In Episode 20 of 365 Proof by Defining Wellness, Daniel Phyfer and Courtney Milan sit down with Lee and Tiffany Stringer of Fifth Squad, a veteran led nonprofit creating connection, support, and community for veterans, service members, and their families.

Lee shares his journey from enlisting in the Army to serving overseas, navigating the transition home, and finding renewed purpose through serving others. Together, Lee and Tiffany discuss the power of camaraderie, the unique needs of military families, Fifth Squad’s events and assistance programs, and why taking care of yourself and your relationships matters when your life is built around helping others.

This is an honest conversation about service, resilience, family, and finding your people after the uniform comes off.

Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Episode #19: Making a Difference Wherever Your Feet Are: Ruth Ann Rigby’s 29-Year Recovery Journey. In Episode 19 of 365 Proof by Defining Wellness, Daniel Phyfer and Courtney Milan welcome longtime friend, colleague and recovery advocate Ruth Ann Rigby for a candid conversation about survival, surrender and a life devoted to serving others.

With 29 years in long-term recovery, Ruth Ann shares how growing up in a family affected by addiction, enduring traumatic experiences and reaching a personal breaking point ultimately led her to treatment. She reflects on the acceptance, spiritual surrender and willingness to follow direction that became foundations of her recovery.

Now the chief development officer of Capstone Wellness and a co-founder of First Responders of Mississippi, Ruth Ann has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families find the right care when they need it most. The conversation explores the distinctive challenges first responders face, the importance of family involvement, the narrow window for connecting someone with treatment and why genuine human connection remains essential in behavioral healthcare.

Honest, heartfelt and filled with Ruth Ann’s unmistakable humor, this episode is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible—and that keeping it means giving it away.

Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

What does lasting recovery really look like after the substances are gone?

In Episode 17 of the 365 Proof by Defining Wellness podcast, Daniel Pfeiffer welcomes his longtime friend, Phil Nutt, Director of Marketing and Admissions at Choice House in Boulder, Colorado. Together, they share an honest conversation about addiction, trauma, family dynamics, the Twelve Steps, therapy, faith, and the lifelong process of healing.

Phil opens up about his journey from growing up in Mississippi, through active addiction and treatment, to building a life centered on purpose and helping others recover. Daniel and Phil also explore perfectionism, shame, inner child work, healthy boundaries, recovery in the Deep South, and why connection, authenticity, and vulnerability are essential for lasting change.

Whether you’re in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of mental health and personal growth, this episode offers hope, practical wisdom, and a powerful reminder that healing is possible. Recovery isn’t about becoming perfect. It’s about becoming honest, connected, and willing to keep growing, one day at a time.

Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In this episode of 365 Proof by Defining Wellness, Daniel Pfeiffer and Courtney Milan sit down with Dr. Avni Patel, board-certified psychiatrist and founder of Mississippi Psychiatry and Wellness.

Dr. Patel shares her journey from growing up in Columbia, Mississippi, to choosing psychiatry after nearly pursuing anesthesiology, and why staying in Mississippi to serve her community became part of her purpose. The conversation explores mental health stigma, lifestyle psychiatry, trauma, addiction recovery, social media, grief, high achievers, sports psychiatry, and the power of truly listening to patients.

At the heart of this episode is one simple but powerful message: healing starts when you are willing to bet on yourself.

Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In this powerful conversation, Daniel Phyfer and Courtney Milan sit down with Robert Green, founding pastor of Fondren Church, husband, father, leader, and one of Mississippi’s most respected voices on faith and community.

Robert shares his journey from Starkville to college ministry, meeting his wife Susan, and ultimately taking the leap of faith to plant Fondren Church. Together, they explore what it means to trust God when the path ahead is uncertain, the risks involved in building something meaningful, and the challenges of leading with humility and integrity.

The conversation dives into the intersection of faith and recovery, including:

• Why surrender is often the hardest step in recovery and life
• The relationship between spirituality and the 12 Steps
• Mental health, addiction, and how the church’s response has evolved
• Leadership, pressure, and learning to finish well
• Pain, betrayal, forgiveness, and resilience
• Raising children, taking risks, and trusting God’s plan
• The difference between groaning to God and grumbling about God
• Why community and connection are essential for healing

Throughout the episode, Robert shares practical wisdom, personal stories, and timeless truths that resonate whether you’re in recovery, leading a team, raising a family, or simply navigating life’s challenges.

This episode is a reminder that none of us have all the answers. We’re all just fellow travelers learning to trust, grow, and take the next right step.

Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.