• The UNTOLD Love Story Behind AA (It's Not Who You Think!) with Joy Jones and Tom Adams MSW
    Jul 24 2025

    Summary

    Ever wonder about the unsung heroes of the recovery movement? In this episode of Retrieving Sanity, we dive deep with authors Joy Jones and Tom Adams to uncover the remarkable, often-overlooked contributions of Lois Wilson – the woman behind Bill Wilson and the co-founder of Al-Anon! We'll explore their complex marriage, the power of spirituality, and why community is

    everything for recovery. Get ready to shift your perspective on how lives are changed globally through sobriety and support.

    Join the Retrieving Sanity family and hit that subscribe button for more insightful conversations!

    Retrieving Sanity is also broadcast on WDJY 99.1 FM and Fairfax Public Access Channel 10!

    Visit our website for more resources:

    https://www.retrievingsanity.com

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Recovery and Transformation 02:43 The Untold Story of Lois and Bill Wilson 05:33 The Dynamics of Lois and Bill's Marriage 08:05 The Role of Spirituality in Recovery 11:00 The Influence of Lois Wilson on Al-Anon 13:32 The Importance of Relationships in Recovery 16:21 The Global Impact of AA and Recovery 18:55 The Legacy of Lois and Bill Wilson 21:44 The Future of Recovery and Community Support 24:21 Final Thoughts and Advice for Recovery

    #recovery #addiction #LoisWilson #BillWilson #AlAnon #spirituality #mentalhealth #12steps #communitysupport #transformation #sobriety #overeating #alcoholicsanonymous

    Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
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    57 mins
  • What it Takes to Build Self-Belief and Level Up with Alan Lazaros
    Jul 20 2025

    Be sure to check his website out here: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/ Summary

    In this episode, Keegan Read interviews Alan Lazaros, who shares his transformative journey from external success to internal fulfillment after a life-altering car accident. Alan discusses the importance of personal development, accurate self-perception, and the role of regret as a teacher. He emphasizes that true success comes from understanding oneself and using past experiences to foster growth and change. In this conversation, Alan Lazaros and Keegan Read explore the themes of intentional living, self-efficacy, and the importance of setting clear goals. Alan shares his personal journey of overcoming trauma through goal setting and how envisioning a brighter future has shaped his life. They discuss the significance of self-belief and self-worth as foundational elements for personal development, emphasizing the need for authenticity and the power of knowledge. The conversation culminates in reflections on retrieving sanity through self-discovery and the importance of believing in oneself.

    Takeaways

    Alan Lazaros emphasizes the importance of internal transformation over external success. He believes that many people struggle due to inaccurate self-perception. Regret can be a powerful teacher if used constructively. Self-efficacy is crucial for overcoming adversity and achieving personal growth. Alan's journey highlights the significance of personal development in achieving fulfillment. He advocates for the idea that we should learn from our past experiences to help others. The conversation explores the paradox of learning through adversity. Alan stresses the need for accurate goal-setting to avoid driving off metaphorical cliffs. He shares insights on how to align one's life with their true self. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding one's strengths and weaknesses. Intentional living is crucial for personal growth. Goals can stem from trauma responses. Clear written goals significantly increase achievement rates. Envisioning the future is essential for success. Self-belief is built through small, incremental goals. Authenticity is key to mental health and self-worth. Knowledge is potential power that must be acted upon. Many people are unaware of their true potential. Self-worth issues often stem from social perceptions. Building self-belief requires facing uncomfortable truths.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Alan Lazaros and His Journey 02:47 From External Success to Internal Transformation 05:40 The Life-Altering Car Accident 08:34 The Awakening: Finding Purpose in Coaching 11:36 The Importance of Accurate Self-Perception 14:34 Wisdom: Knowledge, Experience, and Reflection 18:33 The Paradox of Learning Through Adversity 19:27 Understanding Regret and Its Impact on Life 21:49 The Role of Regret in Personal Growth 24:01 Self-Efficacy: The Key to Overcoming Adversity 27:31 Intentional Living and Goal Setting 29:55 Designing Your Future: The Power of Self-Belief 34:38 Building Self-Belief Through Incremental Goals 35:47 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Vulnerability 37:54 The Role of Role Models and Knowledge 40:04 The Importance of Clarity and Self-Worth 41:44 Foundational Building Blocks of Self-Worth 43:10 Game Show Segment: Level Up Lightning Round 48:59 Retrieving Sanity: Personal Reflections and Practices 📣Check out the website for a list of all guests!

    -- https://retrievingsanity.com

    🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week

    Mental Health Podcast

    #podcast #mentalhealthpodcast #retrievingsanity #addictionrecovery #personaldevelopment #coaching #selfimprovement #regret #growthmindset #transformation #fulfillment #lifelessons #intentionalliving #selfefficacy #goalsetting #traumaresponse #selfbelief

    Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
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    57 mins
  • How to Reflect for Healing Inner Child Wounds with Julian Bermudez
    Jul 17 2025

    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!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
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    58 mins
  • What Exactly IS Purpose and How Do I Find It? With Ian Chamandy
    Jul 10 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Keegan and Ian explore the concept of purpose, its significance in mental health and decision-making, and how individuals can discover their unique purpose. Ian shares insights from his experience in helping organizations define their purpose and how this methodology can be adapted for personal growth. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding one's unique gifts, the role of AI in the discovery process, and the transformative power of living a purpose-driven life. In this conversation, Ian from PurposeU discusses the importance of finding purpose in career transitions, the impact of trigger events on personal and professional life, and how understanding one's purpose can guide decision-making. He shares stories of clients who have successfully navigated their careers by aligning their actions with their purpose. Ian also explains the methodology of PurposeU, emphasizing the significance of asking questions and deconstructing complex issues to achieve clarity. The discussion concludes with insights on retrieving sanity through authenticity and effective breathing techniques.

    Takeaways

    Purpose is to find your gift and share it with the world. Defining purpose can guide decision-making during tough times. Everyone has something uniquely remarkable about them. Purpose can elevate confidence and improve decision-making. The process of finding purpose can be aided by AI. Purpose helps in overcoming barriers and challenges. A clear purpose statement is logical and resonates emotionally. Purpose provides context for personal and professional actions. Living with purpose leads to a more fulfilling life. Purpose can transform confusion into clarity. Purpose can guide career transitions effectively. Trigger events create anxiety and unanswered questions. Understanding purpose helps in making better decisions. Coaching culture empowers employees and enhances collaboration. Breathing techniques can significantly improve mental health. Finding clarity involves deconstructing complex issues. Purpose statements resonate on a deep emotional level. A strong purpose can inspire and motivate teams. Asking questions is essential for clarity and understanding. Retrieving sanity involves staying grounded in authenticity.

    Keywords

    #purpose #mentalhealth #decisionmaking #personalgrowth #selfdiscovery #coaching #AI #uniqueidentity #clarity #transformation #purpose #careertransitions #triggerevents #decisionmaking #authenticity #breathingtechniques #clarity #personalgrowth

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Purpose and Its Importance 01:29 Adapting Corporate Purpose to Individuals 04:49 Defining Purpose: What It Is and Its Benefits 09:35 Purpose as a Guiding Principle for Decision-Making 13:24 Discovering Uniqueness and Overcoming Self-Doubt 15:28 The Process of Finding Your Purpose 21:24 The Role of AI in Defining Purpose 22:23 Transforming Confusion into Clarity 24:37 Purpose as Your Guiding Stone 26:31 Understanding Blind Spots and Barriers 29:23 Making Purpose-Driven Decisions 31:05 The Context of Purpose in Life 32:24 Real-Life Examples of Purpose in Action 39:32 Navigating Trigger Events and Career Changes 47:20 Metaphors in Understanding DNA 49:44 The Journey of Simplification 52:08 Finding Purpose in Business 55:01 Methodology and the Art of Asking Questions

    Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Finding Happiness in the Journey of Success with Sebastian Uzcategui
    Jul 3 2025

    Takeaways

    Sebastian's immigrant background shaped his perspective on success. Success is often a long journey filled with struggles. Happiness should be found in the journey, not just the destination. Reflecting on past experiences can help in personal growth. Being present is crucial for mental well-being. Anxiety can be overcome through practice and purpose. Risk-taking is essential for pursuing one's passions. Hard work should be directed towards personal goals, not just corporate ones. Manifestation is about recognizing opportunities around you. Articulating thoughts clearly can enhance personal and professional relationships. Living intentionally opens up opportunities. Many people wear blinders that limit their vision. Routine can lead to a rusted, unfulfilled life. Fear should be managed, not ignored. Greatness is about alignment with purpose. Settling for a mediocre job can lead to unhappiness. Salary can trap you into forgetting your dreams. Nonprofit work can be a powerful way to help others. You have the potential to activate momentum at any time. Just start taking steps towards your goals.

    Summary

    In this engaging conversation, Keegan and Sebastian Uzcategui explore the intersection of mental health and entrepreneurship. Sebastian shares his journey as an immigrant who overcame challenges to become a successful entrepreneur. They discuss the importance of finding happiness in the journey, the role of risk in personal growth, and the significance of being present. The conversation also delves into the law of attraction and the power of articulating thoughts for success, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from within. In this engaging conversation, Keegan and Sebastian Uzcategui explore the themes of intentional living, overcoming self-imposed limitations, and the importance of aligning with one's purpose. They discuss the dangers of settling for mediocrity in work, the significance of finding true value beyond salary, and the role of purpose in nonprofit work. The dialogue also delves into mindset strategies for navigating life's crossroads, emphasizing the importance of taking small steps towards personal growth and fulfillment. Ultimately, the conversation encourages listeners to break free from routine, conquer their fears, and just start pursuing their dreams.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Entrepreneurship 00:56 Sebastian's Journey: From Immigrant to Entrepreneur 02:51 The Pursuit of Happiness and Success 05:34 Philosophy and Mental Health: Lessons from the Past 08:30 The Importance of Being Present 11:12 Navigating Anxiety and Finding Gratitude 14:12 Risk, Fear, and the Path to Fulfillment 17:01 The Value of Hard Work and Personal Growth 18:41 The Allegory of the Cave and Young Wisdom 19:57 The Importance of Internal Growth 23:23 Manifestation and the Law of Attraction 25:11 Be It Until You Are It 28:33 Conquering Fear and Embracing Greatness 29:57 Breaking Free from Routine 32:49 The Dangers of Complacency in Work Life 37:03 Breaking Free from Conventional Contracts 39:07 Pursuing Purpose Beyond the 9 to 5 40:06 Transforming Personal Struggles into Nonprofit Initiatives 41:50 Harnessing Momentum for Success 45:27 Mindset GPS: Navigating Life's Crossroads 48:28 Better Outro Music Wise 2.mp4

    #mentalhealth #entrepreneurship #immigrantsuccess #happiness #personalgrowth #publicspeaking #risktaking #lawofattraction #mindfulness #selfimprovement #intentionalliving #overcomingfear #purpose #breakingroutine #nonprofit #mindset #selfimprovement #personalgrowth

    Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
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    56 mins
  • The Future of Healthcare with Len May
    Jul 1 2025

    (Bonus Because I Forgot To Upload....) Summary

    In this conversation, Keegan Read and Len May delve into the fascinating world of epigenetics and personalized health. Len explains how our genetics serve as a blueprint for our health, guiding us in making informed lifestyle choices to mitigate potential health issues. He shares his personal journey from experiencing the limitations of traditional medicine to discovering the power of genetics in health and wellness. The discussion emphasizes the importance of accountability in health management and how understanding our genetic predispositions can lead to proactive health strategies. In this conversation, Len May and Keegan Read explore various aspects of health, including andropause, Alzheimer's research, the impact of nutrition and lifestyle on mental health, and the importance of genetic testing. They discuss the role of pharmacogenomics in tailoring treatments, the challenges posed by Big Pharma, and the integration of traditional and alternative therapies. The conversation also highlights the future of personalized medicine through AI and nanotechnology, emphasizing the need for patients to take an active role in their healthcare decisions.

    Takeaways

    Genetics serves as a blueprint for individual health. Lifestyle choices can turn on or off genetic markers. Personal experiences shape our understanding of health. Accountability is crucial in health and wellness journeys. Genetic testing can reveal predispositions to conditions. Proactive health management is more effective than reactive care. Understanding genetics can guide personalized treatment plans. Stress and mental health significantly impact physical health. Nutrition plays a vital role in gene expression. There are millions of genetic markers that influence health. Men experience andropause, similar to menopause in women. Alzheimer's can be influenced by lifestyle choices and genetic predispositions. Nutrition and supplements can play a role in mental health. Genetic testing can reveal predispositions to various health conditions. Pharmacogenomics can help tailor mental health treatments to individuals. Patients should take an active role in their healthcare decisions. Big Pharma often focuses on treatment rather than prevention. Integrating traditional and alternative therapies can enhance patient care. Understanding genetic predispositions can inform lifestyle choices. AI and nanotechnology are set to revolutionize personalized medicine.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Precision Health and Wellness 03:04 Understanding Genetics and Epigenetics 05:56 Personal Journey and the Role of Cannabis 08:52 The Intersection of Plant and Human Genomics 11:56 The Importance of Personalized Health Coaching 14:57 Accountability in Health and Wellness 17:54 Collaborative Healthcare and Personalized Approaches 21:42 Genetic Testing: A Roadmap to Wellness 26:28 Genetic Predispositions and Lifestyle Choices 29:44 Alzheimer's Research and Genetic Markers 33:34 Mental Health and Pharmacogenomics 36:51 Empowering Patients in Their Health Journey 38:38 The Challenges of Traditional Healthcare 39:38 Exploring Alternative Therapies 41:01 Understanding Genetic Predispositions 43:47 Navigating the Healthcare Landscape 45:40 Innovating Beyond Traditional Medicine 47:51 The Future of AI in Healthcare 52:33 Nanotechnology and Personalized Health 54:30 The Importance of Health and Wellness 58:20 New Outro #epigenetics #genetics #health #wellness #personalizedmedicine #addictionrecovery #mentalhealth #mentalhealthpodcast #lifestylechoices #bigpharma #alzheimers #nutrition #AIinhealthcare Be sure to check out his website at: https://www.lenmaycoaching.com/

    Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
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    59 mins
  • Learn REAL Trust (and How to Fix Relationships with it)
    Jun 26 2025

    What if your biggest trust issues start with YOU? This week on Retrieving Sanity, Keegan Read and former Navy weapons tech and behavioral coach Clay Moffat explore the often-overlooked connection between self-betrayal and the trust we build (or break) with others. We're getting real about how nonverbal cues, context, and past experiences shape our trust radar, and why understanding these "data points" is crucial for authentic connections. Learn how to set healthy boundaries and navigate trust in all areas of your life!

    Don't miss out on more empowering conversations! Hit that subscribe button on the Retrieving Sanity YouTube Channel!

    Tune in to Retrieving Sanity on WDJY 99.1 FM and TV Coming soon!

    #SelfTrust #Relationships #Boundaries #TrustIssues #MentalWellness #PersonalGrowth #Communication #PodcastLife #LetGoOfThePast #HealingJourney #RetrievingSanity #WDJY991FM

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Trust and Responsibility 02:49 Understanding Trust in Relationships 05:34 Clay's Journey: From Victimhood to Empowerment 11:13 Rebuilding Trust with Yourself 14:03 The Flawed Definition of Trust 19:50 The Power of Compliments and Self-Image 21:02 Navigating Masculinity and Insecurity 23:40 Understanding Trust Beyond Virtue 28:18 Self-Betrayal and Personal Power 33:04 The Process of Trust and Contextual Awareness 40:37 The Impact of Context on Trust 42:26 Building a Non-Judgmental Community 43:40 Trust as a Process 48:06 Interactive Trigger Points: Trust Scenarios 50:50 Final Thoughts on Trust and Relationships

    Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Telling the Untold Stories: Bloodflow from a Pen
    Jun 22 2025

    In this powerful episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read sits down with award-winning author and playwright Larry Bograd to unpack the intersection of grief, mental health, and storytelling. Together, they explore the lasting impact of Larry’s father’s suicide, the challenges of writing memoir, and the evolution of how we understand mental illness.

    From censorship in children’s literature to the healing power of humor, this candid conversation dives into the emotional layers behind memory, family, and creative expression. If you’ve ever struggled with grief, questioned the stories you tell yourself, or searched for sanity in the chaos—this one’s for you.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Memoir writing can unlock deep emotional insight

    • Censorship still shapes what children get to read

    • Family dynamics and mental illness often go hand-in-hand

    • Self-compassion and therapy are essential to healing

    • Humor helps us hold even the heaviest truths

    Featuring themes of: #Grief #MentalHealth #WritingasTherapy #Family #SuicideLoss #Legacy #ChildrensLiterature #Creativity #Censorship #Self-Compassion

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Larry Bograd 02:24 Larry's Early Life and Career 05:13 Censorship in Children's Literature 07:49 The Art of Memoir Writing 10:08 Understanding Mental Health and Family Impact 11:42 Navigating Personal Trauma and Recovery 16:27 The Impact of Loss 18:49 Navigating Grief and Therapy 22:18 Creative Expression and Healing 24:30 Questions Left Unanswered 26:39 The Complexity of Parent Loss 29:30 Lessons from a Compassionate Father 33:05 Growing Up Without Guidance 34:55 Navigating Family Dynamics and Trauma 36:00 Reflections on Loss and Personal Growth 37:17 The Legacy of Family and Reincarnation 39:12 The Power of Shared Life Events 40:00 Exploring the Memoir Journey 40:59 The Healing Hot Seat: Rapid Fire Insights 43:19 Understanding Mental Illness and Its Evolution 46:31 The Role of Therapy in Healing 49:55 Legacy and Storytelling

    Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

    Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources! Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast
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    57 mins