Carl T. Vreeland is a writer, podcaster, musician, composer, singer/songwriter, and Yoga and Buddhist meditation teacher. He is a certified instructor who has trained and studied with several world-renown teachers, including Alan Finger and David Nichtern. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Empire State University, in which he studied writing, religion, and cultural anthropology. He also studied poetry writing, lyric writing, and music at New York University and the New School in New York City.

As a musician, he performed nationally and internationally with many artists such as Dion, Ben E. King, Lesley Gore, Gary U.S. Bonds, Little Anthony and the Imperials, and Connie Francis. He has also performed on various TV shows such as Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Regis and Kelly, and in many well-known venues including Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theater, and Nassau Coliseum. His compositions can be heard on TV shows such as Jersey Shore, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, the Oprah Winfrey Show and the Dr. Oz Show. As a singer/songwriter, aka Uncle Carl, he has released three independent albums and an EP. His songs can be found on numerous compilation albums and in such films as Graduation starring Huey Lewis and Trust The Man starring Julianne Moore and David Duchovny (in which two of his songs were included on the soundtrack album).

Although Carl still performs part-time as a musician, presently, he is a Yoga and meditation teacher by profession. And teaching has given him the opportunity to deepen his knowledge about spiritual living, which began over twenty years ago, not long after he got sober in the rooms of recovery. As a Christian turned atheist who discovered a spiritual way of living, Carl offers a unique perspective on religion. His views and understanding have been eye-opening and helpful for those struggling with God and meaning.

Additionally, as a young man, Carl underwent psychoanalysis and probed the pharmacological world shortly after being diagnosed with OCD, ADD, anxiety disorder, and chronic depression, which led him down a path of exploration and experimentation with antidepressants, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure medications. Indeed, this experience has broadened his understanding of mental illness and human suffering. “Although talk-therapy and drugs were part of my journey, it was the Twelve Step Program that transformed me. It provided me with the missing component in my life; spirituality.

Speaking at recovery meetings, sponsoring other alcoholics, and teaching has helped Carl develop and refine his ability to carry the message of recovery and healing. And although his education and self-study play an important role in deepening his understanding, it has been his personal experience that has given him the knowledge, wisdom, expertise, and ability to speak about this subject matter with great confidence. “In the end, it is my wish, that my experience, strength, and hope will help others who are suffering.”

[Caveat: Carl speaks as an individual recovered alcoholic, not as an AA member or representative of Alcoholics Anonymous.]