💪EP82: Overcoming Trauma and Addiction with Danielle Mallad

02/06/25 • 49 min

In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast , host Gary Menkes welcomes the remarkable Danielle Mallad, a recovery advocate, writer, and future addiction counselor, to share her deeply personal journey through addiction, recovery, and self-discovery. Danielle recounts her life from the magical days of childhood to the darkness of addiction, including struggles with alcohol, drugs, and postpartum depression. Her story highlights the impact of societal stigma, unresolved trauma, and the challenges of promising a brighter future to her daughter while battling her inner demons.

Danielle opens up about her sobriety journey, which began on October 7, 2019, and her commitment to inspiring others in recovery, particularly within underserved communities. She candidly discusses pivotal moments of self-realization, including confronting past sexual abuse and the transformative power of sharing personal stories to support others on their paths to healing.

Listeners will be moved by Danielle’s resilience, her passion for mentoring, and her dedication to helping others reclaim their lives beyond addiction. This episode offers hope, powerful insights, and a reminder that recovery is possible for anyone ready to begin again. Tune in for an emotional, uplifting conversation that celebrates courage, vulnerability, and the journey to living a purposeful life.

About Danielle Mallad:

Danielle Mallad is an inspiring advocate for addiction recovery, a dedicated mentor, and a passionate writer. Having overcome her own struggles with alcohol, drugs, and societal stigma, Danielle began her transformative journey to sobriety on October 7, 2019.

She now uses her experiences to empower others battling addiction, particularly in underserved communities, while shedding light on the importance of confronting past traumas for healing and growth.

Danielle is currently pursuing her passion for addiction counseling and group therapy, helping others reclaim their lives and identities beyond addiction.

Follow Danielle’s journey and recovery insights:

Website: https://modernpsychandwellness.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellemallad/

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About Danielle Mallad:

Danielle is currently pursuing her passion for addiction counseling and group therapy, helping others reclaim their lives and identities beyond addiction.

Follow Danielle’s journey and recovery insights:

Website: https://modernpsychandwellness.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellemallad/

Previous Episode

📚Ep81- Books Over Booze": Carol Ann’s Inspiring Sobriety Story

In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast , host Gary Menkes sits down with Carol Ann Ferguson, founder of Books Over Booze , to explore her transformative journey from battling late-onset alcoholism to creating a platform that inspires sobriety through the healing power of books. Carol Ann shares her candid story, revealing how societal pressures, personal struggles, and the stigma of addiction led to years of denial and hidden drinking, culminating in a pivotal moment of illness in 2023 that changed her life forever.

Carol Ann discusses the challenges of maintaining sobriety, particularly in social settings filled with alcohol, and how she discovered solace and distraction in reading. Her journey of self-awareness and the supportive online community she built through Books Over Booze highlight the importance of connection and accountability in recovery. Together, Gary and Carol Ann explore the profound impact of childhood trauma on addiction, the genetic predispositions that concern her for her daughters, and the courage it takes to share personal recovery stories publicly.

Tune in to hear Carol Ann’s inspiring transformation, the lessons she’s learned, and how she’s helping others rewrite their own stories of recovery and resilience. 🌟

Next Episode

⚓️Ep83: Ian Fee’s Wild Ride: From Addiction to Sobriety

In this episode of The Begin Again Podcast , host Gary Menkes sits down with Ian Fee, author of Wild Ride to Sobriety , to discuss his unconventional and intense journey to recovery. Ian opens up about his years of excessive partying, business success, and eventual spiral into addiction, leading him to hit rock bottom. He shares his experience with aversion therapy, a controversial yet highly effective treatment that reshaped his relationship with alcohol and became a turning point in his sobriety.

Ian reflects on the Shik Shadle rehabilitation center, where he underwent a radical 10-day treatment that changed his life. He also highlights the importance of self-forgiveness, discipline, and personal growth, discussing how he rebuilt his life through rigorous routines, fitness, and cold plunging. He and Gary dive into the power of facing discomfort, letting go of resentment, and embracing new perspectives in sobriety.

This episode is a raw, honest, and inspiring look into the ups and downs of addiction and recovery. Tune in to hear Ian’s hard-hitting insights, lessons learned, and how sharing his story has impacted others. Don’t miss this one! 🎙🔥

About Ian Fee:

Ian Fee is the author of Wild Ride to Sobriety , a gripping memoir that chronicles his turbulent journey from excessive partying and business success to hitting rock bottom and finding clarity through recovery. With a unique approach to sobriety, Ian underwent intense aversion therapy and embraced self-forgiveness, discipline, and personal growth to reclaim his life. Now, he shares his story to inspire others battling addiction, emphasizing the power of resilience and transformation.

Follow Ian's journey and insights on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ian.fee/, Get his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Ride-Sobriety-Transformation-Oblivion-ebook/dp/B0DHV4VBHS.