What if you could conquer a 26-year-long addiction and transform your life in just two years? Join us for a compelling conversation with Nic Kalo, who shares her incredible journey from the depths of drug addiction to a life filled with supportive, goal-driven individuals and mentors. Nic opens up about her relentless pursuit of the next high, her illegal shoplifting business, and the pivotal moments that led her to recovery.In this powerful episode, we explore Nic's experiences with rehab and the vital role of personal development and mentorship in overcoming addiction. Discover how attending a life-changing event during her newfound sobriety and surrounding herself with positive influences allowed her to believe in herself as others believed in her. Nic also discusses her insights on why her previous rehab attempts failed and what ultimately led her to take a much-needed deeper approach to recovery.Now, Nic is giving back by mentoring teens in high school and sharing her experiences. We'll delve into the importance of having a cheer squad and the powerful impact of a mentor's guidance and encouragement. In this episode, you will hear: The shift from addiction to a book The importance of believing in yourself and your goals The importance of small steps and small wins The process of building a support network Mentoring teens in high school Mentorship and having a mentor About “The Power of Mental Wealth” Follow and Review:We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:The Power of Mental Wealth: Success Begins From Within, Volume 3https://www.amazon.com/POWER-MENTAL-WEALTH-Featuring-Kalo/dp/1951502779 http://www.novusmindfullife.com/Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growing up in a small town Brethren church, Aaron Porter's journey through life and faith has been far from ordinary. From his accidental career as a pastor to the way his faith was shaped by suffering, Aaron shares with Duane his experiences and insights with us in this captivating conversation. They explore the wisdom he's gained from Buddhist friends on viewing suffering differently and delve into the profound lessons found in the book of Job, even sharing a humorous moment along the way.In a world that often feels dark and heavy, Aaron reminds us of the importance of love, fun, and understanding the "person and work of Christ" in Christianity. They discuss the need to balance work and self-reflection with joy and play, and how slowing down can help us cultivate a deeper sense of self. Aaron also shares his thoughts on the power of language in shaping our identity, as well as the usefulness of tools like the Enneagram in understanding our natural tendencies. Don't miss this engaging and insightful conversation with Aaron Porter, co-host of the Pirate Monk podcast.In this episode, you will hear: Finding love and fun in Christianity Contemplating hope and self-reflection Finding God through suffering and spirituality Navigating suffering and growth Unconditional love and simplicity Hope's misconceptions The Quaker clearing committee Follow and Review:We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:NovusMindfulLife.comhttp://www.novusmindfullife.com/ https://piratemonkpodcast.com/Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you imagine overcoming addiction with the help of an app? In this fascinating episode, Duane had the pleasure of speaking with Chandler Rogers, CEO and co-founder of Relay, a digital group-based program for finding healing from addiction. Chandler opened up about his inspiring journey of overcoming behavioral addiction and the development of Relay, aiming to make recovery smarter and more accessible.They delve into Chandler's struggles with pornography, shame, and self-esteem, and how group therapy provided the compassionate accountability necessary for change. Chandler shares how the power of connection and support inspired him to create a digital tool that could help others in their recovery journey. Learn about the incredible development and support of the app, as well as the success stories that have come from those who have found healing through the program.By the end, they discuss Chandler's vision for the future of addiction recovery technology and how Relay is transforming lives. Explore how the app guides users through creating their recovery plan, feeling empowered and supported every step of the way. Learn more about this innovative tool and the incredible impact it's having on those struggling with addiction.In this episode, you will hear: The dangers of Internet pornography Teamwork and accountability in recovery  Building a tool for addiction support  Starting a company  Passion for Relay project  Follow and Review:We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:Relay App: www.joinrelay.app/addicted-mindhttp://www.novusmindfullife.com/ Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that addiction has been recognized as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act for well over 20 years now? This means that people with addictions have substantial legal rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This is such an important topic to talk and think about, as we learn how best to help everyone struggling with addiction as well as the pain and suffering that come along with addiction so we can help alleviate those.On today's episode, Duane sits down with John T Maier to discuss the concept of viewing addiction as a disability instead of a disease. Their conversation delves into the implications this has on how we handle addiction in society and when dealing with addiction personally. John T Maier holds an MSW in clinical social work from Simmons University and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Princeton. He is a staff clinician at the Seeder Clinic and teaches regularly at Lesley University, with a book on the disability view of addiction currently in the works.In this episode, you will hear: How addiction is being viewed by society over the years The difference between disease and disability Policy on addiction and disability Disclosure of addiction and privacy The disability model as identity-driven vs. behavior-driven Subscribe and ReviewHave you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:NovusMindfulLife.comEpisode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Duane speaks with Andrew Drazan and Dr. Edmond Hakimi to discuss the pressing topic of addiction and addiction research. Andrew Drazan is the founder and current chairman of Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research, which has been providing personalized care to individuals struggling with addiction for over a decade. Dr. Edmond Hakimi, the medical director of Wellbridge, brings his extensive expertise in addiction treatment to the conversation. Today, delve into the medical model of treating addiction, the importance of research in this field, and the individualized care approach taken by Wellbridge. We will also address topical issues such as the opioid epidemic and the growing prevalence of synthetic drugs. In this episode, you will hear: The medical model of treating addiction Bringing research into the addiction space How to measure the outcome of addiction treatment The importance of individualized care in the field of addiction Addressing the opioid epidemic in the United States Are synthetic drugs becoming even more addictive? The importance of a weekly dose of medication Subscribe and ReviewHave you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:https://wellbridge.org/http://www.novusmindfullife.com/ Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The journey from trauma to peace and acceptance involves an intermediate space of transition. During trauma, the body is in a hyper-vigilant state, leading to pain, hurt, and suffering. Moving away from trauma requires a shift towards something different - a space of healing and inner peace.In today's episode, Duane interviews Robert Common, who shares his personal story and discusses the work he does with clients who are dealing with addiction and mental health issues. Robert also advocates for protecting women and children from violence, and we'll be delving into that topic as well. He talks about how his Buddhism and experiences with trauma intersected and helped him overcome addiction, and how all these factors played a role in his journey to recovery.In this episode, you will hear: The intersection of trauma, addiction, and Buddhism The space of transition from trauma to peacefulness Buddhism and the noble truths How trauma pulls away from compassion How trauma can be a force for good The gift of pain and the power of mindfulness Subscribe and ReviewHave you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:http://www.novusmindfullife.com/ Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

*DISCLAIMER EXPLICIT CONTENT*Trauma is something that no one would choose to go through, but it can also be an opportunity for personal growth and wisdom. We may all have different stories and personal circumstances, but often, the dynamics at play are very similar in terms of how we heal. In this episode of the podcast, Duane speaks with Nikki Eisenhauer, a psychotherapist, licensed professional counselor, licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, and life coach specializing in trauma, addiction, grief, and loss in highly sensitive people.Nikkis is also a yoga and meditation teacher and host of the hit mental health podcast Emotional Badass: Where Moxie Meets Mindful. Through her personal and professional experiences, Nikki encourages us to take charge of our lives, even in the face of pain and suffering. By developing emotional intelligence and resilience, we can create a more peaceful, joyful, and fulfilling life. Listen in as Nikki shares her story of resilience and emphasizes the importance of emotional resilience in overcoming difficult experiences. The conversation also touches on the topics of sexual abuse and incest, so if this is something that’s difficult for you, please approach it with caution.In this episode, you will hear: What it means to be an emotional badass Why incest is a taboo topic The importance of emotional intelligence in childhood Interpreting intuitive messages into verbal language The common plight of eldest children in dysfunctional families Guilt and shame as a big beach ball for the abusers The power of listening to and trusting your intuition How your body feels what your mind knows Cultivating patience and kindness to yourself Subscribe and ReviewHave you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:Emotional Badass: Where Moxie Meets MindfulNovusMindfulLife.comEpisode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Movies, as much as they’re entertaining, can also play a major role in addiction recovery. Films and movies tell us a lot about our humanity, and stories in films always follow a very familiar pattern – they're all about transformation, a relatable theme for anyone in recovery.In an engaging conversation with Duane, Ted Perkins shares his passion for using movies to promote addiction recovery. As the author of Addicted in Film: Movies We Love About the Habits We Hate, you can use Ted's workbook to explore self-discovery questions while enjoying recovery-related movies. Ted is also the Founder/CEO of Recovery Movie Meet-Ups, where individuals in recovery can support each other. Having been in recovery himself, Ted is dedicated to helping others break the stigma of addiction and move forward, as we all overcome addiction, together.In this episode, you will hear: How film and addiction are intertwined Identifying with the movie characters  Addiction as a subjective mental experience How movies help in addiction recovery Putting screenwriting and recovery together Understanding the mental models of the future Subscribe and ReviewHave you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:Addicted in Filmhttps://www.addictedinfilm.com Recovery Movie Meet-Upshttps://www.recoverymoviemeetups.com/ NovusMindfulLife.comEpisode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As you're trying to find hope in the grit of addiction and trauma recovery, there's power in being part of a community that can move us from a place of struggle to freedom.On this episode, Duane speaks with Caroline Beidler about her new book, “Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in The Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery,” and how one can find hope in their own journey of addiction and trauma recovery by harnessing the power of sharing their story. Caroline Beidler is an author, recovery advocate, and founder of the storytelling platform Bright Story Shine. With almost 20 years in leadership within social work and ministry, Caroline is a team writer for The Grit and Grace Project and a blogger at the global recovery platform, In The Rooms.Caroline's insights and personal experiences offer practical advice and inspiration for those navigating similar struggles. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for hope and healing in their own life.In this episode, you will hear: Why she came up with the title, “Downstairs Church” How she took the first steps down into the basement church How to find hope in the grit of addiction Having a personal relationship with God takes time How adversities give rise to healing The importance of showing up vulnerably  Highlighting the power of story Subscribe and ReviewHave you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:Website: www.carolinebeidler.comBright Story Shinehttps://www.brightstoryshine.com/ The Grit and Grace Projecthttps://thegritandgraceproject.org/ In The Roomshttps://www.intherooms.com/home/ Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in The Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recoveryhttps://www.amazon.com/Downstairs-Church-Finding-Addiction-Recovery/dp/1631959786NovusMindfulLife.comEpisode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lot of people who may be struggling with a family member that is in the throes of addiction think the person needs to go get help. But there's this whole system that probably has to be addressed.In this episode, Duane and Dr. Brooke Keels discuss the importance of family therapy in addiction recovery from a systems perspective. Dr. Keels highlights the importance of each family member doing their own individual work to achieve health for the entire system. With her experience in clinical and leadership roles within the recovery industry for over 15 years, Dr. Keels shares her passion for the process and the positive impact it can have on people's lives. Dr. Brooke Keels holds a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy. She works to create, implement, and oversee the Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Program and Individual and Family Therapy Programs at Lighthouse Recovery, Texas. Listen in to learn more about the family's role in addiction recovery and how to work towards health and happiness for all.In this episode, you will hear: The importance of family in addiction treatment The power of seeing the system Why family healing is so important What hope looks like in a dysfunctional family The value of validating the reality of the situation Subscribe and ReviewHave you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:Lighthouse Recovery TexasNovusMindfulLife.comEpisode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices