The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast

Latest Episodes:

108: Ask the Expert: Dr. Louise Stanger - 2019 Interventionist of the Year Discusses Helping Families Navigate Challenges in Recovery Jun 24, 2021

Show notes

Dr. Louise Stanger focuses on strength-based solutions and invitational change. As the 2019 Interventionist of the year, she is not only an Ivy League Award winner but also an educated social worker, author, internationally renowned clinician, and speaker on mental health, addiction, process disorders, and chronic pain. She has performed thousands of family interventions throughout the United States and abroad.

In addition to her years of experience, Dr. Louise is a published author whose work covers a range of topics including mental health, substance abuse, and well-being, the opioid epidemic, marijuana and other drugs, parenting, high wealth clients, finding happiness, spirituality, failure to launch, chronic pain and pain management, family and many more. Her latest book, Addiction in the Family: Helping Families Navigate Challenges, Emotions, and Recovery (2020) is a #1 bestseller on Amazon.

Dr. Louise lives in Marina Del Rey with her husband John and their doodles, Teddy and CoCo. Together, they have 7 grandchildren ranging from kindergarten to a senior in college. In her free time Dr. Louise loves having overnights with grandchildren swimming, soul cycling, and traveling.

Episode Resources

Dr. Louise's Books Addiction in the Family, Learn to Thrive, Falling Up: A Memoir of Renewal, Aging & Addiction: The Silver Tsunami, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Intervention: A Collective Strategy | allaboutinterventions.com/books/

Connect with Dr. Louise Stanger

All About Interventions Website | allaboutinterventions.com
Instagram | @drlouisestanger

Connect with Us at The Courage to Change

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast
Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast
Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast
Podcast Email | podcast@lionrock.life

Online Support Meetings

View Lionrock.life's comprehensive meeting schedule here, and find a meeting to join today!

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107: Lyon Herron: A Lifelong Battle with a Rare Disease & the Positive Mindset that Has Captured the Hearts & Minds of a Community Jun 22, 2021

Show notes

Lyon Herron is a fifth generation Angeleno whose family first came to LA in the late 1800’s. At the young age of 7, Lyon was diagnosed with Gardner Syndrome, an extremely rare disease that puts individuals at high risk for developing colorectal cancer and desmoid tumors. Lyon was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer and embarked on a healing journey that included a variety of conventional and alternative treatment methods. He has had countless surgeries, including the removal of a six pound tumor, stem cell therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and traveled near and far to see the top doctors in the world.

Somewhere along the way, Lyon discovered the power of drugs and alcohol, began feeling he was invincible, and found himself entrenched in addiction. Lyon committed to sobriety after his health took a turn for the worse. Throughout his healing journey, he has discovered how to harness the power of the mind realizing that our bodies can often endure much if our mind allows. While his battle with Gardner Syndrome is ongoing, he is surrounded by an amazing community of people who provide ongoing support. Lyon ultimately knows that his suffering will help others.

Episode Resources

Lyon's GoFundMe Page | gofundme.com/f/lyon-herron-medical-fund
Ly & Co | lyandco.la

Connect with Lyon

Lyon's Instagram | @lyon_herron

Connect with Us at The Courage to Change

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast
Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast
Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast
Podcast Email | podcast@lionrock.life

Online Support Meetings

View Lionrock.life's comprehensive meeting schedule here, and find a meeting to join today!

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Rivkah Reyes: 'School of Rock' Child Star Discusses All Things Sobriety, Gender Fluidity, Pronouns, & the Recent Loss of a Cast Member Jun 17, 2021

Show notes

Our Pride month bonus episode features School of Rock child star Rivkah Reyes.

Rivkah Reyes (they/them) is a Filipina-Jewish actor, writer, musician, comedian and self-acceptance warrior from Chicago. Riv has been performing since the age of 4 and made their film debut as Katie in the beloved film School of Rock in 2003. Since then, Riv has performed in plays, sketch revues, TV, and film all over the country. They currently reside in Los Angeles and spend their days writing and hosting a podcast called Where Are We Now?

Episode Resources

Jessica Buch's Bonus Episode | S2 Bonus with Jessica Buch
Alokvmenon's Instagram | @alokvmenon
The Okra Project | theokraproject.com
The Future Perfect Project | thefutureperfectproject.com
For the Gworls Website | forthegworls.party
For the Gworls Instagram | @forthegworls
Disclosure The Film | disclosurethemovie.com/about
The L Word | sho.com/the-l-word

Connect with Rivkah Reyes

Instagram | @rivkah.reyes
Where Are We Now? Podcast Instagram | @wherearewenowpod

Connect with Us at The Courage to Change

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast
Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast
Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast
Podcast Email | podcast@lionrock.life

Coffee, Coffee Alternatives, & Support Meetings

Lionrock Coffee & Coffee Alternatives | lionrock.life/shop-products
Lionrock.life's Meeting Schedule | lionrock.life/meetings

Listen and Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast

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106: Don Cummins: Decades-Long Incarcerated Bank Robber Gets Out, Gets Sober, and Turns It All Around Jun 15, 2021

Show notes

Don Cummins is an author, transformational speaker, and coach.

Don suffered for decades with the effects of trauma and addiction. These issues resulted in homelessness, damaged relationships, depression and anxiety, and unemployability. Don was repeatedly committed to mental health institutions and experienced extreme incarceration and isolation, having served over twenty years in prison for bank robberies.

One day, Don had an awakening to his inherent goodness and value. He saw that he was not a horrible person. He saw that he deserved to recover and that he was worth the hard work it would take to do so. So he embarked on a path of recovery, transforming his life in ways that had seemed impossible, experiencing success in relationships, business, leadership and helping others recover.

Don’s story is detailed in The Prison Within: A Memoir of Breaking Free.

When he’s not hanging out with his family or working on a project, Don’s usually riding his bike or playing guitar.

We're excited to share Don's story with you today. Let's do this!

Episode Resources

Podcast Episodes by Topic | lionrock.life/podcast-episodes-by-topic
The Prison Within: A Memoir of Breaking Free | Available on Amazon
"Little Tree" | A song written by Don after meeting his wife | YouTube

Connect with Don Cummins

Don's Website | don-cummins.com
Instagram | @don_cummins
Facebook | @DonCumminsLive

Connect with Us at The Courage to Change

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast
Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast
Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast
Podcast Email | podcast@lionrock.life

Online Support Meetings

View Lionrock.life's comprehensive meeting schedule here, and find a meeting to join today!

Listen and Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora
Stitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud

105: After the Episode: Reviewing E100 Stuart O'Neill, E101 Andre Roberts, E103 Lucas Crigler, & E104 Keith Smith Jun 10, 2021

Show notes

Join Ashley and Ashley as they review clips from the stories of Stuart O'Neill, Andre Roberts, Lucas Crigler, and Keith Smith and share the latest news and research on the topics discussed. Throughout their review they cover everything from suicidal ideation to wanting to be accepted as your authentic self.

E100 | Stuart O'Neill

Stuart O'Neill, author of Just One Reason from Episode 100, has experienced suicidal ideation for most of his adult life. You'll hear a portion of his episode where he and ALB talk about why he finds suicidal thoughts comforting. After listening to the clip, ALB shares research on the topic of suicidal ideation.

If you'd like a copy of Stuart's book Just One Reason, we have a few copies available on first come first serve basis. Email podcast@lionrock.life to claim your copy.

E101 | Andre Roberts

Andre Roberts is a returning guest who originally shared his story in a bonus episode in Season 2. ALB and AJB review a clip from his 'Where Are They Now?' episode where ALB and Andre talk about sanitizing history. ALB shares the latest news on the topic of sanitizing history.

E103 | Lucas Crigler

Our guest from Episode 103, Lucas Crigler, is a transgender man and transgender activist. Tune in as we review a clip from his story where he talks about being accepted for who he is. The conversation continues as ALB and AJB consider the thought that maybe acceptance is where we can all align because we all want to be accepted for who we are not the descriptive words that can be tied to us.

E104 | Keith Smith

Keith Smith's story is both heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. Having been molested at a young age, Keith finally embarked on a healing journey as an adult. You'll hear a clip where he discusses how being molested made sexuality very confusing because he didn't feel he had a choice. The discussion continues as ALB provides insight as to how people can begin to heal from sexual trauma.

As you can see, there's lots to cover. Let's do this!

Episodes Reviewed

S3 E100 - Stuart O’Neill: ‘Just One Reason’ Author Discusses Suicidal Ideation & Depression
S3 E101 - Andre Roberts: Where Are They Now? + A Special Discussion Surrounding Racial Justice
S3 E 103 - Lucas Crigler: Trans-Man & Activist Shares His Recovery & How to Approach Sensitive Conversations
S3 E104 - Keith Smith: “I don’t believe in labels, but I identify as gay.”

Other Episodes Mentioned

S3 E92 - Ashley Jo Brewer: When a Christian Girl’s World Comes Crashing Down Amidst Addiction, Grief, Loss, and a Gut-Wrenching Scandal
S3 E102 - Ask the Expert: Kristin Casey - Surrogate Partner, Author, & Intimacy Coach Discusses Surrogate Partner Therapy
S2 Bonus - Andre Roberts: Recovering from Addiction and a Segregated Childhood: Andre Roberts Beautifully Conveys Being a Black Man in Today's America

Episode Resources

Podcast Episodes by Topic | lionrock.life/podcast-episodes-by-topic
Journal of Affective Disorders | Comfort from suicidal cognition in recurrently depressed patients
Just One Reason Website | justonereason.com.au
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 800-273-8255
Article | How Should History Teachers Handle the Movement to 'Rewrite' High School History? Embrace it
Lionrock Coffee & Coffee Alternatives|lionrock.life/shop-products

Connect with Us at The Courage to Change

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast
Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast
Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast
Podcast Email | podcast@lionrock.life

Online Support Meetings

View Lionrock.life's comprehensive meeting schedule here, and find a meeting to join today!

Listen and Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast

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104: Keith Smith: “I don’t believe in labels, but I identify as gay.” Jun 08, 2021

Show notes

Hailing from the Bahamas, Keith Smith likes to think of himself as a citizen of the world. His smile, charisma, and energy are contagious. But as a child, Keith experienced a point in time where he lost his smile.

From the age of 8 to 12, Keith was molested by his cousin. Eventually, he turned to alcohol as a way to numb his feelings. One day, after experiencing an anxiety attack while walking through a grocery store, Keith realized he needed to get help. He enrolled in a treatment program and embarked on a journey of learning to love himself - a journey that helped him find his smile again.

Keith now serves as a CommUnity Facilitator for Lionrock Recovery and is proud to host the LGBTQIA CommUnity Meeting on Lionrock.life. Keith believes that obstacles are only an opportunity to move towards greatness!

Episode Resources

Lionrock.life Shop | lionrock.life/shop-products

Connect with Keith

Join Keith's LGBTQIA+ CommUnity Meeting | lionrock.life/community

Connect with Us at The Courage to Change

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast
Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast
Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast
Podcast Email | podcast@lionrock.life

Looking for Online Support?

Lionrock.life provides a variety of aa meetings and aa alternative meetings via Zoom. View Lionrock’s comprehensive meeting schedule here.

Listen & Subscribe to The Courage to Change

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103: Lucas Crigler: Trans-Man & Activist Shares His Recovery & How to Approach Sensitive Conversations Jun 01, 2021

Show notes

Lucas is an advertising Creative Director at McCann Worldgroup in New York City. Throughout his career he’s worked on brands such as The New York Lottery, Hornitos Tequila, TGIFriday’s, Vibram FiveFingers, Mike and Ike candies, Honda, and Mastercard. His work has earned Clio Awards, Gold Lion Awards, One Show Pencils, and was even nominated for a Creative Arts Emmy.

Through his instagram account (@CoolTransLuke), Lucas is a transgender activist and has been featured by companies such as Alan Cummings’ brand "RockSoup," MarcoMarco Underwear, LogoTV, Tinder, OUT Magazine, BravoTV’s “Get A Room," Tom Hardy, and MTV’s “One Style Fits All."

While not grinding in his day-to-day, Lucas enjoys spending time strolling Brooklyn with his two Boxer dogs and staying fit by hitting the gym.

Episode Resources

Lucas' work with MasterCard | True Name Campaign
Lionrock.life Shop | lionrock.life/shop-products

Connect with Lucas

Lucas' Instagram | @cooltransluke

Connect with Us at The Courage to Change

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast
Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast
Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast
Podcast Email | podcast@lionrock.life

Looking for Online Support?

Lionrock.life provides a variety of aa meetings and aa alternative meetings via Zoom. View Lionrock’s comprehensive meeting schedule here.

Listen & Subscribe to The Courage to Change

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Stitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud

102: Ask the Expert: Kristin Casey - Surrogate Partner, Author, & Intimacy Coach Discusses Surrogate Partner Therapy May 27, 2021

Show notes

Kristin Caseyis a writer and recovered alcoholic and addict. Her memoir Rock Monster, My Life with Joe Walsh documents their tumultuous six-year relationship and drug-fueled, train wreck breakup. She’s survived numerous addictions, clinical depression, a suicide attempt, the panhandle of Texas, and seventeen years of Catholicism.

Her writing has appeared in The Fix, Please Kill Me, The Foliate Oak Literary Magazine, The Nervous Breakdown, $pread, and elsewhere. She writes about addiction, dependency, sexuality, and relationships. She resides in Austin, Texas, and is a certified sexuality counselor, intimacy coach, and IPSA trained Surrogate Partner.

Episode Resources

International Professional Surrogates Association (IPSA) | surrogatetherapy.org
The Touch of Love: An Intimate Journey with a Surrogate Partner | Available on Amazon
Lionrock's Coffee Alternatives | lionrock.life/shop-products

Connect with Kristin Casey

Addiction Memoir | Rock Monster: My Life with Joe Walsh | Amazon
Website & Intimacy Coaching | www.KristinCasey.com
Instagram | @krisitn_casey_writer
Facebook | @mskristincasey
Twitter | @mskristincasey
YouTube Channel | Kristin Casey

Connect with Us at The Courage to Change

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast
Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast
Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast
Podcast Email | podcast@lionrock.life

Looking for Online Support?

Lionrock.life offers free meetings for everyone, whether you're newly sober, you have many years in recovery, or you’re in recovery from something other than drugs or alcohol. View Lionrock’s comprehensive meeting schedule here.

Listen & Subscribe to The Courage to Change

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Stitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud

101: Andre Roberts: Where Are They Now? + A Special Discussion Surrounding Racial Justice May 25, 2021

Show notes

Andre Roberts is a personal trainer and tennis instructor who resides in Beverly Hills, CA. He originally shared his story in Season 2 as a bonus episode where he discussed having a segregated childhood and being a black man in today’s America. If you haven’t already listened to his story, make sure you check it out.

Today, we invited Andre back for a special ‘Where Are They Now’ episode to hear how things have changed for him in the last year. Much of our conversation focuses on racial equality and racial justice in light of the one-year anniversary of the death of George Floyd. Throughout the discussion, Andre shares his personal experience, the types of conversations he has been having surrounding race, and what sobriety is like for him today.

Episode Resources

Lionrock.life Shop | lionrock.life/shop-products

Connect with Andre Roberts

Andre's Instagram | @blackinroe

Connect with Us at The Courage to Change

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast
Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast
Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast
Podcast Email | podcast@lionrock.life

Looking for Online Support?

Lionrock.life provides a variety of aa meetings and aa alternative meetings via Zoom. View Lionrock’s comprehensive meeting schedule here.

Listen & Subscribe to The Courage to Change

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify
Stitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud

100: ‘Just One Reason’ Author Discusses Suicidal Ideation & Depression May 18, 2021

Show notes

Raised in Melbourne Australia, Stuart O’Neill’s mostly self-employed life has provided its fair share of highs and lows. Stuart’s life story easily resonates with others. In the 1980’s Stuart became an Australian Surf Lifesaver. Saving lives is a passion that he still fulfills to this day. His desire to save lives now includes his book Just One Reason.

The Just One Reason suicide prevention toolkit is the product of Stuart’s out of the box thinking and willingness to help others. Stuart takes pride in putting others first and bares his soul publicly about his personal battle with suicidal thoughts and depression. Throughout the book, Stuart reveals his own strategy for beating your inner demons and offers a powerful and very easy solution to a world problem that is getting worse, not better.

Episode Resources

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 800-273-8255
Good Reads Reviews | goodreads.com
Lionrock.life Shop | lionrock.life/shop-products

Connect with Stuart O'Neill

Just One Reason Instagram | @justonereasonofficial
Just One Reason Website | justonereason.com.au

Connect with Us at The Courage to Change

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast
Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast
Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast
Podcast Email | podcast@lionrock.life

Looking for Online Support?

Lionrock.life provides a variety of aa meetings and aa alternative meetings via Zoom. View Lionrock’s comprehensive meeting schedule here.
Interested in CommUnity Table? Check out our upcoming events!

Listen & Subscribe to The Courage to Change

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