Rat Race Stories of Addiction and Recovery
Are you caught in the cycle of excessive alcohol or drug use? That's the Rat Race! and guess what? you can get out! Join us with guest interviews providing real life stories of being trapped in the rat race and solutions on how to get out and stay out by finding healthy spaces that support a sustainable journey of healing, self-awareness, and reaching your true potential, with your hosts Jody and AZ, releasing episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also find us at www.ratracepodcast.com, please hit subscribe/follow or give us a review to continue joining us on our journey!
Episodes
33 episodes
Why We Drink: Culture, Genetics, and The Long Road to Recovery
#033 - Host delves into the complex relationship between alcohol, culture, and addiction. Inspired by Russell Crowe's candid conversation on the Joe Rogan Experience, the discussion covers the impact of alcohol in Punjabi culture, the subtlety ...
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Episode 33
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5:25
LCBO Revenue Drop: A Sign of Changing Alcohol Consumption?
#032 - In this episode of 'Rat Race Stories of Addiction and Recovery', AZ discusses the recent decline in LCBO's revenue, the liberalization of alcohol sales in Ontario, and its implications. The episode also touches on the normalization of pu...
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Episode 32
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4:49
Professional and Powerless
#031 - AZ dives into the often unspoken struggles of high achievers within communities. Addressing cultural expectations and the silent battles with addiction, AZ shares the path to reclaiming his voice. This episode challenges the normalizatio...
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Episode 31
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6:27
High Functioning Addiction, Quiet Burnout
#030 - In this episode of Rat Race Stories of Addiction and Recovery, host AZ discusses the concept of 'High Functioning Low Peace,' exploring the internal battles faced by individuals who appear to have it all together on the outside. AZ share...
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Episode 30
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3:46
Embracing My Identity
#029 - Exploring a heartfelt narrative about the struggle of fitting in, dealing with absence, speech impediments, and tourette syndrome. The storyteller shares experiences from growing up in a small community, participating in various activiti...
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Episode 29
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8:03
Navigating the LCBO Strike: What's Next for Ontario?
#028 - In this episode, we discuss the ongoing LCBO strike in Ontario and its implications. Topics include the construction affecting local businesses, the challenges facing 'Howl at the Moon' during the summer, and the potential dangers of the...
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Episode 28
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17:11
One Drink
#027 - one drink - In this discussion, Jody and AZ reconnect after AZ's trip to Europe for his sister's wedding. AZ shares details about his trip, emphasising the challenges of driving on the left side of the road and organising wedding logisti...
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Episode 27
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25:08
Definite Sober Up Story - Thank you for your contribution!
#026 - In this podcast episode, the hosts interview Ryan Hill, a videographer and photographer from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Ryan shares his unconventional path into film and videography, starting from a personal tragedy and leading to his invol...
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Episode 26
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26:17
Celebrations Across Continents: From Canada to England
#025 - In this episode, we delve into our host's recent three-week trip to London, England, for his sister's wedding. From navigating the unfamiliar streets of London and experiencing the Euro 2024 buzz to exploring the streets of London. The e...
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Episode 25
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13:40
Chasing Danger: A Nightmare on Highway 401
#024 - A dive into a shocking incident involving a runner in Ontario who drove the wrong way on Highway 401, leading to a tragic collision and several deaths. We discuss the dangerous police chase, the criminal charges against the suspect, and ...
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Episode 24
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17:04
Jungle of Triggers with Sean MC
#023 - They share stories of managing their day-to-day, the struggle with triggers, and the importance of a supportive environment. Touching on their interests and mundane activities, like bike repairs and spring cleaning, emphasizing how these...
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Episode 23
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15:02
Guest Sean MC
#022 - Two friends reconnect and share their experiences with addiction, recovery, and the ups and downs of their journeys since leaving treatment. They discuss the importance of support systems, challenges in staying sober, and strategies they...
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Episode 22
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14:38
A Sobering Story Documentary: Thunder Bay, Ontario
#021 - 'A Sobering Story,' a documentary that sheds light on the addiction crisis in Thunder Bay. They mention the recent premiere of the film, its positive reception, and anticipate interviewing the creators, referred to as the 'Two Ryans...
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Episode 21
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13:06
Leona Jasine's Journey: Chasing Visions
#020 - Leona shares her journey from a troubled youth in a remote First Nations community to a transformative path of recovery and self-discovery. Experiencing childhood trauma, battling addictions, and finding sobriety, Leona's story is one of...
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Episode 20
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50:28
Howl at the Moon Cafe Chronicles One Year!
#019 - Focusing on the one-year anniversary of Howl at the Moon, a sober cafe in Thunder Bay, Ontario. They reflect on the journey of establishing the cafe, the community support it has received, and its role in aiding those in recovery fr...
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Episode 19
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27:33
Beyond the Drink with Celebrating 1 Year!
#018 - Delving into the journey and impact of a dedicated sober safe space, 'Howl at the Moon', highlighting its first anniversary and the community's role in supporting individuals in recovery. The hosts discuss the genesis of the idea, share ...
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Episode 18
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45:31
Clarence Fisher's Story, Beyond Addiction: The Power of Culture and Community in Healing with Ancestral Wisdom
#017 - The critical role of Indigenous spirituality and cultural traditions in healing from addiction and trauma. It highlights Clarence Fisher's personal recovery journey and his work with others facing similar challenges. The conversation del...
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Episode 17
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1:26:33
Breaking the Stigma: Unveiling Trauma and Addiction
#016 - Discuss the detrimental effects of stigma, and the desperate need for better resources and infrastructure for recovery and detox programs. They touch on personal experiences and observations about addiction being a disorder rather than a...
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Episode 16
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26:41
Comfort Food and Connection: Howl at the Moon’s Impact on the Community!
#015 - Various supportive programs operational in Howl at the Moon Cafe, located in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The cafe functions as a recovery-friendly community center, offering group supports for those impacted by addiction. It hosts various grou...
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Episode 15
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28:00
Misunderstood Connections: Unveiling the Impact of Addiction and Alcohol on Relationships!
#014 - Hosts open up about their personal struggles with addiction and alcohol and the implications it had on their relationships. They traverse their journey from the highs and lows of substance misuse to their ultimate decision to seek help a...
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Episode 14
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35:45
Dealing with Loss and Navigating Emotions: A Conversation over Coffee at 'Howl at the Moon Cafe'
#013 - Discussion on experiences with loss and approaches to cope with it, touching on personal anecdotes and revelations. As they discuss previous addictions, the two recognize the importance of healthy outlets and efforts to support the proce...
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Episode 13
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28:19
Tailgate Tales with Cheers & Beers! The Unfiltered Reality of Drinking at Sporting Events, Super Bowl!
#012 - In this conversation, the speakers discuss the prevalent drinking culture in sporting events, particularly in NFL games and tailgate parties. They share personal experiences, with one of them examining events from a sober perspective lea...
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Episode 12
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29:43
AZ's Story, University and Alcohol, Tourette Syndrome, Drinking and Driving Saves Lives, Punjabi
#011 - AZ's story from social anxiety and communication difficulties, to the consequent rehab experience and the choice of abstinence. Listen to the experience shared by host AZ which took him from small-town British Columbia, to Toronto and th...
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Episode 11
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1:09:18