Ep #10 A Happy Life in Recovery, with Jake Mackenzie

Welcome to the How To Die Happy podcast, where we talk to incredible people about living, dying, and everything in between. In this episode, hosts Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson had a heart-to-heart conversation with the legendary surfer and cosmic wizard Jake Mackenzie. A recovered addict of 26 years, Jake is an inspiration for many who struggle with addiction. He shared his incredible story of transformation, peace, and love in this soulful discussion.

Jake's journey to recovery wasn't an easy one. He struggled with addiction for years before he found the help he needed to turn his life around. But he didn't let his past define him. Instead, he found solace in surfing and cycling adventures to wizard hats, Rainbow Gatherings, and ashrams in India. In this episode, he offers advice to the parents of addicts and anyone affected by addiction. It's never too late to turn your life around, and Jake is living proof that there is life after addiction. Not only that, but it's possible to thrive in recovery. Jake's thriving Uluwau business, ⁠Drifter Cafe & Surf Shop⁠, is a testament to this.

The success statistics of traditional treatments such as AA, NA, and residential rehabs have been mixed. Some people swear by them, while others find them ineffective or even harmful. This has led to a rise in alternative treatments as we struggle to cope with an increasingly addicted population. Of course, the addiction pandemic is a global issue that affects millions of people worldwide.

So, how do we cope with addiction? Is it possible to overcome it? The answer is yes, but it's not easy. Addiction is a complex issue, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. But the good news is that recovery is possible. It takes time, patience, and a lot of hard work, but it's worth it.

One of the keys to successful recovery is finding a support system that works for you. This might include traditional treatments such as AA or NA, but it could also involve alternative therapies such as meditation, yoga, or even surfing. Whatever works for you, it's essential to have a support system that will help you stay on track.

Another critical factor in recovery is addressing the root of the addiction. Is addiction passed on through genetics or learned? How much attention should we pay to symptoms versus seeking out the source of the sickness (namely trauma)? These are essential questions that need to be addressed to achieve successful recovery.

This episode is a must-listen if you or someone you love is struggling with addiction. It's full of hope, inspiration, and practical advice for anyone looking to overcome addiction and live a happy, healthy life in recovery.