In this episode of The Way Out Podcast, host Jason R.engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Mark Hrymoc, a psychiatristspecializing in addiction. They explore the multifaceted nature of recovery,the intersection of addiction and mental health, and the importance of treatingboth simultaneously. Dr. Hrymoc shares insights on innovative treatments likeketamine therapy and the challenges of medications like Suboxone. Thediscussion also touches on personal reflections about family, success, and theongoing journey of learning in both personal and professional realms. Dr. Hrymoc emphasizes the importance of reachingout for help and the value of support in the recovery process.

Takeaways

Recovery means functioning optimally without limitationsfrom addiction.

Addiction and mental health issues often feed off eachother.

Both addiction and mental health need to be treatedsimultaneously.

Ketamine therapy shows promise for treating depression andanxiety.

Suboxone can be challenging to taper off, but a slowapproach can help.

Psychopharmacology is focused on treating brain disorderswith medication.

Addiction is a lifelong condition that requires management.

Family dynamics play a crucial role in addiction recovery.

It's important to model humility and communication inrelationships.

Struggling with addiction is not a shameful experience.

(c) 2015 - 2025 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved.ThemeMusic: “all clear”(⁠⁠⁠https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/)byKetsa(https://ketsa.uk⁠⁠⁠)licensedunderCCBY-NC-ND4.0(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd)

In this episode of The Way Out Podcast, Skeeter shares hisprofound journey through addiction and recovery, reflecting on the importanceof hope, spirituality, and connection with others. He discusses his substanceuse history, the role of service in recovery, and how music has been a lifelinethroughout his life. Skeeter emphasizes the significance of honesty,mentorship, and the ongoing process of self-discovery in maintaining sobriety.His insights offer a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength found inthe recovery community. In this conversation, Skeeter shares his profoundjourney of recovery, emphasizing the importance of honesty, self-discovery, andspirituality. He discusses the layers of self-deception that can hinderpersonal growth and the significance of living in the present moment. Skeeterhighlights the role of connection with others in recovery and the unique pathsindividuals take. He reflects on impactful literature, daily routines, and thejourney of forgiveness, ultimately underscoring the power of action intransforming thoughts and feelings.

takeaways

• Skeeter has been sober since March 29, 1990, marking 35 years of recovery.
• Recovery is about getting to know one's higher self beyond just abstaining from substances.
• Service in the recovery community is best achieved by putting ego aside and focusing on others.
• Connecting with others in recovery is vital for personal growth and understanding.
• Hope is a crucial element that can inspire individuals to seek recovery.
• Spirituality plays a significant role in Skeeter's understanding of recovery.
• Recovery is a continuous process of learning and self-discovery.
• Music has been a powerful source of hope and connection for Skeeter throughout his life.
• Changing relationships with food is part of the recovery journey.
• Gratitude for life and acceptance of one's past are essential for ongoing recovery. Honesty is crucial in recovery and comes in layers.
• Self-deception can hinder personal growth and awareness.
• Living in the present moment is essential for recovery.
• Spirituality plays a significant role in the recovery journey.
• Connection with others enhances the recovery experience.
• Each individual's recovery path is unique and personal.
• Daily routines help maintain a grounded recovery.
• Literature like the Big Book can have a profound impact on recovery.
• Finding one person to be honest with can change your life.
• Forgiveness is a journey that can lead to unexpected freedom.

Check out Skeeter’s podcast!

https://www.youtube.com/@catchit9649

Recovery literature (Quit-Lit) Recommendations:

Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous - https://www.aa.org/the-big-book

Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions - https://www.aa.org/twelve-steps-twelve-traditions

Best piece of Recovery advice: Be Honest!

Song that symbolizes Recovery to Skeeter: Bohemian Rhapsodyby Queen - https://youtu.be/fJ9rUzIMcZQ

Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” availableonly on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast!

https://open.spotify.com?episode/07lvzwUq1L6VQGnZuH6OLz?si=3eyd3PxVRWCKz4pTurLcmA

(c) 2015 - 2025 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved. ThemeMusic: “all clear”(⁠⁠https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/)byKetsa(https://ketsa.uk⁠⁠)licensedunderCCBY-NC-ND4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd)

Welcome to another edition of The Way Out Podcast! I'm your host, Charlie, and in this rendition of The Way Out, we have something truly special lined up for you. You might know Edwin McCain as the voice behind timeless hits like 'I'll Be' and 'I Could Not Ask for More,' but beyond the music, he's got a deeply personal story that embodies recovery, resilience, and transformation.

For those of you who’ve been listening to The Way Out from the start, you’ll recognize this as the original format of the show, where I would deliver the introduction to the interview that followed. We’re going old school on this one with Edwin because once our chat got started, there was no stopping for nothin.

In this conversation, Edwin opens up about his journey to and through Recovery to this point—the highs, the struggles, and the lessons that have shaped him not just as an artist, but as a human being. His insights into addiction, healing, and finding purpose beyond fame are powerful and deeply relatable. All of this he takes into his new album, Lucky for which he embarks on Tour to support starting in our back yard in Minneapolis tomorrow, Cinco De Mayo of all days.

Perhaps the most profound and resonant piece of spiritual and Recovery wisdom to come from our recovery rap session is that Nothing is the hardest thing to do on our path to and through Recovery. This strikes at the very core of mine and so many that I’ve come to knows experience. Boredom and idle time was untenable and it felt impossible not to react to most everything.Paradoxically, when I’m spiritually centered, Nothing is too hard in Recovery or life. So whether you’re doing something or nothing as you listen, I am certain you’ll enjoy kicking it old school with Edwin and I waxing poetic on all things Recovery so Listen Up.

Takeaways

Recovery is a personal journey that requires understandingone's triggers.

The loss of an addict can lead to others finding their pathto sobriety.

Mindfulness can help individuals separate their thoughtsfrom their actions.

Harm reduction strategies can be effective for someindividuals in recovery.

Community support is crucial in the recovery process.

Every recovery journey is unique and requires tailoredapproaches.

Understanding brain chemistry can aid in addressingaddiction.

Families must also engage in the recovery process to breakthe cycle. It's hard to bring people to the realization of their challenges.

Family dynamics can complicate recovery.

Emotional responses can be overwhelming in early recovery.

Altruism is a key component of recovery support.

Recovery is about becoming a dependable person.

Balance is essential for a fulfilling life.

Creativity can flourish when addiction is removed.

Recovery allows for deeper emotional connections.

The stigma around addiction can hinder treatment.

Recovery can lead to unexpected moments of clarity.Connection is everything for me.

You can't rush the process.

Be the best example of recovery.

I'm not looking for an attaboy.

Gratitude list is usually way up there.

Living Sober had the biggest impact.

The hardest thing in the world to do is nothing.

Learn more about Edwin McCain and his music - https://edwin.com/

Recovery literature (quit-lit) recommendation: Living Sober:Practical Methods Alcoholics Have Used for Living Without Drinking - https://a.co/d/dpoxlCW

Best piece of Recovery advice: The hardest thing in the worldis to do nothing

Song that symbolizes Recovery to Edwin: The Lucky One by AndersOsborne - https://youtu.be/pJOoKWwjj5A

Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” available onlyon Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast!

https://open.spotify.com?episode/07lvzwUq1L6VQGnZuH6OLz?si=3eyd3PxVRWCKz4pTurLcmA

(c) 2015 - 2025 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved.Theme Music: “all clear”(⁠https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/)byKetsa(https://ketsa.uk⁠)licensedunder CCBY-NC-ND4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd)