Talkin' Trash Addiction Recovery Podcast

Episode 244 welcomed our resident medical professional, Elizabeth McKeon, PMHNP, for a conversation about the increasingly accessible world of “gas station pharmaceuticals,” including Kratom and 7-OH.Beyond the medical facts, Elizabeth showed exactly why we value having her as part of Talkin' Trash. Her compassion for people struggling with addiction isn't something she simply talks about. It shows in how she treats them. Tim shared his own experience trusting Elizabeth with his MAT, addiction and mental health treatment, giving the conversation a personal perspective on what compassionate, knowledgeable care can actually look like. An informative episode, but more importantly, a reminder that people battling addiction deserve to be treated like people first.

Down two Canadians, the gents forged ahead without missing a beat. We welcomed Nicole as she celebrated 8 years clean and serene, bringing the kind of wisdom and perspective that only comes with eight years of recovery. Larry picked up some of Canada's slack while Jimmy was at a Journey concert and Brad had to work. The nerve of these Canucks. Congratulations to Nicole on eight incredible years, and thank you for sharing your experience, strength and hope with the boys and our audience

We apologize for the lateness in dropping this particular TT-pod. Sobriety scholastics as Jennifer's friend, Jennifer caught us off guard with a moment of raw honesty. A year sober, she admitted she was struggling, and when asked whether she considered herself in recovery or simply sober, she almost defeatedly answered, “just sober.” We called bullshit. A hard night doesn't erase a year of growth, work, and change. Sometimes recovery is hard to see when you're the one living it, so tonight we made sure Jennifer gave hers the credit it deserved.

Sunday night we welcomed back our own Larry Foster, longtime addiction counselor and official Talkin' Trash co-host who joins us once a month. The conversation centered around a simple truth: recovering in silence helps nobody. Too often, recovering in silence becomes suffering in silence. We talked about the importance of speaking up, sharing what we're carrying, and allowing our recovery to reach beyond ourselves. We also brought back a Trash original and fan favorite, Recovery Jeopardy, where Larry proved that decades in the recovery field actually come in handy and the bulldog walked away with the "W".

Tonight we welcomed special guest Bethany Basler to Talkin' Trash, with a surprise appearance from Jennifer Mansfield, our very own Brad's sister. The conversation opened the door to women's health, the challenges women face when seeking care, and the different treatment options available to them. An honest, informative conversation about understanding your health, asking questions, and knowing that there's more than one path to getting the help you need. We won't tell you what to do but we will tell you is how we did it and what worked for us. Easy peasy lemon squeezie.

Tonight, we welcomed Katy to the program, and what a meaningful conversation it turned out to be. Her honest story of relapse, sobriety, and recovery struck a chord with every cast member and fan watching along. There were moments of reflection, plenty of heart, and the kind of real, honest conversation that reminds us why we do what we do. Thank you, Katy, for sharing your experience, strength, and hope with the Talkin' Trash family. Another night of recovering out loud, one conversation at a time.

Tonight we welcomed Tammy Ann Wieting from the Rock Bottom Revival Podcast to the show. Tammy shared her story with honesty, candor, and a level of openness that had the entire team a little “scared straight.” Brad also made his return to the program after a couple of weeks away supporting his wife through major surgery. Tim proudly wore Cheri's jersey during the show and will soon be sending it north—along with that patented Snyder musk. You are welcome. Thank you, Tammy, for bringing your story, your honesty, and your perspective to the Trash. It was one hell of a conversation.

Tonight, we welcomed Matt to the program with open arms, and it didn't take long for him to fit right in with the boys. His five years clean from drugs and alcohol brought a unique perspective to some great conversations, as Matt openly shared his experiences and emotions while identifying as an addict and keeping his primary focus on SAA. It was a privilege to have someone so open-minded and willing to be vulnerable join us, and his honesty made for a meaningful addition to tonight's show.

We welcomed a special guest Jeanne who's approaching seven years of sobriety, who shared her experience, her perspective, and the realities of building a life on the other side of addiction. We talked about what changes when the chaos finally gets quiet, what nearly seven years can teach you, and why recovery isn't just about putting something down — it's about discovering who the hell you are without it. Another honest, sometimes funny, and always real night with the Trashers as we continue celebrating recovery, one story at a time.

We welcomed special guest and longtime friend, Tina C. to the show as she celebrated an incredible 10 years of recovery. Tina shared her experience, strength, and perspective on what it takes to build a life beyond addiction—and why reaching a milestone like ten years is about so much more than simply counting days. We talked about growth, the changes that come with long-term recovery, and the person you become when you keep choosing yourself, one day at a time. A powerful conversation with a woman who has put in the work and has plenty of wisdom to share. Congratulations, Tina, on 10 years clean!

Elizabeth McKeon, PMHNP, made her monthly return to the show for a much needed medical edition of our humble podcast, and once again, nobody left the conversation quite the same. Tim was shot out he clearly had his fill with life for today, Will was his sweet self, Jimmy got introspective and looked very handsome, and Liz brought the kind of eye-opening perspective that somehow managed to tie the whole mess together. From mental health and recovery to the questions we don't always want to ask out loud, this was another reminder that the pod can get serious without ever taking itself too seriously. Life is way too short.

We welcomed Papa Joey to the show for a conversation that covered a little bit of everything—life, recovery, the experiences that shape us, and the things we learn along the way. Joey brought his own perspective, plenty of personality, and a willingness to talk honestly about where he's been and where he is today. As always, the conversation wasn't about pretending recovery is easy or having all the answers; it was about sharing the real stuff, finding some laughs along the way, and reminding everyone that every recovery story looks a little different. Another night of good conversation, questionable decisions from our past, and hopefully a little something for somebody out there who needed to hear it.

We welcomed Larry Foster, team co-host and all-around rockstar, back into the fray for a his monthly visit that hits at the heart of recovery and identifys who we are as a podcast. We looked at why we got sober in the first place, and is that still the reason we stay sober today? Spoiler alert, it's not. Will was off the chain as the boys dug into how those original motivations can evolve as life changes, and how sobriety creates a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the person getting clean. Families heal, relationships rebuild, trust returns, and sometimes we discover that the life we're building in recovery is bigger than the life we originally thought we were fighting to get back. It was Jim's birthday and the usual fanfare followed. We love having Larry on staff, recover so the one's in the back hear it. This one was delayed by the blatant misuse of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" in the most stringent of copyright delays yet. (MK X)

We welcomed Larry Foster, team co-host and all-around rockstar, back into the fray for a conversation that hits at the heart of recovery: why did we get sober in the first place, and is that still the reason we stay sober today? We dug into how those original motivations can evolve as life changes, and how sobriety creates a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the person getting clean. Families heal, relationships rebuild, trust returns, and sometimes we discover that the life we're building in recovery is bigger than the life we originally thought we were fighting to get back.

We welcomed Phyllis back for her fifth appearance on Talkin' Trash. Her story carries tragedy, pain, endurance, and ultimately, hope. A little over two years ago, Phyllis lost her son to a fentanyl overdose—a loss that forever changed her life. With August being Overdose Awareness Month, her return to the show comes at a fitting time as she helps us spread an important message about the devastating reality of addiction and overdose. Phyllis is also in recovery herself, giving her a deeply personal perspective on both addiction and grief. This time, we talk about the stages of grief, the weight of losing a child, and finding a way to keep moving forward when the pain never completely disappears.

When is it time to call the dentist? 2:30… tooth-hurty! Tonight on 230, we welcomed Blair back to the studio for his second appearance on Talkin' Trash. Fresh off celebrating three years of recovery, Blair showed up with the same thing we love seeing around here—optimism, positivity, and a whole lot of life behind the smile. Work, home, family, and a spiritual connection have all become pieces of the puzzle, helping him keep his balance while carrying the weight of a successful recovery journey. Three years in, and Blair is living proof that recovery doesn't have to be boring—it can actually look pretty damn good.

Tonight the pod welcomed back Nick Robinson for a return visit. We first met Nick on Episode 220, where he opened up and shared an incredibly personal story filled with drugs, gangs, money, violence, and the realities that came with that lifestyle. This evening, Nick checked back in with us, and it was clear that he's in a very different place than he was when we last spoke on July 5th. A lot can change in a short amount of time, and Nick gave us an honest look at where things stand today. We're not going to give away all the details, because you'll have to watch the show to hear Nick tell it himself. One thing is certain: his story continues to unfold, and we're grateful he trusted us enough to come back and share the next chapter with the Trashers.

If you're a fan of technical problems and heavy breathing, you've come to the right place. On Sunday night's edition of Trash, we welcomed Tommy Wilkes back to the show since his last stint which lasted long ago. He's guest who had just celebrated an incredible milestone—8 years in recovery only a few days after. He shared his journey with honesty, humility, and a sense of gratitude that resonated throughout the conversation. It was a great opportunity to reflect on the challenges he's overcome, the lessons he's learned along the way, and the life he's built one day at a time. As a co-founder of TT, guest Tommy had no issues assimilating into our collective and we consider us lucky to have him in our corner, as we are in his.

The gang welcomed Mark Condon to the program for a fun, nostalgic midweek episode filled with great conversation and plenty of laughs. A familiar face within the Trash community and a friend of Brad and Jennifer, Mark stepped up to the plate, swung and connected. Deep to left center, gone. He resonated as he shared his personal struggles, hard-earned victories, and the perspective he's gained along the way. Reflecting on his journey, Mark discussed how even life's toughest moments can lead to growth and gratitude. A true head-down, get-to-work kind of guy, he fit right in with the crew and quickly became part of the team. With the boys bringing plenty of energy, this one turned into a memorable and entertaining episode reminding us that, no matter how different we all seem, the story remains the same. Strength in numbers.

Tonight, Talkin' Trash welcomed Dustin B. into the mix with the usual Trash fashion. Dustin was a great sport and shared his story with us as he approaches an incredible milestone—eight years clean and serene in just a few days. We took the opportunity to pump his tires a little and celebrate the hard work, perseverance, and growth that got him there. The outdoor ambience was dialed back this time, but Dustin proved a little tough to hear in spots, so we cranked his audio up as much as possible while Tim's heavy breathing continued its quest to become the show's unofficial fifth host. As always, the Talkin' Trash crew forges ahead in mediocrity twice a week with the same low expectations we've proudly maintained from the start, which is why the recent influx of new family members and supporters has been such a fun surprise. Thanks for sticking with us as we grow—we're working behind the scenes to make things better every step of the way.

Tonight on the pod the team announced the addition of Larry Foster as a recurring member of the podcast family. A respected voice in recovery, Larry brings decades of experience, hard-earned wisdom, and a perspective shaped by perseverance and personal growth. During the discussion, he shared powerful insights on the role shame often plays in relapse and the importance of addressing it in long-term recovery. Tim ate pizza and heavy breathed into the mic more than usual. The show announced Larry (tonight's co-host) and Elizabeth McKeon PMHNP as monthly recurring team members as both Larry and Liz step into larger roles to help guide the podcast's future conversations and overall direction. The incessant clicking of a pen and the echo's of Georgia crickets in Will's backyard are just a couple reasons why Talkin' Trash's pursuit of professionalism is second to none.

Tonight we welcomed Chad Hogan to the show, and while we all share the same affliction and identify as addicts, every once in a while somebody comes along and starts telling a story that feels a little too familiar. Tim connected with Chad right out of the gate and was all smiles as pieces of Chad's journey sounded an awful lot like his own. That's one of the beautiful things about recovery—we may come from different places and take different paths, but identification brings us together and reminds us that none of us have to do this alone. Chad opened up about his battles with opiates and cocaine, his two years in the slammer, and the lessons he learned through the pain, setbacks, and perseverance that got him to where he is today. His story hit home with so many of us and served as another reminder of what we're trying to do here every week: deal hope, not dope, and show that no matter how dark it gets, recovery is possible.

Tonight the crew got together for another honest discussion about addiction, recovery, and life on life's terms. Four men with different recovery journeys shared their experience, strength, and hope while reflecting on the challenges and rewards of staying sober one day at a time. Through candid conversation and a few laughs, the team reminded listeners that recovery is possible and that nobody has to do it alone.

Tonight the team checked in with one another before welcoming Anthony Cocco to the show. Hailing from Philadelphia—Tim's old stomping grounds—Anthony brought a relatable and down-to-earth perspective to the conversation. With more than six years clean and sober, he shared his experience navigating recovery one day at a time, speaking candidly about the challenges, rewards, and daily commitment required to maintain sobriety. His honesty, humility, and gratitude for recovery offered hope and encouragement to anyone still struggling, proving that long-term recovery is possible when we focus on today and stay connected to those walking the same path.

Tonight, we had the pleasure of welcoming Tanya from Halifax, Nova Scotia to the show. With more than a decade in recovery, Tanya shared her experience with a level of honesty and clarity that made it feel as though her journey happened yesterday. Her lighthearted spirit, positive outlook, and thoughtful delivery brought both hope and inspiration to the conversation. Tanya reflected on the challenges of active addiction, the lessons learned through recovery, and the gratitude she has found along the way. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that long-term recovery is possible and that a fulfilling life awaits those willing to take the first step.

Tonight, we celebrated America's 250th birthday the only way Talkin' Trash knows how—with laughter, honesty, and recovery. For the first time in quite a while, all four hosts were back on screen together, making for a special night. We were joined by Nick Robinson from Digby, Nova Scotia, whose journey reminded us that addiction is a disease that speaks in your own voice. Now more than four years clean, Nick shared a powerful story of pain, resilience, and redemption, opening up about the daily battle of recovery while demonstrating what it truly means to give back. His message was a testament to the strength found in perseverance and the hope that recovery can offer, even on the hardest days.

What was supposed to be a guest episode turned into an unexpected in-house conversation when our scheduled guest didn't make it—and it ended up being one of those shows that reminded us why we do this. We talked about overdose, a situation close to home, and leaned on the strength we find in each other when life puts us to the test. Nearly two hours later, it was nothing but high-fives all around. To everyone who continues to get something from this show: thank you. You took a chance on a small, scrappy podcast and helped build it into what it is today. World Cup News: Bosnia invades Herzegovina after a 2–0 loss to the Red, White & Blue. And finally, a reminder that the ground we live/build/stand on can move violently. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.

We welcomed Elizabeth back to the podcast for another recurring appearance as our trusted medical professional. A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner serving rural Georgia, Liz brings much-needed clinical insight to the often complex and confusing world of addiction recovery. Our team and audience are incredibly grateful for the time she donates to educate, support, and help those struggling with addiction. Her approach recognizes addiction as a "changed brain" condition, emphasizing that every individual is different and that effective recovery sometimes requires setting rigid rulebooks aside in favor of compassionate, personalized care.

Tonight we welcomed Melanie Brown and her daughter, Rebekah, to the show. Melanie, CAO and co-owner of Prairie Sky Recovery Centre and a Registered Social Worker, shared how her lived experience in addiction and recovery has helped shape both her personal journey and her life's work. Joined by Rebekah, an emerging voice in the recovery community, the conversation highlighted the importance of carrying the message of hope to the next generation. A longtime friend of the show, Prairie Sky Recovery Centre continues to make a lasting impact through the legacy of founder Ardyth Wilson and its commitment to helping people find lasting recovery.

Tonight we welcomed back one of our dearest friends, Jenny Mansfield. If the last name sounds familiar, that's because she's Brad's sister. Our girl Jenny took center stage and showed everyone what independent, sober living looks like. She shared her trials, triumphs, and the many obstacles she's overcome in both life and recovery. We're incredibly grateful she took the time to tell her story, because there is a strength in that kind of honesty that transcends distance, borders, and time zones. Her message was powerful, heartfelt, and a reminder that recovery is not only possible, it's worth fighting for.

Here's a cleaned-up version that keeps your voice while tightening the flow: On a shorthanded midweek show, we welcomed back Steve, who never hesitates to step up when the team needs him. We appreciate his honesty, candor, and willingness to donate his time to the cause as we recover out loud and carry the message to those still suffering. With just a couple of months to go before reaching the two-year mark, we celebrated that milestone with Steve and our audience. There's something special about watching people you care about finally "get it." Tried and tested, giving away what was so freely given to us remains one of the best ways to stay sober. As Men's Health Month continues, awareness around men's mental health is growing, largely because the stigma around saying, "I'm not okay," is beginning to fade. Admitting that you're struggling isn't weakness—it takes strength—and that message is becoming more accepted, especially within the world of addiction recovery. Chat GPT had nothing to do with this show summary.

We welcomed longtime friend of the show Steve M. back to the podcast tonight. Coming in hot with over a year clean, Steve continues to prove that recovery is not only attainable—it's worth it. His story resonates with so many who have walked a similar path, and he's now seeing the fruits of sobriety as a long-standing legal situation has finally come to an end. Steve shared his experience, strength, and hope with our audience, reminding us that life gets better when we stay the course. A devoted father, rabbit enthusiast, and living example of recovery in action, Steve brought honesty, humor, and inspiration to another great episode.

Bethany Basler joined the team tonight. Bethany, or "BB" as we call her, was amazing as always. A passionate advocate for recovery and peer support, Bethany has built a strong presence online and recently launched her own podcast, Rock Bottom Recovery. While she's been a guest on our show before, there are still parts of her story that haven't been told. Tonight, she opened up about her journey, shared insights from her recovery experience, and discussed the importance of connection, community, and carrying the message to those still struggling. Bethany continues to be a powerful voice in recovery, and we're grateful she spent the evening with us.

We welcomed back Larry Foster—the man, the myth, the legend—to the podcast as we kicked off Men's Health Month in Middle Earth. Larry fits right in with the team because, truthfully, he is part of the team. As a longtime counselor in addiction recovery and Lord Protector of the Realm, Sir Larry shared the wisdom and insight we all needed to hear, covering mental health awareness, generational influences, and the realities of today's recovery landscape. Bringing both old-school experience and a modern perspective, Larry offered a balanced view of addiction and recovery that resonated with everyone. "Larry the Grey" also helped us bring our Lord of the Rings theme to life. We like to have fun. Thank you, Larry, for joining us once again and for your continued support—we're grateful to have you as part of the family.

We welcomed Kaeden to the show tonight. At just 26, he has already overcome a tremendous amount of adversity and is now four months clean, embracing the sober living lifestyle. Our crew first met Kaeden at Prairie Sky Recovery Centre during the live, on-site broadcast of Episode 190. As they so often do, the boys connected with someone who heard the message of recovery and thought, "I want that." Four months later, we caught up with Kaeden to hear his story and see how he's doing. He is a great example of what can happen when someone reaches the point of being truly ready for change and has a supportive family willing to advocate for them along the way. We're incredibly proud of Kaeden and all that he's accomplishing and we're humbled that our team plays a role in this young man's recovery. That's recovering out loud!

We welcomed back a very special friend of the show, Elizabeth McKeon. Liz is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with a Master's of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing — and simply put, she's one of the good ones. In addiction recovery, many of us suddenly think we have all the answers. We self-diagnose, self-treat. The only doctor's we're referring to are Dr. Google and Dr. Chatgpt and we convince ourselves we know best. The truth is, the real difference-makers are clinicians like Elizabeth who genuinely care. Through both personal and professional experience, she has built a unique approach to recovery that is medically grounded and compassionately delivered. Her wisdom and insight transcended miles and time zones during this conversation. Keep posted, we'll be seeing Liz again sooner than you think!

The boys kept the spirit of Mental Health Awareness Month alive as we welcomed Robbie Flett to the program. At 50 years old and built like a brick shithouse, Rob hails from Alberta, British Columbia, and brought an authentic, powerful message that resonated with everyone listening. The live chat was on fire as he shared a life once driven by ego, and how becoming vulnerable, open-minded, and willing ultimately led him to the gifts he enjoys today with more than seven years in recovery. One of the show's favorite sayings is, “There's a difference between sobriety and recovery.” Anybody can stop drinking — not everybody can start thinking. Rob spoke openly about the work he's done through A.A., sponsorship, and personal growth, finding peace and a healthier mindset by learning to ask for help and embrace vulnerability. His story was a reminder that true recovery is about far more than putting substances down — it's about rebuilding yourself from the inside out.

Tonight on the pod, we welcomed another fellow Saskatchewanian. Our special guest Larissa celebrated an incredible milestone — 10 months clean. Her story was a powerful reminder that addiction does not discriminate. No matter our backgrounds, appearances, or experiences, the disease connects us all in ways many never fully understand. Larissa shared openly about her struggles with codependency, growth, and hope she's found in recovery, proving that while we may not all look the same on the outside, we are the same where it matters most. Her honesty, strength, and willingness to keep fighting delivered a message that resonated far beyond addiction itself — recovery is possible for anyone willing to reach for it.

Tonight's episode featured an incredible guest, Bethany, who shared her experience, strength, and hope with us in a truly powerful way. She's seen it all and been through it all, but her story is one of resilience, recovery, and finding purpose through the struggle. Bethany spoke openly about the challenges she's faced and the lessons she's learned along the way, reminding listeners that no matter how difficult life can become, hope is always possible. Her honesty, courage, and passion continue to fuel her crusade to help and inspire others who may still be fighting their own battles.

We kicked off our Mental Health Awareness Month campaign by welcoming back Mike Oxley, a longtime addiction recovery nurse and original co-founder of the show. Mike, a proud New Jersey native, brought plenty of personality along with more than a decade of experience in addiction recovery. Beyond his professional background, Mike shared what truly set him apart — his willingness to go the extra mile and treat every patient with dignity and respect, no matter their circumstances. Tim and Mike reflected on a powerful moment from Tim's early recovery journey, when Nurse Mike extended that same compassion to him firsthand. Mike was the first person to truly connect with Tim during one of the darkest periods of his life. Tim shared with the audience the lasting impact of that kindness, explaining that the show — and possibly even Tim himself — might not exist today if not for the compassion shown by a stranger at such a critical moment.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Trashers out there!Tonight, we welcomed a very special guest — someone incredibly close to the show. Brad's sister, Jennifer, joined us alongside Brad for a powerful and heartfelt conversation. Their bond, forged through recovery, was impossible to miss. Jennifer bravely shared her story on this special Mother's Day episode of Talkin' Trash, speaking openly about the joy and peace she's found in sobriety. She said, without hesitation, that the life she lives today is the happiest she's ever been.So many people fear that getting sober means giving up fun, and many of us in long-term recovery remember feeling exactly that way. But as time passes, we stop comparing ourselves to others and start identifying with them instead. We realize we're not alone, and when that happens, real joy and genuine fun begin to return. We're grateful Jennifer spent the evening with us, and we look forward to catching up with her again soon. And of course, we also learned tonight that Winston Churchill's mother apparently invented both Mother's Day and modern plumbing. What an absolute legend.

Tonight's show was blessed with a father-daughter duo whose connection transcended addiction and recovery. In this extra-long edition of Talkin' Trash, we heard from two addicts representing two very different generational perspectives on addiction, mental health, and recovery. First we heard from Brody, whose story was filled with both life experiences and the challenges of starting a family at a young age. He shared his journey through more than 20 years of active addiction, but perhaps the most powerful message was the one left unspoken. The bond between father and daughter was something both the hosts and audience could genuinely feel. It was as if they represented the same struggle experienced through different generations — proving that while some things change over time, others remain timeless. At just 24 years old, Eden shared a story shaped by mental health struggles and, in turn, addiction. She celebrated six months clean yesterday, and it was clear that her father's impact on her recovery journey has played an integral role in her newfound sobriety.

Tonight's show was blessed with a father-daughter duo whose connection transcended addiction and recovery. In this extra-long edition of Talkin' Trash, we heard from two addicts representing two very different generational perspectives on addiction, mental health, and recovery. We first heard from Brody, whose story was filled with both life experiences and the challenges of starting a family at a young age. He shared his journey through more than 20 years of active addiction, but perhaps the most powerful message was the one left unspoken. The bond between father and daughter was something both the hosts and audience could genuinely feel. It was as if they represented the same struggle experienced through different generations — proving that while some things change over time, others remain timeless. At just 24 years old, Eden shared a story shaped by mental health struggles and, in turn, addiction. She celebrated six months clean yesterday, and it was clear that her father's impact on her recovery journey has played an integral role in her newfound sobriety.

Tonight's show was blessed with a father-daughter duo whose connection transcended addiction and recovery. In this extra-long edition of Talkin' Trash, we heard from two addicts representing two very different generational perspectives on addiction, mental health, and recovery. We first heard from Brody, whose story was filled with both life experiences and the challenges of starting a family at a young age. He shared his journey through more than 20 years of active addiction, but perhaps the most powerful message was the one left unspoken. The bond between father and daughter was something both the hosts and audience could genuinely feel. It was as if they represented the same struggle experienced through different generations — proving that while some things change over time, others remain timeless. At just 24 years old, Eden shared a story shaped by mental health struggles and, in turn, addiction. She celebrated six months clean yesterday and it was clear that her father's impact on her recovery journey has played an integral role in her newfound sobriety. Addiction is a family disease and it does not discriminate.

The team welcomed a powerful guest from south who recently celebrated two years of sobriety. He shared an honest and relatable perspective on what it takes to stay clean, emphasizing consistency, accountability, and learning to face life without escaping it. He was right at home with the squad as the 5 shared their similar views on addiction, recovery, relapse and treatment. His message hit home—it was real, hard-earned, and relatable, highlighting both the struggles and the quiet victories that come with long-term recovery. If our target demographic was males age 40-50 who survived addiction from 1998-2012, we nailed it. For everybody else, pull up a chair, addicts say the darnedest things.

The boys were shorthanded tonight while they tackled the topic of patience in addiction recovery. With some last-minute changes behind the scenes, the episode had an unpolished, off-the-cuff energy that actually mirrored the reality of recovery itself—imperfect, unpredictable, and constantly evolving. Despite it being amateur hour, the boys landed on their feet touching on meaningful insights, highlighting how patience isn't just about waiting, but about trusting the process even when things feel chaotic. The candid nature of the episode gave it an authentic edge tying in our addictive thinking when it comes to instant-gratification, reminding listeners that growth doesn't always happen in neat, structured moments. It happens through hard work and infinite patience.

Talkin' Trash hits a major milestone with its 200th episode, a testament to the power of honest conversation, shared experience, and the strength of the recovery community. What started as a space to talk openly about addiction and healing has grown into a platform that's impacted countless lives, offering hope, laughter, and real connection along the way. This moment isn't just about the number—it's about every guest who showed up, every story that was told, and every listener who found a piece of themselves in the message. We're incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the show over the years—this journey wouldn't be possible without you.

Tonight 75% of the gang welcomed Art, a guest from Manitoba whose life stands as a powerful testament to long-term recovery. With 30 years clean, 50 years of marriage, and 70 years of life experience, Art brought wisdom, humility, and a steady sense of gratitude to the conversation. He reflected on the ups and downs of his journey, emphasizing the importance of consistency, community, and staying grounded in the principles of the program. More than anything, Art was living proof that recovery isn't just possible—it's sustainable, meaningful, and deeply rewarding. His presence on the show was a true pleasure and a reminder that the program really does work if you work it.

We were greeted with a very special "normie" tonight as Lara brought her powerful outside perspective. Though she's never struggled with addiction personally, Lara shares how deeply it has shaped her life—growing up around it, navigating relationships impacted by it, and often stepping into the role of caretaker. Her insight highlights the often-overlooked reality that addiction doesn't just affect the individual, but ripples through families and loved ones in lasting ways. With genuine curiosity and emotional awareness, Lara connects with the hosts on a human level, offering a meaningful reminder that recovery conversations belong to everyone—not just those in the trenches, but also those who've been standing beside them all along.

This episode featured Charlotte Wells, a guest whose story carried both grit and a surprising light. A former meth and benzodiazepine addict, she spoke with a level of energy and enthusiasm that immediately filled the airwaves. Her emotion was genuine, transcending borders and miles all well challenging the usual expectations people might have about someone with her past. Her honesty about the chaos of addiction, paired with her humor and sharp perspective, created moments that were both heavy and uplifting. The team found themselves relating to her on multiple levels—whether it was the patterns of addiction, the resilience required to keep going, or the clarity that can come with time and hard-earned sobriety.

This episode features a deeply emotional conversation with Blair S., on the verge of celebrating three years clean, offering a powerful reflection on just how far he'd come. Through moments of vulnerability and honesty, he shared the pain of his past, the struggles of early recovery, and the turning points that helped him stay the course when it felt impossible. What stands out most is Blair 's gratitude—for the people who didn't give up on him, for the small daily victories, and for a life that once felt out of reach but is now filled with purpose. Blair's story is a powerful reminder that recovery isn't perfect or easy, but it is worth it, and that even in the hardest moments, change is possible with persistence, support and hope.