Podcast
I Love Being Sober
Hosted by Tim Westbrook · EN
Hello my friends, and welcome back to yet another episode of I Love Being Sober brought to you by Camelback Recovery - a proud partner to the most effective way to achieve long term recovery without the pain and suffering and high cost of multiple stints in detox, rehabs, and sober living homes. My name is Tim Westbrook and I am the CEO and Founder of Camelback Recovery here in the always sunny and always sober Scottsdale, Arizona where my team and I over the course of many years have helped thousands of people on their path to long term recovery.
I started this show because there is so much misinformation about addiction treatment, mental illness, and addiction recovery in general. There is much more to recovery than just going to inpatient treatment, seeing a therapist, and going to 12 step meetings. Those things are important and AA saved my life. However, to find long term recovery and live happy, joyous and free, there is a lot more to it than just stopping the drinking, stopping the drugs, or stopping any addictive behavior. Sobriety and recovery can and should be fun. That's not to say that the recovery process is going to be easy and it's not to say that there won't be difficult times ahead. However, to live the life that you deserve and for it to be exciting and fun you need new lifestyle habits. New healthy lifestyle habits that promote your mental, spiritual, and physical health. That my friends will lead you to living a KICK ASS SOBER LIFE!
Visit CamelbackRecovery.com to learn more about recovery coaching, sober living, and your next step to freedom and happiness.
31episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
I've Got My Hands On A Miracle: Healing From A 35-Year Wound
1w ago01:46:23Tap to summarizeTerry Murphy has been sober since May 23, 1991—nearly 35 years of continuous recovery. In this live episode of I Love Being Sober, recorded with the Camelback Recovery outpatient community in Phoenix, Arizona, Terry joins host Tim Westbrook to share the addiction that nearly killed him, the morning everything changed, and the life he has built since. Terry is a husband of 47 years, father of two, and grandfather of three. In long-term recovery, he has spent more than three decades serving in substance-use programs with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and the Arizona Department of Corrections. He was appointed by Governor Janet Napolitano to Arizona's substance abuse credentialing committee and founded Helping Hands for the Navajo Nation during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering millions of pounds of aid to tribal communities. In 2024, he became the primary author of the Twelve Step Companion Guide of Cocaine Anonymous—the first major addict-authored recovery text since 1982. He also ran his first marathon at 50 and has now completed five ultramarathons. In this episode, Terry discusses: The night in active addiction when he believed his family would be better off without him—and what stopped him Why he calls addiction "a grave I dug" and recovery a miracle he didn't earn Losing his job after entering rehab, and the opportunity nine months sober that changed everything The difficult amends he has made over three decades in recovery Working the 12 Steps repeatedly—and how each pass brings something new Running marathons and ultramarathons, and what endurance teaches about sobriety Co-authoring a new recovery guide and why it was long overdue What 35 years of sobriety has looked like in its most recent chapter A direct message to those in treatment—and anyone questioning whether recovery is worth it Whether you are new to sobriety, long into recovery, working the Steps, or supporting someone in addiction, Terry Murphy's story is a reminder of what long-term recovery can make possible.
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Overcoming Emotional Suppression
2w ago01:04:28Tap to summarizeWhat if addiction is not a failure, but a signal? What if the cravings, anxiety, and emotional spirals you've been fighting are actually your body trying to tell you something? Tim Westbrook sits down with faith-led wellness guide, registered dental hygienist, and author Melissa-Sue Methven for a conversation on addiction recovery, emotional suppression, nervous system regulation, and the hidden language of the body. After losing her husband to suicide following a long struggle with mental health and addiction, Melissa-Sue began asking the deeper question — why. That single word led her into the work she now shares around the world: helping people reconnect to their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and move out of shame and into awareness. In this episode, you'll learn: Why addiction is best understood as a signal from the nervous system, not a moral failure How emotional suppression silently drives cravings, anxiety, and chronic illness Practical nervous system regulation tools you can use the moment a craving or panic wave hits How to create real internal safety — the precondition for any lasting recovery A live breathwork practice you can return to anytime How faith, surrender, and self-trust support healing without dogma What families of loved ones lost to addiction or suicide most need to hear Whether you're in early recovery, long-term sobriety, supporting someone you love, or simply curious about the mind-body connection in healing, this conversation offers a compassionate reframe and tools you can use today.
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Overcoming Failures In Your Recovery Program
3w ago01:04:37Tap to summarizeWhat if everything you've been told about addiction treatment is wrong? In this powerful episode of I Love Being Sober, recorded live at Camelback Recovery, host Tim Westbrook sits down with Jimmie Applegate — transformational consultant, treatment center owner, U.S. Air Force veteran, and author of Addicted to Failure: Why the Rehab System Doesn't Work and What Must Change — for a conversation that challenges everything the addiction treatment industry doesn't want you to hear. Jimmie pulls back the curtain on a $16 billion industry with a 60–90% failure rate, exposing why so many people relapse after completing rehab — even when they do everything right — and why the system keeps blaming the patient instead of fixing the model. Drawing on neuroscience, personal lived experience, and years of frontline treatment work, Jimmie makes the case that the 30-day treatment model is not just ineffective — it's incompatible with how the brain actually heals from addiction. In this episode, you'll hear: Why rehab keeps failing people — and who's really responsible The biggest myths about addiction still being taught in treatment today What neuroscience actually says about how long recovery takes What genuinely personalized, individualized care looks like How to reframe repeated relapse as a system failure — not a personal one The 10forAddiction movement making treatment accessible for everyone Whether you're in recovery, supporting a loved one, or working in behavioral health, this episode will challenge your assumptions, validate your experience, and leave you with a completely new lens on what healing really requires. 🎙️ Listen now. Share with someone who needs to hear it. 📖 Addicted to Failure is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 🔗 jimmieapplegate.com | beaconcharities.com | 10foraddiction.com
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How A Mental Reset Can Lead To Inner Peace
4w ago01:05:49Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode of I Love Being Sober, we dive into the reality of mental health, pressure, and personal transformation in today's fast-paced, social media-driven world - and how one mental reset can help deal with it all. Recorded live at Camelback Recovery, this conversation explores what happens when success on the outside doesn't match how you feel on the inside. We talk about the breaking point that forces change, the courage it takes to step away and focus on mental health, and what it really looks like to rebuild your life from the ground up. You'll hear insights on managing stress, navigating identity in the age of social media, and redefining what "mental strength" actually means. This episode also breaks down common misconceptions about treatment and highlights practical tools that can be used every day to create balance, clarity, and long-term growth. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or like you're constantly pushing through without slowing down—this conversation is for you. What You'll Learn: The hidden mental health challenges behind success and social media How to recognize when it's time to step back and reset Tools for managing stress, pressure, and daily life The truth about treatment and personal growth How to build a more balanced, intentional life
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RFK Jr. Was A Prosecutor Hiding This For Years
Apr 1401:07:49Tap to summarizeIn this powerful live episode of I Love Being Sober, Tim Westbrook sits down with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at Camelback Recovery for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation on addiction, recovery, and the future of mental health care in America. Known globally for his work in law, public health, and policy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also brings decades of personal experience in recovery. In this candid discussion, he shares his journey through addiction, what it took to get sober, and the daily practices that have helped him maintain long-term recovery. Together, Tim and Robert explore what real recovery looks like beyond abstinence, the role of community and purpose, and why addiction must be treated as a chronic condition—not a short-term crisis. They also dive into critical issues facing the current system, including where treatment is falling short, the need for long-term, outcomes-driven care, and how aligning incentives could transform recovery outcomes across the country. Recorded live in front of clients and staff at Camelback Recovery, this episode concludes with an open and honest Q&A, offering insight, connection, and hope for anyone on the path to recovery. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s personal recovery journey What it really takes to get and stay sober The role of community, service, and purpose in long-term recovery Why the current addiction treatment system is broken What real, lasting recovery should look like The future of addiction and mental health care in America
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How Family Interventions Lead To Lasting Recovery
Apr 1401:02:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode of I Love Being Sober, Tim Westbrook sits down with Andrew Engbring, co-founder of Reflection Family Interventions, to break down why most addiction interventions fail—and what families can do differently to create real, lasting recovery. Too often, families are told to wait for "rock bottom" or simply attend support groups while their loved one struggles. But according to Andrew, this outdated approach can actually make things worse—delaying recovery, increasing risk, and leaving families without the structure and guidance they truly need. Drawing on years of experience leading high-stakes interventions and working with hundreds of families, Andrew shares a powerful, family-centered model that reframes intervention as a process—not a one-time event. This conversation dives into the critical role families play in recovery, the biggest mistakes that lead to relapse, and how early, structured intervention can change the trajectory of someone's life. If you've ever tried to help someone you love and felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next—this episode will give you clarity, direction, and hope. In this episode, you'll learn: Why most interventions fail to create lasting change The truth about "rock bottom" and why waiting is dangerous How addiction impacts the entire family system What effective, structured family involvement actually looks like The biggest mistakes families make when trying to help How to take action—even if your loved one doesn't want help yet This episode is for individuals in recovery, families navigating addiction, and anyone who wants a deeper understanding of how healing actually happens.
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Why You Do Not Have A Broken Brain
Apr 701:09:54Tap to summarizeMost people in recovery assume they have a broken brain, and it hinders them from getting better. But it is not the case. Every person in recovery always has a chance to succeed – all they need is the right support and treatment methods. Tim Westbrook is joined by Dr. Jason Giles, founder of Addiction Doctors, who has been helping people recover from addiction not just through clinical expertise but also real-life experience. He shares how he discards the notion of having a broken brain after going through addiction, and instead focuses on a long-term, intergenerational approach that focuses on the actual root of the problem. Dr. Giles also dispels the misconceptions about willpower, the three important things that make a difference in recovery, and how breathwork and meditation can lead to a powerful mindset shift.
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Self-Love: Moving From Not Enough To Worthiness
Mar 3101:13:34Tap to summarizeThis episode is a little different, and it might be exactly what you need. Instead of just talking about addiction recovery, self-love, and healing. We're inviting you to experience it. Donny Starkins is here to offer a powerful conversation on self-love in recovery, exploring why so many people struggle with unworthiness, shame, and low self-worth, especially in early sobriety. You'll learn how self-abandonment shows up in everyday life, what self-love actually looks like in action, and how mindfulness, discomfort, and presence can become powerful tools for growth. Then we shift. This episode transitions into a live, guided self-love workshop with Donny, designed to help you reconnect with yourself, regulate your nervous system, and build real confidence and inner worth from the inside out. If you've ever felt like you're not enough, either you have struggled with guilt or shame, or are looking for practical tools to support your mental health and recovery journey, this episode is for you. This isn't just something to listen to. It's something to experience.
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The Best Lifestyle For A Good Heart Health
Mar 2401:16:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode of I Love Being Sober, Tim Westbrook sits down with Dr. Jack Wolfson, a board-certified cardiologist known as the Natural Heart Doctor, for a powerful conversation about heart health, longevity, and the lifestyle habits that truly prevent disease. Dr. Wolfson spent years practicing conventional cardiology in one of Arizona's largest heart groups before questioning the traditional medical model. Today, he focuses on root-cause medicine, helping people prevent and reverse heart disease through nutrition, lifestyle changes, environmental awareness, and holistic health practices. Recorded live at Camelback Recovery Outpatient Treatment Center, this conversation explores the deep connection between mental health, stress, addiction recovery, and cardiovascular health. Tim and Dr. Wolfson discuss why modern medicine often treats symptoms instead of causes, how chronic stress and trauma impact the heart, and what people in recovery can do to rebuild both their physical and mental health. If you care about longevity, natural health, mental wellness, and living a sober lifestyle that supports long-term vitality, this episode will give you practical insights you can start applying immediately. In this episode, we discuss: Why heart disease remains the leading cause of death The connection between stress, mental health, and heart health Lifestyle habits that support longevity and disease prevention The role of nutrition and inflammation in cardiovascular health Environmental toxins and their impact on the body How people in addiction recovery can rebuild physical health Simple daily habits that support long-term wellness About r. Jack Wolfson Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, bestselling author of The Paleo Cardiologist, international speaker, and founder of Natural Heart Doctor. His work focuses on preventing heart disease through natural and holistic approaches that address the root causes of illness. Learn more and assess your own heart attack risk here: https://naturalheartdoctor.com/heart-attack-risk-test/ About the Podcast I Love Being Sober is a podcast hosted by Tim Westbrook, exploring addiction recovery, mental health, biohacking, and the lifestyle practices that support a fulfilling sober life.
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Achieving Real Recovery Through Faith
Mar 1701:00:23Tap to summarizeIn this powerful live conversation recorded at Camelback Recovery, Tim Westbrook sits down with Dr. Don Middleton to explore the intersection of faith, addiction medicine, and lasting transformation. Dr. Middleton is a board-certified physician with more than 30 years in family medicine and currently practices addiction medicine at the internationally renowned Meadows Behavioral Health in Wickenburg, Arizona. He also serves as medical director at Vital 4 Men and was named Arizona Physician of the Year at the state medical convention. In this episode, we dive into his book The Dunamis Effect: When Your Higher Power Is Jesus and discuss what happens when Christian faith becomes the foundation of 12-step recovery. This conversation covers: Christian 12-step recovery and the meaning of "Dunamis" The role of Jesus as a Higher Power in addiction recovery Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and faith-based recovery The balance between science, scripture, and sobriety Rebuilding identity after addiction Overcoming shame after relapse The future of Christian recovery ministries Dr. Middleton also shares his perspective on the controversy surrounding medications in recovery and how medical science and spiritual transformation can work together — not against each other. Whether you're early in recovery, a treatment professional, part of a Christian recovery ministry, or simply curious about the role of faith in sobriety, this episode offers practical insight and hope. Learn more about Dr. Middleton's work: 📘 The Dunamis Effect: When Your Higher Power Is Jesus (Available on Amazon) 🌐 https://dunamisinitiative.com 📱 Follow "Dunamis Initiative" on Facebook and YouTube
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