In this episode of The None of Your Business Podcast, hosts Michael Greenfield and Ushy Schwartz sit down with Sony Perlman, LMSW, a licensed therapist and Clinical Director of Boys Our Place and Our Village Sober Living, where he has spent over two decades helping young men overcome addiction and heal from trauma.

Sony introduces his unique “Shiva House Rules” approach to recovery, focusing on the transformative power of community, love, and connection in the healing process. He delves into the emotional roots of addiction, discussing how low self-esteem and the need for validation often drive destructive behaviors. Through compelling stories of personal transformation, Sonny emphasizes the importance of building strong support systems to aid in recovery.

Along the way, the conversation takes a lighter turn as Sony and the hosts debate the role of public displays of affection in relationships, blending humor with insightful discussions on mental health, trauma, and personal growth.

Whether you're interested in addiction recovery, mental health, or just looking for inspiring real-life stories, this episode is packed with profound insights and light-hearted moments. It’s a must-listen for anyone on a journey of personal or professional growth.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:31 Discussing Addictions

02:48 Sonny Perlman's Background

03:09 Personal Stories and Experiences

09:24 The Importance of Public Affection

22:44 Sonny's Work in Addiction Recovery

28:58 Understanding Validation Addiction

29:42 Addiction as a Spectrum

30:18 The Role of Self-Esteem in Addiction

31:06 Comfort and External Self-Esteem

32:25 The Impact of Trauma on Addiction

35:33 Shiva House Rules and Healing

41:11 Community Support in Recovery

45:50 Parenting and Prevention

58:26 Challenges in Tight-Knit Communities

01:01:57 Teenage Rebellion and Parental Challenges

01:02:33 The Importance of Parental Separation

01:03:13 Parenting Through Rebellion

01:03:55 Discipline and Sensitivity in Parenting

01:04:51 Adapting Parenting Styles

01:05:45 The Evolution of Parenting with Multiple Children

01:06:51 Realizations and Reflections on Parenting

01:10:28 Addressing Addiction and Community Support

01:12:34 The Role of Community in Recovery

01:13:19 Challenges and Success in Recovery Programs

01:19:12 Lightning Round: Insights and Reflections

01:22:03 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans