S2 E30 Just the Boys

Next week we’ll return to your regularly scheduled programming. This week? We’re fucking off. No guest. No structure. Just Chris, Jeff, and Jakob bullshitting their way through Episode 30, all over the damn place.

Some of it is pure inside baseball—pulling back the curtain on what it looks like to actually run this ship called Pondoff’s Anonymous. Behind-the-scenes sponsor talk, how the pod even keeps the lights on, and the realities of building something that’s equal parts chaos and mission.

But it’s not all production chatter—we veer hard into:

Scammy fake rehab centers in Arizona targeting Native communities

Real recovery work with people like Rikki Fulmer and the mission of Turning Point KC (https://aturningpointkc.org)

The spark of a Wednesday night “spiritual refugee” gathering and what radical inclusivity in recovery could look like

Why rage-fueled algorithms run the internet, and how to fight back by supporting good shit instead of doomscrolling hate

Peanut butter, prednisone, and the little dopamine bombs that replace the old vices

Linkin Park, bachelor parties, back injuries, celebrity rejection emails, and more tangents than a geometry textbook

Messy? Absolutely. Valuable? If you’ve ever wondered how recovery, podcasting, and real life all collide, this one shows it in raw form.

00:00 – Introduction to Sponsors and Mental Health Support

02:22 – Celebrating Milestones and Community Engagement

05:22 – Personal Stories and Connections in Recovery

07:56 – The Importance of Community in Recovery

10:27 – Cultural References and Humor in Recovery

12:56 – Challenges in the Treatment Industry

15:55 – Navigating Personal Relationships and Recovery

18:14 – The Role of Humor in Healing

21:12 – Engagement and Growth of the Podcast

23:50 – Celebrity Outreach and Podcast Goals

26:36 – The Impact of Personal Stories on Recovery

29:15 – Future Plans and Community Events

32:09 – Reflections on Personal Growth and Therapy

34:52 – Engaging with the Audience and Building Community

37:24 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Listeners

49:03 – Aging and Physical Challenges

51:41 – Pain Management and Medication Experiences

53:58 – Personal Growth and Relationships

56:20 – Community and Support in Recovery

59:10 – The Importance of Open-Mindedness

01:02:24 – Creating a Safe Space for Healing

01:05:26 – Authenticity in Spirituality

01:08:32 – Navigating Personal and Social Issues

01:11:06 – Content Creation and Community Engagement

01:20:50 – Vegas Winnings & Catering Bills

01:21:35 – Arousal Template Trouble

01:22:14 – Do Friends Even Listen?

01:23:01 – Music by Jeff on Thursdays

01:24:46 – Toby Keith, Punk Rock & 90s Country

01:25:22 – The Chicks & Culture Wars

01:26:03 – Poking Holes & Podcast Dynamics

01:27:20 – Compassion & Mental Health

01:28:12 – Speaker Nights & Alumni Program

01:30:45 – Service, Storytelling & The 12 Steps

01:31:03 – Spiritual Refugees & New Ministry

01:34:43 – Walgreens Memories

01:35:21 – Wallets, Merch & Hats

01:37:22 – IRC Shirts & Kickball Memories

01:38:11 – QR Codes, Stickers & Business Cards

01:38:45 – Potential New Host

01:41:32 – Podcast Network Possibilities

01:42:13 – Criticism & Compliments

01:42:42 – Hosting Without Pressure

01:43:21 – Ketchup, Eggs & Breakfast Wars

01:45:09 – Breakfast Burritos & Wrap Up

Sponsored by McKelvey Insurance (https://mckelveyins.com).

Call or text Evan McKelvey: 618-581-0513.

LightSource Psychotherapy – Belville-based therapy badasses.

https://findyourlightsource.com