The episode traces the inspiring story of Midwest Recovery Centers, highlighting their growth from a small outpatient PHP program to a comprehensive continuum of care for both mental health and substance use disorders. Through candid reflection, co-founder Geffen Liberman describes how personal experience, community needs, and a patient-first philosophy have shaped the organization’s mission and operational decisions. The discussion underscores the importance of adaptability, integrity, and enthusiasm in providing effective, compassionate behavioral health support.
Through the personal story of Tom Langhofer, former Pastor of Resurrection Recovery, this episode highlights the reality that addiction can impact anyone, regardless of background or accomplishments. Tom shares his progression from secrecy and active alcoholism to lasting recovery, driven by community, faith, and service. The episode also addresses the resilience needed to remain sober through profound grief, such as the loss of a child, and how acts of service continue the healing process while helping others.
Effective addiction recovery hinges on integrating medical expertise with holistic, compassionate care. Shay McNeal, NP-C (Medical Director for Midwest Recovery Centers) shares with Geffen Liberman (Executive Director of Detox & Residential Services) her personal and professional journey, addressing the deep stigma surrounding addiction and mental health while championing the collaborative, patient-centered approach at MRC. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of understanding addiction as a chronic medical condition -- on par with other chronic diseases -- and the power of authenticity and advocacy in transforming patient outcomes.
The episode explores the journey to mental wellness, focusing on both individual and family healing in the context of addiction and mental health recovery. Abigail Gray, Assistant Clinical Director at Midwest Recovery Centers, shares her expertise on therapeutic modalities like art therapy, cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapies, and highlights the importance of understanding the brain, nervous system, and the role of family dynamics. Listeners are guided through practical insights and compassionate perspectives on letting go of control, building healthy coping skills, and finding personal purpose and stability in recovery.
Suzanne Brown, LCSW, Clinical Director at Midwest Recovery Centers, shares her personal and professional insights on how addiction impacts entire families, not only individuals. She offers practical tools for family recovery, including boundary setting, detaching with love, and understanding the disease model of addiction. By reframing enabling as "caring out of balance," listeners are empowered to support their loved ones compassionately while also protecting their own wellbeing.
Key Points/Topics Covered
Kevin O’Grady, founder and CEO of Midwest Recovery Centers, shares his own deeply personal story, highlighting his early struggles with addiction, the family dynamics that shaped his journey, and his eventual path to recovery. As Kevin recounts his adolescence, battles with substance use, and the interventions that helped him seek change, the discussion emphasizes how addictive behaviors escalate, the importance of relatable support, and the unique culture at MRC that fosters hope and authenticity for those seeking help. Hosted by Taylor Brown, Director of Admissions and Marketing at Midwest Recovery Centers, the conversation aims to inspire those struggling -- along with their families -- to believe in the possibility of healing, while offering practical insight into how support systems can influence recovery.