Steel City Round Table Podcast

Relapse is possible but not inevitable...it's up to us!

Three years sober and everyday is an adventure. When I started my sobriety journey all I was concerned with was ending my self imposed prison. I wanted to find a way out of the miserable existence I had shaped for myself. I did not know what to do, I just knew something had to change. The further along my journey I went, the more I evolved as a person internally. My decisions, action, thoughts and every part of me began to change. I had been given a gift, the ability and desire to help others. As I changed so did my outlook. I no longer wanted to be selfish and self absorbed. I realized that I wanted to be kinder and more respectful of others. Sharing my experiences is the primary focal point of my recovery. In this episode I share my thoughts on relapse, personal evolution, and growth from who I was into the man that I am trying to be. Remember: Recovery is a journey, not a destination. Each day is an opportunity to choose growth over stagnation, hope over despair. Keep helping yourself and others along the way. Key Topics * Mark's personal milestone: Three years sober as of May 5, 2026 * The reality of relapse and preparing for setbacks * Addiction as a symptom of deeper mental health struggles * The cycle of substance abuse: emotional, mental, and physical influences * The importance of self-awareness and responsibility in recovery * Rebuilding identity: leaving behind the old self to become who you want to be * The role of internal growth: character development and emotional resilience * Practical steps to prevent relapse: community, helping others, and self-reflection * The significance of forming healthier habits and patterns post-recovery * Encouragement: change is possible with effort and dedication

A drunk and a truck, Life on the road.

Give me a big truck, a mic and a thousand miles and I am content. It's a long throw from when I was in active addiction. I could not stand to be alone with myself, my thoughts, and my emotions. Every mile was a struggle to keep my sh*t together. Hangovers and poor decisions plagued my days and nights. Getting sober gave me the opportunity to turn my struggles into words. I get to share my thoughts, experience, and story with you. I hope my poor judgement and train wrecks can help you in some way. In this installment I just wanted too give you some more brutal honesty about me and my life. Share - Help - Repeat!!

From Drunk Decisions to Clear Choices: The Mental Shift That Saved My Life

Ever wonder why your decision-making skills resemble a squirrel on espresso? Do we really have control over our choices when we're in the throes of addiction? And what's the deal with those mental roadblocks?I might not have all the answers, but I've got a PhD in making questionable life choices. My past was a series of drunken decisions and their delightful consequences. Sobriety didn't magically turn me into a decision-making guru; it just gave me the chance to work on my inner chaos, grow a bit, and maybe even think logically once in a while.Fear used to be my co-pilot, but now, almost three years sober, I'm still working on upgrading my decision-making software. There's no expiration date on our blunders, but hey, we can always rewrite the script for a better sequel. The past? It's just a GPS for who we don't want to be. It doesn't define us or put a cap on our happiness.In this episode, I spill the beans on my epic decision fails and how life is slowly turning around. So, grab your popcorn, make the choice to heal, and never stop fighting for your own happy ending. Takeaways 1. Recovery rewires the brain from addiction patterns. 2. Emotional states heavily influence decisions. 3. Embrace discomfort to break old habits. 4. Recovery is an ongoing journey, not a destination. 5. Community support boosts recovery success. 6. Untreated mental health affects everyday choices. 7. Self-love is key to lasting change. Hashtags 1. #RecoveryJourney 2. #MentalHealthAwareness 3. #SobrietySuccess 4. #AddictionRecovery 5. #MindfulLiving 6. #SelfCompassion 7. #CommunitySupport 8. #GrowthMindset 9. #EmotionalWellbeing 10. #HealthyChoices

Redemption Road: Life Lessons from the Edge

Poor decisions and a bad attitude, that's what I lived. Repeatedly I made emotional decisions and destroyed everything I touched. Alcoholism and poor mental health gone unaddressed led me to dark places and bad choices. It all finally came to a head and I was forced too make a choice. Keep living the life I had created, or take a chance that there was a better reason to start living. I chose to start living, I just hadn't realized until I was sober. Was it God thst I can't really tell you ....yet. The desire to live a life absent of pain and suffering was the motivation to start. The miracles that followed fuel me to be better. In this episode I dive into my dumpster fire of a life and share the deep and dirty! Hashtags 1. #AddictionRecovery 2. #SobrietyJourney 3. #EmotionalHealing 4. #LifeLessons 5. #SelfAwareness 6. #MentalHealthMatters 7. #OvercomingAddiction 8. #PersonalGrowth 9. #RedemptionStory 10. #MindfulLiving

Just wait, the world is going to kick you in the face!

Coming up on 3 years sober and it's been a good ride.  I've been working on myself and improving my mental health and life without the booze.  Just when I thought I was ready for anything I got kicked in the teeth by LIFE!  We fight these battles hoping we are preparing ourselves for the next rough day or difficult decision.  Life becomes more "normal" as we do the work, and we start to feel we are on the right path.  Then suddenly a day, incident or situation pops up that makes us question ourselves and our strength and resolve.  It doesn't have to be a death, a medical concern or anything that would be considered "traumatic" or "triggering." The moment comes and trust me it's going to come, and we are floored and have our back up against the wall.  We use our resources and skills but nothing helps.  How can we prepare for these moments and be ready to fight back? I thought I knew and then it happened to me this past week.   I was weak and in a bad place mentally.  The situation had me balancing on the edge. If it would not have worked out I would have been in a very dangerous place, thinking about a drink in a way that leads nowhere good.  In this episode I'm giving some more insight into my life and my battle plan, my "Warrior Plan."  Come join me as I open up about my struggles and things that I find important in continuing down our recovery journey road.  We can never prepare enough or back down, our recovery hinges on our willingness to give up the control and trust in our higher power. Takeaways: * When diagnosed with PTSD, it became clear why I drank. * Recovery requires preparation for unexpected challenges. * Having a warrior plan is essential for maintaining sobriety. * Surround yourself with strong, supportive individuals. * Practice coping mechanisms on good days, not just bad days. * Recovery programs provide guidance, but the work is personal. * Friendships formed in rehab may not last outside of it. * We are still learning and growing in our recovery journey. * Cherish the relationships that endure after treatment. * A life in recovery is far more fulfilling than one in addiction. Chapters 00:00 The Awakening: Diagnosing the Struggle 10:08 The Warrior Plan: Tools for Recovery 20:08 Surrounding Yourself with Strength 30:15 The Reality of Recovery: Bonds and Lessons 39:59 Embracing the Journey: Continuous Growth 41:35 OURTO 2025MP4.mp4 PTSD, recovery, mental health, sobriety, warrior plan, coping mechanisms, support system, addiction, AA, personal growth