Serenity Sit DownStruggling to find actionable options for your recovery? Serenity Sit Down will surprise you with raw conversations, poignant and funny moments, as well as unique perspectives on topics relevant to you. Guests include regionally and internationally recognized experts as well as individuals with addiction and recovery stories to motivate and influence.


Expand your recovery journey with insight and inspiration from this weekly podcast bursting with messages from those touched by addiction personally, as well as leading treatment professionals. Listen and learn about the evolution of treatment and how millions recover through new ideas and techniques.


Serenity Sitdown is hosted by The Retreat, a non-profit organization consisting of a group of dedicated professionals and recovered individuals, sharing their commitment to creating a continuum of affordable, accessible and effective residential recovery services to help alcohol and drug dependent individuals recover. The Retreat represents a non-clinical, mutual help approach to the problem of alcohol and drug dependency. This supportive, educational setting is grounded in the spiritual principles of AA. By providing a safe and supportive environment to study and practice these principles, The Retreat opens the door to a life of contented sobriety.


Serenity Sitdown is a weekly podcast that explores a wide range of topics related to addiction and recovery. The show features interviews with experts in the field, as well as people who are in recovery themselves. These guests share their personal stories, insights, and advice, offering a unique and valuable perspective on the challenges and triumphs of overcoming addiction.


The podcast covers a variety of topics that are relevant to anyone who is struggling with addiction or who knows someone who is. These topics include the 12-step program, family dynamics, forgiveness, shame, grief and loss, treatment options, prevention strategies, current trends in addiction, and the challenges that clients face in recovery.


In addition to these individual topics, Serenity Sit Down also takes a broader look at the issue of addiction. The show explores the evolution of treatment methods, highlighting new ideas and techniques that are helping people to recover. It also examines the societal factors that contribute to addiction, and discusses ways to address these underlying causes.


Through these in-depth discussions, Serenity Sit Down aims to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of addiction and recovery. The show offers practical advice, emotional support, and a sense of community for anyone who is on the journey to recovery. Whether you are struggling with addiction yourself or you are a loved one of someone who is, Serenity Sit Down is a valuable resource that can help you to find hope and healing.


The Retreat and their distinguished guests - those who work at the frontline of addiction and behavioral health medicine such as the doctors, psychiatrists, and hospital presidents – share their knowledge and insights to help people in recovery and people looking for recovery find a better purpose in life. Tune in to their raw conversations every week and find the opportunity to find a better sense of who you are, what you want to be, and how you can find joy in your life.


The Retreat was founded in 1991 by The Community of Recovering People (CORP). Co-Founder John Curtiss stated, “We believe that if we provide a dignified, safe and supportive environment, accurate information about the problem and the solution, and a solid bridge to Alcoholics Anonymous, people will recover.” The Retreat has served over 31,000 individuals finding hope in recovery.


Let us open your hearts and minds to healing and joyful hope here on the Serenity Sit Down podcast with The Retreat.



]]>en-usfalseThe Retreathttps://serenitysitdown.com/Jim Swarthoutfrjim5254@sbcglobal.netepisodicCopyright 2021-2024 Serenity Sit Down | All Rights Reserved | http://serenitysitdown.com/Healing In Recovery With Compassion With Rich Murphy5OyiBv8KYFri, 06 Sep 2024 10:00:00 GMT987https://www.fatherjimtalks.com/podcast/healing-in-recovery-with-compassion-with-rich-murphyfalseJoin us for a heartfelt episode of Serenity Sit Down, where Father Jim welcomes Rich Murphy, the dedicated Director of Admissions and Marketing at The Retreat in Wayzata, Minnesota. In this episode, Rich shares his transformative journey from being a guest at The Retreat over eleven years ago to becoming a pivotal figure in helping others find their path to recovery. Discover the unique approach of The Retreat, a 12-step based recovery center that offers a supportive community of volunteers and staff, all of whom are actively working their own recovery programs. Rich's personal story and professional insights provide a compelling look into the life-changing impact of The Retreat’s programs and the compassionate care they offer to those seeking help.

]]>Families In Recovery - Healing For The Whole Family With Sherry Gaugler-Stewartw3QK9tfAcMon, 02 Sep 2024 10:00:00 GMT1491https://www.fatherjimtalks.com/podcast/families-in-recovery-healing-for-the-whole-family-with-sherry-gaugler-stewartfalseUnderstanding the family system in recovery helps everyone engage in the process of joyful recovery and our roles in recovery. Today, we explore how families can find support and build resilience on their path to recovery. Join Fr. Jim Swarthout as he talks with Sherry Gaugler-Stewart, the Director of Family and Spiritual Recovery for The Retreat. They discuss the power of understanding addiction and how it empowers families to support their loved ones. The Retreat’s family program provides resources and guidance for families on this journey. This episode equips us with tools for managing emotions, highlights the value of support groups, and ultimately offers a message of hope: healing is possible. 

]]>Partnerships In RecoveryZ1yTbxAbhTue, 20 Aug 2024 10:00:00 GMT1045 https://www.fatherjimtalks.com/podcast/partnerships-in-recoveryfalseYou don't have to tread into the healing journey alone. Together, we can heal the holes and build a life filled with hope and purpose. In today's conversation, Fr. Jim met with Drew Brook, the director of Faith Partners, a surprise gathering that offered great insight and understanding of how we all work and minister together to heal a hurting heart. Drew sheds light on the crucial role faith-based communities can play in addiction recovery. Through Faith Partners' training programs, people within your congregation gain the knowledge and skills to create a support system for those battling addiction. The path to recovery may not be easy, but you don't have to walk it alone. Join Drew Brook and discover the transformative power of faith and community in healing the "hole in the soul."

]]>Sober Living And The Power Of Recovery9lBc_G51GFri, 16 Aug 2024 10:00:00 GMT1222 https://www.fatherjimtalks.com/podcast/sober-living-and-the-power-of-recoveryfalseSober living is a daily experience. For 12 years, Jimmy Bogen, the Sober Living Coordinator at The Retreat, addiction controlled his life, but The Retreat's program, with emphasis on the 12 steps and peer support, was the turning point. In today's episode, Jimmy explains how The Retreat helped him find the path toward recovery. He also emphasizes the power of a strong support system that goes beyond family. Discover how The Retreat's family recovery program empowers loved ones to support your journey. So, join Jimmy Bogen and learn more about The Retreat's Sober Living.

]]>Fostering Fellowship In RecoveryyCgqFxNwTTue, 13 Aug 2024 10:00:00 GMT1036 https://www.fatherjimtalks.com/podcast/fostering-fellowship-in-recoveryfalseThe journey to recovery initially seems hard, but a big part of that is because people tend to think they’re on their own. That doesn’t have to be the case. There is power in community, and fellowship does wonders for recovery. In this episode of Serenity Sit Down, hosted by Father Jim, we sit down with Jake Klisivitch, the Men's Program Coordinator at The Retreat in Wayzata, Minnesota. Jake shares his personal journey to sobriety and details the unique, spiritually-focused approach of The Retreat, which emphasizes the principles of the 12-step program over clinical methods. He discusses the daily structure and supportive community environment that aids guests in their recovery, as well as the vibrant alumni network that extends the program's reach beyond the facility. Tune in to learn more about how The Retreat helps individuals find hope and joy in their sobriety journey.

]]>Staying Connected In RecoverywBjrmigqhTue, 13 Aug 2024 10:00:00 GMT1245https://www.fatherjimtalks.com/podcast/staying-connected-in-recoveryfalseImagine losing everything to addiction, then discovering a path to not just recovery but a life filled with joy and purpose. Today’s conversation brings us the powerful story of Travis Heppner, the Alumni and Marketing Coordinator at The Retreat. Fr. Jim and Travis discuss how staying connected from the heart enhances a joyful journey to day-to-day recovery. An Alumni program can be the greatest contributor to recovery - sharing the ups and downs of craving and continuing on the path to joy. Today’s episode is a beacon of hope, a reminder that recovery is possible, and a life filled with love and joy awaits! Join Travis Heppner and be empowered by his story.

]]>Supporting Women In RecoveryGDzfnNIolTue, 06 Aug 2024 10:00:00 GMT912https://www.fatherjimtalks.com/podcast/supporting-women-in-recoveryfalseWhen a woman reaches out for help and comes to The Retreat, she finds herself in a warm embrace. This episode of Serenity Sit Down features a conversation between Father Jim and Chris Nehotte, the coordinator of The Retreat's women's recovery program. Chris shares her journey to The Retreat, emphasizing her commitment to the 12-step spiritual recovery model. She highlights the program's focus on spirituality, connection, and community, noting the support provided through steps, sponsorship, and a family program. Chris underscores the transformative power of the program and the unique aspects of women's recovery, while Father Jim appreciates the impact and hope The Retreat offers to those struggling with addiction. Tune in for more!

]]>Seeking Spiritual Direction In Recovery With Andrea Bruner Of "The Retreat" In Wayzata Mn.J8gLcyUhPWed, 03 Jul 2024 10:00:00 GMT1106 https://www.fatherjimtalks.com/podcast/seeking-spiritual-direction-in-recovery-with-andrea-bruner-of-the-retreat-in-wayzata-mnfalseStep into the realm of spiritual guidance in recovery and learn to breathe again in a more joyful way! Fr. Jim Swarthout welcomes Andrea Bruner, coordinator of The Retreat in Wayzata, Minnesota, for an enlightening conversation on navigating recovery through spiritual insight. Andrea shares her profound experience from the inception of The Retreat in 1998, where her vision for a supportive space aligned perfectly with its founding. Reflecting on her personal journey through 12-step recovery and the pivotal role of spiritual direction, Andrea illuminates how The Retreat's women's program fosters transformative connections across generations. Discover the profound impact of spiritual principles and the power of community in guiding individuals towards healing and renewed purpose. Tune in to breathe anew as we explore the joyful essence of recovery at The Retreat.


]]>1Understanding The Power Of Surrender With Bob BisanzVsE8OOx_SThu, 16 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT828https://www.fatherjimtalks.com/podcast/understanding-the-power-of-surrender-with-bob-bisanzfalseSometimes, the straight path to healing is by getting rid of the grind and letting go of everything on your plate. In this episode, Fr. Jim Swarthout sits down with Bob Bisanz, an alcoholic who got sober in 1967 through the power of surrender. Together, they discuss how the retreat center in Wyzetta perfectly combines the 12-step recovery program and a Christ-centered approach to healing. Bob talks about serving others while recovering by eliminating all your internal baggage and opening up to the spiritual guidance of God.



]]>12A Caring Community With John Curtiss, President And CEO Of The Retreat In Wayzata Mn.2eVbH5PxgTue, 14 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT1320https://www.fatherjimtalks.com/podcast/a-caring-community-with-john-curtiss-president-and-ceo-of-the-retreat-in-wayzata-mnfalseMost alcoholics refuse to get into a retreat center to be treated because most of them have overly expensive costs and utilize demeaning approaches that degrade the people’s dignity. John Curtiss took note of this alarming situation and has decided to take action. In this episode, he joins Fr. Jim Swarthout to share how he provides a more personalized, humane, and affordable treatment of alcoholics through his retreat center in Wayzata. John explains how they effectively integrate the 12-step recovery process in their treatments to guide people toward complete healing. He also discusses how they monitor their “guests” once they are out of the retreat center to help them reduce the chances of relapsing.

]]>119/11 Made Us One: How America’s First Responders Answered The Call Of Boundless CompassionOFY028fIyFri, 10 Sep 2021 19:30:42 GMT1980https://parrot-crow-c46l.squarespace.com/podcast/911-made-us-one-how-americas-first-responders-answered-the-call-of-boundless-compassionfalse9/11 changed us! It made us one on 9/12! No matter what department they’re are from, first responders routinely witness horrific events that ordinary people don’t. 9/11 showed us the lengths that these heroes would go to just to save the lives of others. Fire Chief Bobby Halton honors the fallen among their ranks, as well as those who continue to lay their lives in service of others, in this insightful conversation with Fr. Jim Swarthout. Join in as these two men of faith reflect on the biggest lessons we learned from the most traumatic episodes in America’s history as a nation. Learn how America’s first responders answered the call of boundless compassion in 9/11 and appreciate how they continue to do so every day.

]]>2Mind, Body, And Soul Recovery And The Roots Of Wisdom With Mike Early34yU_tiMsThu, 09 Sep 2021 18:13:00 GMT1757https://parrot-crow-c46l.squarespace.com/podcast/mind-body-and-soul-recovery-and-the-roots-of-wisdom-with-mike-earlyfalseDrugs and alcoholism have been present for ages. These are not some types of acute illnesses that you can just patch up in a day. Alcoholism and drug addiction is a chronic disease, and the recovery is a long process. Learn more about the recovery process and how spirituality plays a role in it with your host, Fr. Jim Swarthout, and his guest, Mike Early. Mike's career spans more than 47 years in the field of alcohol, drugs, and other addictions. Learn how treatment and recovery should be done. Understand why drug addiction and alcoholism are a disease of the body, mind, and soul.

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