Forest Fires - Addiction, Recovery and Redemption
69 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsForest Fires is a podcast where we discuss the pain of alcohol and drug addiction, the steps to a healthy recovery and the power of redemption. Personal stories and experiences are shared to demonstrate that recovery from a seemingly hopeless disease is possible and that life on the other side is beautiful. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
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Episodes
The Golden Rule and Recovery
November 03, 2022 19:56 - 24 minutes - 22 MBIn Season 2, Episode 19 of the Forest Fires Podcast we discuss the universal application of the Golden Rule and how it impacts our personal recovery. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
The Great Delusion
October 19, 2022 19:47 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBMany alcoholics and addicts in early recovery believe that eventually they can drink or use again normally. This has been called a reservation but in reality, it is a deadly delusion. The truth is that addicts and alcoholics can never use their drug of choice again safely or in moderation. In this episode of the Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we explore the delusion that we can ever go back to being a "normal" user and we discuss why this belief can be deadly. --- ...
Stop Running Away from Life
September 29, 2022 17:36 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBIn Season 2 Episode 17 of the Forest Fires Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we discuss the cultural obsession with escape. The world that we live in has made escapism easier than ever. We can disappear into a cell phone, a computer, a television, a movie or social media with the click of a button, and we can ignore life and all of its responsibilities and stresses for a while. Taking a break from life isn't necessarily a bad thing but many of us take the desire to get away to an unhea...
The unintended consequences of a lie
September 22, 2022 00:00 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBIn season 2, Episode 16 I take a humbling and personal journey down the road of my own dishonesty. In this episode we discuss the power that a single lie can have and in the impact that it can make. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Redefining happiness, success and freedom
September 11, 2022 01:58 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MBIn Season 2, Episode 15 of the Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we discuss how our flawed definitions of happiness, success and freedom can keep us chasing unobtainable goals. We learn that by redefining these goals we are able to reach heights we never knew were possible. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Reach up your hand
September 05, 2022 22:04 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MBIn Season 2, Episode 14 of the Forest Fires Podcast we delve into some of our struggles with asking for and accepting help. I share some less than proud realties of my personal recovery and we discuss some simple ways to stop the cycle of our destruction. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Extreme independence is a trauma response.
August 19, 2022 20:59 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBIn season 2 episode 13 of the Forest Fires Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we discuss how extreme independence can impair and sabotage your recovery. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
A negative view of sobriety will never lead to a positive recovery
August 04, 2022 19:40 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBIn Season 2, Episode 12 of the Forest Fires Addiction, Recovery & Redemption Podcast we discuss how common mindsets about sobriety can sabotage long term recovery. We discuss how the common belief that getting sober is about removing drugs and alcohol can start us on a negative mindset and how that negativity can derail our success before we even get started. We also discuss the distinct difference between sobriety and recovery and explain how a life of recovery isn't about losing anything, i...
Freedom from self defeating patterns.
July 29, 2022 22:45 - 17 minutes - 16 MBIn Season 2, Episode 11 of the Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we discuss how patterns of behavior develop, how that impact us and how they can keep us stuck in a cycle of self defeating behaviors. We also discuss how to change these patterns and how to break free from our self destructive habits and behaviors. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Toxic Enablers
July 25, 2022 17:36 - 10 minutes - 9.78 MBIn Season 2, Episode 10 of The Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we discuss the most dangerous of all enablers, the Toxic Enabler. We discuss what separates them from other enablers and how to identify them. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Is it motivation or manipulation?
July 12, 2022 22:59 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBIn Season 2, Episode 9 of the Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we talk about the power of influence and the subtle but profound differences between motivation and manipulation. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
What’s in a name
July 10, 2022 18:23 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBIn Season 2, Episode 8 of the Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption Podcast I explain the origins behind the Forest Fires name. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Freedom
July 08, 2022 22:51 - 7 minutes - 6.96 MBIn Season 2, Episode 7 of the Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast I discuss how many of us perceive that drugs and alcohol give us a sense of reckless freedom when in truth it enslaves us. In this episode I talk about how my personal sobriety freed me and provided me with the freedom I had always wanted. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
The dangers of destination addiction
June 24, 2022 22:04 - 10 minutes - 9.53 MBIn Episode 6 of Season 2 of the Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we talk about how destination addiction can rob us of the joys of today. Destination Addiction is the concept that happiness is behind the next job, the next pay raise or the next relationship, and it’s crippling us. The chance to be really happy is always going to carry with it risks. There will never be a path that you can take that doesn’t carry some chance of getting hurt. Taking a risk on yourself and ...
The dangers of trying to save someone from drowning.
June 23, 2022 21:47 - 8 minutes - 8.07 MBWatching someone that you love succumb to the depths of their active addiction or alcoholism is much like watching someone drown. It is natural for us to want to jump into the treacherous waters and try and save them, but in doing so we may well be putting ourself in grave danger. In Season 2, Episode 5 of The Forest Fires Podcast we discuss the similarities between drowning and the desperation of active addiction. We also discuss how we must be prepared and strong before we enter into the wa...
Pressure & Time
June 20, 2022 15:52 - 7 minutes - 6.5 MBPressure and time are inevitable forces of nature and are realities that we will never be able to avoid in our lives. How we handle pressure and how we use the time that we have been blessed with will determine the type of life that we live. Have you let the pressures of this world erode you and turn you into something that you aren’t proud of? How are you using the time that you have been afforded? Are you living or just surviving? It’s time to change our perspectives and it’s time to make a...
Abuse you don’t deserve, anger you can’t handle and boundaries you have to set.
June 16, 2022 15:12 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBIn episode 2 of season 2 of Forest Fires we discuss abuse in its many forms, which has been brought to the forefront of the American people’s attention by the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial. We also talk about the anger that the victim of abuse feels and how that anger can become just as toxic and just as destructive as the abuse itself. Finally we touch upon the difficult task of setting and maintaining healthy boundaries so that we can live, rather than just survive. --- Support this...
The addiction to memory
June 13, 2022 00:51 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBIn the first episode of Season Two of Forest Forest we delve into The most addictive thing on the planet. What we learn is that it isn’t isn’t a drug or a drink, it’s a memory. In episode 1 of season 2 of Forest Fires we address how and why so many people get lost in the past and how many of us can become addicted to idealized and often false memories. Living in the past can be destructive and in this episode we discuss ways to let go and embrace the future that awaits you, --- Support th...
What’s going on with Forest Fires?
June 13, 2022 00:50 - 10 minutes - 10 MBEpisode 50 of Forest Fires addresses the month long hiatus that I’ve taken from publishing content and gives a bit of an explanation as to why. Beyond that this informative piece talks about the future of Forest Fires and what you, the listener can expect. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
The truth about lies
April 25, 2022 21:56 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBIn episode 49 of Forest Fires we discuss the destructive power of dishonesty. In this episode we will cover how to address and correct your own dishonest behaviors and how to handle situations where you have been lied to in healthy ways. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
When being right goes wrong
April 11, 2022 19:31 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MBIn episode 48 of Forest Fires we ask the question, would you rather be right or would you rather be happy. No one likes to be wrong, but at what cost do you demand to be right? In this episode we discuss how having to win or having to have the last word can cause significant damage to your relationships, to your emotional and mental health and ultimately to your recovery. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
The transformative power of gratitude
April 01, 2022 04:27 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MBIn episode 47 of Forest Fires we address the powers and forces at work in the world that seek to keep us unsatisfied and discontent. We discuss how and why gratitude can change our lives and empower us. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Comparison is the thief of joy.
March 21, 2022 01:54 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBComparison is a thief. It steals your joy and could steal your recovery. In episode 46 of Forest Fires we discuss how and why comparison is dangerous. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Some bridges need to be burned
March 08, 2022 02:05 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBIn episode 45 of Forest Fires we evaluate the old advice of not burning our bridges. For many of us, to maintain a healthy recovery we have to burn some of the bridges to toxic people, to toxic places and to our toxic thinking. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Recovery is a process
February 09, 2022 01:14 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBIn episode 44 of Forest Fires we discuss the dangers of wanting too much to quickly. We also take a look at the stages of change that you will likely face in your recovery, --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
The connection between anxiety and substance abuse.
February 02, 2022 18:23 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBIn episode 43 of Forest Fires we discuss the connections between anxiety disorders and substance abuse. We also discuss how to address mental health concerns and likewise, how to combat the stigmas associated with mental health conditions and substance abuse. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Acceptance isn’t easy.
January 27, 2022 03:04 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBIn episode 42 of Forest Fires we touch upon the concept of acceptance. Acceptance may be the key to all of our problems but it isn’t an easy concept to apply. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Does it run in the family?
January 18, 2022 20:04 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MBDoes addiction and alcoholism run in the family? In episode 41 of Forest Fires we discuss the impact that addiction and alcoholism have upon the family unit and how addiction may impact future generations. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Changing people, places and playgrounds.
January 12, 2022 21:42 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MBAs addicts and alcoholics in recovery we are often told that we must change the people, places and playgrounds of our past, but doing so is anything but easy. In Episode 40 of Forest Fires we discuss the obstacles that face us as we begin the process of changing our lives. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Handling recovery plateaus
January 05, 2022 18:17 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBAs alcoholics and addicts we don’t handle periods of status quo and normal well. In episode 39 of Forest Fires we talk about these plateaus in our recovery and we discuss how to handle them. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
The myth of the high functioning alcoholic or addict
December 28, 2021 19:21 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBIn episode 38 of Forest Fires we delve into the myth and delusion of the high functioning alcoholic and addict. We discuss how this lie that we tell ourselves keeps us sick and delays our recovery. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Battling the stigmas of alcoholism and addiction.
December 26, 2021 20:43 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBIn episode 37 of Forest Fires we take a look at the plague of addiction and alcoholism that is impacting our country. We also look at the stigma that we, as members of the recovery community, still face. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
The connection between childhood trauma and addiction
December 16, 2021 19:14 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBChildhood abuse is rampant in our society and the connection between childhood trauma and addiction cannot be denied. In episode 36 of Forest Fires we discuss this connection and try and better understand how we can move beyond our trauma responses. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Dealing with toxic relationships
December 07, 2021 23:36 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBToxic relationships are detrimental to everyone, but for those of us in recovery, they can cripple us and destroy our sobriety. In this episode of Forest Fires we look at some of the characteristics of toxic relationships and discuss some methods to deal with them. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Things I wish I had known earlier.
December 03, 2021 23:08 - 16 minutes - 15 MBHave you ever wanted to give your younger self some advice? In episode 34 of Forest Fires we take a look back at early recovery and discuss some of the things it would have been nice to have understood earlier. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Perfection is the enemy of recovery.
November 26, 2021 21:41 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MBIn episode 33 of Forest Fires we take a look at how many alcoholics and addicts struggle with a perfectionism mindset and how this all or nothing attitude can derail our recovery. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Hooked on a Feeling. Dealing with emotions and feelings in recovery.
November 19, 2021 20:11 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBDealing with our feelings and emotions in recovery can be difficult and confusing. In episode 32 of Forest Fires we are going to talk about how we have avoided our emotions and how we can learn to handle them in a healthy and productive way. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Everything you want is on the other side of fear
November 16, 2021 18:19 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBIn recovery and in life in general fear often holds us back. None of us like to admit that we are scared but our actions and our behaviors demonstrate that many of us are crippled by fear. In episode 31 of Forest Fires we discuss how addicts and alcoholics handle fear and we set forth some healthy management skills. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
An unbearable weight. Loving and living through the addiction of a loved one.
November 09, 2021 20:13 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBLoving someone that is suffering from active addiction is hard but it’s battle that you do not have to wage alone. In episode 30 of Forest Fires we discuss means and methods to survive the active addiction of a loved one and ways that you and your relationship can come out on the other side stronger and more resilient. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Creativity, chaos and addiction
November 05, 2021 19:27 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBIn episode 29 of Forest Fires we discuss the link between creativity and addiction and the myths and misinformation associated with such beliefs. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Embrace, Educate, Equip and Empower.
October 30, 2021 18:01 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBIm Episode 28 of Forest Fires we break down the 4 E’s to a successful recovery. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Amends vs. Apologies
October 27, 2021 17:13 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MBApologies are just words, while amends are actions that match our principles. In episode 27 of Forest Fires we discuss the differences between amends and apologies. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
The hidden dangers of success in recovery
October 22, 2021 16:58 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBHow we handle success is just as important as how we handle failure. All too often we allow the successes that flow from our recovery to derail the very things that made us successful in the first place. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Is relapse the end of recovery?
October 19, 2021 20:08 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBIn episode 25 we discuss the dangers of relapse and how to overcome it and grow through it. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Relationships in Recovery
October 16, 2021 21:33 - 35 minutes - 32.1 MBIn episode 24 of Forest Fires we discuss navigating relationships in recovery. We aren’t just talking about how we as members of the recovery community handle relationships but how the people that love us handle them. The waters of any relationship can be turbulent at times. In this podcast we discuss skills and tools that we can use to calm those seas. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Communication Breakdown
October 09, 2021 17:05 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MBIn our digital world we are inundated with ways to talk and communicate with each other, yet we still seem to struggle. In episode 23 of Forest Fires we talk about why we struggle to effectively communicate and discuss ways to improve. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
From Victim to Victor
October 03, 2021 19:30 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBIn Episode 22 of Forest Fires we welcome special guest, Dr. Tom Michaels, and we begin unraveling the victim mentality. We will look at why so many of us in active addiction fall into this mindset. We will also look at ways to combat it in our recovery. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
Reservation for one please. I’d like to order the relapse!
October 01, 2021 02:57 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBThere isn’t a person that has walked into the hallowed halls of a 12 step meeting that hasn’t had a reservation of some form. In this episode of Forest Fires we ask what are reservation? Are they as bad as the old guys make it seem? How do we deal with them? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
The Mental Health and Addiction Connection
September 28, 2021 03:28 - 18 minutes - 17 MBIn Episode 20 of Forest Fires we take a look at the complicated and confusing relationship between addiction and mental health issues. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support
The Number One Offender
September 23, 2021 22:38 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBWe have all heard that Resentments are the number one reason that alcoholics and addicts relapse. But why? In Episode 19 of Forest Fires we take a deeper look at resentments and how the impact us. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support