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In this episode of The Courage to Change, Ashley Loeb Blassingame speaks with author and illustrator Amanda Davis about two deeply connected experiences: growing up in a home impacted by alcohol use disorder and later navigating postpartum OCD as a new mother. Amanda shares what it was like to lose her father to alcohol-related illness at a young age and how growing up in an unpredictable, high-stress environment shaped her nervous system, anxiety, and sense of responsibility. She explains how those early experiences laid the groundwork for postpartum OCD years later, when multiple major life changes collided at once. The conversation takes an honest, clear-eyed look at postpartum OCD, including intrusive thoughts, “sticky” thinking, reassurance-seeking cycles, and the fear many mothers feel about admitting what’s happening in their minds. Amanda walks through how her symptoms showed up, why they were so frightening, and how an intensive outpatient program specifically for postpartum OCD helped her recover. Together, Ashley and Amanda also discuss how we talk to children about hard things, including addiction, loss, anxiety, and recovery, and why silence often does more harm than age-appropriate honesty. Amanda shares how these experiences led her to write Sometimes Stormy, a children’s book that gives families language for talking about emotional storms without shame. This episode is for mothers, clinicians, educators, and caregivers who want to better understand postpartum OCD, intrusive thoughts, and how recovery can look when the struggle is internal, invisible, and deeply misunderstood. www.AmandaDavisArt.com "Sometimes Stormy: A Story About Finding Calm and Staying Safe When Someone You Love Drinks Too Much" by Amanda Davis #LocalBookStore #AmandaDavisArt #PostPartumOCD #ParentalLoss

Lesley Jones never had the dramatic “rock bottom” people expect. No arrests, no lost job, no catastrophic implosion. Instead, she lived with the quiet, relentless hum of anxiety and the mental gymnastics of someone who intuitively knew alcohol worked a little too well. As a high-achieving oldest daughter, state-champion athlete, and lifelong perfectionist, she learned early how to drink with precision to silence the internal buzz of fear and pressure. In this conversation, Lesley shares what most people never talk about: the early-stage progression of alcohol use, the mental toll of constantly negotiating with yourself, and the moment she realized she didn’t need to lose everything to decide she was done rolling the dice. She breaks down how she got sober in her late twenties, what actually shifted, how motherhood reshaped her awareness, and the internal “fan noise” that finally pushed her toward change. We also dig into the difference between abstinence and recovery, parenting with a program, why “mommy wine culture” is a trap, the slow creep from control to obsession, and how she built a sober life she’s proud of — including a beautiful company, Traveling Pendants, dedicated to passing on strength through shared stories. This episode is a lifeline for anyone who’s ever quietly wondered, “Is this getting a little too loud?” You do not need a spectacular bottom to choose a better life. What The Listener Will Learn • How early-stage alcohol use disorder shows up long before obvious consequences • Why anxiety, perfectionism, and “oldest daughter energy” often drive early drinking patterns • How mommy-wine culture quietly normalizes dependency • How the mental load of drinking becomes its own problem • The difference between simply not drinking and actually being in recovery • Why intuition is often the first, most accurate warning sign • How to recognize the internal “fan noise” that signals addiction creeping in • What it looks like to get sober without hitting a dramatic bottom • Practical tools for staying sober in social and family environments • How working a recovery program can shift the way you parent • Why community and accountability are critical in early sobriety • How Lesley’s Traveling Pendants project uses shared storytelling to give people strength • High-functioning alcoholism and its invisible progression • Anxiety, control, and self-medication • The myth of the rock bottom • Early intervention and choosing sobriety before major loss • Motherhood, drinking culture, and social normalization • The psychological burden of planning drinking • Why people quit long before the big consequences • Emotional and spiritual transformation through recovery • Community, sponsorship, and accountability • Repair, amends, and healthier family dynamics • Storytelling as connection • Passing strength forward through shared experience

Cory Suggs grew up in a tiny Oklahoma town where life looked perfect—until it wasn’t. After his parents’ divorce at sixteen, he spiraled into a decade of reckless living, validation-seeking, and self-destruction. At twenty-five, multiple unexplained strokes left him unable to walk, battling depression, and convinced his life was over. A year later, Cory went into the woods to end his life. What happened next changed everything. In a single blink, he saw two versions of his future—one dark and empty, one bright and full of life—and chose to live. That moment sparked a lifelong practice of gratitude that became his anchor for healing. In this powerful conversation, Cory shares: The hidden cost of seeking approval through recklessness and addiction What it’s like to lose your body, your identity, and your will to live—and rebuild from zero The vision that stopped his suicide attempt and started his recovery How daily gratitude, faith, and movement transformed his mind and body Losing his mother to suicide and finding peace through forgiveness and purpose The role of personal development, proximity, and mentors like Tony Robbins in reshaping his life What true masculinity and emotional strength look like for men today Cory’s story is raw, redemptive, and deeply human—a reminder that life doesn’t happen to us, it happens for us. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode is a lifeline of hope and practical wisdom. Connect with Cory: CorySuggs.com Follow Ashley: @ashleyloebblassingame www.couragetochangepodcast.com www.ashleyloebblassingame.com Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicide and depression. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 in the U.S. for support.

Therapist Neha Kumar opens up about infertility, IVF, endometriosis, and postpartum depression. We talk about cultural expectations in South Asian families, the reality of new motherhood, what “natural” doesn’t mean, and practical ways to support women through fertility treatment and postpartum mental health. It is honest, grounded, and full of hard-won perspective. This episode is sponsored by Reconstruction Unlimited, a recovery-focused organization that provides coaching, interventions, and holistic support to help people and families thrive in long-term recovery. Guest Neha Kumar, LMFT Private practice therapist focusing on women’s mental health, postpartum, and culturally informed care. Website: https://prosandpsyche.com Growing up as the youngest of three girls in a South Asian immigrant family and the “son preference” context Film school to therapy (why service work in India changed her path) Undiagnosed inattentive ADHD, chronic fatigue, and how symptoms were missed Endometriosis finally diagnosed after years of severe cycles IVF at 28, grief around repeated negatives, cost, and stigma Postpartum depression after baby one, spinal headache after baby two, and what “hopeless” actually feels like Why “it is natural” does not mean “it is easy” for conception, birth, or breastfeeding Practical support for friends in fertility treatment (what helps, what hurts) Advocating for yourself in healthcare and pushing for answers Building resilience, redefining “enough,” and finding a new normal Validation matters. Delayed diagnoses of ADHD and endometriosis can fuel years of self-blame. Support should be operational. Rides to monitoring, meal trains, childcare, and help with logistics beat platitudes every time. Language counts. Avoid “just relax,” “have you tried…,” or fast fixes. Try “I am so sorry. I am here. What do you need today?” Postpartum depression often feels like hopelessness more than sadness. Sleep loss and medical complications can intensify risk. Community reduces harm. Modern parenting often lacks the “village” that many cultures build by design. Resources: Neha’s practice: https://proseandpsyche.com Postpartum Support International (find local help, warmline): https://www.postpartum.net ADHD information and screening overview (inattentive type): https://chadd.org Endometriosis basics and patient guides: https://www.endofound.org If you are in crisis, contact your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department. Postpartum Support International helpline (US): 1-800-944-4773 (call or text “HELP”) If this episode helped you, share it with a friend who might need to hear it. Rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find these conversations. For speaking, collaborations, or sponsor inquiries, contact us through the podcast website. #infertility #ivfjourney #ivfsupport #endometriosis #postpartumdepression #postpartumsupport #motherhood #womenshealth #mentalhealth #maternalmentalhealth #southasianwomen #culturalexpectations #newmomlife #postpartumjourney #ivfcommunity #endowarrior #adhdawareness #healingjourney #fertilitysupport #womensupportingwomen #griefandloss #hope #strength #resilience #parentingjourney #mommentalhealth #breakingthestigma #motherhoodunplugged #itsokaynottobeokay #thecouragetochangepodcast

Welcome to the first episode of Season 7! This episode of The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast is brought to you by our sponsor Reconstruction Unlimited. As our sponsor, Reconstruction brings their mission to life by supporting individuals through personalized coaching, case management, and aftercare programs that foster meaningful transformation and sustained well-being. Learn more at www.reconstructionunlimited.com. Tides of Grief, Waves of Grace: Ashley Jo on Sobriety, Loss, and Building a Life After Trauma In this powerful episode of The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast, host Ashley Loeb Blassingame welcomes back Ashley Jo — former podcast producer, recovery advocate, and now author of the forthcoming memoir Tides of Grief, Waves of Grace. Ashley Jo shares the unfiltered truth about her journey through addiction recovery, grief, and healing after unimaginable loss. From losing her infant son to a rare genetic disease at just 22, to navigating divorce, adoption, and the challenges of raising five children, Ashley Jo’s life has been anything but ordinary. She opens up about surviving a public paternity scandal, her ex-husband’s struggle with substance use disorder and death from a fentanyl overdose, and how sobriety gave her the tools to lead her family through crisis without turning back to alcohol. In this candid conversation, Ashley and Ashley explore: How sobriety prepared Ashley Jo to face back-to-back tragedies without relapsing Parenting through grief, addiction, and family trauma The roller-coaster pace of life in recovery and learning to accept your unique wiring (hello, ADHD superpowers) How writing her memoir became a therapeutic tool for processing decades of unprocessed grief Why honesty with children about addiction and loss can be a bridge to healing The concept of “two things can be true” — embracing both joy and sorrow Ashley Jo’s story is one of resilience, radical honesty, and finding grace in the middle of chaos. If you’re navigating sobriety, parenting challenges, or life after loss, this episode offers hope, hard-earned wisdom, and a reminder that the waves that threaten to drown us can also be the ones we learn to ride. Order Ashley Jo’s memoir: thisisashleyjo.com Listen now for an inspiring, real-life example of recovery, redemption, and rebuilding after life’s most brutal storms. Topics: sobriety journey, grief recovery, fentanyl overdose, addiction recovery, memoir, parenting through grief, ADHD and recovery, healing after loss, substance use disorder, family therapy, resilience, emotional healing, The Courage to Change Podcast

I dropped the ball in Season 6. My guests were great but my cadence was not. Season 7 is coming back stronger than ever — Scott is back, we’ve got a sponsor, and I can’t wait to share what’s next.

Sarah Campos was born in Arizona and raised in Southern California. She graduated from ASU with a BS in Business. A hairdresser by trade, she now runs a full time e-commerce business online that supports clean living and wellness. She is the mother to Jaxon, Alesa and Ford. When tragedy struck her family in the form of the death of her 8 year old son, it sent her drinking into a destructive spiral. Numbing the pain of the loss she eventually ended up in detox and finally found help in AA and Al Anon.  She is new to the sober community but in 2 short years her sobriety has been completely life changing even in the worst circumstances. Today she gets to live imperfectly but free from addiction. She honors her son’s memory in the love she gives to his siblings. Episode Resources Connect with Sarah Campos Instagram |  @campos_mama Connect with The Courage to Change Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast Podcast Email | [email protected] YouTube | The Courage to Change Playlist Lionrock Resources Lionrock Life Mobile App | lionrock.life/mobile-app Support Group Meeting Schedule | lionrock.life/meetings

TV host and author Marci Hopkins joins Ashley to share her deeply personal journey from childhood trauma and decades of functional drinking to hitting rock bottom—and rising again. In this raw and eye-opening conversation, Marci reveals how perimenopause played a critical but overlooked role in her escalating alcohol use, the hidden struggles behind her success in television, and how she finally found peace through sobriety, healing, and spiritual connection. Marci opens up about growing up in chaos, experiencing abuse, and turning to alcohol at a young age to cope. She talks candidly about her final DUI, how perimenopause and antidepressants intertwined with her drinking, and why so many women suffer silently through this transitional period. Through it all, she found purpose in storytelling, launching Wake Up with Marci, and writing her book Chaos to Clarity to help others find hope. If you’ve ever wondered how hormones, trauma, and high-functioning addiction intersect—or how healing is possible no matter how far you've fallen—this is a must-listen episode. Topics Include: How perimenopause impacted Marci’s mental health and substance use The illusion of high-functioning alcoholism Healing from childhood abuse and generational trauma Working the 12 steps and finding spiritual strength Rewiring your brain and rewriting your narrative Parenting in recovery and repairing family patterns Resources & Links: 📖 Chaos to Clarity: Seeing the Signs and Breaking the Cycle – Available on Amazon 🌐 WakeUpWithMarci.com 📩 Email Marci: [email protected] 📲 Follow Marci on social @wakeupwithmarci

In this powerful episode, Alreen Haeggquist shares her journey of resilience, from surviving childhood abuse in a deeply patriarchal household to becoming a fierce advocate for justice. After decades of silence, Alreen made the brave decision in 2023 to publicly speak out about her experiences—challenging cultural stigmas, confronting family denial, and ultimately transforming her pain into purpose. Now a successful attorney, she dedicates her career to representing survivors of workplace harassment and abuse. Topics We Cover: ✅ The long-term impact of childhood abuse and silence ✅ How trauma can resurface later in life—even when you think you’ve moved on ✅ The reality of confronting family denial and cultural pressures ✅ The hidden power dynamics of workplace abuse and how perpetrators defend themselves ✅ Essential legal rights women should know before entering the workplace ✅ Why speaking out is both terrifying and liberating ✅ How to recognize red flags in work environments that enable harassment If you’ve ever struggled with past trauma, wrestled with family expectations, or wanted to understand how abuse manifests in professional settings, this conversation is for you. 🔗 Resources & Contact: Alreen's website: www.alreen.com Her book: Fired Up: Fueling Triumph from Trauma – Available wherever books are sold. "Triggers are like echoes from the past—you have to learn to recognize and control them." - Alreen Haeggquist

In this inspiring episode of The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast, host Ashley Loeb Blassingame sits down with Randy Hall, a recovery advocate and facilitator based in Birmingham, Alabama. Randy shares his powerful journey from addiction to recovery, exploring how he found healing through multiple recovery programs, including Recovery Dharma, SMART Recovery, and the 12 Steps. Randy opens up about his struggles with addiction, his near-fatal battle with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and the pivotal moments that led him to transform his life. He discusses the importance of cultivating self-compassion, embracing diverse recovery paths, and creating space for self-acceptance over perfection. Listeners will gain insight into the complementary nature of various recovery methods and the crucial role of community support. Randy's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of growth, even after life-altering experiences. Key Takeaways: Multiple Recovery Pathways: Learn how blending programs like Recovery Dharma, SMART Recovery, and the 12 Steps can create a holistic recovery journey. Mind-Body-Spirit Balance: Explore the significance of nurturing mental, emotional, and physical well-being in recovery. Self-Acceptance Over Perfection: Discover how shifting from a self-improvement mindset to a self-acceptance approach can be transformative. Resilience in Adversity: Hear Randy’s powerful story of survival through Guillain-Barré Syndrome and how it ultimately became a turning point in his recovery. Resources Mentioned: Recovery Dharma SMART Recovery The Phoenix Celebrate Recovery She Recovers Connect with Randy Hall: Instagram: @RandallWesleyHall Email: [email protected] Join the Conversation: Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast for more stories of resilience and transformation. Leave a review and share this episode with anyone who might find hope and inspiration in Randy’s journey.

In this episode, Ashley Loeb Blassingame welcomes Arlina Allen, author and longtime recovery advocate, to discuss her latest book, The 12-Step Guide for Skeptics. Arlina shares her deeply personal journey from skepticism to embracing the transformative power of the 12-step process. Together, they explore common misconceptions about 12-step programs, the challenges of facing childhood trauma, and the nuances of navigating recovery as a skeptic. Arlina offers insights into the true purpose behind each step, reframing them as a path to self-discovery, healing, and authentic personal power. They also dive into why so many struggle with terms like “powerlessness” and “higher power” and how recovery can be tailored to individual beliefs and needs. For anyone questioning the 12-step path, or looking for a fresh perspective on transformation, eye-opening perspective. Listeners will gain valuable tools for self-reflection, understand the role of compassion and forgiveness in healing, and discover how to approach the 12 steps in a way that feels empowering rather than intimidating. Whether you're familiar with recovery or new to the concept, Arlina’s honest and relatable approach offers a refreshing take on the 12 steps, making this episode a must-listen for those seeking transformation, personal growth, and a path forward. Intro Announcement: Our next Courageous Book Club book is going to be The Addiction Spectrum by Paul Thomas, MD and Jennifer Margulis, PhD

In this conversation, Ashley Loeb Blassingame and Sarah Allen Benton delve into the complexities of high functioning alcoholism, recovery, and the challenges of parenting while sober. They explore the nuances of addiction, the struggles of self-correction, and the importance of creating a sustainable recovery lifestyle. Through personal anecdotes and insights from interviews with other parents in recovery, they highlight the unique challenges faced by those navigating sobriety while raising children, emphasizing the need for community support and understanding. In this conversation, Ashley and Sarah discuss the multifaceted challenges and insights of parenting in recovery. They explore the importance of self-care, community, and connection, as well as the unique dynamics of raising children while navigating sobriety. The discussion highlights the significance of early intervention, recognizing addictive behaviors in children, and the ripple effect of recovery on family life. They also touch on the importance of open conversations about sobriety with children and the lessons learned from other parents in recovery. Resources: Sarah Allen Benton Links Business: https://www.bentonbhc.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Parents-Recovery-Navigating-Family-Lifestyle/dp/1538181894 She Recovers: https://sherecovers.org/ AA: https://www.aa.org/ For all the raw-fed pups out there, treat them to the best with BJ’s Raw Pet Food! 🐾🥩 Your furry friends deserve top-quality nutrition!: https://www.bjsrawpetfood.com/

Hi everyone, thank you for your patience. I wasn’t able to release an episode the past two weeks, but I’m excited about the upcoming episodes! Tune in to my update on the new bi-weekly release schedule, and I’m looking forward to continuing this journey with you.

Brendan was on the verge of becoming a hopeless, inveterate heroin addict when he, for the sake of his young daughter, decided to turn his life around. He enlisted in the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a crew of elite hotshot firefighters based in Prescott, Arizona. Their superintendent, Eric Marsh, was in a desperate crunch after four hotshots left the crew, and seeing a glimmer of promise in the skinny would-be recruit, he took a chance on the unlikely McDonough, and the chance paid off. Despite the crew’s skepticism, and thanks in large part to Marsh’s firm but loving encouragement, McDonough unlocked a latent drive and dedication, going on to successfully battles a number of blazes and he eventually wins the confidence of the men he came to call his brothers.  Then, on June 30, 2013, while McDonough–“Donut” as he’d been dubbed by his crew–served as lookout, they confronted a freak, 3,000-degree inferno in nearby Yarnell, Arizona. The relentless firestorm ultimately trapped his hotshot brothers, tragically killing all 19 of them within minutes. Nationwide, it was the greatest loss of firefighter lives since the 9/11 attacks.  After the unfathomable loss of that day, McDonough suffered from seemingly insurmountable bouts of depression, Post-Traumatic Stress, and issues with alcohol. But the light of hope that inspired him to keep living in one of his darkest moments—his family who needed him—inspired the firefighter to fight on against depression, addiction and to inspire others to find their best selves, even if that means often looking beyond the self. Building a sense of brotherhood within communities gives McDonough great joy – because it helps this fighter honor the legacy of his 19 lost, but not forgotten, brothers.    Subscribe to The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Stitcher | iHeart | TuneIn | Overcast | SoundCloud   Resourced Mentioned: Brendan's Treatment Center - Holdfast Recovery Brendan's book - Granite Mountain