Curt Neider and Shelley Mangum
Curt Neider and Shelley Mangum
035 - Randall Carlisle
035 - Randall Carlisle
035 - Randall Carlisle
Friday 28th May 2021
Randall Carlisle discusses his journey from functioning alcoholic to recovery advocate on The Illuminate Recovery Podcast.
63 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
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Author:
Curt Neider and Shelley Mangum
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Creative Recovery Journeys
Body & Mind
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Get the buttons here!Randall Carlisle: From News Anchor to Recovery Advocate
I wouldn't have any problem saying, hi, I'm randall and I have cancer or I have diabetes, but everybody. And you can say: this is just part of my life and doesn't define who I am.
Imagine being a familiar face on TV every evening, while secretly struggling with alcohol addiction. That's the story of Randall Carlisle, a veteran news anchor who joins Curt Neider and Shelley Mangum on The Illuminate Recovery Podcast. Carlisle opens up about his life as a 'functioning alcoholic', a term that masks the chaos beneath a seemingly successful career.
He shares candidly about the moment he realized his drinking wasn't normal, reflecting on his four marriages and the necessity of finding a new circle of friends. One of the most challenging parts for Carlisle was admitting his addiction. He recalls, 'I had the hardest time saying I'm Randall and I'm an alcoholic. It really took a long time for me to say that and admit it'.
His journey highlights the stigma around addiction, comparing it to other medical conditions like cancer or diabetes, which are more openly discussed. Changing his social circle was a slow but essential step in his recovery, emphasizing the importance of supportive environments. Carlisle also stresses the need for continuous self-work and regular attendance at AA meetings, noting that many relapses occur when individuals stop these practices.
His story doesn't shy away from the difficulties of rebuilding relationships and re-learning how to live a sober life. He praises Odyssey House, where he now works as a media specialist, for providing a nurturing space for recovery. Carlisle dreams of a more understanding and loving world, saying, 'I wish we had a more peaceful, loving kind of world'.
This episode offers an honest look at the struggles and triumphs of addiction recovery, making it a must-listen for anyone dealing with similar challenges or supporting someone who is.