006: Running, Sobriety and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy with Charlie Engle
Aug 28, 2023
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Charlie Engle, an ultra-marathon runner who conquered addiction and completed over 5,000 miles across Africa, shares his remarkable journey. He reflects on how running became a lifeline in his recovery, celebrating 31 years of sobriety with a marathon. Engle also delves into his experiences with psychedelic-assisted therapy, advocating for its potential in healing. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity and resilience in overcoming challenges, inviting listeners to rethink traditional recovery methods while maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit.
Charlie Engle illustrates how embracing an entrepreneurial mindset can lead to creative self-expression and personal fulfillment beyond traditional success.
The podcast highlights the therapeutic power of running as a constructive outlet for overcoming addiction and processing emotional challenges.
The discussion emphasizes the emerging acceptance of psychedelic-assisted therapies as innovative methods for addressing addiction and trauma recovery.
Deep dives
The Importance of Staying Present
People often become overly attached to outcomes, especially in relationships, leading them to overlook the value of the present moment. It is crucial to recognize that the only time we truly experience life is in the here and now, whether with a partner, job, or any other pursuit. This constant yearning for future perfection can distract us from appreciating the journey we are on. By focusing on remaining present, individuals can better navigate their experiences and find deeper satisfaction in their daily lives.
Redefining the Entrepreneurial Mindset
The entrepreneur's mindset is characterized not just by the pursuit of business but by a creative approach to life. This mindset fosters a quest for freedom and self-expression, making it possible for individuals to explore various avenues of personal and professional fulfillment. It is not limited to financial success but encompasses a broader desire to create and innovate in different aspects of life. Recognizing this allows individuals to embrace diverse experiences and find joy beyond conventional business success.
Transformative Power of Running in Recovery
Engaging in physical activities, particularly running, can play a pivotal role in overcoming addiction and finding inner peace. The speaker's journey highlights how regular running contributed to his recovery by providing a constructive outlet for emotional challenges. This combination of physical exertion and mental clarity enabled him to address and process his past traumas more effectively. By developing a routine focused on fitness, individuals can establish healthier coping mechanisms and foster resilience against relapsing.
Curiosity and Personal Growth
Embracing curiosity is essential for personal growth and expanding one's horizons. The notion that pursuing challenges, whether physical or mental, leads to deeper self-understanding and new opportunities is emphasized throughout the discussion. Rather than shying away from difficult experiences, individuals are encouraged to lean into them, as they often yield the most significant transformations. This mindset encourages a willingness to explore new ideas and approaches, ultimately fueling the journey toward self-improvement.
Exploring Alternative Therapies for Healing
The conversation highlights the growing acceptance of alternative therapies, particularly psychedelics, as innovative approaches to healing addiction and trauma. While traditional methods have their merits, they often fall short for many individuals seeking recovery. Psychedelic-assisted therapies, when conducted with qualified professionals, can offer profound insights and facilitate emotional breakthroughs. As society begins to acknowledge the potential benefits of such treatments, it presents a unique opportunity to re-evaluate conventional paradigms of addiction recovery.
006: Running, Sobriety and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy with Charlie Engle
Charlie Engle shares his inspiring story of smoking crack for six days straight to go on to run 35 marathons in his first three years of recovery. Charlie became the top ultra-marathon runner in the world and ran over 5,000 miles across Africa. In this episode, Charlie opens up for the first time about his experiences with psychedelic-assisted therapy.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The entrepreneurial mindset
Alcohol became a reliable friend
Sobriety and running
No one is coming to save you
Running the Sahara
Doing federal prison time
Running 31 hours to celebrate 31 years sober
My addictive, obsessive behavior is the best part of me
Ketamine assisted-therapy with veterans
Charlie’s own healing journey with psychedelic-assisted therapy
Show Notes To get access to today's show notes and all the resources mentioned, visit https://www.jesseharless.com/podcast
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