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Breakfast of Choices

Breakfast of Choices

Jo Summers

Everyone has stories of transformation. And some of them include moments, or years of intense adversity, a time when it felt like there was no hope. This podcast, "Breakfast of Choices," holds space for people to share their true, raw and unedited stories of overcoming extreme struggles, like addiction, mental illness, incarceration, domestic violence, suicide, emotional and physical abuse, toxic family structures, relationships, and more. Trauma comes in so many forms.
Every week, as a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Recovery Coach, Life Transformation coach and your host, I will jump right into the lives of people who have faced these types of adversity and CHOSE to make choices to better themselves. We'll talk about everything they went through on their journey from Rock Bottom to Rock Solid.
Through hearing each guest's story of resilience, my hope is that we'll all be inspired to wake up every single day and make our own "Breakfast of Choices". More importantly, that we'll understand we have the POWER to do it.
When someone shares their story, it can be unbelievably healing. And it can be just what someone else needs to hear at that exact moment to simply keep moving forward. So I hope you can find "that one little thing that sticks," along with hope and encouragement to just keep taking it one day at a time.
And now let me be the first to welcome you to the "Breakfast of Choices" community, a non-judgemental zone where we learn from, lean on and celebrate one another. Because the opposite of addiction is "connection", and we are all in this together.
If you would like to tell your story, I sure would love to listen. Please email me at [email protected].
Respects,
Jo Summers.

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Top 10 Breakfast of Choices Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Breakfast of Choices episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Breakfast of Choices for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Breakfast of Choices episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

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In this episode of Breakfast of Choices, I sit down with Chad Garcia to hear his powerful story of overcoming childhood trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles during his military service. As he shares his personal journey, I'm struck by the depth of his resilience and the rawness of his experiences.
Growing up, Chad endured physical abuse and witnessed his mother being assaulted, leaving deep scars that would shape the rest of his life. His teenage years were marked by a sense of isolation, as he turned to alcohol and rebellious behavior, feeling like an outcast in his own family. After joining the National Guard following 9/11, Chad found a sense of purpose and structure, Chad eventually enlisted for active duty from 2004-2014, but the military culture also enabled his drinking habits. His alcoholism and PTSD eventually led to a mental health breakdown, including a suicide attempt.
Chad's struggle with substance abuse, cycling through alcohol and cocaine addiction, only added to the turmoil. The tragic loss of his mother to suicide in 2017 further exacerbated Chad's trauma and grief, but through it all, he has worked tirelessly to rebuild his life, find purpose in helping other veterans, and reconnect with his family. His journey has been filled with ups and downs, but his unwavering hope and commitment to personal growth are truly inspiring. By sharing his story openly, Chad hopes to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage others to prioritize their own healing and well-being.
Chad has one big regret and hopes to repair the relationship with his daughter...and have his whole family together in his new home. Chad created Comrades and Canopies non-profit and teaches veterans how to sky-dive, and creates the camaraderie and purpose and gives back to the community in so many ways. Chad is truly inspirational!!
Visit: https://www.facebook.com/comradesNcanopies/

From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid.
We all have them...every single day, we wake up, we have the chance to make new choices.
We have the power to make our own daily, "Breakfast of Choices"
Resources and ways to connect:

Facebook: Jo Summers
Instagram: @Summersjol
Facebook Support: Chance For Change Women’s circle

Website: Breakfastofchoices.com

Urbanedencmty.com (Oklahoma Addiction and Recovery Resources) Treatment, Sober Living, Meetings. Shout out to the founder, of this phenomenal website... Kristy Da Rosa!

National suicide prevention and crisis, hotline number 988
National domestic violence hotline:
800–799–7233
National hotline for substance abuse, and addiction:
844–289–0879
National mental health hotline:
866–903–3787
National child health and child abuse hotline:
800–422-4453 (1.800.4.A.CHILD)
CoDa.org
12. Step recovery program for codependency.

National Gambling Hotline 800-522-4700

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Welcome to another episode of Breakfast of Choices. I’m so excited to have Guest Demetriah Annenayah on the show today to share her powerful story of transformation. Demetriah's journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. Growing up with a challenging family dynamic, including an alcoholic father and a mother seeking spiritual enlightenment, Demetriah faced immense adversity from a young age. The trauma of a violent assault during her adolescence left deep scars, leading to depression, suicidal ideation, and a fractured sense of self.
Despite these obstacles, Demetriah found solace in her spiritual gifts and a deep connection with God, eventually becoming a licensed minister. However, a devastating scandal within her church shattered her faith, sending her spiraling into a dark period of addiction and self-destruction. It was during this rock-bottom moment that Demetriah experienced a profound awakening, realizing the power of choice and the importance of self-awareness.
Demetriah's "Freedom and Love Tour," where she and her friends courageously confronted their past lies and manipulations, was a pivotal step in her healing journey. Through this process, she learned to reframe her negative thoughts, cultivate gratitude, and focus on the positive changes she desired to create in her life.
Today, Demetriah is a spiritual life coach, guiding women to embody their true purpose and heal from toxic patterns. Her trauma-informed approach empowers her clients to reclaim their power and manifest the life they've always dreamed of. If you're struggling with past trauma, self-doubt, or a lack of direction, Demetriah's story and insights are sure to inspire and uplift you. Remember, there is always hope, and the power to transform your life lies within you.
Connect with Demetriah:
Visit her website: https://iampoweredbylove.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/iampoweredbylove/

From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid.
We all have them...every single day, we wake up, we have the chance to make new choices.
We have the power to make our own daily, "Breakfast of Choices"
Resources and ways to connect:

Facebook: Jo Summers
Instagram: @Summersjol
Facebook Support: Chance For Change Women’s circle

Website: Breakfastofchoices.com

Urbanedencmty.com (Oklahoma Addiction and Recovery Resources) Treatment, Sober Living, Meetings. Shout out to the founder, of this phenomenal website... Kristy Da Rosa!

National suicide prevention and crisis, hotline number 988
National domestic violence hotline:
800–799–7233
National hotline for substance abuse, and addiction:
844–289–0879
National mental health hotline:
866–903–3787
National child health and child abuse hotline:
800–422-4453 (1.800.4.A.CHILD)
CoDa.org
12. Step recovery program for codependency.

National Gambling Hotline 800-522-4700

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Welcome to Breakfast of Choices! I’m your Host, Jo Summers. On this podcast, I’m diving into the journey of overcoming trauma, and extreme struggles, and discovering hope through personal narratives. I kick off the conversation today by sharing my own transformative experience. At the age of 19, I went to prison. My life had become a mess starting at about 11 years old.
In everything, the partying, the drugs, the selling the running the much older crowd, and now caught up to me that first early morning in jail, I was staring down at my breakfast. The first thing I heard was someone asking if I wanted my biscuit and jelly, and there I sat thinking about all the choices I had made, that got me to where I was, I knew I'd put myself in this position. It took me a while to learn. But that also meant that only I had the power to change it. I could create my own breakfast of choices.
Reflecting on the decisions that led me down that path, I realized the immense power within myself to enact change and I embarked from there, on a journey of personal growth. Through raw and authentic storytelling, I invite you to explore with me, the theme of overcoming adversity, highlighting the resilience and strength found within the human spirit. Together, we’ll go from Rock Bottom to Rock Solid!
If you would like to tell your story, I sure would love to listen. Please email me at [email protected].

From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid.
We all have them...every single day, we wake up, we have the chance to make new choices.
We have the power to make our own daily, "Breakfast of Choices"
Resources and ways to connect:

Facebook: Jo Summers
Instagram: @Summersjol
Facebook Support: Chance For Change Women’s circle

Website: Breakfastofchoices.com

Urbanedencmty.com (Oklahoma Addiction and Recovery Resources) Treatment, Sober Living, Meetings. Shout out to the founder, of this phenomenal website... Kristy Da Rosa!

National suicide prevention and crisis, hotline number 988
National domestic violence hotline:
800–799–7233
National hotline for substance abuse, and addiction:
844–289–0879
National mental health hotline:
866–903–3787
National child health and child abuse hotline:
800–422-4453 (1.800.4.A.CHILD)
CoDa.org
12. Step recovery program for codependency.

National Gambling Hotline 800-522-4700

bookmark
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share episode

Send us a text

Welcome back to another episode of Breakfast of Choices. Last week, I did something a little different on the show and shared my own personal journey from an interview I did on a friend Louis Jenkins podcast, “Let’s Talk About It”. Today, in this episode, I will be sharing part two of my story.
I tend to approach my story with a lot of humor - that's just how I got through the difficult times. All though the subjects are serious! I made a lot of poor choices in the past and found myself in some dangerous situations, including legal trouble, drugs, deaths and domestic violence. But through counseling, the 12-step program, and other recovery resources, I was able to transform myself and become the best version of me. A work in progress every day!
My hope in sharing my journey is to offer hope and encouragement and let others know that recovery is possible. It's not easy, but there is help and support available. Reaching out for that support system was crucial for my own reintegration into society and finding a sense of purpose.
So thank you for joining me again for part two of my story. If you ever need any resources or someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always here to listen and provide support. Let's continue this journey of transformation from Rock Bottom to Rock Solid together.

From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid.
We all have them...every single day, we wake up, we have the chance to make new choices.
We have the power to make our own daily, "Breakfast of Choices"
Resources and ways to connect:

Facebook: Jo Summers
Instagram: @Summersjol
Facebook Support: Chance For Change Women’s circle

Website: Breakfastofchoices.com

Urbanedencmty.com (Oklahoma Addiction and Recovery Resources) Treatment, Sober Living, Meetings. Shout out to the founder, of this phenomenal website... Kristy Da Rosa!

National suicide prevention and crisis, hotline number 988
National domestic violence hotline:
800–799–7233
National hotline for substance abuse, and addiction:
844–289–0879
National mental health hotline:
866–903–3787
National child health and child abuse hotline:
800–422-4453 (1.800.4.A.CHILD)
CoDa.org
12. Step recovery program for codependency.

National Gambling Hotline 800-522-4700

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

Send us a text

In this episode of Breakfast of Choices, I sit down with Ashley Aldendorf, A Bourbon Boss Babe from Kentucky who is doing amazing work in her community. Ashley shares her powerful story, opening up about her challenging childhood and the abusive relationships she's endured as an adult. Despite the trauma she's faced, Ashley has found the strength to break free and rebuild her life, focusing on being the best mom she can be for her daughters.
Ashley describes growing up with young, struggling parents and the profound impact the loss of her beloved grandmother had on her. She opens up about the physical and emotional abuse she experienced from her father, and how that shaped her views on love and relationships. Ashley then shares the heartbreaking details of her tumultuous relationship with her first love, a man involved in gangs and criminal activity who subjected her to horrific domestic violence.
Determined to break the cycle, Ashley found the courage to leave and start over, with the help of a local women's crisis center. She then met her now-husband, who became a loving father figure for her daughter. However, their marriage also faced challenges, with Ashley ultimately filing for divorce multiple times before her husband's infidelity and neglect of their family led her to make the difficult decision to leave.
Through it all, Ashley has shown incredible resilience, using her experiences to become a stronger, more empowered woman. Her story is a testament to the power of healing, self-love, and putting your children first. Ashley's journey is sure to inspire others who have faced similar struggles, offering hope and guidance on the path to breaking free and building a brighter future. Stay tuned next week for part 2 of this episode.
Connect with Ashley Here: https://linktr.ee/bourbonbossbabes

From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid.
We all have them...every single day, we wake up, we have the chance to make new choices.
We have the power to make our own daily, "Breakfast of Choices"
Resources and ways to connect:

Facebook: Jo Summers
Instagram: @Summersjol
Facebook Support: Chance For Change Women’s circle

Website: Breakfastofchoices.com

Urbanedencmty.com (Oklahoma Addiction and Recovery Resources) Treatment, Sober Living, Meetings. Shout out to the founder, of this phenomenal website... Kristy Da Rosa!

National suicide prevention and crisis, hotline number 988
National domestic violence hotline:
800–799–7233
National hotline for substance abuse, and addiction:
844–289–0879
National mental health hotline:
866–903–3787
National child health and child abuse hotline:
800–422-4453 (1.800.4.A.CHILD)
CoDa.org
12. Step recovery program for codependency.

National Gambling Hotline 800-522-4700

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Breakfast of Choices - From Seeking Validation to Healing Others with Lindsi Miller
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06/06/24 • 60 min

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On today’s episode of Breakfast of Choices, I share my interview with my beautiful friend, Love Sherpa and spiritual transformation coach, Lindsi Miller. She openly discussed her powerful personal journey of overcoming childhood trauma and addiction to find self-love and purpose.
Lindsi detailed her early struggles with abandonment issues and seeking validation, and the chaos that ensued when she turned to substance abuse in her teens and young adulthood. Lindsi also courageously recounted surviving an abusive relationship and the mental health struggles she faced.
You’ll learn how Lindsi committed to her recovery and spiritual transformation journey six years ago and has become grounded in self-awareness through spiritual growth. She now helps others as a recovery coach and mentors at-risk teens at Mission Academy.
I was moved by Lindsi's ability to turn her pain into purpose by guiding these youth with the wisdom and tools she has gained. This thought-provoking episode provides insight into the transformational process of healing from within and how we can use our past experiences to help others in need.
Visit: lindsilou.com

From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid.
We all have them...every single day, we wake up, we have the chance to make new choices.
We have the power to make our own daily, "Breakfast of Choices"
Resources and ways to connect:

Facebook: Jo Summers
Instagram: @Summersjol
Facebook Support: Chance For Change Women’s circle

Website: Breakfastofchoices.com

Urbanedencmty.com (Oklahoma Addiction and Recovery Resources) Treatment, Sober Living, Meetings. Shout out to the founder, of this phenomenal website... Kristy Da Rosa!

National suicide prevention and crisis, hotline number 988
National domestic violence hotline:
800–799–7233
National hotline for substance abuse, and addiction:
844–289–0879
National mental health hotline:
866–903–3787
National child health and child abuse hotline:
800–422-4453 (1.800.4.A.CHILD)
CoDa.org
12. Step recovery program for codependency.

National Gambling Hotline 800-522-4700

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

Send us a text

Welcome to another episode of Breakfast of Choices. I’m your host Jo Summers, and today I'm joined by a very special guest, Chelsea Williams. Chelsea is here to share her powerful story of addiction and recovery in the hopes of offering hope and encouragement to others.
Chelsea gets right into sharing the raw details of her journey. She started with typical gateway drugs like weed and alcohol in her teens, but quickly realized she had a problem when she couldn't stop like her peers. This led her down a dark path of opioid addiction that lasted over 15 years. Chelsea held nothing back as she recounted hitting absolute rock bottom multiple times, including watching her boyfriend overdose in front of her multiple times.
Through it all, Chelsea neglected her family and children in pursuit of her next high. She described the shame and guilt she felt, yet she couldn't stop using these substances. Chelsea's story took many tragic turns, including multiple arrests and losing custody of her children. Yet through it all, she found the strength in continuing her journey to recovery.
Chelsea now has over 8 years of continuous sobriety. She credits her support system and faith in helping her turn her life around. Chelsea now works in addiction treatment and is opening a sober living home for women called Sober Vibes. Her goal is to help others find the hope she has.
It was truly inspiring to listen to Chelsea's journey of going from rock bottom to rock solid. Her raw honesty and message of hope will stay with me and I hope with all of you who listen.
Visit: https://sobervibes.net/

From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid.
We all have them...every single day, we wake up, we have the chance to make new choices.
We have the power to make our own daily, "Breakfast of Choices"
Resources and ways to connect:

Facebook: Jo Summers
Instagram: @Summersjol
Facebook Support: Chance For Change Women’s circle

Website: Breakfastofchoices.com

Urbanedencmty.com (Oklahoma Addiction and Recovery Resources) Treatment, Sober Living, Meetings. Shout out to the founder, of this phenomenal website... Kristy Da Rosa!

National suicide prevention and crisis, hotline number 988
National domestic violence hotline:
800–799–7233
National hotline for substance abuse, and addiction:
844–289–0879
National mental health hotline:
866–903–3787
National child health and child abuse hotline:
800–422-4453 (1.800.4.A.CHILD)
CoDa.org
12. Step recovery program for codependency.

National Gambling Hotline 800-522-4700

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

Send us a text

What happens when the thrill of the game becomes an all-consuming escape? Journey with us as we unravel the compelling story of Gail Fraser, a courageous and inspiring woman who bravely bares her soul and recounts her tumultuous battle with gambling addiction. Gail's story is one of heartbreak and resilience; and the fight to reclaim her life. She lost a long-standing marriage, a thriving career, and the comfort of her community to the seductive grip of online gambling. Raised in an environment where addiction loomed, she knew she was playing with fire but couldn't resist the allure of gambling as an escape from life's pressures and pains. Listen as Gail shares the raw and painful reality of her financial downfall, the lies that kept her trapped, and the moment she realized she could no longer hide from her addiction.
In this episode, we also shine a spotlight on the often unnoticed dangers of gambling addiction, exploring how easy access through technology has ensnared younger generations. The conversation transitions into an inspiring exploration of the road to recovery, where accountability and self-awareness are key. Through personal anecdotes, we explore the challenging yet rewarding journey to self-love and healing, emphasizing that recovery is not just about abstaining but transforming oneself for the better. Gail's journey offers hope and proof that no matter how far one has fallen, there is always a path to rebuild, rediscover, and ultimately thrive.

From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid.
We all have them...every single day, we wake up, we have the chance to make new choices.
We have the power to make our own daily, "Breakfast of Choices"
Resources and ways to connect:

Facebook: Jo Summers
Instagram: @Summersjol
Facebook Support: Chance For Change Women’s circle

Website: Breakfastofchoices.com

Urbanedencmty.com (Oklahoma Addiction and Recovery Resources) Treatment, Sober Living, Meetings. Shout out to the founder, of this phenomenal website... Kristy Da Rosa!

National suicide prevention and crisis, hotline number 988
National domestic violence hotline:
800–799–7233
National hotline for substance abuse, and addiction:
844–289–0879
National mental health hotline:
866–903–3787
National child health and child abuse hotline:
800–422-4453 (1.800.4.A.CHILD)
CoDa.org
12. Step recovery program for codependency.

National Gambling Hotline 800-522-4700

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

Send us a text

David Levi's life story reads like a road map through the shadowy terrain of addiction and the uphill climb back to recovery. A proud member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, David grew up in western Oklahoma surrounded by the wide-open spaces and close-knit community of reservation life. Though his childhood was relatively sheltered from substance abuse within his immediate family, the community around him struggled with addiction's grip.
The death of his father in 2009 marked a devastating turning point. Losing his "superhero" sent David spiraling into increasingly dangerous territory as he sought to numb his grief with cocaine and alcohol. What began as weekend partying evolved into daily use, and eventually, a fateful introduction to methamphetamine changed everything. "I never thought I had a problem," David reflects, describing how he watched his life unravel without recognizing the severity of his situation.
As addiction tightened its hold, David's life became a revolving door of county jails across Oklahoma—what he calls his "county jail tour." He lost his casino job, relationships crumbled, and most painfully, he became estranged from his children. "My son went from being a little 10-year-old boy to almost as tall as me. How am I missing this much time?" This realization became the catalyst for change as David finally embraced the structure of drug court and rehabilitation after facing a potential 10-year prison sentence.
The road to recovery wasn't straight or easy. An 18-month drug court program stretched into three years, but David persevered. Today, he works as a group facilitator, along with our host Jo Summers, at South Coast Behavioral Health Treatment Facility, using his lived experience to help others find their way. David is also very active with Wellbriety in his community. Most meaningfully, he's reunited with his children who now live with him. His journey from client to counselor represents recovery's full circle—proving that even after hitting rock bottom multiple times, transformation is possible with determination, structure, and support. This is Part 1 of David's Long Road Home...

From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid.
We all have them...every single day, we wake up, we have the chance to make new choices.
We have the power to make our own daily, "Breakfast of Choices"
Resources and ways to connect:

Facebook: Jo Summers
Instagram: @Summersjol
Facebook Support: Chance For Change Women’s circle

Website: Breakfastofchoices.com

Urbanedencmty.com (Oklahoma Addiction and Recovery Resources) Treatment, Sober Living, Meetings. Shout out to the founder, of this phenomenal website... Kristy Da Rosa!

National suicide prevention and crisis, hotline number 988
National domestic violence hotline:
800–799–7233
National hotline for substance abuse, and addiction:
844–289–0879
National mental health hotline:
866–903–3787
National child health and child abuse hotline:
800–422-4453 (1.800.4.A.CHILD)
CoDa.org
12. Step recovery program for codependency.

National Gambling Hotline 800-522-4700

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

Send us a text

Welcome back to another episode of Breakfast of Choices. Today, I have guest, Tina Curtis. Tina has an incredible story to share with us - one of overcoming a really tough childhood in the foster care system to finding her way to healing and a fulfilling life.
Tina opens up about the trauma she experienced, feeling like no one was there to protect her or believe her when she tried to speak up about her abuse. We talk about the complexities of love and addiction in her family, and how important it was for her to find her voice and keep speaking her truth, even when it felt like no one was listening.
We also dive into the physical and emotional toll that trauma can take, and why it's so crucial for society to show more empathy and understanding, especially for kids in the foster system. Tina's story is all about resilience and how she navigated the foster care rollercoaster, found her forever family through adoption, and is still working hard on her healing journey.
In this episode, Tina shares powerful insights on topics, such as radical acceptance, taking accountability for your choices, and the importance of that personal responsibility. Whether you've been through similar struggles or know someone who has, I know her story is going to provide you with hope and inspiration.

From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid.
We all have them...every single day, we wake up, we have the chance to make new choices.
We have the power to make our own daily, "Breakfast of Choices"
Resources and ways to connect:

Facebook: Jo Summers
Instagram: @Summersjol
Facebook Support: Chance For Change Women’s circle

Website: Breakfastofchoices.com

Urbanedencmty.com (Oklahoma Addiction and Recovery Resources) Treatment, Sober Living, Meetings. Shout out to the founder, of this phenomenal website... Kristy Da Rosa!

National suicide prevention and crisis, hotline number 988
National domestic violence hotline:
800–799–7233
National hotline for substance abuse, and addiction:
844–289–0879
National mental health hotline:
866–903–3787
National child health and child abuse hotline:
800–422-4453 (1.800.4.A.CHILD)
CoDa.org
12. Step recovery program for codependency.

National Gambling Hotline 800-522-4700

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

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FAQ

How many episodes does Breakfast of Choices have?

Breakfast of Choices currently has 48 episodes available.

What topics does Breakfast of Choices cover?

The podcast is about Suicide, Addiction, Health & Fitness, Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Sobriety, Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Education, Trauma and Recovery.

What is the most popular episode on Breakfast of Choices?

The episode title 'Turning Pain into Purpose through Faith: Breaking the Cycle of Generational Trauma with Angel Gaddis' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Breakfast of Choices?

The average episode length on Breakfast of Choices is 55 minutes.

How often are episodes of Breakfast of Choices released?

Episodes of Breakfast of Choices are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Breakfast of Choices?

The first episode of Breakfast of Choices was released on Feb 28, 2024.

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