In Episode 19 of 365 Proof by Defining Wellness, Daniel Phyfer and Courtney Milan welcome longtime friend, colleague and recovery advocate Ruth Ann Rigby for a candid conversation about survival, surrender and a life devoted to serving others.

With 29 years in long-term recovery, Ruth Ann shares how growing up in a family affected by addiction, enduring traumatic experiences and reaching a personal breaking point ultimately led her to treatment. She reflects on the acceptance, spiritual surrender and willingness to follow direction that became foundations of her recovery.

Now the chief development officer of Capstone Wellness and a co-founder of First Responders of Mississippi, Ruth Ann has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families find the right care when they need it most. The conversation explores the distinctive challenges first responders face, the importance of family involvement, the narrow window for connecting someone with treatment and why genuine human connection remains essential in behavioral healthcare.

Honest, heartfelt and filled with Ruth Ann’s unmistakable humor, this episode is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible—and that keeping it means giving it away.

Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In Episode 18 of the 365 Proof Podcast by Defining Wellness, Daniel Phyfer, Courtney Milan, and Carly Caver welcome Tracey Trigg, founder and CEO of Loving Through His Eyes, a Mississippi-based nonprofit dedicated to helping women heal from trauma, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking.

Tracey courageously shares her journey from childhood sexual abuse, shame, bullying, and a severe stutter to surviving multiple armed robberies, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, isolation, and suicidal thoughts. For years, fear controlled her life and left her feeling as though she had no voice. Through faith, community, Celebrate Recovery, and a willingness to confront the pain she had carried for decades, Tracey began reclaiming her identity, confidence, and purpose.

She also explains how mission work in Liberia and the Philippines helped shape her calling to advocate for people who feel unseen and unheard. That calling eventually led her from California to Mississippi, where she founded Loving Through His Eyes.

The conversation explores human trafficking awareness, online grooming, the vulnerability of children and teenagers, the relationship between trauma and addiction, and the importance of creating safe, long-term recovery environments. Tracy shares her vision for a residential program where women can receive trauma-informed care, participate in art, dance, equine, and faith-based recovery programs, develop practical life skills, continue their education, and gradually prepare for independent living.

The episode also highlights the immediate needs of Loving Through His Eyes, including renovations, heating and air-conditioning work, flooring, contractors, financial support, church partnerships, volunteers, and community members willing to help transform the property into a safe and restorative home.

This is a powerful conversation about survival, faith, healing, human trafficking prevention, and what can happen when someone who once felt voiceless chooses to become a voice for others.

Content notice: This episode includes discussions of childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, armed violence, human trafficking, suicidal thoughts, trauma, and addiction.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, exploitation, or trafficking, reach out to a trusted person, qualified professional, local law enforcement agency, or an appropriate crisis support organization. You deserve to be heard, protected, and supported.

Follow the 365 Proof Podcast by Defining Wellness for more honest conversations about mental health, addiction recovery, trauma, faith, resilience, and finding purpose through lived experience.

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What does lasting recovery really look like after the substances are gone?

In Episode 17 of the 365 Proof by Defining Wellness podcast, Daniel Pfeiffer welcomes his longtime friend, Phil Nutt, Director of Marketing and Admissions at Choice House in Boulder, Colorado. Together, they share an honest conversation about addiction, trauma, family dynamics, the Twelve Steps, therapy, faith, and the lifelong process of healing.

Phil opens up about his journey from growing up in Mississippi, through active addiction and treatment, to building a life centered on purpose and helping others recover. Daniel and Phil also explore perfectionism, shame, inner child work, healthy boundaries, recovery in the Deep South, and why connection, authenticity, and vulnerability are essential for lasting change.

Whether you’re in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of mental health and personal growth, this episode offers hope, practical wisdom, and a powerful reminder that healing is possible. Recovery isn’t about becoming perfect. It’s about becoming honest, connected, and willing to keep growing, one day at a time.

Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.