This week on Dopey! Rejoice because top 5 Dopey Guest and Harmonica player Jason Ricci is back on Dopey! This time Jason takes us out of the occult and into his spiritual solution! Jason takes us through his last 5 years and some of the pitfalls in extended recovery! PLUS acoustic blues and serious dopey voicemails and emails!  What AI says: keywordsDopey Podcast, addiction, recovery, community, mental health, Jason Ricci, drug stories, harm reduction, sobriety, support, happiness, self-discovery, addiction recovery, spirituality, forgiveness, personal experience, suffering, purification, excellence, relationships, intrigue, sobriety, recovery, bipolar disorder, creativity, mental health, personal growth, music, self-discovery, medication management summaryIn this episode of the Dopey Podcast, host David Manheim discusses various themes surrounding addiction, recovery, and community support. The conversation highlights the importance of connection and compassion in recovery, the impact of loss and death on the addiction community, and features a special guest, Jason Ricci, who shares his journey through music and recovery. The episode emphasizes the need for support and understanding within the recovery community, as well as the challenges faced by individuals struggling with addiction. In this conversation, David Manheim explores the themes of happiness, self-discovery, and the journey of recovery from addiction. He reflects on the illusions of happiness tied to material success and fame, and how true fulfillment comes from a deeper relationship with God. The discussion delves into the experiences of hitting rock bottom, the importance of forgiveness, and the simplicity of spirituality. Manheim emphasizes the power of personal experience in recovery and the nature of suffering as a pathway to growth. He concludes with a focus on the pursuit of purification and excellence in life, seeking balance between personal desires and spiritual fulfillment. In this conversation, David Manheim delves into themes of intrigue, personal paths, and the journey of sobriety. He discusses the complexities of recovery, the challenges of managing bipolar disorder, and the interplay between creativity and mental health. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of being open to living, the significance of keeping people alive in recovery, and reflections on music as a form of personal growth. takeaways The Dopey Podcast serves as a platform for sharing personal stories of addiction and recovery. Community support is crucial for individuals in recovery, as seen in the Dopey Nation. Compassion and connection are essential elements in the recovery process. Reflections on the impact of death within the addiction community highlight the need for open discussions. Jason Ricci's journey illustrates the intersection of music and recovery, showcasing the healing power of art. The importance of vulnerability in sharing experiences of relapse and recovery is emphasized. Listeners are encouraged to reach out for help and support during difficult times. The conversation touches on the complexities of using pain medication in recovery and its implications. The episode highlights the significance of celebrating milestones in recovery, fostering a sense of community. The discussion raises questions about the balance between enjoying life and the risks associated with addiction. There was a naivety with me that I knew what was best for me. What I'm after is a better relationship with God at any cost. The bottom was I got bored with dope. I felt complete and total love and forgiveness. The magic is this isn't working and this isn't gonna give me what I want. I don't need to read the entire Bible. The worst things that happen to you are what makes you the best. I want balance that I can shut it off and help somebody. The pursuit of purification and excellence is essential. The nature of suffering can lead to profound personal growth. Intrigue can be both sc