I Love Being Sober

Terry 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.

What 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

In 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.

Most 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.

In 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.

In this powerful episode of I Love Being Sober, Tim Westbrook sits down with award-winning singer/songwriter, vocal coach, and woman in recovery Shylah Ray Sunshine for an honest conversation about sobriety, childhood trauma, motherhood, and the healing power of the human voice. Raised by parents struggling with alcoholism, Shylah shares how early exposure to addiction shaped her life — and how finding 12-step recovery helped her break generational patterns and begin deep emotional healing. She opens up about becoming a mother while navigating her own trauma recovery, balancing career and spiritual growth, and what it truly means to "come home to yourself." Together, Tim and Shylah explore: Growing up in an alcoholic household and finding recovery The role of 12-step programs in healing trauma Breaking generational cycles through sobriety Motherhood and recovery Quitting smoking and reclaiming the physical voice How trauma lives in the body — and in the voice Music as medicine and facilitating healing through sound Using breath, vibration, and expression as tools for transformation Shylah also shares insights from her work as a professional vocal coach and creator of Soul Voice Singing, explaining how reconnecting with your voice can unlock emotional freedom, self-expression, and spiritual alignment. This episode bridges addiction recovery, trauma healing, creativity, and spirituality — offering hope and practical insight for anyone seeking deeper healing. If you've ever struggled to speak your truth, break unhealthy patterns, or reconnect with your authentic self, this conversation is for you. About the Guest Shylah Ray Sunshine is a multi-award-winning Neo-Soul and R&B artist, DJ, professional vocal coach, and proud First Nations Algonquin woman based in Los Angeles. Her music has been shared worldwide, and her work focuses on healing, empowerment, and authentic expression. Learn more about Shylah Ray Sunshine and her Soul Voice Singing work at: www.shylahraysunshine.com

In this episode of I Love Being Sober, Tim Westbrook sits down in person with Jaime Vinck, President of The Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, to have an honest, no-hype conversation about addiction treatment and recovery. Jaime is the author of The Rehab Playbook: Demystifying Addiction Treatment, a guide written to help people in treatment and their families understand what rehab actually does, why it sometimes falls short, and how to approach recovery with clarity instead of confusion. Recorded live at Camelback Recovery Treatment Center in front of outpatient clients, this conversation speaks directly to people who are: Currently in treatment Early in recovery Returning to treatment after relapse Skeptical due to past treatment experiences Family members trying to help without causing harm Together, Tim and Jaime explore why rehab isn't a "fix," how trauma and mental health influence addiction, what accountability really means in recovery, and why aftercare and daily structure matter more than motivation alone. This episode also addresses common misconceptions about rehab, including: Why treatment doesn't always work the way people expect How broken or poorly matched programs can impact recovery Why relapse is not a moral failure What ethical, effective addiction treatment actually looks like If you or someone you love is navigating addiction treatment, recovery, or the decision to seek help, this conversation offers realistic hope, practical insight, and a clearer understanding of the recovery process — without shame, fear, or false promises.

In this episode of I Love Being Sober, Tim Westbrook sits down with Kathryn Elliott, alcohol mindset coach, speaker, and founder of The Alcohol Mindset Coach, to share how she discovered a scientifically proven yet rarely discussed link between alcohol and increased breast cancer risk. Together, they discuss what the research actually says about "moderate" drinking, how alcohol affects hormones, inflammation, and sleep, and why you do not need a diagnosis or a rock bottom moment to reconsider alcohol's role in your life. Kathryn also explores how to approach these conversations without fear, shame, or self-blame, and how clarity, confidence, and well-being often improve when we choose ourselves first.

Addiction is typically addressed in a harsh and imposing manner, and compassion is often thrown out of the window. Heather Ross, a family recovery coach and podcaster, joins Tim Westbrook, MS to discuss how parents should support children struggling with substance use without confrontation or shame. Delving deep into family recovery, they break down how children struggling with addiction positively respond to connection, communication, and emotional regulation. Heather also explains that tough love often backfires, how nervous system regulation impacts the entire family, and how parents can set boundaries that build connection instead of distance.

Choosing a medical provider in recovery can be a life-and-death decision, and for those newly sober, an uninformed choice could create a dangerous path back to old habits. Dr. Ravi Chandiramani, a pioneering naturopathic physician and expert in integrative addiction medicine with over 20 years of clinical experience, joins us to issue a crucial warning about the growing trend of biohacking, peptide therapy, and hormone replacement that is being pitched to vulnerable people in early recovery. Dr. Chandiramani explains the dangerous "more is better" mindset that makes controlled substances like testosterone and stimulants like Phentermine a slippery slope, detailing the real risks of non-FDA-approved peptides, and why it is essential to partner with a doctor who knows your full addiction history.

The era of saying "you got yourself here, now get yourself out" is over—the true future of data-driven addiction recovery is paved with objective science. Tim Westbrook, MS welcomes Dr. Evelyn Higgins, a certified addictionologist, former Olympic team doctor, and founder of Wired BioHealth™, who is moving the entire field past its stigmatized, trial-and-error past. Dr. Higgins dives into how understanding an individual's unique biological blueprint, including 85 biomarkers and genetic snips, provides clinical proof that addiction is a healthcare problem. Discover how this scientific validation takes the shame out of the equation and empowers individuals with personalized protocols for optimizing their physiology, making different decisions, and sustaining long-term sobriety.

Deep personal healing requires facing the self with as much courage as one faces the world. Former US Senator and trailblazing military leader Martha McSally, the first American female fighter pilot and the first to command a US Fighter Squadron, shares her raw, intimate story of navigating profound loss, emotional volatility, and a painful cycle of abuse that began after the death of her father and childhood dog. She discusses the critical shift from seeking external saviors to taking radical responsibility for her own recovery, a journey that involved disconnecting from a victim frequency and pursuing a spiritual path to "unpack her trauma." Martha details the simple, yet vital, daily habits—including breathwork, gratitude, and "morning rubs" with her rescue dog—that she uses to regulate her nervous system, raise her energetic frequency, and live a life grounded in resilience and peace.