The Begin Again Podcast
The Begin Again Podcast is a space for redemption, resilience, and raw truth. Hosted by Gary Menkes, each episode dives deep into the powerful, unfiltered stories of people who have faced addiction — and chosen to rise. These aren’t just stories of sobriety. They’re stories of spiritual awakenings, shattered stigmas, and second chances that turned into extraordinary lives. Through heartfelt, often spiritual conversations, we explore what it truly means to begin again — not just once, but every day. Whether you’re in recovery, sober-curious, or walking alongside someone on their journey, this podcast is here to remind you: You are not alone. You are not broken. And your most meaningful chapter might still be ahead. This is more than a podcast. It’s a movement of hope, healing, and the belief that no matter your past, you can begin again.
Episodes
In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes, dives deep into the raw and transformative story of Elan Hardy, a trauma-informed somatic coach and sobriety specialist.
With 12 years of sobriety under her belt, Elan shares her tumultuous journey through addiction starting from a young age in a wild and boundary-free childhood. She recounts her various attempts at rehabilitation, the tragic loss of a loved one...
In this episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Mankey speaks with Melissa McGovern, a certified sobriety coach and the host of the Sober New Yorker podcast.
Melissa opens up about her lifelong battle with alcohol, beginning with her early drinking experiences in Wisconsin, through her struggles during the pandemic, and the series of personal losses that heightened her dependence on alcohol. She describes hitting rock bottom,...
In this compelling episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Mankey invites motivational speaker and CEO Jay Barnard to share his transformative journey from addiction and trauma to recovery and empowerment.
Jay details his struggle with addiction, stemming from deep-seated trauma, and his multiple battles with suicidal thoughts—even years into his recovery. He discusses finding solace and purpose in being a chef, where he creat...
In this Episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Meghan Melin—recovery advocate, mother, and creator of the Sober Strong YouTube channel—for a deeply honest and uplifting conversation about addiction, healing, and breaking generational patterns. Meghan opens up about her struggles with alcohol and the emotional unraveling that eventually led her to choose sobriety. Her story is one of courage, self-refle...
In Episode 89 of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes welcomes sobriety and happiness coach Austin Karr, whose journey from high-functioning social drinker to powerful recovery advocate is nothing short of transformational. Austin opens up about how a decade of heavy drinking—disguised as “normal” in social and professional circles—gradually unraveled his confidence, creativity, and sense of purpose. He shares the pivotal mome...
In Episode 98 of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Jim McKinley, a former Army officer, high-level corporate executive, and now a passionate writer and spiritual guide. Jim opens up about his deeply personal journey through alcoholism—how a life filled with external success masked internal turmoil, and how surrender became the turning point that led him to lasting recovery.
In this moving conversation, Jim sh...
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 predispos...
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...
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 caug...
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, A...
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, in...
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 i...
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 fin...
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 pr...
In this episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Dan Berger, an entrepreneur, author, and founder of Social Tables and Assemble Hospitality. Dan opens up about his deeply personal battle with addiction, the struggles he faced with self-worth and belonging, and how recovery transformed his life. From growing up with feelings of disconnection to seeking validation through success and substance use, Dan sha...
In this episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Matt von Boecklin, founder of Quit Kit, to discuss his powerful journey from battling addiction to developing a science-backed solution for recovery. Matt opens up about his struggles with alcohol abuse, how frequent relocations fueled his addiction, and the mental toll it took on his life. He shares how his background in chemical engineering led him to cr...
In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Aaron Mead to explore his raw and inspiring journey from addiction to recovery. Aaron candidly shares his struggles with alcohol and substance abuse, reflecting on the emotional battles that kept him trapped in a cycle of self-destruction. He opens up about the pivotal moments that forced him to confront his addiction, including life-threatening e...
In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes welcomes back Samantha Lander, a functional nutritionist, personal trainer, and recovery advocate, to discuss her transformative journey through addiction, relapse, and ultimate recovery. Samantha opens up about the challenges of maintaining sobriety, balancing motherhood, and overcoming personal struggles, including the emotional toll of past relationships.
She s...
In this episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes welcomes Gail Taylor, a musician, author, and motivational speaker, to share her inspiring journey of transformation. Gail opens up about her struggle with addiction, the moment she realized she needed change, and how recovery became the foundation for her personal and professional reinvention. From overcoming her own challenges to witnessing her son’s battle with substan...
In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes welcomes back Michael Conklin for an insightful conversation about addiction, recovery, and the ongoing journey of personal transformation. Michael shares raw and honest reflections on his past struggles with alcohol, the reckless decisions that nearly derailed his life, and the pivotal moments that led him to embrace sobriety.
Michael and Gary discuss the harsh r...
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