Recovery Comes Home Radio

Embracing Vulnerability and Gradual Change in Recovery with Andre Gress

In this episode, we sit down with **Andre Gress**, a ten-time award-winning author best known for his captivating fantasy series, to discuss his unique and compassionate approach to overcoming addiction. Andre brings his storytelling expertise to the recovery journey, guiding individuals to “rewrite” the narrative of their lives in a way that fosters resilience and gradual transformation. He emphasizes that recovery is not about instant fixes or drastic measures, but about slowly altering the timeline and storyline of one’s life with patience, vulnerability, and self-acceptance. Andre’s approach acknowledges the reality of relapses and setbacks as part of the process, encouraging individuals to explore the deeper roots of their actions without judgment. Rather than endorsing restrictive or rigid recovery practices, he advocates for sustainable, incremental changes—like modifying one’s diet step-by-step instead of following a path of total deprivation. His insights on habit-building extend to all aspects of life, offering listeners practical tools for long-term change. Andre also underscores the role of a supportive environment, where open dialogue and self-reflection are encouraged, allowing individuals to find their way toward self-discovery and a more fulfilling, balanced life. Through this conversation, Andre inspires listeners to embrace their vulnerabilities, build resilience, and cultivate a life that aligns with their true potential. AGFlitcher (Andre Gress’ Pen Name) is an ten time award winning author who also placed in finals twice for Fantasy Series and once for Fantasy book for the OZMA Award given by Chanticleer. In addition, he has taught many the art of storytelling to novice writers and avid readers. His obsession with questioning the good and bad in life, the grey areas, and the scary parts of life, is what makes his work enthralling and colorful.  Contact Andre Here: FB-  https://www.facebook.com/andre.gress [https://www.facebook.com/andre.gress] LI-  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-gress-63375398/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-gress-63375398/] Amazon-  https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N1ZQHQW [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N1ZQHQW] Matchmaker.fm [http://Matchmaker.fm]-  https://www.matchmaker.fm/show-guest/andre-gress-c46105 [https://www.matchmaker.fm/show-guest/andre-gress-c46105] About Your Host: Adrienne Tichy is a Recovery Advocate, an international bestseller, podcast host.  She feels she has been called to a left of service. Every job has perfectly prepared Adrienne for her current vocation!  Together with her husband Jim, they have created a recovery residence community for people just out of treatment for alcohol or drugs in 2008.  In addition, these champions for the marginalized have created an innovative, one-of-a-kind virtual recovery program Recovery Comes Home. Known for leveraging the community to grow the child, Adrienne  fights for continuity of care, de-stigmatization and parental involvement. Buckle up, this is one story you don’t want to miss. If you would like to connect with Adrienne you can find her here: https://recoverycomeshome.com/ https://thelodgedelray.com/ adrienne@recoverycomeshome.com [adrienne@recoverycomeshome.com]

Transforming Recovery through Education, Support, and Self-Love with Sherri Leopold

In this compelling episode, Sherri Leopold shares her unique perspective on addiction recovery, shaped by personal experiences growing up in a home impacted by alcoholism and watching her brother’s battle with cocaine addiction. Sherri brings a deeply empathetic understanding of the struggles faced by those with addiction and their families, emphasizing the urgent need for education and awareness in addressing the evolving landscape of addiction. She calls for a shift in recovery approaches that goes beyond traditional methods, encouraging new strategies that adapt to the complex nature of addiction today. At the core of Sherri’s philosophy is the belief that a strong support network—both family-based and external—is essential for sustainable recovery. She highlights the isolation and self-blame that individuals in recovery and their loved ones often experience, stressing that no one should bear the weight of addiction alone. Through her extensive background in mentoring and team-building, Sherri advocates for the creation of supportive environments where individuals can find self-love, embrace transformation, and have the courage to start over whenever necessary. Her insights inspire listeners to rethink recovery, shifting focus to connection, understanding, and empowerment as the building blocks of healing and long-term resilience. Sherri Leopold, CEO of Option Creators INC, is a mentor, and leader of the Stop Self-Bullying Movement. She is also the founder of the WOW WARRIOR Platform, publisher of WOW WARRIOR Magazine and host of the WOW WARRIOR show, and WOW- Look who’s Here! She is currently a chancellor mentor and a Regional Director Candidate with Givers University. In addition, she has over 26 years in Network Marketing/Direct Sales and experience in speaking, mentoring, and team building. She can help you transform your life mentally, physically, and financially through falling in love with yourself first. Contact Sherri here:  217-341-1135 About Your Host: Adrienne Tichy is a Recovery Advocate, an international bestseller, podcast host.  She feels she has been called to a left of service. Every job has perfectly prepared Adrienne for her current vocation!  Together with her husband Jim, they have created a recovery residence community for people just out of treatment for alcohol or drugs in 2008.  In addition, these champions for the marginalized have created an innovative, one-of-a-kind virtual recovery program Recovery Comes Home. Known for leveraging the community to grow the child, Adrienne  fights for continuity of care, de-stigmatization and parental involvement. Buckle up, this is one story you don’t want to miss. If you would like to connect with Adrienne you can find her here: https://recoverycomeshome.com/ https://thelodgedelray.com/ adrienne@recoverycomeshome.com [adrienne@recoverycomeshome.com]

Beyond Addiction: Love, Loss, and Resilience in a Family's Recovery Story With Bob Medlin

In this heartfelt episode, Bob Medlin shares his journey of supporting his son Michael through over 15 years of addiction recovery. After losing his wife to cancer, Bob found himself carrying the weight of his family’s well-being, facing the complex responsibilities of supporting Michael, who struggled with ADHD, substance use, and mental health challenges, while also caring for his daughter. Bob reflects on the delicate balance between providing support and risking enabling behavior, a fine line that many families of those facing addiction know all too well. His story is one of resilience, patience, and love, offering profound insights into the interconnectedness of anxiety, depression, and addiction. Bob also emphasizes the importance of a stable, supportive environment and the crucial role a strong family network plays in the recovery process. He shares his gratitude for the facility run by Jim and Adrienne, where Michael received the unique combination of compassion, structure, and tough love he needed to make progress in his recovery. Through his reflections, Bob offers listeners a compassionate perspective on navigating the journey of addiction recovery with a loved one, highlighting how even the most challenging experiences can foster personal growth, deeper connections, and hope for the future. This episode is a moving exploration of love, resilience, and the power of community in the face of life’s greatest challenges. About Your Host: Adrienne Tichy is a Recovery Advocate, an international bestseller, podcast host.  She feels she has been called to a left of service. Every job has perfectly prepared Adrienne for her current vocation!  Together with her husband Jim, they have created a recovery residence community for people just out of treatment for alcohol or drugs in 2008.  In addition, these champions for the marginalized have created an innovative, one-of-a-kind virtual recovery program Recovery Comes Home. Known for leveraging the community to grow the child, Adrienne  fights for continuity of care, de-stigmatization and parental involvement. Buckle up, this is one story you don’t want to miss. If you would like to connect with Adrienne you can find her here: https://recoverycomeshome.com/ https://thelodgedelray.com/ adrienne@recoverycomeshome.com [adrienne@recoverycomeshome.com]

Exploring the Connection Between Mental Health and Addiction with Pamela O'Neill

In this episode, we sit down with **Pamela O'Neill**, a former journalist and social worker who has dedicated her life to exploring and addressing the deep connections between mental health and addiction. With a rich blend of personal and professional experience, Pamela has transitioned into a respected mental health coach, bringing unique insights and a compassionate perspective to her work. Pamela’s mission is clear: to break down the stigma that surrounds mental health and addiction. She’s seen firsthand how shame and silence can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need. That’s why she advocates for open and honest communication, creating a space where people feel safe to share their experiences without fear of judgment. Pamela is a firm believer that genuine support and unconditional love are foundational to the recovery journey. Drawing from her years as a social worker, Pamela highlights how addiction is often a response to unresolved mental health struggles. This reality became even more apparent during the pandemic, as isolation, stress, and anxiety triggered new patterns of substance use and amplified existing issues. To combat these challenges, Pamela champions a holistic approach to recovery, integrating evidence-based practices like **cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)** with restorative self-care habits. She emphasizes the power of **faith, journaling, mindfulness, and healthy routines** as essential tools for nurturing mental well-being and sustaining long-term sobriety. Throughout the episode, Pamela shares stories of resilience and transformation, illustrating how openness and vulnerability can lead to profound personal growth. Her work is a testament to the fact that recovery is not just about overcoming addiction—it’s about addressing the root causes, building resilience, and celebrating each step forward, no matter how small. Tune in to hear Pamela’s insights on: - The critical connection between mental health and addiction. - How the pandemic has reshaped the landscape of addiction and recovery. - Breaking down stigma and fostering open dialogue. - The role of cognitive-behavioral therapy and self-care in holistic recovery. - Practical tips for supporting a loved one struggling with addiction or mental health challenges. Pamela’s advocacy reminds us that every story matters, and every person has the potential for recovery and transformation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of addiction and mental health, and how we can all play a part in creating a more compassionate and supportive community. Find Pamela Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelao1/ https://www.instagram.com/speakingupaboutmentalhealth/ About Your Host: Adrienne Tichy is a Recovery Advocate, an international bestseller, podcast host.  She feels she has been called to a left of service. Every job has perfectly prepared Adrienne for her current vocation!  Together with her husband Jim, they have created a recovery residence community for people just out of treatment for alcohol or drugs in 2008.  In addition, these champions for the marginalized have created an innovative, one-of-a-kind virtual recovery program Recovery Comes Home. Known for leveraging the community to grow the child, Adrienne  fights for continuity of care, de-stigmatization and parental involvement. Buckle up, this is one story you don’t want to miss. If you would like to connect with Adrienne you can find her here: https://recoverycomeshome.com/ https://thelodgedelray.com/ adrienne@recoverycomeshome.com [adrienne@recoverycomeshome.com]

Healing from Burnout: A Physician's Guide to Wellness with Hiba Khaled

In this episode, we sit down with Hiba Khaled, a former physician who turned her personal struggle with burnout into a thriving career as a burnout recovery and high-performance coach. Hiba shares her powerful journey, from working long hours as an anesthesiology resident in the UK's National Health Service to experiencing firsthand the detrimental effects of burnout on mental and physical health. Drawing on her medical background and her master’s degree from Harvard Medical School, Hiba discusses the frameworks she developed to help professionals recognize burnout symptoms early and adopt healthier coping mechanisms. She shares insights gained from collaborating with experts like Dr. Ron Heifetz and emphasizes the need for self-care and prioritizing personal well-being, which she believes are essential components in both preventing and recovering from burnout. Hiba begins by discussing her transition from physician to coach and how her personal experiences with burnout shaped her new career path. She offers guidance on how healthcare professionals can identify and address burnout symptoms early on. The conversation shifts to caregiver burnout, exploring the unique challenges faced by those in caregiving roles and the importance of implementing self-care practices. Hiba elaborates on practical self-care strategies, including mindfulness exercises, setting boundaries, and seeking professional support to prevent burnout. We delve into the long-term effects of chronic stress on mental health, and Hiba provides actionable steps for building resilience and managing stress effectively. Hiba explains how recognizing stress signs and adopting healthy coping strategies, such as spending time in nature and journaling, can significantly improve emotional and mental well-being. The therapeutic power of personal journaling is explored, with Hiba detailing how reflective writing helped her process emotions and regain control during her burnout recovery. In the final segment, Hiba highlights the importance of self-awareness and recognizing early warning signs of burnout, advocating for a proactive approach to mental health. Join us as we uncover Hiba Khaled’s expert advice on preventing burnout, achieving high performance, and sustaining long-term mental and emotional health. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a caregiver, or someone dealing with chronic stress, this episode provides valuable tools and strategies to help you navigate the complexities of burnout and reclaim your well-being. Find Hiba Here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hiba-khaled/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hiba-khaled/] Website: www.emberscc.com [http://www.emberscc.com] Instagram: @iamhibakhaled Blog: https://feelittohealit.substack.com/ [https://feelittohealit.substack.com/] About Your Host: Adrienne Tichy is a Recovery Advocate, an international bestseller, podcast host.  She feels she has been called to a left of service. Every job has perfectly prepared Adrienne for her current vocation!  Together with her husband Jim, they have created a recovery residence community for people just out of treatment for alcohol or drugs in 2008.  In addition, these champions for the marginalized have created an innovative, one-of-a-kind virtual recovery program Recovery Comes Home. Known for leveraging the community to grow the child, Adrienne  fights for continuity of care, de-stigmatization and parental involvement. Buckle up, this is one story you don’t want to miss. If you would like to connect with Adrienne you can find her here: https://recoverycomeshome.com/ https://thelodgedelray.com/ adrienne@recoverycomeshome.com [adrienne@recoverycomeshome.com]