#10
From Narcotics to Recovery: Colonel Steven Maxwell
3/24/26
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1:05:44
ABOUT THE EPISODE
In Episode 10 of 365 Proof by Defining Wellness, Daniel Phyfer and Courtney Milan sit down with Colonel Steven Maxwell, a 30-year public service veteran and current leader in corrections investigations, for one of the most eye-opening conversations yet. Colonel Maxwell brings a rare perspective shaped by decades on the front lines of narcotics enforcement, leadership, and public health. What he reveals is hard to ignore: the drug landscape has evolved, the risks are higher than ever, and the threat is closer to home than most people realize.
This episode dives deep into the shift from plant-based drugs to synthetic substances like fentanyl, how “harmless” products like gummies and gas station supplements are being used to mask deadly compounds, and why addiction today looks completely different than it did even a decade ago. From children being exposed earlier than ever, to the dangers of unregulated products like kratom, this conversation exposes the reality families are facing right now.
But this isn’t just about the problem, it’s about the solution.
Colonel Maxwell shares powerful insight on leadership, self-accountability, and the importance of seeing people beyond their worst moments. He unpacks the connection between mental health, addiction, and environment, and challenges listeners to think further upstream, where real change begins.
You’ll also hear:
- Why detox is not treatment and where the system is falling short
- The role of communication, parenting, and early intervention
- What law enforcement is seeing across Mississippi communities right now
- How stigma, misunderstanding, and lack of education continue to cost lives
- Why “loving yourself enough to show up” might be the most important message of all
This episode is raw, honest, and urgent, but it’s also grounded in hope. Because as Colonel Maxwell says, “As long as the flag is flying, we’re winning.”
If you care about your family, your community, or the future of the next generation, this is a conversation you need to hear.
#365ProofPodcast #DefiningWellness #StevenMaxwell #DanielPhyfer #CourtneyMilan #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #FentanylCrisis #KratomAwareness #SubstanceAbuse #PublicHealth #Leadership #RecoveryJourney #Mississippi #CommunityHealth #AudioAlchemyProductions
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.
Meet The Hosts
Daniel Phyfer is the Director of Business Development for Defining Wellness Centers, where he oversees all business development and marketing functions — from outreach and strategic partnerships to brand growth and community engagement. He blends his personal recovery journey with professional expertise to support people searching for a new way of life — whether they’re just beginning or rebuilding along the way. Daniel’s work is rooted in connection, authenticity, and a genuine belief that recovery is possible for anyone willing to reach for it.
Courtney Milan
Alumni Director
More Episodes
From Trauma and Silence to Purpose: Tracey Trigg’s Mission to Help Survivors Reclaim Their Lives
7/14/26
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53:23
In Episode 18 of the 365 Proof Podcast by Defining Wellness, Daniel Phyfer, Courtney Milan, and Carly Caver welcome Tracey Trigg, founder and CEO of Loving Through His Eyes, a Mississippi-based nonprofit dedicated to helping women heal from trauma, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking.
Tracey courageously shares her journey from childhood sexual abuse, shame, bullying, and a severe stutter to surviving multiple armed robberies, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, isolation, and suicidal thoughts. For years, fear controlled her life and left her feeling as though she had no voice. Through faith, community, Celebrate Recovery, and a willingness to confront the pain she had carried for decades, Tracey began reclaiming her identity, confidence, and purpose.
She also explains how mission work in Liberia and the Philippines helped shape her calling to advocate for people who feel unseen and unheard. That calling eventually led her from California to Mississippi, where she founded Loving Through His Eyes.
The conversation explores human trafficking awareness, online grooming, the vulnerability of children and teenagers, the relationship between trauma and addiction, and the importance of creating safe, long-term recovery environments. Tracy shares her vision for a residential program where women can receive trauma-informed care, participate in art, dance, equine, and faith-based recovery programs, develop practical life skills, continue their education, and gradually prepare for independent living.
The episode also highlights the immediate needs of Loving Through His Eyes, including renovations, heating and air-conditioning work, flooring, contractors, financial support, church partnerships, volunteers, and community members willing to help transform the property into a safe and restorative home.
This is a powerful conversation about survival, faith, healing, human trafficking prevention, and what can happen when someone who once felt voiceless chooses to become a voice for others.
Content notice: This episode includes discussions of childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, armed violence, human trafficking, suicidal thoughts, trauma, and addiction.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, exploitation, or trafficking, reach out to a trusted person, qualified professional, local law enforcement agency, or an appropriate crisis support organization. You deserve to be heard, protected, and supported.
Follow the 365 Proof Podcast by Defining Wellness for more honest conversations about mental health, addiction recovery, trauma, faith, resilience, and finding purpose through lived experience.
#365ProofPodcast #DefiningWellness #TraumaRecovery #HumanTraffickingAwareness #MentalHealthPodcast #SurvivorStories #CelebrateRecovery #FaithAndHealing #PTSDRecovery #MississippiNonprofit
When Recovery Gets Real: Phil Nutt on Trauma, Family, Faith, and Finding Freedom
6/30/26
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1:28:05
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.
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Bet on Yourself with Dr. Avni Patel
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1:08:57
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.
