In this episode of The None of Your Business Podcast, hosts Michael Greenfield and Ushy Schwartz sit down with Sony Perlman, LMSW, a licensed therapist and Clinical Director of Boys Our Place and Our Village Sober Living, where he has spent over two decades helping young men overcome addiction and heal from trauma.
Sony introduces his unique “Shiva House Rules” approach to recovery, focusing on the transformative power of community, love, and connection in the healing process. He delves into the emotional roots of addiction, discussing how low self-esteem and the need for validation often drive destructive behaviors. Through compelling stories of personal transformation, Sonny emphasizes the importance of building strong support systems to aid in recovery.
Along the way, the conversation takes a lighter turn as Sony and the hosts debate the role of public displays of affection in relationships, blending humor with insightful discussions on mental health, trauma, and personal growth.
Whether you're interested in addiction recovery, mental health, or just looking for inspiring real-life stories, this episode is packed with profound insights and light-hearted moments. It’s a must-listen for anyone on a journey of personal or professional growth.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:31 Discussing Addictions
02:48 Sonny Perlman's Background
03:09 Personal Stories and Experiences
09:24 The Importance of Public Affection
22:44 Sonny's Work in Addiction Recovery
28:58 Understanding Validation Addiction
29:42 Addiction as a Spectrum
30:18 The Role of Self-Esteem in Addiction
31:06 Comfort and External Self-Esteem
32:25 The Impact of Trauma on Addiction
35:33 Shiva House Rules and Healing
41:11 Community Support in Recovery
45:50 Parenting and Prevention
58:26 Challenges in Tight-Knit Communities
01:01:57 Teenage Rebellion and Parental Challenges
01:02:33 The Importance of Parental Separation
01:03:13 Parenting Through Rebellion
01:03:55 Discipline and Sensitivity in Parenting
01:04:51 Adapting Parenting Styles
01:05:45 The Evolution of Parenting with Multiple Children
01:06:51 Realizations and Reflections on Parenting
01:10:28 Addressing Addiction and Community Support
01:12:34 The Role of Community in Recovery
01:13:19 Challenges and Success in Recovery Programs
01:19:12 Lightning Round: Insights and Reflections
01:22:03 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
