Episode 32. Behind the Kitchen Doors with Darius Waters

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and longtime Shambhala neighbour, Darius Waters, for a really honest, down-to-earth conversation about his journey through addiction, burnout, and ultimately, healing.

Darius shares what it was like working in the high-pressure world of fine dining as a chef—where long hours, heavy drinking, and drugs were just part of the culture. It wasn’t until the world slowed down during the pandemic that he finally saw his drinking for what it was: a problem that was taking over his life.

We talk about the moment he knew he needed help, his experience walking into his first AA meeting, and how hard it was to get sober—not just physically, but emotionally. He’s now nearly three years sober, studying to become a youth counsellor, and mentoring kids through a powerful long-term program that supports youth for 12 years, no matter what.

Darius is full of heart and humility. This episode is a reminder that healing is possible, that people can and do change, and that sometimes, rock bottom is what opens the door to a completely new way of living.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Darius Waters and His Work

03:07 The Impact of Mentorship on Youth

06:04 Transition from Culinary Career to Youth Mentorship

09:10 The Dark Side of the Culinary World

11:53 Reflections on Childhood and Family Influence

14:56 The Journey into Alcoholism

17:57 Realizations and Acceptance of Addiction

21:07 Life as a Chef: The Reality Behind the Scenes

24:03 The Culture of Substance Use in the Culinary Industry

30:31 The Struggles of Functioning Alcoholism

32:32 Pandemic Reflections and Realizations

36:29 The Turning Point: Seeking Help

39:29 First Steps into Recovery

44:48 The Hospital Experience and Acceptance

47:24 Life After Sobriety: New Beginnings

51:05 Finding Joy in New Outlets

53:23 How Darius Did It: A Summary of Growth

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How can you support the show?

Having a podcast is such a beautiful experience, however it is time-consuming and has its own expenses. To help support the show and keep it going by you can consider donating by using this link.

Follow on instagram: @petathompsonwellness

Follow on instagram: @howdyoudoitpodcast

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

To work with Peta Thompson, head over to www.petathompson.com to learn more about her 1:1 offerings, workshops and courses.

And my Online Yoga & Meditation Platform "Breathe, Move, Embody"

Learn about my "Liberate your Life: Break Patterns & Find Freedom!" online course here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 30. From Homeless to Homeowner with Jeremy Kelly (Part 1).

Jeremy Kelly’s story is so intense, I had to split it into two parts. In Part 1, he takes us into the brutal reality of addiction and homelessness on the streets of downtown Eastside. From heavy drug use to dangerous encounters that nearly cost him his life, Jeremy shares the harrowing details of what it took to survive. He’s looked death in the eye more times than he can count, crossed the wrong people, and hit rock bottom in ways most of us can’t even imagine. His storytelling is gripping—I felt like I was watching an entire TV series unfold in real time.

Listen now to hear Jeremy’s raw, unfiltered journey.

Chapters

00:00 Birth and Early Life in a Hippie Commune

05:47 Introduction to Drugs: LSD and Heroin

11:49 Experiences in Scotland and the Art World

18:07 Cocaine Adventures in Mexico

23:57 First Treatment and Downward Spiral

31:45 The Downward Spiral: Escalation of Substance Abuse

39:50 The Turning Point: A Brush with Death

48:34 Treatment and Reflection. (Part 1)

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How can you support the show?

Having a podcast is such a beautiful experience, however it is time-consuming and has its own expenses. To help support the show and keep it going by you can consider donating by using this link.

Follow on instagram: @petathompsonwellness

Follow on instagram: @howdyoudoitpodcast

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

To work with Peta Thompson, head over to www.petathompson.com to learn more about her 1:1 offerings, workshops and courses.

And my Online Yoga & Meditation Platform "Breathe, Move, Embody"

Learn about my "Liberate your Life: Break Patterns & Find Freedom!" online course here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 31. From Homeless to Homeowner with Jeremy Kelly (Part 2).

Jeremy’s story was too big for just one episode—so here’s Part 2, the powerful conclusion. After years of addiction, violence, and survival on the streets, Jeremy finally hit his breaking point. In this episode, he shares the moment of complete surrender that changed everything and how he slowly rebuilt his life from the ground up. Now, after nine years as a frontline social worker, he dedicates his life to helping those who are where he once was. His journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of asking for help.

Don’t miss the rest of this unbelievable story.

Chapters

00:00 Struggles with Addiction and the Environment

05:53 Life on the Streets and Criminal Activity

12:01 The Drug Trade and Consequences

22:56 Struggles of Addiction and Desperation

29:00 The Turning Point: Seeking Help

34:30 A New Beginning: Embracing Recovery

42:38 Words of Wisdom: Encouragement for Others

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How can you support the show?

Having a podcast is such a beautiful experience, however it is time-consuming and has its own expenses. To help support the show and keep it going by you can consider donating by using this link.

Follow on instagram: @petathompsonwellness

Follow on instagram: @howdyoudoitpodcast

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

To work with Peta Thompson, head over to www.petathompson.com to learn more about her 1:1 offerings, workshops and courses.

And my Online Yoga & Meditation Platform "Breathe, Move, Embody"

Learn about my "Liberate your Life: Break Patterns & Find Freedom!" online course here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 29. Cancer, Psychedelics and Herbal Medicine with Travis Cartwright

In this episode, I chat with Travis Cartwright, a Medical Herbalist and co-founder of Althaea Herbals based in Nelson, BC. Travis grows, forages, and prepares various herbal medicines, teaches on natural health, and runs a clinical herbal practice. Guided by wisdom of nature, his practice integrates traditional herbalism with modern scientific knowledge. At 23, Travis was diagnosed with cancer. He shares his journey from feeling like an outsider in Industrial Red Deer, AB to becoming a Clinical Herbalist specializing in cancer care. He opens up about his own cancer journey, the difficult decisions he faced, the role herbal medicine and naturopathy played alongside chemotherapy, and the profound impact psychedelics had on his perspective—particularly regarding mortality.

Join us for a deeply personal conversation about resilience, healing, and the wisdom of the natural world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:07 Journey into Herbalism and Business

07:15 Personal Connection to Cancer and Healing

09:54 The Role of Grief in Healing

12:44 Understanding Herbal Medicine

15:27 Ethics and Environmental Awareness in Herbalism

18:55 Childhood and Early Influences

21:31 Exploration of Psychedelics

27:38 Psychedelics and Mortality

33:29 Navigating Cancer Diagnosis

38:33 Facing the Diagnosis

40:56 Navigating Treatment Options

46:05 The Role of Community and Support

50:32 Embracing Herbal Medicine

54:08 Life Lessons from Cancer

01:00:32 Supporting Others on Their Journey

01:08:16 How Did You Do It?

Learn more about Travis and Althaea Herbals below:

www.althaeaherbals.com

@althaeaherbals

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How can you support the show?

Having a podcast is such a beautiful experience, however it is time-consuming and has its own expenses. To help support the show and keep it going by you can consider donating by using this link.

Follow on instagram: @petathompsonwellness

Follow on instagram: @howdyoudoitpodcast

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

To work with Peta Thompson, head over to www.petathompson.com to learn more about her 1:1 offerings, workshops and courses.

And my Online Yoga & Meditation Platform "Breathe, Move, Embody"

Learn about my "Liberate your Life: Break Patterns & Find Freedom!" online course here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 28. A Story of Love and Strength Through Life’s Fragility with Tohni Blower

In this powerful episode, Tohni Bower shares the story of her deep, cosmic connection with her partner, Willow. In 2021, Willow suffered a cardiac episode. One year later, tragedy struck again when a sudden cardiac arrest left her in a coma for weeks. Tohni was with Willow when it happened, along with a doctor who miraculously kept Willow alive until paramedics arrived.

What followed was a time of immense uncertainty, but also profound community support. People from around the world came together, offering prayers, financial aid, meals, and rides, rallying behind Willow, Tohni, and their families. Through it all, Tohni navigated heartbreak, resilience, and the deep lessons this experience brought into her life.

Join us as Tohni reflects on the challenges, the cosmic love she holds for Willow, and the ways this experience has transformed her forever.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Connection

02:27 The Journey of Love and Friendship

11:40 The Life-Changing Incident

25:30 The Aftermath and Support

27:44 Navigating Trauma and Spirituality

35:16 Community Support During Crisis

41:03 The Journey of Recovery

50:17 Personal Transformation Through Adversity

01:02:06 The Cosmic Connection of Love

01:04:08 Advice for Those in Similar Situations

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Music by Nella Banner

Podcast Artwork: Design By Aether

How can you support the show?

Having a podcast is such a beautiful experience, however it is time-consuming and has its own expenses. To help support the show and keep it going by you can consider donating by using this link.

Follow on instagram: @petathompsonwellness

Follow on instagram: @howdyoudoitpodcast

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

To work with Peta Thompson, head over to www.petathompson.com to learn more about her 1:1 offerings, workshops and courses.

And my Online Yoga & Meditation Platform "Breathe, Move, Embody"

Learn about my "Liberate your Life: Break Patterns & Find Freedom!" online course here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 27. From PTSD to Rebirth through Somatic and Psilocybin Therapy with Mark Harringa

In this episode, Mark Harringa shares his journey of resilience after a life-altering accident. He opens up about his struggles with alcoholism, identity loss, and the emotional toll of recovery. Mark reflects on his past in the logging industry, the accident itself, and the long road to healing. He also explores the transformative power of psilocybin therapy, the pivotal moments that led him to seek help, and the importance of integration in creating lasting change.

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on a Transformative Year

03:03 The Journey of Self-Discovery

05:49 Life Before the Accident

08:59 The Day of the Accident

11:56 The Impact of the Accident

14:53 Emergency Response and Hospitalization

18:00 The Struggles in Recovery

21:07 Facing New Challenges

24:12 The Long Road to Recovery

27:02 Coping with Loss and Change

29:59 Finding Hope and Moving Forward

38:06 The Identity Crisis: Loss and Depression

42:52 The Turning Point: Seeking Help

48:32 The Journey of Self-Discovery: Books and Learning

57:36 The Psilocybin Experience: A Transformative Ceremony

01:06:47 Integration and Embodiment: Living the Change

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Music by Nella Banner

Podcast Artwork: Design By Aether

How can you support the show?

Having a podcast is such a beautiful experience, however it is time-consuming and has its own expenses. To help support the show and keep it going by you can consider donating by using this link.

Follow on instagram: @petathompsonwellness

Follow on instagram: @howdyoudoitpodcast

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

To work with Peta Thompson, head over to www.petathompson.com to learn more about her 1:1 offerings, workshops and courses.

And my Online Yoga & Meditation Platform "Breathe, Move, Embody"

Learn about my "Liberate your Life: Break Patterns & Find Freedom!" online course here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 26. Turning Pain into Purpose with Jebediah Ryan

In this episode, Jebediah Ryan shares his inspiring story of overcoming methamphetamine addiction and transforming his life into something truly beautiful. Once trapped in the grips of addiction, Jebediah now dedicates his life to helping others. He’s the founder of a successful organization offering dedicated men's disability support services across Queensland & NSW, Australia. Jebediah opens up about the darkest chapters of his life, the turning points that led to his recovery, and the transformative lessons he’s learned along the way. We also dive into his passion for empowering men, his mission to provide meaningful support, and the drive behind his work with the NDIS community.

Learn more about Jeb and Heart Led Support:

www.heartledsupport.com

@jebediah_ryan

Chapters

00:00 The Joys of Parenthood

03:52 Establishing Heart Lead Foundation

06:42 The Journey of Self-Discovery

09:59 Vulnerability and Masculinity

12:52 Childhood Challenges and Resilience

15:48 Navigating Early Adulthood and Relationships

18:58 The Impact of Substance Abuse

22:04 Finding Purpose Through Adversity

38:47 The Curious Mind and Experimentation

39:39 Australia Day and First Encounter with Meth

40:30 The Dark Journey of Addiction

41:48 Turning Point: Detox and Recovery

43:05 Cultural Connections and New Beginnings

45:27 Returning to Automotive Work

46:46 Fatherhood and Family Court Struggles

49:00 Navigating Co-Parenting Challenges

51:19 Personal Growth and New Relationships

54:37 Reclaiming Power and Asking for Help

56:35 Tools for Transformation

58:01 The Role of Fatherhood

01:02:02 Personal Development and Spiritual Growth

01:06:02 Finding Balance and Purpose

01:06:58 The Hero's Journey

01:10:18 Words of Encouragement to the Past Self

01:11:28 Final Thoughts and Community Offering

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Music by Nella Banner

Podcast Artwork: Design By Aether

How can you support the show?

Having a podcast is such a beautiful experience, however it is time-consuming and has its own expenses. To help support the show and keep it going by you can consider donating by using this link.

Follow on instagram: @petathompsonwellness

Follow on instagram: @howdyoudoitpodcast

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

To work with Peta Thompson, head over to www.petathompson.com to learn more about her 1:1 offerings, workshops and courses.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 25. Amputation or Ayahuasca with Bryant Mcrae

In this episode, Bryant Mcrae shares his incredible journey of resilience and transformation. From battling unexplainable chronic pain in his foot, pain so severe it almost led to amputation, to navigating a family history of addiction and his own struggles with pain medication, Bryant’s story is one of profound healing and hope.

Discover how his journey took a life changing turn when he encountered sacred plant medicine in the Amazon, a path that not only saved his foot but also his life. Bryant opens up about the challenges, breakthroughs, and the wisdom he gained through this powerful healing process.

This is a story of overcoming the impossible and finding redemption in unexpected places.

Tune in to hear Bryant’s inspiring tale and the lessons it offers for us all.

Learn more about Bryant below:

https://www.instagram.com/bryantmcrae/

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Music by Nella Banner

Podcast Artwork: Design By Aether

How can you support the show?

Having a podcast is such a beautiful experience, however it is time-consuming and has its own expenses. To help support the show and keep it going by you can consider donating by using this link.

Follow on instagram: @petathompsonwellness

Follow on instagram: @howdyoudoitpodcast

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to @PetaThompsonWellness on YouTube

To work with Peta Thompson, head over to www.petathompson.com to learn more about her 1:1 offerings, workshops and courses.

And my Online Yoga & Meditation Platform "Breathe, Move, Embody"

Learn about my "Liberate your Life: Break Patterns & Find Freedom!" online course here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.