I trust it will be for you, as well! Not only does she have a phenomenal story, but how she and her husband are now helping others in the most remarkable way! It's just another amazing story of Redemption!

Growing up in Miami and with her parents splitting up in her early years, Jennifer was hit with a LOT of trauma early on, to include the murder of her favorite uncle at a mere 7 years old. She was violated...

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Meet Todd - a former Professional Rodeo Cowboy/Bull-Rider - whose time with horses now is in the pen sharing the Gospel across the country and around the globe via Riding High Ministries (https://g.co/kgs/iEzi3C6). 

But it wasn't always this way. As Todd shares, he was hurting - and therefore hurting a lot of others along the way. With days of promiscuity, alcohol, people pleasing and more, his 'turning point' now impacts others on a global scale.

There were several 'wake-up calls' for Todd along t...

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Meet Molly; entrepreneur, single-parent, lover of Jesus and so much more! While Molly doesn't go deep into the story of her ex/alcoholic, she shares how all three of her boys have suffered addiction. And yet the last 5 years have been, by far, the most challenging and difficult to navigate, as her oldest, John traversed into the dark side with paranoia into severe psychosis. 

Driving herself to the Arctic Circle to find some solace, she states, "God is gracious". WIth treatment centers and interventions, she shares how she was able to...

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Meet Richard - fun-loving Bostonian in the restaurant industry who speaks to his journey before and after alcoholism. As the child of two parents who smoked and drank, (and a passel of other family members) Richard began his imbibing at the tender age of 12. The on-again-off-again cycle with months of not drinking was how it started, until he found himself 'in the bottle'. His only regret now, as he shares, is that his dad never saw him sober. It's a sobering story - take a listen and please share broadly! 

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Meet Steve - whose gripping story of recovery and redemption eclipse the long and winding road, with a 13-year stop along the way in a Colorado penitentiary. Steve is well-versed now in what he refers to as the "Gold Standard" of recovery. 

And trust me, having tried sobriety for ten years on his own, he learned some of the most difficult lessons in the hardest of ways. 

From feeling that sense of 'socially awkward' with which so many can identify, Steve became the 'terrible drunk' with a real Jekyll an...

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Greetings and Happy New Year! I love this time of year - this sense of 'new beginnings'. Today I'm so happy to introduce you to Christine - a dear friend in recovery in my own program, ironically called 'New Beginnings'! 

Christine shares her testimony in such a raw, authentic, vulnerable way - one I know you'll relate to. My hope is, that while she, too, experienced the relapse of a loved one, the story didn't end there. Much like I had to learn, as well. Which is why the title holds s...

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Meet Lacy...beautiful entrepreneur, who, from the outside looking in, has it all together. So goes so many of our stories!

Yet you and I both know, it's far from the truth. By now we recognize that literally, everyone has a story. Which is why I'm so grateful to each person who bravely shares their experience, strength and hope, to give us just that, for when we most need it. 

Lacy is no stranger to 'hard' as her winding story will speak to. From divorced, alcoholic parents, to jail, to...

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Meet Creigh, contestant on The Voice! I was so inspired when hearing his introduction on this year's season of The Voice, I immediately reached out to see if he would be willing to share his awesome testimony! Fortunately, he shared his 'yes' and here we are!

To hear once again that "You are not alone" and to not let this disease 'rob you of your best life' was so encouraging! In this holiday season when gatherings with friends and family can be difficult at best for many of us, Creigh's story...

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Meet JD - Men's Center Director for 180 Ministries here in Denver. His story begins as a young kid, lacking self-confidence and real identity, though not a bad childhood as some stories.

Recognizing he wanted to 'get away', he'd ultimately join the Marines and land in Okinawa, Japan for his first assignment. Things got dark, as this self-proclaimed former 'people pleaser' would gravitate towards the 'bad guys', diving into behaviors where, ultimately, everything came crashing down. With a sexual assault situation that never got resolved, he fell deeper and deeper into the...

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Karen is well acquainted with the depth of loss, grief and all that is enveloped in the world of the alcoholic/addict. And yet, with 37 years of recovery to her name, she now helps countless others in their journey to recovery. 

There are so many nuggets of wisdom shared throughout this episode! A favorite quote from the 'big book' states, "Glass in hand, we have warped our minds". And with the main dish and multiple 'sides', Karen was well on her way to a life 'off the rails'!

Listen n...

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Meet Kayla - self-admitted naive, sheltered home-school girl from a loving family who meets her Prince Charming at Bible School! Life is grand and married life 'seemed so easy' - until it wasn't. 

Kayla had never known or experienced the devastating effects of alcoholism or addiction in her family. And when she was introduced, the ugly, dysfunctional story began to unfold with fervor. 

Grateful to those who would step into their story and intervene in love, as only real love can do, the story doesn't end here. The emotional ro...

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Meet Monica. As a self-proclaimed "fixer of people", she would find solace, relief and begin her healing journey in the rooms of Al-Anon. And what a journey it's been! Her story begins the week after Thanksgiving when her son-in-law called stating, "I can't find her" (implying her daughter was missing). Subsequent calls were about to ensue to the hospitals, jails and so on - when the walls came crashing down in the worst, most unexpected ways. The tragedies of this disease are as varied as the number of people impacted. Horrific. Distressing. And...

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Meet Dr. Nicholas Samstag, who shares his story and work in the field of psychoanalysis and more. In the course of our conversation, we look at the intersection of mental health and addiction, and beyond. With a wealth of experience around the 'soothing' component of addiction, he poses some great questions and recognizes that no one size fits all. I'm left pondering his response to my question regarding HOPE, and any thoughts he'd like to share with our listeners. As such, I'd love to hear your thoughts following! 

If you enjoyed t...

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"I felt the shame" - was one of the earliest quotes from Kathy. As she shares her own tragic experience at such an early age, she's also quick to point out that "God kept me" as things could have gone drastically different for her. There are so many beautiful highs littered with numerous lows - sound familiar?

Kathy's story is just that - it's hers. But trust me, you will find multiple connections in her story likely to your own journey. Our prayer is always that you will find HOPE and...

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Meet Nick Pollard - self-proclaimed people pleaser and recovered addict. This Instagram personality has an incredible story (as we all do!) and how he is sharing his many breakthroughs and thoughts on recovery so publicly is how we met. You'll hear the heart-wrenching story of multiple failed marriages, trying to soothe the pain of family revelations that hurt so deeply, he was simply self-medicating, as we all do in some form or another. He knew he was dying when he reached out for help - spending 4 days in detox before he was able...

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THIS!! The TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY of "This Is Your Wake-Up Call" and the 50th episode! Who else but Pastor Daniel Petruska, CEO of 180 ministries is my guest today. And we recount some of the INCREDIBLE stories from the last time we spoke - in January of 2023. There is a LOT of hope, healing and HELP within. I do hope you'll listen - and please share broadly. 

There are so many who will connect with the amazing redemption stories that God continues to write into each of our lives. The vehicles He c...

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Meet Jennifer in Atlanta - as a young girl, she recalls always trying to avoid the pain in the short term for the grander plan in the long run. Her pattern of realizing that "takers are always attracted to the givers" is likely something with which many of us can identify. 
Recognizing now that she was always searching for the unconditional love that seemed to be missing from the 'good girl' role she'd strived to be for years. Later she would make some changes, letting go of those toxic relationships that seemingly p...

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Meet Barb - CEO and female entrepreneur - and SO.MUCH.MORE! As a woman born in KS and not afraid of work, she shares candidly of the roller-coaster that her story has been. The highs and lows of epic wins and losses - she shares it all.  
The story unfolds with her husband, Dave, the bull-rider on the circuit, them owning multiples businesses, pockets of massive financial success and markets crashing, along with losing family members to suicide. Wretched grief! And then, perhaps the hardest tragedy, with their daughter, and a r...

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Meet Jordan - a beautiful young woman with a heroic story of overcoming - much like where you might be, also! When drawing pictures in Kindergarten of tombstones with RIP Dad, a caring adult stepped in and shifted everything for this young girl. Thanks to her principal, recognizing the RAGE and fear that this little girl was exhibiting, Jordan was able to get out of an exceedingly toxic and abusive situation. While both parents were alcoholics, mom found recovery and planted seeds for the help that Jordan would one day find for herself.<...

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In this incredible episode, you will meet Sharon; renowned author, speaker, professor and therapist. The depth of this woman's story of recovery has such far reaching levels of impact. I urge you to not only listen, but to share broadly. 

From growing up in a teetotaling, legalistic religious household, Sharon really had no grid for the idea of alcohol having any sort of impact beyond "relief", when her ER
doc suggested a glass of wine to ease her anxiety (there wasn't an understanding of what that was 'back then'). As y...

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Meet Eric...just WOW! This story is a bit outside of the usual conversation, as Eric's addiction included alcohol, but pornography was his drug of choice. He shares some incredible stories of his struggle - and to be clear, it is the struggle - UNSPOKEN in our culture in large part - of so many. 

His resources are also something of note - to include that he, himself is now a coach for men struggling in this area. He names books for kids, both toddlers and teens on this absolutely NECESSARY C...

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Hey, all! Meet Heather - with the reputation of the 'good girl' and 'that girl who goes to church', she shares a story not unlike many of our own. Or is it? On the day of her wedding, her souse was completely smashed in their honeymoon room, and all she can think if, "How do I get him to stop?!" - the question so many of us have asked - or maybe are asking right now.

Heather has not only experienced, but overcome in so many areas of her life. Living...

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Today Joann shares her incredible story of experience, strength and hope, unlike what we have heard to date. Her fairy-tale beginning begs the question, Why? And yet, we know that the disease of addiction knows no boundaries.  There's no race, socio-economic condition, sex or otherwise that this disease has not touched.

While she thought her ex-husband was the 'prince-charming' in her story, rescuing her from a deplorable situation, she would come to learn differently...much differently. 

While learning to 'do something different' and spending years in this space of self...

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Meet Joe from Long Island. Former Wall Street junkie who OD'd on opiates. With 6 cans of NARCAN saving him in the bathroom stall at Penn Station, you know this guy has had a few 'wake up calls' of his own.

His story is another 'don't miss'! He now speaks and coaches others at a high level on the importance of perseverance,  growth and flipping your mindset....all tools he'd need in his overcoming journey. 

Please share this incredible message with your circles of influence - and I'd be grateful for...

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Well, hello again listeners! I'd like to offer my apologies for taking so long in getting a new episode your way. There have been numerous reasons behind this 'lapse', including rescheduling several of our guests due to conflicts - as well as having Covid and losing my voice for a bit.  (there's some relapse involved, as well, which I'll share on another episode)

All of that to say, I can't WAIT for you to hear today's guest. Her story is not only remarkable in her own recovery journey through an exceedingly d...

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While Ralph was once "all about the party", he shares in true humility the journey of some 20 years and the damage done along the way before he'd pray the prayer that led to a vision of the man who would guide him to recovery. A remarkable, powerful story of pain and hurt, from a man whose tender heart would never intentionally hurt another - now brings hope to so many through his own recovery. You DON'T want to miss this episode - and I'd invite you to share it broadly! 

If y...

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Found dead by police from an overdose with his car still running at an intersection (interview available here: https://youtu.be/87VuDO_oyvo?si=JqCKmxsY3AVImiu6), Adam has a story - like each of us - and yet indescribable for many. He shares of the 'early days' where, as a star athlete and more, his 'recreational use' spiraled out of control after losing his best friend to suicide. 

Adam would spend years in search of sobriety - and from being 86'd from the homeless shelter, to Bible studies and men'g groups, h...

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Today's guest is Sarah - incredible wife,  mom of 4 in a beautifully blended family - and survivor of some epic tragedy in the course of her journey.  When her 1st husband was arrested on the doorsteps of their home in Colorado, Sarah was stunned to learn of the 'double life' he had been living. And with two small sons at that time, life took a massive turn. Yet the beautiful redemption story that God continues to weave will thrill you as you hear what's happening now... 

If you enjoyed this podcast, ple...

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Meet celebrity guest, David Scheetz Jr., renowned for his seasons with Discovery Channel's 'Deadliest Catch',  David has an incredible testimony of recovery - and not just from the unspeakable amounts of drugs and alcohol that littered his past, but from the extraordinary abuse that he endured as a child - from those he should have been able to trust the most. 
There're the behaviors that would result in frequent visits to juvenile detention to super max prison cells. He just wanted out..It's heartbreaking and gut-wrenching on so many levels - followed by...

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Meet Bob, quintessential comedian with a serious story. From the young boy facing frequent discipline at school and beyond to the 'insanity of his affliction', and seeking love in all the wrong places, his story is surely one that those of us on BOTH sides of the recovery journey will identify with. 6 DUIs and myriad other incidents, Bob decides he's going to 'resolve not to drink'. You know there's more to the story...let's go there now!

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share with someone you believe would benefit. And...

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In this episode, I'm excited to welcome back a couple of previous guests, and TOGETHER on this episode they expound on a separate and yet similar topic - that of sexual addiction. 
Brad & Ryan graciously speak to this matter in a professional, yet humble and exceedingly authentic manner and provide such incredible resources, you won't want to miss it! And may I suggest, share it WIDELY?!

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share with someone you believe would benefit. And be sure to "like" and subscribe! If you know of s...

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Meet Nancianne - formerly, the child victim of parents who modeled everything from drinking, stealing, marijuana, and ultimately meth as the answer to EVERYTHING! At one point, drinking a handle a day, enjoying the 'legal heroine' of roxy at a cost of $700 a week, she knew something had to give.  Hear how her miraculous turnaround came to be...

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share with someone you believe would benefit. And be sure to "like" and subscribe! If you know of someone who's story you'd like to hear, or would b...

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In this compelling episode, you'll hear Karen's "wake-up calls" in her journey with her spouse's sex addiction.  As the wife of a pastor, the betrayal experienced as an affair came to light, and the road to recovery began. Recovery in this addiction includes such things as polygraphs, STD testing and more! Karen learned about boundaries in this healing journey, and of the trauma - the ROOT of addiction, while praying for God to "Do whatever it takes..." 

While this topic in recovery is new  to this podcast, the addiction is hardly new...

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Meet Brad - Licensed Professional Counselor, Author, Inspirational Speaker and Marathon Hand cyclist! This is one of those absolute "DON'T MISS" stories! Not only was he the counselor to one of my earlier guests, Ryan (episode 29), but his story carries its own trauma, recovery and perseverance in the face of some of life's most difficult challenges. If you or someone you know is in need of some EPIC HOPE, this is one of those episodes. Thanks for tuning in - I do hope you'll share broadly! 

If you enjoyed this podcast, p...

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In this second episode, you'll hear the 'rest of the story' as Brandy recaps the extraordinary redemption of her biological father's journey and so much more. The HOPE that is infused throughout these episodes brings LIGHT to the fact that where you might find yourself right here, right now, is NOT the end! There's so much more that God is writing in all of our journeys. Please listen in to hear that beauty that continues to unfold in Brandy's story. 

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share with someone you believe w...