Healing Through Hands-On Work: Jeremy French on Craftsmanship in Recovery

In this episode of *Finding New Waters*, we dive into a unique approach to recovery with Jeremy French, founder of Making Whole. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, Making Whole offers a non-traditional recovery environment for men overcoming addiction by teaching them craftsmanship in a hands-on apprenticeship model. Jeremy shares the philosophy behind this one-of-a-kind program, the importance of daily practice in real-world settings, and how working with one’s hands can be an effective path to sobriety. With a focus on creative problem-solving, accountability, and community, Jeremy explains why Making Whole is an ideal place for those who may have struggled with traditional treatment models. Key Points Discussed: 1. **Craftsmanship as Recovery**: How skills like woodworking and metalworking provide structure, purpose, and new perspectives for men in recovery. 2. **Real-World Application**: The benefits of learning and practicing new skills in a hands-on, real-world setting rather than a traditional treatment environment. 3. **Community and Connection**: Why Making Whole places a strong emphasis on teamwork, shared meals, and interpersonal growth as part of the recovery process. 4. **Failure as a Teacher**: Jeremy’s approach to introducing failure in a supportive environment to help clients grow and build resilience. 5. **A New Value Proposition for Recovery**: How Making Whole reframes sobriety by offering a “value proposition” of meaning, purpose, and personal fulfillment. ### Guest Bio: **Jeremy French** **Founder, Making Whole** Jeremy French is the founder of Making Whole, an apprenticeship program based in Asheville, NC, that focuses on helping men in recovery through hands-on craftsmanship. Jeremy’s unique approach combines his background in trades with his passion for recovery, providing a space where men learn valuable skills in woodworking, metalworking, and concrete craftsmanship. Through Making Whole, Jeremy has created a supportive environment where community, accountability, and creativity play crucial roles in the recovery journey. ### Resources Mentioned: - **Making Whole:** [https://www.makingwhole.com](https://www.makingwhole.com) ### Follow Us: - **Instagram:** [https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery](https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery) - **Facebook:** [https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery](https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery) - **LinkedIn:** [https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery](https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery) - **TikTok:** [https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc](https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc) ### Watch & Listen: - **Podcast Website:** [https://www.findingnewwaters.com](https://www.findingnewwaters.com) - **Spotify:** [https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw?si=f485f70900204da4](https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw?si=f485f70900204da4) - **Apple Podcast:** [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608) - **YouTube:** [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw) - **YouTube Music:** [https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn&feature=share](https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn&feature=share) - **Google Podcast:** [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kZmI2YTk3NC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kZmI2YTk3NC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw)