" One Day I Decided...it was time to heal "

In this powerful podcast episode, Alex our guest from London, England opens up about their life story that started with mental health struggles and alcoholism. For years, Alex felt lost, never understanding why they didn’t fit in and at times struggled with suicidal ideation and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital for their mental health. She also shares how a phrase she heard in AA literally saved her life and how after getting sober that is where their healing actually began. Alex was diagnosed with autism later in life, which finally gave them clarity to the challenges they faced—particularly in relationships and challenges and sensation overwhelm in daily life. Growing up, their caretakers also struggled with mental health issues, and also lacked proper diagnosis which only deepened their urge to break the cycle.

Now, with their diagnosis as a turning point, the guest is thriving—married to someone else who shares a similar diagnosis and a person that truly understands them. Alex is pursuing a career in therapy to help others particularly . This episode is an inspiring story of how a late diagnosis and sobriety can transform a life in ways they never imagined.

Alex has a mental health podcast called "Young and Sober," available to listen to on all platforms,

enjoy!!

Matt

"One day I decided to give up on my dreams... and I found out the universe had better dreams for me."

In this episode, Kristina opens up about her deeply personal journey through addiction, recovery, and the unexpected path to a fulfilled life. Raised in a family where addiction was a central struggle (Kyle from Family Dynamics Episode is her brother), Kristina eventually found herself battling alcoholism after her first drink at age 18. Kristina found her drinking escalated dramatically and often led to self harm and depression. By the time she sought treatment found herself even resorting to household products to fuel her addiction.

Kristina talks about her experience juggling nursing school, and how the mental health toll of her struggles led her to make the difficult decision to leave certain academic pursuits behind. Through all the pain and setbacks, she came to a powerful realization: sometimes, giving up on your original dreams can open the door to something better.

Kristina shares how her recovery allowed her to finally achieve the life she had always wanted—one filled with family, stability, and sobriety, "glorified lunch lady" as she calls it. Kristina's story is a testament to the power of resilience, the unexpected ways life unfolds, and how surrendering to the process of recovery can lead to finding peace and purpose in ways you never imagined.

Enjoy an inspiring conversation about transformation, healing, and the unexpected dreams the universe has in store.

"One Day I Decided... to lead by example for my family"

Jesse, a proud father, husband and business owner shares his complex history of addiction and challenges. In this episode, Jesse shares his harrowing journey from a troubled childhood to overcoming addiction and finding redemption. Raised by a single mother, he fell into a bad crowd at an early age, using drugs and drinking as a means of coping with his circumstances. This lifestyle eventually led to his wrongful conviction for attempted murder he didn’t commit. He spent six years in juvenile detention and turned 18 in prison, grappling with the loss of his freedom and the weight of his situation.

Jesse shares how after a near-fatal car accident prompted deep reflection on his life choices and the impact his behavior had on his family. After attending an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting, his recovery became his focus.

The episode focuses on themes of redemption, resilience, and the power of second chances. It highlights the importance of support systems, personal accountability, and finding the strength to make positive changes, even after years of hardship.

Enjoy...

"One Day I Decided...Alcohol will no longer be a part of my life."

Kenneth "12 Faces of Sober" a proud father, award winning author, army veteran, podcast host and recovering alcoholic shares his triumphant journey to sobriety. From being a traveling "army brat" who experienced his first taste of alcohol at a young age, to struggling with his addiction through his 20's and early 30's and eventually writing a book on his story. Kenneth gives insight on what a changed and positive mindset can accomplish when you simply say no more. In this episode we discuss grief in recovery, reservations and Kenneth shares what it has been like being sober and losing his mother just several months ago.

https://12facesofsober.com/

"One Day I Decided.... to be more than just a number."

In this episode mental health advocate and proud mama, Nikki shares her remarkable journey to recovery. Nikki explains what it was like dealing with anxiety, an ED and diagnosed with BPD. Nikki shares how her path eventually led to Fentanyl and Heroin addiction and she gives an unforgettable testimony to the power of resilience. Nikki explains what it was like to have several serious health conditions after becoming sober and how eventually relentlessly pursuing her recovery lead her to working in treatment and her fulfilling her biggest dream which was to become a mother.

>>>Trigger warning in this episode we go into details on specific pregnancy and birth trauma. <<<<<

Thank you for listening. <3

"One Day I Decided.... to start accepting all parts of myself as I started to accept help from others."

Our "Ask a Therapist Episode" is back! Listen to our AMFT guest Dez share her story of vulnerability as she walks us through her experience with struggling in her mental health as a highly sensitive child and how she learned to how to cope with trauma in a healthy way which eventually lead her to becoming a therapist. Dez gives us insight on emotional regulation and co-regulation. Learn how we become mis-attuned and find tools and resources and ways to empower yourself to rebuild a foundation of regulation and co-regulation in our relationships.

Dez's IG- @dez.emeahara

Finding Therapy (Therapists are trained to offer coregulation):

Work with Me!

Soul Restoration Project

Psychology Today

Open Path Collective (Affordable Therapy for people w/out Insurance)

Resources for parents:

Parenting from the Inside Out

The Whole Brain Child

Good Enough Parenting

Dr. Knightsmith - 6 Steps to Effective Coregulation