Unfiltered with Matt Farnsworth

Peeling the Layers: Kate Taylor’s Journey

We're embarking on a powerful journey, peeling away the layers of addiction and rediscovery with our guest Kate Taylor. A seasoned writer and editor, Kate shares her transformative two-year journey into sobriety, revealing the trials, triumphs, and life-changing insights she's gathered. From breaking free from the cycle of addiction through self-care and self-reflection to confidently setting boundaries in relationships, Kate's experiences shed light on the strength of the human spirit.

Kate delves deep into how sobriety has reshaped her life. She talks about not just breaking free from alcohol but also escaping from the stunted emotional growth caused by it. This journey has led her to realize the importance of self-care and how it is fundamental to overcoming addiction. She reflects on how the societal view of alcohol impacted her life and how she adopted a more positive outlook once she quit drinking. We also discuss the stigma attached to being sober, especially in professional settings, and how to navigate it gracefully.

The final chapters of our conversation focus on relationships and their intricate role in sobriety. We explore the challenges of being in a relationship with someone who drinks, the benefits of clear-headed decision-making, and how the journey of sobriety helps one reassess their environment. From setting boundaries to understanding the importance of comfort in solitude, Kate's insights are strikingly honest and enlightening. This episode is a riveting exploration of sobriety and self-discovery, offering invaluable lessons for those struggling with addiction and those aiming to understand it better. Don't miss out on this powerful testament to human resilience.

The Truth About Alcohol Relapse and How to Overcome It

It's a fast, down-and-dirty podcast on what will make you relapse. Have you ever been pulled back into the quicksand of old habits and found yourself struggling to maintain sobriety? I've been there. I get real and raw in his latest talk, unmasking the hard truth about the journey of recovery and the risks of relapse. Learn the powerful sway of peer pressure, the comfort of familiar patterns, and the challenges that come hand in hand with altering your environment.

Rising from Addiction: The Resilience of Sober Motivation’s Brad McLeod

Join us for an intimate chat with Brad McLeod, the inspiring creator of Sober Motivation. Hear his compelling story that starts from a challenging childhood in Texas, coping with ADHD, and struggling to form connections due to feelings of discomfort and abandonment. Brad's candid recollection of his experience navigating the American school system and the pressures of probation gives us a glimpse into the difficulties he faced early on. 

As Brad's narrative unfolds, you'll be captivated by his encounter with a private security company, his time in a special treatment program tailored for teenagers, and his battle to overcome challenges in a structured environment. Listen as Brad details the tough realities of addiction, how it spiraled out of control, and his subsequent legal troubles that led him to the structured environment of Peninsula Village.

Finally, Brad shares his turning point and how it led him to recovery and ultimately to his purpose - helping others in their recovery journey. From his deportation to Canada and starting from scratch to the creation of his successful podcast and his work on the Sober Buddy app, Brad's journey is a testament to resilience and determination. His story serves as a beacon of hope for those recovering. Don't miss this inspiring tale of struggle, recovery, and the power of helping others.

Scaling Personal Mountains: A Story of Sobriety and Self-Discovery

Interview with Johnny Lawrence | The Self Development Coach. Get ready for a powerful exploration of self-growth and healing as we journey through a series of candid conversations covering a range of topics. Listen in as we share compassionate insights on sobriety, recount personal experiences, and the influence of childhood experiences on relationships. Our guest shares his struggle with alcohol addiction and how it filled a void of loneliness, ultimately leading to his powerful reflection on his journey to sobriety.

 

Join us as we climb the metaphorical Mount Tupkao, embracing the importance of resilience during challenging times. Discover how embracing the hard things can force the mind and body to come together to achieve common goals, ultimately leading to personal growth and self-discovery. The conversation further uncovers the concept of reframing our relationship with anxiety, embracing uncertain futures, and focusing on elements that help us heal and grow.

 

Towards the end, we explore the journey of personal change and self-transformation. The discussion takes us through the formation of habits, how to be aware of our behaviors to induce change and the four stages of behavioral change. We reflect on the struggle with alcohol addiction and how to transition to a healthier relationship with it. Lastly, listen in as we explore the power of small moments and how they can significantly impact our lives. Get ready to be inspired, moved, and empowered!

 

From the Depths of Addiction to Championing Women’s Rights: The Resilient Journey of April Hutchinson

When you're down to your last hope, every day can feel like a battle. April Hutchinson knows this struggle all too well. Overcoming a harrowing addiction and a traumatic past, she managed to transform her life, journeying from the depths of addiction to become a record-breaking powerlifter. April’s compelling story isn't just about addiction, but an exploration of the intersection of identity, fairness, and rights. Her resilience and strength are truly awe-inspiring.

On top of her remarkable recovery, April has also staked her position in a heated debate, actively opposing trans-inclusion in women's sports. This stance, despite the criticisms and backlash, has sparked vital discussions about fairness and integrity in athletics. April’s dedication to preserving the integrity of women’s sport, even when considered controversial, is grounded in her belief that trans rights shouldn't supersede women's rights.

As we navigate through April's journey, we also delve into the emotional aspects of her recovery. Her story embodies strength, resilience, and an unwavering will to survive. We touch upon the lessons she learned about self-forgiveness, emotional sobriety, and the power of therapy. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that there is always a silver lining, no matter how dark the times may appear. Join us as we explore these riveting conversations, shedding light on pressing issues and celebrating human resilience.

Facing Fame and Addiction: The Redemption and Success Story of Joe Sealey

Strap in for a riveting conversation with Joe Sealey as we peel back the layers of fame, addiction, and personal redemption. Growing up in the shadow of a famous father, Joe grappled with his own identity, often seeking validation through his father's fame. His candid reflections on the reality of fame and the struggle of creating a personal identity paint a startling picture of the often-glossed-over pitfalls of fame.

 

Our discussion turns darker as Joe opens up about his descent into addiction following losing his father. His grim spiral into substance abuse and isolation and the arduous journey toward sobriety are as heart-wrenching as they are inspiring. Joe's reflections on the destructive nature of addiction, the importance of emotional honesty, and the transformative power of sobriety are a testament to his strength and resilience.

 

But this episode is not just a tale of struggles and resilience. It's also a story of entrepreneurial triumphs and creative reinventions. We delve into Joe's revolutionary approach to sports sponsorship marketing, his knack for building successful businesses through relationships, and his journey of making his father's 1994 manuscript into a bestseller novel. Through it all, Joe Sealey's story offers a powerful narrative of triumph over adversity, personal growth, and entrepreneurial success. Tune in to our conversation for a deep exploration of the intersections of fame, addiction, recovery, and entrepreneurship.

 

Inside the Mind of a Recovering Alcoholic

On this episode of Unfiltered with Matt Farnsworth, Matt interviews Gillian Teitz, a biochemistry professor and former student who has struggled with alcohol addiction. They discuss the difficulty of quitting drinking, the importance of trust in the sober community, and the physical and mental changes that occur in the first 90 days of sobriety. 

Recovery is the New Black - Michelle Smith’s Battle with Addiction

As we navigate a world filled with obstacles and challenges, we often stumble upon extraordinary stories that resonate deeply within us. This episode is one such remarkable tale that brings to the forefront the raw, real, and deeply personal journey of Michelle Smith, a sober mom, keynote speaker, and bestselling author. Raised amongst alcoholism, Michelle herself remained sober for years before finding herself caught in the web of addiction. She shares openly about the deceptive power of addiction and the liberating force of surrendering to change.

Michelle's candid storytelling takes you through her gripping transition from a high-profile law enforcement career to battling her own addiction while aiding others in their recovery. Her insights about the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and the struggle to ask for help are deeply striking. We navigate through her experiences of motherhood during recovery and her brave commitment to change amidst the tormenting struggle to moderate alcohol consumption. Her story is not just about the colossal power of addiction, but also about the extraordinary potential of human resilience.

Carving her way to sobriety, Michelle's journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the will to change. Her narrative emphasizes the significance of spirituality in maintaining sobriety and the joy of finding happiness in life without the crutch of alcohol. As we conclude this enlightening conversation, we anticipate a follow-up episode to delve into these profound topics further. Michelle's story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those grappling with their own battles, asserting that change is indeed possible.