Tag: resilience

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2026-08-142026-08-21

Episode 0082 Pat Experience Strength and Hope

Pat sits down with the Old Rucker, Jeremy, Tony, Ralph and RedBeard to share his raw and uncensored recovery journey, tracing his path from a rebellious childhood and heavy drinking through the Marine Corps, combat in Iraq, multiple DWIs, career setbacks, broken relationships, isolation, and eventually the realization that his life had become unmanageable. Pat talks openly about using alcohol to stay numb, the consequences that accumulated without immediately stopping his drinking, and the turning point that led him into treatment and the recovery program. He also discusses the people who helped him along the way, the importance of sponsorship, service, faith, accountability, and simply continuing to take the next right step. The conversation ultimately becomes a story of transformation, showing how sobriety, community, and giving back have allowed Pat to rebuild his life, find purpose, and recognize that the future can become better than he ever imagined.

Cabot Group 44th Birthday August 21st

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2026-08-072026-08-06

Episode 0081 Trish Experience Strength and Hope

In this deeply personal episode the Old Rucker sits down with Trish as she shares her powerful journey through alcoholism, relapse, recovery, and redemption. From a chaotic childhood marked by addiction and trauma to early sobriety, devastating loss, multiple relapses, and nearly losing her life during alcohol withdrawal, Trish openly discusses the realities of addiction without minimizing the pain or the hope. Together, they explore the importance of honesty, sponsorship, faith, service, mental health, therapeutic writing, and the daily commitment required to maintain sobriety. This episode is a reminder that relapse does not erase recovery, that there is always hope for those willing to come back, and that no one has to face the journey alone.

Hope Group’s 21st Birthday Celebration Flyer August 10th

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2026-07-312026-07-30

Episode 0080 Warriors and Sheeples

The Old Rucker explores the difference between simply following the crowd and developing the warrior spirit needed to face life’s challenges with courage, discipline, faith, and purpose. This episode examines leadership, personal responsibility, recovery, overcoming fear, and the choices that define who we become. Through stories of figures like Norman Vincent Peale, Theodore Roosevelt, Saint Francis of Assisi, Mother Teresa, and a powerful tribute to Stephanie, a friend who embodied unconditional love despite her own struggles, Bob challenges listeners to embrace compassion, confront their weaknesses, serve others, and leave a legacy written on hearts rather than monuments. The message is clear: everyone has a purpose, everyone has the ability to lead, and the choice between fear and courage, apathy and action, is ours to make.

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2026-07-172026-07-17

Episode 0078 Micah ESH Redux

The Old Rucker sits down with Micah and Emma who share their journey through faith, family, recovery, and redemption. Micah opens up about his struggles with substance abuse, the devastating loss of his father, discovering him after his death, and the PTSD that followed. He shares how his faith became the foundation for rebuilding his life, not through an instant transformation, but through daily choices, counseling, accountability, and continued growth. Emma joins the conversation to discuss supporting Micah through his recovery while sharing her own battle with OCD, anxiety, and fear, and how faith and therapy have helped her find peace. Together, they discuss marriage, vulnerability, mental health, grace, and the importance of not facing struggles alone. Their story is a reminder that recovery is a journey, healing takes work, and hope can be found even in the darkest seasons.

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2026-07-102026-07-09

Episode 0077 Libbie D’s Story

The Old Rucker sits down with longtime recovery advocate Libby D. for an honest conversation about resilience, recovery, service, and purpose. From breaking barriers as one of the first women in corporate sales and pharmaceutical representation, to life as a farmer, community leader, mentor, and recovering alcoholic, Libby shares a remarkable journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, loneliness, and personal loss. She reflects on the lessons learned through Alcoholics Anonymous, the importance of boundaries, humility, and helping others, and how recovery gave her a deeper sense of purpose. The conversation culminates with a powerful story about a horse and a donkey that serves as a metaphor for discipline, freedom, and the choices we make in life. This episode is filled with practical wisdom, hard earned experience, and hope for anyone navigating recovery or life’s challenges.

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Barry Episode 60 – RIP Barry

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2026-06-192026-06-18

Episode 0074 Who’s on Your Throne

The Old Rucker sits down with returning guest Cody along with Chris, a man whose life journey took him from a childhood marked by abuse, years of methamphetamine addiction, and incarceration to a life grounded in faith, accountability, and recovery. Chris openly shares how he spent decades as a high functioning addict, the events that ultimately led to his imprisonment, and the pivotal spiritual awakening that transformed his perspective while behind bars. Through candid discussion, he explores the power of surrender, personal responsibility, biblical study, and recovery programs in helping him rebuild his life. This episode is a powerful testament to redemption, resilience, and the possibility of lasting change when a person chooses to confront their past and embrace a new path forward.

June 20th: Arkansas Soberfest Picnic at the VFW in Cabot, Arkansas

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2026-06-122026-06-20

Episode 0073 A Therapist’s Journey – From Shame to Service

The Old Rucker sits down with this week’s guest Paul Louis, a retired therapist with over 30 years helping vets at the Veterans Administration.
Louis shares the remarkable story of his life, recovery, and decades of service helping veterans overcome addiction, trauma, and PTSD. Growing up in a large but chaotic South Louisiana family marked by alcoholism, dysfunction, and shame, Louis reflects on the experiences that shaped him, his own battle with addiction, and his sobriety journey that began in 1988. He opens up about the devastating loss of his longtime partner during the AIDS crisis, the challenges of living authentically as a gay man in an era of stigma and secrecy, and the lessons he learned through therapy, Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families (ACA). Through stories of resilience, gratitude, emotional sobriety, and healing, Louis offers hope to anyone struggling with family dysfunction, addiction, grief, or shame while demonstrating the transformative power of recovery, service, and self-acceptance.

June 20th: Arkansas Soberfest Picnic at the VFW in Cabot, Arkansas

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2026-06-06

Episode 0072 Grace and Mercy

The Old Rucker talks on the theme of grace and mercy framed through personal recovery experience, mentorship, and reflection on human behavior under stress. Bob recounts formative encounters with a sponsor in a treatment setting, including a hospital visit preceding the sponsor’s death and a later interaction with a priest that reframed judgment toward a panhandler through the lens of unconditional compassion. These events become anchors for exploring the difference between receiving unearned goodwill and withholding deserved consequences, and how both concepts shape ethical behavior and personal growth. The discussion extends into recovery principles, self regulation, and the difficulty of extending the same compassion inward that is often offered to others. Practical reflections include mindfulness of speech, structured self assessment, and reframing adversity through perspective rather than avoidance. The episode also touches on internal dialogue, higher vs lower motivational forces, and the role of practice in developing consistent behavior aligned with recovery and spiritual frameworks.

June 20th: Arkansas Soberfest Picnic at the VFW in Cabot, Arkansas

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“Unconditionally Confident” via Amazon. Pre-order available 23 June. Release date is 4 August.

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2026-05-222026-05-21

Episode 0070 Michaela

The Old Rucker sits down with digital creator, speaker, and author Michaela Mulroe to discuss resilience, identity, and living authentically with Treacher Collins syndrome. Michaela shares how she transformed years of feeling different, mental health struggles, and public scrutiny into a platform built around confidence, advocacy, and purpose through her upcoming book Unconditionally Confident and her new venture, Unconditionally Confident Solutions. The conversation moves from deeply personal moments including a mental health crisis that became a turning point to humor, faith, disability advocacy, family support, and the power of rewriting your own narrative. With honesty, humor, and perspective, Michaela delivers a grounded message about self-worth, service, and refusing to let circumstances define who you become.

Learn more about Michaela at Michaelamulroe.com

Support link for GiGi’s Playhouse: https://gigisplayhouse.org/madison/3-2-1-believer/

Support link for Moving Out, Inc: https://www.movin-out.org/donate

June 20th: Arkansas Soberfest Picnic at the VFW in Cabot, Arkansas

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2026-04-242026-04-23

Episode 0066 Charlie Depression

In this episode the Old Rucker and returning guest Charlie sit down for an unfiltered conversation on depression, anxiety, and the internal battles that don’t always show on the surface, challenging the idea that recovery alone solves everything. Speaking candidly from lived experience, they move beyond statistics into the reality that no one is immune, unpacking how depression can coexist with sobriety, success, and strong relationships while still pulling individuals into isolation, self criticism, and hopelessness. Charlie shares deeply personal moments of recent struggle, describing the paradox of choosing to stay in that “dark place” despite knowing the tools to get out, while both hosts emphasize surrender, connection, and service as imperfect but necessary paths forward. The episode avoids easy answers, instead offering honesty, relatability, and a reminder that while the fight is internal, no one has to face it alone and that simply showing up, speaking out, or being present for someone else can make a critical difference.

June 20th: Arkansas Soberfest Picnic at the VFW in Cabot, Arkansas

2026-04-172026-04-16

Episode 0065 Solo Promise Keepers

In this solo episode the Old Rucker dives into the real meaning of being a promise keeper both in recovery and in everyday life. From personal stories of broken trust to the transformative promises found in recovery principles, he unpacks how integrity, accountability, and consistent action shape who we become. Highlighting the importance of honesty, boundaries, and spiritual grounding, this episode challenges listeners to rethink the weight of their word and offers practical ways to rebuild trust starting from within. Whether you’re early in your journey or well down the road, this conversation is a reminder that progress, not perfection, is what leads to lasting change.

April 16-19: is an Arkansas AA Convention. This one is the 49^th Annual Springtime in the Ozarks, in Eureka Springs. No flier for that one so check out springtimeintheozarks.com.

June 20th: Arkansas Soberfest Picnic at the VFW in Cabot, Arkansas

2026-04-102026-04-09

Episode 0064 Robin & Blake

Bob sits down with Blake and Robin, a couple whose journey through addiction, trauma, and recovery highlights the raw reality of rebuilding a life from the ground up. From Robin’s story of surviving a childhood injury and rediscovering purpose through forgiveness, to Blake’s path through addiction, military service, and eventual sobriety, the episode explores how service work, accountability, and connection to others create lasting change. Their dynamic as partners in recovery, their commitment to helping others, and their willingness to share both struggle and growth make this episode a grounded reminder that no matter how far someone has fallen, there is a path forward and it often starts by simply showing up.

April 16-19: is an Arkansas AA Convention. This one is the 49^th Annual Springtime in the Ozarks, in Eureka Springs. No flier for that one so check out springtimeintheozarks.com.

June 20th: Arkansas Soberfest Picnic at the VFW in Cabot, Arkansas

2026-04-03

Episode 0063 Brett’s Journey

Brett’s journey is shaped by relocation, isolation, and ultimately connection through recovery. Brett shares how moving to Arkansas for work led him from going through the motions of sobriety to truly engaging in it, thanks to a tight knit “tribe” built through service work, events, and shared experiences. Along the way, he reflects on his early years of binge drinking, the cultural normalization of alcohol, and how what started as weekend fun evolved into something deeper. With candid storytelling, raw honesty, and plenty of laughs, this episode highlights the power of fellowship, the importance of stepping out of isolation, and how meaningful relationships can transform sobriety from a routine into a fulfilling way of life.

April 4^th: Grand opening of Crystal Palace, a family friendly, alcohol-free, event center at 173 Hwy 11 in Searcy, AR. Please tell them you heard about it from the Old Rucker. More on this in a bit.

April 16-19: is an Arkansas AA Convention. This one is the 49^th Annual Springtime in the Ozarks, in Eureka Springs. No flier for that one so check out springtimeintheozarks.com.

June 20th: Arkansas Soberfest Picnic at the VFW in Cabot, Arkansas

New Year One Honest Challenge – you can use the links below to submit.

2026-02-13

Episode 0056 Just Keep Swimming

On this episode of Shout Out From The Pit, the Old Rucker reflects on the cycle of struggle, relief, and complacency; how we can go from desperate prayers to comfortable ruts faster than we realize. Through stories of addiction, near tragedy, job rejection, and recovery, he explores why motivation fades, why inspiration comes and goes, and why gratitude must be actively maintained. His message is simple but not easy: good things don’t just happen, we participate in them. When life feels great, serve someone. When life feels awful, serve someone anyway. Action, faith, and helping others are the antidote to stagnation, and the road back to hope.

New Year One Honest Challenge – you can use the links below to submit.

2026-02-062026-02-05

Episode 0055 Joel B’s Journey – ESH

Joel’s story is a blunt reminder that rock bottom doesn’t always involve handcuffs or headlines. In this episode, Joel opens up about childhood trauma, addiction, ego, control, relapse, and the moment his internal voice shifted from self hatred to hope. He shares how detox, honesty, service work, music, and community, especially Bridging the Gap, became the foundation of his recovery. This episode explores shame, guilt, faith without dogma, the danger of isolation, and why “the only thing waiting in the comfort zone is alcoholism.” If you’re new to recovery, stuck in the middle, or questioning whether change is possible, Joel’s experience offers a grounded, lived example of how growth happens one honest step at a time.

This episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/B3krIDAvkNo

2026-01-232026-01-22

Episode 0053 Shari – Cancer

When Shari received a breast cancer diagnosis, surrender wasn’t an option. In this episode, Shari and her husband Les share the full arc of their cancer journey from early detection through routine mammograms, to an aggressive treatment plan involving chemotherapy and immunotherapy, to the emotional, financial, and relational realities few people talk about out loud. With honesty, dark humor, and hard won insight, they explore what it means to fight without denial, support without fixing, and stay mentally and emotionally engaged when everything feels out of control. This episode is a candid conversation about resilience, partnership, early detection, and finding purpose on the other side of the fight.

New Year One Honest Challenge – you can use the links below to submit.

New Year One Honest Challenge – you can use the links below to submit.

2026-01-162026-01-16

Episode 0052 Chris T: From Hellion to Helper – Sobriety, Service, and Second Chances

The tribe sits down with Chris T., a husband, father, tech wirehead, astronomer, and recovering alcoholic with just over 20 years of sobriety. Chris shares a raw, unpolished story of early rebellion, crime, addiction, repeated detox attempts, and the moment he finally asked for help; not because he had a plan, but because he wanted to live. The conversation dives deep into long-term recovery, sponsorship, service work, accountability, boundaries, amends, and spiritual growth without dogma. Chris also reflects on surviving catastrophic motorcycle accidents and multiple strokes, and how perspective, gratitude, and helping others keep him grounded today. This is a grounded, experience-driven discussion about what it actually takes to stay sober, grow up, and give back one day at a time.

2025-09-112025-10-30

Episode 0034 9/11 Tribute – Don Ellis

Interview with Don Ellis, a Pentagon staffer awarded the Medal of Valor, discusses the devastation witnessed at Ground Zero, honor the sacrifices of victims, survivors, and heroes.

Where were you on September 11, 2001?

https://www.riversideactorstheatre.org/

2025-08-012025-10-30

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://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.