Latest dispatches

Experiencing Healing Through YouTube

An Inspiring Journey Of A Recovery Leader

The recovery journey is not just about yourself, but also about making ripples to change other people's lives for the better. Tim Westbrook sits down with Matthew Handy, who shares how he is paying forward as a recovery leader after everything he went through. Breaking down his philosophy of "debt of recovery," he explains how he used his first-hand experience with addiction treatments to build the vision and practices of his very own Handy Treatment Centers and Harmony Grove Behavioral Health . Matthew also discusses why suffering has its own share of benefits, the role of pain in achieving lasting transformation, and why there is still enlightenment to be found in relapses.

Taking Care Of Your Gut Health

Everything begins and ends with your gut health, from your daily mood to the body's ability to heal itself. Tim Westbrook explores this interesting topic with global educator and keynote speaker Dr. Donese Worden, NMD . She explores the gut-brain connection that directly impacts a person's mental health, which is especially crucial for someone recovering from addiction. Dr. Donese breaks down practical tips to support your mitochondrial health, the truth about the living bugs in our body, and why you should check your pool every single day. If you want to optimize your gut health to live a healthier and more vibrant life, this is a must-listen discussion.

What True Recovery Looks Like—Beyond Sobriety With Dave Riccio

Recovery isn't just about sobriety—it's about rebuilding identity, regulating the nervous system, and learning how to live with radical honesty. Automotive business owner and radio personality Dave Riccio , also known as the "Automotive Therapist," joins to share how his journey through sex addiction, multiple sclerosis, and deep-rooted shame became a path to healing. As co-host of Bumper to Bumper Radio and owner of Tri-City Transmission , Dave opens up about meditation, movement, community, and vulnerability as the cornerstones of sustainable recovery—and why health, not hustle, is the new success.

Beyond Meds: How TMS Is Rewiring Brains And Transforming Lives With Dr. Robert Westerman

Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) the revolutionary mental health treatment you've been hearing about, or just another fad? Dr. Robert Westerman , a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a seriously powerful backstory from Camelback Integrated Health and Wellness , joins Tim Westbrook to cut through the BS and give it to us straight. In this episode, we ditch the medical jargon and get real about how TMS actually works, using magnets—not electricity like those scary ECT movies!—to fire up neurotransmitters and tackle issues like depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. Dr. Westerman, who's seen it all and treated thousands, breaks down why this could be a game-changer for folks struggling with those "treatment-resistant" conditions, plus spills the tea on the different ways you can access this treatment, making it more flexible and affordable than you might think.

Beyond Tough Love: Christopher Doyle's Radical Intervention Strategies That Actually Work

Personalized parent coaching and effective intervention strategies offer a vital lifeline for families grappling with addiction, paving the way for hope and healing. In this episode, we're honored to feature Christopher Doyle , the dedicated Founder of Why Intervention , who brings an authentic and deeply compassionate perspective to the complexities of addiction recovery. Chris, a retired New York City firefighter and former Head Substance Abuse Counselor for the FDNY's Employee Assistance Program, shares his unique journey and the impactful "Stop Dreaming Framework" and "Four-Part Connection Formula" he's developed to guide families through crisis. Tune in as we delve into the realities of addiction, the power of leverage, and the crucial role families play in leading their loved ones toward a path of sobriety and a brighter future.

Reimagining Mental Health Care: How Psychiatric NPs Are Driving Innovation And Change With Dr. Lindsay Hill

Psychiatric nurse practitioners are revolutionizing mental health care from the inside out—and Dr. Lindsay Hill is at the forefront of this movement. With a dual lens as both clinician and entrepreneur, she shares how nurse practitioners can lead the next chapter of behavioral health innovation. As President of the APNA Arizona Chapter, founder of PMHNP Bootcamp™, and a consultant in AI and digital health, Dr. Hill unpacks the clinical, financial, and personal pressures providers face—and how to overcome them with strategy, support, and systems. From her own experience with TMS therapy to the healing power of DBT and the urgent need to end the martyrdom culture in mental health, this conversation is a roadmap for anyone building a sustainable, purpose-driven life in psychiatric care.

Eliminating Your Workaholic Self With Barry Garapedian

Because society glorifies the grind so much, many people find themselves embracing and normalizing a workaholic lifestyle. Although this means more profit, it ultimately kills your well-being and destroys your relationships. Tim Westbrook explores the right way to get rid of this self-destructive lifestyle with Barry Garapedian , President and CEO of MAG7 Consulting . Barry looks back on how his relentless work ethic nearly cost him everything, including his 16-year marriage. He shares how he overcame this rigid mindset, rebuilt his life, and is now coaching young people to reach their full potential – all while teaching them how to avoid the mistakes he made.

The Impact Of Healing Journeys With Pardis Mahdavi, PhD

Going out to travel is not only about leisure and excitement, but also about expanding oneself by visiting places outside your comfort zone. Author and entrepreneur Pardis Mahdavi, PhD understands the transformative power of healing journeys, and so she built her business around that. In this conversation, she talks about her wellness company Entheon , which focuses on transformational retreats and coaching programs for personal growth. She explains how immersing in new cultures and traditions can help you discover new things about yourself. Pardis also delves into the benefits of plant medicine, which she describes as the intersection between science and spirituality.

How Sobriety Transformed His Life and Performance

A life transformed through sobriety—today's guest has not only overcome addiction but has turned his journey into a mission to help others. As a TEDx speaker, best-selling author and dedicated endurance athlete Nick's story is one of resilience, self-discovery and community. In this episode, we get into his personal battle with alcohol, the moment he hit rock bottom and the strategies that have kept him sober for the long haul. Beyond his sobriety journey Nick shares how he rebuilt his life through physical fitness and personal development. From doing Ironman's before he was sober to achieving peak performance after recovery he explains how sleep, discipline and community support has impacted his success. His book Executive Loneliness shines a light on the hidden struggles of high achieving professionals and the need for open conversations around mental health and connection. If you're looking for motivation, practical advice, and a reminder that rehabilitation may lead to a better ver

Optimizing Performance and Sobriety with Dr. Douglas Brackmann and Steve Distante

I'm joined by two amazing guests: Dr. Douglas Brackmann and Steve Distante. Dr. Brackmann is a psychologist, meditation expert and author who works with high performing entrepreneurs, athletes and creatives. He has a deep understanding of neuroscience and human behavior and helps individuals harness their unique brain wiring to overcome obstacles and achieve peak performance. Steve is an entrepreneur, author and investor who has built and scaled multiple businesses. He's passionate about leadership and impact driven entrepreneurship and helps business owners with the tools they need to succeed while staying true to their values. We dive into the intersection of neuroscience, addiction recovery and peak performance. Dr. Brackmann goes into the effects of THC and modafinil on the brain, how they create illusions of clarity and connection while dampening long term well being. Steve shares his entrepreneurial journey, how mindset, leadership and adaptability have been key to his success. W

Building New Beginnings: Matt Waltz on Entrepreneurship and Embracing Sobriety

For most, success is built by hard work and smart decisions, but for Matt Waltz it's been a journey of self discovery, resilience and transformation. As a seasoned entrepreneur Matt built a successful business with Waltz Construction and then turned his focus to making a difference through his work with New Freedom. But beyond the professional achievements Matt's personal story is one of overcoming deep seated fears, dealing with addiction and creating a new way of being. Today Matt joins us to share his story of innovation, leadership and personal renewal. He talks about his struggles with alcohol, the turning points that led him to seek recovery and the big aha's that came along the way. From facing the reality of addiction to trying unconventional healing methods like ayahuasca Matt's path to sobriety has not been linear. Now, 16 months sober he reflects on the lessons learned, the support systems that kept him going and the mindset shifts that made lasting change possible. This is

Revolutionizing Mental Health: Exploring TMS and Beyond

I'm honored to have Dr. Richard Bermudez, the National Medical Director at Brainsway, joining us. Dr. Bermudez is a pioneer in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a groundbreaking treatment for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. With years of expertise in neuroscience and psychiatry, he has made it his mission to expand the accessibility and efficacy of innovative mental health therapies. Today, he'll share his journey from electrical engineering to medicine and how it shaped his passion for non-invasive brain stimulation treatments. We dive into the science behind TMS and how it differs from traditional mental health treatments like medication and talk therapy. Dr. Bermudez explains the evolution of TMS technology, including its ability to stimulate specific brain networks through advanced coil designs. We'll also discuss the transformative outcomes TMS provides for patients, as well as its potential for treating conditions beyond depression, from obsessive-com

Breaking Through: How Deep TMS Transforms Mental Health and Addiction Recovery

I'm so excited to welcome Ross Mitchell, the Vice President of Global Marketing at BrainsWay, to the show today! Ross is leading the charge in healthcare marketing, especially in mental health, where he's helping to spread the word about innovative treatments that make a real difference in people's lives. Ross has been working with Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or Deep TMS, a groundbreaking therapy that's changing how we approach conditions like depression, OCD, and smoking addiction. With his experience from leadership roles at companies like Medtronic and Clorox Healthcare, Ross combines deep industry knowledge with a strong, patient-focused approach. At BrainsWay, he's guiding a mission to open up new avenues in mental health and recovery. In this episode, we'll dive into the benefits of Deep TMS, BrainsWay's mission, and how this therapy is bringing new hope and wellness to so many. Ross will break down the science and impact of this non-invasive outpatient treatment, whi

Rewiring the Brain: How Deep TMS and Ketamine Are Revolutionizing Mental Health and Addiction Recovery

Have you ever wondered how brain science is influencing mental health treatment? In today's episode, I speak with Dr. Colleen Hanlon, the Vice President of Medical Affairs of Brainsway. Dr. Hanlon, who specializes in neurobiology and has pioneered work in therapies such as deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine, discusses how these creative approaches are helping people recover from depression, PTSD, and addiction. Dr. Hanlon and I talk about the science behind TMS and ketamine therapy, why they're effective, and who might benefit the most. We look at how TMS activates certain brain networks to aid recovery, such as rousing up drowsy regions of the brain associated with depression, and how ketamine provides quick relief, particularly for people in immediate need. Furthermore, we discuss how combining TMS and ketamine may improve outcomes for specific individuals. If you're interested in mental health or looking for alternative treatment options, you'll benefit greatl

Healing Through Hidden Trauma: A Personal Journey To Transformation

Terra Holbrook is the founder of TerraVista Retreats in Idaho, a unique healing space dedicated to helping individuals recover from trauma, addiction, and other life challenges. With over two decades of experience as a therapist, Terra specializes in trauma-informed care, focusing on guiding people through the often hidden layers of trauma that can affect every aspect of their lives. I want to share that I personally attended Terra's program, and it was a profound experience. We begin with Terra briefly explaining her work and how she came to open TerraVista Retreat in Idaho. Then, we dive into the topic of trauma. Trauma is something everyone experiences, and it's really about how we respond afterward when we can't fully resolve the events or experiences we've endured. In today's episode, we'll explore the concept of hidden trauma—what it is, how it manifests, and how it can be addressed and healed. Terra brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this topic, and I'm excited for h

Struggling with Despair: The hard road to finding happiness

"You will believe without a doubt, you will achieve what others doubt." That is a quote from my guest today, Tony Grebmeier. Tony built up a multimillion-dollar business in ShipOffers, which was ranked as one of Inc. 5000's fastest-growing private companies in the U.S., all while battling addiction with drugs and alcohol. Tony's determination and resilience led him to not only build a successful business but also to become a beacon of hope and motivation for others. As the host of the Be Fulfilled Podcast: The Real Stories Behind Success, Tony has spent six seasons redefining what it means to be truly successful. In today's episode, we'll dive into Tony's story, exploring the highs and lows of his journey. Whether you're on a personal or professional path to fulfillment, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and inspiration to help you climb your own success mountain. [04:17] One of Tony's best gifts from recovery was learning he has no control over other people's opinions

When should you give up and stage an intervention for your loved one?

I'm happy to introduce you to Amy Moore, a beacon of hope and transformation in the world of addiction recovery. Amy's personal journey from struggle to sobriety ignites her passion for healing others. Her heart-centered approach turns interventions into acts of love, promoting family unity and personal growth through education, group therapy, and compassionate support. When she's not in the therapy room, Amy embraces life and nature with open arms. Whether she's hiking with her family, snowboarding, or capturing the beauty of a sunset, she finds joy and renewal in the great outdoors. A cornerstone of her recovery community, Amy shares her story and wisdom through speaking engagements and podcasts, spreading hope and offering a roadmap to long-term sobriety. Listen in as we learn more about Amy's inspiring journey and her mission to bring light to the lives of those battling addiction, one heart, one family at a time. [04:07] Amy grew up on a farm in rural Colorado. They had a wood bur

Breaking Barriers: Exploring Psychedelics and the New Frontiers of Recovery

I have a deeply moving and inspirational story to share with you. My guest, Todd Belfer, has been on a remarkable journey of transformation and healing. Todd has been clean and sober for over two decades, successfully overcoming his struggles with drugs and alcohol. However, his path took an unexpected turn a little over a year ago when he faced the unimaginable pain of his son's suicide. This profound loss led Todd to explore a realm he was once firmly against—psychedelics. In this episode, Todd will share how this exploration has significantly impacted his life and recovery. Despite his initial reservations, Todd now advocates for the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, especially in dealing with grief and trauma. We discuss his journey to sobriety, the events that led him to reconsider psychedelics, and how these substances have helped him cope with his loss without jeopardizing his sobriety. Join us in this complex interplay between addiction recovery and psychedelic therapy. We

Unlocking Wellness: Dr. Rao's Path to Mastery and Recovery

I have the immense pleasure of welcoming Dr. Srikumar Rao to the show today. Dr. Rao is a distinguished coach, speaker, and author who collaborates with top entrepreneurs, professionals, and senior executives, guiding them on their spiritual and professional journeys. His pioneering course, Creativity and Personal Mastery, has been a highlight at prestigious institutions like Columbia Business School. Dr. Rao's work has reached millions through his TED Talk, Plug into Your Hard-Wired Happiness, and his acclaimed books, including Are You Ready to Succeed? and Happiness at Work. His latest book, Modern Wisdom, Ancient Roots, continues to inspire those seeking unstoppable success. With a PhD from Columbia Business School and extensive media coverage, Dr. Rao is renowned for transforming ancient wisdom into practical exercises for today's intelligent professionals. I'm thrilled to have him share his insights with us today. [04:20] We learn how Dr. Rao created the Creativity and Personal Ma

From Rock Bottom to Rescue: Zach Skow's Journey of Sobriety and Salvation Through Paws

I'm honored to host a truly remarkable guest, Zach Skow, whose life story and work exemplify the transformative power of sobriety and compassion. Zach is more than just a survivor; he is a beacon of hope and change. As the founder of Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue and the visionary behind the Pawsitive Change Program, Zach has leveraged his passion for animals to foster healing and redemption. His innovative approach, which pairs rescue dogs with inmates, facilitates life-changing bonds and promotes mutual healing and growth. Zach's journey is also deeply personal. As someone who has maintained sobriety, he embodies the resilience and commitment we celebrate on this podcast. His experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the realm of sobriety provide profound insights and inspiration to us all. Today, we'll learn how exploring sobriety has fueled his mission and how the unconditional love of dogs can lead to profound personal transformation. [04:23] Before getting sober, Zach's life was compl

The Power of Purposeful Aging: Nourishing Body, Mind, and Community with JJ Virgin

I'm thrilled to welcome a true powerhouse in the world of nutrition and fitness. She is a triple-board certified nutrition expert and a member of the Fitness Hall of Fame. Her passion for the healing power of nutrition goes beyond professional duty; it is her mission to revolutionize our views on aging and longevity. She has an impressive track record of entrepreneurial success, having launched three multimillion-dollar businesses, including a highly successful personal brand. She is the driving force behind the Mindshare Collaborative, a leading professional community in the health industry, renowned for launching numerous New York Times bestsellers, PBS specials, and successful seven-figure brands. Her influence also extends to television and media. She co-hosted TLC's 'Freaky Eaters' and was the go-to nutrition expert for Dr. Phil's Weight Loss Challenges. Her expertise has been showcased across various platforms, including PBS, Dr. Oz, Rachael Ray, Access Hollywood, and The TODAY S

Redefining Recovery: Inside The Sanctuary at Sedona with Dean Taraborelli

I'm excited to have Dean Taraborelli with us. He's the innovative mind behind the Sanctuary at Sedona, where he has developed a groundbreaking method for treating addiction and trauma. This unique, non-12 step residential center in Arizona is renowned for its approach to dealing with a broad spectrum of addictions, as well as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. At the heart of the Sanctuary is its Integrative Addiction Recovery program, a pioneering effort that blends the latest scientific research with ancient healing traditions. This holistic approach treats the whole person rather than just the symptoms. Dean's commitment and dedication have helped countless individuals embark on a journey of healing, empowering them to live fulfilling and enriched lives. We talk about his personal journey and inspiration for the Sanctuary at Sedona. We explore the moments that set him on the path to recovery and sobriety. Dean shares insights into the core philosophy with an emphasis on health and feeli

The Gift of Continued Relapse with Cole Chance

Today, we explore the inspiring journey of Cole Chance. Her transformation from the depths of addiction into a beacon of hope in the recovery world is both challenging and enlightening. As a trauma-informed yoga instructor, she skillfully blends the wisdom of yoga and Buddhism with insights from modern neuroscience and psychology. Her approach prioritizes compassionate self-inquiry, guiding students to explore their mind and body for deeper understanding and freedom. This episode delves into Cole's philosophy and teachings, shedding light on how to navigate life's complexities with grace and self-compassion. Cole's journey began at age 13, marked by numerous treatment programs and relapses before she acknowledged her addiction and the need for change. A significant turning point was her discovery of yoga during treatment, which played a crucial role in managing her stress and breathing. We also discuss the concept of nervous system allyship in recovery, emphasizing the importance of re