We weren’t meant to recover alone. At the heart of healing is human connection, real, honest, soul-filling connection that reminds us we’re seen, supported, and never beyond hope. We were created for connection, and that truth has the power to change lives.
Much of our conversation on Positive Recovery MD and our work within Positive Recovery revolves around this very idea—the need for human connection and vulnerability. As humans, connection is in our DNA. We were designed with other humans in mind. It’s at the very core of who we are and how we thrive. The truth is, addiction thrives in isolation. However, this is only a half-truth. The other half? Recovery thrives in community.
In this conversation, Brett and Dr. Powers explore the power of openness and vulnerability, as well as the importance of acknowledging and honoring your emotions. They share how these qualities can deepen connections and build trust, making the path to sobriety feel less lonely.
Brett and Dr. Powers also highlight how to protect your energy by holding healthy boundaries, building the strength to say ‘no’ without apologizing, and the transformative power of gratitude, showing how it can boost positivity and resilience. As you listen to the episode, Brett and Dr. Powers explore what it means to be created for connection.
Get to Know Our Guest – Brett Bagley
The Phoenix is a national movement that harnesses the power of community and belonging to transform how society approaches addiction and recovery. Through hundreds of weekly sober events and activities, The Phoenix is creating safe spaces for all individuals to connect, build friendships, find support, and have fun in a sober environment.
What’s more, The Phoenix has a chapter dedicated to the Houston community! Our guest this week shares how she facilitated the Houston chapter and how it grew wildly successful in under 1 year.
Born and raised in Belton, Texas, Brett Bagley, a former teacher and coach, is a Regional Marketing Specialist for The Phoenix, a national sober and active recovery community. In 2021, after graduating with her Master of Social Work degree from Western New Mexico University, Brett started The Phoenix’s Houston chapter, and within a year, had grown The Phoenix Houston’s community to over 3,000 members and more than 80 monthly Phoenix classes.
She is also a founding board member of the Party Sober Partnership, where she has the opportunity to work closely alongside some recovery all-stars, including George Joseph, Julie DeNofa, Devon Anderson, and David Sunday. In 2022, Brett moved into her marketing role and headed back to the East Coast to New Jersey.
She is a mother of two, Bennett & Kyle, wife to Rob, an athletic director. An avid sports and music fan and community organizer at heart, Brett loves writing songs, playing sports, and coaching her boys’ teams. She also enjoys being involved in the community in various ways.
Movement as a Pathway to Mental Health
One of the standout insights from this conversation is the connection between movement and mental wellness. Brett shares how The Phoenix encourages people to reframe exercise, not as a performance metric, but as a mindful act of self-care. By shifting the focus from performance to participation, The Phoenix reinforces the idea that we’re created for connection, not comparison, where any form of movement becomes an act of healing.
What began as a “run streak” challenge evolved into a “move streak,” emphasizing that any kind of movement—whether it’s tennis, yoga, hiking, or simply walking your dog—can be healing when done with intention and compassion.
This shift isn’t just about physical health; it’s about removing shame from the process of taking care of ourselves. In recovery, the pressure to “get it right” can be overwhelming. By creating space for flexibility, fun, and self-acceptance, Brett and The Phoenix community remind us that we were created for connection, and that wellness isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about showing up for ourselves in whatever way we can.
The Role of Allies in Recovery Spaces
Another meaningful layer of this episode is Brett’s perspective as a recovery ally. By sharing her lived experience, empathy, and community involvement, she highlights the vital role that allies play in breaking down stigma and building bridges. As Brett explains, healing communities grow stronger when they include supporters who are willing to listen, learn, and walk alongside others with compassion.
Dr. Powers and Brett also touch on how inclusive recovery spaces help reduce isolation, not only for those with substance use challenges but also for those navigating mental health struggles. At its core, recovery is about re-humanizing ourselves and one another. When we widen the circle to include the sober curious, loved ones, and allies, we foster a culture that values openness over perfection and belonging over judgment.
Created for Connection in Every Sense
As the conversation comes to a close, one message rings especially true: recovery is more than an individual journey; it’s a shared commitment. Through emotional honesty, shared experience, and a willingness to show up for one another, healing becomes not only possible but sustainable. Brett’s insights remind us that recovery spaces thrive when they’re built on inclusion, compassion, and community.
From movement to mindfulness, and from sober curiosity to long-term sobriety, this episode leaves us with a powerful reminder: there’s no single path to healing. With the right support, flexible thinking, and a commitment to connection, we can build recovery communities that welcome everyone, just as they are.
Loved This Conversation? We’ve Got More Like This One!
If you loved this conversation about creating a safe space for support and allies in recovery, celebrating humanity by honoring our similarities, and encouraging others to overcome shame in their story, you can listen to the full episode. To connect with Brett Bagley, you can follow her on Instagram or follow The Phoenix for more Houston Recovery events.
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