Open House

If you are interested in finding out more about New Hope Community Health a faith based corporation which provides training and guidance to those struggling with drug and alcohol issues, they are having an open house on February 27th. It is the latest love child of my friend the lovely adult child Dennis Mansfield please RSVP by calling 208-672-9200.

Drinking and Driving

This story and shocking photo is a reminder of how the choice to drink and drive can harm so many.

Recovery Oriented Radio

As some of you may know I am honored to have the opportunity to produce a 1 hour weekly radio show that started airing at the first of the year called "Friendly Fire" a program dedicated to those wounded in church relationships.

You can log on to the live stream on Mondays at 3:00pm MST and listen to the pilot by going here or download the program in MP3 here.

This download features Dennis Mansfield as a guest. Dennis is a 2 time congressional candidate, a formerly outspoken politico who recently turned over a new leaf by confessing he was too harsh to his political opponents. After having a child in rehab for drug abuse, Mansfield is now putting his money where his mouth is by rolling up his sleeves and working in the jailing systems. I have really come to love Dennis for his transparency, energy, and "Dennisness".

Recovery TV

Speaking of the Dog Whisperer, many have enjoyed the non-violent techniques of Nanny 911. I am always amazed that my first response is "that kid needs a spanking.", and much like the Dog Whisperer, Nanny 911's focus is to retrain the parents and rehabilitate the kids. Both programs show rapid improvement that seems almost unreal. This reminds me that dynamic and sweeping changes can be made when we learn to do life in a healthy way.

I also like to watch Trading Spouses. It is really easy to see how our lack of openess and preconception cloud honest interaction between those who are different.

Other recovery oriented TV programs:

Breaking Bonaduce:

The title of this program is spot on. Our calous will has to surrender in order to recover. This program is surprisingly honest and transparent. His wife Gretchen's faith and love and commitment are inspiring. Groundbreaking. Worth watching. Although I wish there was more of a narrative for the recovery process. I think Bonaduce legitmately wants to recover.

Shooting Sizemore:

Seems like a spin off of Breaking Bonaduce. But I applaud recovery oriented programming. This one is a little dark and profane. It seems to focus more on Sizemore's addictive nature and past as well as his obseession with getting his carreer back.

Kudos to VH1 for producing something with fiber.

We already covered "My Name Is Earl"- but to recap: The risqué and sometimes raunchy humor is worth enduring for the solid recovery oriented message at the core of most but not all of the shows. Not to mention the top notch performance, scripting, and special guests. Have you made a list of all those you have wronged and humbley go about rectifying things yet? Then don't judge me.

Dog Whisperer

When I saw this cable show in the line-up I had negative response, same feelings some men might have about crafting and quilting. But then I watched the program. Cesar Millan is a genius about dog behavior. I am able to glean wisdom about human behavior from this program check it out.