March 31, 2025 • 29 mins
Send one way text to Rev Rachel
In this deeply personal and heartfelt episode of Recover Your Soul, I have the absolute joy of sitting down with my son, Bodhi, to talk about his journey of choosing sobriety and what that has meant for his life. Many of you know the challenges that come with loving someone who struggles with addiction—I’ve walked this path with both of my sons. Bodhi, now 26, has been navigating his own Soul Recovery, learning what it means to live a full and meaningful life without substances. I couldn’t be prouder of how is is showing up for himself.
In our conversation, Bodhi shares the pivotal moments that led him to this decision. He opens up about the tools that keep him grounded—his faith and the power of community. He talks about what it’s like to stay social in a world where partying is the norm, how he still attends festivals, DJs, and embraces adventure—al
Our next FREE Soul Recovery Support Group on Zoom with be Monday May 5th from 6-7PM. Open and welcoming to everyone in the Recover Your Soul Community. If you have registered in the past, be on the lookout for your reminder email on the 5th.
See you there!!! Rev Rachel
Join Rev. Rachel for a sacred Soul Recovery experience—
- Virtual One-Day Workshop on Zoom: May 31, 2025
- Two-Day Retreat in Lafayette, CO: July 19-20, 2025
- Two-Day Retreat in Asheville, NC: September 13-14, 2025
Step into healing and transformation in a loving, supportive community.
Learn more and register on the website- Use code SOUL40 for $40 off.
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not allied or representative of any organizations or religions, but is based on the opinions and experience of Rev. Rachel Harrison. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein. Take what you need and leave the rest.
Rev. Rachel Harrison and Recover Your Soul www.recoveryoursoul.net
- FREE Support Group on Zoom 6-7PM MT on the 1st Monday of the Month.
- Work the Soul Recovery Process with Rev Rachel.
- Working the Steps courses.
- Instagram, Insight Timer, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook private Facebook group community.
- Listen to a BONUS episode each Friday as a Patreon Member or subscribing on Apple Podcasts.
- Use code TRYASESSION for 40% off your first Coaching session
Donations Transcripts <
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Rev Rachel Harrison (00:00):
Many of you have found the Recovery Soul
podcast because you have someonein your life that's an addict,
and many of you, like me, haveadult children who are addicts.
As you know, I have two sons,26 and 28 years old, and they've
both been dealing withaddiction since they were in
middle school.
One of them is in a season ofsobriety and the other one is
(00:21):
still working it out, and it'sbeen this journey as a family to
heal the dynamics of addiction.
They came from a family ofaddiction, but my son, bodhi,
who's 26, has been on a sobrietyjourney and I sat with him in
this episode when we were inSacramento, openly about this
(00:45):
journey that he's on, where he'schoosing to be sober, the
reasons why he's choosing to besober, what tools is he using
and what are his awarenesses.
I thought it was a reallybeautiful conversation where
he's really sharing these partsof him that are learning how to
live a life that is fun, that iswith friends, that is
connection and to choosesobriety.
Enjoy the episode.
That is connection and tochoose sobriety.
(01:06):
Enjoy the episode.
Welcome to the Recover your Soulpodcast a spiritual path to a
happy and healthy life.
My name is Reverend RachelHarrison.
I started Recover your Soul.
After having profound changesin my life from my recovery of
alcoholism, codependency andcontrol addiction, I was guided
to share the tools andprinciples of spirituality and
(01:27):
soul recovery to help otherstransform their lives as mine
was transformed.
For us to overcome externalcircumstances, we need to turn
the attention to ourselves,focusing on our inner change and
healing.
Positive results in our liveswill follow.
Welcome to Recover your Soul.
(01:48):
I'm Rev Rachel and I'm excitedto have a special, special guest
on the podcast today.
I have my son, bodhi, with me.
Bodhi Harrison (01:56):
Hello.
Rev Rachel Harrison (01:57):
You've heard Bodhi in podcasts before.
We have talked many a time overthe years around his journey
and I wanted to bring him backto continue to share his
sobriety story, his soulrecovery journey and just where
he's at in his life right now.
So thanks for coming on.
Bodhi Harrison (02:17):
Of course, happy to be here.
Rev Rachel Harrison (02:19):
So we are in Sacramento, california, at
the time of this recording.
We are at a little Airbnb, sothe sound is probably a little
wonkier than what you're used to.
And we're here as a familybecause our oldest son, alex,
and his partner just had theirfirst baby and we have a little
bit of time before we go seethem at the hospital.
(02:40):
So thanks for taking some timeout, my pleasure them at the
hospital.
Bodhi Harrison (02:43):
So thanks for taking some time out, my
pleasure.
Rev Rachel Harrison (02:44):
The last time you came on, bode, we
talked about this particularsobriety chapter that you're in,
and I just wanted you to beable to share a little bit about
what that is.
And so, so, so many of ourlisteners and community members
are in the boat of havingsomebody in their life who's an
(03:06):
addict, having adult kids whoare addicts, and I continue to
be over the moon that you are ona sobriety chapter, but I
wanted you just to lean in alittle bit and talk about how
that's going for you and howyou're feeling.
Bodhi Harrison (03:15):
Well, at this point I'm about seven months
sober, kind of because I allowedmyself to drink on my birthday.
But when I started, that wasalways my plan was okay, I need
to stop.
I need to collect myself hereand get my things in order.
(03:36):
I was getting in trouble alittle bit with work, partied a
little too hard at one of my alittle bit with work, partied a
little too hard at one of my onewheel events and my work was
actually very supportive aboutit, which was good.
But they definitely asked me tonot party at one wheel events
and save that for festivals andparties of my own.
Rev Rachel Harrison (03:59):
They were supportive.
In what regard?
When you say that my companywas supportive of what?
What regard?
Bodhi Harrison (04:03):
when you say that my company was supportive
of what.
When they talked to me about it, it wasn't like yo, what the
heck dude, you're screwing upLike are we going to need to
fire you?
Like there was no threats or noanything.
It was like, hey, are you okay?
(04:28):
You know like we heard somethings and it sounds like you're
in a lot of pain and we justwant to make sure you're okay
and know, like how we cansupport you and help you.
Rev Rachel Harrison (04:32):
Come, you know, make it through whatever
you're going through right nowand if people listen to the last
episode, just to recap, bodhihad two people in particular who
really reflected for him inthis moment where it was kind of
starting to go off the rails alittle bit.
And so do you want to just givea little quick recap of that
(04:54):
about you know, having work,talk to you and then having
these two people?
Bodhi Harrison (04:57):
in case someone didn't hear that last episode,
yeah, I've been in and out oftrying to be sober and trying to
moderate and I had a seriousinjury a couple years ago and
then, right as I was coming outof that, I re-injured it worse
than the first time and it sentme into a bit of an injury,
(05:20):
depression, depression.
I'm very much an adrenalinejunkie, so when I can't
skateboard or one wheel or dothose kinds of things, I end up
going a little dark.
That's how I process my angerand how I let out my energy.
I'm very ADHD.
I have a lot of pent up energyand that's my way of processing
(05:46):
it and moving it through my bodyDoing sports, doing sports and
scaring the absolute piss out ofmyself.
Rev Rachel Harrison (05:55):
Testing the limits.
Bodhi Harrison (05:56):
Yeah, testing the limits, conquering fear.
So I was in a bit of a darkperiod with this injury and
partying a little hard and kindof letting my life fall apart a
little bit.
And at the event that I got in abit of trouble, for I had a
friend of mine, homie, check meand let me know that he could
(06:19):
see the pain I was in and hecould see how I was dealing with
it and that he was worriedabout me, which was definitely
needed and helpful because Iknew in my own mind that I was
spiraling, but you know, theinner addict was winning the
internal battle at that point.
And then that same person toldmy bosses what was going on with
(06:42):
me because out of care, youknow, we wanted to rope them in.
But that honestly, like made mereally angry at first and I had
to work through that because Ithink it could have just stayed
between us.
But it was still helpful andeverybody was in the loop and we
all came together and broughtme back up.
I think I didn't go fully soberat that point.
(07:04):
I think it took me anothermonth or two to realize I just
need to be sober.
Rev Rachel Harrison (07:10):
You know I was going to try to moderate.
Bodhi Harrison (07:12):
Yeah, at first I was like, oh well, I'll just
party when I go to festivals.
But I've tried this moderationthing for so long and I can't do
it and I think I ripe age of 26.
Yeah, I think I.
Just it took me a long time totry and fail and try and fail
and just realize on a deep levelthat I'm an addict and I'm
(07:36):
either in or I'm out.
And I could probably do okaywith my life using, because
luckily I'm not the kind ofaddict where once I start I
can't stop.
It's more like I do it morethan I want to and sometimes
overdo it.
But what really got me to stopis just realizing what I have in
(08:02):
terms of like opportunity andlike what's in front of me and
what came behind me.
Like I've put in a lot of workto get where I'm at in my career
since a very young age I'vespent a lot of time learning and
growing and practicing andnetworking and I was at this
(08:24):
point where I basically waseither about to throw it all
away or about to half-ass it fora really long time because my
priorities were messed up.
So I sobered up and my plan wasto go sober to the end of the
year and then I would allowmyself to have a couple of
margaritas on my birthday,because my birthday is January
(08:47):
15th, so it's like beginning ofthe year and I did that and it's
been really good the clarityI've felt, the motivation I've
felt the stability of my moods.
You know, I used to get justthese random anxiety swings and
random depression swings and Ireally just don't anymore Like
(09:09):
at times I'll feel overwhelmedand stressed, but since I've
started to feel my feelings andnot run from them and numb, like
why am I feeling this way?
Can I solve that now?
Can I not solve that now?
And like go to God for my peaceinstead of, you know, smoking a
(09:33):
bowl or drinking a beer orwhatever.
And I did drink on my birthday.
But the reason I did was isbecause I didn't really want to,
and what I mean by that is Iwasn't like counting down the
days and super excited and like,oh, I can't, freaking wait.
Like, oh, it's going to be sogood, oh, are we there?
(09:56):
Yet?
I got 26 hours until it's theday.
You know I almost didn't andthat I was like, okay, since I
don't really want to, that's agood sign to me that I'm in a
healthier place.
So I'm going to allow myself tohave a couple margaritas.
And I was on a snowboarding tripfor my birthday with a friend
of mine and I had a fewmargaritas and it was good to
(10:21):
taste it.
But ultimately, like I got alittle buzz and was just kind of
laughing to myself.
I was like this doesn't appealto me anymore.
It's like there's no need forme to do this, Like I'm not
having any more fun than I wouldhave.
I'm tired.
I spent $30 I didn't need tospend and so it was kind of
(10:42):
reassuring because you know,when you go sober, there's that
little part of you that kind ofmisses the old ways and you're
like, yeah, it's better now.
But there's that tiny littleinner addict that's like, yeah,
but you know it would be nice tohave a little buzz right now.
That little friggin demon inthere, yeah, you're still young.
Rev Rachel Harrison (11:01):
I mean it's interesting.
I just saw a post about DavidBowie who said when he took
drugs and alcohol out of hislife, every relationship in his
life changed for the better.
You know like everything justgot better.
And yet one of the things thatI think is so inspiring about
(11:21):
what's going on for you rightnow that I'm witnessing is it's
not like you've turned into a50-year-old woman like me.
You know who's sober, who staysat home 99% of the time and you
still have a social life.
You went to Burning man sober.
You've gone to festivals soberyou've gone to.
You know events.
You found new ways to socialize, new things that you are
interested in.
So, as a as a 26 year old,you're a DJ.
(11:45):
You know, in addition to yourone wheeling, talk a little bit
about that piece of being ableto still be in your social life
(12:12):
on the drugs than the music andthe connections with people and
being goofy, telling jokes,petting animals.
Bodhi Harrison (12:14):
You know there's all these things outside of
drugs that are the things thatgive us natural dopamine and
serotonin.
And once you get too tuned in tothe, the weed and the molly and
the alcohol and the LSD andlike all these stupid party
drugs, then all the other stuffdoesn't make you feel anything
(12:37):
Because you've tuned your braininto such like a high dose of
instant drugs and me I was doinga few of them at a time and the
music didn't make me feel theway it used to make me feel and
I wasn't connecting with thepeople around me and I wasn't in
my body.
I was just partying and checkingout and that started to worry
(13:01):
me and was something that reallyhelped motivate me.
Because when you're sober andyour system is balanced, a good
song makes you feel incredibleand meeting a new person makes
you feel good, or having aconversation with somebody you
care about makes you feel good.
And going and pursuing sidequests and adventures and
(13:21):
goofing around and climbing onstuff and telling jokes and
finding animals and loving onanimals and all these kinds of
things making art, looking atart, like those dancing.
Those things make me feel good,and maybe it's not at the same
extreme of drugs, but drugs theycome at a cost, because when
(13:45):
you go up you go down and you godown equal to how you went up.
Rev Rachel Harrison (13:51):
Or further.
Bodhi Harrison (13:52):
Or further with a lot of them, especially if
they're bad drugs.
So you know, when you're doingit in a more natural way, it's
not as extreme of a spike butit's basically no down spike,
you know, because it's thenatural way.
It's your brain's functioninghow it's supposed to.
So that's what's helped me, youknow.
And there's still that tinylittle part of me that sees
(14:15):
people doing certain drugs and Imiss it a little bit.
But I think about how you toldme how you quit smoking
cigarettes, like 30 years ago orsomething.
And there's still from time totime that tiny little voice
that's like, wouldn't that benice?
But it has no power over me andI know what I want for myself.
(14:38):
I want clarity, I want peace, Iwant emotional stability, I want
connection, I want motivation,I want creativity and I also
want to be a leader and a goodexample, because that was one of
the main reasons why my buddytalked to me, because I'm a
person in my community that alot of people are looking at
kids all the way up to adults.
(14:59):
You know, people are looking atme and they respect me for what
I've accomplished, in the waythat I move through life, and so
I have an influence over peopleto a certain extent.
So if I'm out here doing dumbstuff and being all messed up,
the kids are gonna be seeingthat and people are gonna be
seeing that, and whether thatjust changes people's amount of
(15:22):
respect for me or thatinfluences their own decisions
in their life, I would muchrather be somebody that inspires
people to be sober and pursueknowledge and take care of their
body and all these good,healthy things over partying and
not caring about all thoseother things.
So I think that's what keeps megoing and keeps me happy and
(15:44):
stoked.
And my homegirl posted thisvideo the other day where she's
talking about how she partiessober.
And I think one of the biggestthings is like you got to know
when the party's over, becausewhen you're drinking and you're
doing blow or whatever drugs aregoing on, you know a lot of
times it's going to keep you upuntil the wee hours of the
(16:05):
morning and at the end of theday like not a whole lot of
times it's going to keep you upuntil the wee hours of the
morning and at the end of theday like not a whole lot of good
stuff happens after like one ortwo in the morning Basically
none.
Yeah, sometimes the vibes areright and the music's great and
it's worth staying up tillsunrise.
I had an amazing couple ofsunrise nights at Burning man
waiting for the sun to come up.
But that was like me and myhomie Dylan riding around the
(16:26):
playa on one wheels, jumping inart cars and dancing and hearing
music and adventuring.
It wasn't sitting around in abasement doing more drugs or
having meaningless conversationsbecause everyone's just all
twacked out.
So it's like, when you're sober,get there.
When you get there, connectwith people, tune yourself into
the music, make new friends,drink a lot of water.
(16:47):
And then, when you're sober,get there.
When you get there, connectwith people, tune yourself into
the music, make new friends,drink a lot of water.
And then, when you're pullingyour phone out this is what she
said she's like, if you'repulling your phone out or your
conversations are getting stupidand you're not feeling it,
leave time to go.
That's time to go.
You had.
You had the fun go home, go tobed and I'll see you in the
morning for hot yoga.
Rev Rachel Harrison (17:07):
Right.
Bodhi Harrison (17:08):
And I thought that was cool because that's
true.
It's like we have these funparties and I think we have that
little bit of FOMO in us thatwants to keep that fun going,
and so we keep doing more drugsand we keep justifying reasons
to stay there, and then you endup being done at 4 or 5am and
(17:32):
then the whole next day is justtoast because you're going to
sleep half the day and then feellike crap.
So I think that's in my ownlife.
That's just what I've beendoing is paying more attention
to the things that truly bringme joy.
Rev Rachel Harrison (17:38):
Are you ready to step into your soul
recovery?
Visit the website recover yoursoulnet to learn more about the
nine step soul recovery process.
I hope that you'll join us thefirst Monday of every month for
the free soul recovery supportgroup on zoom, where we learn
more about soul recovery andconnect with each other.
If you'd like to work directlywith me to move through the nine
(17:59):
step soul recovery process, I'mhere for you, but you can also
choose to work the steps on yourown, with individual modules
intended to support you to workat your own pace and on your own
time.
And if you want even more soulrecovery, join us for the
Recover your Soul bonus podcastfor Patreon members and Apple
podcast subscribers, where Iinterview amazing people sharing
(18:20):
soul recovery tips for us andalso do spiritual book studies.
You can also find dailyinspiration on Facebook and
Instagram and join our privateFacebook community.
Visit the website for moreinformation, links and
registration for everything.
Back to the episode.
Bodhi Harrison (18:39):
And I think what's been most important to me
, what's been the rock, thefoundation, the way I've been
able to do all this, is my faithand the strength that I get
through Jesus and through theHoly Spirit and through God.
You know, at Burning man Iwould read my Bible every night
(18:59):
and I found actually a crosswith Jesus on it, on a gift tree
.
Rev Rachel Harrison (19:06):
Oh really.
Bodhi Harrison (19:07):
Where you like, take a gift, leave a gift and at
first I was carrying my Biblearound me because there's like a
lot of neo-paganism at Burningman.
There's also a lot ofspirituality and positivity, but
there's a lot of like gnarlydark energy there, and so I was
just going to my faith forstrength and praying and when I
(19:28):
would get those moments of ohman, all the homies are doing
this one drug and I want to doit, I would just pray and I
would be like Jesus, help me,feel happy and full of energy
and good in this moment and likeI'm not missing anything.
And you know, in my personallife, outside of that, almost
every night I make time to readmy Bible and I go to church as
(19:49):
much as I can.
When I can't, I'll usuallywatch like an online sermon.
But you know, I think the higherpower aspect, I think is
probably the most important partof recovery in the rooms.
I think the community aspect ismajor.
Being able to relate to peopleis really important.
Working the steps is importantbecause it's like a guideline of
(20:11):
going into yourself.
But I believe very heavily inmy faith and I believe that's
the only reason I've been ableto do this.
I've tried to do it on my ownand I can't.
And when I do it with spirit,with God, with Jesus by my side,
it's actually not that hard.
Rev Rachel Harrison (20:33):
That's the beauty of a spiritual journey.
I mean, I think originallythat's what AA was all about,
was your higher power will dofor you what you can't do for
yourself.
And soul recovery is aspiritual path, Whether you're
dealing with your own addictionto a substance or addictions to
people.
It's learning how to step intoyour spiritual center, because
life is hard.
You know it's tough.
It's like what are you going tochoose other than a checkout
(20:55):
from an addictive substance?
Bodhi Harrison (20:58):
Well, those things are.
I have a buddy that's trying tosober up right now and he's
been trying and trying andtrying and every time he talks
to me I give him basically thesame advice, but I try to word
it differently.
But it's like to answer yourquestion.
What are you going to choose?
Exercise, healthy food, walksoutside, new hobbies, picking up
old hobbies, connecting withfriends, meeting new people,
(21:22):
reading books, drawing, painting, making music?
Living life yeah painting,making music, living life.
Yeah, it's like there's so manythings we can do nowadays that
are either creative or activeand good for our bodies or ways
to connect with people, andthat's really what we're
searching for in these drugs islove and connection and peace,
(21:47):
because a lot of timesespecially especially with my
generation we're eating bad food, we're watching bad tv, we're
watching bad stuff online, we'rehanging around around bad
people drinking bad water andwe're like why am I so sad?
because you're filling yourselfup with, I'm gonna go smoke,
weed, I'm gonna go do this drug,I'm gonna go do that drug and
(22:09):
it's like get out what you putin.
So if you're, if you'redrinking good water, if you're
eating good food, if you're andyou don't even have to go to the
gym, everyone thinks likeworking out is going to the gym.
Really going to the gym is forlike bulking up.
If you want to be active, gowalk for 20 minutes, do some
body weight workouts, maybe grabsome bands and do some band
(22:32):
stuff.
But just if you're moving yourbody, your body's going to feel
better.
It's getting that stored upenergy out.
It's keeping things nimble.
Connecting with friends you know, I think that intimidates a lot
of people, but there's a lot ofways to connect with people.
But there's a lot of ways toconnect with people.
(22:58):
There's tons of sober events,different kinds of AA, na,
al-anon, all these places whereyou don't have to go to that all
the time.
Do your best to gently nudgethem towards different kinds of
physical activities, differentkinds of creative outlets,
different kinds of communitiesand ways to connect with people.
Rev Rachel Harrison (23:19):
It's like encourage without being in
control.
Bodhi Harrison (23:21):
Right, and that's the secret, because
nobody wants to be told what todo.
Right wants to be told what todo.
I'm telling you right now andthat's kind of the secret sauce
to good parenting or goodleadership to those around you
is like very carefully nudgingpeople in the right direction,
suggesting things lovingly,finding things you think they
(23:44):
would want to do.
Be like hey, you know I'm goingto go.
Do I want to go do this withyou?
Do you want to do?
Be like hey, you know I'm gonnago.
Do I want to go do this withyou?
do you want to come with me,instead of like you should go do
that right you should go to the, to the rec center and work out
by yourself right because youlook like shit right you know,
it's like, hey, I'm gonna go fora little workout, you want to
come hang out with me?
it's like we don't got to doanything crazy, let's just go
(24:05):
walk on the treadmill for alittle bit.
Or like, hey, I was lookingaround at these like local clubs
and there's this local chessclub.
You used to love playing chess.
Do you want to go play chess?
And I know that could be hardfor some people with however
their schedule is, but I thinkthat's a good way to encourage
people to do certain things isto do them with them yeah get
(24:25):
them started.
You know, light that fire sothat they can meet other people
that are doing it.
I think if I had a message togive people that have somebody
in their life that is in and outor they themselves are, is just
to be patient and have gracefor yourself or for that person.
Can't change until we're ready,but do your best to be a
(24:49):
positive influence to them, amake the best decisions you can
make in your life and just doyour best to gently lead them in
the direction of healthy mind,body and spirit activities and
ways to spend time.
Do whatever you can to makesure that they feel safe around
(25:09):
you.
You know the more that we attackpeople or try to control them,
the less they feel safe aroundus.
Rev Rachel Harrison (25:18):
I always say that you want to see the
wholeness in them.
You know, to witness theirwholeness, so they can witness
their own wholeness.
And you, you know you are suchan inspiration to me right now,
but you also have said I'm aninspiration to you, so it's you
know, it's been a journey ofallowing you to have your
seasons and and to to tell youwhen I'm concerned, but not
(25:39):
shame you, but I definitely amgiving you praise for where
you're at right now.
I try to reward you for foryour good behavior and your
changed life.
Thank you, Bodhi, for beinghere with us today.
I appreciate it and I know thatpeople listen to our stories
and your story is important, soI appreciate you being here.
Of course, If you areinterested in Bodhi, you can
(26:02):
always find him at BodhiHarrison at all social medias or
check him out on YouTube forOne Wheel, and now he has music
on SoundCloud.
There's all kinds of goodthings going on in your life.
Bodhi Harrison (26:13):
Subscribe to the Patreon if you want to learn
about content creation and OneWheel Tricks, that's right, we
both have our Patreons.
Rev Rachel Harrison (26:20):
Subscribe on Patreon.
Thank you so much, buddy, Ilove you.
Bodhi Harrison (26:23):
I love you too mom Until next time.
Namaste.
Rev Rachel Harrison (26:30):
Thank you for listening and I hope that
that helps support your soulrecovery process.
Just a reminder that everyFriday is the Recover your Soul
bonus podcast.
This podcast is for Patreonmembers and Apple podcast
subscribers, and not only do youget an incredible interview or
book study that comes with beingpart of that community, but
your subscribing helps supportthis podcast and the Recover
(26:53):
your Soul community.
If you want to listen to thosebonus episodes but can't
subscribe right now, do knowthat you can be a free Patreon
member and have access forlimited time to new episodes.
Visit the websiteRecoverYourSoulnet or check out
the show links below for couponsand information for upcoming
events.
I thank you for sharing thispodcast with your friends and
(27:14):
family.
I thank you for giving it fivestars and the reviews that are
left to bring tears to my eyes.
I am honored to be part of yourlife.
Together we can do the workthat will recover your soul.
Many of you have found the Recovery Soul
podcast because you have someonein your life that's an addict,
and many of you, like me, haveadult children who are addicts.
As you know, I have two sons,26 and 28 years old, and they've
both been dealing withaddiction since they were in
middle school.
One of them is in a season ofsobriety and the other one is
(00:21):
still working it out, and it'sbeen this journey as a family to
heal the dynamics of addiction.
They came from a family ofaddiction, but my son, bodhi,
who's 26, has been on a sobrietyjourney and I sat with him in
this episode when we were inSacramento, openly about this
(00:45):
journey that he's on, where he'schoosing to be sober, the
reasons why he's choosing to besober, what tools is he using
and what are his awarenesses.
I thought it was a reallybeautiful conversation where
he's really sharing these partsof him that are learning how to
live a life that is fun, that iswith friends, that is
connection and to choosesobriety.
Enjoy the episode.
That is connection and tochoose sobriety.
(01:06):
Enjoy the episode.
Welcome to the Recover your Soulpodcast a spiritual path to a
happy and healthy life.
My name is Reverend RachelHarrison.
I started Recover your Soul.
After having profound changesin my life from my recovery of
alcoholism, codependency andcontrol addiction, I was guided
to share the tools andprinciples of spirituality and
(01:27):
soul recovery to help otherstransform their lives as mine
was transformed.
For us to overcome externalcircumstances, we need to turn
the attention to ourselves,focusing on our inner change and
healing.
Positive results in our liveswill follow.
Welcome to Recover your Soul.
(01:48):
I'm Rev Rachel and I'm excitedto have a special, special guest
on the podcast today.
I have my son, bodhi, with me.
Bodhi Harrison (01:56):
Hello.
Rev Rachel Harrison (01:57):
You've heard Bodhi in podcasts before.
We have talked many a time overthe years around his journey
and I wanted to bring him backto continue to share his
sobriety story, his soulrecovery journey and just where
he's at in his life right now.
So thanks for coming on.
Bodhi Harrison (02:17):
Of course, happy to be here.
Rev Rachel Harrison (02:19):
So we are in Sacramento, california, at
the time of this recording.
We are at a little Airbnb, sothe sound is probably a little
wonkier than what you're used to.
And we're here as a familybecause our oldest son, alex,
and his partner just had theirfirst baby and we have a little
bit of time before we go seethem at the hospital.
(02:40):
So thanks for taking some timeout, my pleasure them at the
hospital.
Bodhi Harrison (02:43):
So thanks for taking some time out, my
pleasure.
Rev Rachel Harrison (02:44):
The last time you came on, bode, we
talked about this particularsobriety chapter that you're in,
and I just wanted you to beable to share a little bit about
what that is.
And so, so, so many of ourlisteners and community members
are in the boat of havingsomebody in their life who's an
(03:06):
addict, having adult kids whoare addicts, and I continue to
be over the moon that you are ona sobriety chapter, but I
wanted you just to lean in alittle bit and talk about how
that's going for you and howyou're feeling.
Bodhi Harrison (03:15):
Well, at this point I'm about seven months
sober, kind of because I allowedmyself to drink on my birthday.
But when I started, that wasalways my plan was okay, I need
to stop.
I need to collect myself hereand get my things in order.
(03:36):
I was getting in trouble alittle bit with work, partied a
little too hard at one of my alittle bit with work, partied a
little too hard at one of my onewheel events and my work was
actually very supportive aboutit, which was good.
But they definitely asked me tonot party at one wheel events
and save that for festivals andparties of my own.
Rev Rachel Harrison (03:59):
They were supportive.
In what regard?
When you say that my companywas supportive of what?
What regard?
Bodhi Harrison (04:03):
when you say that my company was supportive
of what.
When they talked to me about it, it wasn't like yo, what the
heck dude, you're screwing upLike are we going to need to
fire you?
Like there was no threats or noanything.
It was like, hey, are you okay?
(04:28):
You know like we heard somethings and it sounds like you're
in a lot of pain and we justwant to make sure you're okay
and know, like how we cansupport you and help you.
Rev Rachel Harrison (04:32):
Come, you know, make it through whatever
you're going through right nowand if people listen to the last
episode, just to recap, bodhihad two people in particular who
really reflected for him inthis moment where it was kind of
starting to go off the rails alittle bit.
And so do you want to just givea little quick recap of that
(04:54):
about you know, having work,talk to you and then having
these two people?
Bodhi Harrison (04:57):
in case someone didn't hear that last episode,
yeah, I've been in and out oftrying to be sober and trying to
moderate and I had a seriousinjury a couple years ago and
then, right as I was coming outof that, I re-injured it worse
than the first time and it sentme into a bit of an injury,
(05:20):
depression, depression.
I'm very much an adrenalinejunkie, so when I can't
skateboard or one wheel or dothose kinds of things, I end up
going a little dark.
That's how I process my angerand how I let out my energy.
I'm very ADHD.
I have a lot of pent up energyand that's my way of processing
(05:46):
it and moving it through my bodyDoing sports, doing sports and
scaring the absolute piss out ofmyself.
Rev Rachel Harrison (05:55):
Testing the limits.
Bodhi Harrison (05:56):
Yeah, testing the limits, conquering fear.
So I was in a bit of a darkperiod with this injury and
partying a little hard and kindof letting my life fall apart a
little bit.
And at the event that I got in abit of trouble, for I had a
friend of mine, homie, check meand let me know that he could
(06:19):
see the pain I was in and hecould see how I was dealing with
it and that he was worriedabout me, which was definitely
needed and helpful because Iknew in my own mind that I was
spiraling, but you know, theinner addict was winning the
internal battle at that point.
And then that same person toldmy bosses what was going on with
(06:42):
me because out of care, youknow, we wanted to rope them in.
But that honestly, like made mereally angry at first and I had
to work through that because Ithink it could have just stayed
between us.
But it was still helpful andeverybody was in the loop and we
all came together and broughtme back up.
I think I didn't go fully soberat that point.
(07:04):
I think it took me anothermonth or two to realize I just
need to be sober.
Rev Rachel Harrison (07:10):
You know I was going to try to moderate.
Bodhi Harrison (07:12):
Yeah, at first I was like, oh well, I'll just
party when I go to festivals.
But I've tried this moderationthing for so long and I can't do
it and I think I ripe age of 26.
Yeah, I think I.
Just it took me a long time totry and fail and try and fail
and just realize on a deep levelthat I'm an addict and I'm
(07:36):
either in or I'm out.
And I could probably do okaywith my life using, because
luckily I'm not the kind ofaddict where once I start I
can't stop.
It's more like I do it morethan I want to and sometimes
overdo it.
But what really got me to stopis just realizing what I have in
(08:02):
terms of like opportunity andlike what's in front of me and
what came behind me.
Like I've put in a lot of workto get where I'm at in my career
since a very young age I'vespent a lot of time learning and
growing and practicing andnetworking and I was at this
(08:24):
point where I basically waseither about to throw it all
away or about to half-ass it fora really long time because my
priorities were messed up.
So I sobered up and my plan wasto go sober to the end of the
year and then I would allowmyself to have a couple of
margaritas on my birthday,because my birthday is January
(08:47):
15th, so it's like beginning ofthe year and I did that and it's
been really good the clarityI've felt, the motivation I've
felt the stability of my moods.
You know, I used to get justthese random anxiety swings and
random depression swings and Ireally just don't anymore Like
(09:09):
at times I'll feel overwhelmedand stressed, but since I've
started to feel my feelings andnot run from them and numb, like
why am I feeling this way?
Can I solve that now?
Can I not solve that now?
And like go to God for my peaceinstead of, you know, smoking a
(09:33):
bowl or drinking a beer orwhatever.
And I did drink on my birthday.
But the reason I did was isbecause I didn't really want to,
and what I mean by that is Iwasn't like counting down the
days and super excited and like,oh, I can't, freaking wait.
Like, oh, it's going to be sogood, oh, are we there?
(09:56):
Yet?
I got 26 hours until it's theday.
You know I almost didn't andthat I was like, okay, since I
don't really want to, that's agood sign to me that I'm in a
healthier place.
So I'm going to allow myself tohave a couple margaritas.
And I was on a snowboarding tripfor my birthday with a friend
of mine and I had a fewmargaritas and it was good to
(10:21):
taste it.
But ultimately, like I got alittle buzz and was just kind of
laughing to myself.
I was like this doesn't appealto me anymore.
It's like there's no need forme to do this, Like I'm not
having any more fun than I wouldhave.
I'm tired.
I spent $30 I didn't need tospend and so it was kind of
(10:42):
reassuring because you know,when you go sober, there's that
little part of you that kind ofmisses the old ways and you're
like, yeah, it's better now.
But there's that tiny littleinner addict that's like, yeah,
but you know it would be nice tohave a little buzz right now.
That little friggin demon inthere, yeah, you're still young.
Rev Rachel Harrison (11:01):
I mean it's interesting.
I just saw a post about DavidBowie who said when he took
drugs and alcohol out of hislife, every relationship in his
life changed for the better.
You know like everything justgot better.
And yet one of the things thatI think is so inspiring about
(11:21):
what's going on for you rightnow that I'm witnessing is it's
not like you've turned into a50-year-old woman like me.
You know who's sober, who staysat home 99% of the time and you
still have a social life.
You went to Burning man sober.
You've gone to festivals soberyou've gone to.
You know events.
You found new ways to socialize, new things that you are
interested in.
So, as a as a 26 year old,you're a DJ.
(11:45):
You know, in addition to yourone wheeling, talk a little bit
about that piece of being ableto still be in your social life
(12:12):
on the drugs than the music andthe connections with people and
being goofy, telling jokes,petting animals.
Bodhi Harrison (12:14):
You know there's all these things outside of
drugs that are the things thatgive us natural dopamine and
serotonin.
And once you get too tuned in tothe, the weed and the molly and
the alcohol and the LSD andlike all these stupid party
drugs, then all the other stuffdoesn't make you feel anything
(12:37):
Because you've tuned your braininto such like a high dose of
instant drugs and me I was doinga few of them at a time and the
music didn't make me feel theway it used to make me feel and
I wasn't connecting with thepeople around me and I wasn't in
my body.
I was just partying and checkingout and that started to worry
(13:01):
me and was something that reallyhelped motivate me.
Because when you're sober andyour system is balanced, a good
song makes you feel incredibleand meeting a new person makes
you feel good, or having aconversation with somebody you
care about makes you feel good.
And going and pursuing sidequests and adventures and
(13:21):
goofing around and climbing onstuff and telling jokes and
finding animals and loving onanimals and all these kinds of
things making art, looking atart, like those dancing.
Those things make me feel good,and maybe it's not at the same
extreme of drugs, but drugs theycome at a cost, because when
(13:45):
you go up you go down and you godown equal to how you went up.
Rev Rachel Harrison (13:51):
Or further.
Bodhi Harrison (13:52):
Or further with a lot of them, especially if
they're bad drugs.
So you know, when you're doingit in a more natural way, it's
not as extreme of a spike butit's basically no down spike,
you know, because it's thenatural way.
It's your brain's functioninghow it's supposed to.
So that's what's helped me, youknow.
And there's still that tinylittle part of me that sees
(14:15):
people doing certain drugs and Imiss it a little bit.
But I think about how you toldme how you quit smoking
cigarettes, like 30 years ago orsomething.
And there's still from time totime that tiny little voice
that's like, wouldn't that benice?
But it has no power over me andI know what I want for myself.
(14:38):
I want clarity, I want peace, Iwant emotional stability, I want
connection, I want motivation,I want creativity and I also
want to be a leader and a goodexample, because that was one of
the main reasons why my buddytalked to me, because I'm a
person in my community that alot of people are looking at
kids all the way up to adults.
(14:59):
You know, people are looking atme and they respect me for what
I've accomplished, in the waythat I move through life, and so
I have an influence over peopleto a certain extent.
So if I'm out here doing dumbstuff and being all messed up,
the kids are gonna be seeingthat and people are gonna be
seeing that, and whether thatjust changes people's amount of
(15:22):
respect for me or thatinfluences their own decisions
in their life, I would muchrather be somebody that inspires
people to be sober and pursueknowledge and take care of their
body and all these good,healthy things over partying and
not caring about all thoseother things.
So I think that's what keeps megoing and keeps me happy and
(15:44):
stoked.
And my homegirl posted thisvideo the other day where she's
talking about how she partiessober.
And I think one of the biggestthings is like you got to know
when the party's over, becausewhen you're drinking and you're
doing blow or whatever drugs aregoing on, you know a lot of
times it's going to keep you upuntil the wee hours of the
(16:05):
morning and at the end of theday like not a whole lot of
times it's going to keep you upuntil the wee hours of the
morning and at the end of theday like not a whole lot of good
stuff happens after like one ortwo in the morning Basically
none.
Yeah, sometimes the vibes areright and the music's great and
it's worth staying up tillsunrise.
I had an amazing couple ofsunrise nights at Burning man
waiting for the sun to come up.
But that was like me and myhomie Dylan riding around the
(16:26):
playa on one wheels, jumping inart cars and dancing and hearing
music and adventuring.
It wasn't sitting around in abasement doing more drugs or
having meaningless conversationsbecause everyone's just all
twacked out.
So it's like, when you're sober,get there.
When you get there, connectwith people, tune yourself into
the music, make new friends,drink a lot of water.
(16:47):
And then, when you're sober,get there.
When you get there, connectwith people, tune yourself into
the music, make new friends,drink a lot of water.
And then, when you're pullingyour phone out this is what she
said she's like, if you'repulling your phone out or your
conversations are getting stupidand you're not feeling it,
leave time to go.
That's time to go.
You had.
You had the fun go home, go tobed and I'll see you in the
morning for hot yoga.
Rev Rachel Harrison (17:07):
Right.
Bodhi Harrison (17:08):
And I thought that was cool because that's
true.
It's like we have these funparties and I think we have that
little bit of FOMO in us thatwants to keep that fun going,
and so we keep doing more drugsand we keep justifying reasons
to stay there, and then you endup being done at 4 or 5am and
(17:32):
then the whole next day is justtoast because you're going to
sleep half the day and then feellike crap.
So I think that's in my ownlife.
That's just what I've beendoing is paying more attention
to the things that truly bringme joy.
Rev Rachel Harrison (17:38):
Are you ready to step into your soul
recovery?
Visit the website recover yoursoulnet to learn more about the
nine step soul recovery process.
I hope that you'll join us thefirst Monday of every month for
the free soul recovery supportgroup on zoom, where we learn
more about soul recovery andconnect with each other.
If you'd like to work directlywith me to move through the nine
(17:59):
step soul recovery process, I'mhere for you, but you can also
choose to work the steps on yourown, with individual modules
intended to support you to workat your own pace and on your own
time.
And if you want even more soulrecovery, join us for the
Recover your Soul bonus podcastfor Patreon members and Apple
podcast subscribers, where Iinterview amazing people sharing
(18:20):
soul recovery tips for us andalso do spiritual book studies.
You can also find dailyinspiration on Facebook and
Instagram and join our privateFacebook community.
Visit the website for moreinformation, links and
registration for everything.
Back to the episode.
Bodhi Harrison (18:39):
And I think what's been most important to me
, what's been the rock, thefoundation, the way I've been
able to do all this, is my faithand the strength that I get
through Jesus and through theHoly Spirit and through God.
You know, at Burning man Iwould read my Bible every night
(18:59):
and I found actually a crosswith Jesus on it, on a gift tree
.
Rev Rachel Harrison (19:06):
Oh really.
Bodhi Harrison (19:07):
Where you like, take a gift, leave a gift and at
first I was carrying my Biblearound me because there's like a
lot of neo-paganism at Burningman.
There's also a lot ofspirituality and positivity, but
there's a lot of like gnarlydark energy there, and so I was
just going to my faith forstrength and praying and when I
(19:28):
would get those moments of ohman, all the homies are doing
this one drug and I want to doit, I would just pray and I
would be like Jesus, help me,feel happy and full of energy
and good in this moment and likeI'm not missing anything.
And you know, in my personallife, outside of that, almost
every night I make time to readmy Bible and I go to church as
(19:49):
much as I can.
When I can't, I'll usuallywatch like an online sermon.
But you know, I think the higherpower aspect, I think is
probably the most important partof recovery in the rooms.
I think the community aspect ismajor.
Being able to relate to peopleis really important.
Working the steps is importantbecause it's like a guideline of
(20:11):
going into yourself.
But I believe very heavily inmy faith and I believe that's
the only reason I've been ableto do this.
I've tried to do it on my ownand I can't.
And when I do it with spirit,with God, with Jesus by my side,
it's actually not that hard.
Rev Rachel Harrison (20:33):
That's the beauty of a spiritual journey.
I mean, I think originallythat's what AA was all about,
was your higher power will dofor you what you can't do for
yourself.
And soul recovery is aspiritual path, Whether you're
dealing with your own addictionto a substance or addictions to
people.
It's learning how to step intoyour spiritual center, because
life is hard.
You know it's tough.
It's like what are you going tochoose other than a checkout
(20:55):
from an addictive substance?
Bodhi Harrison (20:58):
Well, those things are.
I have a buddy that's trying tosober up right now and he's
been trying and trying andtrying and every time he talks
to me I give him basically thesame advice, but I try to word
it differently.
But it's like to answer yourquestion.
What are you going to choose?
Exercise, healthy food, walksoutside, new hobbies, picking up
old hobbies, connecting withfriends, meeting new people,
(21:22):
reading books, drawing, painting, making music?
Living life yeah painting,making music, living life.
Yeah, it's like there's so manythings we can do nowadays that
are either creative or activeand good for our bodies or ways
to connect with people, andthat's really what we're
searching for in these drugs islove and connection and peace,
(21:47):
because a lot of timesespecially especially with my
generation we're eating bad food, we're watching bad tv, we're
watching bad stuff online, we'rehanging around around bad
people drinking bad water andwe're like why am I so sad?
because you're filling yourselfup with, I'm gonna go smoke,
weed, I'm gonna go do this drug,I'm gonna go do that drug and
(22:09):
it's like get out what you putin.
So if you're, if you'redrinking good water, if you're
eating good food, if you're andyou don't even have to go to the
gym, everyone thinks likeworking out is going to the gym.
Really going to the gym is forlike bulking up.
If you want to be active, gowalk for 20 minutes, do some
body weight workouts, maybe grabsome bands and do some band
(22:32):
stuff.
But just if you're moving yourbody, your body's going to feel
better.
It's getting that stored upenergy out.
It's keeping things nimble.
Connecting with friends you know, I think that intimidates a lot
of people, but there's a lot ofways to connect with people.
But there's a lot of ways toconnect with people.
(22:58):
There's tons of sober events,different kinds of AA, na,
al-anon, all these places whereyou don't have to go to that all
the time.
Do your best to gently nudgethem towards different kinds of
physical activities, differentkinds of creative outlets,
different kinds of communitiesand ways to connect with people.
Rev Rachel Harrison (23:19):
It's like encourage without being in
control.
Bodhi Harrison (23:21):
Right, and that's the secret, because
nobody wants to be told what todo.
Right wants to be told what todo.
I'm telling you right now andthat's kind of the secret sauce
to good parenting or goodleadership to those around you
is like very carefully nudgingpeople in the right direction,
suggesting things lovingly,finding things you think they
(23:44):
would want to do.
Be like hey, you know I'm goingto go.
Do I want to go do this withyou?
Do you want to do?
Be like hey, you know I'm gonnago.
Do I want to go do this withyou?
do you want to come with me,instead of like you should go do
that right you should go to the, to the rec center and work out
by yourself right because youlook like shit right you know,
it's like, hey, I'm gonna go fora little workout, you want to
come hang out with me?
it's like we don't got to doanything crazy, let's just go
(24:05):
walk on the treadmill for alittle bit.
Or like, hey, I was lookingaround at these like local clubs
and there's this local chessclub.
You used to love playing chess.
Do you want to go play chess?
And I know that could be hardfor some people with however
their schedule is, but I thinkthat's a good way to encourage
people to do certain things isto do them with them yeah get
(24:25):
them started.
You know, light that fire sothat they can meet other people
that are doing it.
I think if I had a message togive people that have somebody
in their life that is in and outor they themselves are, is just
to be patient and have gracefor yourself or for that person.
Can't change until we're ready,but do your best to be a
(24:49):
positive influence to them, amake the best decisions you can
make in your life and just doyour best to gently lead them in
the direction of healthy mind,body and spirit activities and
ways to spend time.
Do whatever you can to makesure that they feel safe around
(25:09):
you.
You know the more that we attackpeople or try to control them,
the less they feel safe aroundus.
Rev Rachel Harrison (25:18):
I always say that you want to see the
wholeness in them.
You know, to witness theirwholeness, so they can witness
their own wholeness.
And you, you know you are suchan inspiration to me right now,
but you also have said I'm aninspiration to you, so it's you
know, it's been a journey ofallowing you to have your
seasons and and to to tell youwhen I'm concerned, but not
(25:39):
shame you, but I definitely amgiving you praise for where
you're at right now.
I try to reward you for foryour good behavior and your
changed life.
Thank you, Bodhi, for beinghere with us today.
I appreciate it and I know thatpeople listen to our stories
and your story is important, soI appreciate you being here.
Of course, If you areinterested in Bodhi, you can
(26:02):
always find him at BodhiHarrison at all social medias or
check him out on YouTube forOne Wheel, and now he has music
on SoundCloud.
There's all kinds of goodthings going on in your life.
Bodhi Harrison (26:13):
Subscribe to the Patreon if you want to learn
about content creation and OneWheel Tricks, that's right, we
both have our Patreons.
Rev Rachel Harrison (26:20):
Subscribe on Patreon.
Thank you so much, buddy, Ilove you.
Bodhi Harrison (26:23):
I love you too mom Until next time.
Namaste.
Rev Rachel Harrison (26:30):
Thank you for listening and I hope that
that helps support your soulrecovery process.
Just a reminder that everyFriday is the Recover your Soul
bonus podcast.
This podcast is for Patreonmembers and Apple podcast
subscribers, and not only do youget an incredible interview or
book study that comes with beingpart of that community, but
your subscribing helps supportthis podcast and the Recover
(26:53):
your Soul community.
If you want to listen to thosebonus episodes but can't
subscribe right now, do knowthat you can be a free Patreon
member and have access forlimited time to new episodes.
Visit the websiteRecoverYourSoulnet or check out
the show links below for couponsand information for upcoming
events.
I thank you for sharing thispodcast with your friends and
(27:14):
family.
I thank you for giving it fivestars and the reviews that are
left to bring tears to my eyes.
I am honored to be part of yourlife.
Together we can do the workthat will recover your soul.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!