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CAUTION: Contains themes of an adult nature.\nI believe that we can all learn something about ourselves from every single person we interact with and that it is through hearing other people\u2019s stories that we can learn the most. Today\u2019s guest has a really powerful story to share \u2013 he is the singer-songwriter, Benjamin Francis Leftwich. I\u2019ve been a huge fan of his work since his 2011 debut album and I think his music connects with people in an incredible way. Ben\u2019s fourth studio album, To Carry a Whale, has just been released \u2013 the first that he has recorded in sobriety.\nBen and I begin by talking about the disconnect between success and happiness. At the peak of his early fame a decade ago, he confesses that contentment still eluded him. He had success, fame, opportunities, riches \u2013 Ben acknowledges all his privileges. But he could not shake feeling uncomfortable in his own skin, like there was a hole in his heart that he could not fill.\nIn Benjamin\u2019s case, it was drink and drugs he tried to fill the hole with. But as we discuss, addiction comes in many guises. I think to some degree we\u2019re all seeking to fill that hole in our souls, to \u2018fix\u2019 whatever we feel is wrong or missing in our lives. We can all feel an emptiness at times. And whether it\u2019s alcohol, sugar, caffeine, gambling, sex, shopping or something else we choose to fill it with, few of us are strangers to that feeling.\nThat\u2019s not to diminish what, for Ben, has clearly been a long and traumatic journey. It\u2019s a privilege to hear him share so honestly about his experience \u2013\xa0and what he\u2019s learned in recovery over the past three years.\nThere\u2019s so much in what Ben does in recovery, one day at a time, that I feel could be helpful to each and every one of us. For example, we discuss the difference between saying sorry and really making amends \u2013 how the latter means being accountable, asking for forgiveness, while not trying to manipulate the other person\u2019s response. And we talk about the importance of connection and community. How the regular meetings Benjamin and other recovering addicts attend have adapted online during the pandemic and retained their power.\nWe cover so much in this conversation \u2013 including, of course, plenty about the music. We talk spirituality, the inherent goodness in people and his goal of progress not perfection. I\u2019m struck by Ben\u2019s gratitude and energy and grateful for his authentic and touching words. This is a powerful conversation and I really think you are going to enjoy listening.\nIf you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and would like help, here are some sites that you/they may find helpful:\nAlcoholics Anonymous (UK) https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/\nAlcoholics Anonymous (US & Canada) https://aa.org/\nAlcoholics Anonymous (Australia) https://aa.org.au/\nNarcotics Anonymous (UK) https://ukna.org/\nNarcotics Anonymous (Worldwide) https://na.org/\nHelp Me Stop (UK) https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/\nHelp For Families (UK) https://adfam.org.uk/help-for-families/useful-organisations\nThanks to our sponsors:\nhttp://www.blublox.com/livemore\nhttp://www.vivobarefoot.com/uk/livemore\nhttp://www.athleticgreens.com/livemore\nShow notes available at\xa0https://drchatterjee.com/193\nFollow me on https://www.instagram.com/drchatterjee\n\xa0\nFollow me on\xa0https://www.facebook.com/DrChatterjee\n\xa0\nFollow me on\xa0https://twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk\nDISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.\n Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.