Cold Turkey

It was a pleasure meeting with Robin. She introduced me to the darkness and the challenges that eating disorder is in your everyday life. She was open to sharing everything and I am thankful for that. Thank you Robin. In her own words: 

During her 25-year MBA career, Robin Clare yearned to live her authentic mission. Yet, she struggled with food addiction and bulimia. In successful recovery, Robin wrote Feast & Famine: Healing Addiction with Grace and created The Write Recovery Program. The program is designed to heal your suffering and inspire others through your writing. She is a best-selling spiritual self-help author, life coach, energy healer, and recovery professional.

Sinead, a talented tattoo artist, has open her heart and guts to share with me her tumultuous path to self-destruction and then bouncing back to live a great life in peace and sobriety. She is living proof that, even in environment where substances and vice is nearby, you can definitely turn around and grow to a life in peace. 

It was a pleasure talking with her and you can find her work and inspiration in life below:

Instagram: @sineadstewart @sineadtattoos

Dustin has opened up to all of his life story and early trauma that has initiated his rabbit hole of substance abuse. He then found himself, picked himself up and his now realizing stuff that he would have never EVER imagined. He is also quite involved in his community to help his next of kin in getting better. He is a great human being that I can't wait for you to hear. 

In his own words:

Chris has had a crazy wild ride. He was generous and kind enough to open the doors of his life story so that everyone can hear how someone can get to an hopeless position to overcoming all obstacles and bloom. He is running his own podcast now and is in a fantastic position in life. Here are all the places you can find him online: 

Christine has been generous of her time and soul to share with me her personal story. It was such an interesting rollercoaster of a life and definitely one that I will remember for a long time. I am nothing but grateful of the generosity of my guests and Christine made this journey of mine a blast to do. 

You can find Christine at the links here:

Instagram: @frenchy5_1983

Joseph is the founder of ELC (Efficacy Life Coaching). He is a health and wellness coach, speaker, influencer, strategic interventionist, knowledge broker, and spiritual warrior.

Joseph lived two decades in the grips of addiction to alcohol and drugs. He has been to the edge, hung himself over the edge, and with grit, determination, and consistency along with a lot of help from higher forces and many beautiful souls from all walks of life got sober on August 20, 2009. He rose from the ashes with a voice the world needs to hear.

You can find Joseph and his organization (Efficacy Life Coaching) here: 

Ma rencontre avec Maxim fût particulière: nous avons trouvés plusieurs points en commun comme la musique et l'humour, mais aussi c'est dans la façon très singulière qu'il m'a expliqué son parcours et sa réflexion sur comment il en est venu à arrêter de consommer de l'alcool. Ce fût une conversation fort intéressante pour moi et je suis heureux de l'avoir rencontrer. 

Vous pouvez le trouver en ligne ici: 

Patrick is a 41 year old from Perth Amboy, NJ. He has lots of inspiring stories to share and is mainly inspired by his daughter. (Alexus).

Patrick was an alcoholic for over 20 years. He is now a newly recovered addict (substance use disorder) of two years since 8/27/2018. 

You can find Patrick here: 

My personal Instagram: @BIGGP79

The great thing that Alyssa and I discussed was around the value of being an addicted person and engaging in a counselor certification. There was something particularly great about how she thinks a lot on her own way to give back to society, how to share her recovery and sobriety wisdom to those that still suffer and, especially, how to carefully manage your own rooted values while doing it. 

It was a pleasure getting to know Alyssa. Thanks!

My meeting with Geoff was phenomenal. He has gone through so much but still found a way to sober up and find a meaning to his life. He's founded a group called "God It Handled", raises his sons and is a fantastic human being. I enjoyed every minute of my conversation with him. 

Thanks Geoff!

From is Instagram "God It Handled" group: 

At the age of twenty-three, Michael Brody-Waite was a full-blown drug addict. Every day he drank a fifth of vodka and a twelve pack of beer, he smoked two packs of cigarettes and more weed than any human should, and he did whatever other drugs he could get his hands on. He had been kicked out of college, fired from his job, and evicted from his apartment. He had no money and no home, was throwing up blood, and believed he would be dead before his thirtieth birthday.Then, on September 1, 2002, after running out of options and fearing death, he checked into rehab, entered recovery, and has been transforming himself every day since.

It was such a blast talking with him, you can find everything he works on here: 

Alex has been kind enough to open her heart and share her life story with me. She has gone through a lot and has find her way to sobriety and abstinence with great determination. It was a great time spent with Alex. Thank you. 

You can find her here: 

I'll definitely let Joe tell you who he is and where he's from (from his own bio) but let me tell you the fun I had meeting (virtually) with him. He's a great guy that went through hell and back. His resilience and persistence of making his life better has definitely paid off! Thanks for your time Joe. Here's his bio:
 Joe is an International Master Coach and Trainer, in NLP, Time Line
Therapy ® and Hypnosis and is passionate about helping people truly
get in touch with their individual Power to create their lives by
design. Through one-on-one coaching, group trainings, workshops and
speaking engagements, Joe has participated in the transformations of
hundreds across the globe.  Having experienced years of personal
struggles including addiction, Joe has set out on a quest and a vision
of transforming the universal consciousness, one person, one group,
one event at a time!

Facebook: Joe Alvarez 

Facebook Business Page:  Higher Powered Coaching Academy 

Instagram: joe_alvarez_coaching 

In her own words, I present you Amber. I appreciated this conversation so much. She's quite an inspirational individual. 

Amber Kierra lost 90% of her eyesight growing up and has learned to use courage to overcome fear and navigate obstacles of any kind. She believes in a world where we are not held back by our circumstances rather we live our lives rooted in purpose with boldness and courage.  This belief has instilled an immense drive to empower others to take the next step in making their wildest dreams come true. Through speaking on stages and one-on-one coaching, she is truly transforming leaders into bold world changers.

Amber is confident that when people are fully walking in their calling, the world is being changed for the better. When you meet Amber, you’ll feel the infectious joy that overflows from her innermost being and experience the impressive confidence and boldness that she seeks to impart to others.  People would describe Amber as “a shot of expresso” because everyone who has been in her presence leaves energized and ready to take on the world.

Website and Social Media Links

Dave Pamah has a passion, a passion to help others. He is an ex-athlete who has worked as a firefighter for twenty-five years and has overcome many challenges including racism, bullying, and dyslexia. Dave lives in London, England, where he loves providing advice, insight, and support to others struggling with their own personal battles. You may contact Dave by email at: dave@davepamah.com or on socials: @davepamah

This week I met with Violette De Ayala: a great human being that makes possible for others what she had wished she'd find more of when she was younger: a true sense of self-identity, roots recognition and blossoming. It was a great conversation that can't wait to share!

In her own words: 

Momma to 3 humans, 1 non-human and with Steve for over 27 years! Do I get a prize now?

I launched my first business at the age of 22 and haven't looked back. 

As a social and serial entrepreneur with an obsession for business growth, I am seasoned in the rocky road of self-employment and understand the challenges and obstacles women face when creating their own vision of success. My latest passion led me in creating one of fastest growing International Business Organizations for Women [FemCity®].

I am also the Author of The Self-Guided Guru, Life Lessons for the Everyday Human which is an International Amazon Best Seller Top 50 in the US and Top 10 in Canada for Self-Help and Spirituality.

You can find Violette here: 

In his own words: "I have a background as first responder, so I am used to high stake environments with tremendous stress. I became a Human Potential Coach because I saw the value in coaching and the discipline, values, and principles that were instilled into me, and I wanted to give that gift back to others. As an Integrative Health Practitioner I understand the value of health and the body, and understand how the body and mind are one. If your body is not functioning properly, there's a chance your mind is not at peak performance either. There is a reason why top business leaders and professional athletes hire specific coaches for specific aspects of their lives: diet, exercise, spirituality, presentation skills, interpersonal communication skills, leadership skills, public speaking, team building, marriage, investing, and more. Top performers understand the importance of guidance and accountability that comes from effective coaching.

I launched my coaching business and podcast to share the gifts with others and empower them the same way that was provided by me by such amazing influencers."

À l'âge de 23 ans, la vie d'Anne Bérubé fût transformé par un accident de voiture qui lui fut presque fatal ainsi qu'une expérience hors du commun. Prise dans la voiture, incapable de respirer, elle a une vision qui changera complètement le cour de sa vie. Son chemin vers la transformation par l'introspection l'amènera vers d'immense changements de soins de soi, de paix et de joie intérieur. Elle vie maintenant chaque moment présent. Elle est maintenant professeur et possède un talent à partager son histoire. Elle aide maintenant les hommes et les femmes à se libérer du conditionnement sociétal et parental qui ralentit souvent les gens à se dépasser. Son livre Sois, ressens, pense, agis, a été publié en Janvier 2018. 

C'est avec beaucoup de plaisir que j'ai écouté son histoire et j'ai aimé partagé avec Anne. C'est vraiment une personne hors du commun et un parcours tout à fait singulier que vous ne voulez pas manquer. Merci Anne!

Philippe Vaillancourt, doté de fortes habiletés relationnelles, d’un sens de l’humour charismatique, d’un esprit rassembleur et d’une aisance à aller vers les autres a tout pour se construire une vie académique, sociale, amoureuse, familiale et professionnelle à succès.

Les réseaux et environnements qu’il fréquente sont ceux de la fête, de l’éternelle adolescence, du loisir en continue. Il se met à consommer occasionnellement de la drogue de façon régulière. Afin de répondre à ses besoins de consommation, il commet des vols et s’imprègne de la criminalité.

À l’âge de 44 ans, il compte 24 ans de sentence d’emprisonnement dont 17 ans derrière les barreaux. Le milieu carcéral lui aura permis de poursuivre ses activités criminelles, entretenir des liens avec le crime organisé, mais aussi, surtout, recevoir du soutien quant à sa toxicomanie.

À l’aide de thérapies, Monsieur Vaillancourt parvient à vaincre sa dépendance. Il a maintenant purgé toutes ses peines et est pleinement libérés de ses chaînes qui le liaient aux centres de détention. Homme reconstruit, il souhaite maintenant non seulement être un honnête citoyen, mais un citoyen impliqué auprès de la communauté. Il poursuit l’objectif de sensibiliser les gens aux dangers de la consommation.

Cette semaine, j'essaie de mettre en place un segment particulier pour des moments particuliers. J'essaie de m'entourer du plus de monde possible pour discuter de confinement, de pandemie, de quarantaine et possiblement de nos réactions comme gens Cold Turkey. Cette semaine, j'ai discuté avec Thierry et Joey qui ont acceptés de venir discuter de comment il vivait ces moments spéciaux.  Vous pouvez trouver les épisodes qu'ils ont initialement participer plus bas.  Ce fût une discussion intéressante, rassurante et instructive sur l'humanité derrière ces moments difficiles. 

Merci messieurs. 

Caroline Trépanier est une experte en leadership de la transformation. Elle se distingue par son parcours professionnel hors du commun, son dynamisme, ses compétences et sa créativité. Diplômée en communication et en relations publiques, elle occupe pendant plusieurs années des postes d’importance au sein d’entreprises d’envergure. Son expérience dans le milieu des affaires l’amène vite à percevoir à quel point les entreprises ont un besoin et un désir incessant d’innover et de se démarquer.

Ma rencontre avec elle fût extrêmement intéressante et j'ai hâte que vous l'écoutiez vous partager sa vie. 

Robert Piché, aussi connu avec l'expression "Commandant Piché" est inscrit, bien malgré lui, dans l'histoire moderne de notre société. C'est plutôt Robert que j'ai rencontré, avec son histoire, sa jeunesse, ses premiers contacts avec la consommation et son parcours de carrière. Ce fût une rencontre extrêmement intéressante surtout considérant que, malgré ce que les livres d'histoires vous diront, Robert est un alcoolique en rétablissement qui fait l'effort de devenir un homme meilleur tous les jours comme bien d'autres.   Merci Robert de ton ouverture. 

Jean-Christophe est né dans le monde de la restauration et à goûter au côté épicurien de l'alcool d'abord et avant tout. Ce n'est que plus tard que l'alcool deviendra un problème important dans sa vie. Il est toujours dans le monde de la restauration, abstinent d'alcool, et c'est de son parcours que nous avons discuté ensemble. Il fait aussi parti d'un groupe musical et ils ont composé une chanson sur la sobriété: 

This week I met with Daniel, which recorded my 12th episode in french, a few months back. What we didn't discuss, is the fact that he is the owner of Soberstar, an online apparel store promoting sobriety. I wanted to sit and discuss with him on where did it all started, what did the brand meant to him and what he was up to with Soberstar. You'll see, there's nothing boring with Daniel!

You can find Soberstar here: 

Ma rencontre avec Éliane fût particulièrement intéressante par l'interaction de 2 personnes qui s'intéresse au rétablissement, à la sobriété, au mieux-être. J'ai vraiment apprécié son ouverture et sa candeur à me parler de son parcours et comment elle entretient son rétablissement à tous les jours.

Éliane Gagnon est actrice. Elle a commencé dans la populaire émission Ramdam et a fait ses classes au petit comme au grand écran. C'est une créatrice qui touche à la scénarisation, à la réalisation et à la production. Elle a aussi fondé Soberlab, une plateforme numérique qui a pour but d'inspirer la sobriété à tous ceux qui le désirent. Son premier livre, Carnets de fuite, est paru aux Éditions Libre Expression en 2019. Son nouveau, La Sobriété, est paru il y a quelques semaines. 

Blake Cohen began his career in the field of substance abuse treatment in his home state of Florida. Fueled by passion and gratitude for having overcome his own battles with addiction, he completed his bachelor’s degree in psychology at Florida Atlantic University and earned a state certification as an Addictions Professional to better assist those struggling with substance use disorders.

Blake wrote I Love You, More to offer perspective to family members – including the addict and their loved ones. Combining his personal and work experiences, along with many emotional interviews, he uses short, fictional stories to detail what a family unit endures when one of its members struggles with addiction. 

His two-fold goal is to combat the stigma surrounding the disease of addiction and educate those who are in the dark about it. Blake is currently the National Outreach Manager for Recovery Unplugged, a South Florida-based Substance Abuse and Mental health Treatment Center. Blake currently lives with his wife, Chrissy, in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  

You can find Blake's book and his profile here: