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
Mar 26, 2024 • 59min
229-JIM "SONE" SONEFELD -HOOTIE &THE BLOWFISH
Jim is the drummer for Hootie and the Blowfish. If you don't know who they are, the fact that they have the 9th best selling album of all time in the United States speaks volumes. That kind of fame and notoriety, when mixed in with whatever it is that creates and addict, can lead to some dark times. In this episode, Jim speaks to some of that pain and loss, but more about the message than the mess. His healing journey has seem him repair relationships with his children, his bandmates, God and himself.
For more on Jim, his current music endeavors both as a solo artist, and with Hootie & the Blowfish in their upcoming tour, as well as his book "Swimming with the Blowfish, visit www.a2apodcast.com/229, where you will also find links to watch and listen to this episode on different platforms.
Title Sponsor: Yatra Trauma Centre
www.yatracentre.com
Mar 24, 2024 • 52min
228 - WEEKEND RAMBLE DR. LISA
Is addiction a choice? For links to other platforms to watch or listen, and more about Dr. Lisa, including the many episodes she has co-hosted, visit”WWW.A2APODCAST.COM/228
Title sponsor:Yatra Trauma CentreWWW.YATRACENTRE.COM
Mar 21, 2024 • 49min
227 - DAVID RIGGINS
When 9-11 rocked the nation, David knew his calling was to serve in the armed forces, but that calling was cut short when he hurt himself in training. As was so often the case in those days, he was prescribed opiates to relieve the pain. Just like too many people in his position, that evolved into an addiction to illicit drugs, and that when the real pain begins....
For more about David and his current passion, helping others visit www.A2APODCAST.com/227
Title Sponsor
Yatra Trauma Centre
www/A2APODCAST.com/TRAUMA
Mar 20, 2024 • 1h 44min
226- ROBERT GREER
Robert used to be a law enforcement officer, and after major life events including working on a task force
arresting adults seeking to sexually exploit juveniles through social networking sites, and a debilitating injury, he found himself in depths of addition and with an unmanageable life. His story is one of great loss, and an amazing recovery. These days you will find him working in the recovery field with fellow warrior first responders and veterans at Warriors Heart, as well as hosting The High Speed Chicken Podcast, a show dedicated to sharing the stories of fellow warriors.
For links to listen/watch elsewhere and more about Rob, Warriors Heart, and The High Speed Chicken Feed Podcast visit
www.A2APODCAST.com/226
Title Sponsor
YOU ARE LOVED MERCH
Mar 17, 2024 • 1h 11min
225- CHANTEL HUEL
Chantel is back for her second appearance, and on the Weekend Ramble with Dr. Lisa and I. This time we share some laughs, some serious talk about stigma within the recovery community and so much more.
To watch or listen elsewhere, or to learn more about Chantel, including her other appearance on Ashes to Awesome visit:
www.A2PODCAST.com/225
Title Sponsor:
Yatra Trauma Centre
www.YATRACENTRE.com
Mar 13, 2024 • 1h 25min
224-MIKE MILLER DEFENDS 12 STEP FUNDAMENTALS
Mike Miller is back, and this time he is addressing some of the toxic behaviors that can happen in recovery circles. Often this can lead to a negative or even unwelcoming feeling in a place where the life saving fellowship people in early recovery need, is most easily found. Mike gets back to the basics while calling on the community as a whole to do better. Learn more about this episode, Mike himself, and see more from him at www.a2apodcast.com/traumaTitle Sponsor for today is:
Yatra Trauma Centre
www.yatracentre.com
Mar 9, 2024 • 1h 1min
223-PARIS LE MAISTRE from SH*TS F*CKED
Paris is the passionate host of the Australian podcast "Sh*ts F*cked," dedicated to shedding light on addiction and mental health recovery. Through powerful storytelling and insightful interviews, Paris advocates for change within these sectors, addressing the stark gap between supply and demand for support services.
For more on Paris, and the Sh*ts F*cked Podcast visit:
www.a2apodcast.com/223
Title Sponsor:
www.a2apodcast.com/merch
Mar 2, 2024 • 1h 13min
222- SONYA JOHNSON
Sonya is a wife, mother, daughter, and recovery influencer. In her second appearance on the Weekend Ramble, we discuss relapse through a few lenses, including that of the loved ones of people who suffer in addiction, and so much more.
For more on Sonya including her other appearance on the Weekend Ramble with Dr. Lisa and I visit: www.a2apodcast.com/222
The title sponsor for this episode is The Yatra Trauma Centrewww.yatracentre.com
Mar 1, 2024 • 53min
221- DETOX JUNKIE, AARON GLEADOW
Aaron is a man on a mission, and by all accounts an advocate for mental health, those who suffer in addiction, and those who
have chosen and/or struggle with recovery.
Learn more about Aaron at
www.a2apodcast.com/221
Title Sponsor for this episode is the Yatra Trauma Centre
www.yatracentre.com
Feb 24, 2024 • 1h 4min
220 - CHAD VALYEAR
Chad Valyear suffered some of the worst childhood trauma one can imagine. Like so many with untreated trauma, Chad turned to the self soothing behaviors that lead to a life in shambles. Throughout all of it, the one consistency has been his music. These days, Chad is a powerful advocate for those that suffer in addiction.
For more on Chad visit www.a2apodcast.com/220
Title sponsor is The Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com
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