Recovery (Sort Of) - The Podcast

We take another look at meditating. We have on Dave (Ryūmon), a novice Zen priest to talk all about meditation. We talk about all the intricacies of meditation and ask the questions about what really matters when it comes to meditating. Is posture important? Do you have to sit, or can you stand or be laying? Is it only about not moving, or are there movement meditations? What are we supposed to think about or concentrate on while meditating? Is there a certain amount of time we have to spend in meditation in order to benefit from it? What’s the rule about farting in Zen meditation? Dave (Ryūmon) helps us explore all these questions and more.

In this episode:

This week we are talking with James 'Soni' Sonefeld. Soni has spent nearly three decades on a singular journey that has seen him make history as drummer and one of the principal songwriters in the 2x GRAMMY® Award-winning Hootie & the Blowfish, to author, inspirational speaker, family man, and solo artist. After writing and releasing his new book, "Swimming With The Blowfish: Hootie, Healing, and One Hell Of A Ride," Soni joined us to talk about what it was like to be a member of a famous rock band, how his substance use impacted his journey, and all about his journey into sobriety. Soni talks about his time with the band in the 90s, his awakening, and what his life has been like since finding recovery. Listen in as Soni shares his story of redemption and then share your thoughts with us.

In this episode:

We are talking about the spiritual principle of unity. What is unity? Is it everyone agreeing all the time? Is unity when some people sacrifice so that everyone can get along? How is unity different than uniformity? Does unity have anything to do with fidelity? What other spiritual principles does it take to practice unity? Do we need to know our authentic self before we can be united with others? We try to address all the questions and more in our conversation about unity. Listen in as we explored the spiritual principle of unity, and then share your thoughts with us.

In this episode:

We are talking about the concept of intellect over emotion, but with some modern science having a say in the discussion. In the 12 step world, one idea was that our addiction was us putting emotions as more important than intellect, and that by simply reversing this equation, putting intellect over emotion, we would recover and find happiness. But with a modern understanding of how our nervous system, in order to protect us, takes our higher level thinking (our intellect), offline, how would putting intellect over emotion in the most crucial moments be possible? We talk about gut instinct vs intuition, logic vs feelings, emotions vs intellect, however you want to say it, we explore what to do when 2 parts of us seem to be giving us conflicting information. Listen in and then share your thoughts with us.

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The All Paths recovery program is back again for a take 2. Since the last time they were on, they have grown immensely. We talk about what the program of All Paths means. We explore what it means to work the All Paths program, what it might look like at a meeting, and how All Paths is incorporating community into the program itself. Listen in as we talk with Steven, Matt, and Angelo and find out how to learn more about All Paths.

In this episode:

What do you do when you get cravings? How do you deal with the obsession that says the thoughts won't go away until you do the thing? We are exploring the world of cravings and obsession. What causes these feelings? What can we do in the moment to help ourselves find relief from the pull to action? We talk about breathing, exercise, meditation and other ways to help with cravings and obsession. Listen in and then share your thoughts with us.

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We are talking about goals on this episode of the Recovery (Sort Of) Podcast. Billy and Jason explore their history with goals, what setting and attempting to attain goals felt like, and where they are with goals in their current lives. Is choosing to set intentions instead of goals a more useful way to strive? Listen in as we talk about goals and then share your thoughts with us.

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We are talking about the spiritual principle of anonymity. Just don't say your last name or tell anyone about your recovery, right? There's so much more to this seemingly simple spiritual principle. After all, it's the spiritual foundation of all the traditions. We explore the multiple facets of anonymity, how it applies in our lives in many ways, and how it can help us in our journey. Listen in as we talk about anonymity as a spiritual principle, and then share your thoughts with us. .

https://recoverysortof.com/112-tradition-12-anonymity-is-the-spiritual-foundation-of-all-our-traditions-sort-of/

In this episode:

We are replaying our episode about ego. Originally found as episode 62, way back in December of 2020, this is one of our favorite episodes. We talk about what ego is, what it takes to have a balanced ego, if the goal is to have a balanced ego, or no ego at all, and much more. We take an ego quiz that quickly deflates Billy and Jason's egos. Listen in and reach out to us to share your ego lessons.

In this episode:

We are talking about the spiritual principle of perseverance. What is perseverance? Is there science behind our understanding of perseverance? We talk about the definitions of perseverance, what we understand it to mean, and how to practice to increase your levels of perseverance. We explore perseverance, it's similarities to grit, determination and commitment. We take time to talk about the dark side of perseverance, where it does not add benefit to our lives. Listen in as we explore perseverance as a spiritual principle, and share your thoughts with us.

In this episode:

Ever heard of the Phoenix App? The one that lists local, free ways to get moving in a healthy way? We have Mark join Billy, Jason and Jenny to explore the Phoenix App. Available across the United States, and recently expanding outside of the U.S., the Phoenix App is an app available on Android and iOS (also with web access from computer) that shows the user what local events are going on. The events are forms of group movement or exercise, such as crossfit, yoga, and hiking. Persons in recovery are invited to attend any of these volunteer led classes completely free. Listen in as we learn more about the Phoenix App, and then share your thoughts with us.

In this episode:

We are back again to talk about the best practices for recovery. What does that mean? No idea. But we try to talk through some of the most important and foundational pieces of our recovery journeys, and also how they have shifted and changed over time. Billy, Caraline and Jason explore their personal favorite practices and how they have impacted them along the way.

Episodes mentioned:

We are talking about the spiritual principles of acceptance and surrender? What do they mean? Are acceptance and surrender the same thing? Are the expressing 2 different levels of the same idea? We attempt to sift through the subtle nuance of difference between acceptance and surrender. Listen in as we explore the spiritual principles and share your thoughts with us.

Audible links for books we talk about:

What in the world is interconnectedness? We have Dave join us to talk about the idea that everything is connected. We then explore what that might mean for our actions, how that comes into our lives, and how we decide to act in situations. Using Buddhist stories, and stories from everyday life, we talk about the cost of not understanding our interconnectedness. Listen in and then share your thoughts with us.

We are exploring the spiritual principle of integrity. What is integrity? We honestly spend most of the episode on this question. There are a lot of different ideas about integrity and what it is. We also seem to bring up the concept of integrity versus authenticity, and if they can co-exist. Frequently the conversation becomes whether integrity is a personal thing or whether society gets a say in what integrity is. Finally, we introduce the fundamental attribution error. Listen in to hear about integrity, and share your thoughts with us.

Episodes mentioned:

Ever heard of sound healing? What is sound healing? We have Denise join us to explore the world of sound healing. We talk about humming, sound bowls, singing, and a variety of other ways to make sound. But how is it healing? Denise helps explain how the vibrations of sound healing can assist in getting ourselves back into balance. We find out where to start our sound healing journey. Listen in and then share your thoughts with us.

From the episode:

We are exploring the world of Co-Dependents Anonymous. CoDA for short, the program explores unhealthy relationships and unhealthy boundaries through the 12 step lens. It's the 12 step program we said everyone needed when we got to our respective programs. We talk about what signs might look like that someone is struggling with co-dependency. What kinds of things have to be changed to find freedom in CoDA. And how to get started if you think CoDA might be for you. Listen in as Beverly joins us to help explore the world of Co-Dependent's Anonymous, and then share your thoughts with us.

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We explore the concept of building a network, or networking, in your recovery. Where to start with building a support system? What are you looking for in the people? How do you find people? How do you get them in your network? How does finding and maintaining your network change over time? Where can you look to build a network, does it have to be in meetings, or can it be other places as well? Listen in as we explore the world of building a network and support system in recovery, and then share your thoughts with us.

Episodes mentioned:

We are exploring the world of Overeaters Anonymous (OA). We have Grace join us for a conversation around the workings of OA. Does it work just like AA or NA? What kind of differences do people run into when trying to work the OA program than other programs. Can people who struggle with undereating also use the OA program? What kind of signs might tell us if we had disordered eating? Do you come up with your own definition of abstinence? Listen in as Grace helps us learn about the program of Overeaters Anonymous, and then share your thoughts with us.

From the episode:

In this episode of Recovery (Sort Of), we dive into the topic of love languages and how they can impact relationships in addiction recovery. We explore the five love languages - words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch - and discuss how understanding and communicating in each language can strengthen relationships and promote lasting recovery. Whether you're new to recovery or have been sober for years, learning to speak the language of love can be a powerful tool for building healthy connections and finding fulfillment in sobriety. Listen in and then share your thoughts with us.

From the episode:

We are talking all about the role of exercise in recovery. How does movement assist our goal of recovery? In what ways can we seek fitness that will help us on the path to feeling more whole? We talk about how physical activity has been show to create greater results than therapy. We explore the benefits to mental health from getting endorphins going. We explore what kinds of exercise might be best for your wellness. Listen in as we explore holistic health through fitness, and then share your thoughts with us.

From the episode:

We are talking about the spiritual principle of gratitude. We look into trying to find a solid definition we can agree on. Then we talk about what gratitude might look like in your life, or feel like. We give a list of ways to practice gratitude, and also list some of the benefits of increasing your gratitude. Listen in and then share your thoughts with us.

Episodes mentioned:

We are going through listener feedback, comments, and the like. Listener feedback on episodes provides a great opportunity for a little closer look at the topics recently covered. Billy and Jason also share a little about where their lives are at and what they've been up to. Listen in, participate, comment, and share your thoughts with us.

Episodes mentioned:

We are exploring the program of Sexaholics Anonymous. Rick joins us to talk about how the program works, how it differs from more traditional recovery programs, and what you can expect when going to a meeting or working the program. We talk about the differences that we know between the different sex addiction programs. We talk about concerns and questions we have with the program. We explore why the program might feel useful. And we talk about some of the ways you might know that a meeting about sex addiction might be beneficial for you. Listen in as we explore Sexaholics Anonymous and then share your thoughts with us. 

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We have on Caroline Beidler, MSW and author of the book, Downstairs Church, to help us explore the world of recovery from a female perspective. We talk about the lack of housing options for women in recovery, the lack of access to treatment, lack of childcare supports at every step of the recovery process, and what we might be able to do right now to ease some of these struggles. Listen in as Caroline joins the Recovery (Sort Of) crew to talk about the challenges women face in recovery, then share your thoughts with us. 

From the episode:

We are exploring the difficult topic of what it's like to be a survivor of suicide loss. We have Austin on to help us explore the challenges of navigating life after losing someone you love to suicide. We talk about the grief, the ways recovery helped, other things that have helped, and ways to try to assist when we see someone struggling. Listen in as we explore this tough topic. 

How to find us and join the conversation:

We are talking about the spiritual principle of humility. What does it mean to be humble? It sounds similar to humiliation, but it's very different. We try to define humility. We talk about thinking of ourselves less instead of thinking less of ourselves. How can we increase our humility? Is there a way to practice it? Then we make Billy take a quiz on humility. Listen in and then share your thoughts with us. 

How to find us and join the conversation:

We are exploring the spiritual principle of tolerance. What does it mean to be tolerant of something? Is it purely to be able to put up with it? Or is tolerance being open to it? Is there such a thing as too much tolerance? Billy, Caraline, Jason and Jenny try to figure out just what tolerance, or to tolerate, is, and also how to practice this spiritual principle. 

How to find us and join the conversation:

We are talking with a member of Marijuana Anonymous (MA) to find out more about the program. Do they work similar steps to the more familiar programs of NA and AA? What kind of requirements do they have for membership. Do they call it clean time? What is different from a more typical 12 step meeting? Also, listen in to learn about the free literature in Marijuana Anonymous, the app that you can answer your step work in for free, and how to access meetings and more about the program. Listen in and share your thoughts with us. 

How to find us and join the conversation:

We are exploring MARA, Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous. This program, created to address the need of a place for persons using medication assisted recovery methods, is intended to provide a space for all to feel welcomed in recovery. We have Murk on to help us understand what to expect from MARA, how to access their meetings, what might surprise us coming from a more traditional 12 step fellowship, and the importance of language in recovery. If you've ever wondered what a medication assisted recovery program could look like, or if you or someone you know is looking for a place to rest and find like minded people, listen in and then share your thoughts with us. 

How to find us and join the conversation:

We are talking about the concept of beginner's mind. Dave joins us to teach the Buddhist idea of beginner's mind. Does beginner's mind mean to not know? Does it mean to come to a situation as if you have never seen it before? What is beginner's mind useful for? Why is it good for your loved ones if you practice beginner's mind? We also talk about what is NOT beginner's mind. And when beginner's mind might not be the most useful or practical tool in your toolbox. Listen in as we explore beginner's mind, and share your thoughts with us. 

How to find us and join the conversation:

We are talking about Certified Peer Recovery Specialists. Or certified peers. Or peers. Or certified recovery peers. Whatever you want to call them, peers are making an impact in the recovery world. We talk with Jenn, from Voices of Hope, about the peer movement. We explore what a peer is, what training goes into becoming a peer, what the peer job entails, and what peers should not be doing in their role as a peer. Have questions about peers? We have answers. Listen in as we explore the world of Certified Peers and then tell us your thoughts. 

How to find us and join the conversation:

TranqDope, aka xylanzine and fentanyl, is becoming more and more prevalent in the Baltimore/Philadelphia area. Xylazine in a tranquilizer, hence the tranqdope term. This is a dangerous mixture to anyone who does not know what they are getting, because narcan does not work on a tranquilizer overdose. Further making this terrible for anyone struggling with using, is the wounds that sometimes appear after using xylazine. We talk with Nurse Jason about this scary new mix of drugs that are on the street in place of heroin, how to recognize it, what to do with it once you know, and safest methods of taking care of the wound. Listen in and share your thoughts with us. 

How to find us and join the conversation:

Unconditional love. Seems like a lofty goal. We investigate and explore unconditional love as a spiritual principle. How can we practice this? Where is a model of unconditional love in the world? Is unconditional love the deepest love, or the most basic love? Is unconditional love, abuse? Is love more about the feeling, or the actions that go with it? How can we practice unconditional love when we are being harmed by the person? We dive into all this and more in our episode. Listen in and share your thoughts with us. 

How to find us and join the conversation:

We are talking about the promises from AA's big book and program. Originally a reading in the 9th step section of the Big Book, the promises have been made into a reading in AA, and separated out into 12 promises. We go through each promise to see if we believe that it's a promise we feel like the 12 steps could live up to fulfilling. Are these even possible ways of being in the world? And if they are, can the 12 steps promise that they can get us there? Join us as we talk through our thoughts on the promises, and then share your thoughts with us. 

Books referenced in this episode:

With many states enacting medical marijuana laws at this point, and most of those also having recreational marijuana laws, we thought it was time to explore the legalizing marijuana debate. We explore some of the topics around the idea of marijuana legalization. Some of the research has conflicting results, but we talk through some of the basic points. Listen in and then tell us your thoughts. 

How to find us and join the conversation:

Is faith really a spiritual principle? What is it? A belief in something? What does this belief do for us? How in the world would you practice faith? Faith is defined in many ways. Some level of belief applied to a situation that you may not be able to know for sure. We discuss the spiritual principle of faith. Is faith so closely tied to Christianity that it makes our non-religious 12 step program religious anyway? We talk about what faith might be useful for, whether it's something we can increase, or just a description of where we already are, and if it's actually any different than hope or trust. Listen in as we take a deep dive into faith, and then share your thoughts with us.

How to find us and join the conversation: