The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast

#6: Dave grew up in Anaheim, CA. His father left when he was 2, and they met again when he was 30. He was raised by his mother and stepfather who were “hippie bikers,” and his stepdad was often confused with ZZ Top. Dave has 24 years of sobriety after getting sober at the age of 22. HIs best friend committed suicide on the same day Dave found out he had also been sleeping with his wife. Through all of this, he did not pick up a drink or drug and has been able to build a beautiful sober life. We are so excited to have Dave here to share his story!

ATE #5.5: Ashley and Christiana discuss topics from Kara Israel's interview in Episode 5. Tune in as they speak more about Cirrhosis of the liver, the stigma of discussing substance abuse at home, the importance of "doing the work" in recovery and developing coping mechanisms. Video Link - seeing everything as a gift: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZKg6N10OBo More information about Cirrhosis: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cirrhosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351487 Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) + "Is IOP Effective?" https://www.lionrockrecovery.com/programs/online-intensive-outpatient Drug & Alcohol Treatment Options: https://www.lionrockrecovery.com/drug-and-alcohol-addiction-resources/substance-abuse-treatment-and-counseling-options This episode is sponsored by Lionrock Recovery. Lionrock provides online substance abuse counseling where you can get help from the privacy of your own home. For more information, visit www.lionrockrecovery.com

#5: Kara Israel is a 37-year old Tennessee native who is living with cirrhosis of the liver and currently on the waiting list for a liver transplant. In this episode, Kara talks to Ashley about the lifestyle that drinking led her to and goes fully in-depth about her diagnosis of cirrhosis and how she is living life day to day. This episode is sponsored by Lionrock Recovery. Lionrock provides online substance abuse counseling where you can get help from the privacy of your own home. For more information, visit www.lionrockrecovery.com

ATE #4.5: Ashley and Christiana sit down again to dive deeper into topics from Brittney Carbone's interview in Episode 4. Join the discussion as they dig deeper about the link between overeating and alcoholism, hitting bottoms in recovery, doing "the work" and the statistics and biological reasons behind blackouts. Links to Blackout Statistics: Min: 13:46 > link to blackout information: http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20180613-why-do-only-some-people-get-blackout-drunk Thoughts Become Things: https://www.forbes.com/sites/amymorin/2016/06/15/this-is-how-your-thoughts-become-your-reality/#7a8a1f42528a Thoughts Become Things: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-16150/9-habits-to-manifest-your-dreams-using-the-law-of-attraction.html Thoughts Become Things > Book: https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Spirit-Seven-Stages-Healing/dp/0609800140 This episode is sponsored by Lionrock Recovery. Lionrock provides online substance abuse counseling where you can get help from the privacy of your own home. For more information, visit www.lionrockrecovery.com

#4: Brittney Carbone is a Santa Monica based fitness professional who is passionate about helping others make healthy living a top priority in their lives. In this episode, Ashley talks to Brittney about the factors that led her to start binge drinking and eating, and how after years of struggling, she found and was able to maintain a 65-pound weight loss through making fitness and self-care a lifestyle. Check out Brittney’s program and sign up for the Lean Lifestyle Method! Website: http://www.brittneycarbone.com/ Twitter: @brittneycarbone IG: @brittneycarbonefitness This episode is sponsored by Lionrock Recovery. Lionrock provides online substance abuse counseling where you can get help from the privacy of your own home. For more information, visit www.lionrockrecovery.com

#3.5: Ashley and Christiana sit down and discuss hot topics from Pat D'Enbeau's interview in Episode 3. Join the discussion as they dig deeper about the biases and judgments surrounding addiction, different perceptions about trauma and what it actually feels like to have a craving from the perspective of an alcoholic. This episode is sponsored by Lionrock Recovery. Lionrock provides online substance abuse counseling where you can get help from the privacy of your own home. For more information, visit www.lionrockrecovery.com

Pat D'Enbeau is a phenomenal human being, and the Orange County Program Manager for The Phoenix - a non-profit that advocates for a sober active community. She found recovery through treatment and inevitably through a 12-step model. Tune in to this episode to hear Pat share the story of how she found recovery after a long journey of self-discovery and a traumatic childhood event. Her humor and light-hearted yet direct delivery will draw you in and leave you better than you were before! Check out The Phoenix and find your sober active community today! Website: www.thephoenix.org FB: https://www.facebook.com/ThePhoenixOC/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/perignemoc/?hl=en This episode is sponsored by Lionrock Recovery. Lionrock provides online substance abuse counseling where you can get help from the privacy of your own home. For more information, visit www.lionrockrecovery.com

ATE #2.5: Welcome to the our second "After the Episode" follow up! In this episode, we dive into some deep-seated topics covered in Episode 2. Join Host Ashley and Producer Christiana again as they discuss Bahan's interview and talk about the thoughts and feelings behind being a domestic violence survivor, the dangers and pitfalls of gaslighting and how alcohol is societally accepted as a "norm."

#2: Bahan McDermott is the Director of Admissions at Lionrock Recovery, and is originally from the East Coast. She will be walking us through her journey of surviving domestic violence and overcoming alcoholism, which ultimately resulted in her abuser going to prison. When this podcast recorded, she celebrated 6 years sober! And what a way to celebrate - we are so honored that she decided to sit down and share her incredible story with us.

ATE #1.5: Welcome to the very first "After the Episode" follow up! This episode follow up will give listeners the chance to dive in a little deeper with important topics and questions from the latest interviews. Join Host Ashley and Producer Christiana again as they discuss topics from Ashley's interview and talk the importance of recovery maintenance, support, the road to healing and much more!

Introducing your amazing host for The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast...Ashley Loeb Blassingame! Ashley's recovery story is as inspiring as it is shocking. She has overcome a myriad of trials to become the sober Mom, wife, business owner, UCLA graduate and everything she is today. Tune in to get to know your host in an intimate, yet entertaining interview with the podcast's own producer!