In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Carol Ann Ferguson, founder of Books Over Booze, to explore her transformative journey from battling late-onset alcoholism to creating a platform that inspires sobriety through the healing power of books. Carol Ann shares her candid story, revealing how societal pressures, personal struggles, and the stigma of addiction led to years of denial and hidden drinking, culminating in a pivotal moment of illness in 2023 that changed her life forever.

Carol Ann discusses the challenges of maintaining sobriety, particularly in social settings filled with alcohol, and how she discovered solace and distraction in reading. Her journey of self-awareness and the supportive online community she built through Books Over Booze highlight the importance of connection and accountability in recovery. Together, Gary and Carol Ann explore the profound impact of childhood trauma on addiction, the genetic predispositions that concern her for her daughters, and the courage it takes to share personal recovery stories publicly.

Tune in to hear Carol Ann’s inspiring transformation, the lessons she’s learned, and how she’s helping others rewrite their own stories of recovery and resilience. 🌟

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In this powerful compilation episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes celebrates the resilience, strength, and courage of the incredible women who have shared their stories throughout 2024. Featuring inspiring clips from guests like Jenny Leone, who turned her struggles into a voice for vulnerability and strength, and Megan Larsen, who transformed her life through sobriety and discipline, this episode is a testament to the transformative power of recovery.

Each guest brings a unique perspective to the journey of overcoming addiction. From Natalie King’s reflections on finding purpose to Arlina Allen’s insights into breaking barriers in sobriety, these stories highlight the shared experiences of hope, healing, and empowerment. Jeanine Coulter and Kat Lyons discuss the role of community and spirituality in their recoveries, while Brandy Ledford and Mary Tilson inspire with their journeys of self-discovery and personal growth.

This episode is not just a compilation; it’s a celebration of the power of shared experiences. Whether it’s the struggle with alcohol, drugs, or other personal battles, these women prove that no challenge is insurmountable. Join us as we honor their courage and invite you to find hope in their stories.

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In this inspiring episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes welcomes Megan Larsen, a recovery advocate, wellness enthusiast, and aspiring Boston Marathon qualifier, to share her remarkable journey from addiction to empowerment. Megan opens up about the pressures of living up to high expectations, leading to perfectionism, an eating disorder, and early struggles with alcohol dependency. She candidly reflects on her transformative moment of surrender and her commitment to sobriety, which began on Easter 2019.

Through her story, Megan highlights the pivotal role of community support, self-compassion, and holistic healing in recovery. She discusses the importance of addressing biological, psychological, and spiritual aspects in overcoming addiction and achieving personal growth. Megan’s unique approach includes visualization techniques, such as imagining personal milestones like completing the Boston Marathon, to stay focused and motivated.

Gary and Megan also explore the power of sharing personal recovery stories to combat shame, foster accountability, and inspire others to embrace a life of authenticity and purpose. Whether you're navigating your own recovery journey or seeking inspiration for personal growth, Megan's story is a testament to resilience and the human spirit’s ability to thrive.

About Megan Larsen:

Megan Larsen is a passionate recovery advocate, holistic wellness enthusiast, and aspiring Boston Marathon qualifier. After battling alcoholism and perfectionism, Megan transformed her life through sobriety, self-compassion, and community support. Drawing from her personal journey, she inspires others to overcome challenges and unlock their full potential by focusing on mental, physical, and spiritual growth. With a background as a college athlete and her ongoing commitment to mental health awareness, Megan exemplifies resilience and the power of second chances.

Follow Megan on Instagram to join her inspiring journey: https://www.instagram.com/meganeileen3/

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The Begin Again Podcast, hosted by Gary Menkes, presents Part 2 of the 2024 Recovery Compilation—featuring extraordinary moments from a year of inspiring conversations. Dive into the transformative journeys of our guests as they share candid experiences of overcoming addiction, trauma, and life’s challenges.

This episode includes highlights from Arlina Allen’s profound insights on spirituality and the 12-Step program, Ruben Palomares’ raw reflections on finding purpose after addiction, and Jenny Leone’s inspiring resilience. Matt Gardiner, Mary Tilson, and TJ Woodward discuss personal transformations, emphasizing mindset shifts, self-love, and the power of connection.

Other guests, like Paul Summers Jr., Kat Lyons, and Mike Diamond, reveal their journeys toward sobriety and inner peace, while Laurie Anderson and Jeanine Coulter share how their unique recovery approaches inspire others. From heartfelt stories of hitting rock bottom to triumphant moments of clarity, these clips showcase the strength of the human spirit.

Join us as we celebrate the victories, challenges, and hope that define recovery. Let these stories inspire and uplift you or someone you love. 🌟

🎧 Listen now and experience the power of transformation!

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In this special episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes revisits some of the most powerful and inspiring moments from this year’s episodes. Part 1 of our annual compilation brings together stories of resilience, recovery, and transformation from a diverse lineup of guests who’ve faced addiction, trauma, and adversity head-on.

This episode features heartfelt clips from incredible individuals, including Michael Conklin, who turned his life around after battling adversity, and Ruben Palomares, whose journey from struggle to strength is nothing short of inspiring. Samantha Lander shares how fitness became a cornerstone of her recovery, while Zac Spowart takes us on his path to self-discovery and sobriety. Janice Johnson and Jenny Leone reveal how they found purpose and healing, and Tony Hoffman’s advocacy shines a light on the power of redemption.

From overcoming personal challenges to embracing new beginnings, each story in this compilation offers a unique perspective on the road to recovery. Whether you’re seeking motivation, hope, or simply a reminder of the strength of the human spirit, this episode has something for everyone.

Tune in for Part 1 of this two-part celebration of resilience, and join us as we honor the remarkable journeys shared throughout the year. Don’t miss Part 2 in Episode 78!

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Description:

In this thought-provoking episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes welcomes recovery coach, author, and founder of Sober Life School, Arlina Allen. With 28 years of sobriety, Arlina shares her incredible journey from addiction to living a life filled with purpose and connection. She opens up about her struggles with alcoholism and how personal experimentation with the 12-step program, combined with self-reflection and spirituality, became the foundation for her recovery.

Arlina discusses her book, "12 Step Guide for Skeptics," and the transformative impact it’s had on readers navigating their own sobriety journeys. She and Gary explore critical barriers like stigma, resistance, and limiting beliefs that often hinder recovery, offering actionable insights for breaking through these obstacles. Arlina highlights the role of empathy, journaling, and therapeutic techniques in healing and building self-esteem, sharing a free resource from her Inner Compass Program to help listeners take the next step toward personal growth.

Whether you're in recovery or seeking tools for self-improvement, this episode provides valuable perspectives on overcoming fear, embracing vulnerability, and rediscovering a meaningful, sober life. Join Gary and Arlina for an inspiring conversation about courage, connection, and the possibility of transformation.

About Arlina Allen:

Arlina Allen is a certified recovery coach, author, and the founder of Sober Life School. With over 28 years of sobriety, Arlina has dedicated her life to helping others break free from addiction and create lives filled with purpose and joy. Her groundbreaking book, "12 Step Guide for Skeptics", addresses common misconceptions about sobriety programs and offers a compassionate, practical approach to recovery. Through her coaching, podcast, and online resources, Arlina empowers individuals to transform their lives through self-reflection, spirituality, and connection.

Follow Arlina for inspiration and tools for recovery:
Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/ArlinaAllen/
Website: https://www.SoberLifeSchool.com/

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In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Mary Tilson, a certified professional recovery coach, yoga instructor, and founder of Sun and Moon Sober Living.

Mary shares her deeply personal journey through addiction, the struggles she faced while working in a high-pressure corporate environment, and how alcohol and substance abuse became her way of coping with social anxiety and life’s challenges.

Mary recounts her pivotal moment of transformation—a life-altering backpacking trip through Southeast Asia, where she discovered the healing power of yoga, mindfulness, and connecting with nature. This journey inspired her to leave behind her unfulfilling corporate job and embrace a new path of recovery and wellness.

Mary also shares the valuable lessons she learned from her mentor, Nikki, who encouraged her to open up about her struggles and build a supportive community for others navigating sobriety.

Throughout the conversation, Gary and Mary reflect on the stigma surrounding addiction, the importance of holistic healing practices, and the power of community in recovery. Whether you’re on your own path to sobriety or supporting a loved one, this episode offers heartfelt insights and practical tools for living a healthier, more fulfilling life.

About Mary Tilson:

Mary Tilson is a certified professional recovery coach, yoga instructor, and the founder of Sun and Moon Sober Living. Drawing from her personal journey through addiction and sobriety, Mary has dedicated her life to helping others find holistic paths to recovery. Her unique approach integrates yoga, mindfulness, and the transformative power of nature, inspiring individuals to embrace a fulfilling and sober lifestyle. Through her retreats, workshops, and coaching, Mary creates a supportive space for healing and growth. She also hosts the Sun and Moon Sober Living Podcast, where she shares stories and tools for sustainable recovery.

Follow Mary’s journey and access her inspiring content:
Instagram: Sun and Moon Sober Living
Website: Sun and Moon Sober Living
Podcast: Sun and Moon Sober Living Podcast

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In this episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Matt Gardiner, a former musician turned recovery coach, to discuss Matt’s powerful journey from addiction to a life of purpose and transformation.

Matt opens up about his early experiences with alcohol, influenced by a culture that glamorized drinking within his family and the music industry. His struggles led to a devastating hospitalization at 27 and years of attempting to moderate his drinking. Matt shares how hitting rock bottom, losing his father to similar struggles, and making a commitment to break the cycle of addiction in his family ultimately drove him toward recovery.

During the conversation, Matt and Gary explore the vital role of mindset shifts and creating new habits in maintaining sobriety. Matt also discusses how he turned the Covid-19 lockdown into a period of self-reflection, which led him to leave his long-term job and pursue his calling as a sobriety coach.

With heartfelt reflections on his journey and insights on the importance of community, faith, and personal commitment, Matt’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of transformation. Tune in to discover how Matt is helping others find their own path to recovery.

About Matt Gardiner:

Matt Gardiner is a dedicated recovery coach and former musician whose personal journey through addiction has shaped his mission to support others on the path to sobriety. After years of struggling with alcohol, Matt experienced pivotal moments that led him to turn his life around. Now, as the founder of Recovery Roadmap, he empowers individuals to overcome their struggles and embrace new, fulfilling lives. Matt combines personal insights with practical tools, offering guidance through social media and coaching sessions.

Connect with him on his social platforms to follow his inspiring journey and access valuable resources:

Instagram: Instagram.com/RecoveryRoadmap.Me
Website: Sites.Google.com/View/RecoveryRoadmap-Me/Home
TikTok: TikTok.com/@Matt.AlcoholFree.Coach
Facebook: Facebook.com/MattGardinerLIVE
YouTube: YouTube.com/@MattGardinerLIVE

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