Episodes

  • Behind the Scenes: A Family's Journey Through a Loved One's Addiction

    Behind the Scenes: A Family's Journey Through a Loved One's Addiction
    Nov 26 2024

    Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 162 | Host TJ sits down with Michael Brunk, a passionate recovery ally. Michael delves deep into his family's experience with addiction, highlighting the significant impact on the family unit and the essential support needed for those in recovery. He reflects on his brother's active struggle with substance use and the pivotal moments that led Michael to make personal changes. Through his career in wellness, Michael shifted his focus from self-indulgence to helping others, bringing a unique perspective from the family's side of addiction. Together, TJ and Michael explore themes of family, self-love, personal growth, and the importance of a supportive community in the recovery journey.

    00:00 Introduction to the Recovery Matters Podcast

    00:23 Michael Brunk's Family and Addiction

    01:09 Personal Struggles and Turning Points

    01:58 The Impact of Addiction on Family

    02:46 Recognizing and Addressing Addiction

    04:27 The Role of Wellness in Recovery

    12:29 Supporting Families in Crisis

    21:00 Navigating Recovery Challenges

    21:30 The Role of Family and Support Systems

    22:22 Statistics and Realities of Treatment

    24:48 Personal Stories and Experiences

    29:46 The Importance of Self-Love in Recovery

    34:12 Spirituality and Recovery

    39:12 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

    ----Across the Web----

    🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

    ✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

    🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

    🎙RecoveryMatters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

    🗣Recovery Matters TikTok

    https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

    🗣Recovery Matters Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

    🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

    📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

    🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery
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    40 mins
  • From Addiction to the Ring | How Kickboxing Saved Rich St Pierre's Life and Built His Recovery

    From Addiction to the Ring | How Kickboxing Saved Rich St Pierre's Life and Built His Recovery
    Nov 19 2024

    Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 161 | Rich St. Pierre recounts his challenging upbringing, the impact of family dynamics, and his turbulent years of substance use. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to recovery, including his experiences with various treatment programs and his ultimate decision to turn his life around. Rich highlights the importance of having a support system, finding new identities and passions, and maintaining accountability in recovery. He also delves into how martial arts and fitness played crucial roles in his sobriety and how he integrates these into his current life. Through his candid narration, Rich's story offers inspiration and valuable insights for anyone seeking or maintaining recovery.

    00:00 Introduction and Host Background

    00:29 Early Life and Family Struggles

    03:20 High School and Descent into Addiction

    06:09 Attempts at Recovery and Setbacks

    08:36 Turning Point and Path to Recovery

    18:16 Rebuilding Life and Finding Purpose

    22:33 Coping with Loss in Recovery

    23:27 The Importance of Therapy

    24:58 Finding New Passions

    26:42 Identity Beyond Addiction

    29:42 The Role of Support Systems

    32:37 The Power of Practice

    39:03 Commitment to 12-Step Recovery

    41:11 Incorporating Recovery into Daily Life

    42:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    ----Across the Web----

    🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

    ✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

    🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

    🎙RecoveryMatters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

    🗣Recovery Matters TikTok

    https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

    🗣Recovery Matters Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

    🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

    📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

    🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery
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    43 mins
  • From Criminal Impersonation to Addiction Recovery Champion | John’s Remarkable Turnaround

    From Criminal Impersonation to Addiction Recovery Champion | John’s Remarkable Turnaround
    Nov 12 2024

    Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 160 | John shares his personal story of growing up in an upper-middle-class family with a high-functioning alcoholic father. Despite a good upbringing, John's young adulthood spiraled into addiction, particularly with alcohol and later cocaine. He recounts his first experiences with these substances and the pivotal moments that led to his criminal activities. John was eventually sentenced to 12 years in prison, an event that he views as life-saving. During his incarceration, John experienced a spiritual awakening and committed to changing his life. He became heavily involved in addiction services and recovery programming. Upon his release, he found support at CCAR, where he now gives back as a recovery coach and volunteer. John emphasizes the importance of suggestions over advice and advocates for multiple pathways to recovery.

    00:00 Introduction and Host Backgrounds

    00:35 Early Life and Family Dynamics

    03:04 First Encounters with Substance Use

    04:37 Descent into Addiction

    07:00 Criminal Activities and Consequences

    07:36 Turning Point and Recovery Journey

    11:36 Life After Recovery

    19:46 Advice and Reflections

    ----Across the Web----

    🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

    ✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

    🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

    🎙RecoveryMatters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

    🗣Recovery Matters TikTok

    https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

    🗣Recovery Matters Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

    🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

    📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

    🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery
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    27 mins
  • Introducing Stacy Charpentier | CCAR's New Executive Director

    Introducing Stacy Charpentier | CCAR's New Executive Director
    Nov 9 2024

    In this bonus episode of the Recovery Matters Podcast, we get to know Stacy Charpentier, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR). Stacy shares her personal background, from her childhood in New Britain to her career journey that led her to CCAR. She discusses her family's struggle with addiction and recovery, highlighting the impact of her father's experience. Stacy outlines her previous roles at CCAR, including her work as the Director of Training, and emphasizes the importance of connection, communication, and compassion in recovery coaching. Stacy offers insights into the organizational culture at CCAR and shares candid advice on being genuine and the value of self-care within the community.

    00:00 Introduction to the New Executive Director

    00:29 Getting to Know Stacy Charpentier

    01:09 Stacy's Journey to CCAR

    04:01 Stacy's Personal Connection to Recovery

    05:39 Family and Personal Life

    09:18 Professional Growth and Achievements

    13:20 The Impact of Recovery Coaching

    16:52 Global Reach and Philosophy of CCAR

    18:49 Sharing the Message of Recovery

    19:59 The Magic of CCAR Community Centers

    22:09 Supporting Each Other in Recovery

    25:27 Accessing Recovery Resources

    27:44 Advocacy and Awareness

    28:42 Personal Reflections on Recovery

    33:28 Rapid Fire Questions

    ----Across the Web----

    🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

    ✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

    🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

    🎙RecoveryMatters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

    🗣Recovery Matters TikTok

    https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

    🗣Recovery Matters Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

    🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

    📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

    🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • I Was Addicted, Abandoned, and Alone – But Recovery Saved Me

    I Was Addicted, Abandoned, and Alone – But Recovery Saved Me
    Nov 5 2024

    Antonio shares his story of growing up in challenging conditions in Puerto Rico, dealing with family addiction, and facing abuse and bullying. His life spiraled into substance use, gang involvement, and repeated incarcerations. Despite experiencing severe lows, including near-death experiences and encounters with meth addiction, Antonio finds hope through his wife’s support and a recovery community. With a determination to change, he transforms his life, dedicating himself to recovery and helping others in similar situations. His journey exemplifies resilience and the possibility of redemption.

    00:00 Introduction and Host's Background

    00:31 Antonio’s Early Life and Challenges

    02:14 Struggles with Addiction and Crime

    09:38 Turning Point and Recovery Journey

    12:17 Finding Peace and Giving Back

    20:47 Discovering the Truth About My Past

    21:16 Overcoming Emotional Challenges

    22:06 Finding Motivation and Building Relationships

    23:16 Navigating Recovery Pathways

    24:50 The Dangers of Relapse

    26:26 The Impact of Fentanyl

    28:14 The Importance of Positive Influences

    35:16 Reflecting on True Friendship

    36:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    ----Across the Web----

    🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

    ✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

    🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

    🎙RecoveryMatters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

    🗣Recovery Matters TikTok

    https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

    🗣Recovery Matters Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

    🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

    📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

    🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • Homeless With A Home | My 38 Year Battle With Addiction And Finding Recovery

    Homeless With A Home | My 38 Year Battle With Addiction And Finding Recovery
    Oct 29 2024
    Lamont is a recovery coach who overcame a decades-long battle with substance use. He shares his experiences growing up in the Bronx, his introduction to marijuana in college, and his subsequent descent into crack cocaine addiction. He also recounts his struggles, including losing jobs, family turmoil, and multiple stints in rehab. Eventually, incarceration and support from CCAR helped him find his path to recovery. Lamont now dedicates his life to helping others in their recovery journeys and emphasizes the importance of support, community, and honesty. 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:33 Early Life and College Years 01:15 The Start of Drug Use 02:38 Life in Addiction 10:34 Turning Point and Recovery Journey 18:58 Life After Recovery 24:04 Final Thoughts and Reflections
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    26 mins
  • How COVID Shaped My Addiction Recovery

    How COVID Shaped My Addiction Recovery
    Oct 22 2024
    Jovan reveals how the COVID-19 pandemic provided unexpected opportunities for virtual support and fellowship through Zoom meetings and recovery houses. Now five years sober, Jovan discusses the serenity found in peaceful environments, the importance of making amends with loved ones, and the emotional complexities of rebuilding family relationships. His story underscores the resilience needed to maintain sobriety, the support of the recovery community, and the profound impact of open-mindedness and genuine connections. Jovan's testimony highlights his dedication to recovery, his gratitude for second chances, and his journey towards becoming a more engaged father and son. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Recovery Journey 00:24 Impact of COVID-19 on Recovery 01:23 Building Fellowship During Isolation 02:48 Challenges and Gratitude in Recovery 05:13 Reflections on Addiction and Recovery 08:24 Family and Personal Growth 10:56 The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Recovery 13:56 Generational Impact of Addiction 23:27 Family Tragedies and Addiction 23:43 A Father's Struggles and Support 24:09 The Power of Recovery 25:04 Rebuilding Relationships 25:51 The Gift of Sobriety 31:34 Acts of Kindness in Recovery 36:11 Health Challenges and Resilience 42:51 Reflections and Gratitude
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    43 mins
  • TODAY Is A GREAT Day To Be In Recovery!

    TODAY Is A GREAT Day To Be In Recovery!
    Oct 15 2024
    Connell shares his transformative journey on the Recovery Matters podcast, revealing how he overcame alcoholism that disrupted his marriage and career. Raised in Connecticut by a resilient single mom, he found initial recovery through a Florida rehab but faced relapses before fully committing to the process. With the support of AA and the recovery community, Connell embraced a life of integrity and self-care, ultimately becoming a dedicated father, uncle, and recovery coach. He discusses the importance of patience, meeting people where they are, and maintaining honesty. Connell highlights his personal growth, his commitment to helping others, and the fulfilling life he leads today thanks to his unwavering dedication to sobriety. 00:00 Introduction and Host Background 00:22 Early Life and Family Struggles 01:07 Descent into Addiction 02:41 Seeking Help and First Rehab Experience 04:10 Challenges in Recovery 05:44 Relapse and Realization 06:26 Returning to Recovery 07:01 Living with Integrity 08:42 Building Positive Relationships 09:25 Helping Others in Recovery 10:41 Consistency and Availability 11:40 Financial Responsibility and Gratitude 12:31 Concluding Thoughts on Recovery
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    13 mins