Addiction recovery and relationship stability often hinge on navigating the "Passion Paradox" and reclaiming your emotional health. Dr. Bruce Chalmer joins the show to discuss how faith, trauma processing, and somatic awareness can break the cycle of fear and panic.

Takeaways

• The Passion Paradox highlights the conflict between stability and intimacy in relationships.
• Faith plays a crucial role in recovery, providing hope and meaning.
• Emotions are not a sign of craziness; they are part of being human.
• Fear can create a sense of entrapment in relationships.
• Recognizing and respecting personal boundaries is essential for healthy relationships.
• Crying can be a powerful release and a necessary part of healing.
• Numbing emotions can lead to greater emotional turmoil later on.
• Using the body as a compass can help in recognizing emotional states.
• It's important to accept and process emotions rather than bottle them up.
• The journey of recovery often involves facing uncomfortable emotions.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Passion Paradox

03:01 The Role of Faith in Recovery

06:12 Navigating Relationships and Emotional Traps

09:07 The Impact of Fear and Panic on Relationships

12:00 Using the Body as a Compass

14:57 The Healing Power of Emotions

18:06 Crying: A Paradox of Strength and Vulnerability

📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com
🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week
💸Support the Recovery Mentorship here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread

Dr. Bruce Chalmer's Website: https://brucechalmer.com/
(Check Part 2 when it drops for a discount code on his video course)

Recovery & Mental Health Podcast

#GuidanceinRecovery #GiR #AddictionRecovery #Relationships #EmotionalIntelligence #PassionParadox #TraumaHealing #Faith #OvercomingFear #SelfImprovement

Is being sober the same as being recovered? Hilary Momberger-Powers joins the podcast to explain why stopping the substance is only the first step in recovery.

Check out her website for her transformational coaching and more: https://www.hilarymombergerpowers.com/

Takeaways

Recovery is an ongoing process, not a final state.

Personal responsibility is crucial in healing and growth.

Spiritual connection and inner power are vital in overcoming addiction.

Chapters

01:35 Busting Myths About Recovery

04:11 Childhood Influences and Trauma

07:04 The Impact of Alcoholism on Identity

12:52 Understanding the Warped Mind

18:39 The Power of Relationships in Recovery

21:45 Understanding the Ego and Its Challenges

26:25 The Journey of Sobriety: One Day at a Time

32:48 The Cycle of Relapse and Recovery Mindset

36:51 The Importance of Personal Responsibility in Healing

39:32 Transforming Character Defects into Assets

43:14 Helping Others vs. Helping Yourself

47:42 Finding Inner Strength and Connection to God

📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com
🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week
💸Support the Recovery Mentorship here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread

Recovery & Mental Health Podcast

#mentalhealthpodcast #recovery #retrievingsanity #guidanceinrecovery #personalgrowth #addictionrecovery #selfdiscovery #sobrietyjourneys #healing #selfcare #alcoholaddiction

If you're looking for a recovery podcast, you're in the right spot.

Keegan is using his past experience to create a new podcast aimed at those seeking recovery and those that are in early recovery.

Tune into "Guidance in Recovery" for a journey across sobriety, and how we can recover what we thought was once lost.


Episodes start Friday, May 1st 2026.
Upload schedule- Fridays (Interviews)

There will be Solo episodes as well as we move forward, but we are going to test the waters and see how the new format is going first.

If you have any questions or want to hear about a particular subject, let me know and we'll make it happen!

#RecoveryPodcast #SobrietyJourney #Inspiration #EarlyRecovery #AddictionRecovery #GuidanceInRecovery #HopeAndHealing #SoberLiving #MentalHealthMatters #CommunitySupport

Summary

In this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read speaks with performance coach Rob Tracz about his journey from experiencing burnout to helping others navigate their own struggles. Rob shares his personal story of overcoming challenges, the impact of his father's illness, and the importance of recognizing the signs of burnout. He emphasizes the need for self-reflection, community support, and aligning one's work with personal passions to avoid burnout and achieve fulfillment. In this conversation, Rob Tracz and Keegan Read delve into the complexities of burnout, self-reflection, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of recognizing signs of burnout, the balance between physical and cognitive challenges, and the concept of the 'comfort corner.' Rob introduces the 'Diamond Matrix' as a tool for assessing one's state of well-being and emphasizes the need for collaboration and understanding one's uniqueness to create opportunities. The discussion also touches on the evolution of projects and the significance of connection in overcoming challenges.

Check out his website here: https://robtracz.com/

Takeaways

Burnout can sneak up on you if you're not aware. Personal experiences shape our professional paths. Finding a supportive community is crucial for recovery. Distractions can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Recognizing the signs of burnout is the first step to recovery. Transitioning careers can be a challenging but rewarding process. It's important to align your work with your passions. Self-reflection is key to personal growth. Helping others can also aid in your own healing. Creating a balanced life is essential for mental health. Recognizing burnout involves self-reflection and awareness. The Diamond Matrix helps balance physical and cognitive challenges. The comfort corner represents a lack of challenge in life. Creating luck involves leveraging uniqueness and collaboration. Understanding the audience is crucial for effective communication. Burnout can stem from a lack of challenge and clarity. Connection with others is key to overcoming isolation. Small steps can lead to significant personal growth. Evolving projects often require adapting to new circumstances. Setting up systems can help prevent burnout.

Chapters

00:00 Rob's Journey: From Childhood to Coaching 00:00 The Struggles of Overworking and Burnout 03:15 Coping with Loss and the Impact of Grief 07:31 The Turning Point: Recognizing the Need for Change 12:07 Evolving from Strength Coach to Performance Coach 15:46 Navigating Burnout and Chaos 17:10 Finding Direction and Motivation 19:02 Embracing New Challenges 20:31 Juggling Multiple Projects 23:38 Recognizing Burnout Signs 26:55 The Comfort Corner Concept 32:32 Navigating the Continuum of Skills and Challenges 34:23 Understanding Physical and Cognitive Exhaustion 36:07 The Journey of Writing and Overcoming Writer's Block 38:28 Identifying and Addressing Burnout 40:46 Creating Your Own Luck and Opportunities 44:43 The Importance of Collaboration and Continuous Growth 49:51 The Power of Connection in Retrieving Sanity 51:43 Introduction to Burnout and Its Impact 52:37 Understanding the Sneaky Nature of Burnout 53:58 Finding Balance and Utilizing Burnout Positively #podcast #mentalhealthpodcast #retrievingsanity #burnout #cookedzone #coacing #resilience #personaldevlopment #addictionrecovery #sidehustle #selfreflection #comfortcorner #awareness

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

Download The Worksheet Here Summary

In this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read speaks with Kelly Tuttle, a neurology nurse practitioner, about the complexities of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its impact on mental health. They discuss the various causes of TBI, the importance of understanding overstimulation, and the identity changes that can occur post-injury. Kelly emphasizes the role of journaling in recovery, the significance of sleep, and the necessity of support systems. The conversation also touches on the challenges of substance use and the management of headaches associated with TBI. Throughout the discussion, Kelly shares valuable insights on mindfulness, neuroplasticity, and the importance of seeking help from specialists.

Check out her website here: https://kellytuttle.org/

Takeaways

TBI can result from various incidents, not just severe trauma. Overstimulation can lead to anxiety and panic attacks post-TBI. Identity changes are common after a TBI, affecting personal and social life. Journaling can help individuals process their experiences and emotions post-TBI. Mindfulness practices can aid in neuroplasticity and recovery. Sleep is crucial for brain health and recovery from TBI. Support systems are essential for mental health during recovery. Substance use can complicate recovery and lead to additional health issues. Headaches are a common symptom of TBI and can vary in severity. Seeking help from specialists is important for managing invisible injuries.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to TBI and Identity Rebuilding 02:21 Understanding Brain Injuries 05:03 Overstimulation and Mental Health 07:52 Loss of Identity After TBI 10:41 Journaling as a Tool for Recovery 13:34 The Role of Mindfulness and Gratitude 16:06 Neuroplasticity and Positive Thinking 19:01 Rest and Recovery in TBI 22:05 Facing Demons During Recovery 25:28 Navigating Support Systems During Tough Times 27:32 Identifying Invisible Injuries and Seeking Help 30:25 The Journey of Writing and Recording a Book 33:13 Understanding Auditory Hallucinations and Seizures 35:04 The Dangers of Substance Withdrawal 37:00 Rebound Headaches and Medication Dependency 42:25 The Importance of Sleep for Brain Health 50:14 Finding Your North Star in Recovery

#retrievingsanity #mentalhealth #mentalhealthpodcast #journaling #tbi #braininjury #healing #recovery #rehabilitation

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

Summary

In this episode, Keegan Read and Tim Thomas explore the critical role of sleep in mental health and recovery, particularly for veterans dealing with PTSD and addiction. Tim shares his personal journey from the battlefield to discovering the transformative power of breathwork. The conversation delves into how breathwork can empower individuals, improve sleep quality, and foster connections among those who have faced similar struggles. Tim emphasizes the importance of understanding one's breath as a means to reclaim personal sovereignty and enhance overall well-being. The episode concludes with practical breathwork techniques that listeners can incorporate into their daily lives for better health and sleep. In this conversation, Tim Thomas discusses the transformative power of breathwork, emphasizing its ability to connect individuals to their bodies, enhance energy levels, and foster deeper connections with others. He shares practical techniques for breathwork, highlights the importance of generosity in personal growth, and guides listeners through a breathwork session to experience its benefits firsthand. The discussion also touches on breaking isolation and the role of mindfulness in mental health, ultimately encouraging listeners to explore their own breath as a tool for healing and connection.

Takeaways

Sleep is crucial for mental health and recovery. Breathwork can help regulate emotions and improve sleep quality. Understanding one's own breath can lead to personal empowerment. Veterans often struggle with PTSD and sleep issues. Transforming pain into purpose can help others heal. Connection with others is vital for recovery. Breathwork can be a simple yet effective tool for insomnia. Daily breathwork practices can enhance overall well-being. The body has a natural ability to heal through breath. Breathwork can be integrated into daily routines for better health. Breath connects us back to our body and energy. Breathwork can help alleviate physical and mental tension. Generosity enhances our energy and connection with others. Breathwork can be a powerful tool for healing. Isolation can hinder recovery and connection. Mindfulness through breath can improve mental health. Breathwork allows for deeper self-awareness and relaxation. Practicing breathwork can lead to transformative experiences. Generosity can be expressed through small acts. Breathwork can help unlock dormant potential within us.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sleep and Mental Health 01:21 Understanding the Importance of Sleep 03:34 The Journey of Breathwork and Recovery 06:56 Transforming Pain into Purpose 08:57 The Power of Connection and Community 11:11 Overcoming Resistance to Change 14:17 Breathwork Techniques for Better Sleep 18:10 Making Breathwork Accessible to All 23:20 Breaking Isolation and Connection 25:34 The Journey Through Addiction 27:50 Breathwork as a Solution for Insomnia 29:42 Finding Satisfaction Through Breathwork 31:02 Breathwork Techniques for Daily Life 33:13 The Science of Breath and Nitric Oxide 35:42 Connecting to Our Body Through Breath 40:10 The Power of Breathwork in Healing 42:12 Authenticity in Sharing Breathwork Benefits 44:48 Breaking Isolation and Fatigue in Recovery 48:57 The Power of Generosity 50:03 Breathwork Basics: Connecting to Your Body 52:38 Understanding Breath and Energy 54:31 Breaking Lifelong Breathing Habits 01:00:32 Breath of Possibility: Self-Regulation Techniques 01:01:32 Breath of Peace: Deep Relaxation Techniques 01:09:01 Unlocking Your Potential Through Breathwork #sleep #mentalhealth #breathwork #recovery #PTSD #addiction #mindfulness #veterans #wellness #self-care #healing #connection

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

Summary In this enlightening conversation, Keegan Read and Julian Bermudez explore the profound impact of childhood trauma on adult life and the journey of healing through self-inquiry, connection, and integration. Julian shares his personal experiences and insights as a therapist and psychedelic integration specialist, emphasizing the importance of presence, emotional expression, and the need to cultivate self-worth from within. The discussion highlights the challenges of navigating adult needs shaped by childhood patterns and the transformative power of support in the healing process. In this conversation, Keegan and Julian explore the complexities of human emotions, the importance of embracing our inner demons, and the journey towards authenticity. They discuss how societal pressures can lead to self-destructive patterns and the challenge of waking up to our true selves. The dialogue emphasizes the need for self-compassion and understanding in navigating emotional pain, as well as the significance of cultivating a relationship with our guiding spirits. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the transformative power of authenticity and the importance of facing discomfort for long-term growth. Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healing and Transformation

05:49 Understanding Childhood Trauma

11:14 Building Connection and Overcoming Isolation

16:45 Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sabotage

23:11 The Importance of Presence in Healing

29:55 Building Relationships with Our Pain

34:47 Waking Up to Unconscious Patterns

39:33 The Addictive Nature of Modern Life

48:16 The Identity of Pain and Emotional Suppression

59:27 Facing Emotions After the Trip Takeaways Julian's journey reflects the transformative power of self-inquiry.

Childhood trauma shapes our adult behaviors and perceptions.

Integration of childhood experiences is crucial for personal growth.

Connection is fundamental to overcoming feelings of unworthiness.

Self-worth must be cultivated from within to foster healthy relationships.

Awareness of childhood patterns can lead to healthier adult choices.

Presence and emotional attunement are vital in healing.

Disconnection from pain often leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Support from others can accelerate the healing process.

Embracing pain is a necessary step towards transformation.

We can never get rid of saying that that's what we want to do.

The more that we start to see that it's not some big, scary, overwhelming.

Demon is a guiding spirit.

We want to get back in tune with all of these aspects of who we are.

Healing can be painful, change can be very difficult. If you want to stop drinking, it can kill you.

We suppress one emotion, we suppress all of them. We have to comfort and soothe that pain.

It's about answering the call of life.

The challenge of waking up is significant.

#mentalhealth #trauma #healing #selfdiscovery #connection #emotionalhealth #expression childhood #trauma #innerdemons #guidingspirits #wakingup #selfdestructivepatterns #comfort #authenticity #emotionalpain #identity #emotionalcomplexity #personalgrowth

Music Used:

-Music: First Rain by Tokiwave / トキ波 is licensed under a Creative Commons License. https://www.creativecommons.org/licen... Support by RFM - NCM: • First Rain - Tokiwave / トキ波 | Royalty Free...

-Music: Wanderer by Atch x Hotham is licensed under a Creative Commons License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Stream: https://linktr.ee/hothammusic Free Download: https://hypeddit.com/atchxhotham/wand... Support by RFM - NCM: • Wanderer - Atch x Hotham | Royalty Free Mu...

-Music: Addictions by Jay Someday is licensed under a Creative Commons License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Download / Stream: https://hypeddit.com/jaysomeday/addic... Support by RFM - NCM: • Addictions - Jay Someday | @RFM_NCM

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

In this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read speaks with Zander, the Z Play coach, about the significance of play in our lives, especially as adults. Zander emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with our childlike spirit through play, discussing techniques to activate a 'play flow state' and the benefits of activities like juggling and using a footbag. The conversation explores how play can enhance mental health, foster connections, and combat self-consciousness, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace playfulness in their daily lives. In this conversation, Zander shares his passion for play and the importance of creating connections through playful activities. He discusses the ultimate gift of play, the tools he creates to facilitate it, and the personal connections that arise from sharing these experiences. The dialogue explores the challenges of adulting, the need for permission to play, and the responsibility that comes with spreading joy. Zander emphasizes the significance of making time for play, especially in a digital age that often distracts from real human connections. The conversation concludes with a focus on combating digital isolation and the importance of fostering community through play. In this engaging conversation, Keegan Read and Zander explore the challenges of digital addiction, particularly among the younger generation, and the importance of finding balance between technology and real-life interactions. They discuss the significance of play in rediscovering purpose and joy, especially in a world increasingly influenced by AI. The conversation also highlights the power of gratitude in overcoming life's challenges and the importance of mental health awareness, emphasizing the need for accessible crisis support.Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Play and Its Importance

03:06 Understanding the Play Flow State

05:57 The Role of Play in Adult Life

09:12 Techniques to Reconnect with Play

12:00 The Benefits of Juggling for Mental Health

15:02 Exploring the Footbag and Its Impact

19:36 The Ultimate Gift of Play

20:26 Creating and Sharing Play Tools

22:30 The Power of Personal Connection

23:43 The Gift of Play and Its Impact

24:37 Permission to Play

26:04 Navigating the Responsibility of Joy

27:40 Making Time for Play

29:00 Breaking Down Barriers to Play

30:36 Play in Serious Situations

32:18 Addressing Digital Distractions

35:20 Combating Digital Isolation

36:54 The Importance of Human Connection

39:13 The Struggle with Digital Addiction

42:06 Finding Balance in Gaming and Real Life

43:03 Rediscovering Purpose in a Tech-Driven World

44:41 The Role of Play in Finding Joy and Purpose

50:15 The Power of Gratitude in Overcoming Challenges

55:20 Crisis Support and Mental Health Awareness

#play #mentalhealth #retrievingsanity #personalgrowth #permission #flowstate #playstate #footbag #digitaladdiction #happiness

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!