
Ashes to Awesome Podcast - Rising in Recovery
Our podcast provides light, hope, and understanding about addiction and mental health to those living within that life and the people who love them. After spending 25 years in and out of active addiction, I was able to rise out of those ashes and found my way to recovery. I'm passionate about giving back to society and started my podcast to raise awareness of some of the issues surrounding addiction. People we lose to addiction and mental health, including those in the opioid crisis, are so much more than a statistic or how they passed. They were loved. We focus on addiction from many perspectives, including professionals in the healthcare and recovery industries; people who have risen from the ashes of addiction into the awesomeness of recovery; and those who may still be active in an addiction, and we include the families and loved ones that are conscripted soldiers in a war no one wanted. Every day of the week is different and unique. Memorial Monday is dedicated to the people lost to overdose and/or addiction. We allow a family member or friend to share the story of who they were in better times. Tuesdays are typically dedicated to the people who have risen from the ashes of addiction into the awesomeness of recovery and/or who are trying to still fight to find their way back. Wednesdays is named kaleidoscope Wednesday, and features Ryan Bathgate, a gifted therapist who possesses a master’s degree, and helps us to understand the science and psychology around addiction, and how to come back from the chaos and maintain a fulfilled life from any trauma. His wisdom, charisma, and passion are evident as he answers questions from our listeners. He unpacks his answers in a way that is uniquely valuable to all who listen. By Thursday, we are ready for some light n laughter and take a break from the seriousness of our usual topics with "Just the Tip(s)" Thursday, we have some fun with how to navigate society with sobriety. Family Fridays are dedicated to the families and loved ones of addicts, and sharing their stories as they are too often not told, but their battles are just as fierce and heart wrenching of those who are struggling on a daily basis. On the Weekend Ramble I am joined my cohost, Karl the Atheist; Lisa, a psychiatrist specializing in addiction, and often a fourth panelist that changes week to week so as to continue offering a different perspective. As a panel, we look back at the week and discuss some of the highlights and takeaways.
Latest episodes

Sep 11, 2023 • 1h 10min
165 - SHANNON BURNESS - ROCK BOTTOM IS DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE
Shannon was a high functioning alcoholic with an emotional rock bottom, that wasn't stereotypical, but it was every bit as powerful.
If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, Morning Cup of Kindness. Details herehttps://WWW.A2APODCAST.COM/MCK
Click https://www.a2apodcast.com for links to Chuck's new daily 5 min podcast, "Morning Cup of Kindness", all of our socials where we have posted some great short-form content to help inspire.
If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message. Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously. Lastly, most of our alumni guests from the podcast are members of our Facebook group. If you would like to get to know any of them, or have questions, or perhaps would like to invite them onto another show, this is a great place to interact.
You can join that group here .https://www.facebook.com/groups/79994...
Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible
:Rosecrest Recovery Services Call 615-484-8792 or email info@rosecrestrecoveryservices.com
Dent Kits - http://www.dentkits.com
Together We Can Recovery Society http://www.twcrecoverylife.org
Revolution Recovery - https://www.revolution-recovery.com/
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -https://yatracentre.com/
Nate D Foundation =https://nate-d.ca/

Sep 9, 2023 • 1h 22min
164 - WEEKEND RAMBLE - DR. MONTY GHOSH
He is a trailblazer in Internal and Addiction Medicine from Alberta. He stands out for his unwavering advocacy for vulnerable groups, including the Indigenous, LGBTQ, refugees, and those confronting addiction and homelessness.
He’s a respected academic at the University of Alberta, he has pioneered vital health initiatives, from virtual interventions to detox programs.
Celebrated for his published work and as the President Elect of the Alberta Medical Association Addiction Section, Dr. Ghosh has been instrumental in transforming healthcare perspectives and policies.
National Overdose Response Service
https://www.nors.ca/
If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, Morning Cup of Kindness. Details herehttps://WWW.A2APODCAST.COM/MCK
Click https://www.a2apodcast.com for links to Chuck's new daily 5 min podcast, "Morning Cup of Kindness", all of our socials where we have posted some great short-form content to help inspire.
If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message. Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously. Lastly, most of our alumni guests from the podcast are members of our Facebook group. If you would like to get to know any of them, or have questions, or perhaps would like to invite them onto another show, this is a great place to interact.
You can join that group here .https://www.facebook.com/groups/79994...
Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible
:Rosecrest Recovery Services Call 615-484-8792 or email info@rosecrestrecoveryservices.com
Dent Kits - http://www.dentkits.com
Together We Can Recovery Society http://www.twcrecoverylife.org
Revolution Recovery - https://www.revolution-recovery.com/
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -https://yatracentre.com/
Nate D Foundation =https://nate-d.ca/

Sep 6, 2023 • 1h 11min
163 - KALEIDOSCOPE WEDNESDAY - EMOTIONAL LEXICON PART 1
This is (part one of our next series; Emotional Lexicon (words for feelings)
Chuck honors a friend's passing by dedicating the episode to him.
RIP Scott Provincial.
If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, Morning Cup of Kindness. Details herehttps://WWW.A2APODCAST.COM/MCK
Click https://www.a2apodcast.com for links to Chuck's new daily 5 min podcast, "Morning Cup of Kindness", all of our socials where we have posted some great short-form content to help inspire.
If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message. Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously. Lastly, most of our alumni guests from the podcast are members of our Facebook group. If you would like to get to know any of them, or have questions, or perhaps would like to invite them onto another show, this is a great place to interact.
You can join that group here .https://www.facebook.com/groups/79994...
Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible
:Rosecrest Recovery Services Call 615-484-8792 or email info@rosecrestrecoveryservices.com
Dent Kits - http://www.dentkits.com
Together We Can Recovery Society http://www.twcrecoverylife.org
Revolution Recovery - https://www.revolution-recovery.com/
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -https://yatracentre.com/
Nate D Foundation =https://nate-d.ca/

Sep 2, 2023 • 2h 2min
162 - WEEKEND RAMBLE- AUTHOR AND PODCASTER; TODD RENNENBOHM
Todd is the host of the hit podcast. Bunny Hugs and Mental Health, and author of a children's book designed to help children understand when an adult is wrestling with mental health called, Sometimes Daddy Cries. He is an obvious empath, a man in recovery, a father, a husband, a great guy, and a local celebrity in his hometown where he grew up and lives, Indian Head, Saskatchewan. This was a conversation, not an interview, and though we talked for close to 45 minutes both before and after the two-hour episode, without responsibilities to attend to, I am sure we could have talked for another 2 hours. You can catch his podcast here:www.a2apodcast.com/bunnyhugsHis book is available on Amazon here www.a2apodcast.com/SometimesDaddyCries
If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, Morning Cup of Kindness. Details herehttps://WWW.A2APODCAST.COM/MCK
Click https://www.a2apodcast.com for links to Chuck's new daily 5 min podcast, "Morning Cup of Kindness", all of our socials where we have posted some great short-form content to help inspire.
If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message. Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously. Lastly, most of our alumni guests from the podcast are members of our Facebook group. If you would like to get to know any of them, or have questions, or perhaps would like to invite them onto another show, this is a great place to interact.
You can join that group here .https://www.facebook.com/groups/79994...
Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible
:Rosecrest Recovery Services Call 615-484-8792 or email info@rosecrestrecoveryservices.com
Dent Kits - http://www.dentkits.com
Together We Can Recovery Society http://www.twcrecoverylife.org
Revolution Recovery - https://www.revolution-recovery.com/
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -https://yatracentre.com/
Nate D Foundation =https://nate-d.ca/

Aug 30, 2023 • 1h 1min
161-KALEIDOSCOPE WEDNESDAY - CONNECTIONS SERIES 3 OF 3
Ryan Bathgate and I wrap our 3 part series on connection, and answer some great mailbag questions.
If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, Morning Cup of Kindness. Details here:https://ashes-to-awesome.podcastpage....
Click https://www.a2apodcast.com for links to Chuck's new daily 5 min podcast, "Morning Cup of Kindness", all of our socials where we have posted some great short-form content to help inspire.
If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message. Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously. Lastly, most of our alumni guests from the podcast are members of our Facebook group. If you would like to get to know any of them, or have questions, or perhaps would like to invite them onto another show, this is a great place to interact.
You can join that group here .https://www.facebook.com/groups/79994...
Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible
:Rosecrest Recovery Services Call 615-484-8792 or email info@rosecrestrecoveryservices.com
Dent Kits - http://www.dentkits.com
Together We Can Recovery Society http://www.twcrecoverylife.org
Revolution Recovery - https://www.revolution-recovery.com/
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -https://yatracentre.com/
Nate D Foundation =https://nate-d.ca/

Aug 26, 2023 • 56min
160 - WEEKEND RAMBLE - ADHD, ADDICTION AND SOLICE IN THE ALLEY'S
Dr. Lisa, Atika-J and I talk about ADHD and it's relation to addiction, but also my personal struggle, and how its made relapse that much hard to avoid. Also we go look at Atika-J's mini docu-series "Solace in the Alleys"
We talk about Lisa's considerable fund raising efforts for Mike Walks Again
www.soberfriendssociety.org
Solace in the Alley's
https://www.instagram.com/solaceinthealleys
If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, Morning Cup of Kindness. Details HERE
Remember if you are listening on Spotify, you can watch the video version there as well. If you are listening on any other platform, you can watch the video version on YouTube by clicking HERE, or searching "ashestoawesomepodcast" in YouTube.
VIST WWW.A2APODCAST.COM FOR ALL THE THINGS, INCLUDING CHUCKS NEW E-BOOK, "TURN SORRY INTO THANK YOU"
Thank you so much for listening. If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message. Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously. Lastly, most of our alumni guests from the podcast are members of our Facebook group. If you would like to get to know any of them, or have questions, or perhaps would like to invite them onto another show, this is a great place to interact. You can join that group here . Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible:
Dent Kits - WEBSITE
Together We Can Recovery Society
WEBSITE Revolution Recovery - WEBSITE
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -WEBSITE
Nate D Foundation = WEBSITE

Aug 25, 2023 • 45min
159-FAMILY FRIDAY- COMING TO TERMS WITH AN UGLY TRUTH
Nefertari Guice has been involved off and on for a very long time to with someone who suffers in addiction, but not being familiar with the "drug scene", he was able to hide it for years from her. She is now coming to terms, and learning how to navigate the emotional rollercoaster that is unique to to being the partner or spouse of an addict.
Her book:
Serve The Silent: Activity and Adult Coloring Book for the Justice Impacted and Their Families
https://a.co/d/63wRYym
If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, Morning Cup of Kindness. Details HERE
Remember if you are listening on Spotify, you can watch the video version there as well. If you are listening on any other platform, you can watch the video version on YouTube by clicking HERE, or searching "ashestoawesomepodcast" in YouTube.
VIST WWW.A2APODCAST.COM FOR ALL THE THINGS, INCLUDING CHUCKS NEW E-BOOK, "TURN SORRY INTO THANK YOU"
Thank you so much for listening. If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message. Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously. Lastly, most of our alumni guests from the podcast are members of our Facebook group. If you would like to get to know any of them, or have questions, or perhaps would like to invite them onto another show, this is a great place to interact. You can join that group here . Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible:
Dent Kits - WEBSITE
Together We Can Recovery Society
WEBSITE Revolution Recovery - WEBSITE
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -WEBSITE
Nate D Foundation = WEBSITE

Aug 23, 2023 • 54min
KALEIDOSCOPE WEDNESDAY - PART 2 OF 3 CONNECTION
Ryan Bathgate is back for the middle of our 3 part series on connection.
Last week we talked about what connection is, and how it has always been a part of our evolution. This week we work on understanding, loneliness, and how it can be used as an asset to strengthen connections.
If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, Morning Cup of Kindness. Details HERE
Remember if you are listening on Spotify, you can watch the video version there as well. If you are listening on any other platform, you can watch the video version on YouTube by clicking HERE, or searching "ashestoawesomepodcast" in YouTube.
VIST WWW.A2APODCAST.COM FOR ALL THE THINGS, INCLUDING CHUCKS NEW E-BOOK, "TURN SORRY INTO THANK YOU"
Thank you so much for listening. If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message. Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously. Lastly, most of our alumni guests from the podcast are members of our Facebook group. If you would like to get to know any of them, or have questions, or perhaps would like to invite them onto another show, this is a great place to interact. You can join that group here . Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible:
Dent Kits - WEBSITE
Together We Can Recovery Society
WEBSITE Revolution Recovery - WEBSITE
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -WEBSITE
Nate D Foundation = WEBSITE

Aug 21, 2023 • 1h 6min
157 - MY SONS LAST BREATH TOOK MY BREATH AWAY
Amanda Staller is indeed a woman in recovery that walks with dignity and pride. She also recovers out loud, using her own recovery capital. She has walked the life of an addict in active, seen and been through the worst of times, and has suffered losses to the opioid epidemic, including a child and two partners, as recently as this year. Still, though, she walks with the talk, by helping others raise themselves up, and living authentically and without apology for the inspiration she is to all those lucky enough to know her.
If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, Morning Cup of Kindness. Details HERE
Remember if you are listening on Spotify, you can watch the video version there as well. If you are listening on any other platform, you can watch the video version on YouTube by clicking HERE, or searching "ashestoawesomepodcast" in YouTube.
VIST WWW.A2APODCAST.COM FOR ALL THE THINGS, INCLUDING CHUCKS NEW E-BOOK, "TURN SORRY INTO THANK YOU"
Thank you so much for listening. If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message. Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously. Lastly, most of our alumni guests from the podcast are members of our Facebook group. If you would like to get to know any of them, or have questions, or perhaps would like to invite them onto another show, this is a great place to interact. You can join that group here . Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible:
Dent Kits - WEBSITE
Together We Can Recovery Society
WEBSITE Revolution Recovery - WEBSITE
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -WEBSITE
Nate D Foundation = WEBSITE

Aug 20, 2023 • 49min
156 - MEMORIAL MONDAY- PAIGE MAZUREK
If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free, and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, Morning Cup of Kindness. Details HERE
We observe Memorial Monday by delving into the heartfelt story of Paige Mazurek, a young life that continues to inspire. Join us in this intimate conversation with Donna Mazurek, Paige's mother, as she shares her reflections on Paige's life, her untimely passing, and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.
Through Donna's narrative, we gain insight into Paige's vibrant personality, her dreams, and the cherished memories that define her presence. As Donna recounts the moments that shaped Paige's journey, we're reminded of her unwavering spirit and determination, which touched the lives of all who knew her.
Beyond the sorrow of loss, this Memorial Monday episode highlights the resilience of the human spirit. Donna generously shares her personal path through grief, shedding light on how she's transformed her pain into a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.
Guided by our empathetic host, we navigate the intricate emotions that come with a profound loss and the courage it takes to rebuild. This conversation stands as a tribute to the lasting impact of cherished individuals and extends comfort to those who've experienced the depth of grief.
Join us as Donna Mazurek leads us through a poignant journey, celebrating the life and legacy of Paige – a poignant reminder to treasure every moment and to let love endure, even through life's trials.
Remember if you are listening on Spotify, you can watch the video version there as well. If you are listening on any other platform, you can watch the video version on YouTube by clicking HERE, or searching "ashestoawesomepodcast" in YouTube.
VIST WWW.A2APODCAST.COM FOR ALL THE THINGS, INCLUDING CHUCKS NEW E-BOOK, "TURN SORRY INTO THANK YOU"
Thank you so much for listening. If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message. Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously. Lastly, most of our alumni guests from the podcast are members of our Facebook group. If you would like to get to know any of them, or have questions, or perhaps would like to invite them onto another show, this is a great place to interact. You can join that group here . Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible:
Dent Kits - WEBSITE
Together We Can Recovery Society
WEBSITE Revolution Recovery - WEBSITE
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -WEBSITE
Nate D Foundation = WEBSITE