Project Recovery
TV personality Casey Scott has taken the first step. He is confronting his addiction. Now what? Join Casey on his journey to become a better person, one day at a time, new from KSL Podcasts. With the expert help of licensed psychologist, Dr. Matt Woolley, Casey's struggle may remind you of your own. Whether you're addicted to alcohol, drugs, social media or pornography- this podcast won't make you stop. That's up to you. But if you want help, or you want to help someone you love, subscribe for free to Project Recovery wherever you get your podcasts.
Episodes
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[RERUN] Ultimate Fighter Champion & UFC fighter / Court McGee
Season 11 champion of the hit television show, 'Ultimate Fighter', and Welterweight MMA fighter, Court McGee, joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt to talk about his experiences surrounding addiction and eventually overcoming years of struggle to ultimately become a professional UFC fighter.
Court also explains how an injury led to becoming addicted to pain pills in a week, which eventually led to a derailed college career as a wrestler and an overdose on September 9th, 2005.
He also details how he was able to find a path to sobriety after dying, only to be ruined by a single Long Island Iced Tea, leading to the worst two weeks of his life.
Court then talks about how his early love for wrestling was able to create a solid foundation to build his MMA skillset and how a loss to Jeremy Horn made him realize that he could compete in the UFC.
Lastly, we dive into the steps that eventually led him to become the champion of 'Ultimate Fighter' season 11 and how his success on TV and in the octagon helped him create the McGee Project, allowing him the opportunity to spread awareness surrounding addiction.
For more information about the McGee Project, visit courtmcgee.com/thecgeeproject.
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Catchin’ up with Christian Smith
Friend of the show, Christian Smith, joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about the causal factors of low success rates in the recovery community, how we can increase recovery outcomes, and how insurance companies impact the cost of attending treatment centers.
Then we talk about ways we can improve the process of preparing addicts for a stint in treatment, why addicts need to open up about their struggles, and why loving who you are can help become a turning point in recovery.
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Remembering Our Good Friend – Seneca Higley
Unfortunately, we have lost our good friend, Seneca Higley, to the disease of addiction. We wanted to honor him by sharing his story with everyone to hopefully inspire anyone to seek help and continue the fight against addiction. Seneca was an amazing storyteller and hearing him talk about his life was such an inspirational moment for us. We hope his story can bring some light and hope into your day and that you enjoy hearing about Seneca as much as we did...
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Processing Through the Pain of Losing a Loved One to Addiction
Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley talk about the unfortunate and sudden passing of our good friend, Seneca Higley. Then Casey shares some of his favorite memories with Seneca and we talk about ways to help prevent overdoses.
Related Links
SAMSA: https://store.samhsa.gov/product/overdose-prevention-response-toolkit/pep23-03-00-001
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Pro Skateboarder/Actor Brandon Novak [Replay]
Brandon Novack just turned 40, and he completed his 13th attempt at recovery in 2016. He's been sober ever since. At the age of 15, he was a pro skateboarder, endorsed by Gatorade and doing commercials with Michael Jordan. At 17, he was working for his idol, Tony Hawk. That's when he discovered the dark side of substance abuse. This would cause him to lose everything, save for a few personal belongings, and gain a restraining order from his Mom. It's a long road to recovery and one that you for sure want to hear.
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How Danielle Yarrington Became Reliant on Alcohol to Numb the Pain and Chaos in Her Life
Danielle Yarrington joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about her introduction to alcohol as a teenager, using alcohol to separate herself from her ex-husband in her mid-twenties, and the events that led her to drink alcohol every day.
Danielle also opens up about her struggles to manage the chaos in her life due to relationships in her life, how she was able to only go to one rehabilitation center before committing to sobriety, and how she found her voice in rehab.
Lastly, Danielle opens up about how she’s fighting for the recovery community at Brighton Recovery Center.
Related Links
Brighton Recovery: https://www.brightonrecoverycenter.com/
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Living a Life of Recovery Through Service and Giving Back with Kyle Raines
Kyle Raines joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Wooley to talk about the impact that losing his brother when he was growing up had on him and his family, why he started pushing people away following the loss of his brother, and his earliest realizations that he had a problem with substances.
Then Kyle opens up about how his addiction got out of control throughout the years, being sent to jail for a DUI, and why being held accountable helped push him towards seeking help for his addiction.
We also talk about Kyle’s experiences with treatment centers, what he found to be an effective recovery method, and finding stability through service and giving back.
Related Links
School of Addiction Recovery: https://schoolofaddiction.org/
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Breann Sagers Talks About The Search For Her Missing Niece – Kandis Harris
Breann Sagers joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about her niece, Kandis Harris, who has been missing for three years after running with the wrong crowd and struggling with addiction at an early age.
We dive into Kandis’s time running in and out of multiple recovery programs, the day she stopped responding to family and friends, and how the search for Kandis has evolved over the past few years.
Breann also shares why Salt Lake City detectives have moved Kandis’s case now considered a homicide and why she is so passionate about sharing Kandis’s story.
If you or anyone you know may know about the whereabouts of Kandis Harris, please call the Salt Lake Police Department at (801) 799-3000 or the anonymous tip line at (801) 759-2248. You can also follow Bring Kandis Home for any updates.
Related LinksFacebook: Bring Kandis Home
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From Living a Life of Crime to Finding a Purpose through Recovery with Vili Auelua
Vili Auelua joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about his life growing up in Compton, CA. where he spent a lot of his time committing crimes as a gang member, why abusing alcohol and marijuana was commonplace in his environment, and how his time running the streets ultimately caught up with him.
Vili also opens up about his battles with addiction after struggling to realize that he had a problem for years and how his life is better than ever once he finally committed to a life of recovery.
Then Vili talks about the work that he’s doing for other recovering addicts at The Haven.
Related Links
The Haven: https://havenhelps.com/
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Morgan Dimmitt Talks About Making a Deal With His Higher Power to Get Sober
Morgan Dimmitt joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about how his vigilant relationship with his brother naturally caused him to feel anxious and tense which ultimately led him to feel less anxious once he started experimenting with marijuana and alcohol.
Morgan also talks about how sports became an outlet for him to release a lot of the pent-up tension he dealt with in high school, the events that led him to serve over a thousand hours of community service after a physical altercation, and how an addiction to pain medication drastically transitioned to heroin.
Then we dive into Morgan’s time in prison after being arrested for drugs, the first time he was able to say no to drugs, and why it’s so important to build a community around you that supports recovery to stay sober.
Related Links
Reflections Recovery Center: https://reflectionsrecoveryutah.com/
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From Hardened Marine to an Addict Crying Out for Help with Sean Dalton
Sean Dalton joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about growing up in a traditional New York family household, the effect that his father’s acceptance had on him while he was growing up, and why he was so focused on becoming a hard marine to gain acceptance from his peers.
Then Sean talks about his reliance on alcohol that stemmed from his time as a marine, being introduced to cocaine, and the events that led him to spend time in jail.
Lastly, Sean opens up about the mistakes he’s made during his addiction and why he had to accept his problems to start working towards a life of recovery.
Related Links
Steps Recovery: https://www.stepsrc.com/
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Nate Heaslett on Using Drugs and Alcohol to Cope with Struggles in His Life
Nate Heaslett joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about his experience growing up in a sailing family that was surrounded by drinking alcohol, getting drunk at thirteen years old, and being introduced to marijuana and opiates during his time throughout high school.
Nate also talks about the impact that COVID-19 had on his college experience and drug abuse, how joining the workforce increased his drinking habits and his attempts at seeking rehabilitation and therapy after realizing that he had a problem.
Then we talk about what Nate’s rock bottom looked like after struggling to cope with sobriety and how being introduced to Fit To Recover has helped stabilize his recovery after moving to Utah.
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[REPLAY] Randall Carlisle Opens Up About His Journey from Broadcast Star to Recovering Alcoholic
Randall Carlisle has been a broadcaster for nearly 60 years. He spent the lion's share of that time on our TVs here in Utah where he was first on Channel 2, and then Channel 4 as a news anchor. He retired from the job in 2017, and now he works with Odyssey House Treatment Center. Many people may not know that Randall himself has dealt with his share of addiction and recovery. He is also now living sober after decades of alcohol abuse.
Many people may not know that Randall himself has dealt with his share of addiction and recovery. He is also now living sober after decades of alcohol abuse. Find out more about how drinking affected the life of Randall Carlisle in part two of this week's Project Recovery.
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Nothing is Going to Change If Nothing Changes
In this week’s episode, Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley recap how they met each other, the events that led Casey to hit rock bottom, and the day he learned that he would be fired from KSL for his actions during his addiction.
Then we talk about the first iterations of the show, how our guests’ stories over the years have changed the way we look at addiction and substance abuse in our communities, and how the show has changed us.
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Blu Robinson on Breaking the Cycle of Addiction and Trauma
Blu Robinson joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about his experiences growing up constantly being on the move from household to household due to his mother being in and out of marriages, living a life of lies early in his childhood, and trying to find a connection with others by integrating himself into the partying scene.
Then Blu shares when he started finding his passion for helping others in their recovery journeys, how therapy helped him define who he was as a person, and his process of mourning his late mother after losing a relationship with her over the years.
We also dive into Blu’s decision to create Addict II Athlete to help introduce addicts to a lifestyle that is focused on being physically active to create discipline in their recovery.
Related Links:
Addict II Athlete: https://www.addicttoathlete.com/
Addict II Athlete Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/addict-ii-athlete-podcast/id1441699705
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Meeting People Where They Are with John Curran
John Curran joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about how his experience with trying drugs and alcohol at an early age due to being heavily influenced by his father and older brother, as well as how his drug and alcohol use led him to be addicted to meth at 13 years old. John also opens up about being introduced to the prison system as a teenager, his struggles with being a parent suffering from addiction, and his attempts at staying sober while his world was spiraling down.
Then John explains his mindset when he was at rock bottom and his attempt to end his life after trying to overdose on heroin.
Lastly, we dive into John’s recovery, the amazing work he’s doing with USARA, and what his recovery looks like now after years of addiction.
Related Links:
USARA: https://www.myusara.com/
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Peter Shipman on the Guilt He Feels As a Former Teacher and Addict in Recovery
Peter Shipman joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to tell his story of growing up with anxiety and how feeling normal after trying drugs and alcohol led him to hide in the shadows of addiction. Peter also opens up about how his parents’ separation impacted his relationship with his family throughout his addiction and being introduced to heroin after his first semester of college.
Then Peter shares when he was arrested for drugs the day before he was set to fly to New York after being accepted to NYU for graduate school, his experience with relapsing after trying to seek help for his addiction, and the guilt he feels after continuing to abuse substances throughout his career as a middle school teacher.
Lastly, Peter talks about the worst moments of his addiction that eventually led him to complete treatment.
Related Links:
Fit To Recover: https://fit2recover.org/
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[REPLAY] A Thanksgiving Special: The Underrated Power of Gratitude
In this week's episode, we're talking about the things we're thankful for including family, friends, and nuns. Yep, that's right, nuns. We take a look into a study from the 1930s that analyzed a group of nuns over the course of seventy years. The study determined happier nuns were ultimately healthier and lived longer.
We also dive into whether or not happiness is a choice and the powerful effects of gratitude. Then we give a couple of tips on how to be more grateful in your life that can be used during the holiday season and beyond!
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Pros to Hitting the Snooze Button, Runner’s High vs Medication, and Seeking Help for Our Issues
Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley talk about the benefits of hitting the snooze button before getting out of bed, the truth behind a “runner’s high” vs. medications, and how judgment can often be the thing that holds us back from seeking help for what’s keeping us down.
We also talk about Matt’s experience with getting stage fright for the first time while teaching online students, the impact that meditation and mindfulness can have on panic attacks, and how self-compassion and affirmations have become a superpower for our mental health.
Lastly, Dr. Matt leads us in a mindfulness exercise to help us relax and ease our daily grind.
Related Links:
The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Dr. Kristen Neff
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How Being Forced to Get High on Meth Changed Cherice Ells’s Life Forever
Cherice Ells (Wasatch Recovery) joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to open up about her tumultuous relationship with her biological father, being forced to try meth for the first time by a partner as a young adult, and how quickly her addiction took control of her entire life.
Cherice also talks about how addiction led her to have her children removed from her care, the impact that her drug use had on relationships throughout the years, and how she ended up being arrested for smuggling drugs from Mexico to the US.
Then Cherice talks about what she learned throughout her time being locked up in MCC San Diego, her struggles of navigating life after she was released from MCC, and how she’s helping others find recovery at Wasatch Recovery.
Related Links:
Wasatch Recovery: https://wasatchrecovery.com/
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(REPLAY) Overcoming addiction and finding clarity through breathwork and meditation with Cass and Paulus
In this episode replay, Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley are joined by Cass and Paulus from Inner Alchemy to talk about their experiences through partying as 19-year-olds, the moment they realized they had to change their lifestyle, and buying a motorcycle and moving to Mexico to travel and gain a better understanding of how to manage their addictions.
Then we talk about the idea of being human and how understanding that you don't have to be perfect all the time helped Cass overcome a lot of internal struggles that she was dealing with.
Paulus also opens up about what it took for him to overcome his alcohol abuse, his introduction to meditation, and why he decided to begin working on being mindful and practicing breathwork.
Lastly, Cass and Paulus share their work with breathwork and how it can help create clarity within ourselves.
You can find Cass and Paulus on Facebook at Inner Alchemy Living and online at http://www.inneralchemyliving.com/home.
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Meth Addiction From a Young Adult’s Perspective with Jesse Carlin
Jesse Carlin joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to open up about his first time smoking weed in middle school, being scared off of marijuana after having a horrifying experience, and how the pressure to fit in led Jesse to smoke meth at sixteen years old.
Jesse also talks about chasing the feeling that he first felt when he tried meth for the first time, chasing a high just to feel normal after becoming dependent on heavy drugs, and how his drug use impacted his relationship with his family.
Then Jesse shares what his rock bottom looked like while running and gunning, the moment he knew he needed to reach out for help to try and get sober, and how he envisions his life moving forward now that he’s living in recovery.
Related Links:
7th Street Treatment: https://7treatment.org/
USARA: https://www.myusara.com/
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Overcoming Alcoholism and Obesity with Russ Sweeten
Russ Sweeten joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about his experience with feeling social anxiety at a young age, trying alcohol for the first time with an older cousin at fourteen years old, and realizing that alcohol was going to be a problem for him after being unable to control his drinking as a teenager.
Russ also talks about navigating his early twenties while trying to cope with alcohol addiction, realizing that he had a problem with alcohol but avoiding rehab, and the heartbreaking moment that led him to seek treatment.
Then we dive into Russ’ six-month stay at Action Recovery, some of the most important lessons he learned throughout his time there, and what his weight loss journey has looked like ever since finding recovery.
Related Links:
Action Recovery: https://www.actiontreatment.com/
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Lyndi Murray on Using Marijuana to Keep Her Grounded in Her Recovery
Lyndi Murray joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to share her addiction story that began at sixteen years old when she began to experiment with drugs and alcohol while living in a small town, being introduced to heroin after struggling to find pills as she got older, and her first experience with trying to seek treatment for her addiction.
Lyndi also opens up about her struggles with trying to stay sober and clean of heroin, what her life looked like while she was running and gunning, and deciding to die on the streets, be addicted to heroin, or get sober.
Then Lyndi talks about what her life looks like now and why she has turned to marijuana as a stabilizing agent that helps keep her grounded throughout her recovery.
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Finding a Passion in Helping Others and Reprieve Recovery with Jared Casey
Jared Casey (Clinical Director for Reprieve Recovery) joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about the inspiration behind his decision to pursue social work after becoming depressed about where he was in life.
Then Jared talks about how I Am Recovery introduced him to a new world of helping others after hitting rock bottom as well as how he’s using what he’s learned as a Clinical Director to build Reprieve Recovery, a new recovery center in Morgan, Utah.
Lastly, we talk about some of the misconceptions surrounding recovery centers, what an average day in a recovery center looks like including meditation, exercise, and group sessions, and the importance of finding the right recovery center that fits the person accurately.
Related Links:
Reprieve Recovery: https://reprieverc.com/
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'Warrior in the Garden' with Rob Eastman
Rob Eastman joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley again to talk about Rob's background with substance abuse and depression that stemmed from bullying, his new book, Warrior in the Garden, and what drove him to finally begin writing a book.
Rob also shares how he and his wife, Heidi, met, and the beautiful life they've built together.
Related Links:
Rob Eastman: linktr.ee/tattooedlifecoach
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Haylee Hoefgen on the Role of Mental Health in Addiction: Exploring the Connection and Finding Solutions
Haylee Hoefgen (Communications Coordinator at Fit To Recover) joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to share some of her experiences growing up in a small town in Kansas and how it led to her being introduced to drugs and alcohol through friends as a form of entertainment.
Haylee also talks about the events that led her to develop an eating disorder in her early years in college, struggling to do basic tasks such as getting out of bed, and how her drug abuse began to escalate further as her mental health began to deteriorate.
We also talk about how losing a close friend to an opioid overdose convinced Haylee to address her mental health struggles, her decision to move to Utah to be closer to like-minded people, and being blown away by Fit To Recover's welcoming atmosphere.
Related Links:
Fit To Recover: https://fit2recover.org/
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(REPLAY) Finding success as an actor but drowning in addiction with Michael Birkeland
Casey Scott and Dr. Matt are joined by Michael Birkeland (actor and producer, known for Phobic [2020], The Singles Ward [2002], and Everything You Want [2005]) to talk about his experience working in the film industry and his work with LDS comedies. We also dive into his experience with using cocaine to stay focused in the 90s and how abusing drugs caused him to spiral into addiction.
Then we talk about how early childhood trauma caused Michael to repress those memories that shaped his perception of women, trying to detox from his addiction in a hotel by himself, and how the entire experience changed his life.
Lastly, Michael recalls how he met his wife at a gas station on his road to recovery and how it helped him during his sobriety.
To learn more about Michael Birkeland, you can visit his website here:
http://www.themichaelb.com/ -
Battling Substance Use: The Struggles, Setbacks, and Triumphs with Matt Borget
Matt Borget (Marketing Director at Wasatch Crest Treatment) joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about growing up in a very happy, family-oriented family in Utah County, how he began to feel pressure to participate in church activities, and how it led to him feeling out of place.
Matt shares how these feelings led him to find Utah countercultures that introduced him to the world of hardcore music, alcohol, and drugs throughout his teenage years.
He also talks about flourishing financially after he started selling marijuana, becoming addicted to opioids after learning he could afford whatever he wanted, and landing in Utah Prison after he was raided by Utah County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Task Force.
We also talk about how Matt's addiction would ultimately escalate to the point of him habitually using heroin to fuel his habits, his combative mindset when heading into treatment, and being given the gift of a second chance at life after committing to recovery.
Related Links:
Wasatch Crest Treatment: https://wasatchcresttreatment.com/
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Michelle Church is raising awareness for recovery after losing her brother to heroin
Michelle Church joins Casey Scott to talk about, 'A Light To Remember', an event that honors those lost to substance abuse that also raises awareness about the dangers of opioids. In addition, the event also creates a meaningful experience for those in treatment. Michelle also shares how her brother's addiction to heroin impacted her throughout the years that he struggled with substance abuse and why she believes that losing her brother is her greatest failure.
Then we talk about the idea of harm reduction when looking at recovery from addiction, why addiction and substance abuse require long-term care to be effective, and the importance of setting accurate expectations for someone's recovery.
To participate in A Light To Remember, which takes place on August 31st, you can visit http://www.alighttoremember.life/ to find a location near you.
Related Links:
A Light To Remember: http://www.alighttoremember.life/
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Casey's landmark moment at Valley Camp and Jon Smith on his recent ADHD diagnosis
This week Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley talk about the benefits of golfing and how speaking at Valley Camp this weekend was a landmark moment for his recovery journey.
Then Jon Smith (Morning Show Host for 103.5 The Arrow) joins the show to talk about how he navigated life suffering from undiagnosed ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), what he learned from his recent diagnosis, and some tips that he's learned to help control his ADHD.
Related links:
Valley Camp Recreation and Rehabilitation Center: https://www.valleycamputah.com/
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Introducing: Stranger Becomes Neighbor with Andrea Smardon
It's been two years since the U.S. pulled out of Afghanistan and those lucky enough to be evacuated are living here in America. Understaffed resource agencies were flooded with thousands of evacuees at once. This is the story of volunteers who stepped in to bridge the gap for the remarkable people who helped the U.S. military against the Taliban.
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Jameson Hedin on living the life he always wanted after battling addiction
Jameson Hedin joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to open up about his descent into addiction that started when he was a teenager due to not feeling comfortable in his own skin. Jameson shares how the fun he was having with drugs and alcohol quickly became a dangerous time in his teenage years once he became dependent on opioids at only nineteen years old.
Then Jameson explains the depression and anxiety that he felt while trying to stay sober over the next few years, why he was so afraid to ask for help for his addiction, and how his brother Drew helped him finally commit to going to treatment.
Lastly, Jameson talks about what his life after treatment looked like and how he was able to overcome many other hurdles before he found success in his recovery.
Related Links:
Seven Counseling and Wellness: https://ashleigh-hedin.clientsecure.me/
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Randy Parker opens up about becoming addicted to meth at 62 years old
Randy Parker joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about his family's history with addiction, experimenting with substances during high school, and his decision to attend military school after high school.
Randy also opens up about living the traditional family life with a wife and kids while finding ways to party whenever he could. Then he shares how his addiction to opioids pushed him to the edge of contemplating suicide and why he began to choose meth over opioids.
Lastly, we talk about Randy's rock bottom and his steps to living a life of recovery after being drug-free for over a year.
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(REPLAY) How support helped Lizzy Denkers find a path to recovery after addiction
In this week's episode, we retell Lizzy Denkers' story of depression, guilt, addiction, and most importantly, her road to recovery. We talk about how infertility problems led her to struggle with mental health issues that ultimately turned into postpartum depression after she and her husband, Brian, were able to actually conceive.
We then discuss how depression and solitude eventually led to her arrest for opioid abuse.
Lastly, we dive into Lizzy's journey to recovery with the help of her husband, Brian, and the steps they have both taken to improve themselves after a long and tumultuous road.
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Amanda Mallobox on overcoming the pains of addiction to live a happy life of recovery
Amanda Mallobox joins Casey Scott to share her introduction to alcohol as a young teenager, blacking out from alcohol at fifteen, and being admitted to her first rehabilitation center at seventeen after transitioning to harder drugs.
Then Amanda talks about the difficulty of staying clean from drugs even during her stint in rehab, being arrested for DUIs, and how Amanda's drinking played a huge part in the failure of her marriage at the time.
We also dive into Amanda's rock bottom after causing a car accident while intoxicated, her choice to try and manipulate the system, and the moment she decided to call Action Recovery to start living a life of recovery.
Related Links:
Action Recovery Group: https://www.actiontreatment.com
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Overcoming childhood trauma and coping with the loss of a parent with Stephanie Ross
In this week's episode, we retell one of our favorite episodes that features Stephanie Ross. Stephanie, who has been in recovery for over 10 years, talks with Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley about her tumultuous upbringing, how she navigated addiction at an early age, and the impact that the passing of her mother had on her road to recovery.
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Creating your own comeback and finding a life of recovery with Alema Harrington
In this week's episode, Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley are joined by Alema Harrington (host of Utah Jazz Game Night, former BYU RB) to detail his journey of addiction that dates back to his time playing college football at BYU when he would abuse opioids. Alema also talks about how he's been able to let go of resentments in his life with the help of his faith and owning up to our demons to grow as a person.
Alema also shares his story of addiction and details the amazing gift of being able to give back to others who are struggling with their own substance abuse.
We also dive into the work that he is doing with Ardu Recovery Center and how they are innovating the way we look at recovery.
You can learn more about Ardu by visiting their website: https://www.ardurecoverycenter.com/
#shorts #recovery #addiction #drugabuse #projectrecovery #podcast
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Jake Whimpey opens up about how a Multiple sclerosis diagnosis led to an opioid addiction
Jake Whimpey joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to share his family's history with alcoholism, how it affected his choice to push back on alcohol throughout his teenage years, and why being diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis introduced him to substance abuse after being prescribed opioids to help with the pain.
Then Jake talks about blaming his newfound addiction on his MS diagnosis, his experience with trying to find recovery from opioids but being consumed by meth, and how meth led him to spend five months in jail.
We also dive into the extensive recovery work that Jake has put in to stay sober, how he has integrated himself into the recovery community, and his work in helping others who have a troubled past find work.
Related Links:
Spherion Staffing and Recruiting: https://www.spherion.com/
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Homeless drugdealer becomes recovery advocate with Logan Adams
Logan Adams (General Manager & Fitness Instructor) joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about how growing up in a small town introduced him to drugs at an early age, falling in love with cocaine at the age of sixteen, and being shipped off to Hargrave Military Academy during later years in high school.
Then we dive into Logan's descent into addiction after moving to Mississippi for college, his introduction to opioids following a night where he woke up covered in blood, and how he found himself homeless and selling drugs in Baltimore after abusing heroin.
Lastly, we talk about the darkest moment of his life that would ultimately lead him to finding recovery, as well as the amazing work he's doing at Fit To Recover to help other's continue to live a life of sobriety.
Related Links:
Fit To Recover: https://fit2recover.org/about/our-team/
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Scott Hoffman on his struggles with addiction following his professional ski racing career
Scott Hoffman (ex-US ski team member and NCAA National Champion) joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to share some of his favorite memories as a professional skier, the injury that pushed him out of the professional spotlight, and how his acohol abuse began to consume his life.
Scott also talks about losing a marriage to his alcohol consumption, how his fall from grace as a professional skier impacted his mental health after moving back to Utah, and his experience with being in and out of treatment centers.
Then we talk about Scott's year-long prison sentence following a DUI, what led to him finding recovery in prison, and his impact on the recovery community since he turned to living a life a sobriety.
Related Links:
Scott Hoffman bio: https://keystonerecoveryutah.com/about/get-to-know-us/
Keystone Recovery Utah: https://keystonerecoveryutah.com/
Valley Camp Utah: https://www.valleycamputah.com/
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Jordon Holdaway on conquering his "Bad Boy" image to find sobriety
Jordon Holdaway (General Manager at The Other Side Builders) joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about how The Other Side Academy is changing how convicts, substance abusers and homeless in the community reacclimate with society through personal behavioral change.
Jordon also shares his experiences with learning bad habits while hanging out with the wrong crowd during his elementary years, how he fell in love with the "bad boy" image, and what caused him to chase getting drunk and high throughout his teenage years.
He also talks about his first time using meth in an Arby's parking lot, the start of his criminal behaviors during his twenties, and his struggles with staying sober during his time of drug court.
Lastly, we talk about Jordon's time in prison and how his time at The Other Side Academy changed his life forever.
Related Links:
The Other Side Academy: https://www.theothersideacademy.com/
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Casey Scott on recovery lessons and retelling Leroy "Big Budha" Teo's once in a lifetime episode
Casey Scott opens up this week on some of the most important lessons he's learned throughout his almost five years of recovery and then we retell one of the most amazing stories of recovery that we've had on the show.
Leroy "Big Budha" Teo (Utah Media Personality) joins the show to open up about how physical and emotional trauma he experienced growing up had a severe impact on his mental health, the source of his fearlessness, and the moment he attempted to take his own life after suffering from poor mental health for decades.
Budha also talks about why he had to take a break from his career to focus on his mental health, how he was able to find himself through therapy and becoming a grandfather, and what he's learned during his sabbatical to live a beautiful life and enjoy what he's been able to do in the amazing state of Utah.
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Todd Smith talks about choosing addiction over every other aspect of life
Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley are joined by Todd Smith opens up about how having an alcoholic father pushed him away from substances until he started attending the University of Utah, getting kicked out of college because of his escalating substance abuse, and how partying on the weekends led to a full blown addiction.
Then Todd talks about his addiction began to take over his personal life, getting busted trafficking over 200 pounds of marijuana across the country, and being unable to quit his addiction even after being arrested for trafficking.
Lastly, Todd shares how his addiction pushed him to the point of attempting suicide and surrendering himself to a life of recovery.
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How Sarah Brock learned to love herself after being a single mother who consulted for gangs
In this week's episode, we replay one of our favorite episodes with Sarah Brock who opened up about how her childhood was impacted by her father who struggled with alcohol abuse, growing up in the rave scene as a thirteen-year-old, and how she went from being a seventeen-year-old single mother to a consultant for gangs.
Then Sarah talks about how substance abuse slowly began to take over, how drugs began to derail her life, and why being sent to prison was the best thing that ever happened to her.
Lastly, Sarah opens up about the events that led up her to find God, what her recovery looked like, and how she finally learned how to love herself which was quintessential for her recovery.
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Shane Duncan opens up about hiding an alcohol addiction in a small town
Shane Duncan joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about his experience with trying alcohol as a twelve-year-old in a Mormon household, how he started getting introduced to the wrong crowds that introduced him to the partying scene, and being pulled out of high school at seventeen years old to work full time.
Shane also opens up about meeting his wife Mindy, how his drinking began to become a real problem when they moved back to Morgan, UT, and why he started to hide how much he was actually drinking — until it all came crashing down.
We talk about how Shane's drinking began to affect his physical and mental health, why he was apprehensive to admit that he had a drinking problem, and the events that led him to find recovery with the help of Action Recovery.
Related links:
Action Recovery: https://www.actiontreatment.com/
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Kate Losser talks about finding new life outside of isolation and addiction
Kate Losser (Program Coordinator & Fitness Assistant at Fit To Recover) joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about her experience with trying alcohol for the first time, finding her passion for dance, and turning to alcohol to help ease much of her anxiety as a teenager.
We also dive into her decision to drop out of college at 21 years old after being diagnosed with osteoarthritis following a longboarding accident, how a series of events in life pushed her deeper into addiction, and what led her to stay isolated for two months of drinking all day.
Kate also talks about her decision to seek treatment, what she learned about recovery during her stay at Brighton Recovery Center, and how Fit To Recover has helped her find a positive community.
Related Links:
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Zack Chisholm talks about how shame became the root of his addictive behaviors
Zack Chisholm (Ardu Recovery Center & former professional golfer) joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to open up about feeling shame as a child, how he used alcohol as a teenager to combat his introverted tendencies, and the events that led him to be disfellowshipped from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while on his mission.
Zack also talks about beginning to numb the pain of his departure from his mission with drugs and alcohol, how his descent into substance abuse cost him his professional golfing career, and the impact that COVID-19 had on his addiction.
We also dive into Zack's rock bottom following a New Year's party in 2021, his decision to go to Renaissance Ranch for recovery, and how he learned to let go of a lot of resentment that he had held in for so many years.
Related Links:
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Surviving trafficking, sexual exploitation, and drug abuse with January Riggin
January Riggin (Founder of Soap2Hope) joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to recall traumatic childhood events she experienced after her parents divorced, turning to drugs and alcohol at an early age to numb the pain, and being trafficked by a biker gang as a 13-year-old.
January also opens up about the events that sent her to prison as a 16-year-old, how her drug use escalated following the loss of a daughter, and why the darkest moment in her life brought forth the idea of Soap2Hope.
You can learn more about January and Soap2Hope at: https://soap2hopeut.com/
Instagram: @soap2hopeut
Facebook: @soap2hope
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The Scotts are winners of BYUtv's — Survivalists!!!
Casey Scott is flying solo this week to give us a behind-the-scenes look at his family's time on Survivalists on BYUtv. He also opens up about using the Survivalist adventure to create a bonding experience with his family and how the Scotts were able to come out victorious.
You can watch the Scott's victory on Survivalists now on BYUtv (season 3, episode 5) at https://www.byutv.org/survivalists.
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Seneca Higley talks about being on top of the world and losing it all to addiction
Seneca Higley joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to open up about how the loss of his mother impacted his childhood, finding success as an auctioneer at an early age, and his sudden descent into addiction after experimenting with opioids.
Then Seneca opens up about losing everything to his addiction, his early attempts at recovery, and how his degrading relationship with his father pushed him to the lowest point in his life.
Seneca also shares the dark reality of being homeless in Los Angeles, the events that helped him find spiritual stability, and repairing his relationship with his father once he committed to a life of sobriety.
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Drew Redd opens up about the dark thoughts that helped him find recovery
Drew Redd (Executive Director of ARDU Recovery Center) joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about having a fantastic childhood growing up, how admiration for his brothers influenced his partying throughout high school, and his decision to commit to substance abuse once he had gotten a taste of substances.
Drew also talks about how his addiction began to get him in trouble with the law after he was put on house arrest for hitting a man with his vehicle, meeting the girl who convinced him to go on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and how his mission impacted his drug use.
Then Drew opens up about how his rock bottom finally forced him to seek recovery after years of substance abuse and what he's doing now as the Executive Director of ARDU Recovery Center.
To learn more about Drew and ARDU Recovery Center, you can visit ARDU's official website.
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Gentry Jones talks about her chapter in "Deserts to Mountains"
Gentry Jones joins the show again to talk about how recovery has been treating her since she told her story over a year ago, finding support and success on social media by telling her story, and
You can grab Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice by Jessica Buchanan on Amazon and you can also find Gentry on Instagram and TikTok @lifewithgentry.
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Holly Jones on fighting to get more resources to combat addiction in rural Utah
Holly Jones joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about growing up in a household of free-spirited parents who struggled with their own addictions, the circumstances that led Holly to become the caretaker of the family, and how the stigma of her family's addiction impacted her growing up.
Holly also opens up about losing her father due to his alcohol addiction of 20 years, the challenges that she's faced in her county while advocating for more resources for the recovery community, and some of the amazing projects that she's working on in Tooele, Utah to help support those struggling with addiction and substance abuse.
You can find more information regarding treatment and recovery at The Beacon House.
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Setting yourself up for success with your New Year's Resolutions
Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley talk about the pros and cons of setting New Year's Resolutions, why it's so important to be realistic when thinking of your New Year's Resolution, and the dangers of going into the new year with an all-in mentality to achieve your goals.
We also dive into the differences between process goals and outcome goals, how to pick an accountability partner that can help you stay on track, and why you need to really know yourself in order to set accurate and effective process goals that can help you achieve your outcome goals.
Lastly, we talk about how meditation and mindfulness can be great ways to exercise your brain and find new ways to focus your thoughts.
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Manny Lopez talks about quitting drugs and the gang life to become a better father and find sobriety
Manny Lopez (Papilion Integrated Recovery Center) joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about his early childhood where he was in and out of foster homes, abusing and dealing meth at fourteen years old, and being convicted as an adult at seventeen years after shooting a man when a drug deal went wrong.
Manny also talks about how his drug use escalated during his six years in prison, struggling to adapt to the world following his release, and going in and out of prison for the next decade.
Then we dive into Manny's experience with getting out of gang life and finding the fortitude to choose recovery with the help of his young daughter.
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Understanding marijuana's correlation with physical side effects and use to alleviate chronic pain
Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley share some very insightful studies surrounding marijuana use including some of the physical side effects that have been correlated to smoking marijuana and how cannabinoid use has been linked to chronic pain.
To learn more about the studies talked about in this week's episode you can visit the official websites here:
Buzz Kill: Lung Damage Looks Worse in Pot Smokers
Cannabinoid-based medications for pain
Less Than Third of Americans Aware of Cancer Risk From Alcohol
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Sequan Kolibas explains how exploring her self-worth gave her the strength to find sobriety
Sequan Kolibas joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to share her experience with addiction and substance abuse starting from the moment she was born addicted to Phencyclidine (PCP) due to her mother's use while she was pregnant with Sequan.
doing acid at thirteen years old, and how a toxic relationship with her mother reinforced Sequan's drug use.
The moment she found out that she was HIV positive, how that impacted her relationships, and the mental struggles she had to cope with following her diagnosis.
Sequan also shares her experience with attempting to get sober, how her current partner helped her see the power in spreading awareness surrounding her situation, and how welcoming sobriety finally made a difference in her road to recovery.
You can learn more about Sequan or Hope on Ttapp by visiting Hope on Ttapp's official website here: https://www.hopeonttapp.com/
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Vicky Cordova on overcoming addiction that stemmed from depression and isolation
Vicky Cordova joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about how growing up in a family that frequently hosted parties introduced her to alcohol at the age of five, the highs and lows that came with working at a local bar in Logan, Utah, and learning to relax after stressful work shifts with alcohol.
Then we talk about how motherhood impacted Vicky's alcohol consumption throughout the years, her struggles with depression while experiencing isolation once she became a mother, and the moment she realized that she needed to change her drinking habits in order to live a better life for herself.
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Deepening your relationship with your body awareness through body scan meditation with Dr. Matt
In this week's episode, we replay one of our favorite episodes with Dr. Matt Woolley who dives into a couple of different ways that body scanning can help bring mindful focus towards pain points throughout our bodies before diving into a 10-minute meditation that you can use to help be more mindful throughout the day.
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Cade Cooper opens up about how his children and his faith sparked his recovery
Cade Cooper joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to open up about growing up as a perfectionist with an "all or nothing" attitude, the impact that his mindset had on his youth when he started abusing substances, and how being introduced to pornography sent him to a dark place as a young adult.
We also talk about Cade's experience with going on an LDS mission to Hawaii once he graduated, how the loss of his father sent him into a downward spiral of depression, and the struggles he dealt with trying to get sober.
Lastly, Cade shares how his children taught him about God and helped him find sobriety after years of trauma.
You can learn more about Cade and his journey by checking out his YouTube channel Gettin Your Life Back with Cade Cooper
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Dr. Bryce Herrera on normalizing addiction as a human experience
Dr. Bryce Herrera (Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW & Psychiatric Program Specialist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute) joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about his inspiration behind pursuing social justice, why working in addiction recovery can be so fulfilling, and his past work with treating veterans who suffer from substance abuse.
Then we talk about the process of being admitted to Huntsman for detoxing, the most difficult and rewarding aspects of working in addiction recovery, and some of the amazing services that HMHI offers.
To learn more about Huntsman Mental Health Institute, you can visit their website or call them at 801-583-2500.
You can also reach out to Bryce directly at 801-558-9456 or at bryceherreralcsw@gmail.com
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Brad Shreeve opens up about how driving under the influence completely saved his life from addiction
Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley are joined by Brad Shreeve to talk about Brad's experience with dealing with addiction in his 40s, how his introduction to opioids began his downfall into substance abuse, and the moment he started chasing the high of substances.
Then Brad opens up about the first time he decided to go to a dealer to fuel his addiction, how being thrown in jail for driving under the influence completely changed his mindset towards his substance abuse, and what his life looks like now once he's found recovery.
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Sammi Anderson on overcoming addiction and breast cancer to become a recovery advocate
Sammi Anderson (Chief Operations Officer at Meridian Outcome Enhancements) joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley in this week's episode to open up about some of the struggles that she experienced growing up with a father who was addicted to alcohol, dealing with depression at the age of thirteen, and why she feels that drugs saved her life when she was a teenager.
Then Sammi shares her descent into addiction throughout her twenties, being in and out of the criminal system due to her drug abuse, and what pushed her to finally get the treatment she needed to get sober.
Sammi also opens up about being diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer while in recovery, the ways that her diagnosis helped reinforce her recovery, and how she's rebuilt her relationship with her father over the years.
Lastly, we dive into what recovery looks like for Sammi after finding sobriety.
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Sara Archuleta opens up about growing up with her father struggling with addiction
In this week's episode, we're joined by Christian Smith again as well as his daughter Sara Archuleta to talk about what her family life was like growing up with a father who was struggling with addiction, learning to cope with her feelings of love and hate towards her parents while they were battling the effects of substance abuse, and how trips to county prisons became commonplace for the family.
Sarah also shares how she and the family started to rebuild their relationship with Christian after he began his road to recovery following years of addiction, substance abuse, and lying.
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How addiction and substance abuse has made an impact on Sgt. Spencer Cannon's life
In this week's episode, we replay one of our most informative stories featuring Sgt. Spencer Cannon, who opens up about the day he pulled over one of our previous guests, Jessica Butterfield, how law enforcement is adapting to new challenges with substance abuse and addiction, and how the stigma of addiction is changing.
Then Spencer opens up about how addiction has impacted his own family, the day he found his son drunk and passed out on the side of the road, and why the recovery community is so special to him.
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Patrick Williams comes back to talk about the benefits of openly sharing your recovery journey
Patrick Williams joins the show again to recap his addiction journey, how he's used social media to help connect with others who are living a sober lifestyle, and some of the struggles he's faced while trying to date due to the stigma surrounding addiction.
You can find Patrick on Instagram at @ptrickwill, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/patrick.williams.1829, and on TikTok at thebachelorslife.
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From full-blown addict to the The Road Drummer with Scott Schwarz
Scott Schwarz (@TheRoadDrummer_) to talk about finding his passion for music while growing up, some of the struggles he experienced while starting his own record label in Eugene, OR, and how giving up on his dream of being successful in the music industry led him down a path of addiction.
Then Scott opens up about the ways that his addiction began to affect his relationships, his descent into becoming a habitual liar to cope with his addiction, and his journey into recovery.
Lastly, we dive into Scott's passion of playing live music and his transformation into being The Road Drummer.
You can find Scott on Instagram at theroaddrummer_ or on Facebook at TheRoadDrummer8.
You can also learn more about pharmacies in Utah that carry Naloxone rescue kits by following the link here: http://www.utahnaloxone.org/utah-pharmacies-with-naloxone-rescue-kits/
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How Cass and Paulus found clarity though breathwork to create the framework of their recovery
This week we'll be retelling the stories of Cass and Paulus from Inner Alchemy who open up about their experiences through partying as 19-year-olds, the moment they realized they had to change their lifestyle, and buying a motorcycle and moving to Mexico to travel and gain a better understanding of how to manage their addictions.
Then we talk about the idea of being human and how understanding that you don't have to be perfect all the time helped Cass overcome a lot of internal struggles that she was dealing with.
Paulus also opens up about what it took for him to overcome his alcohol abuse, his introduction to meditation, and why he decided to begin working on being mindful and practicing breathwork.
Lastly, Cass and Paulus share their work with breathwork and how it can help create clarity within ourselves.
You can find Cass and Paulus on Facebook at Inner Alchemy Living and online at http://www.inneralchemyliving.com/home.
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Catlin Lorito opens up about her descent into an addiction to marijuana during the pandemic
Catlin Lorito joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley this week to share her recovery journey that started initially with battling depression and anxiety following the divorce of her parents, how she found comfort in being with friends with the "stoner" crowd, and her descent into chaos after she started abusing alcohol and partying.
We also dive into Catlin's decision to fall into heavy marijuana use once the pandemic began to take over the country to cope with the anxiety she was experiencing, how her marijuana use slowly pushed her to the brink of suicide, and her decision to pursue recovery through Pinnacle Recovery here in Utah.
Lastly, Catlin shares how her life has changed after starting her road to recovery and the impact that Fit To Recover has had on her living a life of sobriety.
To learn more about Fit To Recovery, you can visit their website here: https://www.fit2recover.org/
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Why getting into a flow state can lead to longer focus and lasting accomplishments
Dr. Matt Woolley is solo this week while Casey Scott is out on a business trip and we dive into inspirational stories of recovery, the nine factors associated with the state of flow, and how achieving flow can lead to deeper concentration and lasting accomplishments in and out of recovery.
You can learn more about Faces and Voices of Recovery at https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/
You can also find the books talked about in this week's episode below:
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
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Savannah Eley on overcoming her own demons to help our rural communities struggling with addiction
Savannah Eley (Service Coordinator at StepOne Service Castleview Hospital) joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about her experience with feeling segregated from a community that was predominantly religious growing up in Carbon County in Utah, her experience with abusing prescription medicine to help combat postpartum depression that she was experiencing following the birth of her first child, and how she and her ex-husband started losing homes and cars due to spending her money on drugs.
Savannah also shares how her family was torn apart by drugs, some of her lowest lows throughout her addiction, and the moment that pushed her over the edge and led to her finally finding sobriety after years of abuse.
We also dive into the work that she's doing to help provide resources for rural communities that are seeking treatment and what her sobriety looks like five years after the dark days of her addiction.
You can learn more about Castleview by visiting their website https://www.castleviewhospital.net/ or you can go to https://www.curetheconversation.org/ to find resources in your area.
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Jordan Lee on his transition from dealing drugs to living a life of recovery
Jordan Lee (Director Of Marketing And Business Development for Deer Hollow Recovery) joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to share his experience with getting expelled from school in middle school for possession of drugs, selling drugs as a teenager instead of attending school, and his dark reality of being a lonely, homeless teenager addicted to hard drugs.
Jordan also opens up about his decision to pursue recovery after struggling with addiction as a teenager, being introduced to the idea of religion, and becoming addicted to pain medication while on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
We then dive into Jordan's interactions with the Mexican drug cartel while buying and selling pain medication, the events in his life that pushed him towards a lifetime of recovery, as well as his introduction to Deer Hollow Recovery.
To learn more about Deer Hollow Recovery you can visit deerhollowrecovery.com.
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BONUS: Aubri Devashrayee raises awareness on nicotine addiction and the dangers of vaping
In this bonus episode, Casey Scott talks with Aubri Devashrayee (Media Coordinator of Tobacco Prevention and Control Program for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services) about the dangers of tobacco and the reality that so many people face while being addicted to nicotine.
Aubri also shares great resources that WayToQuit.org provide for those looking to quit their smoking habit, as well as why vaping has become such an addiction for our youth, and why we need to start a conversation with our children about the dangers of vaping.
To learn more about different ways to quit smoking tobacco, you can visit Way To Quit or you can also learn more about the dangers of vaping at See Through The Vape.
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Recovery is better than you could ever imagine...but it's not easy
In this week's episode, Casey Scott is flying solo and opens up about being told "I'm proud of you" as well as sharing some messages from some of our listeners.
He also talks about why it's important to accept that you're an addict in order to hold yourself accountable and the joy of focusing on doing the next right thing.
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Shay Mitchell talks about finding recovery for herself and accepting the reality of being an addict
Shay Mitchell joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to share her recovery journey that started early on in her childhood with a father who suffered from addiction, how she began to develop anxiety from unaddressed traumatic experiences growing up, and the relief she felt from the moment she tried alcohol for the first time.
Shay also opens up about how her addiction began to flourish throughout various moments in her life during her early twenties, her decision to use alcohol as a bandaid for postpartum depression following the birth of her second child, and how the COVID-19 pandemic sent her to the deepest depths into her addiction.
We also dive into Shay's admission to the fact that she was an alcohol addict, building connections with other people living in recovery that helped support her own sobriety, and the steps that she's taking to secure recovery in her own life.
To learn more about Shay, you can find her on Instagram @ShaySober or on the web at shaysober.com.
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The impact that optimism has on recovery with Casey and Dr. Matt
Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley talk about some of our favorite episodes throughout the past couple of years, a letter that came in for Casey, and optimism's role in recovery.
Then we dive into the three P's to defeat cognitive distortions, how optimism creates the seen for motivation and change, and the path to learning to be optimistic.
You can find all of the resources talked about during the show below:
Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change
Positivity: Optimism, Resilience, Confidence and Motivation
Why We Do What We Do: Understanding Self-Motivation
Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life
Authentic Happiness -
Ryan Brown talks about taking his life back after addiction had taken everything from him
Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley are joined by Ryan Brown to talk about how Ryan's perfectionist attitude throughout his time in high school helped him avoid experimentation with substances, spending two years in Hong Kong on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and checking the boxes of creating a happy and successful future for himself.
Then Ryan shares his introduction to substances after breaking his back while snowboarding, how his use of oxycontin began to become excessive, and his struggles with sobriety and addiction over the years.
Lastly, we dive into Ryan's decision to finally seek permanent recovery after his addiction took away his kids and his wife, his experience with receiving so much support for his decision to seek help, and how he's giving back to Utah's recovery community.
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How "keeping the plates spinning" can hinder our personal growth as we get older
Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley talk about the importance of changing our behaviors to make long-lasting and positive improvements in life, and why the phrase, "Addiction does not discriminate", is such a monumental idea to understand to avoid discrimination against those who are struggling with substance abuse.
We also dive into finding the balance of understanding how far we've come but not letting it define who we are and who we can be, as well as, finding inspiration for change by looking to others who have learned from their past and improved their lives.
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Amy Harris on finding the courage to live a life of recovery — one day at a time
Amy Harris joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to talk about growing up in a party household, having her first alcoholic beverage as a child, and how she was introduced to the idea that alcohol could be used to calm the chaos in her life during her teenage years.
Then Amy opens up about the struggles she experienced becoming a parent as a 17-year-old, meeting her first husband, and the decision to move to Richfield, UT, which triggered anxiety and excessive substance abuse.
We also talk about the pain she experienced following the passing of her husband due to a plane crash, how it led her to rely on substances to cope with the hardship she was dealing with at the time, and Amy's decision to lean into the idea of being an addict.
Lastly, Amy talks about the moment she realized that she had to commit to a life of recovery and pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.
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How The Village Effect aims to help young teens with Bryan Hedin and Rob Eastman
Bryan Hedin (Executive Director of Renaissance Ranch) and Rob Eastman (Eastman Fitness & Wellness) join Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley in a bonus episode this week to talk about how "The Village Effect" can provide an atmosphere that helps many families address many of the factors that could build the framework for substance abuse and addiction for teens and young teens.
To learn more about The Village Effect you can visit their website at https://villageeffectut.com/
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Bryan Hedin opens up about getting honest about his addiction in order to find recovery
Bryan Hedin (Executive Director of Renaissance Ranch) joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley this week to talk about struggling with his identity during his teenage years, his fear of not amounting to anything in life, and the relief from the anxiety that he felt after getting drunk for the first time.
Then we dive into Bryan's transition into abusing Oxycontin daily, how he began to justify lying to others and himself following an attempted mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the events that built up resentment towards religion.
Bryan also shares how his substance abuse began to escalate over a decade, to the point of contemplating suicide, how he found the passion for sobriety, and how Renaissance Ranch became a pillar of recovery for him.
To learn more about Bryan Hedin or Renaissance Ranch, you can visit their website here: https://renaissanceranch.net/
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Angelique Richards on developing her identity to overcome addiction
Angelique Richards joins the show to talk about many of the contributing factors that built up the framework for addiction including getting married young to appeal to societal expectations, dealing with extreme anxiety after losing her identity due to marriage at a young age, and the stress that came with having a daughter at such a tumultuous time.
Then Angelique opens up about how her panic evolved into depression, becoming dependent on medication to help ease her anxiety and depression, and the harsh reality of overdosing.
We also dive into how she began to experiment with deeper levels of substance abuse, the moment she knew she needed to seek out help for her addiction, and the empowerment that came with healing through many of the feelings that she was trying to avoid.
Lastly, Angelique shares what she's working on now with her business, Leakd, appearing on "The Big D", an explosive dating competition series, and living an amazing life of recovery.
You can learn more about Angelique and her business on Instagram at @leakd._ and https://www.leakd.site/.
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Jared Shaw on overcoming pain pill addiction to create "Recovery Strong"
Jared Shaw (Recovery Strong) joins the show to talk about struggling to find his identity in a big family growing up, how he learned that underage drinking would come with very serious consequences after getting ticketed for being intoxicated, and the moment he realized he could get away with abusing pain pills during his senior year.
Jared also shares his experience with becoming addicted to Oxycontin, how it began to deteriorate what he had begun to work for as a young college student at Utah State University, and the work he put into his recovery to find sobriety for two years.
Then we dive into Jared's eventual relapse following the passing of his grandfather, hitting rock bottom after experiencing early onset liver failure, and the inspiration behind "Recovery Strong".
To learn more about Recovery Strong, you can visit their website here: https://recoverystrong.com/
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Transforming the lives of incarcerated and returned citizens with Travis Richey
Travis Richey (Entrepreneur, Advisor, and Motivational Speaker) joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley to share his story of growing up with a father who was an organized crime boss and addicted to heroin, being forced to take on the role of protector within the family, and how he was being groomed to take over the family business.
Then Travis talks about learning how to take care of himself both physically and mentally during a mission to Spokane, WA, succeeding in the financial industry, and how improper transactions got him sent to prison for two years.
We also dive into Travis' work educating the prison community with his organization, AccomplishED Ventures, and how he's focused on making a positive change for those who have been incarcerated.
To learn more about Travis and AccomplishED Ventures, you can visit their website here: https://www.accomplishedventures.org/