Toolkit – Shoutout From The Pit

2025-08-082025-08-30

Episode 0029 Spiderwebs and Cigars

This is a candid, unscripted conversation between Bob and his son Mark, a licensed professional counselor, exploring overlaps and differences between therapy, counseling, and recovery work.

2025-08-012025-08-30

Episode 0028 Ben Grimes – Finding Peace in the Pentameter

Ben Grimes is a former 82nd Airborne Ranger turned professional theatre artist and founder of Riverside Actors Theatre, shares how classical theatre—especially Shakespeare’s rhythm and language—became the unexpected framework that helped him and other veterans move out of trauma. In a wide-ranging, raw conversation with Bob (“the old rucker”), RedBeard, and Pat the Marine, Ben walks through his journey from stage to combat to healing, the development of his trauma-informed ensemble work (“The Breach”), and the daily practices that keep him grounded. He also reveals the “toolbox” he lives by, the empathic power of storytelling, and his new chapter as Managing Artistic Director in Paducah, Kentucky. This episode is about purpose, community, rhythm, breath, and the quiet power of letting words do the work.

https://www.riversideactorstheatre.org/

https://markethousetheatre.org/

Shakespeare, Rhythm, and the Vagus Nerve in PTSD Recovery

Disrupting dysfunctional nervous system patterns—even briefly—can create a window of opportunity to build tools for long-term PTSD recovery. Whether through rhythmic speech, breathwork, or clinical intervention, these resets offer a moment of clarity. Over time, repeated use of these methods helps develop a reliable toolkit for resilience—restoring rhythm, breath, narrative, and voice.

2025-06-132025-08-30

Episode 0023 Sponsorship Relations

Republishing to correct the feed, the wrong episode got attached to the original

Charlie and Nathan sit down to share what it’s really like between a sponsor and a sponsee—pulling from their raw, personal journeys through addiction and recovery. Charlie, who’s been in this game a long time and is as real as they come, lays out why walking someone through the 12 steps matters: it’s about building a relationship with your higher power through honesty, surrender, and actually living the work. Nathan, still early in the process, opens up about the hard hits—alcohol, denial, loss—and how connecting with someone like Charlie, who’s walked the walk, gave him real hope. Their bond is rooted in mutual respect, shared purpose, and spiritual growth. This conversation isn’t polished or sugarcoated—it’s honest, human, and filled with the kind of hope that only comes from people helping each other find their footing in recovery.

2025-03-152025-08-30

Episode 0019 Immersion Table Jam – Immerse yourself into recovery

Immersion Table Jam – Immerse yourself into recovery

The Immersion Table Jam – Immerse Yourself Into Recovery discussion centers on the concept of fully committing to a recovery program and the role of spirituality in that journey. Members of the tribe share personal experiences, emphasizing that recovery isn’t just about abstaining from alcohol or drugs but rather a complete transformation of mindset and lifestyle. Brett introduces the idea of immersion by analyzing key phrases from recovery literature that reinforce the necessity of being “all in” to achieve lasting change. The discussion expands to personal revelations about the struggles and breakthroughs experienced in recovery, including spiritual awakenings and the importance of surrendering old behaviors and beliefs to fully embrace a new way of living.

As the conversation progresses, the group delves into the role of a higher power in recovery, recognizing that spirituality can be a deeply personal yet essential component of healing. Various perspectives emerge, from traditional religious beliefs to broader spiritual concepts, highlighting that recovery programs offer flexibility in defining one’s own higher power. Members discuss the significance of faith, self-reflection, and the support of others in sustaining sobriety. The discussion also touches on the importance of engaging in life beyond recovery meetings, maintaining a balance between personal growth and enjoying life’s experiences. The episode closes with reflections on camaraderie, the value of shared experiences, and a commitment to continued support within the recovery community.

2025-02-252025-08-30

Episode 0017 Tolerance Routines and Obstacles Tracks

Members of the tribe gather to discuss principles from their program, focusing on “love and tolerance is our code” and “principles before personalities.” They share personal experiences of how these values have shaped their recovery journeys, emphasizing the importance of treating others with kindness, regardless of differences. They acknowledge that while they don’t have to agree with or even like everyone, they must extend the same patience and support they once received. This mindset not only strengthens their sobriety but also allows them to help newcomers who are struggling. They also highlight that love and tolerance do not mean being a doormat; boundaries are necessary to maintain personal growth and respect.

The discussion shifts to healthy routines and practices, with members emphasizing the role of structured habits in maintaining sobriety. Key routines include prayer, service work, attending meetings, and staying connected to a support network. They discuss the importance of adaptability, acknowledging that while routines provide stability, they must also evolve as they grow in their recovery. Burnout and complacency are common obstacles, and they stress the importance of balancing recovery with other life responsibilities. By keeping recovery as a priority and practicing discipline even on difficult days, they ensure long-term success in their sobriety.

Finally, they address obstacles that can derail healthy habits, including laziness, overcommitment, and life distractions. They recognize that recovery requires consistent effort and self-awareness to avoid falling into old patterns. The discussion concludes with a reminder that their world has expanded since getting sober, and their primary purpose is to help others while staying accountable to their own growth. They emphasize that maintaining balance and being open to change are key to sustaining a fulfilling and sober life.