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/

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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

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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

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In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes welcomes back Aaron Mead for an unfiltered conversation on the reality of addiction, relapse, and the relentless pursuit of recovery. Aaron shares his deeply personal story of isolation, addiction, and the pivotal moment that led him to a Zoom meeting that changed everything. From drinking alone in his basement to finding hope through community and breathwork, Aaron opens up about what it means to surrender, seek help, and rebuild a life with purpose.

Aaron reflects on the importance of daily rituals like inventory and meditation, the mental clarity that came with doing the work, and the ongoing challenge of staying grounded through highs and lows—especially when the deceptive “pink cloud” fades. He and Gary explore the impact of returning to old neighborhoods, the growth that comes from making amends, and how discomfort became the gateway to transformation.

Now co-founder of 3 Degrees STL and a leading voice in wellness and recovery, Aaron offers real tools and raw truth to inspire those navigating their own path. If you or someone you love is struggling, this conversation is a reminder: recovery is not only possible—it can be your greatest comeback story.

About Aaron Mead:

Aaron Mead is a dedicated wellness advocate, recovery speaker, and co-founder of 3 Degrees STL, a wellness studio in St. Louis offering transformative healing through breathwork, cold plunges, and sauna therapy. Having battled years of addiction, Aaron found sobriety through community, self-inventory, and embracing discomfort as a path to personal growth. His journey from the depths of relapse to building a life of purpose has inspired countless others navigating recovery. Today, he uses his platform to promote holistic wellness and encourage others to rediscover their strength.

Follow Aaron’s journey and connect with him:
📲 https://www.instagram.com/aaronjennermead/
📲 https://www.instagram.com/plunge_3d/
🌐 https://3degreesstl.com/

► Visit our website here: TheBeginAgainPodcast.com

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In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Lauren White, a motivational speaker, addiction counselor, and fierce mental health advocate, to explore her deeply personal and transformative journey. Lauren opens up about her traumatic upbringing, her battle with substance abuse, and how she turned her pain into purpose. Through raw vulnerability, she discusses the complexities of recovery, including her experience with her mother’s relapse, her own struggles with work addiction, and the emotional avoidance patterns that surfaced in early sobriety.

Lauren shares how she ultimately embraced self-acceptance, community, and authenticity to begin her healing journey—proving that recovery is not just about abstaining from substances, but about rebuilding the self from the inside out. Together, Gary and Lauren delve into the emotional toll of addiction, the impact of societal pressures (especially in the public eye), and the tools that helped them both reconnect with their true selves.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that the road to healing is not linear, but it is always worth it. Whether you're in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking inspiration, Lauren’s story will move you, challenge you, and fill you with hope.

About Lauren White:

Lauren White is a dynamic motivational speaker, certified addiction counselor, and fierce advocate for mental health and recovery. With a personal journey rooted in overcoming childhood trauma, substance abuse, and emotional turmoil, Lauren has transformed her pain into purpose. She now empowers others to reclaim their lives through honest storytelling, powerful coaching, and compassionate guidance. Her mission is to normalize conversations around addiction, self-worth, and healing—while reminding others that recovery is not only possible, but life-changing.

Follow Lauren and join her community for inspiration and support:
🌐 https://www.laurenwhitespeaker.com
📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlaurenwhite

► Visit our website here: TheBeginAgainPodcast.com

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In this episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Zach Loescher, a former EMT whose journey through addiction, mental health struggles, and recovery has led him to a new purpose in life. Zach opens up about the immense pressures of working as a first responder, how alcoholism became his escape, and the pivotal moment that set him on the path to sobriety. From grappling with dark thoughts to a life-saving intervention, his story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation.

Now in recovery, Zach has taken his experience and turned it into a movement with Soberpreneur, an initiative that helps individuals in recovery build meaningful, entrepreneurial lives. He shares how he learned to shift his mindset, break free from self-destructive patterns, and pursue his dreams without alcohol. Gary and Zach also discuss the power of goal-setting, spirituality, and the importance of building a fulfilling life beyond addiction.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, this conversation is a testament to the possibility of change and new beginnings. Follow Zach’s journey and mission at soberpreneur.life.

About Zach Loescher:

Zach Loescher is a former EMT turned recovery advocate and entrepreneur, dedicated to helping others reclaim their lives after addiction. After struggling with alcoholism and mental health challenges, a life-changing intervention set him on the path to sobriety. Through his initiative, Soberpreneur, Zach now empowers individuals in recovery to channel their resilience and creativity into entrepreneurial success. His journey from rock bottom to rebuilding his life serves as an inspiration for those seeking purpose beyond addiction.

Follow Zach’s journey and insights and support:

📲 Instagram: instagram.com/zloescher1

🌍 Website: soberpreneur.life.

► Visit our website here: TheBeginAgainPodcast.com

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In this episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Chris Janssen, a mindset coach, author, and speaker, to discuss her powerful journey through addiction and recovery. Chris opens up about her struggles with alcohol, the internal battles of guilt and self-sabotage, and the profound impact of surrendering control to something greater than herself. After spending years trapped in a cycle of addiction, she finally found clarity, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose through the recovery community.

Chris shares how embracing grace, resilience, and personal growth became the foundation of her transformation. She delves into the challenges of self-worth, the power of self-talk, and the importance of choosing words that foster healing and positivity. Now, as a life coach trained under Tony Robbins, Chris uses her experience to help others overcome limiting beliefs and create meaningful change in their lives.

Whether you're on your own recovery journey or seeking inspiration for personal growth, this episode offers valuable insights into overcoming addiction, finding strength in vulnerability, and taking the steps necessary to begin again.

🎧 Tune in now and be inspired by Chris's incredible story!

About Chris Janssen:

Chris Janssen is a mindset coach, speaker, and author passionate about helping individuals overcome self-sabotage, embrace resilience, and unlock their full potential. With a background in counseling psychology and corporate recruiting, she transitioned into life coaching, training under Tony Robbins, and developing strategies to empower others in personal and professional growth. Her book, Brace Yourself and Control, reflects her transformative journey through addiction recovery and the power of surrender. Chris continues to inspire through her coaching, writing, and speaking engagements, guiding others toward lasting change.

Follow Chris and learn more about her work:
📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris3janssen/
🌍 Website: https://www.chrisjanssencoaching.com/

► Visit our website here: TheBeginAgainPodcast.com

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In this episode of The Begin Again Podcast, Gary Menkes sits down with Brenton Sconce, a former pastor turned recovery advocate and comedian, to discuss his battle with alcohol addiction, the impact of losing his job, and how he transformed his struggles into a platform for healing and connection. Brenton opens up about the challenges of questioning his identity, hitting rock bottom, and the nearly year-long intensive treatment program that changed his life.

Brenton shares how comedy became a tool for healing, helping him reframe his journey and inspire others through his Office Recovery brand. He and Gary explore the power of the sober curious movement, emphasizing that recovery isn’t just about overcoming addiction—it’s about growth, self-acceptance, and breaking free from limiting beliefs.

With honesty and humor, Brenton reflects on the realities of sobriety, how community plays a vital role, and why embracing vulnerability and self-awareness has led to his most fulfilling chapter yet. Whether you’re in recovery or just looking for inspiration, this conversation offers hope, insight, and a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

🎧 Tune in now for an episode packed with wisdom, laughter, and raw honesty!

About Brenton Sconce:

Brenton Sconce is a comedian, recovery advocate, and content creator dedicated to making sobriety accessible, relatable, and even humorous. After facing his own battle with alcohol addiction and losing his job as a pastor, Brenton turned to recovery, finding strength in community, self-reflection, and laughter. Through his Office Recovery brand, he uses social media to share insightful and comedic takes on the sober journey, helping others navigate their own paths to healing. Follow Brenton’s journey and daily inspiration.

📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officerecovery/

► Visit our website here: TheBeginAgainPodcast.com

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