Are you stuck in a cycle of blame? Keegan Read and guest Daryl Dittmer dive deep into why responsibility is the key to unlocking your true self. From setting boundaries that preserve your energy to embracing vulnerability as a strength, this episode of Retrieving Sanity is a roadmap for anyone navigating the messiness of personal growth and addiction recovery.

We explore the "poison of blame," the necessity of saying "no," and how to find your "next right step" when life feels confusing. Check out his website here: https://www.daryldittmer.com/

Key Topics

Responsibility and blame in recovery The role of boundaries and discernment Vulnerability as strength and growth The importance of change and adaptability Inner work and spiritual connection

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Recovery and Personal Growth 00:34 The Poison of Blame 03:17 Boundaries and Personal Responsibility 08:39 Vulnerability as Strength 17:38 Navigating Confusion in Recovery 32:22 Game Show Segment: The Next Right Step 49:53 Retrieving Sanity: A Continuous Journey 📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com 🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week 💸Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread

Recovery & Mental Health Podcast

#mentalhealthpodcast #recovery #retrievingsanity #personalgrowth #recovery #boundaries #vulnerability #change #sobriety #selfawareness

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

What happens when your childhood home is literally haunted? Author Amanda Facciano (The Otherworld Saga) joins Keegan Read to discuss how her paranormal upbringing and personal traumas became the "fuel for her fire" in storytelling. We dive deep into the healing power of writing, the "emotional devastation" of art, and how to reinvent yourself when life feels like it's falling apart.

Check out her website here: https://authoramandafasciano.com/

Key Topics

Amanda's haunted house experiences and paranormal encounters How storytelling serves as a trauma release and healing tool The creative process behind The Otherworld Saga and character development The importance of self-awareness and mental health in writing Interactive storytelling and improv as a form of creative expression

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Amanda Facciano and Her Work

01:00 The Influence of a Haunted Childhood

04:21 Exploring Paranormal Experiences

08:00 The Journey to Writing and Publishing

14:04 The Art of Storytelling and Emotional Depth

19:56 Improv Storytelling and Audience Interaction

23:44 Trauma and Writing: A Healing Process

29:57 Finding Light in Darkness

33:11 Transforming Pain into Purpose

39:20 Identity and Reinvention through Writing

45:20 The Journey of a Writer

48:49 Creative Processes and Inspirations

55:32 Retrieving Sanity: Self-Awareness and Forward Momentum

📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com

🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week

💸Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread

Recovery & Mental Health Podcast

#mentalhealthpodcast #recovery #retrievingsanity #paranormal #storytelling #trauma #writing #hauntedhouse #fantasy #authorinterview #traumarecovery

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

In this deeply moving episode of Retrieving Sanity, Thomas Wilson joins Keegan Read to discuss his journey from being labeled a "monster" to becoming a leading advocate for the neurodiverse community. We dive into the raw reality of navigating self-hatred, the hidden impact of ableism, and why storytelling is the ultimate tool for healing trauma.

If you’ve ever felt like an outsider or struggled to set boundaries while helping others, this conversation on creative problem-solving and compassion is for you. Check out his website here: https://www.rhcreativeadvocacyandstorytelling.net/

Key Topics

Thomas Wilson's personal journey from trauma to advocacy The importance of storytelling in healing and connection Creating safe, inclusive spaces for neurodiverse individuals The impact of empathy, boundaries, and accountability Using role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons for social and emotional growth

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thomas Wilson's Journey 04:48 The Power of Storytelling 07:47 Creating Safe Spaces in Dungeons and Dragons 10:37 Navigating Ableism and Bias 27:37 Navigating Self-Hatred and Accountability 31:23 The Role of Compassion in Advocacy 39:05 The Importance of Self-Care and Boundaries 44:11 The Challenge of Feedback and Criticism 52:22 Retrieving Sanity: Personal Reflections and Practices 📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com 🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week 💸 Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread

#Neurodiversity #MentalHealth #DungeonsAndDragons #TraumaRecovery #SelfCare #Advocacy #Storytelling

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!