Summary In this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read speaks with Willie Handler, a descendant of Holocaust survivors and author of 'Out From the Shadows.' Willie shares his journey of uncovering his family's history, the impact of intergenerational trauma, and the transformative process of writing his memoir. He discusses the challenges of growing up in a household affected by trauma and how it shaped his life. The conversation delves into the importance of storytelling and community healing, as Willie embarks on a new project addressing the hidden victims of trauma. In this conversation, Keegan Read and Willie Handler explore the complexities of intergenerational trauma, particularly in the context of Holocaust survivors. They discuss how trauma can be passed down through generations, the importance of breaking the cycle, and the emotional toll of sharing personal stories. Willie shares his experiences interviewing survivors and the challenges of understanding their childhoods, while also reflecting on his own relationship with his parents and the impact of their experiences on his life. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community, support, and therapy in navigating these difficult topics. In this conversation, Willie Handler shares his journey of finding the right therapist, managing trauma, and the importance of storytelling in making a difference in others' lives. He discusses the challenges of healing from trauma, emphasizing that while trauma may not fully heal, it can be managed. The conversation also touches on the significance of seeking help and the resources available for mental health support. You can find Willie's website Here #trauma #traumahealing #mentalhealth #podcast #interview #retrievingsanity #intergenerationaltrauma #holocausteducation

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summaryIn this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read speaks with Brett Cortez, a retired physician whose life was dramatically altered by opiate addiction. Brett shares his journey from a successful medical career to the depths of addiction, detailing the pivotal moments that led to his struggles and eventual recovery. The conversation explores themes of personal experience, the impact of addiction, the importance of willingness in recovery, and the role of a higher power in the healing process. In this episode, Keegan and Brett delve into the complexities of recovery from addiction, discussing the importance of sponsorship, the nature of addiction as a choice versus a circumstance, and the significance of community support. They share personal anecdotes that highlight the challenges and lessons learned throughout their journeys, emphasizing the need to avoid the first drink and recognizing addictive behaviors. The conversation also touches on the stigma surrounding addiction compared to other illnesses, and the importance of building supportive relationships in recovery. Brett shares valuable insights and wisdom from his experiences, reinforcing the idea that recovery is a continuous journey that requires self-awareness and community support.takeaways

• Brett found common ground with others in rehab.
• His upbringing emphasized academics and achievement.
• A cancer diagnosis led him to pursue medicine.
• Opiates were first introduced during his cancer treatment.
• Boredom became a significant trigger for his addiction.
• He began stealing medication from patients.
• Recovery started after a 90-day rehab stint.
• The gift of desperation is crucial for recovery.
• Willingness is essential for making progress in recovery.
• Building a relationship with a higher power is important. Working with a sponsor is a personal relationship.
• Addiction is not a choice; it's a disease.
• Avoiding the first drink is crucial in recovery.
• Personal experiences shape our understanding of addiction.
• Stigma around addiction differs from other illnesses.
• Community support is vital for recovery.
• Friendships can change during recovery.
• Addiction is often viewed as a moral failing.
• Recognizing addictive behaviors is essential.
• Recovery requires ongoing self-awareness and support.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Addiction Recovery

02:59 Brett's Journey: From Surgeon to Addiction

05:56 The Impact of Opiates on Brett's Life

08:57 Boredom and Triggers in Addiction

11:55 The Downward Spiral of Addiction

15:01 Recovery Begins: The Role of Rehab

18:13 The Gift of Desperation and Willingness

20:56 Practicing Willingness and Building Trust

23:59 The Importance of a Higher Power

25:33 The Role of Sponsorship in Recovery

28:09 Understanding Addiction: Choice vs. Circumstance

29:46 The Importance of Avoiding the First Drink

33:15 Personal Anecdotes and Lessons Learned

37:19 The Stigma of Addiction vs. Other Illnesses

40:15 Building a Supportive Recovery Community

43:00 Friendships and Relationships in Recovery

45:08 The Moral Perspective on Addiction

51:27 Recognizing Addictive Behaviors

57:22 Wisdom from Recovery Experiences

#addiction #recovery #addictionrecovery #opiate #drugs #alcoholism #desperatation #cancer #fight #onedayatatime

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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

summaryIn this engaging conversation, Dale Walsh shares his profound journey through mental health challenges, particularly schizophrenia. He discusses his unique approach to poetry as a means of expression, the misconceptions surrounding mental illness, and the vital role of family support and therapy in his recovery. Dale also reflects on his personal history, the impact of societal perceptions, and his journey of self-reinvention, all while maintaining a humorous and insightful perspective on life. In this conversation, Keegan Read and Dale E Walsh explore the complexities of living with schizophrenia, touching on themes of self-perception, the impact of mental illness on relationships, and the importance of education for families. Dale shares his personal experiences with hospitalizations, coping strategies, and the humor he finds in his condition. The discussion emphasizes the need to challenge stereotypes surrounding mental illness and the significance of response versus reaction in managing relationships with loved ones. Dale also shares his aspirations for the future, including writing projects and personal growth.Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dale Walsh and His Journey

02:55 The Poetic Expression of Mental Health

06:02 Understanding Schizophrenia and Its Misconceptions

08:58 Family Dynamics and Support in Mental Health

11:57 The Role of Therapy in Recovery

15:00 The Impact of Personal History on Mental Health

17:57 Reinventing Oneself: The Journey of Dale Walsh

20:59 Conspiracies and Generational Perspectives

27:39 Perceptions of Self and Others

28:47 Understanding Schizophrenia

30:46 Living with Schizophrenia

32:56 Hospitalizations and Rebirths

34:10 Finding Humor in Schizophrenia

37:29 Response vs. Reaction

39:23 Educating Families

40:45 Breaking Codependency

41:34 Future Aspirations

54:07 Challenging Stereotypes

Visit: https://www.dewlivelove.net/

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