Advertise on podcast: Unpause Your Life

What happens when life strips away everything you thought you had left? Todd Ennis, known to many as “The Tattooed Viking from Down Under,” has survived childhood sexual abuse, addiction, family separation, and a rock bottom that left him living in an industrial shed. But somewhere in the darkness, Todd made a decision: give life one more day. In this episode of Unpause Your Life, Todd shares how he rebuilt his life through rehabilitation, resilience, and the belief that even when you can’t see the whole way forward, you can choose to keep going. Today, Todd is the creator of the Shield 21-Day Operating System, a resilience coach, keynote speaker, author, and mental health advocate. His story is a powerful reminder that resilience isn’t something you either have or you don’t. It can be learned, practiced, and rebuilt, one day at a time.

What if recovery wasn't just about giving something up but about becoming someone stronger? In this episode of Unpause Your Life, Cali Estes sits down with Dr. Rob Archuleta, licensed addiction counselor, personal trainer, co-founder of Addict2Athlete, seven-time Ironman triathlete, and author of Suffer Well. Together, they explore the powerful connection between recovery, fitness, and personal growth. Their conversation dives into the role of healthy discomfort in transformation, replacing destructive vices with meaningful rewards, building discipline instead of relying on motivation, and how physical movement can become a cornerstone of long-term recovery. Whether you're navigating addiction, supporting someone who is, or simply looking to build a more resilient mindset, this episode offers practical insights and plenty of inspiration. Get Dr. Rob Archuleta's book, Suffer Well: A Tale of Inspiration, Determination, and Perspiration: Barnes & Noble Kobo ebook Apple Books

What does it take to turn your darkest chapter into a life dedicated to helping others? In this episode of Unpause Your Life, Cali Estes sits down with Scott H. Silverman, CNN Hero, crisis coach, author, and nationally recognized addiction recovery advocate. Scott shares the incredible story behind his decades of work helping individuals and families navigate addiction, recovery, and life-changing crises. Together, they discuss Scott's journey, the recognition he received from CNN for his impact, and the powerful lessons from his latest book, You're Not God: That Job Is Taken. Their conversation explores why letting go of control can be one of the most important steps toward healing, healthier relationships, and lasting recovery. Whether you're supporting a loved one, working in behavioral health, or navigating your own challenges, this episode is packed with wisdom, hope, and practical perspective.Learn more about Scott and his work at Your Crisis Coach. Learn more about Scott: https://www.yourcrisiscoach.com/ Get Scott's latest book, You're Not God: That Job Is Taken: https://www.yourcrisiscoach.com/my-books/ Subscribe for more conversations on addiction recovery, mental health, intervention, resilience, and personal growth.

Rock icon Mike Tramp joins Cali Estes for another personal conversation on Unpause Your Life. Best known as the voice of White Lion, Mike opens up about far more than music. He shares what led him to write the foreword for Cali's book, I Married a Junkie, reflects on his friendship with her late husband, and speaks candidly about the loss of his own brother. Together, they explore grief, addiction, family, and the choices that shape our lives. Mike also discusses navigating the height of the rock-and-roll era without becoming consumed by the drugs and alcohol that surrounded so many musicians, offering a perspective on resilience, personal responsibility, and staying true to yourself. This episode is an honest conversation about loss, healing, friendship, and finding purpose through life's hardest moments, proof that our greatest stories often begin long after the spotlight fades.

What if the key to changing your life isn't finding an easier path but becoming someone who can handle harder things? In this episode of Unpause Your Life, we sit down with Chris Holt, a performance coach, former CrossFit affiliate owner, and mindset expert who has spent nearly two decades helping people build resilience from the inside out. Chris shares why physical fitness is only one piece of the puzzle and how nutrition, stress management, daily habits, and the choices we make when no one is watching all work together to shape the life we create. Together, we explore what it means to raise your standards, embrace discomfort, and develop the confidence that comes from consistently doing difficult things. Chris's journey has been featured by CrossFit for his innovative coaching approach and by Men's Health after completing the grueling Double Murph challenge, but what stands out most is his belief that resilience isn't something you're born with, it's something you build, one decision at a time.Whether you're feeling stuck, working toward a healthier lifestyle, or simply looking for the motivation to take the next step forward, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what's possible. Connect with Chris Holt:🏋️ CrossFit Journal Feature: Changing Lives Harry Potter Style: CrossFit Threshold💪 Men's Health Feature: Chris Holt Does Two Consecutive Murph Workouts Back-to-Back Fun Fact: Chris is an identical triplet, a Korean adoptee, and has lived in five different countries. If this episode inspired you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's ready to unpause their life.

In this episode of Unpause Your Life, Cali sits down with interventionist and recovery advocate Michael Gonzales for an honest conversation about healing, transformation, and the role psychedelics played in his own journey. Before becoming a nationally respected interventionist, Michael spent years incarcerated, where his path to recovery first began. Today, with more than a decade of experience helping individuals and families affected by addiction and trauma, he shares how hope, purpose, and unconventional healing approaches helped reshape his life. Together, Callie and Michael explore the evolving conversation around psychedelic-assisted healing, personal growth, recovery, and what it means to move beyond survival into a life of purpose. Whether you're curious about psychedelics, work in the behavioral health field, or simply enjoy stories of resilience, this episode offers a thoughtful and deeply personal perspective. 🎙️ Listen now and discover why healing isn't always about finding the right path—sometimes it's about having the courage to take the first step.

In this episode of Unpause Your Life, I sit down with Dr. Joshua Helman, a Harvard-trained physician, board-certified in both Emergency Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, and a leading voice in the conversation around Alzheimer’s prevention and reversal. With an extensive background in biochemistry and years of hands-on clinical experience, Dr. Josh has worked at the forefront of health innovation—from fasting protocols at TrueNorth Health Center to helping lead a clinic focused on reversing Alzheimer’s and dementia. He currently serves as Medical Director of Hippocrates Health Institute and Chief Medical Officer for multiple Alzheimer’s reversal centers. We dive into what’s really driving cognitive decline, including the role of toxins, lifestyle, diet, and environment—and what people can actually do to take control of their brain health. This conversation challenges conventional thinking and explores the possibility that chronic disease, including Alzheimer’s, may not be as irreversible as we once believed. If you’re interested in longevity, brain health, or taking a more proactive approach to your wellness, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. podcast  https://drjosh.com/podcast/ https://www.DrJosh.com

In this episode of Unpause Your Life, I sit down with Ronnie Costa, a certified chemical dependency counselor, accredited life coach, and dedicated professional who has been working in the treatment field since 2005. From coaching and sober companionship to counseling and case management, Ronnie has spent nearly two decades walking alongside individuals navigating addiction, anxiety, depression, and mental health challenges. Their work is deeply personal and tailored—meeting each client exactly where they are while guiding them toward their own inner wisdom, healing, and purpose. We talk about what it really looks like to support troubled teens, young adults, and those struggling with mental illness, and how individualized care can make all the difference in recovery. Beyond their professional work, Ronnie gives back through volunteering with at-risk youth and the homeless community—bringing compassion and real-world experience into every space they enter. This conversation is a powerful reminder that recovery isn’t just about getting sober—it’s about discovering why you’re here and building a life worth living. https://counselingunlmtd.com/ 800-798-8779 www.facebook.com/ronniecosta3

TJ Woodward is a bestselling author, inspirational speaker, recovery expert, and spiritual teacher dedicated to helping individuals awaken to their inherent wholeness and live from their authentic nature. As the creator of the Conscious Recovery Method, TJ has spent over three decades guiding people through deep personal transformation by integrating spiritual principles with practical psychological tools. He is the author of several influential books, including Conscious Recovery, Conscious Creation, and Conscious Being, which have helped countless individuals move beyond limiting beliefs, heal core emotional wounds, and rediscover inner freedom. TJ’s teachings emphasize self-inquiry, radical self-acceptance, and the recognition that transformation occurs when we shift from unconscious patterns to conscious awareness. TJ was ordained as an Agape International Spiritual Center minister by Michael Beckwith and brings a spiritually grounded yet practical approach to healing and transformation. He is also featured on Wholehearted.org alongside renowned thought leaders including Dr. Gabor Maté and Marianne Williamson, who are shaping contemporary conversations around healing, consciousness, and personal growth. He is the founder and CEO of Conscious Recovery and a respected leader in the behavioral health and personal development fields. TJ has worked extensively with treatment centers, clinicians, and organizations worldwide, bringing a compassionate and innovative approach to addiction recovery, emotional healing, personal growth, and spiritual awakening. TJ is the creator and host of the Unharmable talk show and also hosts multiple podcasts and live conversations, including Element Q and Beneath the Surface, where he engages thought leaders, therapists, and change-makers in meaningful dialogue about healing, authenticity, and living from the inside out. Through his writing, speaking, and facilitation, TJ continues to inspire individuals and communities to remember a profound truth: beneath every story and circumstance lies an unharmable essence that is whole, worthy, and complete. www.tjwoodward.com INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/tjwoodward_ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TJWoodwardAuthor LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-woodward YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/TJWoodward

What does it really mean to live and lead in the intelligence age? In this episode of Unpause Your Life, Dr. Cali Estes sits down with Diane Weaver, COO of Baryons, tech founder, and speaker known for operating at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and real-world application.  With over 20 years of experience driving large-scale transformation, Diane has built a reputation for helping organizations—and individuals—see patterns differently, challenge assumptions, and rethink what’s truly possible. This conversation goes beyond technology. Diane shares how AI, data, and innovation aren’t just tools for doing more—but opportunities to live better, think clearer, and design a life that actually works. As a mother, operator, and builder, she brings a grounded perspective to high-level conversations about performance, health, and intentional living in a rapidly evolving world. If you’re navigating change, building something meaningful, or trying to stay human in a tech-driven world—this episode is for you.

In this episode of Unpause Your Life with Dr. Cali Estes, Dr. Cali sits down with renowned addiction medicine specialist Dr. Mel Pohl to explore the complex relationship between chronic pain, addiction, and recovery. Dr. Pohl is a family practitioner and the Chief Medical Officer at The Pointe Malibu Recovery Center in Malibu, California. He is board certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine and is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. In addition to his clinical work, he serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Nevada School of Medicine. Widely recognized for his groundbreaking work in pain recovery, Dr. Pohl created the Pain Recovery Program at Las Vegas Recovery Center and has authored several influential books, including A Day Without Pain. He is also co-author of Pain Recovery: How to Find Balance and Reduce Suffering from Chronic Pain, Pain Recovery for Families, and The Pain Antidote.  Together, Dr. Cali and Dr. Pohl discuss the realities of chronic pain, the risks of opioid dependence, and how individuals can find balance, reduce suffering, and reclaim their lives. Drawing on decades of experience, Dr. Pohl shares practical insights into pain management, recovery, and the importance of addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of pain. If you or someone you love is struggling with chronic pain or navigating recovery from pain medication, this conversation offers valuable perspective, compassion, and hope.  https://thepointemalibu.com/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738218030/?bestFormat=true&k=the%20pain%20antidote&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k0_1_17_de&crid=KP6SHLVDNVVJ&sprefix=the%20pain%20antidote https://www.menda.health/ https://www.curablehealth.com/

🎙️ New Episode of Unpause Your Life with Dr. Cali Estes! Guest: Lukasz Darmosz | Shamanic Practitioner & Integrative Healer In this episode, Dr. Cali Estes sits down with Lukasz Darmosz—a gifted shamanic wellness guide and founder of Meweshamanicwellness.com. Lukasz blends ancient healing traditions with modern insight to help clients reconnect with their energy, intuition, and inner truth. Together, Cali and Lukasz explore the power of shamanic wellness, energy clearing, and holistic approaches to addiction and trauma recovery. This powerful collaboration marks the beginning of something new—Lukasz is teaming up with Cali to offer his services as part of her holistic client care at Sober On Demand®. Whether you're curious about alternative healing, on a recovery journey, or seeking deeper alignment, this episode opens the door to transformative insight. 🔗 Learn more about Lukasz: www.meweshamanicwellness.com 📲 Follow him on social: IG: @lukdraki FB: Lukasz Darmosz TikTok: @lukdraki

From seven prison sentences and a cocaine overdose to becoming an award-winning community leader, author, and recovery advocate—Gabe Cohen embodies what it means to rewrite your legacy. In this powerful episode, Dr. Cali Estes sits down with Gabe to explore his incredible transformation—from addiction, homelessness, and trauma, to becoming the Executive Director of Discovery Cafe, a hub for second chances and peer-led recovery. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD, Gabe leveraged his lived experience to create groundbreaking peer programming that is now reducing recidivism and offering real hope to those reentering society after incarceration. He shares insights from his new book: “The Peer Recovery Community Organization: How to Leverage Your Lived Experience and Create a New Legacy.” You'll also hear about his unique role as a Krav Maga black belt instructor, corrections chaplain, and peer recovery coach trainer, proving that recovery is not only possible—it's powerful. Tune in to hear how Gabe turned his pain into purpose and built a legacy of healing, leadership, and impact. https://gabecohen.me/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F74T26K9

In this episode of Unpause Your Life, Dr. Cali Estes sits down with Cam F. Awesome—national boxing champ, 3-time Olympic Trials winner, entrepreneur, and stand-up comic with a name that says it all. Cam shares his incredible journey from being a bullied, anxious kid with a busted MP3 player to becoming one of the most decorated amateur boxers in U.S. history. After a controversial Olympic suspension in 2012, Cam didn’t just bounce back—he rebuilt himself with grit, humor, and an unapologetic belief in reinvention. Now a sought-after keynote speaker and creator of Comics in the Courtyard, Cam uses laughter to open minds and shift perspectives on identity, failure, and resilience. Tune in for a knockout conversation packed with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of awesome. You Can Find Cam Here: https://facebook.com/camfawesome https://instagram.com/camfawesome https://youtube.com/camfawesome https://tiktok.com/camfawesome https://linkedin.com/in/camfawesome

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Cali Estes sits down with Jonathon Aslay—nationally recognized dating and relationship coach, author, and self-love advocate. After the devastating loss of his 19-year-old son, Connor, in 2018, Jonathon's grief became a catalyst for profound personal transformation. His journey inward uncovered a powerful truth: at the root of many relationship struggles lies a deep lack of self-worth and self-love.Through his popular book, What The Heck Is Self-Love Anyway?, Jonathon empowers men and women alike to reconnect with themselves and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships—starting from within. Join us as he shares his story of loss, resilience, and the healing path of radical self-compassion. You can find Jonathon: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jonathon.aslay YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@JonathonAslay Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jonathonaslay/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathonaslay?lang=en LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaslay/