Odyssey House Journals
Odyssey House Journals
221 Odyssey House Journals - Brian Higgins
221 Odyssey House Journals - Brian Higgins
221 Odyssey House Journals - Brian Higgins
Friday 21st November 2025
Brian Higgins shares his journey from trauma to recovery, using creativity to combat mental health stigma.
29 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Authentic
Compassionate
About this podcast
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Success Stories
Family Recovery from Addiction
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
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Episodes:
297 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!From Trauma to Triumph: Brian Higgins' Inspiring Journey
Episode Overview
- Creativity can be a powerful tool for expressing emotions and aiding recovery.
- Stigma around mental health prevents many from seeking help.
- Community understanding is crucial for effective support.
- Personal stories can create empathy and drive change.
- Asking for help is challenging but necessary for recovery.
The monster is clear and present and alive for me today. I have to do everything in my power to keep it under the bed.
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this gripping episode of Odyssey House Journals, you'll meet Brian Higgins, who shares his remarkable journey from the violence-ridden streets of Northern Ireland to the homeless shelters of Salt Lake City. Brian opens up about the unspeakable trauma he faced as a child, having a gun held to his head at just four years old.
Fast forward to his life in the U.S., where PTSD and substance addiction led him to homelessness. But Brian's story doesn't end there. He has turned his life around and now leads a non-profit aimed at dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. Brian's organisation, Meta Healthy Fit, uses creativity as a powerful tool for change. By making short films and engaging in art, Brian helps others express their emotions and connect with their own recovery journeys.
It's not just about talking heads; it's about creating a visceral experience that people can relate to. From fear and anger to the joy of storytelling, creativity becomes a bridge to healing. The episode also touches on the broader issue of stigma in mental health, particularly in Utah, where many feel they can't seek help. Brian's mission is to make it okay to ask for help and to teach both those in need and the community how to respond effectively.
So, if you're curious about how creativity can transform lives or if you want to hear an inspiring story of resilience and recovery, this episode is a must-listen. What can we learn from those who have battled addiction? Perhaps it's that sometimes, the monsters under our beds can be conquered with nothing more than a creative twist.