Episodes
Friday Oct 08, 2021
#092 | The Company We Keep | Donny‘s Warstory
Friday Oct 08, 2021
Friday Oct 08, 2021
“The only thing you have to change is everything.”
Is it possible to hang out with your drinking buddies when you’re sober? How about your drug dealer? You can still talk to him right? I mean just because you’re not using now doesn’t mean you can’t still be friends. These are nice thoughts but the reality is, the company we keep can make or break our sobriety.
This week we dive into the influence that comes from the people we surround ourselves with. The hard truth can be that if we intend to take our sobriety seriously, it’s not likely that we can maintain some relationships. Does this mean we have to have some hard conversations? It could. Tune in to hear us get into it.
The topic this week is inspired by the moving story from Donny of the Not So Anonymous podcast. Donny watched what drugs and alcohol did to his family as he was growing up. He learned that this was the way to cut loose at a young age but vowed not to cross certain lines. After blowing past those he found himself a full blown opioid addict. His story is a testament of how we can use our stories to help others.
Thanks Donny for sharing your story!
Follow Donny on IG at @the_real_don_ellis and check out the Not So Anonymous Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts! Follow on IG at @notsoanonymous .
RESOURCES
Excellent Drugs and Suicide resource from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/drug-addiction/drugs-and-suicide/
If you have questions about how your condition can lead to suicidal thoughts check this out from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/co-occurring-disorders/suicide-hotline/
Alcoholics Anonymous online meetings
Narcotics Anonymous online meetings
Find an Overeaters Anonymous meeting
https://oa.org/find-a-meeting/
Refuge Recovery website
Substance Abuse and Mental Health services
1-800-662-HELP
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Suicide prevention hotline
1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Domestic Violence hotline
1-800-799-SAFE
National Human Trafficking hotline
1-888-373-7888
https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
Al-Anon information (support for families)
Follow The Other Side of Hell on all the Socials!
IG: @othersideofhell_recoverypod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theothersideofhell101
Twitter: @TOSOHellpodcast
Tik Tok: @theothersideofhell
Email us at theothersideofhell@gmail.com
For more information about the show, resources, or merch check out our website at theothersideofhellpodcast.com!
Contact us if you have ideas for a show, are interested in sharing your story, or are struggling in any way. Seriously.
Thanks to all who support the podcast! Remember you are the most important part of the show!
Friday Oct 01, 2021
#091 | Rewiring the Mind | Todd‘s Warstory
Friday Oct 01, 2021
Friday Oct 01, 2021
Stinkin’ thinkin’. It’s been said that we can not think our way into right acting, but we can act our way into right thinking. In our case it's taken a lot for us to get away from the default mode of alcoholic thinking. And even now, it seems to be easy to slip into a default negative thought pattern. So what can we do about it? Let’s talk about it.
On this week’s episode we’re talking about rewiring the mind, a topic inspired by our warstory from Todd K. Todd was in and out of the rooms for a long time, constantly letting his brain convince his problem wasn’t with the drugs, it was the alcohol, or vice versa. The damage he was doing to himself and his family had him concede and he finally began to realize it wasn’t the substances at all. It was his thinking. Tune in to hear Todd’s amazing story.
Thank you Todd!
RESOURCES
Excellent Drugs and Suicide resource from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/drug-addiction/drugs-and-suicide/
If you have questions about how your condition can lead to suicidal thoughts check this out from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/co-occurring-disorders/suicide-hotline/
Alcoholics Anonymous online meetings
Narcotics Anonymous online meetings
Find an Overeaters Anonymous meeting
https://oa.org/find-a-meeting/
Refuge Recovery website
Substance Abuse and Mental Health services
1-800-662-HELP
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Suicide prevention hotline
1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Domestic Violence hotline
1-800-799-SAFE
National Human Trafficking hotline
1-888-373-7888
https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
Al-Anon information (support for families)
Follow The Other Side of Hell on all the Socials!
IG: @othersideofhell_recoverypod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theothersideofhell101
Twitter: @TOSOHellpodcast
Tik Tok: @theothersideofhell
Email us at theothersideofhell@gmail.com
For more information about the show, resources, or merch check out our website at theothersideofhellpodcast.com!
Contact us if you have ideas for a show, are interested in sharing your story, or are struggling in any way. Seriously.
Thanks to all who support the podcast! Remember you are the most important part of the show!
Friday Sep 24, 2021
#090 | More Will Be Revealed with Cole T. | Martin‘s Warstory
Friday Sep 24, 2021
Friday Sep 24, 2021
As we trudge the road of happy destiny, it's fair to say we may encounter some bumps in the road. Especially later in the game. What we have found as we continue down the path is that it's important we remain open, honest, and willing. ALWAYS! If we do these things, when we hit the slump that can come with long term sobriety, we’re more likely to do what is necessary as the need for more work is revealed.
This topic is inspired by the warstory this week from Martin L. of Serenitees Recovery Clothing. Martin wasn’t a full blown addict right off the bat although the party life always appealed to him. He found himself again and again crossing that proverbial moral line and eventually he felt there was no hope in going back. After a failed suicide attempt left him desperate enough to get the help he needed, his recovery journey began. Along his path he’s continued to rise up when new challenges come his way as underlying issues manifest as root causes of his addiction. He shares a powerful message of hope in recovery.
Thank you Martin for telling your story!
Martin and Serenitees have some fuckin’ killer recovery shwag you’ll love. Extreme talent from people who are doing the deal. Check them out!! https://www.sereniteescollection.com/
Check out The Other Side of Hell at this year's Recovery Expo in Ogden Utah Sept 30, 2021. Come celebrate sobriety and recovery from drugs and alcohol and share an experience with those who know the disease. Speakers, vendors, and resources all at your disposal to expand your tool bag and keep you growing.
Check out weareonerecovery.com for more details!
Hope to see you there!
RESOURCES
Excellent Drugs and Suicide resource from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/drug-addiction/drugs-and-suicide/
If you have questions about how your condition can lead to suicidal thoughts check this out from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/co-occurring-disorders/suicide-hotline/
Alcoholics Anonymous online meetings
Narcotics Anonymous online meetings
Find an Overeaters Anonymous meeting
https://oa.org/find-a-meeting/
Refuge Recovery website
Substance Abuse and Mental Health services
1-800-662-HELP
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Suicide prevention hotline
1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Domestic Violence hotline
1-800-799-SAFE
National Human Trafficking hotline
1-888-373-7888
https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
Al-Anon information (support for families)
Follow The Other Side of Hell on all the Socials!
IG: @othersideofhell_recoverypod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theothersideofhell101
Twitter: @TOSOHellpodcast
Tik Tok: @theothersideofhell
Email us at theothersideofhell@gmail.com
For more information about the show, resources, or merch check out our website at theothersideofhellpodcast.com!
Contact us if you have ideas for a show, are interested in sharing your story, or are struggling in any way. Seriously.
Thanks to all who support the podcast! Remember you are the most important part of the show!
Friday Sep 17, 2021
#089 | What Using Did For Us | Allison‘s Warstory
Friday Sep 17, 2021
Friday Sep 17, 2021
Ready? Here's the truth: We used and we drank because it did something for us that we weren't getting any other way. At least, at first. But what?? What exactly was it doing for us? And how do we get that after we sober up?? Good question. Let's talk about it.
We got a great warstory this week from Allison who inspired this topic. Allison was a bit of a late bloomer but once she found out what alcohol could do for her, it started to rule her life. The ease and comfort that came with a drink began having more and more consequences. Hear what it took for her to finally get to the point where she was willing to do whatever was necessary to get sober. She found other people that knew how she felt. And once she realized she wasn't alone, she began getting her ease and comfort from something other than a bottle.
Follow Allison on IG @sobermamawhodis! She works to break the stigma of the drinking mother!
Thank you Allison for telling your story!
RESOURCES
Excellent Drugs and Suicide resource from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/drug-addiction/drugs-and-suicide/
If you have questions about how your condition can lead to suicidal thoughts check this out from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/co-occurring-disorders/suicide-hotline/
Alcoholics Anonymous online meetings
Narcotics Anonymous online meetings
Find an Overeaters Anonymous meeting
https://oa.org/find-a-meeting/
Refuge Recovery website
Substance Abuse and Mental Health services
1-800-662-HELP
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Suicide prevention hotline
1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Domestic Violence hotline
1-800-799-SAFE
National Human Trafficking hotline
1-888-373-7888
https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
Al-Anon information (support for families)
Follow The Other Side of Hell on all the Socials!
IG: @othersideofhell_recoverypod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theothersideofhell101
Twitter: @TOSOHellpodcast
Tik Tok: @theothersideofhell
Email us at theothersideofhell@gmail.com
For more information about the show, resources, or merch check out our website at theothersideofhellpodcast.com!
Contact us if you have ideas for a show, are interested in sharing your story, or are struggling in any way. Seriously.
Thanks to all who support the podcast! Remember you are the most important part of the show!
Friday Sep 10, 2021
#088 | Rediscovering God | Ryan‘s Warstory
Friday Sep 10, 2021
Friday Sep 10, 2021
Do you have a journey with a god of your own understanding? Let’s face it, most of us have some sort of history with religion, god or faith. On this week’s episode we talk about the journey of navigating through those waters and how rediscovering God can truly grant the peace we may be seeking.
This week’s topic comes from our warstory from Ryan! Ryan is a pastor of a local spiritual community in Denver. It’s fair to say he is now doing something he has wanted to do his whole life. As someone who has always had faith, when Ryan found himself a problem alcoholic, he thought his faith would guide him through. It wasn’t until he truly dove full on into a program of recovery that he learned the surrender needed to finally get sober.
Follow Ryan on IG at @rycanaday and check out Free Spiritual Community where they don’t do shame! @freespiritualcommunity
RESOURCES
Excellent Drugs and Suicide resource from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/drug-addiction/drugs-and-suicide/
If you have questions about how your condition can lead to suicidal thoughts check this out from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/co-occurring-disorders/suicide-hotline/
Alcoholics Anonymous online meetings
Narcotics Anonymous online meetings
Find an Overeaters Anonymous meeting
https://oa.org/find-a-meeting/
Refuge Recovery website
Substance Abuse and Mental Health services
1-800-662-HELP
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Suicide prevention hotline
1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Domestic Violence hotline
1-800-799-SAFE
National Human Trafficking hotline
1-888-373-7888
https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
Al-Anon information (support for families)
Follow The Other Side of Hell on all the Socials!
IG: @othersideofhell_recoverypod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theothersideofhell101
Twitter: @TOSOHellpodcast
Tik Tok: @theothersideofhell
Email us at theothersideofhell@gmail.com
For more information about the show, resources, or merch check out our website at theothersideofhellpodcast.com!
Contact us if you have ideas for a show, are interested in sharing your story, or are struggling in any way. Seriously.
Thanks to all who support the podcast! Remember you are the most important part of the show!
Friday Sep 03, 2021
#087 | Taking Advantage of Second Chances | Hayley‘s Warstory
Friday Sep 03, 2021
Friday Sep 03, 2021
How many of us literally shouldn’t be here? For most of us, it isn’t hard to point out more than one occasion where we should have lost our lives. Whether it’s because of something we did drunk, or when we were young or even because of an ailment, we’re not short on second chances.
So what are you doing today to take advantage of YOUR second chances? Well, today we’re sharing this week’s warstory from Haley, and she is someone who is definitely not wasting hers. It inspired us to talk about how we should all be taking advantage of second chances.
Hayley always felt different. Knowing she was adopted played a part in her feelings of abandonment. She often heard she was a bad kid growing up so she became determined to prove that typecast right. Booze became a way for her to settle into her own skin and comfort herself from the angst of life.
Hayley now recovers out loud in a big way. Hear what it took for her to finally get to a point where she was willing to take the suggestions of those around her. She’s an amazing example of what making the most of second chances looks like.
Follow Hayley on IG at @recoverybaddie and don’t hesitate to DM her with questions or if you’re looking for support.
RESOURCES
Excellent Drugs and Suicide resource from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/drug-addiction/drugs-and-suicide/
If you have questions about how your condition can lead to suicidal thoughts check this out from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/co-occurring-disorders/suicide-hotline/
Alcoholics Anonymous online meetings
Narcotics Anonymous online meetings
Find an Overeaters Anonymous meeting
https://oa.org/find-a-meeting/
Refuge Recovery website
Substance Abuse and Mental Health services
1-800-662-HELP
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Suicide prevention hotline
1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Domestic Violence hotline
1-800-799-SAFE
National Human Trafficking hotline
1-888-373-7888
https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
Al-Anon information (support for families)
Follow The Other Side of Hell on all the Socials!
IG: @othersideofhell_recoverypod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theothersideofhell101
Twitter: @TOSOHellpodcast
Tik Tok: @theothersideofhell
Email us at theothersideofhell@gmail.com
For more information about the show, resources, or merch check out our website at theothersideofhellpodcast.com!
Contact us if you have ideas for a show, are interested in sharing your story, or are struggling in any way. Seriously.
Thanks to all who support the podcast! Remember you are the most important part of the show!
Friday Aug 27, 2021
#086 | Thriving After Trauma with Katie | Jesi's Story
Friday Aug 27, 2021
Friday Aug 27, 2021
Most of us addicts have been through some shit. Then there are those of us who have REALLY been through some shit. Unfortunately, we addicts don’t rule the market on trauma. It generally gets spread indiscriminately to those who may simply be in the wrong place and the wrong time.
This week we’re talking about Thriving after Trauma, a topic inspired by a warstory from Jesi. We asked Katie to join us for this topic as she is an advocate for domestic violence. We know that there is something magical that happens when we’re able to look at someone who has struggled and say to them, “I know how that feels.” Katie is someone who has been there.
Jesi had years of abuse and trauma in her childhood which eventually led her to abusing alcohol at 12 years old. She found escape in men, self harm, and reckless behavior, all coupled with drugs and alcohol. Hear how she found herself with the courage to step away from drugs and alcohol, and leave behind her abuser.
Her story is an amazing testament to what we’re able to do when we’ve finally had enough.
Thank you Jesi for sharing your story.
Follow Jesi on IG at @athentically.jesi to see just how her journey unfolds.
Katie is on IG as well at @redhead_forrealz. You can check out her podcast and learn more about her at www.katiescrazycorner.com
If you or anyone you know is in a domestic violence situation, assistance can be found here:
Domestic Violence hotline
1-800-799-SAFE
RESOURCES
Excellent Drugs and Suicide resource from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/drug-addiction/drugs-and-suicide/
If you have questions about how your condition can lead to suicidal thoughts check this out from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/co-occurring-disorders/suicide-hotline/
Alcoholics Anonymous online meetings
Narcotics Anonymous online meetings
Find an Overeaters Anonymous meeting
https://oa.org/find-a-meeting/
Refuge Recovery website
Substance Abuse and Mental Health services
1-800-662-HELP
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Suicide prevention hotline
1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
National Human Trafficking hotline
1-888-373-7888
https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
Al-Anon information (support for families)
Follow The Other Side of Hell on all the Socials!
IG: @othersideofhell_recoverypod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theothersideofhell101
Twitter: @TOSOHellpodcast
Tik Tok: @theothersideofhell
Email us at theothersideofhell@gmail.com
For more information about the show, resources, or merch check out our website at theothersideofhellpodcast.com!
Contact us if you have ideas for a show, are interested in sharing your story, or are struggling in any way. Seriously.
Thanks to all who support the podcast! Remember you are the most important part of the show!
Friday Aug 20, 2021
#085 | Alcohol's Effects on Mental Illness with Gill from Sober Powered
Friday Aug 20, 2021
Friday Aug 20, 2021
What is so appealing about alcohol that we go through the trouble of figuring out how we can drink normally? Are we drinking because we’re unhappy or unhappy because we’re drinking? Is alcohol relieving our depression and anxiety or masking them?
We have questions.
Lucky for us, today’s guest has answers.
On this week’s episode, we welcome Gill to the show. She is host of the Sober Powered podcast and biochemist whose own journey with alcohol inspired her to start answering her own questions. We’re talking to her today about the effect that alcohol has on mental illness, a topic inspired by her own warstory.
From drink number one Gill felt intense shame. Eventually she would make peace with that and her drinking became a fairly normal occurrence in college. It became evident fairly quickly however that Gill couldn’t seem to control her intake. Ever the scientist, she seemed determined to make it work. Failure to moderate led to dark thoughts and suicidal ideations that had her determined to put the booze down for good. Today she uses her time to share what she has learned on her journey as a biochemist in sobriety with the world through her YouTube channel and podcast.
Gill’s amazing podcast is available anywhere you listen to podcasts.
https://open.spotify.com/show/6vtGToNOqNxRTLGnBg5l5f?si=_y9DggKpTIuYOAYeX0KSAQ&dl_branch=1
Check out and subscribe to her YouTube channel for more amazing and insightful content.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeSyBTEFmsP49h2q_mxqMOw
Follow Gill on IG at @sober.powered
Thanks Gill for all you do!
RESOURCES
Excellent Drugs and Suicide resource from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/drug-addiction/drugs-and-suicide/
If you have questions about how your condition can lead to suicidal thoughts check this out from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/co-occurring-disorders/suicide-hotline/
Alcoholics Anonymous online meetings
Narcotics Anonymous online meetings
Find an Overeaters Anonymous meeting
https://oa.org/find-a-meeting/
Refuge Recovery website
Substance Abuse and Mental Health services
1-800-662-HELP
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Suicide prevention hotline
1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Domestic Violence hotline
1-800-799-SAFE
National Human Trafficking hotline
1-888-373-7888
https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
Al-Anon information (support for families)
Follow The Other Side of Hell on all the Socials!
IG: @othersideofhell_recoverypod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theothersideofhell101
Twitter: @TOSOHellpodcast
Tik Tok: @theothersideofhell
Email us at theothersideofhell@gmail.com
For more information about the show, resources, or merch check out our website at theothersideofhellpodcast.com!
Contact us if you have ideas for a show, are interested in sharing your story, or are struggling in any way. Seriously.
Thanks to all who support the podcast! Remember you are the most important part of the show!
Friday Aug 13, 2021
#084 | Making Yourself Available | Will's Warstory
Friday Aug 13, 2021
Friday Aug 13, 2021
What an interesting topic. Making yourself available? For what?
FOR OTHERS IN RECOVERY!!!
If there is one thing we’ve figured out by now, a sure fire way to get out of self is by helping others. In order to do so we must make ourselves available to those who may still be suffering. Easier said than done sometimes. Luckily, we have a great many-a-people we can look to for advice if ever we get perplexed. Oh look at that! They too have made themselves available! THIS IS HOW IT WORKS.
This week’s topic is inspired by an incredible warstory from Will. Growing up in New York, Will had a fairly normal childhood, experimenting with weed. In College, he met his match. Heroin became all he cared about and had him stealing and resorting to things he never thought he’d do to get his next fix.
Interestingly, Will always wanted to become a recovery coach and even when using was trying to attend school to pursue this career. Hear what it took for him to finally put down the needle and apply the surrender necessary to get the help he needed.
Thanks Will for sharing your amazing story!
RESOURCES
Excellent Drugs and Suicide resource from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/drug-addiction/drugs-and-suicide/
If you have questions about how your condition can lead to suicidal thoughts check this out from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/co-occurring-disorders/suicide-hotline/
Alcoholics Anonymous online meetings
Narcotics Anonymous online meetings
Find an Overeaters Anonymous meeting
https://oa.org/find-a-meeting/
Refuge Recovery website
Substance Abuse and Mental Health services
1-800-662-HELP
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Suicide prevention hotline
1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Domestic Violence hotline
1-800-799-SAFE
National Human Trafficking hotline
1-888-373-7888
https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
Al-Anon information (support for families)
Follow The Other Side of Hell on all the Socials!
IG: @othersideofhell_recoverypod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theothersideofhell101
Twitter: @TOSOHellpodcast
Tik Tok: @theothersideofhell
Email us at theothersideofhell@gmail.com
For more information about the show, resources, or merch check out our website at theothersideofhellpodcast.com!
Contact us if you have ideas for a show, are interested in sharing your story, or are struggling in any way. Seriously.
Thanks to all who support the podcast! Remember you are the most important part of the show!
Friday Aug 06, 2021
#083 | Discovering Yourself | Alex's Warstory
Friday Aug 06, 2021
Friday Aug 06, 2021
“I always thought I liked heavy metal but did I really like heavy metal?”
When we get sober it's said that the only thing we have to change is everything. For some of us that means EVERYTHING. Generally, we’ve been out using and drinking so long that we don’t really have any sense of who we are as sober individuals. It takes going through the process of self-discovery to learn new things about ourselves.
In this week’s episode we’re talking about the journey of discovering yourself, a topic inspired by the amazing warstory from Alex. Having always felt different, alcohol helped her cope with the restlessness of being in her own skin. For a long time she kept her two lives separate but eventually her habits had her stealing from her employer and she could no longer keep her secret using life a secret without quitting her job and fully immersing herself into drinking and using. Eventually someone planted a seed in her that would spark a desire to get help and she was able to begin a process of figuring out who she was without the drugs and alcohol.
We’re blessed and grateful to be able to share her story.
Check her out on IG for inspirational content and follow her journey at @alexy talbot_healthyxxl.
RESOURCES
Excellent Drugs and Suicide resource from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/drug-addiction/drugs-and-suicide/
If you have questions about how your condition can lead to suicidal thoughts check this out from The Recovery Village www.therecoveryvillage.com/co-occurring-disorders/suicide-hotline/
Alcoholics Anonymous online meetings
Narcotics Anonymous online meetings
Find an Overeaters Anonymous meeting
https://oa.org/find-a-meeting/
Refuge Recovery website
Substance Abuse and Mental Health services
1-800-662-HELP
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Suicide prevention hotline
1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Domestic Violence hotline
1-800-799-SAFE
National Human Trafficking hotline
1-888-373-7888
https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
Al-Anon information (support for families)
Follow The Other Side of Hell on all the Socials!
IG: @othersideofhell_recoverypod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theothersideofhell101
Twitter: @TOSOHellpodcast
Tik Tok: @theothersideofhell
Email us at theothersideofhell@gmail.com
For more information about the show, resources, or merch check out our website at theothersideofhellpodcast.com!
Contact us if you have ideas for a show, are interested in sharing your story, or are struggling in any way. Seriously.
Thanks to all who support the podcast! Remember you are the most important part of the show!