The Joy Hour Podcast

Episode 1

Meeting The Family

Tom brings his family on the podcast today to talk about how his addiction affected his life, work life and his family. The kids will describe the feelings they dealt with during and after his addiction while also talking about what Joy Hour is to them and how that has helped their family flourish during Tom's journey through sobriety.

Episode 2

The True Mission

In Today's episode, Tom interviews Ryan Elwell the Founder of Mission Outdoors: a non profit focused connecting and building relationships and trust with our veterans, helping them to get engaged in their community, to discover the immense value of their lives, and showing them there is hope. Discussing inspiring stories of how they have impacted lives and Ryan's personal experience with Joy Hour and what he believes it's impact on the community really means.

To Find out more about Mission Outdoors check out their website! https://missionoutdoors.org

Episode 3

In today's episode, Tom chats with Brad Swartz, the man behind Fitness Quest. Brad shares his inspiring story, talking about the ups and downs he's faced on his way to success. Despite tough times, Brad's determination and hard work have helped him build a thriving business and a better life. Tune in to hear how Brad turned challenges into opportunities and learn from his journey of resilience and achievement.

Check out more about Fitness Quest! https://www.fitnessquest.com

A Story Of Resilience

Episode 4

Discover the heart and soul of 'Joy Hour,' a community initiative making waves in addiction prevention and mental health support, in this uplifting episode. We sit down with Jason and Cherise, whose personal stories of resilience and the culinary magic of Rolling Smoke BBQ highlight the initiative's essence. 'Healing, Hope, and BBQ' is an inspiring tale of overcoming adversity through community, connection, and the healing power of sharing. Join us for a journey into a movement where joy and sobriety create a recipe for hope and transformation.

To Find out more about Rolling Smoke BBQ or to get yourself some delicious BBQ;

Check out - https://www.facebook.com/p/Rolling-Smoke-BBQ-Co-100025628051544/

Hope, Healing, and BBQ

Episode 5

In this deeply moving episode, Tom and Rob share their personal experiences with addiction, recovery, and the creation of the Joy Hour initiative. Their heartfelt discussion underscores the importance of vulnerability, authentic connections, and the role of community in fostering healing and prevention. Through their stories, they convey a powerful message of hope and the potential for personal pain to fuel a purposeful life dedicated to helping others. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and service in the journey toward recovery.

Transforming Pain into Purpose

Beyond the Game: Community, Courage, and Connection

Episode 6

In this episode, we engage in a candid conversation about Gerald's life, from his early days in Seattle to his professional baseball career and his significant role within the community. Discover how Gerald's upbringing, marked by community support and personal challenges, shaped his outlook and mission in life. Learn about the pivotal moments that led him to give back and inspire those around him. This discussion not only highlights Gerald's achievements but also delves into the power of authentic connections, resilience in overcoming obstacles, and the impact of mentorship and community involvement. Join us for an insightful session that explores the essence of finding purpose, embracing vulnerability, and the importance of lifting others up.

Breaking the Cycle: A Story of Loss, Addiction, and Hope

Episode 7

In this compelling episode of the Joy Hour podcast, Bryce shares his harrowing yet inspiring journey through the depths of addiction, beginning with a troubled childhood in Louisiana, marked by familial alcoholism and minimal parental guidance, to his descent into substance abuse and the profound losses and challenges that fueled his addiction. Despite the adversity, Bryce's story is one of resilience and transformation, highlighting the critical role of support, the impact of fatherhood, and his relentless pursuit of sobriety and personal growth. Through his experiences, the episode delves into the complexities of addiction, the power of community and connections, and the possibility of redemption, offering hope and guidance to others navigating the path to recovery.

Comparison Kills

Episode 8

This episode delves into the detrimental effects of comparing our lives to others through social media, highlighting how such comparisons can lead to a distorted sense of self-worth and happiness. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on the importance of recognizing the sacrifices behind the success stories we see online and the need for a balance between ambition and contentment. They discuss the value of human connections over material achievements and the importance of being present in our lives, urging listeners to embrace their unique journeys. The conversation ultimately encourages a reevaluation of what it means to live a fulfilled life, advocating for a focus on personal growth, relationships, and finding joy in the simple moments rather than constant comparison to an idealized version of others' lives.

From Adversity to Connection

Episode 9

This episode features Ivan's inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing in Mexico City to establishing a successful real estate career in Washington State, highlighting the vital role of community and connection. Through Ivan's experiences, the podcast explores the transformative impact of The Joy Hour in fostering genuine relationships, addiction recovery, and mental health support. Ivan's story is a compelling example of resilience, underscoring the importance of face-to-face interactions and the power of finding one's tribe for healing and growth.

Commitment Over Addiction

Episode 10

This episode dives into the transformative journey of personal recovery, the power of connection, and the inception of Joy Hour - a movement fostering a culture of connection through sober environments. Tom and Seth discuss the impact of addiction prevention, recovery, and the role of hope and healing in building stronger communities. They share personal anecdotes on the challenges and triumphs of sobriety, fatherhood, and the pursuit of a balanced life. Through their stories, we explore the essence of commitment over addiction, the strength found in vulnerability, and the continuous path of self-improvement and service to others.

The Hustle for Connection

Episode 11

In this episode, Tom and Cross explore the power of comeback stories and the importance of vulnerability in overcoming personal struggles. Tom opens up about his battle with addiction and the path to recovery, highlighting the value of genuine connections in a world dominated by digital interaction; while Cross offers insights into combating isolation through real human contact, emphasizing how authenticity can foster community healing and personal growth. Together, they discuss the significance of volunteer work and genuine conversations in building deeper connections. This episode is a compelling conversation on resilience, renewal, and the transformative power of sharing and listening within a community.

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