To honor five years of sobriety, Vic sits down with licensed therapist Kier Gaines for a conversation on how we heal. Vic and Kier explore the addiction, the shame that fed it, and the therapy, faith, and meditation that pulled him out. From there, the two of them talk about fatherhood, about choosing joy on a hard day, and about why the work doesn't stop at five years. Kier's new book, It All Starts When You Do, is out now.
📱 Follow @vicmensa · @kiergaines 🎤 Guest: Kier Gaines
This episode touches on mental health and addiction. If you're struggling, you're not alone. In the US, call or text 988 anytime, or reach SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357.
(00:00) Five years sober: the cold open and where it started
(14:00) Kindergarten, labels and the school-to-prison pipeline
(23:19) Anxiety, shame and the lowest point
(39:25) Joy, gratitude and the therapist who showed up
(53:04) Meditation, the 12 steps and staying present
(01:05:12) Toxic positivity, affirmations and the books that rebuild you
(01:22:11) When politics strains the people you love
(01:32:16) Fatherhood, weather vs. climate and learning to say no
(01:46:06) Choosing joy and diversifying your pillars
(01:55:30) "It All Starts When You Do": Kier's book, self-love and neutrality
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