Join 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.

Understanding 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.

The 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.

Imagine 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.

When 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!

Most 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.

9/11 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.

Drugs 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.