Episodes
Friday Aug 18, 2023
EP 128 - When Your Loved One Dies
Friday Aug 18, 2023
Friday Aug 18, 2023
In a deeply moving episode of "We Do Recover," Counselor Jared Miller is joined by co-host Dr. Terry Sellers. They dive into an immensely personal and heart-wrenching topic as Dr. Sellers shares the tragic loss of his daughter, Crystal Sellers, to the insidious disease of addiction.
No one is immune to the pain that addiction can inflict, not even a board-certified doctor specializing in addiction medicine, as Dr. Sellers poignantly reminds listeners. Through his raw and candid narration, he speaks on the stark realities of losing a loved one, especially when it's an outcome of an overdose. It serves as a reminder of the indiscriminate nature of addiction.
But it's not just a story of heartbreak and loss. Dr. Sellers demonstrates immense courage in sharing his coping skills. By openly discussing his grief, maintaining his daily routines, and leaning on the support of those around him, he offers valuable insights for those navigating the tumultuous waters of bereavement. His vulnerability in the face of immense pain showcases the importance of community, dialogue, and healing in the recovery journey.
For listeners, this episode is a beacon of hope and understanding. It sheds light on the imperative steps to be taken during the grieving process. Whether you've personally faced such a tragedy or are supporting someone who has, the lessons imparted by Dr. Sellers are indispensable.
Join Counselor Jared and Dr. Sellers in this somber, intelligent, and professional episode as they unpack the realities of grief, healing, and the unshakable human spirit in the face of profound loss.
Friday Aug 04, 2023
EP 127 - Trauma Work with Madison McAllister
Friday Aug 04, 2023
Friday Aug 04, 2023
In this deeply insightful episode, host counselor Jared Miller and host Dr. Terry Sellers welcome Madison McAllister, a seasoned expert in the field of trauma work. With 20 years of experience, Madison delves into the complexities of Internal Family Systems (IFS) as they relate to various types of trauma, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, and childhood trauma. The discussion unveils the intricate connections between trauma and substance abuse, providing profound insights for professionals and those affected by these experiences. The episode frequently references the influential book "No Bad Parts" by author Robert Schwartz, drawing on its principles to further explore and understand the healing process. Whether you're a mental health professional or someone seeking to understand the profound effects of trauma, this episode offers valuable perspectives and strategies for healing and recovery. We hope this episode captures the curiosity of our listeners & reaches individuals who could benefit from healing through IFS.
Friday Jul 21, 2023
EP 126 - Relapse Warning Signs
Friday Jul 21, 2023
Friday Jul 21, 2023
In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Dr. Terry Sellers & Counselor Jared Miller break down the widely-known acronym H.A.L.T. to help listeners identify potential signs of relapse & even add a twist of their own. The discussion revolves around how emotional states like being Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired—and now, even Horny—can escalate into relapse triggers if not addressed promptly.
Miller kickstarts the conversation by discussing how Hunger can be tied to emotional distress & potentially signal a relapse. Sellers concurs, adding insights from his years of experience treating patients. The dialogue then transitions into how Anger, particularly when coupled with feelings of resentment, can provoke a rebellious response in individuals dealing with chemical addictions, often leading to a relapse.
As the conversation unfolds, the hosts shed light on the L—Loneliness. Miller articulates the idea that even in a room full of people, someone can feel deeply isolated, creating a social disconnection that can amplify the risk of a relapse. They also emphasize the importance of acknowledging similarities with others rather than focusing on differences to mitigate these feelings of loneliness.
Turning to T—Tired, Sellers notes how lack of optimal sleep can negatively impact brain function & lead to irritability, a potential relapse warning sign. The importance of prioritizing sleep hygiene is underscored, highlighting the crucial role it plays in overall well-being & recovery journey.
In an unexpected twist, the hosts introduce an additional H—Horny. Despite the taboo nature of the topic, Miller explains how the lack of dopamine release due to decreased sexual activity could be a relapse warning sign. In fact, all components of H.A.L.T., including hunger, anger, loneliness, & tiredness, can be tied back to a deficiency in dopamine, our brain's pleasure-seeking neurotransmitter.
Both Miller & Sellers conclude by emphasizing the necessity of seeking natural, healthy ways to stimulate dopamine release. This proactive approach is key to reducing the risk of relapse & ensuring a successful & sustainable recovery journey. The engaging episode is packed with expert insights and practical tips, making it a must-listen for anyone navigating the complex waters of addiction recovery.
We hope you enjoy this episode! Please help us raise awareness by sharing it with family, friends, co-workers, & community members in recovery from addiction.
Friday Jul 07, 2023
EP 125 - The Transformation with Pascual Lozano
Friday Jul 07, 2023
Friday Jul 07, 2023
Guest Pascual Lozano (known as Paco) joins counselor & host Jared Miller to share his recovery story. Paco has had quite the journey, starting his life in California, where he first encountered mind-altering substances as a means to cope with childhood traumas. At just ten years old, he discovered the alluring escape of a stolen cigarette from his father, a path that led him to experiment with more potent substances over time. By the age of 21, Paco found himself in the firm grip of methamphetamine addiction.
Seeking a fresh start, Paco set off to join his brother in Ogden, Utah, but a twist of fate stranded him in St George, Utah, instead. It was there he landed a job as a maintenance man at Motel 6. Paco's old habits, however, followed him to Utah, and he soon found himself facing multiple charges of drug possession and the prospect of a 10-year prison sentence.
Choosing to take control of his life, Paco entered drug court and successfully completed the program. He credits the Southern Utah recovery community for being instrumental in helping him transform his life. Today, Paco is a beacon of hope and recovery. With multiple years of recovery under his belt, he is happily married to his wife, Kristy, and is a respected member of the Southern Utah community.
In this episode, we discuss the difference between social, experimental, or recreational substance use versus physical dependency, otherwise known as addiction. Paco's story serves as a potent testament that change is indeed possible, inspiring those who are grappling with their own battles and assuring them that it's never too late to take a stand for a healthier, more fulfilling life. Tune in for an in-depth exploration of Paco's journey from addiction to recovery. We hope you enjoy this episode!
Friday Jun 30, 2023
EP 124 - Never Give Up with Matthew Traver
Friday Jun 30, 2023
Friday Jun 30, 2023
Guest Matthew Traver joins counselor & host Jared Miller to share his recovery story. Matt describes a typical childhood, growing up in Wisconsin. He had no idea that playing with older friends in his neighborhood would lead to being sexually assaulted. Matt also shares a traumatic experience of witnessing domestic violence against his mother at the hands of her boyfriend. Matt reflects on how these events led him to isolate himself, leading to symptoms of depression which he looked to escape by abusing various chemicals. In typical progressive fashion, Matt’s polysubstance use disorders placed him on a path to the wrong side of the criminal justice system. Today Matt reflects on those events saving his life! Through drug court supervision & outpatient SUD treatment services, Matt was able to rebuild his life. On the 4th of July, 2023, he celebrates four years clean! Matthew Traver has become a lighthouse for others seeking a new way to live. He started the 501-c3 non-profit organization Never Give Up. The organization's vision is to create transitional housing for individuals being released from jails/prisons to provide a path for lasting change. We hope you enjoy this episode!
Friday Jun 16, 2023
EP 123 - Students Carrying Narcan
Friday Jun 16, 2023
Friday Jun 16, 2023
Dr. Terry Sellers & counselor Jared Miller discussed an article titled “Should Students Carry Naloxone? American Medical Association (AMA) Members Debate Policy Stance” from medpagetoday.com. The big question debated among AMA members was whether students should be allowed to carry Narcan in public schools. Doctor Sellers leads into this topic by sharing the startling statistics of deaths caused by overdose specific to adolescents. Between 2021 and 2022, 1,871 overdose deaths in the age group 14-18-year-olds, 1,090 of those deaths occurred in the adolescent houses, resulting in 781 of those overdose deaths occurring in a public setting. The hosts break down this article, sharing their reactions, thoughts & personal opinions on the AMA members' stance. This episode is full of education & information, we hope you enjoy it!
Friday May 26, 2023
EP 122 - A Conversation with Colicchie and Joe Nester
Friday May 26, 2023
Friday May 26, 2023
In episode 122, host Jared Miller CASUDC interviews music artists Colicchie and Joe Nester regarding their upcoming concerts in Utah. The trio listens to teasers of a few of the songs that will be performed at “Talent in the Park” (in Ogden, UT June 3rd) as well as “A Recovery Concert” (in Saint George, UT June 4th). They discuss the details behind the music, and Colicchie & Joe Nester share thoughts about what they respect in each other’s art/songs. Give this episode a listen to get to know Colicchie and Joe Nester more personally. We hope you enjoy this episode!
Friday May 19, 2023
EP 121 - Shannon J Scholarship with Shantell Van Leuven
Friday May 19, 2023
Friday May 19, 2023
Shantell Van Leuven the founder & president of the Shannon J Scholarship (SJS) Foundation joins host Jared Miller to share the back story behind SJS. Shantell starts by discussing the Foundation's biggest fundraising event on June 3rd, "Talent In The Park". Jared shares stories of his experience as the event's Emcee the previous year (2022). Shantell shares with listeners about the sudden & devastating loss of her brother Shannon who struggled with substance abuse & depression for a number of years. She shares the last conversation with her brother by reading their exchanged text messages, Shantell made her brother a promise to get him help if he is willing. Unfortunately, he passed away from an automobile accident before he was able to receive that help. Today the Shannon J Scholarship Foundation (which is a 501-c3 nonprofit) raises money to assist individuals who are willing but need some financial assistance with getting into a substance abuse treatment facility. Shantell finishes this episode by reflecting on how healing it is for her to be able to carry on her brother's memory & fulfilling the promise she made to him over three thousand times within their community. We hope you enjoy this episode!
Friday May 12, 2023
EP 120 - Recovery Endurance with Judy Berrocal
Friday May 12, 2023
Friday May 12, 2023
Counselor Judy Berrocal (LSUDC) joins doctor Terry Sellers (MD) & counselor Jared Miller (CASUDC) to share her story of recovery. Judy briefly speaks on childhood traumas she endured, which she sought to escape through substance abuse. She shares a very personal, heartbreaking accident while camping with her husband & two children resulting in the death of her two-year-old son. She shares that the shame that came from that accident fueled her methamphetamine addiction. Eventually, Judy attended Foothill Treatment Center in Spanish Fork, Utah. This is where she got connected with previous guest Blu Robinson (Coach Blu, episode 3) the founder of Addict II Athlete. She shares her first healing experience with that fellowship running a 5K with her son's name written across her arm. Today, Judy Berrocal stays involved in recreational recovery activities. She is the chairman of the Aaron Navarro Memorial Tournament (recovery softball). She also works as a licensed substance use disorder counselor in Southern Utah. In addition to being in recovery from addiction, she has recently battled cancer & as of this podcast, is in remission. This is a powerful episode that highlights Judy's physical, emotional, social, & spiritual recovery endurance, we hope you enjoy it!
Friday Apr 28, 2023
EP 119 - Waking Up with Mark Vaughn
Friday Apr 28, 2023
Friday Apr 28, 2023
Mark Vaughn joins hosts Doctor Terry Sellers & Counselor Jared Miller to share his journey of recovery. Mark starts off by sharing that he was born & raised in Ogden, Utah. He reflects back to age ten when his recreational use of Marijuana led to his first inpatient treatment facility by age fifteen. He shares how he went through periods of abstinence for the next twenty years where he would build his life up & then tear it down from polysubstance abuse (cross-addiction/various types of substances). Mark brings an incredible message that recovery & abstinence are two separate things. He shares his experience that attending fellowship meetings wasn't enough for him. He realizes today that working on some form of self-improvement program (e.g. 12 Steps, Smart recovery, CoDA, Therapy) is the difference between recovery vs. abstinence. Mark is an incredible example of an individual who has taken accountability in his life & allowed that process to transform him. We hope you enjoy this episode!
Friday Apr 21, 2023
EP 118 - Recovery on Purpose with Chante Colvin
Friday Apr 21, 2023
Friday Apr 21, 2023
Guest Chante Colvin (NCPSS) joins host Jared Miler (CASUDC) to share her incredible recovery journey. Chante starts by clarifying that today she places her mental health above everything else! She shares how she grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah with her biological parents who both struggled with untreated mental health challenges & how she didn't know anything different. Chante reflects on how her substance use went from occasional/recreational to daily/dependent after the deaths of her father & her significant other of eight years. She bravely shares how her substance use eventually led to homelessness, being physically assaulted, sex work, overdoses, & incarceration. Chante was given the opportunity to attend treatment in Southern Utah. She shares how she has been able to turn her life around. Today, she works at High Desert Counseling as a National Certified Peer Support Specialist. She is over client relations & trains case managers/peer support specialists. In 2022, she was asked to be one of the speakers at the "Not For Sale" event put on by Soup2Hope to help sex workers know there are resources & a way out. Chante expressed that not enough people talk about this part of addiction because of the shame associated with it. She shared, "I realized that I could not hate myself & live a life in recovery at the same time". This is a very powerful, courageous, & raw episode of how Chante Colvin was able to transform herself, we hope you enjoy it! *If you know anyone who could benefit from the content of this podcast please share it with them, that is what it is all about.
Friday Mar 31, 2023
EP 117 - Clean Slate Utah with Noella Sudbury
Friday Mar 31, 2023
Friday Mar 31, 2023
Guest Noella Sudbury, CEO & Founder at Rasa Public Benefit Corporation & Clean Slate Utah joins hosts to spread education & awareness on how one would expunge their past criminal record. Noella shares that Utah was the second state (behind Pennsylvania) to pass the Clean Slate Law in 2019. "Utah's Clean Slate law requires the government to use technology to identify and automatically expunge minor criminal records for qualifying individuals who have remained crime-free for a set period of time. This law went into effect on May 1, 2020." Noella shares how she was able to use this momentum to start the company Rasa Public Benefit Corporation which helps individuals identify which prior criminal charges are eligible for expungement (in less than 3-minutes on the Rasa app or website) & then provides legal help with that process. This episode has life-changing resources! If you know someone who could benefit from hearing it, please share it with them. We hope you enjoy the episode! Here is the website https://www.rasa-legal.com/
Friday Mar 17, 2023
EP 116 - Utah Fentanyl News
Friday Mar 17, 2023
Friday Mar 17, 2023
Guest host Mandy Miller joins her husband & host Jared Miller (CASUDC) to discuss two news articles about Fentanyl relating to Utah. The first article was published in the Salt Lake Tribune referencing a previous news article (from The Washington Post) about Fentanyl flooding into Southern Utah. The host starts off with this article to paint a clear picture of the type of individual purely driven by the profits of Fentanyl. This rolls into the second news article published in The Daily Herald regarding State Senate Bill 254 (SB254). This controversial bill targets the sales of substances that lead to fatalities (e.g. Heroin, Fentanyl, etc.). If the bill passes, law enforcement could charge drug dealers with "drug-induced homicide" in the event that their transaction leads to the death of its user. This charge is a second-degree felony that carries a sentence of five years to life in prison. Mandy states that she hopes the proposed bill would not affect those suffering from addiction but rather those profiting from its sales. Jared struggles with cognitive dissonance (rationalizing two opposing thoughts at the same time) about this bill. Both hosts agree on "murky water"! This bill lacks the details necessary to be embraced by the recovery community at this time. This episode is FULL of information & education about real-time issues. We hope it increases awareness & gets people together to brainstorm some solutions. We hope you enjoy it!
Friday Mar 10, 2023
EP 115 - Resilience with David Brown
Friday Mar 10, 2023
Friday Mar 10, 2023
Guest David Brown joins Doctor Terry Sellers & Counselor Jared Miller to share about his journey into recovery. This episode starts off with announcements of "Talent In The Park" put on by the Shannon J Scholarship organization & "A Recovery Concert" put on by the Sobriety Foundation. Both exciting fundraising events are happening in Ogden (northern) & St. George (southern) Utah. Go to the Facebook page "We Do Recovery with Jared Miller" to see the flyers & get more detailed information. David Brown grew up in Utah, with two loving & supportive parents. He remembers taking his first drink of alcohol in his early teenage years. He shares that a few years later he started smoking marijuana occasionally. David shares that the correlation between his frequency & amount of substance abuse was closely related to two unexpected deaths in his life, his childhood best friend by suicide & his widowed wife by overdose. David shares, "Towards the end, I would use anything I could get my hands on". He shares that after doing drug court three times & multiple treatment attempt failures, he made a two-year commitment to attend the John Volken Academy in Seattle, Washington. David has been clean for the past seven years, today he has a fulfilling career, is an active father in his daughters' lives, & recently got engaged. The takeaway from David's story is don't ever give up, it doesn't matter if it takes a hundred attempts at recovery, keep trying! We hope you enjoy this episode.
Friday Mar 03, 2023
EP 114 - Ketamine Treatment pt 2 with Dr. Evans
Friday Mar 03, 2023
Friday Mar 03, 2023
Dr. Eric Evans, (previous guest from episode 100) joins host Jared Miller in the studio. Dr. Evans is the medical director & owner of a Ketamine clinic voted "Best of Southern Utah" two years in a row, Desert Sands Ketamine, located in St. George, Utah. In this part two series, Dr. Evans & counselor Miller discuss the use of Ketamine treatment (along with talk therapy) to treat medication-resistant depression & PTSD symptoms. Jared shared how he first had skepticism about Ketamine being used therapeutically. However, he opens up about his own personal struggles with medication-resistant depression & PTSD symptoms. He shares how six months ago he began Ketamine treatments & how they have been life-changing for him personally. Dr. Evans shares his opinion on the process of approving medication through the FDA and how he believes there should be another type of process for alternative medications, such as Ketamine, Psylicibin, MDMA, etc. This episode is full of great information and personal experiences. We hope you enjoy it!
Friday Feb 24, 2023
EP 113 - Magic Mushroom Bill
Friday Feb 24, 2023
Friday Feb 24, 2023
CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC ALERT! This episode starts off with a disclaimer that its views & opinions expressed during this episode do not directly reflect its sponsorships. There is currently a proposed bill in the Utah legislation (SB200), to legalize the production & use of Psilocybin (in a controlled medical setting) for the treatment of GAD, MDD, SI, PTSD, & OCD. State Senator Luz Escamilla is spearheading bill SB200, which has recently been tabled for a future vote. Hosts Doctor Terry Sellers & counselor Jared Miller, start by establishing a "baseline" or history of Psilocybin's drug category & current FDA schedule-1 classification. They move into discussing a news article doctor Sellers recently published in Deseret News in opposition against bill SB200. Doctor Sellers shares that he is open to the idea that Psilocybin has the potential for therapeutic benefits, but believes ALL medications should go through the FDA approval process (not a voting process). Jared shares that he remains "curious" about Psilocybin's therapeutic benefits. His main concern would be the screening of clients & how it is distributed. The hosts compare it to the way Marijuana is distributed from a dispensary vs the way Ketamine clinics administer & regulate within the clinic setting. Both hosts agree that today there are a lot of really effective biomedical medications for the physical body, however, there are not a lot of really effective emotional, behavioral, or cognitive medications for the mind. Could alternative medications such as Psilocybin become one? The consensus seems to be that we really don't know! The FDA is "fast-tracking" the research to answer this question as we speak. The hosts want to recognize/respect all thoughts & opinions, they ask that you recognize/respect their thoughts & opinions expressed on this episode at this point in time. This is a very informational & educational episode on the history & proposed use of Psilocybin aka "Magic Mushrooms". We hope you enjoy it!
Friday Feb 17, 2023
EP 112 - HDC-Staff Series One with Vanisa & Crystal
Friday Feb 17, 2023
Friday Feb 17, 2023
Vanisa Trani (NCPRSS) & Crystal Hannig (LCSW) from High Desert Counseling (HDC), join host Jared Miler (CASUDC) in this first-of-its-kind "Meet the Staff Series". These three speakers work professionally in the field of adult substance use disorder treatment. Crystal (Clinical Director & General Manager) starts the episode off by sharing what she thinks makes HDC unique/special. She shares about "The Pretzel Effect", where the goal at HDC is to get the clients set up with an independent mental health therapist, independent medical provider, independent housing, vocational rehabilitation training, & employment services within the community. This is what makes HDC a progressive adult substance abuse treatment provider with a practical approach. In this application-to-life model, clients are not dependent on the treatment provider once services end. This approach assists the client in building a solid recovery foundation that gives them the best chance possible at maintaining long-term recovery (self-efficacy). Vanisa shares her personal journey of recovery & how she utilizes her experience to assist clients as a National Certified Peer Support Specialist. In the second half of this episode, the content shifts to organizations such as the Warf Rats (a group of concert-goers who have chosen to live drug and alcohol-free) & "code words" to utilize in public places to stay safe in recovery (I'm a friend of Bill & Bob). This episode is filled with great education & resources for family members of individuals who are struggling with addiction. It would also benefit individuals in early recovery learning to navigate concerts & social settings where alcohol is present. We hope you enjoy it!
Friday Feb 10, 2023
EP 111 - Find Your Purpose with Jes Wood
Friday Feb 10, 2023
Friday Feb 10, 2023
Interventionist Jes Wood from Rise Within Inc, joins Doctor Terry Sellers & Counselor Jared Miller for episode-111. Jes shares how an experience of sexual abuse (that she did not know how to cope with & was too embarrassed to talk about), led her to polysubstance abuse during her adolescent years. Hosts Seller & Jared discuss the correlating statistics between sexual abuse & substance addiction. Out of every one hundred males who have a substance use disorder, sixty-five of them have experienced sexual abuse/assault in the past. Out of every one hundred females who have a substance use disorder, eighty of them have experienced sexual abuse/assault in the past. All three speakers discuss the importance of never judging individuals struggling with substance addictions since you may never know what kind of traumas they are dealing with internally. Jes Wood's fearlessness & vulnerability to come on this episode to share her truth is nothing short of remarkable. We hope the content of this episode reaches individuals with these same traumatic experiences & gives them the courage to find professional help to begin healing.
Friday Feb 03, 2023
EP 110 - When Life Gets Lifey with Daniel Fosmark
Friday Feb 03, 2023
Friday Feb 03, 2023
Daniel Fosmark, a lifelong friend of host Jared Miller, comes on the podcast to talk about overcoming hardships in recovery. This episode starts off with an emotional message from Jared about watching his wife Mandy go through the extremely hard emotional pain of losing their baby girl at ten weeks pregnant. Jared shares the perspective shift he had during a recent sleepless night, "this must be how my mother felt when I was using". Then Jared turns the question to guest & friend Daniel. Daniel shares about the outward & inward wreckage that substance abuse caused in his life. Daniel vulnerably shares about the process of making amends with his mother & how her unconditional love supports him today. This episode is full of great relapse prevention skills & powerful concepts about overcoming difficult life events such as death/loss, divorce, & grief. Let's just summarize by saying these two "tough guys" shed some tears together! We hope you enjoy this podcast, please share it with others you think could benefit from its content.
Friday Jan 27, 2023
EP 109 - COLICCHIE aka Chas Smith
Friday Jan 27, 2023
Friday Jan 27, 2023
Music artist Chas Smith aka COLICCHIE joins Dr. Terry Sellers & counselor Jared Miller to share his story of recovery. Chas starts off by sharing what his life looks like today. A little over a year ago, he started the Pittsburgh Recovery Center. In September, he got engaged to his fiancé Hannah & explains how the bond he feels with his daughter fills the void he previously felt. Chas answered a question from Anthony (a listener) about his why for staying clean & how he deals with the monotony of life. Chas briefly touched on what led up to his time in active addiction. He spends most of the time in part two sharing about how he started making music as a form of therapy for himself. This was an incredibly powerful episode! We hope you like it & will share it with friends and family.