Welcome to The Sober Truth Podcast with your host George Wood, the Tattooed Pastor! In this special episode, we sit down with Johnny Crowder, a mental health advocate, TEDx speaker, musician, and the founder of Cope Notes—a revolutionary text-based mental health support system that’s changing lives nationwide.This episode was recorded in Sept of 2024, then we had 2 hurricanes, Johny lost his house and the timing wasn't right to release, until now! Johnny’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. Growing up, he battled schizophrenia, OCD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, struggling to find a path to healing. Despite these challenges, he channeled his pain into music, becoming the frontman of the metal band Prison, known for its raw, honest lyrics about mental health.🔍 In this episode, we dive deep into:✔️ Music & Mental Health – How Johnny uses his band Prison to advocate for mental health awareness and why heavy music is a powerful outlet for emotional expression.✔️ The Birth of Cope Notes – The incredible story behind Cope Notes, why he created a text-based mental health support platform instead of an app, and how it’s now reaching tens of thousands of people, including Medicaid users through a partnership with UnitedHealthcare.✔️ His Mental Health Journey – Johnny’s early struggles, his late diagnosis, and the breakthrough moment that changed his perspective on recovery and healing.✔️ Faith & Transformation – How his personal faith journey led him to reconsider everything he thought he knew about God, and the unexpected way he was introduced to Jesus in 2016.✔️ Overcoming Stigma – The challenges of being a tattooed, metal frontman in the mental health and faith spaces, and how people’s assumptions often don’t match the reality of his purpose-driven mission.✔️ Life Beyond the Band – Johnny’s reflections on balancing a music career, mental health advocacy, and faith, and his thoughts on whether the rockstar dream is still his ultimate calling.🎶 Want to hear Johnny’s music?➡️ Listen to Prison on Spotify📲 Sign up for Cope Notes – A simple, text-based tool to improve your mental health daily:➡️ https://copenotes.com📢 Watch Johnny’s TED Talks on Mental Health & Recovery:🔥 A MUST-WATCH for anyone struggling with mental health, recovery, or faith. Johnny’s journey proves that tomorrow might be better, and that no matter where you come from, healing and purpose are possible.🙏 If this conversation resonated with you, LIKE, COMMENT & SHARE with someone who needs to hear this message!#JohnnyCrowder #CopeNotes #MentalHealthAwareness #Recovery #AddictionRecovery #FaithJourney #RockMusic #PrisonBand #TattooedPastor #SchizophreniaRecovery #PTSD #BipolarDisorder #mentalhealthsupport Connect with me for Coaching, Consulting or to come and speak at George@sobertruthproject.orgBuy my book The Uncovery https://www.briteaton.com/The-Uncovery-BookMy personal website https://www.georgeawood.com/Sober Truth Project https://sobertruthproject.org/https://www.facebook.com/tattooedpastorgw/https://linktr.ee/tattooedpastor00:00 Introduction to Johnny Crowder01:54 The Journey of Cope Notes03:36 The Intersection of Music and Mental Health09:05 The Formation of the Band Prison11:52 Mental Health Themes in Music17:28 Navigating Multiple Passions23:38 Johnny's Personal Mental Health Journey29:51 The Creation of Cope Notes33:27 Partnership with UnitedHealthcare37:26 Recovery and Personal Growth43:29 Faith and Transformation48:19 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

Christina Dent, founder of End It For Good, Author - Curious, shares her journey of understanding addiction and advocating for a new approach to drug policy. She recounts her experience as a foster parent and meeting a mother struggling with addiction, which challenged her preconceived notions. This led her to question the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in addressing drug use and to explore alternative solutions. She discusses the Rat Park experiment and the importance of addressing the underlying reasons for substance use. Christina emphasizes the need for personalized pathways to recovery and a shift away from a one-size-fits-all approach. The illegal drug economy, fueled by drug prohibition, incentivizes crime and violence by providing a financial incentive. Gangs, cartels, and terrorist organizations are primarily funded through the proceeds of the drug trade. Prohibition also leads to the production of unregulated and dangerous drugs, such as fentanyl, which has contributed to the overdose crisis. The current approach to drug policy is reactive and fear-based, and it is important to shift towards a health-centered approach that addresses the root causes of addiction. Regular people can lead the charge for change and create a movement towards policy reform. Connect with me for Coaching, Consulting or to come and speak at George@tattooedpastor.com Buy my book The Uncovery https://www.briteaton.com/The-Uncovery-Book My personal website https://www.georgeawood.com/ Sober Truth Project https://sobertruthproject.org/ https://www.facebook.com/tattooedpastorgw/ https://linktr.ee/tattooedpastor

George Wood shares his personal journey of recovery and how the gospel can be seen as a form of recovery. He emphasizes the importance of creating healthy community and breaking the shame cycle. He also highlights the need for leaders to be present for others and to see people beyond their labels. The conversation explores the concept of living in the inner city and the challenges faced by pastors and leaders. Overall, the discussion encourages a deeper understanding of the gospel and the role of leaders in facilitating healing and transformation. The conversation explores the power of love and choice, the importance of acceptance and openness, the need for authenticity and face-to-face connections, the impact of mentors and spiritual guidance, carrying the baton of faith, the legacy of leadership, asking the hard questions, and prayer and reflection.

Join George Wood, the Tattooed Pastor, in a profound and uplifting conversation with Lacey Nicole Sturm, former lead vocalist of the iconic alternative rock band Flyleaf and a trailblazing solo artist. In this episode, Lacey opens up about her transformative journey of recovery and faith, which has profoundly shaped her life and music. Dive deep as Lacey shares her experiences with battling personal demons and finding solace through her faith and art. She discusses the crucial role of recovery in maintaining balance in life and relationships and the therapeutic power of art in reflecting pain and fostering healing. Lacey emphasizes the importance of seeking support, whether through counseling or community, especially during life's most challenging seasons. Listeners will gain insights into how Lacey's faith has been both a refuge and a source of strength, guiding her towards sobriety and deeper trust in others. She explores the delicate balance between faith and personal relationships, the impact of embracing faithfulness, and the profound influence of the Holy Spirit in her life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in stories of personal transformation, the intersection of creativity and recovery, and the powerful role of faith in overcoming adversity. Whether you are a fan of Lacey's music or are seeking inspiration to navigate your own challenges, there's something in this conversation for you. Key Takeaways: -Recovery is a journey of power that demands balance and support. -Art reflects our deepest pains and facilitates emotional processing. -Seeking help is crucial during tough times. -Faithfulness and trust are essential in finding God and growing personally. Tune in to "The Sober Truth Podcast" for this enlightening discussion with Lacey Sturm, where music meets faith, and life's trials turn into testimonies of hope and resilience. Lacey Sturm, Flyleaf, The Tattooed Pastor, recovery journey, faith in adversity, hard rock, alternative rock, Christian music, personal growth, sobriety, art therapy, counseling, Holy Spirit, Christian worship. Connect with me for Coaching, Consulting or to come and speak at George@tattooedpastor.com Buy my books The Uncovery or the Uncovery Devotional https://www.briteaton.com/The-Uncovery-Book My personal website https://www.georgeawood.com/ Sober Truth Project https://sobertruthproject.org/ https://www.facebook.com/tattooedpastorgw/ https://linktr.ee/tattooedpastor

In this conversation, Justin Brent discusses the unique blend of Redwood Micro and its effects on mental and physical well-being. He emphasizes the importance of feeling emotions and going through the full range of emotions to heal and recover. Justin also explains that the blend is not a lifelong treatment but can be taken sporadically for maintenance. He shares the obstacles he has faced, including importation issues and competition in the market. In this conversation, Justin Brent discusses the financial challenges he faced and the impact it had on his business. He also shares his upcoming events and speaking engagements. Justin announces a new product line and discusses his plans for expansion. He emphasizes the power of positive testimonials and shares a serendipitous encounter with a client. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of feeling and controlling emotions and the profound effects of microdosing. Connect with me for Coaching, Consulting or to come and speak at George@tattooedpastor.com Buy my book The Uncovery https://www.briteaton.com/The-Uncovery-Book My personal website https://www.georgeawood.com/ Sober Truth Project https://sobertruthproject.org/ https://www.facebook.com/tattooedpastorgw/ https://linktr.ee/tattooedpastor

In this conversation, George Wood the Tattooed Pastor reconnects with Mario D'Ortenzio, the founder of the Death to Life organization, to discuss the pressing issues in mental health and suicide prevention. They explore the importance of addressing mental health in the church and the challenges of getting churches and organizations to take action. They also discuss the impact of suicide and addiction, the role of policy and legislation in suicide prevention, and the need for empathy and hope in reaching out to those struggling with mental health issues. The conversation highlights the importance of faith and the responsibility of government in suicide prevention, as well as the challenges faced in rural areas. In this conversation, George Wood and Mario D'Ortenzio discuss various topics related to suicide prevention and mental health. They explore the importance of reaching people online, encountering different perspectives on Jesus, forming partnerships and new initiatives, managing growth and resources, maintaining personal health and well-being, establishing support systems and accountability, creating a trauma-informed church, and the significance of community and transparency. The conversation highlights the need for empathy, understanding, and intentional action in addressing mental health challenges and providing support to those in need. Connect with me for Coaching, Consulting or to come and speak at George@tattooedpastor.com Buy my book The Uncovery and The Uncovery Devotional https://www.briteaton.com/The-Uncovery-Book My personal website https://www.georgeawood.com/ Sober Truth Project https://sobertruthproject.org/ https://www.facebook.com/tattooedpastorgw/ https://linktr.ee/tattooedpastor

Brit Eaton and George Wood authors of The Uncovery and The Uncovery Devotional come together to speak to the Watermark Church Congregation. The conversation explores the topics of addiction, recovery, and healing within the context of the church. It emphasizes the need for a collective approach to recovery and the importance of understanding trauma and its impact on individuals. The chapters cover the introduction and background, the need for recovery and healing, the church's role in recovery, understanding addiction and trauma, the power of community and identity, the healing journey and transformation, recovery as a collective calling, and an invitation to healing and prayer. The conversation concludes with a reminder to believe in transformation and God's love.

Please leave your comments and questions during the video! In this season 5 opening conversation, George Wood interviews Gio Munoz, the pastor of Abide Church, about his recovery journey and the importance of authentic community in the church. They discuss the challenges of leaving a recovery program and the struggles of navigating the church world. Gio shares his experience of feeling inadequate as a young leader and emphasizes the need for humility in leadership. They also touch on the reputation of Abide Church as a house of prayer and worship. In this conversation, Gio Munoz discusses the impact of the IHOP controversy on his leadership and the prayer movement. He emphasizes the importance of accountability and the need to prevent similar situations in the future. Gio also shares his perspective on the strategic nature of the devil's attacks and the lessons learned from the situation. The conversation highlights the significance of inner healing and the connection between healing and repentance. Additionally, Gio emphasizes the importance of creating an environment of vulnerability and transparency in leadership. The conversation concludes with a discussion on future plans for Abide and the focus on prayer and mission. Takeaways: Authentic confession and vulnerability are essential in the recovery journey and in the church. Leaving a recovery program can be challenging, and finding a supportive community is crucial. Leadership requires humility and a willingness to set aside personal ambitions for the sake of others. Building authentic community and valuing every member's contribution is vital in the church. A reputation for being a house of prayer and worship can be a powerful testimony to the community. Leaders should be mindful of the impact of controversies in their field and take steps to address any concerns or misconceptions. Accountability and transparency are crucial in preventing moral failures and maintaining the purity of a ministry. The devil strategically targets leaders and movements, and it is important to remain vigilant and rely on God's grace. Inner healing is essential for true repentance and transformation, and leaders should prioritize addressing the root causes of their behaviors. Creating an environment of vulnerability and openness allows for deeper healing and growth in individuals and the community. Future plans should focus on prayer, mission, and expanding the ministry to reach more people. Connect with George Wood for Coaching, Consulting or to come and speak at George@tattooedpastor.com Buy my books The Uncovery, The Uncovery Devotional, The Uncovery Small Group Guide at https://www.briteaton.com/The-Uncovery-Book My personal website https://www.georgeawood.com/ Sober Truth Project https://sobertruthproject.org/ https://www.facebook.com/tattooedpastorgw/ https://linktr.ee/tattooedpastor Join me on this journey to self discovery!