Genuine Life Recovery with Jodie Stevens

Mastering Emotions: The Secret Curve No One Teaches You (Episode 169)

Mastering Emotions: The Secret Curve No One Teaches You (Episode 169) 

Have you ever felt overwhelmed and emotionally numb — like you can’t name what you’re feeling, let alone express it?
Maybe you've relapsed or shut down and thought, “What’s wrong with me?”

The truth is, it’s not about willpower — it’s about emotional literacy. In this powerful episode, we unpack the hidden emotional roots of relapse, addiction, and disconnection. You’ll learn why so many of us were never taught how to feel, and how that disconnect plays a huge role in mental health and recovery.

🎯 What you'll learn:

• The connection between alexithymia and addiction

• The 7 core emotions and how to identify them

• Why childhood emotional neglect can lead to emotional shut down

• A biblical perspective on healing through emotions

• Tools to feel again — and recover from the inside out

Whether you’re in recovery, love someone who is, or want to grow emotionally and spiritually — this episode is for you.

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on mental health, faith, and real-life recovery.

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Same Pain, Different Name: The Patterns Behind EVERY Addiction! (Episode 168)

In this unique dual podcast episode, I, Jodie Stevens and Craig Perra interview each other! We dive deep into our different—but strikingly similar—addiction stories. I share my journey through alcoholism and codependency, while Craig, founder of TheMindfulHabit.com, opens up about his recovery from sex, porn, and digital addiction. Together, we explore how all addictions—regardless of the substance or behavior—often stem from the same emotional roots: shame, fear, disconnection, and trauma. With raw honesty, humor, and heart, we unpack our stories and recovery journeys to show how healing is possible, and why connection, not perfection, is the real goal.

Craig Perra is a world-renowned coach who helps people break free from sex, porn, and digital addictions. A former addict himself, Craig hit rock bottom over a decade ago—losing his job and nearly losing his family. That crisis became the catalyst for something powerful: The Mindful Habit® System—a alternative to traditional recovery programs. His work has been featured on The Steve Harvey Show, A&E’s Digital Addiction, The Katie Couric Show, Good Day Sacramento, and more.

Creative Minds, Anxious Hearts: Our Journey Through Dyslexia & Mental Health (Episode 163)

In this episode of Genuine Life Recovery, I'm joined by fellow dyslexic and storyteller Juliet Hahn for a real, honest conversation about our personal journeys with dyslexia, anxiety, and the mental health challenges that shaped our lives. We explore how learning differences can deeply affect self-esteem, emotional health, and—in my case—lead to struggles with addiction.

Together, we unpack the often-overlooked connection between dyslexia, addiction, anxiety, and menta health; as well as the critical importance of early support and understanding, especially for kids. This episode sheds light on how dyslexia influences identity and mental wellness, the unique gifts that come with neurodivergence, and the role faith and community play in recovery.

Whether you're navigating these challenges yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers encouragement, perspective, and practical tools for the journey. Juliet Hahn is an inspirational podcast host and keynote speaker. Visit her website here! 

Addicted Rapper Survives Heroin, Crime & Near Death-RAW RECOVERY STORY (Episode 162)

What happens when a promising young rapper from Philly spirals into full-blown addiction? Brian Storm went from smoking weed as a teen to surviving overdoses, homelessness, and the kind of darkness most don’t make it out of. This is his raw, real, and redemptive story. In this episode: 🔹 Heroin, crime, and near-death experiences 🔹 The trauma behind his addiction 🔹 Why music and faith helped him heal 🔹 And YES—Brian ends the podcast with a powerful freestyle 🎤🔥 Whether you're recovering, know someone who is, or just want a mind-blowing, true redemption story—this one hits deep. 📘 Based on his book The Struggle 🎧 Listen, Watch, and SUBSCRIBE for more powerful recovery stories 👇 Drop a comment if this story moved you, and help us reach more people by liking and sharing.

 

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Navy SEAL Reveals Missing Link in Youth Development Today (Ep. 161)

In this episode of Genuine Life Recovery, we dive into an incredible redemption story of faith-based recovery, resilience, and healing. My guest, Tom J. LaGrave Jr., is a former Navy SEAL, clinical social worker, and a man who has walked the difficult path of addiction recovery. Once lost in addiction, Tom found hope, healing, and purpose, and now he’s committed to helping young people rise above their struggles and transform their lives. What we cover in this episode: Overcoming Addiction & Rebuilding Life – Tom’s personal journey through recovery from addiction and his mission to help others break the cycle. The Crisis Facing Today’s Youth – Why young people are struggling more than ever and how youth mentorship can make a difference. The Power of Rites of Passage – How structured challenges, responsibility, and biblical wisdom can build resilience and mental toughness. Tom LaGrave is living proof that no one is beyond redemption. A former Navy SEAL whose military career was cut short due to addiction, he fought his way back, found recovery, and committed his life to helping others heal from trauma. With over 35 years of experience in mental health and youth mentorship, he now works to guide the next generation through life’s toughest transitions. Tune in now to hear a story of hope, healing, and faith-based recovery. Check out Tom's book Special Welfare . Social Warfare -Adolescence to Adulthood-A Guidebook

 

#RecoveryJourney #HealingAndHope #RiseAbove #BreakTheCycle #GenuineLifeRecovery

From Stanley Cup to Sobriety: Brent Sopel's Battle with Dyslexia & Addiction (160)

Join us for an inspiring episode as I, your host Jodie Stevens, sit down with Stanley Cup Champion Brent Sopel to delve into our shared experiences with dyslexia and addiction recovery. Diagnosed with dyslexia only after his daughter's diagnosis, Brent reflects on his undiagnosed struggles during his youth, the coping mechanisms he developed, and how these challenges intertwined with his battle against addiction. We explore how dyslexia shaped his exceptional "hockey brain," offering him a distinctive edge on the ice. Brent also shares his mission through the Brent Sopel Foundation, aiming to support and empower individuals with learning disabilities. This conversation sheds light on the profound connection between learning disabilities and mental health, emphasizing resilience, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of advocacy.   

Addiction, Grief, & Surviving the Murder of a Loved One (Ep. 159).

Grief can break you, or it can lead you to a new path. In this episode, Amy Sazama shares her deeply personal journey through unimaginable loss of the death of her mother, the murder of her twin brother, and the generational trauma that shaped her struggles with addiction. She opens up about how grief impacted her mental health, how she turned to substances to cope, and what finally led her to sobriety. We’ll also explore the healing power of fitness, kindness, and finding purpose, and how small shifts can lead to life-changing transformation. Whether you’ve faced loss, addiction, or mental health struggles, this conversation will leave you with hope, resilience, and practical tools for healing. Connect with Amy and pick up a copy of her book Fleetwood Dreams: Climbing a Mountain after a Landslide  

From Booze to Sugar: Breaking Free from the Addiction Swap with Mike Collins (Episode 158).

What happens when you quit drinking, only to find yourself hooked on sugar? Mike Collins knows this struggle all too well. After overcoming alcohol addiction, he realized that sugar was becoming his new crutch—triggering the same cravings, mood swings, and withdrawals. Now, after 30 years of living sugar-free, he’s on a mission to help others break the cycle.

In this episode of Genuine Life Recovery, Mike shares his journey from substance addiction to discovering the hidden dangers of sugar dependency. We explore how sugar affects the brain like a drug, why so many in recovery turn to sweets, and how to break free from the addiction swap. Mike also dives into the role of faith in healing, how the Serenity Prayer helped him surrender his cravings, and practical steps to quit sugar for good.

If you’ve ever reached for candy instead of a drink, felt powerless over sugar cravings, or just want to understand how addiction works on a deeper level—this episode is for you! Tune in for eye-opening insights, recovery wisdom, and the tools you need to take control of your health and freedom. Click HERE to find out about Mike's program and get the FREE book THE LAST RESORT SUGAR DETOX GUIDE