In Episode 97 of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with George Haymaker, a neuroeducator, coach, and recovered addict, for a deeply insightful conversation about addiction, healing, and the power of rewiring the brain. George opens up about his own struggle with alcoholism and addiction—what began as casual drinking in college spiraled into a destructive lifestyle fueled by unresolved trauma and genetic predisposition. After years of battling his dependency, George embarked on a life-changing journey to understand the brain's role in addiction and recovery.

Through neuroscience and habit transformation, George not only found his path to sobriety but built a new life centered on service, coaching, and corporate consulting. In this episode, he and Gary explore how early childhood experiences shape our neural patterns, the science behind relapse, and why understanding your brain is key to long-term recovery. George shares practical tools—like meditation, positive visualization, and dopamine regulation—that helped him and now help others reclaim their lives.

Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about the mind-body connection, this episode is packed with transformative insights. Tune in for an inspiring story of redemption, science, and self-discovery that proves recovery is not only possible—it can be your greatest strength.

About George Haymaker:

​George Haymaker is a Certified Neuroscience Coach and Consultant who transformed his life by overcoming addiction and mastering his mind. Through his coaching programs, he empowers individuals and organizations to rewire their brains, break unhelpful patterns, and achieve peak performance. George's approach is rooted in the science of neuroplasticity, helping clients harness their brain's potential for lasting change. He offers one-on-one coaching, executive sober companionship, and workplace consulting to support clients in optimizing their mental well-being and achieving their goals.

To learn more about George's work and connect with him,

visit his 🌍 Website: georgehaymaker.com

follow him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgehaymaker/

► Visit our website here: TheBeginAgainPodcast.com

★ Let's connect:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/BeginAgainPdcst
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thebeginagainpodcast/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@user8619235129226
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheBeginAgainPodcast/
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thebeginagainpodcast/

In this inspiring episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Keelie Allen, a sobriety and mindset coach whose powerful story of transformation is rooted in her personal battle with addiction. Keelie opens up about her journey from alcohol dependency and depression to a life of purpose, clarity, and self-love. During the height of the pandemic, a pivotal moment at a lockdown party forced her to confront the destructive cycle she was in. That realization set her on a path of change—and ultimately, recovery.

Keelie shares how she found strength in online sober communities and how embracing vulnerability and authenticity became her greatest tools in rebuilding her identity. Her story defies the traditional narrative of “rock bottom,” proving that transformation doesn’t have to follow a specific script. Instead, Keelie empowers others—especially women—to rewrite their own recovery journeys and embrace the sober curious lifestyle on their own terms.

From hiding behind alcohol to leading a thriving sober community, Keelie’s experience is a testament to what’s possible when we choose to begin again. If you’re seeking motivation, connection, or a reminder that healing is possible, this episode offers a powerful message of hope and self-discovery.

About Keelie Allen:

​Keelie Allen is a sobriety and mindset coach dedicated to empowering women to embrace alcohol-free living and rediscover their authentic selves. After overcoming her own struggles with alcohol dependency, Keelie transformed her life and now guides others on their journey to self-love, clarity, and purpose without relying on substances. Through her coaching, she fosters a supportive community that celebrates personal growth and resilience. Keelie shares her insights and experiences on Instagram, offering daily inspiration and practical tools for those exploring a sober lifestyle.

Follow her at @k33li3louis3 for motivation and guidance on your path to empowerment.

► Visit our website here: TheBeginAgainPodcast.com

★ Let's connect:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/BeginAgainPdcst
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thebeginagainpodcast/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@user8619235129226
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheBeginAgainPodcast/
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thebeginagainpodcast/

In Episode 95 of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes welcomes Mike Savidant, creator of Sober Savvy, for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about addiction, healing, and the power of choosing a new path. Mike opens up about his nomadic upbringing across Canada, early exposure to alcohol, and how his drinking spiraled after moving out of an abusive home. As his alcohol dependency intensified, Mike found himself caught in a cycle of hiding his addiction and suffering in silence—until a serious accident forced him to confront his reality.

What follows is a raw and honest look at the pivotal moments that led Mike to seek help and embrace a life of sobriety. From attending his first AA meetings to building an online community through Sober Savvy, Mike shares how vulnerability, accountability, and connection helped him rebuild his identity from the ground up.

Together, Gary and Mike reflect on the chaotic grip addiction can have and the freedom that comes from recovery. This episode is a reminder that no matter how far gone you feel, it’s never too late to begin again.

🎧 Don’t miss this powerful conversation on healing, hope, and the journey toward a sober, purpose-driven life.

About Mike Savidant:

Mike Savidant is a passionate sobriety advocate and content creator dedicated to inspiring others on their recovery journey. After overcoming his own struggles with alcohol addiction, Mike launched Sober Savvy, a platform where he shares honest reflections, motivational insights, and tools to support those seeking a healthier, substance-free life. With a powerful voice in the online recovery community, Mike encourages open conversations about addiction, mental health, and the daily challenges of sobriety. His relatable content continues to resonate with thousands navigating their own path to healing.

Follow Mike on Instagram to stay connected:

🌍 Website: https://www.instagram.com/sobersavvy/

► Visit our website here: TheBeginAgainPodcast.com

★ Let's connect:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/BeginAgainPdcst
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thebeginagainpodcast/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@user8619235129226
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheBeginAgainPodcast/
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thebeginagainpodcast/