The Other Side of Hell Podcast

Boredom

It's been said that there is no such thing as boredom. Only boring people. So what it is it about being bored that can cause an alcoholic to drink again? Can we really chalk something as innocent as boredom up to relapse or is boredom an indication of something else going on?

In this episode Cameron and Willy get deep into the topic of boredom. As with anything in the first stages of our recovery, we often have to unlearn how to do things. Our mind can first turn to negative thoughts the minute we have idle time. How can we train our brains to react differently and what can we do to combat boredom so it doesn't take us down a dark path? Tune in to find out.

We have a great warstory this week! Chris, a sober coach and recovering alcoholic, shares with us how he fell into a culture of drinking growing up around hockey and how in the end, walking away from his dream was the only way to insure he'd stay sober. Chris proves that going to any lengths to stay sober doesn't mean doing only what we want to do. Often time it's just the opposite. We often hear, "the only thing you have to change is everything." Hat's off to you Chris, for doing just that.

Chris is an amazing sober coach and encourages anyone who may be struggling to reach out to him! You can contact him via direct message on Instagram @smittys_corner. Check out his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3EQVtdgLszM340tihszJ1A?app=desktop

Follow The Other Side of Hell on Instagram and Facebook!

IG: @theothersideofhell101
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theothersideofhell101

If you're struggling or interested in sharing your warstory, email us at theothersideofhell@gmail.com.

Thanks to everybody who contributes to the show and supports by watching. Remember, you are the most important part of the show!

Accomplishments

Most of us didn't know how to change the place we were in. We knew our lives were in shambles but climbing out of the hole seemed impossible. When we're finally able to stop digging and take the necessary steps to change we become unstoppable. One accomplishment gives way to another, then another, and another. It's important we celebrate these moments with dignity and grace.

On this episode Willy and Cameron are talking all about accomplishments. It can be tricky to determine when it's okay to celebrate our "wins" while remaining humble. What's our motivation when sharing good news? And are we too quick to forget about all that we've been able to do? Especially when coming from where we have? Tune in and join the discussion.

Plus, we have a great warstory this week from Cayla, a therapist and recovering alcoholic. She comes at us today with a lot of information about the science behind addiction and what she learned as she faced her own battle with putting down the bottle. It's equal parts inspiring and informative! You won't want to miss it!

Check out Cayla on Instagram @the_sober_therapist!

You can follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook at @theothersideofhell101.

If you are struggling or are interested in telling your warstory, email us theothersideofhell@gmail.com.

Thanks to everyone who listens and supports the podcast! You are the most important part of the show!

Community

It's important that we surround ourselves with like minded people. Connecting with others has proven to be crucial to our sanity and positive thinking. When we can share similar experiences or interests, or come together with a common goal, its easier to let down our guard and establish that connection. This is the foundation for a community and without it, we're often left to our own negative behaviors.

It's hard to say where we would be without the recovery community. In this episode the boys are joined by Bret F. who not only works with newcomers at a treatment facility but is also a Sober Rider. Hear him talk about what it was like stepping into the world of recovery almost 20 years ago after facing a long prison term and what it's like in the Sober Riders Motorcycle club community. We're honored to have him at the table.

This week's warstory comes to us from Patrick who with us what it was like to consciously go back out after a period of abstinence from meth. His journey has been a crazy one so buckle up and prepare for a roller coaster! Hear how he found a fitness community that contributed largely to his success and how he has added it to his toolbox in order to stay and the path of least resistance and maintain his sobriety.

You can learn more about Patrick's story and see him continue his journey by following him on Instagram at @patrickswayz817.

RESOURCES
More on Sober Riders
https://www.soberridersmc.org/

Contact them directly at
srmcrogue@gmail.com
or Bret directly at
bretrfield@hotmail.com

If you're interested in making a donation to Christmas Box House, your donation is greatly appreciated!
https://thechristmasboxhouse.ejoinme.org/donation

Remember, you can follow The Other Side of Hell on IG at @theothersideofhell101 and we're on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/theothersideofhell101

Contact us at theothersideofhell@gmail.com if you're struggling or if you're interested in sharing your story.

Look for a website and merch coming soon!

As always, thanks to everybody for listening. Remember, you are the most important part of the show!

Patterns

Patterns are everywhere. When we were drinking it wasn't always easy to see the pattern we were in. When we're in it, it can be frightening to think about what life will be like outside that pattern. Even at their very worst, we can find comfort in patterns. But how can we break those patterns?

On this episode the boys get into patterns. Thought patterns, negative patterns, survival patterns, you name it. They're all around us. When we're first able to recognize our pattern, we can then begin to shift into the process, and it is a process, of changing it. Usually, our disease will throw anything at us to keep us from being uncomfortable. But, as we continue to see more and more, real change comes outside our comfort zone.

We have a wonderful warstory today from Amy!! Amy is a recovered heroin user who started with opioids and worked her way up, as so many do. After a whirlwind rehab relationship went south and led to relapse, she finally got real with herself and her mother. She got into a treatment facility and quickly learned that SHE, not the drugs, were the problem. Today she shares her story on TikTok and her inspiring story reaches more and more people each day. Thank you Amy for being brave enough to share your story.

You can find Amy on TikTok at AMYZWRLD.

RESOURCES
Tom Bilyeu on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnYMOamNKLGVlJgRUbamveA

Follow The Other Side of Hell on IG at @theothersideofhell101! We're on Facebook too! https://www.facebook.com/theothersideofhell101

If you have a story you would like to share please contact us at theothersideofhell@gmail.com.

PLEASE reach out if you're struggling. There is strength in surrender. Remember, you are the most important part of the show!

Identity

How we see ourselves plays an important role in the way we navigate the world. We can be quick to peg ourselves as our dysfunctions and form an identity around them. Most of us however, had to let go of those the moment we decided to get sober and live better versions of ourselves. So how do we shape a new identity?

In this episode Cameron and Willy are talking all about identity. When were we first able to identify as "alcoholics" and what had to happen in order for us to begin calling ourselves that? What other things have we learned about ourselves in that process and how can we be sure to continue to shape our identity into the versions of ourselves that we want to put out into the world?

We have a great warstory this week from Hannah. Forced into treatment at an early age, Hannah reminds us all of how we can always find a way to get our fix. It wasn't until she went through a process of finding herself that she was able to put down the drugs for good. Now, with some sober time under her belt, she uses her experience to help others who struggle.

You can follow Hannah on Instagram at @hannahdordick!

The Other Side of Hell is on social media!
FB: https://www.facebook.com/theothersideofhell101
IG: @theothersideofhell101

Website and merch coming soon!

Thanks to everybody for your support!

If you are struggling PLEASE reach out! DM us on IG or send an email to theothersideofhell@gmail.com.

Gratitude

Gratitude is powerful. It's fair to say that most of us never knew gratitude when we were out runnin' and gunnin'. At least not long enough to recognize how valuable it really is. But how can we maintain that attitude? Or find reasons to be grateful when bad things happen?

On this episode, Cameron and Willy dove into the ever-so-popular topic of gratitude, a topic often discussed in the rooms of many 12 step meetings. Why is that? Because gratitude has the power to pull you out of the stinkin' thinkin' that keeps us sick. It can literally take us from the depths of despair to a higher frequency in line with strength and hope. Gratitude is worth talking about.

Today's warstory is a special one. Cindy, a compulsive overeater and long time fan of the show, shares her story of food addiction and the joy of being relieved of the obsession after spending time doing the work. From growing up in the South as a caretaker, food was often used to comfort. After years of overeating, it started taking a physical toll on her healthy and wellness. Now, she is committed to a new and healthy lifestyle that has her sharing her message with newcomers. Her story is another reminder of just how the disease can manifest itself in different ways and how food can be just as destructive as any other mind altering substance.

Thank you Cindy for sharing your story!

Cindy's podcast is Adulting for Addicts and can be found everywhere starting Nov. 19, 2020!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adulting-for-addicts/id1537586374

Follow Cindy on Instagram @anoncindyl

RESOURCES

David Steindl-Rast, Want to be happy? Be grateful
https://www.ted.com/talks/david_steindl_rast_want_to_be_happy_be_grateful?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

You can find The Other Side of Hell on Facebook and Instagram!
IG: @theothersideofhell101
FB: https://www.facebook.com/theothersideofhell101

Stay tuned for theothersideofhell.com complete with TOSOH merch!
Coming Soon!

If you're interested in sharing your warstory or are struggling, please reach out on IG or email us at theothersideofhell@gmail.com. You are not alone.

Thanks everybody for all your support! You are the most important part of the show!

Meetings

Not everybody who has had the opportunity to get sober has done it through 12 step meetings. Those of us that have know the benefits of being able to go somewhere where we can talk openly about our struggles and the solution. But what about those that are considering going to a meeting? What can they expect? What's a meeting REALLY like? And what are some of the benefits?

In this episode Willy and Cameron talk about 12 step meetings. When we suffer from a spiritual malady the energy and spiritual nature of 12 step meetings can be uplifting and often lifesaving. Often, they are great way to get centered and regain our focus. The truth is many of us literally owe our lives to meetings and the people we can find there.

The boys get into what it was like for them at their first AA meeting and break down what can be expected for a newcomer. Over time, the reason to attend meetings has changed as can be expected as our programs progress. However, it doesn't seem to matter how much sobriety you have, a meeting most often will always leave you feeling better than you were before.

Are 12 step meetings the only way to get sober? Absolutely not. No one has a monopoly on recovery. But they can be a great tool to add to your kit in your fight to stay sober and continue to grow.

Our warstory this week comes from Tia, who was someone who had the 12 step seed planted with her at an AA meeting by the most unlikely of characters, as is often the case. After years of self sabotage in an effort to be perfect, she finally had enough and surrendered to the solution found in the rooms of AA. Now, as a health and lifestyle coach, hear how she incorporated fitness and taking care of her body into her recovery. She's a great reminder of just how much we can truly turn things around and go from a life of self-destruction to a life of self-love. Thank you Tia for sharing your story!
Follow Tia on Instagram @fit_for_rediscovery and check out her website at www.rediscoverycoaching.com!

RESOURCES

Drop the Rock book
https://g.co/kgs/JB1jDu

Find an AA meeting near you
https://aa.org

Online meetings
https://aa-intergroup.org/

Overeaters Anonymous
https://oa.org/

Cocaine Anonymous
http://www.ca-online.org/meetings/

Crystal Meth Anonymous
http://www.crystalmeth.org/cma-meetings/cma-meetings-directory.html

Marijuana Anonymous
http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org/meetings/in-person

Narcotics Anonymous
http://www.na.org/meetingsearch/

As always, follow us on Instagram!
@theothersideofhell101
@willyjl0l0l0
@cameron.reel.jackson
@jordan_young801

Follow Cameron's weight loss journey!
@cameroneatslessfood

We're on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/theothersideofhell101

Thanks to everyone for all your support! Remember you are the most important part of the show!

Surrender

When we hear the word "surrender" it's easy to think of weakness. But it takes a lot of courage and strength to cease fighting and give in to getting the help we need. After we've taken our licks from the disease and truly been beaten into submission, the only thing left is surrender. It's then that the true healing can begin.
On this episode of The Other Side of Hell, Willy and Cameron talk about surrender. Each of us have found ourselves in situations where we thought we knew it all and how best to help ourselves. After repeated attempts at "helping" ourselves, we had to accept that a power greater than ourselves was the solution. Luckily, we often have people all around us or know of resources where we can find a power greater than ourselves. By asking these people/organizations for help, we become humble and open enough to let change happen. This often times is a true miracle.
This weeks warstory is from our friend Alyssa, a true warrior and elementary school principal from Ohio who shares with us what it was like escaping from the mundane into a bottle. After accomplishing a great deal in life and having everything she thought she could want, she still felt empty inside. Hear how she finally was able to surrender, and become vulnerable and open enough to allow for the solution to begin working in her life. We love hearing how she shares her victories with her family and how openly they talk about sobriety. Thank you Alyssa for your inspiration!

Follow Alyssa on Instagram at @this_thorn.

The Other Side of Hell on Instagram at @theothersideofhell101!
@Willyjl0l0l0
@cameroneatslessfood
@cameron.reel.jackson

Find us on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/theothersideofhell101/

Thank you to everyone for another great show! Remember, you are the most important part of the show!

Sex

ex. There, we said it. Is sex a dirty word? Can we talk about sex open and honestly? What is it about sex that makes it difficult to talk about?
On this episode of The Other Side of Hell we are joined by Kris, our resident therapist, to talk all about sex. As it turns out, there's a lot to it. Tune in to hear the gang talk about healthy relationships, what consent really is, and how we can have more conversations about sex in order to remove the stigma or taboo.
Plus, this week's warstory is a doozy. Fausto shares a very raw, open and honest story with us about overcoming sexual abuse and trauma, which lead him to a life consumed with drugs and alcohol, and ultimately to a motivational speaker and substance abuse counselor. Never doubt what we're able to do with the things that have happened to us. Fausto is someone who proves that by telling our stories, no matter how brutal, not only are we able to make a difference in the lives of others, but we grow along side them.
You can follow Fausto on Instagram at @soberfausto! Check out past episodes of his podcast, Sober Weekly! You can also find him on tik tok doing pretty amazing things with a jump rope!

RESOURCES

Safe Harbor is an organization that will get you the help you need if you are a victim of domestic abuse or sexual assault. YES, MEN TOO!!
https://safeharborhope.org/

If you're interested in seeing Kris professionally or would like to reach out to her directly, you can find more information on https://www.counselingwellnesshub.com/

Salty Witches is a private Facebook group where woman can talk openly about sex without judgement or fear of repercussions.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/saltywitches

As always, you can follow The Other Side of Hell on Instagram @theothersideofhell101
Willy @willyjl0l0l0
Cameron @cameron.reel.jackson
Follow Cameron's weight loss journey at @cameroneatslessfood

If you are struggling you can contact us at theothersideofhell@gmail.com or connect with us through Instagram DM. We're happy to help in any way we can.

Special thanks to Kris for coming out and being a part of the show! Thanks to everyone for your support. You are the most important part of the show!

Faith

What do you think of when you hear the word "faith?" Well, if you're like Willy, your mind automatically goes to a religious definition. But, faith in the true sense of the word is simply trust or confidence in someone or something.

If we're lucky we have people and processes in our lives where we can place our faith. And in doing so we often relinquish control and let go of negative emotions. In this episode Cameron and Willy get into faith and the experience they've had in their lives trusting in different processes that have proved themselves as worthy. For a long time we put our trust in negative things, like drugs and alcohol. We had faith that the substance would satisfy something in us. Now, in sobriety we're able to investigate and see what we want in those around us. We have faith that if we do what they've done, we'll get what they've got. And in doing so we stumble into a power greater than ourselves.

This week we have an incredible warstory from speaker, author, and voice of recovery for young women, Sarah Ordo. She tracks her journey through one of her worst experiences with drugs of alcohol to a true moment of clarity, and eventually to a thriving recovery community. When you hear how much this early thirty something has done in her 5 years of sobriety you can't help but be amazed. Especially when heard in contrast to what things used to be like for her. Its' amazing where vulnerability can lead.

Check out Sarah online at Sarahordo.com and follow her on Instagram at @24luxe_sarah! You can find her books on her website as well as Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sarah+ordo&ref=nb_sb_noss

As usual, you can follow Willy on Instagram at @willyjl0l0l0 and Cameron at @cameron.reel.jackson or to follow his weight loss journey follow @cameroneatslessfood

The Other Side of Hell is online at @theothersideofhell101 on Instagram and Facebook!

If you or someone you know is struggling, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact the guys at theothersideofhell@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support! You are the most important part of the show!