Episodios

  • 330. Sober Curious: Kaitlin Henry's Journey from Questioning Normal Drinking to Finding Peace and Self-Care

    330. Sober Curious: Kaitlin Henry's Journey from Questioning Normal Drinking to Finding Peace and Self-Care
    Jul 24 2024
    In this episode, award-winning podcast host Ashley Loeb Blassingame interviews Kaitlin Henry, who has been sober for five years. Kaitlin shares her journey from growing up in an environment where alcohol was normalized to becoming a mother and struggling with the pressures of parenthood and societal expectations. She discusses her experience with the sober curious movement, realizing that despite not having outward consequences, she continually broke promises to herself about her drinking. Kaitlin emphasizes the importance of self-care, noticing feelings, and creating healthy coping mechanisms to maintain sobriety and overall well-being.
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    1 h y 9 m
  • 229. Finding Light in the Dark: Julie Reisler's Journey Through Divorce, Food Dysfunction, Healing, and Self-Worth

    229. Finding Light in the Dark: Julie Reisler's Journey Through Divorce, Food Dysfunction, Healing, and Self-Worth
    Jul 17 2024
    In this episode, Julie Reisler shares her compelling journey through a challenging childhood marked by a father's PTSD and a mother's emotional instability. Julie opens up about the impact of her parents' love and dysfunction, and how it shaped her coping mechanisms and path to recovery. Through honest reflection, Julie discusses her struggles with food addiction, the pressures of people-pleasing, and the profound realization of her parents' limitations. Additionally, Julie delves into her spiritual journey, highlighting how she found solace and healing through practices like energy medicine and tapping. Listeners will gain insight into the complexities of growing up in a chaotic environment, the importance of finding healthier ways to self-soothe and heal, and the transformative power of spiritual growth in recovery.
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    1 h y 15 m
  • 228. Transforming Our Inner Critic: Diana Zaheer on Energy, Spirituality, and Over the Counter Meditations

    228. Transforming Our Inner Critic: Diana Zaheer on Energy, Spirituality, and Over the Counter Meditations
    Jul 10 2024
    In this enlightening episode of "The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast," host Ashley Loeb Blassingame sits down with Diana Zaheer, a spiritual teacher and healer with a unique background in energy work and global spiritual traditions. Diana shares her journey from seeing energy as a child to studying with spiritual teachers across Asia. They delve into the concept of the critical voice, its impact on our lives, and how to work with it to foster self-compassion and inner peace. Diana also discusses her latest project, "Over the Counter Meditations," a collection of spontaneous meditations paired with beautiful music and animations, aimed at helping people connect with their inner selves. What the Listener Will Learn: Diana Zaheer's background and spiritual journey Diana’s childhood experiences with seeing energy Insights from studying various spiritual traditions globally Practical ways to start understanding and feeling energy and spirituality Importance of self-compassion and inner exploration Techniques for checking in with oneself and understanding the inner world The concept of the critical voice and how it impacts us Methods to recognize and work with the critical voice for personal growth The creation process of "Over the Counter Meditations" Combining meditation, music, and animation for spiritual learning
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    50 m
  • 227. Shot in the Head at Route 91: Elle Gargano's Inspiring Journey of Survival and Recovery

    227. Shot in the Head at Route 91: Elle Gargano's Inspiring Journey of Survival and Recovery
    Jul 3 2024
    Elle shares her incredible story of surviving a mass shooting at a music festival. She opens up about her adoption, the challenges she faced growing up, and the impact of the shooting on her mental health. Elle discusses her physical injuries, including being shot in the head, and the surgeries she underwent to remove bullet fragments. She also talks about the emotional journey of healing and processing the trauma, including experiencing anxiety and panic attacks. Elle emphasizes the importance of therapy in her recovery. Elle shares her experience of recovering from a traumatic brain injury and the impact it had on her mental health. She emphasizes the importance of therapy and the benefits it brought to her life. Elle discusses the challenges of having an invisible injury and the difficulty of explaining her experience to others. She talks about the changes in her life and her decision to start her own business to help others with mental health issues. Elle's message is that everyone has bravery and inner resiliency within them, and it's important to seek help and support when needed. Takeaways Elle shares her experience of surviving a mass shooting at a music festival and the impact it had on her life. She discusses her adoption and the challenges she faced growing up, including feeling different and navigating her identity. Elle opens up about her physical injuries, including being shot in the head, and the surgeries she underwent to remove bullet fragments. She talks about the emotional journey of healing and processing the trauma, including experiencing anxiety and panic attacks. Elle emphasizes the importance of therapy in her recovery and finding support to navigate the aftermath of the shooting. Therapy is important for everyone, regardless of whether they have experienced trauma or not. Having an invisible injury can be challenging, as others may not understand the internal impact it has on a person's life. Sharing one's story and experiences can inspire and help others who may be going through similar situations. It's important to recognize and appreciate the bravery and resiliency within oneself. Recovering from a traumatic experience can lead to a reevaluation of life and a desire to find purpose and joy. Comparing traumas and downplaying one's own experiences is not helpful for healing and growth. Seeking help and support is essential for navigating the challenges of mental health. Opening up about mental health can spark meaningful conversations and connections with others. Anxiety and preparedness can coexist, but it becomes unhealthy when it prevents a person from enjoying life. Finding joy and pursuing one's passions can be a powerful way to reclaim life after trauma.
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    57 m
  • 226. Losing Custody of Her Son, Battling Drug-Induced Psychosis, and Finding Redemption: Lindsay’s Harrowing Journey

    226. Losing Custody of Her Son, Battling Drug-Induced Psychosis, and Finding Redemption: Lindsay’s Harrowing Journey
    Jun 26 2024
    In this gripping and heartfelt episode, Ashley sits down with Lindsay S to explore her harrowing yet inspirational journey through addiction, psychosis, and the path to recovery. Lindsay shares candidly about her childhood, the trauma that shaped her early years, and the intense struggles with eating disorders and substance abuse. Her story is one of resilience and hope, as she details her battles with addiction, the impact on her family, and the ultimate triumph of finding sobriety and reclaiming her life. Listeners will be moved by Lindsay's raw honesty and inspired by her unwavering determination to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. What Listeners Will Learn: The impact of childhood trauma on addiction and mental health. The complexities and challenges of dealing with eating disorders. The role of family dynamics and expectations in personal development. The experience of psychosis and its effects on daily life. Strategies for seeking help and the importance of support systems in recovery. The significance of comprehensive treatment programs and the 12-step process. The emotional and psychological journey of regaining custody and rebuilding family relationships. The importance of willingness and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. The transformative power of self-forgiveness and making amends. The potential for recovery and redemption, no matter how severe the struggle.
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    1 h y 5 m
  • 225. From Wall Street to Rural Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Dr. Eric Arzubi on ACEs, Telehealth, and Transforming Mental Health Care

    225. From Wall Street to Rural Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Dr. Eric Arzubi on ACEs, Telehealth, and Transforming Mental Health Care
    Jun 19 2024
    In this episode, Ashley interviews Dr. Eric Arzubi, a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist with a fascinating journey from finance to psychiatry. Dr. Arzubi shares his personal and professional experiences, highlighting the importance of mental health care, especially in rural communities. They delve into the challenges and nuances of mental health diagnosis, the stigma around medication, and the critical need for early intervention. The conversation also explores the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on long-term health outcomes and the potential benefits of telehealth in increasing access to mental health services. You Will Learn... Dr. Eric Arzubi's unique journey from finance to becoming a child and adolescent psychiatrist. The significant impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on long-term mental and physical health. Insights into the stigma surrounding mental health medication and how to approach it. Differences in mental health challenges between high-pressure urban settings and rural communities. The critical importance of early intervention in addressing mental health issues. The role of telehealth in providing accessible mental health care, especially in underserved rural areas. How to recognize signs of mental health issues in children and the importance of addressing them early. Practical advice for parents dealing with their children's mental health, including the balance of medication and therapy. Personal stories and reflections from Dr. Arzubi's practice and his own experiences with anxiety. The benefits of using technology and innovative practices to overcome barriers in mental health care delivery. Contact Dr. Arzubi: linkedin.com/in/drzoobs https://frontier.care/ https://www.instagram.com/frontier_psychiatry/ https://www.facebook.com/frontierpsych.care
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    55 m
  • 224. Breaking the Stigma: Preston Moore on Emotional Fitness, Family Dysfunction, and Proactive Mental Health Strategies

    224. Breaking the Stigma: Preston Moore on Emotional Fitness, Family Dysfunction, and Proactive Mental Health Strategies
    Jun 12 2024
    In this episode, Preston Moore joins the podcast to discuss his journey and insights on mental health, addiction, and emotional dysfunction. Preston, who recently delivered a powerful TEDx Talk, shares his perspective on the root causes of mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of addressing family dysfunction and emotional fitness. He highlights the long journey many face before receiving a diagnosis and the critical need for proactive emotional health practices. Throughout the conversation, Preston and Ashley delve into personal anecdotes, the importance of support systems, and practical strategies for fostering emotional well-being. Bullet Points Preston Moore discusses his recent TEDx Talk on mental health and addiction stigma. Emphasizes the importance of addressing family dysfunction and emotional fitness. Highlights the long average duration before mental health diagnoses (11 years). Discusses inherited emotional rules and their impact on family dynamics. Explores the importance of proactive emotional health practices and support systems. Personal anecdotes on parenting and emotional health strategies. The role of community and peer support in recovery and emotional well-being. Practical tips for creating a mental and emotional fitness plan. The importance of self-awareness and willingness to change for improving family dynamics.
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    1 h y 4 m
  • 223. Battling Suicidality and Addiction: Kayli’s Journey from CPS Worker to Sobriety (4 Months Sober)

    223. Battling Suicidality and Addiction: Kayli’s Journey from CPS Worker to Sobriety (4 Months Sober)
    Jun 5 2024
    In this episode, we sit down with Kayli, who opens up about her childhood in Rock Springs, Wyoming, and the complex family dynamics that shaped her early years. Kayli shares her experiences growing up with a single mother, navigating life in a dysfunctional but loving home, and facing the challenges of mental health and substance abuse. As a CPS worker, Kayli witnessed the harsh realities of trauma and addiction, further compounding her own struggles with suicidality and alcoholism. Now, with 4 months of sobriety, she recounts her journey through trauma, her path to recovery, and the ongoing battle to find stability and peace. Kayli's story is a testament to resilience and the power of seeking help.
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    1 h y 10 m