The Recovery Toolkit Podcast

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Tony Barrett, who shares a powerful and candid story of his battle with alcoholism and how a turbulent childhood shaped his drive for success and purpose. Tony opens up about his early struggles, the pressures that led him to alcoholism, and the ongoing challenge of finding his path to recovery.
 
We delve into Tony’s transformative journey, from his initial steps with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to the ups and downs of maintaining sobriety, including his moments of relapse. Tony reveals the pivotal turning point in his recovery: discovering the Sinclair Method (TSM) and the life-changing experience of becoming a grandparent.
 
Today, Tony is committed to investing in his personal growth, embracing practices like mindfulness, cold-water therapy, and connecting with nature. He shares the tools that have helped him rebuild his life and strengthen his recovery.
 
Whether you're recovering from alcoholism, or gambling harm, or looking for inspiration to develop your own recovery toolkit, Tony’s story offers valuable insights and encouragement. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation filled with hope, resilience, and practical tips for navigating recovery.
 
Join our community of those in gambling harm recovery online and free for coaching sessions, community connection and events here: https://lamplight.online/in/8UmMO/ff1d0d29a136c2b1b7b2348c7c6ba3cdc2223b8729996a7ace3f9fb3b2e8be20
 
Further information: Website: https://www.epicrestartfoundation.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpicRestartFoundation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/epicrestart TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@epicrestartfoundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicrestart/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71554633/

In this week's episode, we're joined by Lewis Vines, host of the popular The Everyman Podcast. Lewis opens up about the struggles that led him into a gambling addiction, sharing his journey of highs and lows. From moments of achievement to times when everything felt like it was falling apart, Lewis experienced the kind of rollercoaster many people can relate to.
 
We dive into the power of experiencing genuine connection and how Lewis’ need to be accepted left him feeling isolated when he couldn’t find his tribe — people he could truly open up to. Eventually, he sought help and is now on the road to recovery, using his platform to support other people who might be struggling in silence. His podcast tackles the often-unspoken challenges many men face in today’s world.
 
Tune in for an honest, raw conversation about mental health, recovery from gambling harm, and the importance of speaking up.
 
Follow Lewis on TikTok @lewisvines6 and @theeverymanpod
Listen to The Everyman Podcast here https://shows.acast.com/the-everyman/episodes or watch on YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaG9NpDPLBb6JoUAD2_yOIM8Q-ll0YUgC&si=NaBzQYyS77T0-lE- 

IIn today's episode Philip Price joins Richie. Philip talks about how his 20-year battle with food, bulimia, and anorexia manifested into a gambling addiction which lasted a further seven years.
Philip talks about his time in Gordon Moody and how it helped him deal with grief and trauma. After leaving Gordon Moody, Philip joined EPIC Restart and worked with his recovery coach to set some goals for his future. Philip started with a vision board which allowed him to start working towards a new life.
He talks about the life changing events he attended and how those events have started a ripple effect leading to being part of new communities, using cold water therapy, and meeting new people. Listen now to hear what other tools make up Philip's toolbox.
Philip's Instagram is here and his Facebook is here.

This week, we're joined by the incredible Jenny Bryson, a shining light in the recovery space in the North East and the Deputy CEO of Recovery Connections. 🌟
Jenny shares her remarkable journey, which has been anything but straightforward, yet it offers hope to anyone in active addiction or recovery. We dive into discussions on parenthood, helping others, and finding purpose through lived experience—key elements that drive the meaningful work Jenny does today. In this episode, we explore leaning into the unknown and facing courage. Highlighting how this approach is vital for progress in both recovery and life, but also stressing the importance of having the right support in place to feel safe. We hope you enjoy Jenny’s inspiring story and learn how to embrace the unknown with confidence.
#RecoveryToolkit #Podcast #RecoveryJourney #Courage #LivedExperience
Epic Restart Website: https://www.epicrestartfoundation.org
Recovery Connections Website: https://www.recoveryconnections.org.uk/
 

This week, host Richie Paxton is joined by Nathan Pollard, an active member of AA who has been sober for over six years. In this inspiring conversation, Nathan shares how he's created a life far beyond his wildest dreams and is soon to be married to the love of his life.
His story is one of commitment and a deep willingness to change. Nathan also reflects on how he manages his recovery and life now, compared to the early days of his journey. His insights offer valuable lessons on growth, resilience, and the power of perseverance. Tune in now to hear Nathan’s story and discover how you, too, can build a life beyond your wildest dreams.
#RecoveryToolkit #Podcast #Sobriety #Commitment #Inspiration

In today's episode Richie talks to Chris who has been in recovery since 2012. He is still an active member of Gambler's Anonymous and still does service to help and support others. Here, Chris talks about his journey in recovery and how Karate allowed him to find a purpose and build a new bond with his daughter.
Chris is always looking for the next challenge in his life so he can keep moving forward. Celebrating success is a major talking point in today's podcast and how hard it can be - but also how important it is as part of the journey of recovery.

On this week's podcast Richie is joined by Ross who talks about how he was obsessed with football from a young age. Ross had an incredible football career, captaining his country for the under 20 squad, but explains how that obsession moved from football to gambling.
 
For Ross, this led to multiple suicide attempts until he found support from Sporting Chance Clinic. His addiction then manifested in abusing drink and drugs. Ross joins us today multiple years into his recovery and shares his story in the hope that it can help someone else.

This week our host is Stacey Goodwin who flips the roles to have Richie Paxton in the hot seat. Richie talks about his journey and how he now gets to redefine what success looks like for him.
Richie discusses the never ending journey of self awareness and self improvement that is a pillar of his recovery.
Living a life that aligns with his values is of utmost importance to Richie although he of course has times when life isn't always plain sailing.

Today Richie talks to Jo Mustafa. Jo has had an incredible journey through recovery and is now a Recovery Coach at Recover Together.
Jo is a wonderful example of what is possible if you ask for help, do the work, and focus on yourself. Here, the discussion covers how Jo built her confidence, showed courage, and overcame her challenges. 
Jo has been involved in national campaigns on stigma, has spoken on numerous other podcasts, and is thriving in her recovery. 

Richie is joined by Iceguy’s founder Chris Nicholas.
Chris talks about the struggles he had in his 20’s due to acne that affected his confidence and self-esteem. Those struggles lead to a keen interest in men's mental health.
Chris has had a few sliding doors moments in his life that has led him to where he is today. He talks about how buying a road bike was a big catalyst to unlocking a new passion in Triathlon, changing his career and getting into coaching. Find out more about Iceguys by following their social channels @iceguyscic