BRN Podcast: Buddhist Recovery Network
by Buddhist Recovery Network
The BRN Podcast brings together teachers, leaders, and peers from different recovery lineages and approaches. In addition to substance addictions, we are committed to the inclusion of process addictions (AKA non-substance or behavioral addictions) as an essential part to the whole discussion of recovery. Join us as we explore themes like: Mindfulness. Gratitude. Compassion. Appreciation.The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of BRN and its employees.
Episodes
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BRN #78 Paula Snow ❖ Off the Grid, Into Recovery
What happens when nature becomes part of our recovery practice? In this episode of the Buddhist Recovery Network Podcast, Beth speaks with Paula Snow, Program Director of Off-Grid Retreats, about recovery, Buddhist practice, community, and the healing possibilities of spending intentional time in...
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BRN #77 Julia M. Hayes ❖ The Sacred Pause: Healthy Boundaries, Wise Effort & Radical Kindness
ABOUT JULIA M. HAYES Julia Hayes is an author, storyteller, teacher, and self-described ember keeper whose work centers on spiritual empowerment through mindfulness, creativity, and community. A Buddhist practitioner for more than 30 years, Julia draws from Buddhist teachings, Celtic mysticism,...
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There Is Freedom Here: Matthew Hahn on Recovery, Sangha, and a Life of Practice
https://buddhistrecoverysummit.org/ Matthew Hahn sat with his first sangha as a prisoner in Folsom State Prison, where he experienced the power of the Dharma to alleviate suffering. Since coming home in 2012, he has practiced principally within the Insight Tradition and is mentored by his primary...
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75: Healing Through Connection: Chris Warner's Journey
⚠️Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicidal ideation In this episode of the BRN podcast, host Beth Herzig speaks with Chris Warner, a therapist and board member of the Buddhist Recovery Network. Chris shares her personal journey of recovery from addiction, emphasizing the...
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74: Wisdom and Recovery: Walt Opie's Transformative Path
In this episode of the Buddhist Recovery Network podcast, host Beth Herzig speaks with Walt Opie, the board president of the Buddhist Recovery Network. Walt shares his journey through recovery, his introduction to Buddhism and meditation, and his experiences teaching in prisons. The conversation...
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From War to Wisdom: A Journey of Sobriety and Spirituality Claude AnShin Thomas on Recovery
Join Kevin Griffin and Claude AnShin Thomas as they delve into the profound intersections of sobriety and spirituality. In this episode, Claude shares his transformative journey from a Vietnam veteran to a Zen Buddhist monk, highlighting the essential role of spiritual practice in recovery....
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Cathryn Jacob on Recovery, Dharma, and the Power of Belonging
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Cathryn Jacob—retired doctor, meditation teacher, and co-founder of Raft to Recovery. Cathryn shares her personal recovery journey and how Buddhist practice, psychology, and neuroscience come together in her work supporting others on the path of healing. A board...
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Not Scratching the Itch: Buddhist Recovery and Hardcore Truths with Mikey Livid
⚠️ Trigger Warning:This episode contains discussion of suicide, grief, and traumatic loss. Please listen with care. In this powerful and unflinchingly honest episode, Buddhist teacher and punk rocker Mikey Livid shares his journey from bar fights and blackout nights to Buddhist practice, pastoral...
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BRN #70: "Middle Path Recovery Project" feat. Pawo Dorje — Evidence-Based Healing, Embracing Harm Reduction, Self-Defining Your Sobriety
📝 Episode Description: In this deeply personal and illuminating conversation, we welcome Pawo Dorje, a recovery coach, dharma practitioner, and the founder of the Middle Path Recovery Project (MPRP). With nearly 15 years of lived recovery experience and decades of spiritual and personal growth,...
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BRN #69. Freddie Lara ❖ The Role of Shame in Relapse, Spirituality, Mentorship & Recovery
Freddie Lara is a Latinx Actor and Acting Coachbased in the LA area and is involved with Recovery Dharma. Growing up in an environment of instability, violence, and shame, he shares about his early struggles and what recovery is like now. • instagram.com/freddielaraactorsstudio
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BRN #68. Vince Cullen ❖ From Abstinence to Abandonment, Power of Personal Vow, Launching the 5th Precept Sangha
Podcast Notes: Vince Cullen shares his journey into recovery and Buddhism, which led him to develop programs, host retreats, and help others find a new way of life. An ex-alcoholic, Vince has been involved in Buddhist-oriented drug and alcohol recovery since 1998 and has a long association…
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BRN #67. Julia Hayes ❖ SatiSeva: Reimagining Recovery & Support, Thích Nhất Hạnh, Creating Wise Options
•SoulsCenter.com/weekly-offerings.html 👉 join Recovery Dharma & other online offerings •SoulsCenter.com/SatiSeva 👉 join SatiSeva online: Support for Families, Friends, Professionals, Addicts (All are Truly Welcome) __________________________________________________ Julia Hayes is an ember…
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BRN #66. Chris Beaudry ❖ Anger as an Addiction, Grief & Loss, Acute & Longterm Trauma
Whether you’re struggling with addiction, grief, or finding your path forward, Chris Beaudry’s story is a beacon of hope: proof that from the depths of despair can emerge profound growth and purpose. Chris Beaudry is a renowned public speaker and mental health advocate with a deeply personal and...
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BRN #65 Susanna Ahvalo ❖ Emotional Sobriety, Modern Tools for Trauma, Transforming Triggers
Today's Guest:Susanna Ahvalo Susanna Ahvalo is an addiction expert and mindfulness instructor from Helsinki, Finland. She combines Positive Psychology, trauma-informed methods, and mindfulness to explore the roots of suffering behind addictive behaviors and the path to living a values-driven,...
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BRN #64. Sitaram Dass ❖ Practical Devotion, Transform Suffering with Love, Surrender & Grace
Today's Guest: Sitaram Dass (K. Sandin, LCSW) Sitaram Dass spent several years serving his beloved teacher Ram Dass on Maui, where he was shown the path of Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of service and devotion. As the Director of theSacred Community Project, he works to lower the barriers of access to...
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BRN #63. Shawna Adkins ❖ Healing Through Ancestral Connection, Codependency as Coping Mechanism, Building Resilience Against Burnout
Today's Guest: Shawna Adkins Shawna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Oakland, California. She supports adults on their wellness journeys, helping them reconnect with their Buddha Nature. She also enjoys dancing, DIY projects, and gardening. Podcast Music by Modus Music. For inquires,...
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BRN #62. Kevin Griffin ❖ The Breath of Recovery, Balancing Energy, Emotional Regulation
Celebrated Recovery Teacher and Author Kevin Griffin - on Recovery 🗺️Need a Meeting? 👉buddhistrecovery.org/meetings Thelargest, up-to-date, comprehensiveBuddhist recovery meeting list.Hundreds of meetings across various Buddhist programs. (Both Online & In-Person meetings.) 📺Looking...
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BRN #61. Martine Batchelor ❖ Making the most of January, Gratitude for Existence, Effort vs. Effect
Everyday can be a New year - cultivating JOY 🗺️Need a Meeting? 👉buddhistrecovery.org/meetings Thelargest, up-to-date, comprehensiveBuddhist recovery meeting list.Hundreds of meetings across various Buddhist programs. (Both Online & In-Person meetings.) 📺Looking for a good Dharmatalk...
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BRN #60. BRN Board Members ❖ All about the BRN Summit & the Serenity Prayer, Underrepresentation of AAPI & Other Voices in Buddhist Recovery Spaces, Psychedelics Evolving in Recovery
Musings from some of the BRN Board Members 🗺️Need a Meeting? 👉buddhistrecovery.org/meetings Thelargest, up-to-date, comprehensiveBuddhist recovery meeting list.Hundreds of meetings across various Buddhist programs. (Both Online & In-Person meetings.) 📺Looking for a good…
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BRN #59. Venerable Pannavati ❖ The Newness of Life, Habit Transformation, Embracing Impermanence
Teachings from the Venerable Pannavati 🗺️Need a Meeting? 👉buddhistrecovery.org/meetings Thelargest, up-to-date, comprehensiveBuddhist recovery meeting list.Hundreds of meetings across various Buddhist programs. (Both Online & In-Person meetings.) 📺Looking for a good...
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BRN #58. Laura Willoughby ❖ Club Soda - Changing the world, Mindful Drinking, Supporting Non-Drinkers in Night Life
Founder Laura Willoughby in Conversation with Vimalasara 🗺️Need a Meeting? 👉buddhistrecovery.org/meetings Thelargest, up-to-date, comprehensiveBuddhist recovery meeting list.Hundreds of meetings across various Buddhist programs. (Both Online & In-Person meetings.)...
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BRN #57. Harvey Webb ❖ Sun Lotus - A New Buddhist Program, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Examine Codepedency to Foster Healthier Connections
Harvey Webb tells us all about his new program 🗺️Need a Meeting? 👉buddhistrecovery.org/meetings Thelargest, up-to-date, comprehensiveBuddhist recovery meeting list.Hundreds of meetings across various Buddhist programs. (Both Online & In-Person meetings.) 📺Looking...
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BRN #56. Jovelle and Andrew ❖ Sober a Whole Life, Peer Pressure & Boundaries, Positive Distractions
Jovelle and Andrew share their stories 🗺️Need a Meeting? 👉buddhistrecovery.org/meetings Thelargest, up-to-date, comprehensiveBuddhist recovery meeting list.Hundreds of meetings across various Buddhist programs. (Both Online & In-Person meetings.) 📺Looking for…
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BRN #55. Kara Haney ❖ Watch Your (Feeling) Tone, Autopilot & Waking Up, Living with Discomfort
A talk by Kara Haney _____________________________________ 🗺️Need a Meeting? 👉buddhistrecovery.org/meetings Thelargest, up-to-date, comprehensiveBuddhist recovery meeting list.Hundreds of meetings across various Buddhist programs. (Both Online & In-Person...
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BRN #54. Vimalasara ❖ Coming Home to Black Body (Critical Conversations about Race: A poetic talk by BRN's President)
This is a talk from the SHE RECOVERS symposium about Critical Conversations About Race. We are in the unfortunate time of having to witness the Trial of Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. And during this time of the trial the slaying of Duante Wright took place in the Minneapolis. This talk...
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BRN #53. Vince Miller & Valentine Darling ❖ The Vulnerable Disco: Owning Your Story, Healing from Sexual Trauma & Abusive Relationships, Challenging the Norms
The Vulnerable Disco Vince Miller and Valentine Darling chat about how they got sober, queer community in sobriety, healing from trauma, and developing friendships. Both Vince and Valentine are active on instagram. Follow Vince @thevulnerabledisco, and Valentine @goingsomewheresober. Get more...
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BRN #52. Carolyn ❖ Decolonized Recovery, Interconnected Liberation, Reclaiming Joy & Movemt
Recovery for the Revolution Carolyn, who uses they/them pronouns, is a queer, non-binary Afro-Indigenous neurodivergent human in long-term recovery and believe recovery from a decolonized, anti-oppression lens can point the collective towards liberation. They are breathing fresh life into…
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BRN #51. Phoebe Conybeare & Alyssa Hart ❖ Sober Voices Summit: Meet the Women Behind the Event, Navigating Shame, Importance of Equity & Inclusion
The Sober Voices Team https://www.sobervoices.co/The Sober Voices Summit is multiple days of intentional content from a diverse array of leaders in the sober movement. This event brings together people from multifaceted backgrounds to share their stories and vision for the future of the sober...
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BRN #50. Lucy Rocca (Founder of Soberistas) ❖ Giving Up Alcohol & Living Life in Control, Chronic Self-Doubt, Life Beyond Alcohol
Lucy Rocca tells our President of BRN Vimalasara, all about Soberistas, a recovery community founded in the UK, that serves predominantly women all over the world. https://www.buddhistrecovery.org/christmas-eve _____________________________________ 🗺️Need a Meeting?...
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BRN #49. Ester Nicholson (SheRecovers) ❖ EFT Emotional Freedom Tapping, Critical Conversations About Race, Reclaiming Identity
Critical Conversations About Race Ester speaks on race in recovery and Emotional Freedom Tapping _____________________________________ 🗺️Need a Meeting? 👉buddhistrecovery.org/meetings Thelargest, up-to-date, comprehensiveBuddhist recovery meeting...
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BRN #48. Shari Hampton (Creator of “Served Up Sober”) ❖ Finding Your Voice, Holistic Modalities, Self-Love as Foundation of Recovery
In this episode shary speaks about life growing up as a queer teenager, and as an adult recovering from meth and drinking. She shares BIPOC recovery resources, and talks about her use of holistic recovery modalities. Shari will be facilitating the upcoming event at SheRecovers: Healing the…
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BRN #47. Vimalasara, H Whitaker, S Morris, R Schwartz, J Hoppe, & K Griffin ❖ Is Racism An Addiction?, Codependency of Racism, Compounded BIPOC Challenges in Predominantly White Recovery Spaces
This topic is so incredibly important for us in recovery. Doing anti racist work is an integral part of our healing, especially in Buddhist Recovery where we aim to cause less harm. How can we do that without exploring how to be an anti racist and by learning how to not perpetuate the racism...
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BRN #46. Taryn Strong (Founder of SheRecovers) ❖ Inner Child Work, Healing Personal Trauma, Trauma-Informed Yoga
In this interview Taryn Strong, co-founder of SheRecovers, opens up about the trauma and inner child work she set out to do after her relapse and what it's like to run a recovery community with her mother. "At the core, we are all the same... Everyone is recovering from something" These words are...
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BRN #45. Holly Whitaker ❖ Authored “Quit Like a Woman” & Founder of Tempest, Feminist Recovery, Personalized Pathways
Holly Whitaker speaks on Tempest and what it means to create an inclusive online recovery program. Interview by Vimalasara Mason-John.https://www.jointempest.com/ _____________________________________ 🗺️Need a Meeting? 👉buddhistrecovery.org/meetings...
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BRN #44. Kevin Griffin ❖ 35 Years Sober, Stages of Recovery, Service as Spirituality
Kevin Griffin reflects on his past 35 years of sobriety using Buddhism and the 12 steps followed by Q&A. https://insightla.org/event/the-addiction-to-racism/2020-07-31-09-30/https://insightla.org/event/efforts-of-recovery/2020-08-03-18-30/ _____________________________________ 🗺️Need…
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BRN #43. Clif Cannon, Amanda Hamp, Ojoku A. ❖ Sex & Relationships - A Queer Peer Panel, Sober Sexuality, Learning Not To Avoid/Numb Feelings of Intimacy
HAPPY PRIDE. This episode is all about sex and relationships in recovery featuring Clif Cannon, Amanda Hamp, Ojoku Anoiyusogwu and hosted by Valentine. Donate to keep this podcast going at _____________________________________ 🗺️Need a Meeting?...
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BRN #42. Jimanekia Eborn, MS ❖ Trauma Queen, Healing Generational Trauma, Culturally-Specific Spaces to Meet Diverse Needs
"I have worked in mental health for the last 12 years, which is where I saw the need for sexual education and sexual trauma support.I have a MS in Health Psychology. This has led to my passion for assisting and supporting those that are sexual assault survivors and those without access to...
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BRN #41. Ojoku ❖ Ojoku’s Story, Intersectionality of Black & LGBTQ+ in Recovery, Authentic Living & Purpose
Ojoku shares his story on being a gay black man in america, leaving the military and recovering from addiction. _____________________________________ 🗺️Need a Meeting? 👉buddhistrecovery.org/meetings Thelargest, up-to-date, comprehensiveBuddhist...
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BRN #40. Martine Batchelor ❖ Breaking Free of Habits, Dissolving Repetitive Habits through Anchoring & Mindfulness
https://www.patreon.com/buddhistrecoverynetworkDuring this talk Martine will look at the habits that bind us and stop our potential for wisdom and compassion manifesting fully. She will explore the meditative tools found in the Vipassana tradition like mindfulness of the breath, sounds and…
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BRN #39. Amanda, Stevie & Valentine ❖ Weathering the Storm - A Peer Panel, Collective Trauma, Self-Soothing Techniques
Peers in recovery share their experience and practices for Weathering the Storm. Featuring Cliff, Amanda, Stevie & Valentine. _____________________________________ 🗺️Need a Meeting? 👉buddhistrecovery.org/meetings Thelargest, up-to-date,...
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BRN #38. Fresh Lev White ❖ Perfect As You Are, Recognizing Self-Worth, Healing With Community
In this session we will release self-doubt and/or self-blame, and engage in a practice of self-love and self-forgiveness. Fresh Lev White is a love and compassionate activist. He offers mindfulness, coaching, mediation, and diversity trainings as tools for shifting towards more authentic…
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BRN #37. Gabor Mate ❖ Trauma: Underlying All Addictions, Stress: Main Driver of Relapse
Interview with Dr. Maté, renowned addiction expert, who calls for a compassionate approach toward addiction, whether in ourselves or in others. Dr. Maté believes that the source of addictions is not to be found in genes but in the early childhood environment. In The Realm Of Hungry Ghosts, his…
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BRN #36. Vimalasara ❖ Eating Disorders, Body Image & Acceptance, Boundaries Around Food
Re-Release from Taboo Addictions. Vimalasara talks about eating disorder recovery. BRN Podcast will be taking a break for the next month. If you have ideas for 2020 episodes or want to be involved in any way please email me at [email protected] Zoom link for our online Xmas Day...
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BRN #35. Vimalasara ❖ Surviving the Holidays with Vimalasara, Grief & Loss, Self-care & Boundaries
Top up on tips and coping mechanisms to deal with the next 32 days. Do the festive season with a sense of freedom and joy. Recorded from the Buddhist Recovery Network Academy: Watch the Triggers: The Festive Season is Here featuring Vimalasara Mason John. _____________________________________...
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BRN #34. Kevin Griffin ❖ Buddhism & the 12 Steps, Turning It Over to Dharma, Suttas & Stories
From the International Buddhist Recovery Summit in Lacey WA September 6th 2019. Intention, Mindfulness & The 12 Steps ft Kevin Griffin _____________________________________ 🗺️Need a Meeting? 👉buddhistrecovery.org/meetings Thelargest, up-to-date,...
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BRN #33. Family, Queerness in AA & Community during COVID ❖ Kim’s Story (A Queer Friend of Bill), Queerness in AA, Community during COVID
Today on the Buddhist Recovery Network podcast we have an inspiring story by Kim who speaks about her experience through the 12 steps, she speaks about her Italian family, and her upbringing... her queerness in the rooms, and having community during this global pandemic....
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BRN #32. Vince Cullen ❖ Addiction & the Hell Realm, Break the Cycle with Intentional Responses to Triggers
From Vince Cullen at the International Buddhist Recovery Summit in Lacey WA September 6th 2019. https://www.5th-precept.org/Fifth-Precept-Sangha-Meeting-Format.pdf _____________________________________ 🗺️Need a Meeting?...
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BRN #31. Eddie LeShure ❖ Shifting Perception, Self-Care & Self-Compassion in Recovery, Somatic Awareness
There is a correlation between our inner state of being and our outer circumstances. By noticing our inner sensations and thoughts, tracking them to witness their changes, we make the unconscious conscious and can hold the inner and the outer experiences in an attitude of expanded focus.…
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BRN #30. Vince Cullen ❖ Addiction/Mental Illness as Coping Mechanisms for Trauma, Buddhist vs. Clinical Views Addiction, Self-Discovery
From the International Buddhist Recovery Summit in Lacey WA September 6th 2019. Craving, the Sutta's & Addiction http://www.vancouverbuddhistcentre.com/programs/retreats/ https://mtadamszen.org/event/oct-sober-fest/ https://www.5th-precept.org/Fifth-Precept-Sangha-Meeting-Format.pdf...
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BRN #29. Deborah Grace, Vimalasara, Gary Sanders ❖ Taboo Addictions (Sex, Love & Eating Disorders), Curiosity & Internet Addiction, Shame/Secrecy & Isolation
From the International Buddhist Recovery Summit in Lacey WA September 6th 2019. Tabboo Addictions: Sex, Porn, Love, Eating Disorders and Screens. http://www.vancouverbuddhistcentre.com/programs/retreats/ https://mtadamszen.org/event/oct-sober-fest/ Buddhist Recovery Network Facebook...
About this show
The BRN Podcast brings together teachers, leaders, and peers from different recovery lineages and approaches. In addition to substance addictions, we are committed to the inclusion of process addictions (AKA non-substance or behavioral addictions) as an essential part to the whole discussion of recovery. Join us as we explore themes like: Mindfulness. Gratitude. Compassion. Appreciation.The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of BRN and its employees.
Hosted by
Buddhist Recovery Network
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