Recovered Life: Sobriety, Spirituality, and Self-Care for People in Addiction Recovery

What happens when addiction, trauma, and mental health struggles surface during military service? What is the long-term impact of “pushing through” while trying to appear strong?  In this episode, former U.S. Air Force Officer Joseph Pennell and I share openly about how addiction shaped our lives both during and after military service. We highlight how an introverted personality type can make someone more vulnerable to addiction, the value of diversity in recovery pathways, and how speaking our truth has empowered our healing journey. Connect with Joseph Pennell: InstagramConnect with Chelsea Anderson: InstagramThreads

You’ll often hear in addiction recovery spaces “We’re only as sick as our secrets.” Up until July 2015, my biggest secret kept me tethered to alcohol and pills. At that point, I had a choice to make: stay locked inside a closet of fear and shame, or embrace authenticity. In this episode, I share about how radical honesty with myself, God, and others saved my sobriety. Connect with Chelsea Anderson:Instagram

What can happen when new life experiences, relationships, and questions challenge your long-held theological views?  This conversation with Melissa Greene invites you to question, explore, and expand your understanding of how the Divine shows up in all of humanity. From her time in the CCM group Avalon, to co-pastoring a middle Tennessee church that became LGBTQ inclusive, to her now peacefully post-Christian spirituality, Melissa’s story is one of continuously choosing love over fear. Connect with Melissa Greene:InstagramSubstackImaginarium’s InstagramConnect with Chelsea Anderson:InstagramThreads

Eating disorders are among the most misunderstood mental health conditions. Those who struggle with substance use have a significantly increased risk of also developing an eating disorder or disordered eating patterns. In this episode, fellow sober sister, Registered Dietician, snd Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor Lindsay Sparks joins me to offer an empowering, holistic approach to recovery. Lindsay shares her personal story of overcoming both disordered eating and alcohol use, and addresses questions like: What are commonalities between eating disorders and substance use/addictions?What’s the difference between disordered eating and an eating disorder?How can someone shift from self-punishment to self-love, and develop a healthy relationship with food?Connect with Lindsay Sparks: Instagram WebsiteConnect with Chelsea Anderson:Instagram Threads 

Many believe “ex gay” conversion therapy practices went away when Exodus International closed their doors in 2013. In fact, in today’s political climate, it’s having a resurgence.Thanks to social media and organizations like Changed Movement, new generations of LGBTQ people are being told they must choose between their faith and sexuality.Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez and I offer a positive counter-narrative. Tim is the author of “Conversion Therapy Dropout: A Queer Story of Faith and Belonging”.Our conversation offers clarity on the harms of conversion practices and “ex gay” ideology from two perspectives: He as a conversion therapy survivor, I as someone raised under non-affirming theology and strongly influenced by “ex gay” ministries. We also share how we’ve reclaimed our faith in sobriety.Connect with Tim Schraeder Rodriguez:InstagramThreadsTikTokConnect with Chelsea Anderson:InstagramThreadsTikTok

How do you heal and rebuild after rejection, betrayal, or when life takes a sharp turn from what you envisioned? How can you integrate the parts of your identity that you’ve been told are incompatible?This episode shares embodied wisdom from someone who’s been forced to navigate these questions, and has re-emerged as his powerfully authentic self.In the 1990s, Michael Passons became the founding member of the hugely successful CCM band Avalon. After 8 years with the group, he was kicked out…simply because he’s gay.His journey is proof that spirituality and LGBTQ identity can co-exist, and healing happens best in community.I’m honored to share this conversation with Michael in celebration of Pride Month and the re-release of “Testify to Love”… the song he’s best known for and has reclaimed. 🎶🌈Thank you Michael, Ty Herndon, and Melissa Greene for this beautiful song, re-imagined to include ALL children of the Creator.Connect with Michael Passons:InstagramTikTokYouTubeWebsiteConnect with Chelsea Anderson:InstagramTikTok

Are you a sober introvert? Do you struggle with expressing your feelings verbally, but wish they had somewhere to land? Do you dislike writing, but your sobriety mentors keep suggesting it?Journaling has been a hugely effective, enjoyable tool in my addiction recovery journey. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be tedious and long-form. Let’s keep it short and simple!✍️ In this episode, I introduce three simple journaling methods that will help you:• begin each day by setting powerful intentions• use I Am statements and prayers to align spiritual connection with self-empowerment• track progress and identify patterns in key areas of life (physical health, spiritual practices, sobriety, and general mood)• express feelings and release stored energy• preserve memories and ensure there are “receipts” to combat self-doubt in the futureConnect with Chelsea Anderson:InstagramIntro/Outro Music:“New Age Nature” by Sonican

One of the most important decisions you’ll make in sobriety is who you choose to guide you. This applies to not only your addiction recovery, but your whole journey.Are your friends, influences and health care professionals aligned with your goals?This episode is an invitation to direct your energy, time and finances toward relationships and healing modalities that are life-giving.💌 Join the Recovered Life email list

Let’s kick off the sober New Year with one of my favorite personal development tools - Inventory! For many people in addiction recovery, inventory has a negative connotation. This isn’t a list of things you’ve done right or wrong, your perceived character flaws, or successes vs. failures. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge progress within your sobriety and healing journey, and identify what you’d like to see changed.🪶 Tune in as I present four questions to help you consider:• your relationship to and role within the sober community• how you’re investing in your health - mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and energetic• how you’re creating space for rest and funGrab your journal and a pen, and let’s go!💌 Join the Recovered Life email list 

In this episode, I share my Sober Gratitude List for 2025, my intentions for Recovered Life podcast heading into the new year, and how you can utilize daily gratitude lists to enhance your sober holiday season.Tune in as I share reflections on:• people who’ve guided my sobriety and holistic healing journey• life lessons gained through my mental health and addiction struggles, and a “full circle” moment I experienced during my recent trip to Tucson• personal growth and evolution in my sobriety, spirituality and life philosophiesHave a beautiful, sober holiday season! Recovered Life will be back with bi-weekly episodes on Tuesdays, beginning January 6th, 2026. In the meantime, let’s stay connected via Instagram and my weekly email newsletter!Connect with Chelsea Anderson on Instagram💌 Join the Recovered Life email list and get my FREE Resource Guide - Holistic Tools for Self-Empowered Sobriety