In this episode of Sobertown Podcast, Michal interviews author and blogger Justin Kinney, who has published a 365-day lesson book based on his own experiences with sobriety. Justin shares his journey from high school teacher and coach to author, explaining how his daily journaling practice over several years inspired him to write his book "From Rock Bottom to Redemption." He initially planned to create just six copies for his children but decided to expand the book's reach after realizing it could help others in recovery. Justin shares his recovery journey, describing how he maintained a successful public persona while struggling privately with addiction. He explains that recovery was initially forced upon him due to ultimatums from his then-wife and her family, rather than being something he voluntarily sought. This episode highlights that sometimes, no matter the path that gets us to recovery, it's the destination that truly matters!

Justin Kinney is a high school teacher, coach, and author of From Rock Bottom to Redemption: 365 Daily Lessons for Rebuilding Your Life through Discipline, Faith, and Purpose. After overcoming addiction, he now shares a practical approach to rebuilding life through structure, accountability, and daily discipline. His work focuses on helping others take ownership, simplify their path forward, and create lasting change one decision at a time. Insta: From Rock Bottom to Redemption: 365 Daily Lessons for Rebuilding Your Life Through Discipline, Faith, and Purpose

About Michal:

Michal is an American podcaster and sober warrior who believes every recovery journey is as unique as the individual traveling it. With over a decade of sobriety garnered through various recovery systems, programs, and support networks, she's passionate about breaking down stereotypes and smashing through the shame that can keep those suffering with addiction in the dark. Michal is an animal lover, rescue advocate, and tattooed motorcycle chick who has dedicated her life to helping others, whether in her personal or professional life.

Nothing makes her happier than hearing from her podcast listeners, so if you’re so inspired, drop an email with a suggestion for an Early Days podcast episode, feedback, or just to say hello!

Contact Michal at: EarlydaysPC@gmail.com

Other Sober Resources:

I Am Sober App

Sobertown Podcast Zoom Discussion Groups

Sobertown Podcast Resource Center

Recovery Online Meetings

No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What. Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!! Sobertownpodcast.com

Podcast description: In this episode of Sobertown Podcast, Michal and Jeff discuss recovery from addiction and the role that mental health disorders play. Jeff explains his counseling approach, emphasizing the importance of accepting reality rather than resisting it, and the concept that substances distort reality. They discuss how recovery is an individual process that requires connection with others, and how treatment centers help people by removing them from daily stressors to allow for rational decision-making. They delve into the role that dopamine plays in addiction, as well as exploring the topics of resentment and betrayal. The conversation also covered Jeff's book "Simple Sh!t for Complicated People," which aims to provide an accessible, conversational guide to recovery principles. They conclude by discussing the importance of authentic self-connection and the idea that just because something is familiar doesn't necessarily mean it's healthy. There’s a lot of information packed into this short episode, be sure to catch it!

Jeff Hayward is an author, facilitator, and nationally and internationally accredited counsellor specializing in the treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Website: simpletheory.ca

Insta: the_simple_theory_

FB: Simple Theory

Book link: https://a.co/d/02BKc71o

About Michal:

Michal is an American podcaster and sober warrior who believes every recovery journey is as unique as the individual traveling it. With over a decade of sobriety garnered through various recovery systems, programs, and support networks, she's passionate about breaking down stereotypes and smashing through the shame that can keep those suffering with addiction in the dark. Michal is an animal lover, rescue advocate, and tattooed motorcycle chick who has dedicated her life to helping others, whether in her personal or professional life.

Nothing makes her happier than hearing from her podcast listeners, so if you’re so inspired, drop an email with a suggestion for an Early Days podcast episode, feedback, or just to say hello!

Contact Michal at: EarlydaysPC@gmail.com

Other Sober Resources:

I Am Sober App

Sobertown Podcast Zoom Discussion Groups

Sobertown Podcast Resource Center

Recovery Online Meetings

No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What. Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!! Sobertownpodcast.com

King 13 follows up on intergenerational trauma, promotes Sober Town resources (nearly 400 podcasts and Zoom support), and shares researched reflections (not medical advice) on addressing trauma through open communication, commitment to change, and parenting with awareness. She explains adult attachment issues rooted in early neglect/abuse and outlines secure, ambivalent, avoidant, and disorganized attachment styles, plus how fears of abandonment, rejection, engulfment, vulnerability, and conflict can harm relationships. She describes trauma bonding’s seven stages, relationship red flags, codependency, and how substance use disorder affects partners and trust, offering strategies such as boundaries, self-awareness, weekly relationship check-ins, therapy, and healthier coping. He emphasizes self-love, CBT, challenging thoughts, and nervous system regulation tools like box breathing and vagus nerve practices (breathing, humming, singing, gargling), concluding with gratitude, resilience, and choosing a simple, healthy life.

About The Host:

Deborah Battista aka King 13 began hosting podcasts not long after Sobertown launched. With their aligned values & passion to help others, Deborah changed career paths and became a qualified counsellor & established her own practice Counselling For Wellness. Deborah credits connection & sharing with likeminded folk as the foundation to maintaining her sobriety to date. Her holistic client-centered approach, active listening, collaborating and knowledge of useful tools will help you work out the best way to handle the challenges of life & addiction. If you would like a complimentary 'get to know you' zoom email Deborah to arrange a time.

Deborah.battista17 @gmail.com

Other Sober Resources:

I Am Sober App

Sobertown Podcast Zoom Discussion Groups

Sobertown Podcast Resource Center

Recovery Online Meetings

No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What. Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!! Sobertownpodcast.com