Recovery Talks: The Podcast

The Power of the Benefit of the Doubt

NEOMED Chair of Psychiatry and ‘compassion bad-ass’ Dr. Randon Welton joins the podcast as he and Marc flip the switch and spotlight the person on the other end of the therapist/patient relationship. Dr. Welton focuses on the successes and challenges of the caregiver-client dynamic, pinpoints the struggles in trying to create a mutually agreeable situation between the two, and shares his insights as to why and when it might be time for each to go their separate ways.

 

See Door, Open Door

In this episode, Marc shines the lantern on Megan Maxwell, a self-described "Former Suburban Soccer Mom" alcoholic in long-term recovery and, now, five years sober. Megan found that door in the darkness, opened it, and it led to her eventually becoming an Ohio-certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist with Oriana House. Hear Megan's story, her journey towards sobriety, and her dedication to others in recovery with her involvement as a life-change advocate with the Summit County Drug Court Program.

 

Blowing on the Embers (From the 'Gettysburg of Modern Recovery')

Legendary broadcaster, ‘Rock and Recovery’ host, and long-time Summit veteran Garrett Hart sits on the other side of the microphone as he and Marc talk about the beginnings of ‘Rock and Recovery’, how the show came to be, why the show is such a beacon of light for those who are in recovery, and what the future holds for a show deeply embedded in the birthplace of the modern recovery movement.

Less Can Be Enough

While he may be alone for this Holiday, Marc shares a recipe for being appreciative and grateful during this singular Thanksgiving event.  With inspiration from the Dalai Lama, carefully-chosen excerpts from a timely periodical, a special 12-Step story, and even some wisdom from his own father, Marc lays out a buffet of relevant nuggets to chew on during this long Holiday weekend.  

 

Running On Self-Will

It’s easier to blow 15k on drugs and alcohol than you might think. ITAL founder David Smeltz shares his journey from the darkness in to the light with Marc Lee Shannon, as he charts his path from occasional user to full-blown addict. Join David as he talks extensively about how he gravitated from using his home-sale proceeds to fuel his addiction, the moment where he hit rock-bottom, and his arduous journey back to re-capturing his music, and, now, what he faces with his new health-challenges. 

 

The Corrosive Rust of Resentment

A challenging childhood. A disruptive marriage.  And a peeling-away of self-worth.  For musician Stephanie Kranik, all of these life-events contributed to her drug and alcohol abuse, as well as her eating disorder.  Follow Stephanie’s ongoing journey from the darkness into the light as she and host Marc Lee Shannon discuss that threshold that she finally crossed to admit that help is imperative, a ‘tribe’ is a necessity, and a new path needed to be forged.

Mental Health Is Now My Full-Time Job

Documentary photographer, mall-historian, Instagram prophet, and native Akron, Ohio-music fan Jessica Anshutz joins Marc on the podcast. In this episode, Jessica chronicles her long, treacherous journey on the road to wellness and mental health. She talks at length about PTSD, about how her childhood and upbringing left an indelible mark, and about the moment that changed her direction. She also shares info about the marriage that saved her life, about Acceptance and Commitment therapy, and about the living art-form that helps keep her focused and healthy.

 

Find the Bad-Asses

This time, no guest. "Recovery Talks: The Podcast" host Marc Lee Shannon flies solo. It's authentic, raw, and unembellished. We get the truth laid bare from his inaugural alcohol and drug abuse from early life family-structure chaos. We experience his journey, what it was like, what happened, what it's like now.  From corporate-world warrior to a world-class musician who finally, one day, needed to simply stop…and, with the help of others, admit where his life was taking him. To say the words that all addicts and alcoholics must say. Please. Help. Me. It's a gripping story of a man who 'took the lid off the man-hole cover,' to finally get to the real reasons that the substance abuse began, and to eventually celebrate ongoing success not only as a father but also as an author, a songwriter, musician and, now, a podcaster.

Iron Sharpens Iron

Tommy Vext, front-man for the platinum-selling band Bad Wolves, joins Marc to talk about hit records, broken families, violent childhoods, and growing up poor without the benefit of role models. Playing in bands and getting high was all he knew, and it eventually led to the dismantling of any happiness or success he tried to assemble.

At the urging of a band member already in a 12-step program, Tommy decided to get help and take the first step to recovery: surrender. Eventually checking out…and then checking back in…to the music scene, and through a scholarship from the Music Cares Foundation, he started to find the way.  Fame and recovery CAN work together!  During this episode with Tommy Vext, we hear how to maintain a good program both on the road and in the heart, and to spread the word in music and message. 

 

This...Is Your Daddy Now!

This episode of Recovery Talks features Chrissy Strong... songwriter, singer, single mom, and survivor in long-term sobriety. She describes the moment in a crack house when her dealer pointed to a pile of drugs. At that moment, she felt that inescapable feeling that the end was near... one way or another. Join Marc and Chrissy as they discuss the challenges of overcoming the habits that were sometimes supported by her own family, her breakaway, and the 'taking back' of her life. And...a Special Bonus: a beautiful live performance of her song, "24"!