Podcasts about addiction and recovery

Often when we walk into recovery, we experience revelations on how dysfunctional our family system was growing up. Growing up in these family systems we can take on dysfunctional roles that can be helpful to understand why we do what we do, but ultimately move us to do something different in health. In this episode, Rodney Holmstrom, global field director of celebrate recovery, will walk us through some common roles and the functions of those roles toward ultimately understanding how celebrate Recovery can bring healing toward a new healthy future.

In this episode, Colleen names the real culprit behind so many evening drinking spirals: not lack of willpower, but an overloaded nervous system weighed down by thought patterns we treat as facts. She challenges the idea that we need to “solve” our problems in order to feel better—and instead offers a radical invitation: what if the problems aren't the problem? What if it's our focus that's keeping us stuck? Through candid stories from her own life, Colleen models what it looks like to let go of the drama we're not meant to carry. From ex-spouses to global politics, she demonstrates the power of conscious disengagement—choosing presence over rumination, joy over justification, clarity over control. This isn't emotional avoidance. It's sovereignty. When we stop trying to manage what was never ours to fix, we finally free up the energy to create what we actually want.    

In this episode, Colleen shares a game-changing reframe about why we actually get stuck—even when we have the motivation, the clarity, and the plan. Building on fresh neuroscience from Dr. Kira Babinet, she introduces us to the habenula, a lesser-known part of the brain that slams the brakes on our behavior when failure is perceived—whether it's already happened or we're just afraid it might. Colleen unpacks how the brain's bias toward failure and loss doesn't just stall action—it can kill our momentum completely. But instead of forcing progress through pressure or willpower, she offers a gentler, radically effective solution: the iterative mindset. One that removes failure from the equation entirely, replacing it with curiosity, experimentation, and self-compassion. No more proving, no more perfection—just real change, one tiny tweak at a time. This isn't about setting better goals. It's about learning how to stop punishing yourself with the gas pedal when your brain's already hitting the brakes.    

If you've been trying to change so that you can feel ready, healed, better and in control, this episode will explain how it's possible to feel those things now–before you've figured everything out. I'm going to explain how to access your higher self—not as a future fantasy, or as someone you'll be someday when you get everything right, but as a real-time frequency shift grounded in neuroscience, nervous system regulation, and the principles of manifestation.. You'll learn: Why your higher self isn't someone you become—it's someone you tune into How to use quantum physics to attract positive thoughts and feelings that alter your reality The role your subconscious mind plays in your brainwave states and vibrational coherence between your heart and brain A simple daily practice using breath, emotion, and intention to align your internal frequency This episode blends science and soul. I'll show you how to reprogram your internal signal so that your reality reflects who you already are—not who you're still trying to become. Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL if you're ready to fully commit to your personal growth and do the work to get emotionally sober. Side effects include an 80 percent reduction in drinking. Want daily updates from me? TikTok: @hangoverwhisperer Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer Twitter (X): @NotAboutTheAlc YouTube: @hangoverwhisperer —Do you want coaching from Colleen on a situation you're struggling with? Click here to submit your question. Your name will not be mentioned on air!

We talk about shame a lot in the recovery process, but what does it look like to have a posture of shamelessness in our share time through open share, small, and step study small groups? Is there a line between being real and reckless? In this podcast, Rodney Holmstrom, Global Field Director of Celebrate Recovery, will unpack some things to consider when we are sharing in small groups with Celebrate Recovery, and how dangerous it can be moving from a posture of humility, honor, and truth spoken in love to a posture of shamelessness for the sake of shock value or self-promotion.

In this episode, Colleen shares a quiet but powerful moment from one of her recent coaching calls—where a client celebrated a huge win, and Colleen noticed her own body signaling that something was off. What unfolded wasn't a rupture, but a subtle shift: a reminder that even seasoned leaders can bypass consent in moments of well-meaning reflex. And that noticing the signal doesn't mean spiraling—it means listening. Through her own self-check-in, she unpacks what it looks like to be emotionally sober in the face of mild shame: not resisting it, not fixing it, just feeling it long enough to hear what it's pointing to. Rather than defending her role or projecting the discomfort outward, Colleen models the kind of internal pause that turns self-awareness into relational repair—and deeper self-trust. This episode isn't about coaching techniques. It's about what happens when we make space to feel the moment before we justify it. Because sometimes, the most responsible thing we can do is let the feeling teach us—before we write the story.    

In today's episode, Colleen walks us through a deceptively simple question that came up on a recent coaching call: How do I actually feel my feelings? The answer isn't mindset. It isn't a technique. It's presence. She explores the difference between thinking about emotions and physically experiencing them—without adding a story, a solution, or a label. With grounded metaphors and everyday honesty, she invites you to see emotions as temporary energy—not identity. You'll hear what happens when we resist that energy, and how easily it creates stagnation, self-protection, and shame loops that can shape entire patterns of behavior. If you've been trying to “work on yourself” without shifting how you relate to your emotional state, this episode may open a quieter, more embodied door.    

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube! If you've ever wondered whether medication could help you drink less — or you've tried naltrexone and felt disappointed — this episode is for you. I'm joined by Katie Lain, founder of Thrive Recovery and a fierce advocate for the Sinclair Method — a science-backed approach that uses naltrexone to reduce alcohol cravings over time. Katie shares her personal story of going from daily binge drinking to finding freedom without needing to get sober. She's also going to explain what most people get wrong about relying on medication alone to change their relationship with alcohol. If you've been stuck in the “gray area” — drinking more than you want to, but not seeing yourself as an alcoholic — you'll love this conversation. You'll walk away with a big-picture understanding of what it takes to rewire the brain for lasting change, and how to move through the messy middle of behavior change without shame, guilt, or black-and-white thinking. Katie Lain is the founder of Thrive Alcohol Recovery. You can find her @thrivealcoholrecovery on YouTube, Instagram, Linked-In and Facebook.  Want daily updates from me? TikTok: @hangoverwhisperer Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer Twitter (X): @NotAboutTheAlc YouTube: @hangoverwhisperer   Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL if you're ready to fully commit to your personal growth and do the work to get emotionally sober. Side effects include an 80 percent reduction in drinking.   —Do you want coaching from Colleen on a situation you're struggling with? Click here to submit your question. Your name will not be mentioned on air!  Email  

Addiction is not a new problem in the workplace. In fact, about 70% of folks that are using illicit drugs are employed in the workplace, either full-time or part-time. However, this is not a comfortable topic for people to talk about obviously due to the stigma around it. How do we then bridge that gap and break the silence so people get the help they need, and for total recovery to take place?On today's episode, Duane speaks with Cheryl Brown-Merriwether, HR professional and recovery support professional, about the innovations in the workplace as well as addiction and recovery from a workplace perspective and a human relations perspective. Cheryl holds a number of certifications with several years of experience working with clinical professionals in addiction and recovery support services. Through educational programs, Cheryl is committed to helping people in the workplace understand addiction, substance use disorder, and recovery. Cheryl hopes to reduce the stigma and change the whole perspective around addiction and recovery in the workplace. In this episode, you will hear:What's changing in the workplaceHow to break the stigma of recoveryThe benefits of external partnershipWorking with people who struggled with addictionThe importance of connecting at all three levels of the workplaceHow to extend the workforce and empower the frontlinersAbout the International Center of Addiction and Recovery EducationSubscribe and ReviewHave you subscribed to our podcast? We'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:ICARE International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education⁠NovusMindfulLife.com⁠Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at⁠ https://emeraldcitypro.com⁠ Let them know we sent you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes, in the deepest pits of our dysfunction, we don't realize how much our heart is longing for a safe place to call home in recovery. What is the impact of finding a safe place to process our hurts, hang-ups, and habits while moving toward health and recovery? In this podcast, Rodney Holmstrom, Global Field Director of Celebrate Recovery, interviews a sister in Christ, Christina. Listen as she walks us through her important life-change story about her journey toward health and growth.

In today's episode, Colleen shares a personal and refreshingly honest story about her relationship with nicotine—and how emotional sobriety has shifted the way she responds to temporary imbalance. What starts as a candid reflection on sneaky vape relapses becomes a powerful reminder that healing isn't about perfection. It's about how we respond when we veer off course. Colleen takes us through her own journey of regulating her nervous system, loosening old beliefs about addiction, and trusting that balance always returns—especially when we stop making a big deal out of being human. This isn't a story about failure; it's a blueprint for self-trust, grace, and gently coming home to yourself without shame. If you've ever found yourself back in an old habit and wondered, "Did I just ruin everything?"—this episode offers a softer, smarter answer: No. You just forgot for a second how resilient you really are.

In today's episode, Colleen lifts the veil on a common self-sabotage mechanism that often flies under the radar: worry. What begins as a moment of genuine joy and success quickly dissolves into anxiety—and not because something actually went wrong, but because her nervous system quietly panicked at how good it all felt. Using a relatable personal story and the concept of the “upper limit problem,” Colleen explores how we unconsciously block positive emotions the moment they start to expand. Whether it's a burst of pride, creative momentum, or a deep sense of peace, many of us unknowingly kink the hose of our own emotional flow—defaulting to worry as a way to shut it all down. This episode offers a practical and empowering reframe: your worry isn't a warning—it's a signal that something good is trying to get in. If you're ready to stop letting anxiety pull the plug on your joy, this one's for you.

Click here to watch on YouTube! If you've ever done an alcohol free challenge for 30, 60 or 90 days, maybe even a year, only to fall back into old habits when you started drinking again— this episode is for you. In today's deep dive, Colleen Freeland explains why behavior-based sobriety models (like Sober Sis, Annie Grace, and Casey Davidson's approaches) can actually keep you trapped in the very drinking cycle you're trying to escape. You'll learn why the real issue isn't alcohol — it's the perfectionistic, all-or-nothing mindset these programs reinforce. Colleen unpacks the neuroscience of habit change and explains why shame, identity labels, and emotional avoidance block your brain's ability to rewire for good. She'll walk you through the Default Mode Network, Reticular Activating System, and the Habenula — three key parts of the brain where habits live — and show you how to reprogram your subconscious mind through identity-based change and emotional safety.

One of the blessings of CR is partnering with incredible ministries like Prison Fellowship's "Angel Tree." In this episode, Rodney Holmstrom, Global Field Director of Celebrate Recovery, interviews John Brennan of Prison Fellowship to help us understand the incredible blessings of partnering with Angel Tree and loving the kids of the incarcerated. Learn how to get involved in this world changing ministry!

In today's episode, Colleen peels back the curtain on one of the most radical shifts we can make: recognizing that we are not our thoughts—we're the observer behind them. What starts as a reflection on managing the energy in your body becomes a masterclass in emotional authorship, reminding us that our thoughts, not our circumstances, are what create our lived reality. Using the metaphor of a self-driving car, Colleen breaks down how most of us are unconsciously letting outdated programming steer our lives. But it doesn't have to be that way. When you take back the wheel—choosing how you want to feel and filtering your thoughts through that emotional compass—you begin to rewrite the narrative of your life, one aligned action at a time. This episode is both a wake-up call and a permission slip: to believe what feels good, let go of what causes suffering, and trust that healing your inner world is how you change the outer one. If you've ever wondered whether it's really possible to feel free, peaceful, and powerful in your own skin—this is your answer.    

In today's episode, Colleen walks us through a high-stakes moment with one of her clients—standing at the emotional fork in the road between old habits and radical self-responsibility. After a tense night at her childhood home, surrounded by triggering family dynamics and judgment, this client found herself spiraling into shame after a single shot of tequila… and a familiar pattern of self-attack. With her sister likely ready to confront her, she reached out for support—not to fix the situation, but to reclaim her power before it got hijacked. What unfolds is a masterclass in nervous system protection, mindset choice, and learning how to stop reacting to the stories in your head (and the ones projected onto you). This episode is your reminder that peace isn't earned through explanation—it's chosen in the moment, with breath, presence, and courage. If you've ever felt like you have to prove, fix, or defend your choices just to feel okay again—this one will show you another way.

Click here to register for the neural rewrite masterclass! How to escape your negative self-talk. Click here to watch this episode on YouTube!  What happens when you're the person everyone counts and you're secretly falling apart? In this episode, Colleen sits down with tech founder, entrepreneur and coach Mike Hardenbrook for an honest conversation about what it looks like when high-functioning people hit their limit. Mike opens up about the moment his drinking stopped working, why success can be a mask for burnout, and what it really takes to start living from self-trust instead of self-discipline. Mike's story is proof that you don't have to lose everything to change—but you do have to stop pretending everything's fine. If you're tired of performing under pressure, this episode will show you how to walk away from the bad habits that aren't serving you anymore without losing your edge--or the fun version of yourself.  Mike has also developed a brand of supplements specifically for drinkers looking to cut back that have been shown to reduce alcohol cravings up to 60% and correct the nutritional deficiencies caused by regular drinking.  Find Mike: Mike's Instagram  Mike's Website.  Click here to shop for the Cloud 9 supplements mentioned in the interview.   Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL if you're ready to fully commit to your personal growth and do the work to get emotionally sober. Side effects include an 80 percent reduction in drinking. Want daily updates from me? TikTok: @hangoverwhisperer Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer Twitter (X): @NotAboutTheAlc  YouTube: @hangoverwhisperer —Do you want coaching from Colleen on a situation you're struggling with? Click here to submit your question. Your name will not be mentioned on air!   

Addiction doesn't look the same for everyone — and for women, it often comes with an extra helping of shame, silence, and stigma. In this episode of This Is Woman's Work, we're unpacking how addiction and recovery show up differently for women, why the traditional recovery narrative often falls short, and what it actually takes to reclaim your life in a way that feels true, honest, and yours. I'm joined by Patti Clark—award-winning author, speaker, and middle-aged woman in long-term recovery—who knows this road from both the inside and out. In her newest book, Recovery Road Trip: Finding Purpose and Connection on the Journey Home, Patti shares stories and tools that help women not just survive addiction, but heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves. We talk about purpose, connection, creative healing, and why recovery is about so much more than sobriety—it's about coming home to yourself. Whether you're on this road or know someone who is, this episode is packed with truth, tenderness, and the reminder that there's always hope. Connect with Patti:  Website: https://www.patticlark.org/ Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Recovery-Road-Trip/Patti-Clark/9781647427740 FB: https://www.facebook.com/PattiClarkAuthor IG: https://www.instagram.com/patticlarkauthor/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@recoveringwoman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PattiKClark Substack: https://patticlarkwriter.substack.com/ Related Podcast Episodes: Normalize It: Breaking The Silence & Shame That Shape Women's Lives with Dr. Jessica Zucker | 303 Sober Curious with Amanda Kuda | 270 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

What keeps people from stepping into the much needed space and ministry of CR Inside? What are some fears we may be facing that keep us from the blessing of serving inside? In this episode, Rodney Holmstrom, Global Field Director of Celebrate Recovery, interviews national CR Inside Directors, John and Shirley Molina, to help us understand what happens inside the prison walls through CR.

In today's episode, Colleen shares a real-life moment of emotional sobriety in action—when an old blog post, a rogue email, and a morning scroll tried to hijack her peace before she even got out of bed. What begins as a minor tech task quickly spirals into a stress response… until she catches it. Instead of reacting from urgency, she pauses, reconnects with her intention for the day, and remembers: just because it feels urgent doesn't mean it is. This episode is a practical, embodied reminder that emotional sobriety isn't about getting it perfect—it's about noticing the pattern before it runs your whole day. If you're done letting false alarms steal your time, energy, and presence, this one shows you how to reclaim control—without rushing to fix anything.

In today's episode, Colleen reveals the sneaky way our own thoughts quietly become emotional abuse—and how to interrupt the habit of thinking things that hurt. From bedtime mirror pep talks to buried beliefs about being “a hot mess,” this episode explores how subconscious thought loops create the feelings that sabotage your confidence, relationships, and self-trust. Colleen explains how your nervous system isn't reacting to your circumstances—it's reacting to your story. And most of that story? It's fiction you've been rehearsing for years. If you're ready to stop bullying yourself with thoughts you'd never say out loud to a friend, this episode is your start to choosing a better script and creating safety in your own mind.

In recovery, we face our hurts, hang-ups and habits, but also have to understand the underlying issues related to our character defects. Where do character defects come from? How do we face them and, ultimately, how do we replace them? In this episode, Rodney Holmstrom, Global Field Director of Celebrate Recovery, unpacks this important topic to help us grow forward in our recovery.

In today's episode, Colleen unpacks why your background alarm is going off—and how to finally turn it off. You're not lazy. You're not broken. And your bedtime resistance, your anxious spinouts, your self-sabotage? They're not random. They. Are. Patterns. Habits formed by younger versions of you who were just trying to stay safe. This episode dives into how childhood beliefs shape your nervous system, why emotional energy gets trapped in the body, and how to reclaim that energy instead of wasting it on panic, shame, or perfectionism. If your anxiety feels like it runs the show, Colleen gives you a way to interrupt the pattern and stop thinking your way out of a feeling problem. Whether you're healing from overdrinking, a divorce, or just trying to move through your day with more peace, this one shows you exactly how to get back into your body and claim your power. Key Takeaways: That “resistance” you feel? It's not laziness—it's a child part of you stuck in a story. Your background alarm (aka chronic anxiety) is often a relic from the past—not a reaction to the present. Trying to think your way through a feeling problem only keeps the alarm ringing. If you're done spiraling, numbing, or wondering why you sabotage the things you say you want—this episode is your wake-up call to stop overriding your body and start listening. And if you're ready to reduce your drinking by 80% and finally trust yourself again? Schedule a discovery call with Colleen or the team- BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL.    Do you want help from Colleen with a situation you're struggling with? Click here to submit your question for Colleen's NEW Q& A episodes. Your name will not be mentioned on air!  Find me on: YouTube: @HangoverWhisperer TikTok: @hangoverwhisperer Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer  X (Twitter) : @NotAboutTheAlc  Transcript  

You've probably heard me say the common phrase “the call is coming from inside the house” — but what if every judgment you make about someone else is too? In this episode, Colleen unpacks the concept of The Black Mirror — the idea that your emotional reactions to other people are often projections of the stories, beliefs, and insecurities you hold about yourself. You'll learn how to flip the script when you're triggered by someone else's behavior, turn judgment into powerful self-awareness, and use emotional sobriety skills to stop reacting from fear and start responding from clarity. This is shadow work, made practical. This episode is for the woman who is ready to take her power back… by owning what's hers and releasing what isn't.    

Addiction and recovery, the topic of the community's next conversation by BYU-Idaho Radio

As leaders, it's tempting to buy into the false narrative that once we've been in recovery for a while, or stepped into leadership, we somehow have "arrived" and Open Share is no longer needed. That's for "those people" and not for me. But, as leaders, what are the things that we need to be aware of and what's the value of our being active and wise participants in Open Share? How does this correlate with shepherding those God has called us to? In this podcast, Rodney Holmstrom, Global Field Director of Celebrate Recovery, walks us through some things to consider if we struggle in this area as a leader.

Most women don't realize how uncomfortable they are with feeling good—until things start going too well. That's when the sabotage creeps in. A snappy comment. A skipped workout. An unnecessary glass of wine. In today's episode, Colleen breaks down the concept of the “upper limit problem” from The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks—and explains how perfectionists and people-pleasers unknowingly block joy, ease, and success by clinging to struggle. You'll learn how your emotional thermostat gets set in childhood, why guilt and discomfort with pleasure keep you stuck, and how to reset your internal baseline so peace and happiness stop feeling unsafe. This episode is a powerful reminder that you don't have to earn your joy. You just have to stop arguing for your limitations.  

In this episode of In the Circle, I respond to a courageous and heartfelt inquiry from Barbara. She asks: How do I make peace with taking medication for Parkinson's, after years of addiction and recovery? Her story is raw, vulnerable, and deeply human: the daily crash after each dose, the fear it stirs up, the echoes of withdrawal, and the sense that maybe she's being pulled back into something she's worked so hard to rise above.What struck me most was the physical discomfort she described and the emotional complexity behind it—the grief, the doubt, the resistance. I've seen this before, in myself and others: when medication is both necessary and triggering, it's not just about dosage. It's about trust. It's about building a relationship with the medicine that aligns with our values, instead of clashing with our past.My invitation to you is to reframe the story. What if this is magic medicine? What if we drop the judgment and meet the reality of the moment with full presence and compassion? It's not giving up. It's aligning with what's true right now and adjusting our lives to support that truth with grace. That might mean talking to your doctor, shifting routines, or simply asking for more help. But it starts with acceptance.So if you're in a complicated relationship with medication, or supporting someone who is, I hope this conversation reminds you: your strength is not measured by how little you need, but by how deeply you show up for your life. There is no shame in taking what helps. There's only the next step, the next breath, and the next moment of courage.Tommy Discusses:Relief and discomfort can coexistLifestyle adjustments and MedicationAcceptance is a powerful toolYou are not alone, you are not failingWould you like to be a guest on the In The Circle Podcast? Submit Your Question Here: R20.com/inthecircleFurther Links & ResourcesCatch a Meeting. We offer 40+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free.Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the Weekly UPLIFTJoin our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in life beyond addictionSubscribe to The Recovery Channel on YouTubeVisit our websiteCome and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/eventsAddiction is part of everyone's journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It's here that we'll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you!Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.Connect with Tommy

In today's episode, Colleen shares a powerful one-on-one coaching conversation with a client who was dreading a weekend trip with her judgmental, high-maintenance mother-in-law. What started as a fear of overdrinking turned into something much deeper—a real-time lesson in emotional ownership, boundaries, and what it means to become unfuckwithable. This episode isn't about family dynamics—it's about taking your power back. If you've ever agreed to something just to avoid conflict and ended up feeling resentful, this is for you. You'll walk away with practical language, new scripts, and the mindset shift that will help you stop outsourcing your emotional well-being to other people's moods.    

Click here to watch the full interview with Carley on YouTube In this raw and relatable conversation, I'm joined by one of my incredible clients, Carley — a driven healthcare professional, mom of two, and former daily drinker who once believed her only two choices were to either quit drinking forever or keep white-knuckling it with shame and regret. Carley opens up about what her drinking looked like behind closed doors and the pressure she put on herself to “keep it together” — until it started to fall apart. She shares how overachieving, perfectionism, and people-pleasing became coping mechanisms, and how alcohol slowly crept in as her off-switch. We talk about the moment she realized her mental math wasn't working anymore, the emotional buildup that led her to finally book a discovery call, and what shifted when she heard someone say: “You don't have to get sober. You just have to feel better.” This is an incredibly powerful episode for anyone who has ever felt stuck between drinking too much and feeling like you can't stop completely. Carley's story is proof that emotional sobriety isn't about rules — it's about freedom. What you'll hear in Part 1: The hidden stressors that led Carley to overdrink (even as a healthcare worker who knew better) The fear of reaching out for help — and what made her finally do it The myth of “just try harder” and why it never works The exact moment she realized she didn't have to choose between chaos and abstinence   Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL if you're ready to fully commit to your personal growth and do the work to get emotionally sober. Side effects include an 80 percent reduction in drinking. Want daily updates from me? TikTok: @hangoverwhisperer Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer Twitter (X): @NotAboutTheAlc YouTube: @hangoverwhisperer —Do you want coaching from Colleen on a situation you're struggling with? Click here to submit your question. Your name will not be mentioned on air!   

Content Warning: talk of death by suicideDr. Laura welcomes Nick Jonsson, Certified Master Coach, keynote speaker, and author of the best-selling book “Executive Loneliness: The 5 Pathways to Overcoming Isolation, Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in the Modern Business World”, to the show to examine mental health, especially in leaders. Nick shares his personal story of loss of confidence, mental health challenges, and a spiral into addiction in a vulnerable illustration of how he learned the necessity of sharing and support to facilitate recovery. Sober and healthy today, Nick's drive is to share his story so others can find the strength to break out of loneliness like he did. Nick and Dr. Laura dive deep into the truth about loneliness on an executive level, the prevalence of death by suicide among men, and why support groups are vital for a healthy life before we ever hit addiction. Nick is honest about how difficult it is to be vulnerable, but how life-changing it also proves to be. He shares stories from his coaching, his book, and the culture he currently nurtures in his company. His definition of spirituality is “accepting the things we are not in control of,” and he uses spirituality as a way to connect with people and continue to thrive in recovery and assist others to do the same.“I mean, it's uncomfortable to be vulnerable, but we can practice that. And I talk a lot about the vulnerability muscle, and that it's like going to the gym. We train our muscles. We need to do that with vulnerability as well. And it's about starting small. And I was fortunate that I had a drinking problem, because that brought me to the 12-step programs. And over the years, I've been to almost a thousand of these meetings. Perhaps the first 100, I needed the help. The rest of the 900 were for me to give back and help others. And that has kept me on this path of being vulnerable, sharing my challenges, and no matter what is on my mind, I will come in there and I will share what the challenge is and I will leave the meeting feeling better.” Nick JonssonAbout Nick Jonsson:Nick Jonsson's narrative is a compelling tale of success, adversity, and authentic triumph. Initially driven by societal expectations and a desire to meet external standards of success, Nick led major international firms before facing a period of profound adversity. He confronted personal and professional crises, including executive loneliness, addiction, and the loss of a close friend to suicide. This sparked a transformative journey.    From these challenges, Nick emerged with a redefined purpose and a commitment to holistic success. He authored the best-selling book "Executive Loneliness: The 5 Pathways to Overcoming Isolation, Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in the Modern Business World," which draws on his personal struggles to guide others facing similar challenges.  As a Certified Chief Master Coach (CCMC) and a Certified ICF Coach (ACTP), Nick Jonsson excels in executive coaching, empowering business leaders to enhance their effectiveness and become better leaders in their professional environments. Through life coaching, he helps individuals discover their purpose and craft their legacies, offering comprehensive guidance that addresses both personal aspirations and professional development. Celebrating six years of sobriety, Nick is also an accredited Sober Coach by the Sober Club in the UK, specializing in supporting grey zone drinkers to make transformative lifestyle changes.  Furthermore, Nick founded a weekly men's group, creating a supportive space for men to connect, grow, and thrive. He is also the co-founder of EGN, the largest peer network for executives in Southeast Asia. His impact extends through his roles as a coach, speaker, and Ironman Top 2% World Age Group Athlete. His advocacy for mental health, physical wellness, and emotional well-being stems from his experiences and his commitment to helping others achieve holistic success.  Today, Nick gives back to society not only through his advocacy but also as a fundraiser and volunteer for a suicide prevention agency. He is actively involved in coaching other business executives to overcome loneliness, addiction, and to find their life purpose and write their legacy.  Nick's dedication to mental health advocacy was recognized when he was a finalist for the International Mental Health Campaigner of the Year at the InsideOut Awards in London, in 2021, and he won the Sabre PRovoke Award for Southeast Asia in the same year.  Nick is an award-winning keynote speaker and workshop facilitator. He has been featured on over 100 international podcasts discussing his journey to assist others and has appeared in more than 30 newspapers and magazines, as well as on radio and TV.  Happily married and with a son aged 15, Nick Jonsson stands as a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. His journey from societal-induced success through adversity to a life of authentic achievement offers inspiration and a roadmap for those seeking to find their own path to genuine fulfillment.Resources:Website: NickJonsson.comBook: “Executive Loneliness: The 5 Pathways to Overcoming Isolation, Stress, Anxiety & Depression in the Modern Business World” by Nick Jonsson“The Art and Science of Connection: Why Social Health is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier” by Kalsey KillamRich Roll podcastLearn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.liveFor more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career CounsellingSynthesis Psychology

What comes to mind when you think about surrendering? Do you feel like it's showing weakness? Giving up? Failure? Join Andy Petry, Landing Director for Celebrate Recovery, as he and a CR brother explore this critical component of our recovery.

In today's episode, Colleen unpacks a subtle but powerful mindset that can completely shift how you experience stress, pressure, and time. Whether it's a packed calendar, an airport sprint, or your own inner critic barking about everything you should be doing, the real problem isn't your to-do list—it's your nervous system. This episode explores how urgency is often just emotional dysregulation in disguise, and why “getting everything done” will never create the calm you're actually craving. If you're constantly on the go, juggling work, family, and the secret shame of overdrinking, this one will help you slow down without falling behind—and start practicing emotional sobriety in the way you move through your day.

If you're drinking more than you want to, but every time you try to cut back it feels like one more thing to do… this episode is for you. Today, I'm sharing the real story that kept me stuck in the drinking cycle for years—the one that has nothing to do with alcohol:

Let us know how we're doing, or send us an idea!Caleb's story isn't polished, and that's exactly why it matters. As a high school freshman, he started vaping to fit in. What began as a way to feel cool quickly spiraled into substance abuse he couldn't control. But this episode isn't about rock bottom - it's about what happens when a student finds the courage to say, “I don't want to do this anymore,” and someone is there to listen.Told through the voices of Caleb, his mother and his school social worker, this conversation explores addiction, recovery and what it really looks like when a teenager begins to heal...not because of a punishment, but because of patience, presence and unconditional love. It's raw, emotional and real. And it might just help someone else find their own "day one."

In leadership, the lines can get blurry when it comes to shepherding, loving, and guiding those that God has called us to lead through ups and downs of ministry seasons. In this podcast, Rodney Holmstrom, Global Field Director of Celebrate Recovery, will guide us through a conversation to help us understand the difference between leadership and guiding people toward the wholeness of health versus enabling codependency. Keeping things in the right order and not getting in the way of what God wants to do is so critical. Listen in and be encouraged. 

In today's episode, Colleen shares a personal reflection on what it means to stay emotionally sober when things are going really well. When the business is booming, the boxes are checked, and it feels like everything is finally clicking. Most of us assume that emotional work is about learning how to handle hard moments—grief, anxiety, cravings, conflict, etc. Though that's true in it's own right, there is still a catch. ----> If your mood is dictated by external wins, then your nervous system is still being hijacked, and the crash that follows might be more subtle—but it can also be just as dysregulating.

In this episode, Colleen breaks down the difference between thinking your feelings and actually feeling them—and why most high-achieving women get stuck in a loop that keeps them stressed, stuck, and searching for answers in the wrong places. You'll learn a simple, body-based skill that helps you shift out of emotional overwhelm and back into clarity, presence, and personal power—without needing to fix, solve, or overexplain anything at all. Whether you're drinking to numb the noise or overthinking your way into burnout, this episode will show you how to interrupt the loop and finally let go—for real.

Today's episode is for the woman who's doing everything right—and still feels like she's falling apart.   Colleen sits down with Laurie James, somatic coach and author of Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go to talk about what happens when your nervous system hits a breaking point. Laurie ended up in the hospital—twice—after leaving a toxic marriage, raising four daughters, dating again, writing a book, and trying to heal.   This is a raw, honest conversation about how success can hide trauma, why “pushing through” is often dissociation in disguise, and how to regulate your nervous system before your body takes matters into its own hands.  

Have you ever wondered about the purpose and mission of our one day training conferences? Sometimes we forget that it's more than just gathering information, and it's bigger than just training in our craft in ministry. In this episode, Rodney Holmstrom, Global Field Director of Celebrate Recovery, takes the microphone on the road to talk to people just like you at a local training conference. Be encouraged as you listen to some life-change stories and little nuggets of hope . 

Most of us see anxiety as a personal flaw—something to fix, medicate, or avoid. But what if anxiety isn't the problem at all? What if it's the invitation? In today's episode, Colleen breaks down the two types of anxiety as explained by Dr. Russell Kennedy—foreground alarm and background alarm—and shares a personal story of how unresolved fears and childhood programming were quietly driving Colleen into burnout... even though her mindset looked great on the surface. This isn't just about alcohol. It's about understanding the real source of your stress, shifting from self-bullying to self-trust, and learning how to work with your nervous system instead of against it. Whether you're drinking to deal with anxiety or simply tired of pushing through life at full speed, this episode will help you stop fighting the wrong battle—and start healing what's actually underneath.

In today's episode, Colleen dismantles one of the most common mindset traps she see's in her clients: the belief that anxiety is something to get rid of. If you've ever said, “I'm just an anxious person,” or used alcohol to calm your nerves before a flight, presentation, or party—you're not alone. But what if anxiety itself isn't the problem? She'll walk you through a real client breakthrough where they shifted the focus away from “less anxiety” and toward something far more powerful: a regulated nervous system. You'll learn why trying to “not drink” or “not be anxious” backfires neurologically, and what to focus on instead.

After 10 months of consistent progress, one of my clients recently found herself drinking every day for two weeks. In this episode, I walk you through the private coaching conversation we had—what really caused the setback, how she responded, and why it had nothing to do with alcohol. If you've ever told yourself “I should be farther along by now,” or felt the crushing weight of shame after slipping into old patterns, this episode is a must-listen. You'll learn how to recognize when you're caught in a thinking problem—not a drinking problem—and how to respond in a way that propels you forward instead of holding you back. What You'll Learn: Why over-drinking isn't a sign of failure—but an invitation to go deeper The biological reason why stress makes you revert to old coping habits How thoughts like “I don't have enough time” silently sabotage your behavior Why the perception of failure activates the “kill-switch” for your motivation The power of slowing down, asking for help, and telling yourself the truth Key Insight: You can't change your drinking without changing your thinking. And you can't change your thinking if your body is in a stress response. Emotional sobriety means learning to create enough internal safety that you can question your own thoughts—without collapsing into shame.   —Want daily updates from me? Find me on TikTok @hangoverwhisperer and IG @thehangoverwhisperer and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@hangoverwhisperer   —Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL if you're ready to fully commit to your personal growth and do the work to get emotionally sober. Side effects include an 80 percent reduction in drinking.   —Do you want coaching from Colleen on a situation you're struggling with? Click here to submit your question. Your name will not be mentioned on air!   

Honesty is one of the biggest components of a sound, lasting recovery. If the enemy wanted to sabotage my recovery, one of the ways that he would get to me is by convincing me that honesty will lead to destruction in my life. Listen in as Rodney Holmstrom, Global Field Director of Celebrate Recovery, interviews two Celebrate Recovery leaders - Andy and Hudson - as they unpack this important topic.

In today's episode, you'll hear a deeply personal story about the night Colleen's college-age kids brought home a big bottle of vodka—and invited her to join them. Years ago, this would've been the moment she feared the most. But something powerful has shifted. You'll hear how self-trust changes everything, how desire—not discipline—is what drives real transformation, and why the solution to alcohol use disorder has nothing to do with drinking. Whether you're still stuck in the "managing it" phase or wondering how to build a life that feels bigger than your nightly glass of wine, this episode will show you how to trade self-protection for self-permission—and how to begin crafting a new kind of evening ritual, one that gives you energy instead of stealing it.

If the solution to alcohol use disorder isn't a behavior, but a feeling— HOW THE HELL DO YOU PRACTICE A FEELING? In today's episode, Colleen breaks down the mindset shift that will completely change the way you think about manifestation. Not the toxic, glittery, vision-board version. But the grounded, neuroscience-backed practice of training your body and brain to feel powerful on purpose—so you don't need alcohol to feel that way for you. Colleen explains why "wanting" and "waiting" energy keeps you stuck, why your thoughts aren't facts (even the convincing ones), and how to get off the mental hamster wheel of self-doubt, disappointment, and shame. If you're ready to stop “trying to change” and start experiencing change in real time—this one's for you.  Key Takeaways: The solution to alcohol use disorder is a feeling—not a behavior. Thoughts are habits. What you believe isn't always true—it's just familiar. Manifestation isn't magic; it's alignment. Feel like the version of you you want to become. Wanting and waiting energy blocks progress. “What's working now” energy opens the path forward. You can only think how you feel. Change your feeling, and your brain will catch up.   Action Step: Get a What's Working Now journal. Start tracking all the tiny signs that your transformation is already happening. Even if you wake up hungover. Especially if you wake up hungover. The more you train your brain to notice wins, the more progress you'll make. If you are ready to get support from a community of women who are co-creating this change with intention and clarity— Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL.  Do you want help from Colleen with a situation you're struggling with? Click here to submit your question for Colleen's NEW Q& A episodes. Your name will not be mentioned on air!    Find me on: TikTok: @hangoverwhisperer Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer X: @NotAboutTheAlc   Transcript  

Send us a textThe walls we build to protect ourselves from trauma can become our prisons. This powerful truth emerges as Dr. Charlie Powell returns to share groundbreaking developments with his "Healing Heroes: No Mind Left Behind" documentary, now evolving from a television series into a theatrical release scheduled for November 11th.Charlie takes us deep into the intricate relationship between PTSD and addiction, revealing how these conditions often share the same root causes. "Most cases of PTSD don't start in adulthood," he explains, sharing his personal revelation that despite decades in military service and trauma medicine, some of his most significant healing came from addressing a childhood near-drowning experience. This perspective shatters conventional understanding of trauma, suggesting that many of our adult struggles trace back to moments where life came at us "too fast, too much, and too soon."The conversation ventures into uncomfortable but vital territory as Charlie and Steve discuss how trauma survivors' silence impacts relationships. "The silence that you put your partner through," Steve notes, "may not seem like verbal abuse or trauma, but it is." Charlie takes this further with a provocative comparison: this withdrawal can be as damaging as infidelity, representing a loss of faith in the partner's ability to handle the truth of your experience.Most powerfully, Charlie shares his initial reluctance and eventual decision to make his personal story central to the documentary. "People think vulnerability is a weakness. It's not. It's a strength," he explains, challenging the stigma that keeps many first responders and veterans from seeking help. This vulnerability has already resonated deeply—the documentary's first trailer garnered an astounding 4 million views in just three and a half days.For anyone struggling with trauma's grip, this conversation offers not just insight but tangible hope. Charlie describes how interventions combining multiple healing modalities helped six veterans and first responders achieve transformative recovery in just ten days—freedom from both PTSD symptoms and associated addictions many had developed to cope. As Charlie puts it: "Challenge anybody out there—imagine the biggest accomplishments you've ever had in life and tell me which one was easy." Perhaps our greatest traumas, properly processed, can lead to our greatest growth.Ready to see trauma recovery differently? Listen now, and watch for the new Healing Heroes trailer dropping this Memorial Day.Here is the trailer for "Healing Heroes: No Mind Left Behind" Season 1: https://youtu.be/16bnQ7eVKKI?si=46VOPpo1fLq_WB9oFreed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

Most women assume their drinking habit is a willpower issue. But what if your body is actually sounding an alarm?   In today's episode, Colleen sits down with functional medicine expert Dr. Meg Mill to unpack the hidden connection between histamines, hormones, and alcohol. If your wine tolerance has changed, your moods are all over the place, or you're feeling bloated, anxious, or inflamed—this conversation is essential.   Dr. Meg explains how histamines affect everything from headaches to anxiety, why your red wine might hit differently depending on the time of month, and what to do if you feel like your body is reacting to everything lately.   This isn't about giving up pleasure—it's about understanding what your body is asking for.

What do we do when we find ourselves in a dark, hopeless and helpless place? Can change really happen even from the inside of a prison cell? In this episode, Rodney Holmstrom, Global Field Director of Celebrate Recovery, interviews Patrick as he shares part of his powerful story from hopelessness in prison to a life full of hope and purpose through Celebrate Recovery Inside and, now, outside. Patrick is a part of Calvary Christian Church in Lynnfield, MA, where Celebrate Recovery meets on Tuesdays at 6:30pm. Childcare provided. Be sure to visit him and his local CR!

In today's episode, Colleen shares a story about a client who unsubscribed from her email list—and how that one glitch almost triggered a cascade of false assumptions, unspoken tension, and missed opportunity. It's a reminder that the smallest emotional reactions (the ones that barely register) are often the most dangerous. Because they go unchecked. Unquestioned. Unchallenged. This episode will help you stop letting your emotions drive blind—and show you how to reroute your thinking so you can create a different future than your past.