The Stoic Alcoholic: It's not Only About Counting Days With Benton Savage.

ADHD Wasn't My Hurdle, It's Been My Biggest Advantage W/Scott Proposki

The episode was sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY/emergoacademy.com What if the thing you've spent your life trying to "fix" is actually one of your greatest gifts? On this episode, I sat down with Scott Proposki, former National Geographic and White House event photographer, author of Camera Focus, and creator of The Camera Focus Method™. Scott shares an incredible journey of building a successful seven-figure photography business, losing everything during the pandemic, and discovering that his ADHD wasn't the obstacle he believed it was—it was one of the biggest reasons he had been able to succeed. We talked about the unique strengths many people with ADHD possess. While others may overthink every decision, those with ADHD often have the ability to take action before having all the answers. That willingness to jump into the unknown, adapt, and learn along the way can become an incredible advantage when paired with resilience and purpose. Scott also opened up about the difficult process of rebuilding after losing not only his business, but much of his identity. We explored what it means to start over, embrace uncertainty, and recognize that our greatest setbacks often become the foundation for our greatest growth. One of my favorite parts of our conversation centered around the importance of sharing our stories. In a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, Scott reminded us that technology can process information, but it can never replace lived experience. AI can't feel heartbreak. It can't overcome addiction, loss, trauma, or failure. It can't inspire hope through scars that have healed. Our stories, our voices, and our experiences are what truly connect us and give others permission to believe their own healing is possible. Whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD, faced a major setback, or simply feel like life has knocked you off course, this conversation is a powerful reminder that your greatest challenge may also become your greatest advantage. Sometimes the very thing we've been trying to overcome is the gift we've yet to fully embrace. One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation was this: "Your story isn't valuable because it's perfect. It's valuable because it's real. AI can share information, but only you can share transformation." ScottProposki.com scott@scottproposki.com My book, Focus on the Profits (free digital download): https://businessfocusmethod.com/free-book My website: www.businessfocusmethod.com There's also a great video on compound interest that shows how it can grow to more than $5 million over time.

Is There Another Side of Addiction? With Garret Biss

This episode was sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY / emergoacademy.com Today’s episode asks a powerful question… Is there another side of addiction? My guest, Garret Biss, is a retired Marine Corps pilot, TEDx speaker, and addiction recovery coach who knows firsthand what it feels like to lose your sense of identity. After retiring in 2015, Garret faced something so many veterans experience—anxiety, depression, and a deep sense of displacement. Like many, he turned to alcohol as a way to cope… until that road led him to a place of suicidal ideation. But what makes Garret’s story different… is what came next. Instead of a traditional path, his recovery was shaped through mentorship—focused on self-worth, rediscovering identity, and reconnecting with the strengths that had always been within him. In this conversation, we go beyond addiction. We talk about guilt and shame… why we become our own worst enemy… and why it makes no sense to shame people who are already carrying shame. With over 40 million people battling addiction, we ask the question— could there be 40 million paths to recovery? And what happens when we stop focusing on what’s “right”… and start focusing on what actually helps people heal? This one will challenge you… and maybe even change the way you see recovery. View Garret's thought-provoking and heartfelt TEDx - https://UnspokenTrauma.vet https://garretbiss.com/shownotes garretbiss.com/podcast-guest

12 Journeys of Recovery, A Roadmap From Healing To Purpose With Richard Darone

This episode was sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY/emergoacademy.com 12 Journeys of Recovery: A Roadmap From Healing to Purpose What if recovery wasn't simply about quitting a substance—but about discovering who you were created to become? In this inspiring episode, I sit down with recovery advocate, author, and behavioral specialist Richard Darone to explore a revolutionary approach to healing through his 12 Journeys of Recovery. Rather than focusing solely on abstinence or survival, Richard challenges us to think bigger. Recovery is about rediscovering our identity, uncovering our purpose, and creating a life worth living. Together, we discuss why there is no single path to recovery. Every person carries a different story, different wounds, and different strengths. What works for one individual may not work for another—and that's okay. True healing begins when we stop judging someone else's journey and start supporting them wherever they are on their own. Richard shares his philosophy of Passion, Purpose, and Personal Power, explaining that lasting recovery isn't simply about removing addiction from our lives—it's about replacing it with meaning, authenticity, connection, and purpose. We also talk about why we believe 2026 has the potential to become a revolutionary year for addiction recovery. Science, lived experience, trauma-informed care, faith, peer support, holistic practices, and multiple evidence-based pathways are finally coming together in ways we've never seen before. The conversation is shifting from asking, "What's wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?" and ultimately to "Who do you want to become?" Recovery should never be about proving whose method is best. When we believe there is only one way to heal, we close ourselves off to the countless lives that could be saved through different pathways. Healing isn't found in rigid rules—it's found in compassion, understanding, and meeting people where they are. This conversation is a reminder that recovery is not a destination. It is a lifelong journey of growth, authenticity, resilience, and purpose. No matter where you are today, your story isn't over. Your next chapter may become your greatest one yet. Because recovery isn't about becoming someone else... it's about becoming the person you were always meant to be.

Navigating Fear With Hope, With Chalese Olsen

This episode was sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY/emergoacademy.com Navigating Fear With Hope What would you do if life handed you every parent's worst nightmare—not once, but twice? On this episode of The Other Side of Addiction, I sat down with Chalese Olsen, a woman whose story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the power of faith, and the resilience we discover when we have no choice but to keep moving forward. In 2004, Chalese lost her four-year-old son in a tragic drowning accident. The unimaginable grief sent her spiraling into a dark place as she struggled to make sense of a loss no parent should ever have to endure. Like so many who experience trauma, she searched for ways to ease the pain, only to realize that the path she was on wasn't healing her—it was deepening the hurt. Through time, faith, and courage, Chalese began the difficult work of healing. She eventually shared her journey through writing, becoming an author, speaker, and mentor to others navigating loss and grief. Then life tested her again. Years later, her son DeeJ suffered a traumatic brain injury after being accidentally shot in the head. In an instant, Chalese found herself back in a hospital facing uncertainty, fear, and the terrifying thought: "Not again." For 25 days she lived between hope and heartbreak, unsure if her son would survive. She describes the experience as an emotional hangover—a constant state of exhaustion, fear, prayer, and waiting. Yet through it all, she leaned into her faith, choosing hope even when the outcome was unknown. Against overwhelming odds, DeeJ survived. Doctors called it a miracle. Our conversation explores what it means to survive trauma, not just endure it. We discuss giving ourselves grace during life's hardest moments, trusting God when answers don't come easily, and finding the strength to keep moving forward when fear threatens to consume us. Chalese reminds us that healing isn't a destination. It's a journey. Some wounds leave scars, but scars are proof that we've survived. If you've experienced loss, trauma, grief, or life's unexpected challenges, this episode will remind you that you are not alone. There is hope on the other side of fear, and even in our darkest moments, healing is possible. Sometimes courage isn't the absence of fear. Sometimes courage is simply choosing hope anyway.

Wild Serenity, Reclaim Your Style, Power, and Peace From The Inside Out With Maren

This Episode Was Sponsored By EMERGO ACADEMY/emergoacademy.com LADIES, This is a show you'll definitely want to watch... What if the way you show up in the world is simply a reflection of how you feel about yourself on the inside? In this episode, I sit down with Maren Swenson, founder of Wild Serenity, to explore the connection between self-worth, self-expression, and personal freedom. While many people see fashion as clothing, Maren sees it as something much deeper—an outward reflection of the truth we have reclaimed within ourselves. We discuss why so many women spend their lives seeking approval, validation, and permission to be who they truly are. We talk about the wounds that leave people feeling unseen, unheard, and unworthy, and how those wounds often lead to hiding our voice, stuffing our emotions, and living according to someone else's expectations. Maren shares how powerful it becomes when a woman reconnects with her inner voice, trusts herself again, and begins expressing who she is without apology. As confidence grows from within, everything begins to change—from the way she speaks, to the boundaries she sets, to the way she presents herself to the world. This conversation is about more than style. It's about authenticity. It's about healing. It's about finding the courage to stop asking for approval and start honoring the person you were created to be. Because true beauty isn't found in what you wear. It's found in finally giving yourself permission to be seen. www.marenswenson.com #WildSerenity #TheOtherSideOfAddiction #HealingJourney #SelfWorth #Authenticity #PersonalGrowth #FindingYourVoice #InnerPeace #SelfExpression #WomenEmpowerment #Transformation