Ep 035 - Mark Kendall - Founder and Lead Guitarist of the Band Great White Shares His Experience, Strength and Hope

Summary

 

Mark Kendall, a guitar player and sober advocate, shares his journey of recovery and how he helps others in their sobriety. He discusses the importance of working on oneself, identifying triggers, and staying sober one day at a time. Mark emphasizes the power of fellowship and the impact of sharing experiences with others who can relate. He also highlights the value of gratitude lists as a tool for maintaining sobriety. In this conversation, Mark K and Ange discuss various aspects of addiction recovery and personal growth. They explore the power of gratitude, the importance of working through trauma, and the journey of becoming a better person. They also touch on the significance of contribution and living a meaningful life. Mark shares his experiences of witnessing miracles in recovery and the joy of helping others. They discuss the impact of recovery on the body and the transformative nature of the 12 steps. They emphasize the importance of self-reflection and the humanizing effect of sharing mistakes. Finally, they discuss the concept of tough love for loved ones of addicts and the availability of a better life.

 

Takeaways

• Working on oneself and identifying triggers are crucial in maintaining sobriety.
• Fellowship and sharing experiences with others who can relate are powerful tools in recovery.
• Staying sober one day at a time and celebrating milestones can provide motivation and encouragement.
• Gratitude lists can help shift focus to the positive aspects of life and aid in maintaining sobriety. Practicing gratitude can have a profound impact on mental health and well-being.
• Working through trauma and addressing buried emotions is essential for personal growth and recovery.
• Becoming a better person requires self-reflection, character development, and a commitment to treating oneself and others with kindness and compassion.
• Contributing to the well-being of others and making a positive impact in the world brings a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose.
• Living the dash, embracing the present moment, and making the most of one's time on Earth is a powerful mindset for personal growth and fulfillment.
• Witnessing the transformation and recovery of others can be a deeply rewarding and inspiring experience.
• Helping others and making a difference in their lives can create a natural high and a sense of purpose.
• Recovery and personal growth have a profound impact on the body, mind, and spirit.
• The 12 steps provide a transformative journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal development.
• Sharing mistakes and vulnerabilities humanizes individuals and fosters connection and understanding.
• Tough love can be an effective approach for the loved ones of addicts, setting boundaries and encouraging them to seek help.
• Recovery offers the opportunity for a better life, free from the pain and chaos of addiction, and filled with joy, purpose, and fulfillment.

Mark was born into a musically gifted family. He grew up in Huntington Beach, California. His father played jazz trumpet; his mother sang her heart out to jazz tunes before adoring audiences. His grandfather, too, was a virtuoso on the piano. Citing Jimi Hendrix, Cream, and The Doors as early influences, Kendall's passion and natural abilities got him hooked on guitar.

Since 1982, the Great White sound has captivated audiences worldwide with crushing blues-based guitar riffs and swagger that invokes an emotional high for anyone that listens. Best known for their GRAMMY-nominated Best Hard Rock Performance hit, the gold-selling "Once Bitten, Twice Shy," (over 900,000 copies of this single alone)  Great White has sold over 10 million albums worldwide, has six Top 100 Billboard hits, nine Top 200 Billboard albums, two multi-platinum albums, five gold records and clocked the top of MTV video four times. 

For Mark, while the music business has changed dramatically since he first picked up a guitar, he still believes in human connections and imperfections. Which is why he is a perfect fit for our Coffee and Conversation Podcast.

Mark is a solid supporter of MusiCares, whereas his relentless efforts to help those seeking a sober life have been expressed in feature stories on Fox News and numerous national radio programs. He is a baseball enthusiast (go Dodgers) and boasts professional skills in billiards and poker, all of which he showcased on the popular Joe Rogan Experience podcast. 

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