The Next Fix

Episode 16: Listen to Your Soul and Still Attack Life Like an Animal with John Mather

Peter John Mather shines bright and can't help it.  He has managed the best way to funnel ALL his energy into useful and healthy aims. Now, you can find him playing golf in Spain, which is where the interview took place for him.  
He discusses hitting rock bottom, contemplating suicide, and the transformative power of self-development. Peter emphasizes the energy and passion that can be found in life without substances and the importance of gratitude and self-awareness. Peter John Mather shares his personal journey of addiction and recovery, highlighting the importance of following one's intuition and believing in oneself. He recounts how a spiritual experience led him to attend Hillsong Church and ultimately meet the love of his life (getting married in July 2024). Peter emphasizes the need for growth and shares his future goals, including becoming a professional golfer by the age of 50, creating a program for substance abuse recovery, and volunteering for Tony Robbins. He encourages listeners to make small daily improvements and to trust their hearts and souls.
Find more from Peter John Mather:
https://www.facebook.com/peterjohnmather1984 https://www.instagram.com/peterjohnmather1984/ https://peterjohnmather.com/
Takeaways
Addiction and recovery can be a challenging journey, but changing one's environment and finding a higher purpose can make a significant difference.
Hitting rock bottom and contemplating suicide can be turning points that lead to positive change and self-discovery.
Self-development, self-awareness, and gratitude are powerful tools in overcoming addiction and living a fulfilling life.
Energy and passion can be found in life without substances, and it is possible to become an amazing human being by focusing on personal growth and self-improvement.
Meeting supportive and loving people can have a profound impact on one's recovery journey.
Reiki and other healing practices can provide a transformative experience and help individuals connect with their inner selves. Believing in oneself and following intuition can lead to positive life changes.
Recovery from addiction requires making daily improvements and trusting one's heart and soul.
Growth and setting goals are essential for personal development.
Creating programs and volunteering can help others on their own journeys of recovery and personal growth.
#sober #sobriety #fyp #addiction #addictionrecovery #wedorecover #thenextfix #myrockbottomrecovery #freshstart #energy #ryanpenley

Episode 15: Dynamics of Recovery with Chris Mack

Wanda Webster and Chris Mack have been diligently working in the recovery space.  The genius of their efforts shows in this interview with the stage presence, Chris Mack.  In this episode of the Next Fix podcast, Ryan Penley interviews Chris Mack, an author and advocate for recovery. Chris shares his personal journey of struggle and addiction, starting from his traumatic birth and the yearning for comfort that led to his addiction. He discusses his experience with crack cocaine and his time in prison, as well as his entry into recovery in the year 2000. Chris emphasizes the importance of honesty, service, and not judging others in the recovery process. He also talks about his work in Skid Row, helping those suffering from addiction and homelessness. The principal theme of the conversation is the dynamics of recovery and the journey within oneself. The guest, Christopher Mack, discusses how introspection and reflection are essential in the recovery process. He emphasizes the importance of constantly looking inside oneself, learning from past mistakes, and striving for personal growth. Mack also highlights the significance of authenticity and having a healthy relationship with oneself. He introduces the concept of the five C's (commitment, communication, cooperation, consideration, and compromise) as a framework for building healthy relationships. Mack concludes by discussing his books, 'The Dynamics of Recovery' and 'Isabel Starry Starry Night,' which explore personal transformation and finding one's true nature.
Check out more from Dynamics of Recovery and the dynamic duo at: 
https://www.dynamicsofrecovery.com/
https://www.facebook.com/dynamicsofrecovery
and their own podcast "The Dynamics of Recovery:  From Trauma to Transformation"
Takeaways
Recovery is a journey that requires hard work and self-reflection.
Traumatic experiences can contribute to addiction and the search for comfort.
Honesty and service are key principles in the recovery process.
Judging others who are struggling with addiction or homelessness is counterproductive and lacks empathy. Introspection and reflection are crucial in the recovery process.
Constantly looking inside oneself and learning from past mistakes leads to personal growth.
Authenticity and having a healthy relationship with oneself are essential.
The five C's (commitment, communication, cooperation, consideration, and compromise) are a framework for building healthy relationships.
Christopher Mack's books, 'The Dynamics of Recovery' and 'Isabel Starry Starry Night,' explore personal transformation and finding one's true nature.
#sober #sobriety #addictionrecovery #fyp #wedorecover #thenextfix #AA #spirituality #newepisode #dynamicsofrecovery #sobrietyjourney #alcoholism

Episode 14: Unpacking Trauma: Finding Healing after Homelessness

Author Sean Coffey shares his personal journey with addiction and how it was influenced by his tumultuous childhood. He discusses the generational cycle of abuse and neglect, the lack of emotional expression in his household, and the impact it had on his self-worth. Sean also talks about his book 'Boys Do Cry' and how it explores men's mental health and toxic masculinity. He shares how writing the book and sharing his story helped him grow and develop a deeper understanding of himself and his relationships. Shaun shares his personal journey of overcoming addiction and finding healing through therapy. He emphasizes the importance of taking life one step at a time and making conscious choices to change the trajectory of one's life. Shaun is now working as a lead youth outreach provider, helping young people experiencing homelessness and addiction. He is also writing a book called Project Backpack, which explores the concept of unpacking trauma and learning to live free from its weight.
Find Shaun Coffey at: 
http://www.shauncoffey.com/
Instagram @willows_runner
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/shaun.zyon.coffey 
Takeaways
Childhood trauma can have a significant impact on a person's life, including their susceptibility to addiction.
The lack of emotional expression in a household can lead to feelings of worthlessness and a struggle to understand and manage emotions.
Writing and sharing personal stories can be a powerful tool for growth and healing.
Men's mental health and toxic masculinity are important topics that need more attention and discussion. Taking life one step at a time and making conscious choices can change the trajectory of one's life.
Compassion fatigue and burnout are common in helping professions, and it is important to prioritize self-care and seek support.
Unpacking trauma and learning to live free from its weight is a powerful journey of healing and personal growth.
Rebuilding relationships after addiction requires forgiveness, self-reflection, and a willingness to change.
Writing and sharing personal stories can be a therapeutic process and a way to inspire and help others.
#sober #sobriety #addictionrecovery #newepisode #thenextfix #myrockbottomrecovery #Wedorecovery #addiction #trauma #traumahealing #homelessness #newbegginings #recoveryjourney #AA #mentalhealth

Episode 13: "Pirate Rules" How Breaking Convention Can Set You Free with Nico Morales

Nico Morales is more than a resource for how to kick substance abuse. He is a master at turning your life around.  He describes multiple rock bottom moments, including the death of a friend and a traumatic incident with his mother. Nico eventually reaches a turning point and decides to seek help. He starts using Suboxone as a medically assisted treatment and focuses on rebuilding his life. Now, Nico uses his cognitive thinking skills to help others facing similar challenges. Nico emphasizes the importance of gratitude and problem-solving. He shares his journey from drug addiction to becoming a life coach and contractor with the government. Nico believes that everything starts in the mind and that our thoughts shape our emotions, actions, and circumstances. He helps others retrain their lives by shifting their perspectives. Nico has written a book called 'Five Things to Know Before You Get Sober' to help individuals in the preparation and contemplation stages of change. He encourages people to embrace discomfort, get to know themselves, and take action towards personal development.
 
You can find Nico Morales at:  https://nohalonm.com/
https://www.instagram.com/nohalonm/
Takeaways
Rock bottom moments can serve as a catalyst for change and self-reflection.
Addiction can have a profound impact on relationships and cause pain to loved ones.
Seeking help and finding a support system is crucial in the recovery process.
Medically assisted treatments like Suboxone can be effective in managing addiction.
Using cognitive thinking skills can help individuals overcome challenges and support others in their journey. Practice gratitude for the basic necessities in life.
Solve problems and help others by shifting their perspectives.
Retrain your mind to create positive emotions, actions, and circumstances.
Prepare and contemplate before making a change.
Embrace discomfort and get to know yourself.
Take action towards personal development.
#sobriety #sober #addictionrecovery #wedorecover #soberlife #recovery #myrockbottomrecovery #thenextfix #startnow #newepisode #soberjourney #sobercoach

Episode 12- Addicts Using Superpowers for Good with Michael Kirk

Michael Kirk shares his journey of addiction, trauma, and recovery. He grew up in a rough and unstable environment, experiencing trauma and abuse. He turned to drugs and alcohol to numb his pain and avoid dealing with his past. His addiction escalated over the years, leading to homelessness, legal troubles, and strained relationships. However, a pivotal moment occurred when his mother fell seriously ill, and he realized the consequences of his actions. This led him to seek help and enter a recovery program. Michael Kirk shares his journey of addiction, recovery, and transformation. He reflects on his realization that drugs and alcohol were not the problem, but rather a solution to his underlying issues. He describes his time in recovery point and prison, where he finally decided to take responsibility for his actions and work a 12-step program. Michael emphasizes the importance of surrendering and seeking support from others. He discusses the tragic loss of his partner and how he leaned on his sober support system during that difficult time. Michael is now working at Harmony Ridge Recovery Center and is dedicated to helping others in their recovery journeys.
 
Takeaways
Childhood trauma and instability can contribute to addiction later in life.
Addiction is a disease of more, where individuals constantly seek more of a substance or experience.
Rock bottom is not a fixed point, but a continuous downward spiral until one decides to stop digging.
Support from loved ones and a willingness to seek help are crucial for recovery.
Recovery is a process that requires addressing underlying trauma and learning healthier coping mechanisms. Drugs and alcohol are often a solution to underlying problems, rather than the problem itself.
Recovery requires surrendering and taking responsibility for one's actions.
Building a strong sober support system is crucial for long-term recovery.
Tragedy can strike during recovery, but having a support system can help navigate through difficult times.
Working a 12-step program and seeking help from a higher power can lead to transformation and a meaningful life.
Recovery is a lifelong journey, and it is possible to rebuild relationships and find success after addiction.
#sober #addictionrecovery #sobriety #wedorecover #howdowegetsober #addiction #myrockbottomrecovery #betterday #soberjourney #rockbottom #betterdays #homelessness #drugaddiction #drugs #AA

Episode 11: He Gave Me A Call: Chez Anzalone reached out and we got to work.

In this conversation, Ryan Penley interviews Chez, who reached out to Ryan after purchasing his book. Chez shares his journey of addiction, starting with recreational drug use and eventually becoming dependent on prescription opioids. He describes the terrifying experience of withdrawal and turning to fentanyl. Chez also talks about his recovery process, including his time in rehab and intensive outpatient therapy. He discusses the challenges he has faced, including homelessness and rebuilding trust with his wife. Despite the difficulties, Chez remains determined to move forward and improve his life. In this conversation, Chez and Ryan discuss the importance of managing difficult circumstances and finding ways to help others. Chez shares his experience with his own health condition and how he has learned to manage it. Ryan encourages Chez to embrace his desire to help people and suggests potential avenues for him to pursue, such as working at a clinic or volunteering at a soup kitchen. They also discuss the power of setting goals and the importance of physical and mental health in achieving personal growth and fulfillment.
Takeaways
Chez reached out to Ryan Penley after purchasing his book and was able to connect with him for this interview.
Chez's addiction started with recreational drug use and escalated to dependence on prescription opioids.
He experienced the terrifying withdrawal symptoms when he was no longer able to access his prescribed medication.
Chez has gone through rehab and is currently participating in intensive outpatient therapy to support his recovery.
He has faced challenges such as homelessness and rebuilding trust with his wife, but remains determined to improve his life. Managing difficult circumstances is possible with the right mindset and support.
Helping others can provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Setting goals and taking small steps towards them can lead to personal growth.
Taking care of physical and mental health is crucial for overall well-being and success.
#addiction #thenextfix #myrockbottomrecovery #substanceabuse #personaltraining #personaldevelopment #sober #sobriety #soberlifestyle #opioids #rehab #commitment #mentalhealth #personalgoals #gethelp #wedorecover #newepisode #newpodcast

Episode 10: Abundance After Addiction and Eating Disorder with Brittany Sandoval

Britt Sandoval shares her journey of overcoming addiction and trauma, and how it has shaped her approach to parenting and helping others. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, acceptance, aligning oneself with positive habits, and living authentically. Britt emphasizes the need for transparency and open communication with children, especially when it comes to discussing addiction and mental health. She also talks about her podcast, The Odd Mom Pod, where she interviews parents and professionals who are breaking the mold and learning new coping skills. Britt is working on a book that explores these topics and aims to provide tools for re-parenting oneself and fostering self-connection.
Britt also gives insight into her framework of the 4 A's of unlocking abundance.  Her explanation of abundance involves having enough.  
Takeaways
Self-awareness and acceptance are crucial in overcoming addiction and trauma.
Aligning oneself with positive habits and reactions can lead to living authentically.
Transparency and open communication with children about addiction and mental health is important.
Re-parenting oneself and fostering self-connection are essential for personal growth and effective parenting.
Britt's podcast, The Odd Mom Pod, provides a platform for discussing parenting and learning new coping skills.
#addiction #coping #parenting #abundance #acceptance #aligning #self-awareness #mentalhealth #copingskills #awareness #eatingdisorder #trauma #authenticity #thenextfix #myrockbottomrecovery #theoddmom

Episode 9 Pornography Addiction: Keeping the Marriage Together After Infidelity

Logan Hufford shares his story of recovery from sexual addiction and the dark times he experienced. He describes how his addiction progressed from pornography to sexual affairs and hiring prostitutes, despite being married and having a family. Logan emphasizes that his addiction was not a result of childhood trauma, but rather a personal choice to chase after highs. He discusses the impact of his addiction on his wife and the manipulation and gaslighting he engaged in. Logan's turning point came when his wife gave him an ultimatum and he joined a recovery program. It took time for him to gain traction and find success in his sobriety. Logan shares his experience of overcoming sexual addiction and the journey of recovery. He reflects on the early stages of his sobriety and the temptation he faced. Over time, he learned that he didn't have to give in to the addiction and retrained his brain. He no longer identifies as a sex addict in bondage but as someone who is free from sexual addiction. Logan and his wife are actively involved in recovery programs and lead support groups. They are passionate about sharing their story and helping others find healing.
Check out Logan @no.longer.in.bondage
https://www.prodigalsofalaska.com
or check out his wife, Carrie --
prodigalsinfo@creeksideak.com
 
Takeaways
Sexual addiction can occur without a history of childhood trauma and can be a result of personal choices to chase after highs.
Addiction can lead to manipulation, gaslighting, and a double life, causing harm to oneself and loved ones.
Recovery from sexual addiction requires commitment, hard work, and a support system that holds individuals accountable.
Sobriety from sexual addiction means abstaining from pornography, masturbation, and inappropriate sexual encounters.
Gaining traction and finding success in recovery takes time and involves a shift in mindset and behavior. Recovery is a journey that requires hard work and the use of tools.
White-knuckling is a basic tool in early recovery, but it should not be relied on long-term.
As recovery progresses, what is considered acceptable changes, and sacrifices are made for a healthier life.
It is important for couples to work together in recovery and for spouses to have their own support groups.
Vulnerability and transparency are crucial in rebuilding relationships and creating a new, healthy marriage.
There is a need for more awareness and support for partners of individuals struggling with sexual addiction.
Logan and his wife are passionate about sharing their story and helping others find healing.
Logan is open to being a resource for those seeking help and can provide guidance and support.
#sexualaddiction #recovery #darktimes #pornography #sexualaffairs #marriage #turningpoint #sobriety #sexualaddictionrecovery #sobriety #temptation #retrainingthebrain #supportgroups #healing

Episode 8: "When I Stop Fighting" with Daryl Dittmer

We dive into sobriety with Daryl Dittmer, a published author, discussing his journey through sobriety and the impact of the 12-step program on his life. He shares personal experiences, the influence of his mentor, and the therapeutic process of writing his book. The conversation covers themes of personal transformation, sobriety, and the journey to a better life. It delves into the importance of humility, responsibility, and the impact of small acts of kindness. The discussion also explores the concept of delayed gratification and the power of belief in something greater than oneself. The conversation concludes with a focus on creativity and the anticipation of future projects. 
Daryl has incredible clout in the recovery space with decades of sobriety under his belt.  His story and path showcase what is possible when you let go and surrender your power to something greater than yourself.  
You can find his book on Amazon "When I Stop Fighting"
You can also see what Daryl is up to next at www.daryldittmer.com 
Facebook also has his projects @When I Stop Fighting 
Takeaways
Darrell Dittmer's journey through sobriety and the impact of the 12-step program on his life.
The influence of a mentor, Bud, and the importance of having a guiding figure in the recovery process.
The therapeutic process of writing a book and revisiting personal experiences, leading to self-reflection and emotional release. The journey to personal transformation and sobriety involves embracing humility and taking responsibility for one's actions.
Small acts of kindness and humility have a profound impact on others and contribute to a better life.
Delayed gratification and the belief in something greater than oneself are essential for long-term success and fulfillment.
Creativity and anticipation of future projects are important for continued growth and development.
#sobriety #12stepprogram #mentorship #personalgrowth #writingprocess #therapeuticjourney #personaltransformation #sobriety #humility #responsibility #delayedgratification #belief #creativity #future projects

Episode 7: Spirit to Spirit with Sheena Shanti

Sheena, a recovered alcoholic, shares her experience of being an alcoholic for 16 years and the cycle of addiction. The pressure of the professional world brought her to a common method of coping too familiar for people who struggle with substance use disorders (SUDs).   Her ritual of buying expensive whiskey and consuming large quantities of alcohol is seemingly normal for her addicted mind during the thick of abusive behavior. This leads to physical and financial repercussions. Her mother's intervention and her spiritual connection played a significant role in her recovery. Sheena shares her journey of overcoming addiction and finding purpose in helping others. She describes the moment she made the decision to seek help and the support she received from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). She emphasizes the importance of realizing that addiction not only affects oneself but also hurts the people around them. In the AA meetings, Sheena delves into what worked and didn't work as she navigated her own approach to recovery and discovering "Spirit."  Sheena now works for Spirit and helps others overcome their addictions and find their true selves.  Her new book "Spirit to Spirit" is a deep dive into internal work to surpass the struggles of addiction and alcoholism.  You can find her book on Amazon -
SPIRIT TO SPIRIT : Tap into your inner fire, own our story, and transform your life
Takeaways
Addiction can be a cycle of constantly seeking a reward and using substances to cope with pressure.
Alcoholism can have a significant impact on physical health and financial resources.
Interventions and moments of realization can be catalysts for change in addiction recovery.
Spirituality and a strong support system can play a crucial role in overcoming addiction. Addiction not only affects oneself but also hurts the people around them.
Support from groups like Alcoholics Anonymous can be instrumental in overcoming addiction.
Self-discovery and personal growth are important in maintaining sobriety.
Finding purpose and helping others can be a powerful motivator in recovery.
Spirituality and connecting with something greater than oneself can aid in the healing process.
 
You can also learn more about Sheena's work at-- https://www.sheenashanti.co.uk/
 
#addiction #alcoholism #recovery #pressure #reward #expensivewhiskey #consumption #ritual #withdrawals #intervention #spiritualconnection #addiction #AlcoholicsAnonymous #support #decision #purpose #self-discovery #personalgrowth #spirituality #thenextfix #myrockbottomrecovery