The speakingofrecovery Podcast

Episode 10 - All About Honesty

Honesty in Recovery: Navigating the Gray Areas
In this episode of the 'Speaking of Recovery' podcast, Jason and his longtime program partner Dito delve into the theme of honesty within the context of recovery. They explore the concept of absolute honesty in a therapeutic community, sharing personal stories and experiences, such as Jason's humorous recounting of stealing pens and Dito's challenging experiences with financial truthfulness. The discussion extends to honesty in personal relationships, touching on sensitive topics like financial disclosures and the complexities of managing honesty without causing undue harm. The episode underscores the importance of maintaining integrity to avoid the guilt that disrupts peace of mind and relationships.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
01:08 Discussing Honesty in Recovery
01:46 Personal Stories of Honesty
14:03 Navigating Honesty in Relationships
16:49 Financial Honesty Challenges
22:01 Honesty in Inventories and Guilt
24:33 Perpetrations and Relationship Dynamics
30:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 9 - The Powerful Shift from Self-Obsession to Self-Love

Exploring the Multifaceted Journey of Addiction Recovery with Earl
In this engaging session with Earl E., we dive deep into the complexities of addiction recovery, focusing on the balance between fellowship and the 12-step program. Earl shares insights on the physical, behavioral, and spiritual aspects of overcoming addiction. We discuss the role of environment, the importance of self-esteem, and the need for a supportive community. Earl humorously stresses the significance of small, esteem-building actions and demystifies the spiritual recovery process. This conversation is a heartfelt exploration of the ongoing journey of sobriety, emphasizing practical steps and lighthearted wisdom.
00:00 Introduction and Session Overview
00:23 Understanding the Steps in Recovery
01:19 Medical vs. Behavioral Aspects of Addiction
04:11 The Role of Environment in Recovery
07:12 Spiritual Recovery and Lightheartedness
09:41 Self-Esteem and Addiction
16:07 The Importance of Self-Reflection
17:58 Reflections on Recovery and Retirement
21:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 8 - How fast to work the Steps and other Sovriety Insights

Understanding the First Three Steps in Recovery with Earl and Jason Wittman
 
In this episode, Jason Wittman is joined by his friend Earl, who has been sober for over 34 years. They discuss the importance of the first three steps in the Alcoholics Anonymous program, sharing personal insights and experiences. Key topics include the pace of moving through the steps, the significance of having 'sober feet' before diving into the program, and the realization that understanding one’s powerlessness over alcohol is crucial. They also delve into concepts like 'thinking' in recovery, peeling the layers of an onion, and the significance of the fourth and fifth steps. Earl shares his views on managing tolerations and developing new habits, emphasizing that real change happens over time and between the steps. The episode wraps up with practical examples of practicing acceptance and surrender in everyday situations.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:42 Early Recovery Experiences
03:24 Understanding Step 1
05:46 Exploring Step 2
10:05 Insights on Step 3
20:12 The Importance of Steps 4 and 5
25:50 Dealing with Tolerations and Resentments
29:24 Acceptance and Surrender
31:18 Practical Exercises in Toleration
34:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 7 - Self-Esteem - How to Enhance It

Understanding the Role of Self-Esteem in Addiction and Recovery
 
In this episode of 'Speaking of Recovery,' Jason Whitman converses with Dan Benton about the pivotal role of self-esteem in addiction and recovery. They explore Jason's assertion that low or no self-esteem is the root cause of all addictions, discussing how self-esteem affects reactions to trauma, the differences between self-esteem and self-confidence, and imposter syndrome. Practical strategies to build self-esteem, such as the mirror exercise, performing esteemable acts, and positive self-talk, are shared. They also examine the importance of loving oneself as a powerful tool for relapse prevention and the potential need for professional help like hypnotherapy to address deeply ingrained negative self-perceptions.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:37 The Root Cause of Addictions
01:31 Understanding Self-Esteem
12:32 The Mirror Exercise
21:10 Esteemable Acts
23:19 Acts of Kindness and Esteem
24:57 Taking Compliments Gracefully
26:40 The Compare and Despair Trap
28:47 Psychosemantics: The Power of Words
31:22 Positive Self-Talk and Self-Esteem
35:18 Perfectionism: The Ultimate Self-Put-Down
37:31 Seeking Help and Hypnotherapy
41:11 Final Thoughts and Resources

Episode 6 - All About Tolotations - The Precurser of Resentments

Understanding Tolerations in Sobriety: Insights from Jason and Dan
 
In this episode, Jason and his longtime friend, Dan Daniel Benton, discuss the concept of 'tolerations' and its impact on sobriety and life. They delve into how tolerations, although unmentioned in traditional AA literature, can lead to long-term resentments if not addressed. The conversation explores different types of tolerations, from minor annoyances to significant issues beyond one's control, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing them to prevent resentments. They also touch on the relevance of these concepts in the 10th step daily inventory process. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own tolerations and how addressing them can contribute to a more stress-free and fulfilling life.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:37 Discussing the Concept of Tolerations
01:52 Types of Resentments and Tolerations
02:23 Coaching and Tolerations
04:20 12-Step Program and Resentments
06:33 Daily Review and Tolerations
07:50 Practical Examples of Tolerations
23:26 Wrapping Up and Resources

Dpisode 5 - On Honesty and Guillt

In this episode of 'Speaking of Recovery,' host Jason Wittman and guest Carrie Pratt delve into the intricate relationship between honesty and guilt in the recovery process. They discuss personal anecdotes, including Jason's pen-stealing habit and its implications, the significance of living a guilt-free life in recovery, and the various ways to absolve guilt from both a therapeutic and religious viewpoint. Their conversation covers the importance of making amends, the idea of honesty in everyday actions, and the broader spiritual journey involved in overcoming personal shortcomings and embracing a guilt-free existence.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:26 Exploring Honesty and Guilt
01:33 Personal Anecdotes on Honesty
05:29 The Role of Guilt in Recovery
12:57 Spiritual and Secular Perspectives
21:52 Making Amends and Moving Forward
28:14 Conclusion and Contact Information

Episode 4 - The Environment Always Wins!

Exploring the Power of Environment in Recovery with Gary Pratt In this episode of 'Speaking of Recovery,' host Jason Wittman is joined by Gary Pratt to discuss the concept of 'the environment always wins' and its application in the recovery process. They explore how this coaching principle explains the influence of the 12-step programs and the challenges faced by individuals in recovery. The conversation covers the importance of the first step in 12-step programs, the role of habits and the inner mind, and the significance of maintaining a positive environment for successful recovery. The episode concludes with practical advice for newcomers in recovery and how to get in touch with Jason Wittman. 00:00 Introduction to Speaking of Recovery 01:06 Introducing Gary Pratt and Today's Topic 03:56 The Concept of 'The Environment Always Wins' 04:30 Understanding Inner and Outer Mind Dynamics 05:46 The Role of Habits in Addiction 09:54 The Power of Repetition and Environment in Recovery 19:39 The Importance of the First Step in 12-Step Programs 28:31 Contact Information and Conclusion
 
00:00 Introduction to Speaking of Recovery
01:06 Introducing Gary Pratt and Today's Topic
03:56 The Concept of 'The Environment Always Wins'
04:30 Understanding Inner and Outer Mind Dynamics
05:46 The Role of Habits in Addiction
09:54 The Power of Repetition and Environment in Recovery
19:39 The Importance of the First Step in 12-Step Programs
28:31 Contact Information and Conclusion

Episode 3 - Synonon Explained

Gary Pratt and Jason Wittman take a deep dive into some of the more interesting aspects of Synanon including a detailed discussion regarding their intake procedure and its relation to the AA Step 1, a detailed description of how groups were structured and run in T.C.s (Therapeutic Communities),  and the lessons to be learned that would apply to current rehab organizations.
Tags: 
#Recovery
#Therapeutic Communities
#Synanon
#Addiction Treatment
#AA and NA
#Emotional Healing
#Honesty in Recovery
#Intake Procedures
#Group Therapy 10.Hostility Groups
#Feelings in Therapy
#Recovery Rates
#Pressure Cooker Experience
#Stage Two Recovery
#Life Skills for Recovery
#Therapeutic Techniques
#Therapy History
#Podcast on Recovery
#Gary Pratt
#Jason Wittman

Episode_2__Honesty_and_Synonon

Gary Pratt and Jason Willman discuss, in the first part, a general discussion of therapeutic communities like Synonon and a beginning conversation about Honesty.

Episode 1 - All About God

Host Jason Wittman, MPS, and Gary Pratt discuss their thoughts about God from two different religious perspectives and their extensive 12-Step experience.