EP 11 – From Darkness to Recovery: Natalee King’s Journey

Written by Gary Menkes in Podcasts

In this gripping episode of The Begin Again Podcast, we delve deep into the harrowing journey of Natalee King as she battled her way to sobriety. Join us as we uncover the raw and unfiltered truth behind addiction and witness Natalee’s incredible transformation from a life consumed by darkness to one filled with hope and redemption.

Natalee’s story is a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit. Through her candid and heartfelt account, she sheds light on the devastating impact addiction can have on one’s life and the lives of those around them. From the depths of despair to the pinnacle of recovery, Natalee’s unwavering determination and resilience will leave you inspired and in awe.

Throughout this episode, we explore the various demons Natalee faced on her path to sobriety and the obstacles she overcame with unwavering strength. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone who has ever struggled with addiction, showing that it is possible to break free from its grip and reclaim your life.

Join us as we uncover the transformative power of redemption and witness firsthand Natalee’s triumphant journey. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, insight, and a renewed sense of hope. Don’t miss out on this incredible story of resilience and recovery – tune in to The Begin Again Podcast and be inspired by Natalee King’s remarkable triumph over addiction.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the stand or beliefs of the host or the podcast. We aim to provide a diverse range of perspectives and ideas, fostering open and respectful discussions. We encourage critical thinking and forming your own conclusions. Enjoy the show!

About Our Guest (Natalee King)

Natalee King is a courageous individual who has defied the odds and emerged victorious in her battle against addiction. Born and raised in a small town, Natalee’s life took a dark turn when she fell into the grips of substance abuse. Her addiction consumed her, leading to a downward spiral that seemed impossible to escape. However, through sheer determination and an unwavering commitment to change, Natalee found the strength to face her demons head-on. Today, she stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, sharing her story to empower others who may be trapped in the same cycle of despair. Natalee’s journey from darkness to recovery serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative nature of redemption. 


Connect with Natalee: https://www.tiktok.com/@notnataleeking
Follow Natalee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataleeeking/

Show Notes

[02:37] Natalee opens up about her personal journey with addiction, the tragic loss of her sister to a drug overdose, her own suicide attempt, and her subsequent institutionalization before joining the Air Force and moving to Japan for a fresh start.

[05:32] Natalee shares her whirlwind romance, marriage, and the devastating loss of her husband, which led to her addiction to Xanax and the challenges she faced as a new mother, in this emotionally charged episode.

[08:45] Natalee shares the heart-wrenching decision she made to sign custody of her son over to her parents, as she recounts her struggles with multiple suicide attempts and the lack of success with various treatment programs.

[10:23] Natalee shares the unexpected challenges she faced, including her father’s suicide attempt and her own pregnancy, highlighting the support she received from a man named Justin who helped her get sober and the resilience she found in the face of adversity.

[13:26] Natalee shares her personal journey of coping with her father’s death, overcoming depression and addiction, and finding healing through sharing her story on TikTok, where she has created a supportive community for others facing similar challenges.

[17:19] Natalee shares her journey of creating a viral video, gaining a large following, and delving into mental health topics such as addiction, coping mechanisms, and the impact of practices like journaling, meditating, and therapy on recovery.

[20:27] Natalee discusses her surprise at the number of people who feel comfortable sharing their traumas with her, while Gary acknowledges the courage it takes to share personal experiences and the fear of not being good enough, highlighting the impact and sense of purpose that comes with helping others through their struggles.

[21:51] Natalee shares her personal experience of forgiveness and understanding after her husband’s accidental death.

[23:22] Gary opens up about his struggles with alcoholism and the importance of sharing one’s story to connect with others and lessen the stigma surrounding mental health, highlighting the impact of Natalee’s video in helping and inspiring perfect strangers.

[27:05] Natalee reflects on her upbringing where discussing family struggles was discouraged, but she realizes the importance of sharing and opening up about her own experiences, including the loss of her sister and her decision to start sharing her struggles

[32:17] Natalee discusses her plans to write a book based on the overwhelming support she has received, her upcoming speaking engagement with Gold Star parents, and her work in addiction outreach and support.

[33:44] Natalee emphasizes the importance of having a support system and taking things one day at a time when dealing with grief, addiction, or depression, highlighting the need to reach out for help.

[34:36] Gary expresses his gratitude for Natalee’s openness and looks forward to following her future endeavors.

For more incredible and inspiring stories of those who have overcome alcoholism and addiction, tune in to the next episodes of The Begin Again Podcast through:

Gary Menkes

Gary Menkes was born and raised in Port Washington, NY and struggled with alcoholism since his early teens which took him to places he never wants to go again and which took a toll on his health, relationships and professional endeavors. However, Gary completely transformed his life when he was given the gift of sobriety on May 13, 2006. Determined to break free from the cycle of self-destruction, he embarked on a remarkable journey of recovery. Today, Gary is an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous in New York, married to the love of his life and father of two amazing children of which he owes all to his sobriety. Gary is now launching his own podcast, The Begin Again Podcast.

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