Gangly Flamingo is a podcast for the alcohol-free, sober recovery community about pushing through the awkwardness of rediscovering ourselves without booze. Visit www.GanglyFlamingo.com for more information and ways to connect. In this episode, host Mark Schulz welcomes guest Dean Dante. Listen to a conversation about finding opportunities, moving out of your comfort zone to break down personal barriers, and listening to your inner voice of self-love. In Dean's words: "I find that when I talk about whatever I am feeling, I am able to process it and move past it without it wanting me to pick up or drink. When I (just) say “I’m Fine,” I realize I am just suppressing what I am feeling, which then comes out in unhealthy ways." You can find him online @mrdeandante Enjoying Gangly Flamingo? Help us spread the word!  Share on Instagram and on Facebook No materials produced by Gangly Flamingo should be treated as professional medical advice. For full disclaimers, see GanglyFlamingo.com. © 2023 Mark Schulz. All rights reserved. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/support

Gangly Flamingo is a podcast for the alcohol-free community about pushing through the awkwardness of rediscovering ourselves without booze. Visit www.GanglyFlamingo.com for more information and ways to connect. In this episode, host Mark Schulz welcomes guest Matt McGregor. Listen to a conversation about facing your relationship to control, taking pride in your strength, and opening yourself up to others for help and support.  Matt has 7 months of sobriety at the time of recording, and is excited to see where his sober journey takes him. He plans to continue, and is enjoying his sober lifestyle. He also looks forward to learning about himself and how being and remaining sober can help him develop both personally and professionally.   You can find him online @mcgreggs666  Enjoying Gangly Flamingo? Help us spread the word!  share on Instagram and on Facebook No materials produced by Gangly Flamingo should be treated as professional medical advice. For full disclaimers, see GanglyFlamingo.com. © 2023 Mark Schulz. All rights reserved. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/support

Gangly Flamingo is a podcast for the alcohol-free community about pushing through the awkwardness of rediscovering ourselves without booze. Visit www.GanglyFlamingo.com for more information and ways to connect. In this episode, host Mark Schulz welcomes guest Kaitlynn Mika. Listen to her share about facing fears, finding the expansiveness on the other side of those challenges, and how to live up to the hopes and dreams of "the little versions" of ourselves. Kaitlynn has spent the last 2 years healing herself and now believes her purpose is to help other people discover their power. After a wake up call, Kaitlynn realized that it was time to trust herself and take control of her own life. She started changing her language, her breath and living her life alcohol free. She is a confidence coach who helps people create and live a life they love, as their true authentic selves. You can find her online @Clearheaded_kaitlynn or through her partnership with Episode 7 guest, Matt Gardiner, @Creative.Recovery Enjoying Gangly Flamingo? Help us spread the word!   Share on Twitter Share on Facebook No materials produced by Gangly Flamingo should be treated as professional medical advice. © 2022 Mark Schulz. All rights reserved. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/support

Gangly Flamingo is a podcast for the alcohol-free community about pushing through the awkwardness of rediscovering ourselves without booze. Visit www.GanglyFlamingo.com for more information and ways to connect.   In this episode, creator and host, Mark Schulz, introduces a third episode type for the show: a 15-20 minute news program format covering recent events and research findings relates to Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and/or anxiety. This episode format will join the guest interviews and the guided meditation formats already available. Reach out and share your feedback! Episode References Cheong, JeeWon, and Jalie A. Tucker. “Utility of Interactive Voice Response Self-Monitoring in Stabilizing Initial Change during Natural Recovery Attempts among Persons with Alcohol Use Disorder.” Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, vol. 140, Sept. 2022, p. 108831. EBSCOhost, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108831.Wilens, Timothy E., et al. “The Impact of Pharmacotherapy of Childhood-Onset Psychiatric Disorders on the Development of Substance Use Disorders.” Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, vol. 32, no. 4, May 2022, pp. 200–14. EBSCOhost, https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2022.0016.Krewson, Celest. “Pharmacological treatments found effective against substance use disorders.” Contemporary Pediatrics, August 10, 2022. https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/pharmacological-treatments-found-effective-against-substance-use-disordersJaasma, Michael. (2019 May 20 - 2020 March 26). Pilot Evaluation of the Empower Neuromodulation System in AUD Patients. Identifier NCT03983317.  https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT03983317Empower Neuromodulation System, a home-use device for the treatment of anxiety disorders. https://www.sbir.gov/node/2189423   Enjoying Gangly Flamingo? Help us spread the word!   Share on Twitter Share on Facebook To stay up to date on all things Gangly, subscriber to the weekly newsletter. No materials produced by Gangly Flamingo should be treated as professional medical advice.   See full legal disclaimers here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/support

Gangly Flamingo is a podcast for the alcohol-free community about pushing through the awkwardness of rediscovering ourselves without booze. Visit www.GanglyFlamingo.com for more information and ways to connect. In this episode, creator and host, Mark Schulz, shares some recent struggles on his alcohol free journey. He uses some of his thoughts and perspectives as the foundation for a new guided meditation that visualizes one way for us to contemplate and work with our inner points of vulnerability.  Enjoying Gangly Flamingo? Help us spread the word!   Share on Twitter Share on Facebook To stay up to date on all things Gangly, subscriber to the weekly newsletter. No materials produced by Gangly Flamingo should be treated as professional medical advice.   See full legal disclaimers here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/support

Gangly Flamingo is a podcast for the alcohol-free community about pushing through the awkwardness of rediscovering ourselves without booze. Visit www.GanglyFlamingo.com for more information and ways to connect.   In this episode, host Mark Schulz welcomes guest Matt Gardiner. Listen to him share thoughts and perspectives on his battle with alcohol dependency that started in his late teens and stretched into his early 30s. After facing successes, relapse, and family tragedy, Matt is here and celebrating 3+ years sober! Matt is a passionate and empathetic recovery and life coach who has helped numerous people get out of their 'stuck stories,' and move towards the life of their dreams. He focuses on changing the language and words: the stories you've been attaching to the events in your life. He believes that Better words + better breathing = better life, and his vision of recovery includes an active, healthy lifestyle that deliberately plans downtime for self-care and healing. Matt compliments coaching work as a gifted musician and sound therapist. 'Beyond Recovery' is a podcast hosted by Matt, where guests share their journeys to—and through—recovery. Enjoying Gangly Flamingo? Help us spread the word!   Share on Twitter Share on Facebook To stay up to date on all things Gangly, subscriber to the weekly newsletter. No materials produced by Gangly Flamingo should be treated as professional medical advice.   See full legal disclaimers here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/support

Gangly Flamingo is a podcast for the alcohol-free community about pushing through the awkwardness of rediscovering ourselves without booze. Visit www.GanglyFlamingo.com for more information and ways to connect. In this episode, host Mark Schulz welcomes guest Paul Mohr, who can be found on Instagram @pauliknow. Paul is a 49-year-old gay HR Professional and playwright who, after serving up years of drunken messiness in such locales as NYC, Philadelphia, and Washington DC, is enjoying the blessings of a life in Recovery in Lancaster, PA. When not working with others going through the challenges of early Sobriety, he can usually be found at home binge-watching questionable gay classics and changing the age on his online dating profiles to 37. More than anything else, he’s full of gratitude for the ability to connect with others in Recovery, and share the joy that he’s been gifted with these past four years. As read aloud in the show, here is Paul's "passion statement": I love discussing the parallels between accepting my sexuality and accepting my alcoholism. In a very funny way, I feel that being gay gave me a "dry-run" for Recovery, and that coming out as Gay was very similar to coming out as an alcoholic. I learned the value of Community, and how seeking the love and guidance of my tribe taught me to take what I considered to be my biggest defect and turn it into an essential, intrinsic, and valuable part of my identity. And through that acceptance, I was able to see that the true issues I was grappling with (loneliness, imposter syndrome, etc.) were common issues that affect everyone. Go to GanglyFlamingo.com for more info and ways to connect. Enjoying Gangly Flamingo? Help us spread the word!   Share on Twitter Share on Facebook To stay up to date on all things Gangly, subscriber to the weekly newsletter. No materials produced by Gangly Flamingo should be treated as professional medical advice.   See full legal disclaimers here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/support

DON'T MISS OUT on the special opportunity our guest, Steven, has given us to watch his award-winning show, Methtacular!, as filmed at the prestigious Steppenwolf Theatre for free on YouTube. Be sure to send him a 'thank you' on Twitter @stevenstrafford! Mark sits down with guest, Steven Strafford, to have a frank discussion about his 15 years of sobriety from both alcohol and other drugs, including methamphetamine. Their discussion spans various topics from early avoidance of seeking out the recovery community, through impact of substance abuse on sexual dynamics, to the wonderful way Steven has embraced his own brand of gangliness to be such an inspirational example of being "sober out loud." Steven Strafford is a playwright and actor. His award-winning solo show, Methtacular! has been performed across the country at LORT theaters and universities. Methtacular! was filmed at Steppenwolf Theatre in 2019. His play, Small Jokes About Monsters, was produced in Chicago, Sioux City, and Houston (nominated - Houston Theatre Award) It is set to be published by Broadway Licensing later this year. His play, The Match Game, won the 2022 Jackie Demaline award. His play, Greater Illinois, was an officially selection at GPTC, MATC, and Tantrum East's new play development series. He lives with his husband and foster son in southeastern Ohio where he is getting an MFA. As an actor, he once was directed by Mike Nichols, and that was pretty cool. You can also catch Steven or his work at the following upcoming events in 2022: Reading of Greater Illinois in Los Angeles Reading of The Match Game  in Cincinnati  Fiddler on the Roof  at Lyric Opera Chicago Go to GanglyFlamingo.com for more info and ways to connect. Enjoying Gangly Flamingo? Help us spread the word!   Share on Twitter Share on Facebook To stay up to date on all things Gangly, subscriber to the weekly newsletter. No materials produced by Gangly Flamingo should be treated as professional medical advice.   See full legal disclaimers here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/support

Hello! Host Mark Schulz, here. In this episode, I share some new thoughts that just occurred to me earlier today. They helped me remember that new perspectives about self care during our alcohol-free, sober, or sober-curious journey can be found in even the most mundane of tasks. I then lead you through a 15-minute guided meditation that riffs and expands on the discussion.  Go to GanglyFlamingo.com for more info and ways to connect. Enjoying Gangly Flamingo? Help us spread the word!   Share on Twitter Share on Facebook To stay up to date on all things Gangly, subscriber to the weekly newsletter. No materials produced by Gangly Flamingo should be treated as professional medical advice.   See full legal disclaimers here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/support

Mark speaks with Dana Michael Krull, @IKissedAlcoholGoodbye on Instagram, about his alcohol free journey, how his experience helps Mark broaden the definition of the 'gangly flamingo,' they play some 'booze libs,' and Dana honors us with a frank discussion about the veteran experience and alcohol.  For those looking for the values word list mentioned in the episode, here it is, below. Look these over and choose 4 that are most important to you, then perhaps spend some time meditating on if and how alcohol may have interfered with your connection to them. Is there a plan you can build for yourself to reconnect with them? Trust Efficiency Initiative Courage Love Power Control Environment Competition Excitement Happiness Honor Obedience Flexibility Wisdom Integrity Loyalty Clarity Fun Provide a Legacy Persistence Financial Growth Financial Security Community Support Relationships Sincerity Effectiveness Peace Intelligence Communication Innovation Curiosity Creativity Please note that this episode briefly discusses suicide.  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 1-800-273-8255. The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line connect veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline at 1-800-273-8255 Press 1 Go to GanglyFlamingo.com for more info and ways to connect. Enjoying Gangly Flamingo? Help us spread the word!   Share on Twitter Share on Facebook To stay up to date on all things Gangly, subscriber to the weekly newsletter. No materials produced by Gangly Flamingo should be treated as professional medical advice.   See full legal disclaimers here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/support

Host Mark Schulz shares a daily affirmation he wrote several years ago during his first effort to redefine his relationship with alcohol. After discussing why he wrote it and how he used it, he leads the audience through a short, ten-minute guided mediation. This Day This day and every day, I will breathe freely in and out without tension. This day and every day, I will make my decisions and take my actions courageously from a place of forethought and assessment, not blindly to satiate immediate physical needs or to numb emotion. This day and every day, I'll honor my emotions and work to understand them as I strive to love and care for myself while respecting and connecting with others. This day and every day I'll strive to live in such a way that I'd be proud should this day be my last.  Go to GanglyFlamingo.com for more info and ways to connect. Enjoying Gangly Flamingo? Help us spread the word!   Share on Twitter Share on Facebook To stay up to date on all things Gangly, subscriber to the weekly newsletter. No materials produced by Gangly Flamingo should be treated as professional medical advice.   See full legal disclaimers here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/support

Introduction to a new podcast for the alcohol free, sober, sober curious community that will share stories, interviews and other discussions about the journey. There will be an emphasis on social anxiety and other conditions we often use booze to self-medicate. Host Mark Schulz introduces himself and his plans for Gangly Flamingo. Go to GanglyFlamingo.com for more info and ways to connect. Enjoying Gangly Flamingo? Help us spread the word! Share on Twitter Share on Facebook No materials produced by Gangly Flamingo should be treated as professional medical advice. See full legal disclaimers here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/support

A brief description teaser about Gangly Flamingo. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gangly-flamingo/support