You Don't Have to Live This Way, with Chris Howe

SUMMARY
Chris Howe, a firefighter and co-owner of 12 Mile Tattoo, shares his story of recovery and how he uses his experiences to help others. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and connection in healing and highlights the value of lived experience in supporting others. Chris also discusses the challenges he has faced in his firefighting career and his commitment to helping individuals overcome addiction and live meaningful lives. In this part of the conversation, Chris Howe and Kim Rapach discuss the importance of finding hope and support in community. They also delve into the impact of childhood and family dynamics on personal struggles. Chris shares his experience of using music and substance abuse as a means of escape. He reflects on his search for change and reinvention, as well as the power of vulnerability and connection in his recovery journey. The conversation concludes with a discussion on overcoming negative beliefs and embracing a new path. In this conversation, Chris Howe shares his journey of finding community in firefighting, struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction, and seeking validation and acceptance. He opens up about the pressure to hide weakness and the role he played as the party guy. Chris talks about hitting rock bottom and attempting suicide multiple times before finding hope and recovery. He emphasizes the importance of sharing his story and helping others. Chris also discusses his ongoing struggle with mental health and PTSD and the daily practices he engages in to maintain self-acceptance and self-love. He offers a message of hope to those who may be in a dark place.

TAKEAWAYS
-Vulnerability and connection are essential in healing and supporting others.
-Lived experience can be a powerful tool in helping individuals overcome challenges.
-Community and multiple sources of support are crucial in the recovery process.
-Therapy and professional help are valuable, but relatability and shared experiences can provide unique insights and understanding. Finding a supportive community can provide hope and inspiration in times of grief and adversity.
-Childhood experiences and family dynamics can have a profound impact on personal struggles and coping mechanisms.
-Substance abuse and other forms of escape may temporarily alleviate pain, but they do not address the underlying issues.
-Embracing vulnerability and connecting with others who have similar experiences can be transformative in the recovery process.

CONNECT
-Chris Howe
https://www.instagram.com/_chris_howe_/
https://www.instagram.com/authenticadversity/

-Kim Rapach
kimrapach.com
[e-mail]
https://www.instagram.com/kimrapach/

CHAPTERS
00:00
Introduction to Chris Howe
05:40
Technical Difficulties
08:03
Podcast Editing
10:18
The Work of Warriors
12:14
Chris's Background and Ventures
15:08
Chris's Firefighting Career and Mental Health Injury
22:02
The Importance of Relating and Community
27:52
Finding Hope in Community
34:15
The Impact of Childhood and Family
38:14
Escaping Through Music and Substance Abuse
44:28
The Search for Change and Reinvention
53:06
The Power of Vulnerability and Connection
01:01:16
Overcoming Negative Beliefs and Embracing Recovery
01:08:10
Struggles and Realizations in the Journey
01:09:34
Finding Community in Firefighting
01:10:34
Struggling with Alcoholism and Drug Addiction
01:11:59
Seeking Validation and Acceptance
01:13:24
The Pressure to Hide Weakness
01:14:19
Becoming the Party Guy
01:15:16
Living Two Separate Lives
01:16:39
Hitting Rock Bottom and Attempting Suicide
01:19:06
Finding Hope and Recovery
01:23:22
Becoming Teachable and Relating to Others
01:25:16
Sharing His Story and Helping Others
01:29:26
Struggling with Mental Health and PTSD
01:36:09
Taking Care of Himself and Setting Boundaries
01:44:25
Daily Practices for Self-Acceptance and Self-Love
01:51:46
Offering Hope to Those in Darkness