Ā 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, including her experience with her motherās relapse, her own struggles with work addiction, and the emotional avoidance patterns that surfaced in early sobriety.
Lauren shares how she ultimately embraced self-acceptance, community, and authenticity to begin her healing journeyāproving that recovery is not just about abstaining from substances, but about rebuilding the self from the inside out. Together, Gary and Lauren delve into the emotional toll of addiction, the impact of societal pressures (especially in the public eye), and the tools that helped them both reconnect with their true selves.
This episode is a heartfelt reminder that the road to healing is not linear, but it is always worth it. Whether you're in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking inspiration, Laurenās story will move you, challenge you, and fill you with hope.
About Lauren White:
Lauren White is a dynamic motivational speaker, certified addiction counselor, and fierce advocate for mental health and recovery. With a personal journey rooted in overcoming childhood trauma, substance abuse, and emotional turmoil, Lauren has transformed her pain into purpose. She now empowers others to reclaim their lives through honest storytelling, powerful coaching, and compassionate guidance. Her mission is to normalize conversations around addiction, self-worth, and healingāwhile reminding others that recovery is not only possible, but life-changing.
Follow Lauren and join her community for inspiration and support:
Ā š https://www.laurenwhitespeaker.com
š² Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlaurenwhite
Ā
āŗ Visit our website here: TheBeginAgainPodcast.com
š„ Check Out RCVR Brand! š„
Beyond the podcast, Gary is also the founder of RCVR Brand, a movement dedicated to celebrating recovery and resilience through empowering apparel. RCVR is all about breaking the stigma, building community, and wearing your sobriety with pride. Explore the collection and join the movement!
š Shop Now: https://RCVRbrand.com/
š Become a Voice for Recovery ā Earn While Inspiring Others
Join the RCVR Affiliate Program and share the message of hope, healing, and living your best life.
ā
Let's connect:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/BeginAgainPdcst
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thebeginagainpodcast/
TikTok - https://cvsteam.io/The-Begin-Again-Podcast-TikTok...
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Iām Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and Iām 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 youāre able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and lifeās 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 weāve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I donāt take it for granted ā click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I canāt wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
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.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.