Recovered Life: Sobriety, Spirituality, and Self-Care for People in Addiction Recovery
Welcome to Recovered Life, where mental health, addiction recovery, authenticity and spirituality meet. Here, you’ll find practical wisdom and story medicine from host Chelsea Anderson, as well as occasional special guest conversations.If you’re ready to reclaim your power in your sobriety and healing journey, you’ve found the right place!
45 | A Former Soldier and Air Force Officer Talk Sobriety with Joseph Pennell
What happens when addiction, trauma, and mental health struggles surface during military service? What is the long-term impact of “pushing through” while trying to appear strong?
In this episode, former U.S. Air Force Officer Joseph Pennell and I share openly about how addiction shaped our lives both during and after military service. We highlight how an introverted personality type can make someone more vulnerable to addiction, the value of diversity in recovery pathways, and how speaking our truth has empowered our healing journey.
Connect with Joseph Pennell:
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44 | Radical Honesty in Addiction Recovery: How Coming Out Saved My Sobriety
You’ll often hear in addiction recovery spaces “We’re only as sick as our secrets.”
Up until July 2015, my biggest secret kept me tethered to alcohol and pills. At that point, I had a choice to make: stay locked inside a closet of fear and shame, or embrace authenticity.
In this episode, I share about how radical honesty with myself, God, and others saved my sobriety.
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43 | Remember Your Inherent Worth: A Journey of Spiritual Evolution with Melissa Greene
What can happen when new life experiences, relationships, and questions challenge your long-held theological views?
This conversation with Melissa Greene invites you to question, explore, and expand your understanding of how the Divine shows up in all of humanity.
From her time in the CCM group Avalon, to co-pastoring a middle Tennessee church that became LGBTQ inclusive, to her now peacefully post-Christian spirituality, Melissa’s story is one of continuously choosing love over fear.
Connect with Melissa Greene:
Substack
Imaginarium’s Instagram
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42 | Disordered Eating, Substance Use, and an Intuitive Recovery Pathway with Lindsay Sparks, RDN
Eating disorders are among the most misunderstood mental health conditions.
Those who struggle with substance use have a significantly increased risk of also developing an eating disorder or disordered eating patterns.
In this episode, fellow sober sister, Registered Dietician, snd Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor Lindsay Sparks joins me to offer an empowering, holistic approach to recovery.
Lindsay shares her personal story of overcoming both disordered eating and alcohol use, and addresses questions like:
What are commonalities between eating disorders and substance use/addictions?
What’s the difference between disordered eating...
41 | From Conversion Therapy to Healing in Sobriety with Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez
Many believe “ex gay” conversion therapy practices went away when Exodus International closed their doors in 2013.
In fact, in today’s political climate, it’s having a resurgence.
Thanks to social media and organizations like Changed Movement, new generations of LGBTQ people are being told they must choose between their faith and sexuality.
Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez and I offer a positive counter-narrative.
Tim is the author of “Conversion Therapy Dropout: A Queer Story of Faith and Belonging”.
Our conversation offers clarity on the harms of conversion practices and “ex gay” ideology fr...
40 | Testify To Love: Reclamation, Healing, and Authenticity with Michael Passons
How do you heal and rebuild after rejection, betrayal, or when life takes a sharp turn from what you envisioned? How can you integrate the parts of your identity that you’ve been told are incompatible?
This episode shares embodied wisdom from someone who’s been forced to navigate these questions, and has re-emerged as his powerfully authentic self.
In the 1990s, Michael Passons became the founding member of the hugely successful CCM band Avalon. After 8 years with the group, he was kicked out…simply because he’s gay.
His journey is proof that spi...
39 | 3 Ways I Use Journaling in Sobriety
Are you a sober introvert? Do you struggle with expressing your feelings verbally, but wish they had somewhere to land? Do you dislike writing, but your sobriety mentors keep suggesting it?
Journaling has been a hugely effective, enjoyable tool in my addiction recovery journey. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be tedious and long-form. Let’s keep it short and simple!
✍️ In this episode, I introduce three simple journaling methods that will help you:
• begin each day by setting powerful intentions
• use I Am statements and prayers to align spiritual conn...
38 | How to Choose Aligned Support for Your Sobriety and Healing Journey
One of the most important decisions you’ll make in sobriety is who you choose to guide you. This applies to not only your addiction recovery, but your whole journey.
Are your friends, influences and health care professionals aligned with your goals?
This episode is an invitation to direct your energy, time and finances toward relationships and healing modalities that are life-giving.
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37 | Self-Inventory in Sobriety: Celebrating Successes and Setting Intentions
Let’s kick off the sober New Year with one of my favorite personal development tools - Inventory!
For many people in addiction recovery, inventory has a negative connotation. This isn’t a list of things you’ve done right or wrong, your perceived character flaws, or successes vs. failures. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge progress within your sobriety and healing journey, and identify what you’d like to see changed.
🪶 Tune in as I present four questions to help you consider:
• your relationship to and role within the sober community
• how you’re i...
36 | Gratitude Lists: My # 1 Tip for Your Sober Holiday Season
In this episode, I share my Sober Gratitude List for 2025, my intentions for Recovered Life podcast heading into the new year, and how you can utilize daily gratitude lists to enhance your sober holiday season.
Tune in as I share reflections on:
• people who’ve guided my sobriety and holistic healing journey
• life lessons gained through my mental health and addiction struggles, and a “full circle” moment I experienced during my recent trip to Tucson
• personal growth and evolution in my sobriety, spirituality and life philosophies
Have a beautiful, sober holida...
35 | Discovering Self-Worth in Sobriety with Jason Munday
In this episode, I’m joined by Jason Munday, a sober friend and Realtor from Tucson, Arizona.
Known as the “nice guy” in high school, Jason inwardly struggled with low self-worth. He turned to alcohol and drugs in college and beyond, in a continual attempt to numb painful emotions and be comfortable in his own skin. After many “wake-up calls”, one pivotal experience made him realize his life was worth living to the fullest.
Jason now meets each day with gratitude for his sobriety and a commitment to live authentically.
🪶 Tune in for story medicine...
34 | Pain as a Messenger Instead of an Enemy with Dr. Noah Meier
In this episode of Recovered Life, Chelsea Anderson is joined by Dr. Noah Meier from Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Noah is a Chiropractor and healing facilitator serving at The Source Chiropractic - Tucson.
Healing the root causes of pain (emotional or physical) often requires discomfort. This is also true of healing from addiction and substance misuse.
In this episode, Chelsea and Dr. Noah highlight the contrast between Western Medicine and Natural Health approaches.
Dr. Noah shares:
- the importance of seeking out Nature’s medicine first
- how he...
33 | Informed Consent and Antidepressants with Amanda Burnett, RN
In this episode, I’m joined by Amanda Burnett, a Registered Nurse and medical freedom advocate from South Carolina.
Amanda is passionate about bringing awareness to the potentially harmful effects of antidepressants and other psychiatric medications, ensuring that individuals are adequately informed to make empowered mental health care choices.
Connect with Chelsea Anderson on Instagram
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💌 Join the Recovered Life email list and get Chelsea’s FREE Resource Guide - Holistic Tools for Self-Empowered Sobriety
Antidepressant Coalition for Education (how people can report their withdraw...
32 | 10 Years of Sobriety: Celebration and Reflection with my Mentor
In this episode, I celebrate 10 years of sobriety by taking a trip down memory lane with my mentor and friend, Nash Gammill.
Connect with Chelsea Anderson on Instagram
Connect with Nash Gammill on Instagram
💌 Join the Recovered Life email list and get Chelsea’s FREE Resource Guide - Holistic Tools for Self-Empowered Sobriety
31 | Healing Generational Trauma through Body Work with Cristy Hughes, CMT
In this episode, I’m joined by Cristy Hughes, a Certified Massage Therapist at The Source Chiropractic in Tucson, Arizona.
Cristy holds space for her clients’ holistic healing journeys through massage therapy, energy work and teaching them to connect with their bodies through nervous system regulation.
Connect with Chelsea Anderson on Instagram
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30 | Sobriety Myth Buster 2: You’re Not Powerless
In this solo episode of Recovered Life, Chelsea Anderson continues with Part 2 of the Sobriety Myth Busters series. This series addresses the most common roadblocks, misconceptions, fears and limiting beliefs that keep people from giving sobriety a chance.
Some people find that they’re unable to control the amount of alcohol they drink, or the amount of other drugs they use, once they start. Mainstream addiction recovery philosophy refers to this as “powerlessness”.
Alcohol is objectively unhealthy for the human body. Rather than focusing on how to moderate consumption, this episode emphasizes ways in which listen...
29 | Sobriety, Self Discipline & Visioning Your Future with USMC Veteran Dr. Brent Jenogan
In this episode of Recovered Life, Chelsea Anderson is joined by Dr. Brent Jenogan, a United States Marine Corp. veteran and Chiropractor at The Source Chiropractic in Denver, Colorado.
After multiple deployments as a Marine, Dr. Brent found himself struggling with self hatred and alcohol use. While he originally thought he’d become a neurosurgeon, his personal healing journey led him into Chiropractic.
Connect with Chelsea Anderson on Instagram
Connect with Dr. Brent Jenogan on Instagram
Connect with The Source Chiropractic Denver on Instagram
💌 Join the Recovered Life email list a...
28 | What Sober Women Should Know about Birth with Emmy Robbin
In this episode, I’m joined by Emmy Robbin, a Birth Trauma Recovery Coach, Somatic EMDR practitioner and HBAC (home birth after c-section) Mom from Austin, Texas.
What do pregnancy, birth and medical freedom have to do with sobriety? It turns out, a lot.
Emmy’s wisdom gained through her own birth stories (first a traumatic c-section, then a redemptive HBAC) is invaluable for sober women desiring an autonomous, self-empowered birth experience.
Tune in for story medicine and practical wisdom on:
Emmy’s two birth storiesbirth as a natural, physiological event (not an inh...27 | Awakening the Self Healer with Dr. Brett Jones
In this episode of Recovered Life, Chelsea Anderson is joined by Dr. Brett Jones, Chiropractor, Healing Facilitator and owner of The Source Chiropractic in Tucson, Arizona.
Dr. Brett is co-founder of The Source Chiropractic franchise, Kairos Training Culture (the largest and most influential training culture in chiropractic) and Energy Somatics. He is host of The Healing Way podcast and author of Know Who The Fuck You Are. His new book, The Healing Way, will release in 2025.
Dr. Brett has been one of Chelsea’s main influences in the realm of natural health, self healing and spi...
26 | Sobriety as a Foundation for Healing and Self Discovery with Stella Molina
In this episode of Recovered Life, Chelsea Anderson is joined by Stella Molina, a fellow sober sister from California.
Tune in as Chelsea and Stella explore:
• substance use as a means of escaping one’s self
• honesty with God, self and others as a necessity for lasting sobriety
• healing the Father Wound and developing discernment in what healthy masculinity is like
• advice for people who are seeking out recovery but struggle with the idea of God
Connect with Chelsea Anderson on Instagram
@recoveredlife
Connect wit...
25 | Sobriety Myth Buster 1: There’s More Than One Way to Get Sober
In this episode of Recovered Life, Chelsea Anderson kicks off a mini series called Sobriety Myth Busters. This series will address the most common roadblocks, misconceptions, fears and limiting beliefs that keep people from giving sobriety a chance.
Connect with Chelsea Anderson on Instagram
💌 Join the Recovered Life email list and get Chelsea’s FREE Resource Guide - Holistic Tools for Self-Empowered Sobriety
24 | Hypnotism and Addiction Recovery with Kat Shinoda
In this episode, I’m joined by Kat Shinoda, a fellow sober sister, Certified Hypnotist and Health Coach from Collegeville, Pennsylvania.
As the owner of Your Life Depot Hypnosis and Coaching, Kat has built a thriving practice dedicated to helping people break free from limiting beliefs and step into their full potential.
Her coaching services provide holistic support in key areas like nutrition, fitness, stress management, and lifestyle transformation—addressing both the physical and mental aspects of well-being.
Tune is as Kat and I explore:
• the progressive nature of both addiction AND re...
23 | Mental Health Recovery Without Big Pharma with Jackson Hall
In this episode of Recovered Life, Chelsea Anderson is joined by Jackson Hall from Dallas, Texas. Jackson is the host of Live Thrivingly podcast and author of the book “A Path to Self Discovery”.
Jackson and Chelsea were both raised in households that adhered to the conventional Western medical model. Significant struggles with mental health and alcohol use led them to not only choose sobriety, but an entirely new philosophy on health.
Tune in as Chelsea and Jackson explore:
• self forgiveness as a first step in shifting one’s health philosophy from medically-minded to holis...
22 | You Can Trust Yourself in Sobriety with Annelise Cherie
In this episode of Recovered Life, Chelsea Anderson is joined by Annelise Cherie, a Mental Health Coach and Reiki Practitioner from Tucson, Arizona.
Annelise’s service in the mental health world was born from her own lived experiences with abuse, childhood trauma due to family members’ addictions, and the loss of her aunt and grandmother.
After a potent plant medicine journey in Peru, deep exploration of human psychology and behavior, and several years of mentorship from her own mental health coach, Annalise now helps others cultivate self healing practices that feel authentic to them.
Tun...
21 | Creating Safe & Brave Trauma Healing Spaces with Ashlee Bowlin
In this episode, I’m joined by Ashlee Bowlin, aka @thealchemicalash on Instagram.
Ashlee is a student and practitioner of the esoteric arts from West Texas. She’s a survivor of childhood trauma who has found significant healing through holistic spiritual modalities, due to her own inner work and the support of trusted healing facilitators.
Ashlee and I met while attending Energy Somatics’ Energy Camp event in Dallas, Texas in July 2024. Ashlee also attended Energy Camp in Tucson, Arizona in January 2025.
We are constantly growing in our understanding of energy, how and why trauma...
20 | Self-Love and Addiction Recovery with Regan Claire
In this episode of Recovered Life, I’m joined by fellow sober sister Regan Claire, aka @tasteofliberation on Instagram.
Regan is well known in the Sober Instagram space for her mocktails, healthy recipe swaps and inspirational reflections on sober living. She is co-host of Liberating Generations podcast with her mother, Dr. Keesha Ewers. As a chiropractic student in recovery from alcohol addiction and bulimia, Regan inspires individuals seeking a holistic approach to sobriety.
Tune in as Regan and I explore:
• Trauma, anxiety, generational patterns and low self-esteem as root causes of addiction
• Re...
19 | Healing the Root Causes of Addiction with Lindsay Kolterman
In this episode of Recovered Life, Chelsea Anderson is joined by Lindsay Kolterman, CEO of The Source Chiropractic Franchise.
As a member of the LGBTQ community raised in rural America, a daughter who’s supported her father through his addiction recovery, and a woman committed to continual healing and self love, Lindsay carries powerful story medicine and practical wisdom.
Chelsea shares (for the first time on Recovered Life) how shame, self hatred and addiction fueled her addiction, how she’s found self acceptance within the LGBTQ community and her shift towards a self empowered approach to re...
18 | The Four Elements of Self Care with Tria Aronow Decker
In this episode of Recovered Life, Chelsea Anderson is joined by Tria Aronow Decker, creator of The Four Elements of Self Care Oracle deck, Certified Health Coach and Intuitive Eating Counselor from Tucson, Arizona.
Self Care is a buzzword in the addiction recovery and holistic health spaces, but what does it look like in practice? What are the Four Elements, and how can humans (being part of Nature) connect with them? Is it possible to have a thriving spiritual life outside of strict religion? How does one select and work with an Oracle or Tarot deck? What...
17 | Self Compassion for the Addiction Recovery Journey with Dr. Jamal Früster
In this episode of Recovered Life, Chelsea Anderson is joined by Dr. Jamal Früster, owner of Alma Sana Chiropractic Studio, host of Soul Coffee podcast and Life Coach from Tucson, Arizona.
Dr. Jamal’s signature workshop, Providing for the Provider, serves leaders, health care professionals and other providers so they can sustainably serve others. Many of the principles taught within this workshop can be beautifully applied by those in addiction recovery. Chelsea has personally attended and benefited greatly from Providing for the Provider.
Here, Dr. Jamal shares his personal journey through childhood trauma, choosing to...
16 | Energy Somatics with Dr. Kate Jones
In this episode, I’m joined for a follow-up chat by my coach and mentor Dr. Kate Jones. Dr. Kate is a Chiropractor, Energy Somatics co-founder and Healing Facilitator from Tucson, Arizona.
What do energy work and chiropractic have to do with addiction recovery? Can years of deeply rooted trauma truly be healed? Let Chelsea’s experience working with Drs. Brett and Kate Jones help answer those questions and more.
Dr. Kate and Chelsea share life updates and introduce the Energy Somatics healing modality from the facilitator and client perspective. Chelsea’s experiences, both at Energy...
15 | From Victim Consciousness to Victorious with Marie Gonzalez
In this episode of Recovered Life, Chelsea Anderson is joined by returning guest Marie Gonzalez, a Breathwork and Cacao Ceremony Facilitator, Reiki Master and Certified Dharma Coach from Tucson, Arizona.
Tune in for Marie’s lived experience and nuggets of wisdom on moving beyond victim mentality into victory as a woman, mother and healing facilitator.
• Self discovery after leaving a physically, sexually & emotionally abusive marriage
• Choosing to view life not as happening TO her, but FOR her
• Breathwork and Cacao ceremonies as aides in her healing process and her journey into facilitat...
14 | Sobriety, Femininity & Nature’s Free Medicine with Hannah Korrey
In this episode of Recovered Life, Chelsea Anderson is joined by Hannah Korrey, a fellow sober sister from Dallas, Texas. As two women committed to a natural health approach, alcohol-free living and their individual healing journeys, Chelsea and Hannah offer empowering yet potentially “controversial” takes on issues affecting modern women.
Sobriety, birth control, western medicine vs. holistic healthcare, CBD, embracing femininity, cycle syncing…this one’s for the ladies and Recovered Life is here to help you reconnect with your body’s amazing potential.
Follow Chelsea Anderson on Instagram
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13 | Remembering Health as Your Birthright with Sammy Rowlette
In this episode of Recovered Life, Chelsea is joined by Sammy Rowlette, an Integrative Nutritional Health Coach, Registered Yoga Teacher and HTMA Practitioner.
This conversation can be summarized in the below quote from Indigenous author and Trauma Healing Facilitator Dr. Ruby Gibson, which is referenced throughout:
“Trauma happens when we lose our voice, choice, and power. Healing happens when we reclaim our voice, choice, and power.”
Connect with Sammy Rowlette on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ohthere.you.are?igsh=eThucGVqNXlrYXJp
Connect with Chelsea Anderson on Instagram:
http...
12 | Authenticity and Your Healing Journey with Dr. Chris Brown
In this episode of Recovered Life, Chelsea is joined by Dr. Chris Brown, a Chiropractor, Energy Healing Facilitator and owner of The Source Chiropractic in Seattle, Washington.
Chelsea and Dr. Chris share their journeys to self acceptance and self love as members of the LGBTQ community, including their coming out stories, mental health struggles, and steps they took to find healing and a sense of purpose in this world.
Dr. Chris brings great insights into common stress patterns that minority populations hold in their bodies, how and why traumas are stored, and how to begin t...
11 | Finding Purpose in Veterans Mental Health Advocacy with Tom Ettinger, United States Marine (Ret.)
In this episode of Recovered Life, Chelsea Anderson is joined by Tom Ettinger, a retired United States Marine and mental health advocate.
Since retiring from the Marine Corp. in 2020, Tom has used his social media platforms to speak boldly about that which too much of our society is willing to address- our veteran (and civilian) suicide and mental health crisis. He’s the President of SitRep22, a Veterans’ Mental Health Awareness non-profit and part of the 22Mohawks Suicide Prevention team.
If you’re a veteran or service member, you’ll enjoy Tom and Chelsea’s trips down...
10 | Healing Eating Disorders with Brittany Gordien
Eating disorders are one of the most misunderstood forms of addiction.
Joining me to bring awareness & compassion to this subject is Brittany Gordien. Brittany is an energy & sound healing facilitator from Tucson, Arizona who courageously shares her lived experience of healing from an eating disorder, toxic relationship & co-dependency. Her story is not just one of survival, but learning to truly love and prioritize herself in the midst of service to others.
Speaking of energy work, I also took the opportunity toward the end of our discussion to share about my experience with Energy Somatics this su...
9 | Movement is Medicine for Depression with U.S. Navy Veteran Danny Mayberry
In this episode of Recovered Life, I’m happy to be joined by Danny Mayberry, a United States Navy veteran with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. His long-term sobriety, compassion and resilience make him a wonderful asset to the veteran mental health advocacy space. He’s the host of the 1 Mile 1 Veteran podcast. Together with his wife Leighanne, he produces social media content that encourages
Our conversation is a beautiful example of what it can look like to hold space for one another’s healing. Both Danny and I shared openly and vulnerably about our experiences fightin...
8 | Be Your Own Health Care Hero with Dr. Hannah Donahoe
What if any and all “routine” engagement with the Western medical system was entirely optional?
What if the system so many people rely on for health care isn’t actually about health care, but sick care?
What if the only person who can truly heal you is…YOU?
What if you were your own health care hero?
For some, these questions feel empowering. Others may feel challenged, convicted, or even triggered. Whatever your perspective, I invite you to consider the ways in which you’ve outsourced your power and responsibility, and how you mi...
7 | Healing, Serving & BEing Authentically with Dr. Hannah Donahoe
If you’ve ever received a diagnosis or label that made you question your potential, you’re going to love this episode. I’m happy to welcome Dr. Hannah Donahoe, a Chiropractor, Kambo Practitioner, Healing Facilitator and owner of The Source Chiropractic in Dallas, TX which just opened its doors last week.
Dr. Hannah’s story is super inspiring to me because she was that kid who was labeled and pretty much discarded by her 5th grade teacher. But instead of allowing words like ADD, ADHD, dyslexia or autism to dictate her future, she chose to heal and belie...
6 | Which Sobriety Pathway is the Best? with Hayley Matches
I’m happy to welcome my first international guest and fellow sober sister to the podcast, Hayley Matches, from Vancouver, BC.
Hayley is a Certified Professional Recovery Coach who’s been alcohol-free since 2019. Her sobriety has led to radical shifts in her goals, values & desires, and she now helps others live what she calls an Unwasted Life.
Through this conversation, Hayley & I hope to address some of the divisiveness, contention & misconceptions within the recovery world around which pathway is “best”. We break down the difference between sober coaches, licensed therapists & mentors. Although I got sober in the tr...
