365 Proof by Defining Wellness

Episode 12 of 365 Proof by Defining Wellness brings a raw and eye-opening conversation with Robert McCaslin and Patrick Cheney of Alta Loma Transformational Services.
This episode pulls back the curtain on a side of mental health most people don’t understand, severe mental illness, psychosis, and what happens when traditional systems fall short. Robert and Patrick break down the gap between short-term stabilization and real, long-term healing, and how Alta Loma is creating something different, a place where people aren’t just managed, but rebuilt.
The conversation dives into the reality of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and complex mental health conditions, and challenges the all-or-nothing thinking around “success.” It’s not just about diagnoses or labels, it’s about stability, purpose, connection, and giving people a real shot at life again.
There’s also an honest look at risk, faith, and what it takes to walk away from comfort to build something that actually matters. From early recovery to fatherhood, from burnout to purpose, this episode reminds you that growth is messy, slow, and worth it.
If you’ve ever wondered what real mental health care should look like, or if someone in your life is struggling beyond what quick fixes can handle, this one will stick with you.
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.
#365Proof #DefiningWellness #MentalHealth #Recovery #AltaLoma #Psychosis #BipolarDisorder #Schizophrenia #AddictionRecovery #Healing #Purpose #LongTermRecovery #FathersInRecovery #Growth #AudioAlchemyProductions

In Episode 11 of the 365 Proof Podcast, Daniel Phyfer and Courtney Milan sit down with Victoria Hardy for a deeply honest conversation about the pain addiction brings into families, and the hope that healing is still possible.
 
Victoria, a licensed marriage and family therapist and Certified Family Life Educator at Defining Wellness, shares why family work matters so much in recovery and why addiction is never just about one person. This episode explores the heartbreak, dysfunction, fear, shame, and emotional exhaustion that families often carry in silence, while also shining a light on the healing that can begin when people are finally willing to face the truth and do the work.
 
Together, they talk about codependency, broken trust, boundaries, grief, emotional sobriety, and the reality that recovery is not instant. It takes time. It takes humility. It takes courage. But this conversation is a powerful reminder that no family is too far gone, no person is beyond help, and no story is too broken for restoration.
 
If you are struggling, love someone who is struggling, or have ever wondered whether peace is possible after chaos, this episode will meet you right where you are. There is hope, there is help, and you do not have to walk through it alone.
 
Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.
 
#365ProofPodcast #DefiningWellness #VictoriaHardy #DanielPhyfer #CourtneyMilan #AddictionRecovery #FamilyHealing #MentalHealth #RecoveryJourney #Codependency #EmotionalSobriety #HopeAfterAddiction #HealingFamilies #YouAreNotAlone #WellnessPodcast

In Episode 10 of 365 Proof by Defining Wellness, Daniel Phyfer and Courtney Milan sit down with Colonel Steven Maxwell, a 30-year public service veteran and current leader in corrections investigations, for one of the most eye-opening conversations yet.
Colonel Maxwell brings a rare perspective shaped by decades on the front lines of narcotics enforcement, leadership, and public health. What he reveals is hard to ignore: the drug landscape has evolved, the risks are higher than ever, and the threat is closer to home than most people realize.
This episode dives deep into the shift from plant-based drugs to synthetic substances like fentanyl, how “harmless” products like gummies and gas station supplements are being used to mask deadly compounds, and why addiction today looks completely different than it did even a decade ago. From children being exposed earlier than ever, to the dangers of unregulated products like kratom, this conversation exposes the reality families are facing right now.
But this isn’t just about the problem, it’s about the solution.
Colonel Maxwell shares powerful insight on leadership, self-accountability, and the importance of seeing people beyond their worst moments. He unpacks the connection between mental health, addiction, and environment, and challenges listeners to think further upstream, where real change begins.
You’ll also hear:
Why detox is not treatment and where the system is falling short
The role of communication, parenting, and early intervention
What law enforcement is seeing across Mississippi communities right now
How stigma, misunderstanding, and lack of education continue to cost lives
Why “loving yourself enough to show up” might be the most important message of all
This episode is raw, honest, and urgent, but it’s also grounded in hope. Because as Colonel Maxwell says, “As long as the flag is flying, we’re winning.”
If you care about your family, your community, or the future of the next generation, this is a conversation you need to hear.
#365ProofPodcast #DefiningWellness #StevenMaxwell #DanielPhyfer #CourtneyMilan #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #FentanylCrisis #KratomAwareness #SubstanceAbuse #PublicHealth #Leadership #RecoveryJourney #Mississippi #CommunityHealth #AudioAlchemyProductions
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

On this episode number 9 of 365 Proof by Defining Wellness, Daniel Phyfer and Courtney Milan sit down with Tim Risler, founder and director of Equine Healing Solutions, for a powerful conversation about recovery, trauma, self-awareness, and the life-changing impact of equine therapy.
With more than three decades of experience in substance abuse and mental health treatment, Tim shares how his journey led him from traditional clinical work into experiential healing through horses. He explains how equine therapy helps uncover patterns, break through emotional defenses, and reveal the deeper issues that often sit beneath addiction, trauma, grief, and self-limiting beliefs.
This episode dives into the connection between language and healing, the importance of authenticity in treatment, how horses mirror human behavior, and why true transformation often begins when people are willing to face what they have been avoiding. Tim also discusses his work with veterans, clinicians, athletes, and individuals in recovery, offering insight into why experiential therapy can reach places that traditional talk therapy sometimes cannot.
If you have ever wondered how healing can happen outside the walls of an office, this conversation offers a moving and eye-opening look at what recovery, growth, and self-discovery can really look like.
 
#365ProofPodcast #DefiningWellness #TimRisler #DanielPhyfer #CourtneyMilan #EquineTherapy #RecoveryPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast #AddictionRecovery #TraumaHealing #ExperientialTherapy #VeteranRecovery #HealingJourney #MississippiWellness #AudioAlchemyProductions
Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In episode number 8 of the 365 Proof by Defining Wellness Podcast, Daniel Phyfer and Courtney Milan sit down with Catherine Hickem and Cindy Barber of The Dash Group. Catherine and Cindy have been key partners in Defining Wellness’ organizational growth following the recent acquisition.
In this conversation, they discuss what they often see inside organizations, the cultural and leadership challenges that show up during seasons of transition, and when companies typically call them in.
Catherine, a licensed clinical social worker and longtime executive coach, and Cindy, a leadership strategist and author of C.L.E.A.R. the Fear, bring more than 65 years of combined experience in guiding companies through growth, leadership development, and cultural realignment.
They share practical insight on strengthening teams, supporting leaders, and building healthier, more resilient workplaces from the inside out. This episode is about clarity, purpose, and learning how to lead well when everything around you is shifting.
Learn more: www.thedashgroup.net
#365ProofPodcast #DefiningWellness #TheDashGroup #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganizationalHealth #ResilientTeams #CulturalTransformation #LeadWithPurpose #GrowthAndChange #WorkplaceWellbeing

In episode number 7 of the 365 Proof by Defining Wellness Podcast, Daniel Phyfer and Courtney Milan sit down with Jordan Jones, Founder and CEO of Holos. With 20 years of experience as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant, Jordan has seen the physical and emotional toll that high-stress environments place on the mind and body.
Today, he uses that experience to help military personnel, first responders, executives, and other high-performance professionals build resilience, recover well, and sustain long-term well-being. Jordan shares practical insight on stress, discipline, recovery practices, and what it means to perform at a high level without losing yourself in the process.
This conversation highlights the importance of learning to slow down, reconnect to meaning, and build strength that lasts.
 
Jordan Jones contact: jjones@holos.training
HOLOS Website: https://holos.training/
#365ProofPodcast #DefiningWellness #HolosTraining #PerformanceAndResilience #SpecialForcesVeteran #RecoveryTools #HumanPerformance #StressManagement #MentalHealthMatters #SustainableStrength

In episode number 6 of the 365 Proof by Defining Wellness Podcast, Daniel Phyfer and Courtney Milan sit down with Drew Rothermel, CEO of Defining Wellness Centers. Drew shares his journey from practicing corporate law to becoming a leader in the behavioral health field, where he has spent more than two decades designing innovative treatment programs centered on meaningful, lasting patient outcomes. This conversation explores what it means to lead with purpose, build teams with compassion, and create care models that honor the dignity and potential of every person seeking recovery. Drew offers insight into the challenges and opportunities within the behavioral health field and the importance of commitment, collaboration, and vision.
 
#365ProofPodcast #DefiningWellness #BehavioralHealth #LeadershipWithPurpose #RecoveryCommunity #InnovationInCare #MentalHealthMatters #HopeAndHealing #PurposeDrivenLeadership

In episode number 5 of the 365 Proof by Defining Wellness Podcast, Daniel Phyfer and Courtney Milan sit down with Craig Watson, LPC-S, Owner of Vitality Counseling in Madison, Mississippi. Craig is a leadership consultant, author of The Construction Leadership Field Manual, and creator of the suicide prevention app Hard Hat Help.
With extensive experience in supporting individuals facing depression, anxiety, and substance use challenges, Craig brings a profound understanding of the pressures faced by those working in construction and other high-stress industries. In this conversation, he discusses the intersection of leadership, mental health, and suicide prevention, along with practical steps workplaces can take to support their people before a crisis occurs. This episode shines a light on the importance of speaking up, checking in, and building cultures where no one feels like they have to carry their struggles alone.
#365ProofPodcast #DefiningWellness #MentalHealthInConstruction #SuicidePrevention #VitalityCounseling #LeadershipAndWellness #YouAreNotAlone #ConstructionCommunity #RecoverySupport #CheckOnYourPeople

In episode number 4 of the 365 Proof by Defining Wellness Podcast, Daniel Phyfer sits down with Jeff Skillen, founder of SkillSet Enterprises. Jeff has built a career helping leaders and organizations find direction in fast-changing environments, offering guidance in strategy, transformation, and growth.
With executive experience spanning healthcare, media, technology, and beyond, Jeff has become a trusted advisor for navigating complex challenges. In this conversation, he shares his perspective on leadership, clarity under pressure, and the human side of meaningful progress.
This episode explores what it means to stay grounded, think clearly, and move forward with purpose, even when everything around you is shifting.
 
Contact:
Email: jeff@skillsetenterprises.com
Website: https://www.skillsetenterprises.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-skillen-199507/
 
#365ProofPodcast #DefiningWellness #LeadershipDevelopment #StrategicGrowth #OrganizationalClarity #SkillSetEnterprises #ResilientLeadership #PurposeDrivenWork #TransformationInAction

In this episode of 365 Proof by Defining Wellness, hosts Daniel Phyfer and Courtney Milan welcome Neely Carlton Lyons, a compassionate advocate for addiction and mental health who believes healing begins with listening and meeting people where they are. Neely shares insight from her unique journey as the youngest-ever elected Mississippi State Senator, a legal advocate for behavioral health professionals, and a family member personally impacted by addiction and mental health challenges. She discusses her work with Clere Consulting and as cofounder of Family Recovery Collective, offering hope, clarity, and unbiased support to families navigating difficult decisions. The conversation also touches on the role of music and reflection in recovery, including Neely’s favorite recovery song and the lasting influence of The Language of Letting Go.
 
Daniel, Courtney, and Neely also discuss the role music plays in recovery. When asked about her favorite recovery song, Neely shared the track that continues to speak to her journey:
https://open.spotify.com/track/4mcZYzoGwPRDdhWVlygiHf?si=tQHD_A7UT5ixXQbqMp7wpw
Neely also reflects on The Language of Letting Go, sharing that it was the very first meditation she ever read and one that continues to guide her today.
Learn more about Neely’s work:
Family Recovery Collective: https://www.familyrecoverycollective.com
Clere Consulting: https://clereconsulting.com/
 
#365ProofPodcast #DefiningWellness #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #FamilyRecovery #CompassionInRecovery #HopeAndHealing #SubstanceUseRecovery #MentalHealthSupport #RecoveryAdvocacy #BehavioralHealth #PublicHealth #MississippiPodcast #FamilyRecoveryCollective #ClereConsulting #YouAreNotAlone