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
Aug 19, 2023 • 1h 47min
WEEKEND RAMBLE- DR. ROB TANGUAY-PSYCHIATRY, ADDICTION, & TRAUMA
Dr. Tanguay is a Psychiatrist who completed two fellowships, one in Addiction Medicine and one in Pain Medicine. He is a clinical assistant professor with the departments of Psychiatry and Surgery at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary.
Most recently Dr. Tanguay helped found and is the Chief Medical Officer of The Newly Institute, a disability and rehabilitation program dedicated to providing medical and psychological intervention for people living with complex and treatment resistant mental health disorders such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction, and chronic pain. He was the Medical Lead for the Alberta Addiction Education Sessions and Opioid Dependency Treatment Education for Alberta Health Services (AHS) developing award winning educational programming. He was the Regional Director for Alberta and North West Territories for the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine (CSAM) where he sat as a board member, the former President of the Pain Society of Alberta, and continues to be the co-chair of the internationally recognized Alberta Pain Strategy. He is the founder of innovative programs including the Opioid Deprescribing Program with AHS, the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Community Clinic with AHS, and the Transitional Outpatient Pain Program for Spine (TOPPS) clinic working with UofC spinal surgeons to optimize spinal surgery outcomes. He previously consulted with the Operational Stress Injury Clinic treating veterans and RCMP for trauma related injuries.
Academically, he is involved in research in trauma, addiction, chronic pain, opioids, psychedelics and cannabis and is a member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education at the University of Calgary.
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 16, 2023 • 1h 10min
154 - KALEIDOSCOPE WEDNESDAY - PART 1 OF 3 CONNECTION
In the first of a 3 part series about connection, Ryan and I discuss what connection really is. Also the mail bag with a couple big questions, and Ryan temps fate by messing with my exit monologue.
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 15, 2023 • 47min
153- BENJAMIN LERNER PART ONE
Benjamin Lerner, the Great-grandson of Irving Berlin (composer of such iconic tunes as “God Bless America” and “White Christmas”), is a Vermont-based Composer, Writer, Radio Host, and Recovery Advocate.
Benjamin started his musical career as a classical piano prodigy. By his early twenties, he was an IV heroin and crack cocaine addict. Now sober since June 13, 2016, he journals his journey in addiction and sobriety in his all new piano-raps, which combine classical piano and rap.
Benjamin credits his continued success in recovery to his ability to express his emotions relating to his struggle through word and song.
“When I first went to rehab,” Benjamin admits, “I was afraid I wasn’t going to be able to make music anymore, because I made music about doing drugs for so long, I didn’t know if I’d be able to do it without getting high. It took getting clean for me to realize that expression and creativity are the drugs I’ve been searching for all along. I’m still a junkie. I just get high off of music now.”
Benjamin has had the pleasure of performing for the National Academy of Medicine and The Aspen Institute. In 2019, he was the composer-in-residence at 1761 Arts, and he made his Carnegie Hall debut in April 2022 as part of the Indie Collaborative.
His debut album, CLEAN, was released in February 2020. It was produced at Old Mill Road Recording in East Arlington, Vermont.
Benjamin’s weekly column, also entitled, CLEAN, is read weekly in the Vermont News Guide and was syndicated in Seven Days in 2022.
In January 2021, Benjamin started hosting CLEAN Jams on WEQX, an innovative radio program that shines a spotlight on rap, hip-hop, and recovery. CLEAN Jams is sponsored by Old Mill Road Media.
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 12, 2023 • 1h 32min
152 - WEEKEND RAMBLE - THE HARM REDUCTION DEBATE
I am joined by my Co-Host Dr. Lisa, Devin McGuire From Revolution Recovery, and Atika J, Harm Reduction Advocate, from the J Healthcare Initiative for a conversation about the different aspects and views on Harm Reduction.
Atika J's Links
www.j-initiative.org
https://instagram.com/jinitiativeorg?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
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 9, 2023 • 56min
151- ATIKA J - HARM REDUCTION
Atika J is passionate about harm reduction, and she spends pretty much all of her working and personal time.
Www.j-initiative.org
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 8, 2023 • 48min
150- MEMORIAL MONDAY - CRYSTAL MARIE
For our very first Memorial Monday episode available in audio and video, Noreen D'Onofrio shares with us the memory of her daughter Crystal Marie. Noreen has dedicated her time and energy to a unique type of advocacy by founding the Crystals Heart Healing House.
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 6, 2023 • 1h 21min
149- WEEKEND RAMBLE -ERIN JOHNSTON LPC, LAC- SMART RECOVERY/VIVITROL AND LOOPY LAUGHTER?
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 2, 2023 • 58min
148 - MY PARTNER IS IN RECOVERY, WHAT NOW?
Kaleidoscope Wednesday with Ryan Bathgate.
Ryan and I discuss the dynamics of what happens when a loved one finally chooses recovery, and what it's like when that person expects things to change for the better overnight. "You earned the right to not be trusted".
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:
Together We Can Recovery Society WEBSITE
Revolution Recovery - WEBSITE
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -WEBSITE
Nate D Foundation = WEBSITE
Aug 1, 2023 • 1h 3min
147 - MY PARTNERS TRAUMA IS RUINING OUR RELASTIONSHIP
Trauma therapist, Mike Miller is back to talk about trauma and how it can effect relationships.
Some videos that Mike recommended in the episode:
The Polyvagal Theory: The New Science of Safety and Traumahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br8-qebjIgs
Trauma and the Nervous System: A Polyvagal Perspective
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdIQRxwT1I0
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53RX2ESIqsM
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:
Together We Can Recovery Society WEBSITE
Revolution Recovery - WEBSITE
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -WEBSITE
Nate D Foundation = WEBSITE
Jul 30, 2023 • 47min
146 WEEKEND RAMBLE - LOOKING BACK AT PROFOUND MOMENTS
In my first solo Weekend Ramble, I look back at some of the more profound moments I have had in the show. www.a2apodcast.com To donate to the MCSS fundraiser or for more information go to https://tinyurl.com/4622ybjm
Click HERE for links to Chucks 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, and THE NEW ASHES TO AWESOME APP.
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:
Rosecrest Recovery Service -
Call 615-484-8792 or email info@rosecrestrecoveryservices.com
Dent Kits - WEBSITE
Together We Can Recovery Society WEBSITE
Revolution Recovery - WEBSITE
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -WEBSITE
Nate D Foundation = WEBSITE
