Primary Purpose with Pej

Welcome to Primary Purpose with Pej, the podcast where host Pejman "Pej" Alaghamandan dives deep into the moments that define us. Through raw and insightful conversations with entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, recovery advocates, and thought leaders, Pej explores what truly drives people to change, grow, and find purpose. Each episode unpacks powerful stories of resilience, transformation, and personal discovery—offering inspiration for anyone seeking direction, clarity, or motivation. Whether you're on a journey of self-improvement or just love a compelling story, Primary Purpose is here to ignite your passion and fuel your pursuit of meaning. Subscribe now and join the conversation!

Primary Purpose with Pej is a education podcast hosted by Pej, with 65 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Pej hosts Primary Purpose with Pej, a education show with 65 episodes published.

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  Primary Purpose with Pej

  Ben Culler Reveals What's Wrong With the Addiction Treatment Industry

  Aug 20, 202657 min

  Addiction treatment is supposed to help people build a life beyond addiction, but what happens when the system itself becomes part of the problem? This week on Primary Purpose with Pej, Pej sits down with psychologist, addiction specialist, and Recover Clarity founder Ben Culler for a powerful conversation challenging how we understand addiction, treatment, and long term recovery. After growing up surrounded by substance use and losing loved ones to the opioid epidemic, Ben dedicated his career to understanding why some people recover while others continue to struggle. Drawing from his background in cognitive behavioral psychology, forensic psychology, and substance use disorders, Ben shares his perspective on the science of addiction, the treatment industry's shortcomings, the role of Suboxone and medication, and why recovery can't be approached with a one size fits all model. Together, Pej and Ben explore what sustainable recovery really looks like, why behavioral change and individualized care matter, and what it takes to move beyond simply surviving addiction toward building a meaningful life. This is a conversation about addiction, psychology, treatment, accountability, wellness, and creating lasting change. #AddictionRecovery #Recovery #MentalHealth #Sobriety #Healing #Addiction #PersonalGrowth #Wellness #Hope #RecoveryJourney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  Primary Purpose with Pej

  After Losing Her Son to Addiction, Maggie Fleitman Chose Hope

  Aug 13, 20261h 23m

  Some losses change your life forever. But sometimes, even through unimaginable pain, a new purpose can emerge. This week on Primary Purpose with Pej, Pej sits down with Maggie Fleitman, a certified grief educator, speaker, and founder of Solace for Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families who have lost a loved one to addiction or mental health challenges. After losing her oldest son, Mitchell, to an accidental overdose in 2010, Maggie faced a grief no parent should ever have to experience. Instead of allowing that loss to define the rest of her life, she transformed her pain into a mission to help other families find hope, compassion, and a path toward healing. In this deeply moving conversation, Maggie opens up about losing a child to addiction, navigating grief, breaking the stigma surrounding substance use and mental health, and why families need support too. She shares how more than a decade of turning tragedy into service has shaped her understanding of recovery, resilience, and healing. This is a powerful conversation about profound loss, the courage to keep going, and finding purpose even in the darkest moments. #Recovery #AddictionRecovery #Grief #MentalHealth #Healing #Hope #Resilience #Family #PersonalGrowth #Inspiration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  Primary Purpose with Pej

  Why Are Some People Opposed to the 12-step Community/Process?

  Aug 6, 202629 min

  Recovery is about more than simply putting down a substance—it's about changing the way you live, think, and connect with others. In this special solo episode of Primary Purpose with Pej, Pej takes a deep dive into the 12 Steps of recovery, breaking down the principles that have helped millions of people rebuild their lives one day at a time. Throughout the episode, Pej also addresses a common and often controversial topic: why some people are against the 12 Step process. He explores this perspective openly and asks an important question—why is there resistance to something that has helped so many people find recovery and stability? By examining both support and criticism, Pej encourages a more honest and balanced conversation about what the 12 Steps are, what they are not, and why they continue to spark debate in the recovery community. Whether you're new to recovery, supporting someone you love, or simply curious about the foundation of the 12-Step program, Pej explains each step with honesty, compassion, and practical insight. He explores why the 12 Steps continue to transform lives, how they apply beyond addiction, and why lasting recovery is about far more than abstinence. This episode is an encouraging reminder that healing, growth, and purpose are possible for anyone willing to do the work. #Recovery #12Steps #Sobriety #Healing #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealth #SelfImprovement #Hope #AddictionRecovery #Transformation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  Primary Purpose with Pej

  Mark Kerr: The Smashing Machine's Battle with Addiction & Recovery

  Jul 30, 202638 min

  Behind every champion is a battle the world doesn't always see. This week on Primary Purpose with Pej, Pej sits down with MMA legend Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, PRIDE Grand Prix Champion, and one of the pioneers of modern mixed martial arts. Known around the world as "The Smashing Machine," Mark reached the pinnacle of the sport, but behind the victories was a devastating struggle with opioid addiction that nearly cost him everything. In this powerful conversation, Mark opens up about the pressure of being at the top, the injuries that led to addiction, the reality behind the HBO documentary The Smashing Machine, and the long road to recovery. He also shares his perspective on fatherhood, healing, second chances, and what it truly means to keep fighting long after the spotlight fades. Whether you're a fan of MMA, navigating recovery, or looking for a story of resilience and redemption, this episode is a powerful reminder that even the strongest people sometimes need help—and that it's never too late to reclaim your life. #Recovery #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #Resilience #Hope #Sobriety #Healing #Motivation #PersonalGrowth #SecondChances Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  Primary Purpose with Pej

  The Sopranos Star Who Lost Everything to Addiction | Lillo Brancato Jr.

  Jul 23, 202632 min

  Fame doesn't make you immune to addiction, and recovery is possible no matter how far you've fallen. This week on Primary Purpose with Pej, Pej sits down with actor Lillo Brancato Jr., best known for his unforgettable roles in A Bronx Tale and The Sopranos. Once on the path to Hollywood stardom, Lillo's life took a devastating turn as addiction led him down a road of heroin use, incarceration, and the loss of nearly everything he had worked for. Today, Lillo's story is no longer defined by his past, but by his commitment to recovery, accountability, and helping others find hope. In this powerful conversation, he opens up about addiction, prison, identity, faith, second chances, and the daily work of rebuilding a meaningful life. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone you love, or simply inspired by stories of resilience and redemption, this episode is a powerful reminder that your past does not have to determine your future. #Recovery #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #Hope #Sobriety #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #Healing #SecondChances #Inspiration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

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