Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 167 | Tajay's story begins with a life-changing arrest, leading him to outpatient treatment and, ultimately, to CCAR. He didn’t initially seek recovery—it found him. While in IOP, he struggled with staying sober, turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. However, deep down, he knew he wanted more for himself. His commitment to trying something differentled him to school, where a conversation about psychology unexpectedly introduced him to the idea of becoming a recovery coach. This opened the door to a new world, and through CCAR, Tajay found the support, structure, and inspiration to rebuild his life.

One of the most significant changes in his recovery journey was reevaluating friendships and relationships. He realized that many of his past connections were built around substance use, and changing his circle was necessary. He now values friendships based on mutual respect and personal growth rather than peer pressure or partying. Relationships, particularly romantic ones, remain tricky, especially when dating someone who isn’t in recovery. However, he emphasizes the importance of healthy communication and setting boundaries.

Education played a crucial role in his transformation. What started as a simple way to stay busy turned into a passion. Tajay became deeply involved on campus, founding the Legacy Club to help students network, connect, and take their careers seriously from day one. His belief that “it’s not just what you know, but who you know” helped him secure opportunities, despite not yet having a degree. He encourages students to build relationships, take advantage of resources, and stay open to new possibilities.

Beyond education, Tajay found purpose in entrepreneurship and music. His first venture, a clothing brand focused on positive affirmations, gave him his first taste of running a business. While it was a learning experience, it laid the foundation for his current passion—creating and promoting music. Initially hesitant, he pushed past self-doubt and began sharing his music on social media, even shooting a music video for one of his songs, Love Life. His new goal is to combine music, merch, and motivation, using his platform to inspire others.

Throughout the conversation, Tajay emphasizes that recovery is not easy, but it’s worth it. He describes recovery as "armor"—something that protects him from life’s hardships. He acknowledges that early recovery is overwhelming, especially when emotions come rushing back after years of numbing pain with substances. However, he encourages anyone on the fence about recovery to stick with it. His biggest message? "Don’t quit before the miracle happens."Tajay’s life is proof that even when things seem impossible, recovery can open doors you never imagined.

00:00 – Intro & Tajay’s background
02:00 – Getting arrested & his first steps into recovery
06:00 – How addiction shaped his friendships & how he had to change his circle
10:00 – Finding education as a new path & becoming a leader on campus
14:00 – The "Get Out of Here" mindset vs. realizing it’s about changing yourself
18:00 – Entrepreneurship, music, and using creativity in recovery
23:00 – The moment he knew he had to go all in on sobriety
28:00 – What he’d say to someone struggling: “Don’t quit before the miracle happens.”

----Across the Web----

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This episode vividly portrays Cass' journey from the depths of addiction to the vibrant glow of recovery. Explore how her shift in mindset revolutionized her mornings, relationships, and daily life. Cass opens up about the transformative power of therapy, creative outlets, and meditation in her recovery. With raw honesty, she discusses rebuilding bonds with her family amidst personal turmoil and the profound impact of a supportive community. This gripping account highlights the intricate balance between powerlessness and empowerment, providing a rich tapestry of insights for anyone seeking inspiration on the path to recovery.

00:00 The Recovery Glow

00:27 Morning Mindset Shift

02:46 Focusing on the Present

04:36 Prioritizing Recovery

07:47 Multiple Pathways to Recovery

08:23 Therapy and Personal Growth

09:28 Creative Outlets and Meditation

14:52 The Power of Music

25:34 Two Years Clean: A Reflection

36:45 Relationships in Recovery

37:24 Family Dynamics and Divorce

38:21 Rebuilding Bonds with Parents

45:32 Accountability and Personal Growth

48:31 Inspiration for Those Seeking Recovery

52:30 The Power of Community Support

01:04:11 Perspective and Daily Challenges

01:04:57 Living a Life of Principles

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙RecoveryMatters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

🗣Recovery Matters Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

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🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 165 | Gordon Lyde shares his profound journey of overcoming addiction and trauma. Growing up in New Haven and moving through the DCYS system, Gordon faced numerous challenges, including being separated from his siblings and feeling unloved due to his biracial background. His struggles intensified during his teenage years in group homes, leading to heavy substance use. Despite multiple setbacks, including skepticism about recovery and years in prison, Gordon ultimately found sobriety and a purpose in helping others. Now a substance use counselor and executive director of Men of Evolution, Gordon's story is one of resilience, transformation, and service to the community.

00:00 Introduction and Early Life

00:14 Foster Care and Family Dynamics

01:24 Struggles with Identity and Acceptance

02:55 Sibling Relationships and Family Separation

06:44 First Encounters with Addiction

07:21 Life in a Group Home

11:01 Attempts at Recovery and Relapse

17:43 Journey to True Recovery

20:26 Struggling with Toxic Relationships

21:08 Seeking Help and Finding Sobriety

21:55 Humbling Experiences in Recovery

23:06 The Power of Self-Work

24:15 Building a New Life

26:36 Family and Personal Growth

32:59 Guiding the Next Generation

37:28 Giving Back to the Community

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙RecoveryMatters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

🗣Recovery Matters Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery