Background of the Host

My name is Keegan Read and I was an alcoholic for 10 years before I decided to get clean (I had a lot of help coming to that decision). When I did get a medical detox, my liver shut down, and cue Near Death Experience! I didn't meet who you think, and didn't get the message most would think I would get. The Morrigan wasn't done with me, and I had plenty more to do, but I had to go somewhere first, and I really didn't want to go....... Rehab. 

I didn't know where I was going to go after signing myself out Against Medical Advice when I came to from whatever state I was in after the detox. I just knew I needed to get help. About a week later, I heard from a cousin I hadn't heard from in a little while. He had heard what happened and suggested I go to the place he was currently attending, The Men of Nehemiah. A Christian Military Rehab, as he liked to describe it. He wasn't far off. As a practicing Pagan/Witch (whatever you want to call me) I really didn't want to go, but I had no other choice if I really wanted to break free from what I had been running from for a long time. 

My time there was grueling, but not because it was torture or anything (unless you really hate physical training, but I liked it), but because I was finally getting my feelings back, and that sucked! So much so, I didn't know what to do and found myself crawling into a shell of sorts while trying to learn a life of Recovery. However, while I was there, I had an idea implanted by The Morrigan, and I was to start a journey of sorts. A journey of Retrieving Sanity. A battle to end the stigma on mental health, addictions, trauma, and recovery. A war of sorts, and it's only just begun for me, but it's been raging for as long as our society has been about. 

After 9 months of The Men of Nehemiah, I was ready to go back in the world, as best I could, in a place I've never been, and I was scared. I wound up in an Oxford House, and while there, decided it was time to start the podcast The Morrigan told me to start. I wasn't a fan of podcasts, and I had no idea why, but it felt right, so I think I'm doing what I'm supposed to for once. 

It started slow, and I had absolutely no idea what I was doing besides recording myself and uploading it when I had inspirations strike me. That didn't do me very well, and I was all over the place (still am, thanks AuDHD), but I was excited none-the-less.

With support from what friends I had there, I was able to make progress, and it eventually got picked up by a radio station in Atlanta, Georgia. WDJY 99.1 FM. Since then, it has spread to a few other stations, to Fairfax Publix Access, and about to start streaming on a new service!

My goal is not to make only the best mental health podcast around, but to make the best free mental health facility and resource center in the country, if not the world! I know it's going to take a long time, and an incredible amount of work and will power, so I need all the help I can get. 

Since living in the DFW, I was able to meet my wife, Jordi, and she's been paramount in helping me grow into my better and best self! Without her, the show wouldn't be where it is today, and I wouldn't be half the person that I am today. I don't want to write too much about her/us without her consent, so I'm ending it here so everyone is up to speed.

I don't know exactly how these roots are to take place, but I'm working as best I can to make this dream a reality, not for myself, but to help those that don't have a voice. To shine a light for those that can't see through the darkness. To stand for those that can't after years of abuse or trauma. To care for those that can't afford normal treatments because insurance deems them less-than merely because of a mental health issue. 

For this, I thank anyone and everyone, that watches even a second of the show. I put my heart and soul into this, and as I grow and heal my inner wounds, world, child, and family, so too, I bring more life into this dream, and I couldn't do it without each and every one of you. 

Much Love,

Slan!