In this deeply moving and honest episode, host KL Wells is joined by Jim Horton, a father who tragically lost his 19-year-old son, Zach, to an opiate addiction. Recorded during the holiday season, a particularly challenging time for many, this conversation offers a raw and authentic look at the rollercoaster ride of grief. Jim shares his personal story, from the initial shock and all-consuming pain to his journey of healing and finding new purpose. He and KL explore the paralyzing stigma of addiction, the complexities of the recovery landscape, and the critical need for community for both those struggling with addiction and the families who love them.

This episode is a powerful testament to the long, non-linear path of grief and a beacon of hope for anyone feeling lost in the darkness of loss.

• The profound impact of stigma and how it prevents families from seeking and receiving help.
• Understanding that the recovery landscape is wide and looks different for teenagers versus adults.
• The family's parallel journey of recovery and the importance of their own healing.
• Navigating the intense, unpredictable emotions of grief, especially during the holidays.
• The distinction between sobriety as simple abstinence and recovery as an active, ongoing journey toward a better life.
• Finding purpose and a path forward through service and contribution after a devastating loss.
• The power of community and why no one should have to walk this path alone.

• How can we shift our perspective to see relapse not as a total failure, but as part of a longer recovery journey?
• What are the first steps a parent can take when they feel paralyzed by their child's addiction?
• How do we navigate the shoulds and self-blame that often accompany loving someone with an addiction?
• For those deep in grief, what does the path toward finding moments of peace or even joy look like?

• Why treating addiction as a disease, not a moral failing, is crucial for both the individual and their family.
• The importance of exploring city and county resources for addiction and recovery support, which are often overlooked.
• That grief is not a linear process; it is a rollercoaster with ups and downs, and it is okay to not be okay.
• Practical strategies to interrupt negative thought patterns and head trash when you feel yourself spiraling.
• That your own recovery journey as a loved one is just as important as the person's journey with addiction.
• There is hope for finding light and purpose again, even after the most profound loss.

Links and Resources:

The Zachary Horton Foundation

Learn more about Jim’s work to end the stigma of addiction, spread awareness, and support individuals and families in his community.

🌐 https://zacharyhortonfoundation.org/ zacharyhortonfoundation.org

Thrive While Loving an Addict (Podcast & Community)

Listen to the Thrive While Loving an Addict podcast by KL Wells and find community support for parents and loved ones of those struggling with addiction.

📍 https://voicesincourage.com/podcast

County Mental Health and Addiction Services

As mentioned in the episode, a critical and often underutilized resource. To find support near you, search for:

🔎 "[Your County] mental...

In this deeply moving episode, host KL Wells welcomes Pamela Tosh, an energy healer and yoga teacher joining us from Cape Town, South Africa. Pamela shares her incredible story of resilience and transformation, from a childhood marked by emotional abuse and early struggles with addiction to a profound spiritual awakening in the Himalayas. She recounts how her journey to India for yoga teacher training became the turning point that allowed her to release stored trauma, break the cycle of addiction, and find her true purpose.

Join us for a powerful conversation about the limitations of conventional rehab, the healing power of spiritual connection, and how a life dedicated to service can lead to your own liberation. Pamela’s story is a testament to the fact that it is never too late to rewrite your script and create a life of authenticity, purpose, and joy.

• Pamela’s story of origin, growing up in an environment of emotional abuse and alcohol dependency in South Africa.
• The powerful, life-altering journey to India that sparked a deep spiritual awakening and healing from trauma.
• The concept of being addicted to a "3D reality" and how to break free from societal conditioning.
• Karma Yoga, or meditation in action, and how serving her community became a cornerstone of her recovery.
• The critical need for sustainable, holistic, and long-term approaches to addiction recovery.
• How to practice emotional detachment to find peace and stillness, even in the midst of chaos.

• Would you please give our listeners a window into your story of origin?
• Did you step away from addiction when you got pregnant?
• Talk about your first journey to India. Was that an experience of awakening for you?
• How do you describe your formula for thriving?

• The limitations of short-term rehabilitation programs and the importance of creating a sustainable, long-term healing plan.
• How stored trauma and emotions manifest physically in the body and how practices like yoga can help release them.
• The concept of Karma Yoga and how selfless service can be a powerful tool for healing and finding purpose.
• Techniques for practicing emotional detachment and finding inner peace, even when surrounded by chaos.
• The importance of withdrawing the senses to move past physical attachments and connect more deeply with your spiritual self.
• Why telling your truth is a fundamental practice for living an authentic life and breaking free from toxic relationship patterns.
• How to find daily excitement and inspiration to stay resilient on your unique, divinely guided path.

Connect with Pamela Tosh (Indie Pam):

Website: https://indiepam.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pamela.tosh.indipam/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamelatosh/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelatosh/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IndiPam.pamelatosh

Book Mentioned:

The Song of God (A version of the Bhagavad Gita)

https://a.co/d/21ahoyx

Connect with KL Wells and the Thrive While Loving an...

In this powerful episode, host KL Wells welcomes the extraordinary Mike Pierce, also known as "Antarctic Mike." Mike shares his incredible life story, from conquering the Antarctic Ice Marathon to navigating the profound challenges of his late wife Angela's 36-year battle with chronic pain and opioid addiction. This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, offering a raw and honest look at the parallel journey of loving someone through addiction and loss. Mike's story is one of turning pain into purpose, finding strength in the darkest of times, and learning to embrace life's most difficult moments as opportunities for growth and connection.

Mike Pierce, better known as Antarctic Mike, works with organizations that want to find, engage and keep the best performing people. Mike’s background professionally started in the recruiting business in 1997, working specifically to show managers and leaders exactly how to identify and recruit the best people. He now speaks across the US and Canada to executive teams, organizations, associations and sales teams about how to lead people so they are fully engaged in what they do.

Mike is an avid fan of polar expedition history and is an endurance athlete. In 2006, Mike became one of 9 people to run the first ever Antarctic Ice Marathon and a year later became the first American to run the Antarctic 100k, a grueling 62 miles on an ice shelf 600 miles from the South Pole.

His flagship program, Leading at 90 Below Zero, connects the drivers and principles of Antarctic expedition history stories to the real world of finding, engaging and keeping great people in today’s business world.

Mike has a BA from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and resides in Encinitas, California.

• Mike's journey to Antarctica and how it prepared him for life's greatest challenges.

• Angela's battle with chronic pain and subsequent opioid addiction.

• The family's journey through the cycles of addiction, recovery, and relapse.

• The emotional and psychological toll on the caregiver in a relationship with an addict.

• The power of mindset and perspective in navigating trauma and loss.

• The importance of letting go and embracing the present moment.

• Finding hope and new beginnings after profound loss.

• How did you navigate holding the space for her suffering?

• What are the gifts and lessons embedded in this experience for you?

• How do you reconcile the difference between quitting and surrendering?

• How to find strength and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.

• The importance of viewing difficulty as a teacher and an opportunity for growth.

• How to support a loved one through addiction while also caring for your own well-being.

• The power of letting go of resistance and embracing the present moment.

• How to find hope and purpose after the loss of a loved one.

• That pain is inevitable, but suffering is a choice.

Connect with Mike Pierce: You can find more about Mike's incredible story, his speaking engagements, and his book by searching for "Antarctic Mike" on Google. You can also find his TED Talk on YouTube.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antarcticmike/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Antarctic-Mike-Speaks-1617958015119843/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AntarcticMike/

TED Talk: