Podcasts about SMART Recovery

FILM FESTIVAL TICKETS: https://buytickets.at/thedopeyfoundation/2216905 DOPEY PATREON: www.patreon.com/dopeypodcast Kevin's Substack: https://kevinjackmcenroe.substack.com/ This week on Dopey Wednesday,!Dave is joined once again by Kevin McEnroe for a powerful, funny, and honest conversation about addiction, recovery, family, tennis, writing, prayer, ego, and the New York Knicks.   Dave opens the episode with listener emails about quitting cigarettes, accidental heroin use, childhood Valium, Dopey Zoom chaos, stickers, socks, and Knicks obsession. Then Kevin McEnroe joins the show to talk about his morning routine, sobriety, teaching tennis, being John McEnroe's son, and finding peace with his name and his life in recovery.   Kevin opens up about pills, heroin, pancreatitis, isolation, treatment, relapse, his mother Tatum O'Neal's addiction and stroke, and how service has changed their relationship. Dave shares his own stories about heroin, custody, Klonopin, the Amy Winehouse documentary, AA, and finally surrendering.   Plus: Hells Angels bars, Roxy 30s, fentanyl, Joakim Noah, 21 yogurts, meth recovery advice, and why sometimes you have to try every path until something sticks.   ALL THAT AND MORE! MORE! MORE!   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In episode 6, April Long from SMART Recovery joins us to discuss the methods of recovery for people struggling with addiction. April discusses the barriers to people with addiction and their families seeking help, as well as how the main driver to addiction is pain, and their symptoms differ depending on the addiction. April emphasises the importance of having the struggling person feel supported and willing to heal in order to have effective treatment, and to help, April debunks some myths and concerns related to treatment. Interviewee: April Long (SMART Recovery) Date aired: 13/5/26

Jules returns to the podcast to talk about her family's history of unhealthy enabling, how it impacted her addiction and recovery, and then how she is helping to change the pattern in her family and the families of the clients she helps every day at Windmill.Special Guest: Jules Santiago.

Send us Fan MailToday's topic is More Than One Way: SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) 

Peer support can feel like the missing link in addiction care, not because it replaces medicine, but because it makes recovery feel possible when someone is scared, ashamed, or shutting down. I'm Dr Casey Grover, and I sit down with Mark Ehrenkranz, a certified peer recovery specialist who does bedside work across a thousand-bed hospital, from the ED and ICU to behavioral health. Mark brings decades of recovery experience, plus the clarity that comes from having lived through relapse, depression, and the brutal way substance use disorder can hijack decision-making.We get practical about what peer recovery specialists actually do: building trust quickly, sharing just enough personal story to invite radical honesty, translating brain science into plain language, and helping patients move from crisis to a realistic next step. We also talk about the real-world barriers, including stigma in medical settings, limited funding for peer teams, and how different states handle certification and reimbursement. If you've ever searched for recovery coaching, peer recovery support services, sober support, or how to get help for addiction, this conversation maps the terrain with honesty and hope.We also go straight at the “one path” problem. AA helps many people, but it can feel dogmatic to others, so we discuss multiple pathways like SMART Recovery, CBT/DBT, secular and Buddhist recovery, online communities, and medication for opioid use disorder support spaces. Mark shares his “Navy SEAL Recovery” approach to nervous system regulation: one-minute diaphragmatic breathing, humming to stimulate the vagus nerve, and small doses of intentional discomfort to build resilience. If you care about compassionate, evidence-informed addiction treatment that respects individual fit, you'll leave with tools you can use today.Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find the show.To learn more about Mark's work: https://www.go-humans.com/To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

Cherene Caraco is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Global Strategist of Promise Resource Network, or PRN. PRN is a community organization based in Mecklenburg County NC  that proudly declares they are Survivor Led, Recovery Focused, and Wellness Driven. Members of the PRN community use their lived experience to serve others who have either been kicked out or opted out of traditional mental health and substance use treatments.   Cherene herself has been involved in mental health services for over 33 years, both professionally and personally. She recently spoke at the SMART Recovery conference about her experience as a radical leader and her thoughts about working in the recovery field. In this podcast she expands upon the themes of living and working according to one's values, speaking truth to power, and building resilience in the midst of trauma.

Rosana Panjon is a trained SMART Recovery facilitator and works as a certified Recovery Support Specialist for health organizations in Connecticut. She brings her lived experience and insight to her work with those seeking recovery in all kinds of situations. In this podcast, Rosana shares her personal stuggles with substances, cultural considerations in recovery, how she got involved in peer recovery work, and why she considers SMART to be such a powerful future-forward force in her life.       

“We have no employees using drugs or alcohol.” Georges Petitjean has heard versions of that line for years, even while treating people who are quietly disappearing into detox, struggling in silence, or terrified their employer will find out. The problem isn't that workplace addiction is rare. The problem is that stigma makes it easy to deny, hard to disclose, and expensive to ignore.We're joined by Georges, an NHS clinical director in drugs and alcohol treatment services, to talk about WARM At Work, the Workplace Addiction and Recovery Movement. We dig into what substance use disorder really means using a simple spectrum model, why addiction is a treatable chronic health condition, and why workplaces still react so differently to “I need diabetes care” versus “I need addiction treatment.” Along the way, we explore the social and cultural forces that shape use, from workplace drinking culture to high pressure environments, and why banning one substance doesn't solve the underlying drivers.We also zoom out to policy and prevention, including what people often miss about Portugal's decriminalisation approach, the links between disability, chronic pain, and opioid risk, and emerging trends like ketamine harm among young people. Most importantly, we focus on practical workplace actions: building psychological safety, educating the wider workforce, supporting affected colleagues and families, and creating clear pathways to treatment and peer support such as AA, NA, and SMART Recovery. To learn more about WARM At Work, visit www.warmatwork.org or connect with Georges on LinkedIn.Subscribe, share this conversation with a manager or HR leader, and leave a review so more people can find it and feel safe asking for help.Send us Fan MailSupport the showFollow axschat on social media.Bluesky:Antonio https://bsky.app/profile/akwyz.comDebra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.socialNeil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.socialaxschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.socialLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniovieirasantos/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/axschat/https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmilliken/Vimeohttps://vimeo.com/akwyzhttps://twitter.com/axschathttps://twitter.com/AkwyZhttps://twitter.com/neilmillikenhttps://twitter.com/debraruh

Emily Redondo talks about how she has dealt with years of addiction, how this impacted her self-image as a wife, mother, and person in recovery, and her new book, "Wife, Mother, Drunk."Special Guest: Emily Redondo.

Send us Fan MailToday's topic is More Than One Way: SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) 

We take a dive into the nature of trauma and how it impacts us, especially in relation to addiction. We look at how we can recover from both trauma and addiction.

The range of recovery support has been expanding rapidly at the intersection of an individual's personal experience and the larger world of AI recovery companions. To catch up with the latest trends and impact we welcomed Alex Weber of OpenRecovery, the Co-Founder and Head of Partnerships for this digital first recovery platform. OpenRecovery unapologetically declares, "Recovery should be accessible, effective, and engaging." They are also a strong supporter of SMART Recovery and have incorporated our self-empowering principles and practices into Kai, their AI companion.   

Billy B. joins Crosstalk to talk about hitting bottom during COVID, getting sober for his daughter, and finding a new path through SMART Recovery. Honest, funny, and direct, this episode is about what happens when you finally decide enough is enough and start doing the work to become someone better.

March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, an annual campaign aimed at increasing awareness of gambling-related risks, reducing stigma, and promoting prevention and supportive help. This episode features two guests: Kitty Martz, the Executive Director of the nonprofit Voices of Problem Gambling Recovery and Brian Ward, the organization's board president.   Both Kitty and Brian share their journey of consequences that resulted from gambling activities and the positive role SMART Recovery has played in their lives. They also share their professional backgrounds and thoughts on providing accessible and affirming meetings that are highly inclusive of individuals working on compulsive behaviors unrelated to substance use.  One insightful thought that was shared is the idea that attending support meetings can be seen as an effort to build a life you don't want to escape from, rather than the usual idea of "recovering a life" one has lost. And there are many more insights and interesting conversation in this episode. Enjoy! Additional Resources: Link to SMART Webinar on problem gambling and inclusion with Kitty Martz and Brian Ward National Problem Gambling Hotline

A dynamic conversation with Donna Marston, who helps family members find their own recovery in the face of a loved one's addiction, drawing on years of experience and her own journey as a mother of someone with an addiction.Special Guest: Donna Marston.

LISTEN WITHOUT ADS: www.patreon.com/dopeypodcastThis week on Dopey! We have the great Kevin Jack McEnroe, son of John McEnroe and (world class heroin addict-in recovery) Tatum ONeil! We start with emails and voicemails and spotify comments - Dustin on his Kratom Replapse and Leroy's crazy finding and flushing heroin on acid! Then we get to the meat of the show with Kevin McEnroe: Kevin McEnroe grew up in a house where everyone already knew his last name. In this unguarded conversation with David Manheim, Kevin talks about being the son of two famous parents while managing fear, secrecy, and responsibility far beyond his years. He describes protecting his mother through her addiction, learning early how to split public image from private truth, and eventually becoming the very thing he swore he wouldn't: a full-blown addict.From opiates and alcohol to liver failure, pancreatitis, and waking up in a hospital bed at 33, Kevin walks us through from denial to collapse. He opens up about selling his first novel while secretly drinking, faking composure, and the humiliation of being known but not respected — recognized as “McEnroe's kid,” but unsure who he was as an individual.This is a conversation about inherited chaos, codependency, ego, shame, and what happens when you finally stop trying to outrun your story. It's about service. About humility. About the strange relief of admitting you don't know what to do.Kevin is sober now. He teaches tennis and he writes every day. He's building a life that feels like his own.ALL THAT AND MORE!!!!!! on this week's brand new episode of that good old Dopey Show!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After a ton of hard work, SMART Recovery completely revised our training program under the leadership of Gus Curran, SMART's Senior Director of Training and Program Development. As it has been rolled out to the SMART community, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. In this podcast Gus and Erin Clarke, the Director of L&D Client Relationships for Endurance Learning, our partner in this effort, talk about all aspects of the new training. This includes its origin and development, the challenges faced and overcome, how it has been such a great example of collaboration, and how it relates to SMART's 2026 focus on the idea of being increasingly accessible, adaptable, and affirming in all we do.  Additional links: Webinar that features Gus and Erin: From Drab to Fab: Trick Out Your Existing Learning SMART Recovery Training Page  

We interview acclaimed minister and author John Ortberg in a wonderful conversation about the 12 Steps, the nature of faith, and how spirituality plays such a vital part in so many people's recovery. Special Guest: John Ortberg.

I recently sat down with my dear friend and author, John Loxley to discuss the fundamentals of sobriety. John is 15 years sober and works in mental health services in the UK. We weren't talking about shiny breakthroughs or dramatic transformations. We were talking about the basics — the things that quietly keep sobriety intact, year after year. Because here's the truth: most people don't relapse because they don't know enough. They relapse because they slowly stop doing the things that keep them emotionally regulated, supported, and self-aware. This episode was a reminder of what really matters.     Lesson #1: Early Sobriety Is a Learning Phase — Listening Matters One of the first things we talked about was listening. When people are new to sobriety, there's often a strong urge to explain themselves, justify their story, or be understood. I remember feeling that way myself — desperate to make sure someone got me. But recovery starts to shift when listening becomes the priority. Listening to people who've been there. Listening to patterns. Listening instead of reacting. There's a time to talk — especially with sponsors, therapists, or trusted friends — but meetings and early recovery spaces are often best used as classrooms, not stages. Takeaway: You don't need to have the answers. You just need to be willing to learn.     Lesson #2: You Can't Do Sobriety Alone (No Matter How Independent You Are) A lot of people want to get sober "on their own." Not because they're lazy — but because they're private, capable, or burned by past systems. But isolation is where addiction thrives. Whether it's 12-step programs, SMART Recovery, therapy, coaching, or peer support — connection isn't optional. You don't need everyone. You need someone. And just as important: those people aren't there to fix you. They're there to walk with you.     Lesson #3: Sobriety Has to Stay the Top Priority This might be the most important lesson from the episode. Anytime sobriety stops being the priority — even years in — things start to unravel. Not always dramatically. Often quietly. You stop meditating. You stop checking in. You stop telling the truth. You stop doing the practices. And slowly… your nervous system takes over. John shared a powerful story about going on vacation, feeling great, and unintentionally leaving his recovery behind — only to realize how quickly emotional chaos can return when the practices stop. Sobriety isn't something you "graduate" from. It's something you maintain.     Lesson #4: Identity Drives Behavior One thing I'm passionate about is identity. You're not trying to get sober. If you didn't drink today, you are sober. Every sober action is a vote for the kind of person you're becoming. Instead of obsessing over what's wrong with you, it can be incredibly powerful to ask: Who do I admire? What traits do they embody? What small actions would reinforce those traits? Sobriety is the foundation — not the finish line.     Lesson #5: Triggers Are Teachers (Even Though We Hate That) We talked a lot about triggers — emotional reactions that feel bigger than the situation in front of us. If a response feels disproportionate, it's almost always about the past. Triggers aren't signs that you're failing. They're invitations to heal. When something activates fear, shame, or rage, there's usually something unresolved underneath. And once you work through it — whether through therapy, journaling, EMDR, or self-inquiry — that trigger loses its grip. There's often real growth hiding underneath discomfort.     Lesson #6: You Don't Need to Win — You Need to Understand One of the most relatable moments in the conversation was about conflict. Many of us learned early on that arguments are about winning. But there are no winners in emotional battles — only distance. A simple shift like: "Help me understand how you feel" "This is what I'm hearing — is that right?" can completely change the outcome of a conversation. Feeling understood often dissolves the fight entirely.     Action Steps You Can Take This Week If you want to apply what we talked about, start here: Choose one daily recovery practice Meditation, journaling, meetings, movement — consistency matters more than intensity. Check your priority list Ask honestly: Is sobriety still at the top — or has it slipped? Identify one trigger When you feel emotionally hijacked, ask: What does this remind me of? Clarify your identity Write down 5 character traits you want to embody — then choose one small daily action that supports them. Strengthen accountability Make sure there's at least one person you can be fully honest with — without editing yourself.     Resources Mentioned in This Episode 12-Step Recovery Programs – For connection, structure, and accountability SMART Recovery – A non-12-step alternative focused on tools and self-management Atomic Habits by James Clear – Identity-based behavior change Unwinding Anxiety by Dr. Judson Brewer – Understanding habit loops and emotional patterns Meditation & Journaling – Daily practices for emotional regulation EMDR Therapy – Trauma-focused healing for emotional triggers Guest Contact Info: 

Shame, guilt, and addiction don't have to define your story.In this episode, Donna Marston welcomes Dr. Tom Horvath, a board-certified clinical psychologist, co-founder of SMART Recovery, and pioneer in science-based addiction support. Together, they explore the role of shame and guilt, why recovery is not one-size-fits-all, and how families can support a loved one without losing themselves in the process.Dr. Horvath shares decades of insight on self-empowered recovery, alternatives to the traditional “rock bottom” narrative, and practical tools families can use to create healthier dynamics. This conversation offers hope, clarity, and reassurance for anyone navigating addiction, whether personally or through someone they love.Topics Covered:- The difference between shame and guilt and how each impacts recovery- Why there are many valid pathways to recovery- SMART Recovery vs. 12-step programs- The importance of choice and self-empowerment in healing- How families can support recovery without controlling it- Common myths about addiction and “rock bottom”- Practical ways to communicate with a loved one in treatment- Building a meaningful life beyond addictionAbout the GuestDr. Tom Horvath is a board-certified clinical psychologist, Navy veteran, and internationally recognized expert in addiction recovery. He is the co-founder and former president of SMART Recovery, a science-based, self-empowering recovery network, and the founder of Practical Recovery in San Diego. Dr. Horvath is also the author of Sex, Drugs, Gambling, and Chocolate, a practical workbook for overcoming addictive behaviors.Quotes:“A little guilt can help us change, but too much shame keeps us stuck.”“Recovery works best when people have a choice.”“There isn't one right way to recover, only the way that works for you.”

I recently sat down with my dear friend and author, John Loxley to discuss the fundamentals of sobriety. John is 15 years sober and works in mental health services in the UK. We weren't talking about shiny breakthroughs or dramatic transformations. We were talking about the basics — the things that quietly keep sobriety intact, year after year. Because here's the truth: most people don't relapse because they don't know enough. They relapse because they slowly stop doing the things that keep them emotionally regulated, supported, and self-aware. This episode was a reminder of what really matters.     Lesson #1: Early Sobriety Is a Learning Phase — Listening Matters One of the first things we talked about was listening. When people are new to sobriety, there's often a strong urge to explain themselves, justify their story, or be understood. I remember feeling that way myself — desperate to make sure someone got me. But recovery starts to shift when listening becomes the priority. Listening to people who've been there. Listening to patterns. Listening instead of reacting. There's a time to talk — especially with sponsors, therapists, or trusted friends — but meetings and early recovery spaces are often best used as classrooms, not stages. Takeaway: You don't need to have the answers. You just need to be willing to learn.     Lesson #2: You Can't Do Sobriety Alone (No Matter How Independent You Are) A lot of people want to get sober "on their own." Not because they're lazy — but because they're private, capable, or burned by past systems. But isolation is where addiction thrives. Whether it's 12-step programs, SMART Recovery, therapy, coaching, or peer support — connection isn't optional. You don't need everyone. You need someone. And just as important: those people aren't there to fix you. They're there to walk with you.     Lesson #3: Sobriety Has to Stay the Top Priority This might be the most important lesson from the episode. Anytime sobriety stops being the priority — even years in — things start to unravel. Not always dramatically. Often quietly. You stop meditating. You stop checking in. You stop telling the truth. You stop doing the practices. And slowly… your nervous system takes over. John shared a powerful story about going on vacation, feeling great, and unintentionally leaving his recovery behind — only to realize how quickly emotional chaos can return when the practices stop. Sobriety isn't something you "graduate" from. It's something you maintain.     Lesson #4: Identity Drives Behavior One thing I'm passionate about is identity. You're not trying to get sober. If you didn't drink today, you are sober. Every sober action is a vote for the kind of person you're becoming. Instead of obsessing over what's wrong with you, it can be incredibly powerful to ask: Who do I admire? What traits do they embody? What small actions would reinforce those traits? Sobriety is the foundation — not the finish line.     Lesson #5: Triggers Are Teachers (Even Though We Hate That) We talked a lot about triggers — emotional reactions that feel bigger than the situation in front of us. If a response feels disproportionate, it's almost always about the past. Triggers aren't signs that you're failing. They're invitations to heal. When something activates fear, shame, or rage, there's usually something unresolved underneath. And once you work through it — whether through therapy, journaling, EMDR, or self-inquiry — that trigger loses its grip. There's often real growth hiding underneath discomfort.     Lesson #6: You Don't Need to Win — You Need to Understand One of the most relatable moments in the conversation was about conflict. Many of us learned early on that arguments are about winning. But there are no winners in emotional battles — only distance. A simple shift like: "Help me understand how you feel" "This is what I'm hearing — is that right?" can completely change the outcome of a conversation. Feeling understood often dissolves the fight entirely.     Action Steps You Can Take This Week If you want to apply what we talked about, start here: Choose one daily recovery practice Meditation, journaling, meetings, movement — consistency matters more than intensity. Check your priority list Ask honestly: Is sobriety still at the top — or has it slipped? Identify one trigger When you feel emotionally hijacked, ask: What does this remind me of? Clarify your identity Write down 5 character traits you want to embody — then choose one small daily action that supports them. Strengthen accountability Make sure there's at least one person you can be fully honest with — without editing yourself.     Resources Mentioned in This Episode 12-Step Recovery Programs – For connection, structure, and accountability SMART Recovery – A non-12-step alternative focused on tools and self-management Atomic Habits by James Clear – Identity-based behavior change Unwinding Anxiety by Dr. Judson Brewer – Understanding habit loops and emotional patterns Meditation & Journaling – Daily practices for emotional regulation EMDR Therapy – Trauma-focused healing for emotional triggers Guest Contact Info: 

Send us a textIn this honest and educational solo episode of The Sober Butterfly Podcast, host Nadine Mulvina explores why Dry January isn't the same as sobriety—and why that distinction matters for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol.Drawing from personal experience and years of conversations within the sober and sober-curious community, Nadine breaks down the two biggest pitfalls of Dry January: the “fuck it” mindset when the challenge feels too hard, and the false reassurance that completing 30 days automatically means alcohol isn't an issue. She explains how both can keep people stuck in the same drinking patterns long-term.This episode reframes Dry January as a starting point—not a finish line—and offers practical, compassionate guidance for those attempting Dry January, as well as tools and reminders for people who are already sober and navigating January with clarity and intention.Whether you're sober, sober-curious, taking a break, or supporting someone who is, this episode invites you to prioritize honesty, self-trust, and sustainable change over perfection or willpower.

Worksheet: Healing Power of ConnectionAsk people what the hardest part of addiction was, and they often won't say the drugs or the alcohol. They'll say the loneliness. Because addiction, at its core, is about isolation and shame. It's that crushing feeling of being in a crowded room and feeling completely invisible. It's the belief that if people really knew you—the real you with all your secrets and shame—they would run away.But what if the medicine for that loneliness isn't just sobriety? What if the medicine is people?In this powerful episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane Osterlind and Eric Osterlind explore what they believe is the single most powerful predictor of long-term recovery success: connection. Not willpower. Not perfect meetings attendance. But belonging to a tribe, a community, a place where you're not alone.Addiction demands secrecy. It thrives in the dark. Over time, you stop answering the phone, you stop going to events. You isolate to protect the addiction, but you end up trapping yourself with your own worst thoughts. And even in recovery, that instinct to hide can still linger. You might feel like a burden, or you might think, "I can do this on my own. I don't need help." But that's a dangerous lie. When shame says "I am bad" and isolation says "I am alone," relapse becomes almost inevitable.The vicious cycle works like this: we isolate ourselves because we feel shame, and then that isolation breeds more shame. Breaking that cycle requires doing the one thing that feels most unnatural—reaching out. As journalist Johan Hari famously summarized from his research, "The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection." But shame tells us we're not worthy of that connection, so we don't risk it.The evidence is overwhelming. Whether it's AA, NA, SMART Recovery, or group therapy, the data shows that people who engage in supportive community have significantly better outcomes than those who try to go it alone. It's not just about having people around you—it's about shared experience. When you walk into a room and hear someone tell your story, there's a profound shift. The shame starts to evaporate because you realize: "I'm not the only one. I'm not crazy, bad, or sick. I'm not alone."Group settings provide a buffer against stress. When we're with safe people, our nervous system can actually co-regulate. We feel safer physically and emotionally. The community provides accountability—someone to notice if you're struggling. It provides encouragement—someone to cheer when you win. And perhaps most importantly, we borrow their hope until we can rebuild our own. We lean on their energy when ours runs out.But finding community can feel overwhelming, especially if you have social anxiety or fear of judgment. That's why Duane and Eric break it down into two simple, manageable steps you can take this week.Step one: Identify just one potential connection point. This could be looking up an online meeting and putting it in your calendar. It could be texting one friend and saying, "Hey, can we grab coffee?" Or maybe it's looking for a sober hiking group or book club. Just find one place where healthy people are gathering that interests you.Step two: Practice active listening in one conversation. Connection is a two-way street, but sometimes we're so anxious about what we're going to say that we forget to listen. This week, in just one conversation, put down your phone, look someone in the eye, and listen to understand—not to reply. Reflect back what you heard: "It sounds like you had a really tough day." This simple act builds instant intimacy and trust.Remember, by participating in community, you aren't just getting help—you're giving it. Your presence helps someone else feel less alone, and that can be a powerful engine for your own self-worth and shame resilience.You don't have to do this alone. Reach out, connect, and let the healing begin.Key Topics• The isolation trap of addiction: How addiction thrives in secrecy and loneliness, making connection the true antidote to recovery• Shame as a barrier to connection: Understanding why shame tells us we're not worthy and keeps us from reaching out for help• The opposite of addiction is connection: Johan Hari's powerful research showing community as the single most powerful predictor of recovery success• Co-regulation in community: How being with safe people allows our nervous systems to calm down and feel safer physically and emotionally• Two actionable steps for building connection: Identifying one connection point and practicing active listening this week• From lone wolf to pack member: Moving from vulnerable isolation to being part of a supportive network that protects and sustains you• The gift of giving back: How your presence in community helps others feel less alone and builds your own sense of purposeTimestamps[00:01:30] - The stark reality: The hardest part of addiction isn't the substances—it's the crushing loneliness[00:03:00] - The vicious cycle: How shame and isolation feed each other and make relapse almost inevitable[00:05:00] - Johan Hari's breakthrough insight: "The opposite of addiction is not sobriety—the opposite is connection"[00:06:30] - The profound shift: What happens when you hear someone tell your story in a room full of people[00:07:00] - Co-regulation explained: How safe people help calm our nervous system when we can't do it alone[00:08:00] - Actionable Step #1: Identifying one potential connection point you can take this week[00:10:00] - Actionable Step #2: Practicing active listening to build instant intimacy and trustSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We look at some of the highlights of recovery in 2025, as well as some of the challenges of the holiday season for ourselves and some of our previous guests. Special Guest: Robyn Scott.

Rick Kuplinski credits SMART Recovery with changing his life in profound ways. He says he has never been happier and more satisfied with his life since he started applying the principles and practices of self-empowered recovery. He started writing about his experiences in brief essays and has been a SMART Blog contributor since 2022. Now he has collected his essays and packaged it in a book called Supercharge Your Recovery: 30 Essays on Beating Addiction with SMART Recovery. In this podcast Rick talks about how he ended up reaching a point where he knew he had to make changes and why SMART worked for him when other pathways didn't. He shares his thoughts on the process of journaling and the need for reflection, and how he believes that you don't have to be a "writer" to benefit from writing.   

Katie Herzog spent 15 years trying everything: AA, therapy, CBT, SMART Recovery, moderation management, swapping booze for weed. Nothing stuck. And in the back of her mind, she always knew she'd start drinking again. It was just a question of when. Then she found the Sinclair Method—a protocol where you take a medication called naltrexone, wait an hour, and drink. It sounds too simple. It sounds like cheating. But is it? Katie's been completely sober for three years. In this conversation, we dig into the science of how naltrexone rewires your brain, why the first three months don't look like much, and why realistic expectations might be the most important factor in whether this works for you. In this episode, we cover: → Katie's 15-year journey through AA, therapy, misdiagnosis, and desperation—and why the idea that abstinence is the only path kept her stuck for years → What the Sinclair Method actually is and how naltrexone blocks the endorphin rush that makes drinking feel good → The difference between "reward drinkers" and "relief drinkers"—and who TSM is best suited for → Why Katie's first attempt with naltrexone failed (and what she did differently the second time) → AND MUCH MUCH MORE. This episode is for you if: You've tried AA or other programs and they didn't stick The idea of "never drinking again" feels impossible You're curious about medication-assisted approaches but don't know where to start You're exhausted by the mental chatter—always thinking about drinking whether you're drinking or not You want to understand ALL the options, not just the abstinence-only path About the book: Drink Your Way Sober: A Science-Based Method to Break Free from Alcohol releases September 30th and is available on Amazon and at independent bookstores. Connect with Katie Herzog: Website: drinkyourwaysober.com Podcast: Blocked and Reported 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.  Find me on: YouTube: @HangoverWhisperer TikTok: @hangoverwhisperer Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer  X (Twitter) : @NotAboutTheAlc   Transcript  

This episode dives into the complexities of postpartum running, emphasizing the importance of understanding recovery, the phased return to running, and the mental health aspects of postpartum life. The hosts discuss the evolution of exercise guidelines during and after pregnancy, the significance of individualized recovery plans, and the physiological advantages that can be leveraged postpartum. They also highlight the importance of mental health and identity shifts that occur during this period, encouraging listeners to be patient and kind to themselves as they navigate their postpartum journey.

Rehab is a $42 billion industry hooked on bad science. Nick Pell helps us detox from its myths by prescribing the truth on Skeptical Sunday!Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and a guest break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions. This time around, we're joined by writer and researcher Nick Pell!Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1249On This Week's Skeptical Sunday:The Minnesota Model dominates addiction treatment despite lacking evidence. This abstinence-based approach from the 1950s, requiring lifelong total abstinence from all substances, became the default not because it works best but because 12-step programs are free and easily scalable.Most people naturally age out of addiction without treatment. Research shows the majority who struggle with substances simply stop on their own over time, contradicting the "chronic disease" narrative that claims addiction requires lifelong management and intervention.The addiction treatment industry has massive financial conflicts of interest. As rehab is a $42 billion industry, practices like the "Florida Shuffle" and patient brokering weaponize relapse for profit, billing insurance repeatedly for the same patients cycling through facilities.The disease model of addiction lacks empirical support. There's no scientifically recognized "addictive personality," and the idea that addiction is an incurable, progressive disease isn't backed by research, yet it remains the dominant framework shaping treatment and policy.Evidence-based alternatives like harm reduction and moderation exist. Options including SMART Recovery, medication-assisted treatment, and gradual reduction approaches can be effective. You don't need to hit rock bottom before seeking help, and recovery can mean different things for different people.Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors:Quiltmind: Email jordanaudience@quiltmind.com to get started or visit quiltmind.com for more infoDeleteMe: 20% off: joindeleteme.com/jordan, code JORDANBradley Smoker: 15% off: bradleysmoker.com/jordan, code JORDANWayfair: Start renovating: wayfair.comApretude: Learn more: Apretude.com or call 1-888-240-0340See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah K and her two teenagers talk about their experience of Sarah's addiction and recovery, exploring how both the active addiction and recovery have affected them.

SMART Recovery's Director of Outreach, Jasmine Hilbert, recently appeared on an Ohio-based podcast to share her recovery journey. In this special collaboration with the Rooted in Hope Podcast  and Producer Kurt Kleidon, we proudly offer this episode here on our platform.  About this podcast: Rooted in Hope is a podcast that shares the real tales of those who are impacted by substance use disorder or mental illness with the intention of breaking the stigma. We are rooted in Ohio and driven to make a difference in and around our state. Thanks to our allies at Rooted in Hope for permission to share this compelling story of a woman who had reached a point in her life where she didn't want this to be her narrative, so she rewrote her story. 

Sara sits down with her friend Chelsea Bohnstedt, a yoga instructor and certified sound healer, to talk about her powerful alcohol-free journey. At the time of recording, Chelsea is 562 days sober, but her path to get here was far from linear. Chelsea opens up about: Hitting rock bottom after repeated starts and stops, and how a medical crisis finally became her turning point. The kindling effect. A dangerous neurological response that makes withdrawal symptoms worse each time you quit and start drinking again. Finding recovery through SMART Recovery and Y12SR (Yoga for 12-Step Recovery) after struggling to connect with traditional AA. Healing anxiety, rediscovering peace, and embracing the beauty of a “boring life.” How yoga, meditation, and sound baths helped her reconnect with her body and spirit, and why spirituality doesn't have to look “religious.” Sara and Chelsea also share stories from their time together at the Sober Tahoe Adventure Retreat and reflect on how sound healing and self-care practices can unlock powerful emotional healing.

In this minisode, Colleen distills emotional sobriety into its simplest form: learning to recognize when you're operating from your primal state versus your power state. Most of us spend our lives reacting to the world from old programming—patterns shaped by fear, pain, or the need for control—without realizing that we can pause, interrupt, and return to presence. She explains how to move from being controlled by your mind to consciously using it as a tool, how emotional energy drives every “problem,” and how the act of letting go—physically and mentally—is the real path to peace. This is more than nervous system regulation; it's a full reclamation of agency over your inner world.  

We talk with the amazing Dr. Nicki Monti, whose indomitable spirit shines through in this wide-ranging conversation about all things recovery. Special Guest: Dr. Nicki Monti.

In this minisode, Colleen unpacks the hidden link between insecurity and control — and how most of us try to manage our anxiety by managing other people's opinions. Through a grounded, body-based perspective, she reframes confidence not as something you “earn,” but as something you practice by returning to yourself again and again. She challenges the myth that insecurity means something is “wrong” with you. Instead, she explains that it's a call to turn inward — to redirect your energy from controlling perception to cultivating presence. The goal isn't to eliminate self-consciousness, but to move the needle toward self-possession, one thought, one feeling, and one moment at a time.  

When I was in my 30s and 40s, I thought health was something you earned with discipline. I ate clean, drank tons of water, ran marathons and swallowed whatever supplements were trending. And even though I appeared to be doing everything right, my stress was through the roof and my body constantly ached. I was always looking for the next thing to fix. But here's what I didn't realize:  I wasn't broken, or even unhealthy. I just wasn't listening to my body. I cared more about how things looked than how they felt.  I thought I had to prove that I was healthy by doing hard shit–taking on more than I could actually handle. I didn't understand that relaxation isn't something you earn after you check all the boxes. It's an essential ingredient to success.  In today's episode, I'm talking with Courtney Townley, host of Grace & Grit and author of The Consistency Code. Courtney helps women navigate the health maze of midlife—when your resilience to stress is naturally lower, and the load you're carrying has never been heavier, and the old strategies you've used to just keep going are no longer working. In this episode, you'll learn: Why doing more often makes you less healthy—and how your definition of self-care needs to change How to identify “integrity pain,” the tension between who you are and how you're living What to do when your motivation disappears and you literally don't have the energy to keep up with your damn self Being healthy isn't about external metrics…it's when you learn how to experience unconditional love for your body. 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!    You can find Courtney at Grace & Grit ---> Grab Her NEW Book, The Consistency Code, launching November 5th!   Find me on: YouTube: @HangoverWhisperer TikTok: @hangoverwhisperer Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer  X (Twitter) : @NotAboutTheAlc  

In this episode, Colleen introduces “future casting” — a mindset tool that helps you move from emotional reactivity into grounded awareness. She reframes every “problem” as an emotional one, reminding us that what keeps us stuck isn't the circumstance itself, but the stress response and beliefs we attach to it. Through this lens, future casting becomes a way to access perspective: to pause, regulate your nervous system, and imagine yourself on the other side of the obstacle — already having moved through it. From that calmer, wiser version of you, the next right thought and action become clearer. This practice is both deeply practical and profoundly empowering. It invites you to stop fighting your emotions, reconnect with the body, and use imagination not for worry or control — but for possibility and calm.  

In this minisode, Colleen reflects on the stories we grew up with — the ones where the lost princess or overlooked heroine is finally discovered and restored to her rightful place. These stories shaped how many of us learned to wait: for validation, timing, permission, or rescue. She'll reframe that pattern through the lens of emotional sobriety. True power isn't something that arrives once circumstances improve — it's a mindset and a way of being that can exist even in the middle of the mess. Transformation doesn't come from fixing yourself or performing worthiness, but from believing in the person you're becoming before your life catches up. You are invited to examine where you might still be waiting for rescue, and to practice showing up today as the version of yourself who already knows she's capable, worthy, and ready.

In this episode, Colleen explores how hidden beliefs quietly shape our choices, limit our vision, and create the illusion of safety at the expense of growth. Most of the obstacles we face aren't outside of us — they're thoughts we've stopped questioning.  Through the lens of her own experience, she illustrates how well-intentioned reasoning can harden into self-protection, keeping us in familiar patterns that feel comfortable but constraining. This reflection challenges listeners to look beyond circumstances and into the conditioning that sustains them — and introduces a single, powerful question designed to reveal what's actually in the way of change.  

In this episode, Colleen traces a quiet, familiar fear that surfaces whenever we step into new territory — the fear of becoming “too much.” What begins as a loving message to stay safe or small can become an inherited boundary that keeps us from expansion. Through her own reflection, she reveals how deeply patterned beliefs about worth, service, and visibility shape the nervous system's response to growth. This isn't a story about trauma, but about awakening — seeing how the rules we once followed out of love can quietly hold us back from the life we're ready to create.  

Today I'm sharing a powerful conversation from The Period Whisperer podcast with host Bria Gadd. We talk about the hidden link between hormones, stress, and drinking—why so many high-achieving women end up using alcohol as a coping mechanism. You'll hear the truth about emotional sobriety, how the toxic cultural pressure to be “productive” leads to inevitable breakdown in midlife, and why you don't actually lose control of your drinking—you lose control of your thinking. If you use alcohol to quiet your mind or reward yourself for another exhausting day, this episode will shift your diagnosis of the problem so you can start working towards a solution that doesn't require you to stop drinking completely. 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!

In this episode, Colleen exposes one of the most dangerous lies we tell ourselves: “Whatever. I don't care.” It's the phrase that sneaks in at the very moment you're about to follow through on what matters, pulling you back into autopilot. Habits feel easy not because they're better, but because they're familiar—and this thought is the detour sign that keeps you circling the same old roads. She shows how to catch that phrase in real time, flip it, and reconnect with your real intentions.  It's not about one big breakthrough—it's about interrupting the trance again and again until your brain learns a new path forward.

Your nervous system dictates how you think, feel, and act. The problem? The moments you most need perspective are the very moments your biology shuts it down. A racing mind, tense muscles, and cortisol surges aren't proof you're broken—they're proof your survival system thinks you're facing a predator, when in reality it's just an email, a bill, or a sideways glance at the grocery store. In this episode, Colleen explains how your sympathetic nervous system (fight/flight/freeze/fawn/flop) can hijack your focus in an instant—and why the real threat isn't the stressor, but your body's reaction to it. She shows how mindfulness gives you the skill to step into the observer role, notice the storm without fusing with it, and create the space to calm your body so your brain can come back online. True power lies in reclaiming your pause.

Today I'm back with Sunnyside podcast host Mike Hardenbrook for a conversation that pops the hood on why willpower isn't enough to change your drinking habits. We talk about what's really happening in your brain and nervous system when you reach for a drink, why your desire to drink has nothing to do with alcohol. Your body craves relief from stress and anxiety and the pressure of everyday life.  You'll walk away with the exact, science-backed shifts I teach my clients that make drinking in moderation a natural side effect of feeling more grounded and at ease. If you've ever wondered why wanting to change doesn't stop you from pouring another drink, this episode will show you how to break the cycle from the inside out. 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!

In this episode, Colleen draws from Keira Bobinet's Unstoppable Brain to unpack how perfectionism wires the brain for shame and shutdown. The real shift isn't about tallying wins and losses—it's about adopting an iterative mindset, where results are just feedback and every moment is a new chance to adjust. When you stop chasing the highs to avoid the lows, you stop living on a scoreboard and start reclaiming your power. One of the biggest mistakes women make when they start changing their drinking is believing early wins mean they've “arrived.” A mindful weekend or a stretch of moderation feels like victory—but if you tie your worth to performance, a setback feels like failure. And that's the trap.

In this final chapter of her West Virginia series, Colleen shares a mysterious story about her daughter Anna—and what felt like a sign from Laura, reminding them both that their needs matter. Whether coincidence or something more, it revealed a deeper truth: your voice is your lifeline back to yourself. Choosing to name what you need is not selfish—it's how you stop living by others' expectations and start living by your own. When you use your voice, the truths that once ruled you quietly from the shadows lose their power.

Today, I'm sharing a conversation that first aired on the Sunnyside podcast—home of the #1 mindful drinking app. I sat down with co-founder and host Mike Hardenbrook to talk about how to change your thinking about drinking so that you can trust yourself with alcohol again. We cover my own personal journey about why I overcorrected my heavy daily drinking with three years of full sobriety, and how I arrived in the balanced, less-is-more life I live now. You'll hear the exact mental shifts that I teach my high-achieving female clients who want to cut their drinking by up to 80% without shame, rules or life long commitments. Whether you're sober-curious or simply tired of promising yourself that you're going to change and then not following through, this conversation will change how you think about both the problem and the solution.  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!   

Driving away from West Virginia, Colleen realized she no longer needs perfect conditions to feel like herself—because that version of her now lives within her. She explores how emotions are echoes of the past, and how clinging to them corrodes self-trust. Through the story of her sister-in-law Laura, she shares how denying your truth disconnects you from your voice—and how letting it surface is what makes healing possible.

After years of trying to fix her life by rearranging circumstances, Colleen finally stopped—and turned inward. This is the story of how admitting “I'm not okay” became the first real act of self-trust. Instead of solving her life, she began tending to herself like someone worth saving, and discovered that clarity comes from action, not overthinking.

This episode contains sensitive topics, including addiction and pornography. Listener discretion is advised.Chaos often feels like it's pulling us in a thousand directions. But what if, at its core, it was actually a master class — an invitation to learn discernment and return to our inner truth?In this week's episode of A Psychic's Story, spiritual teacher and content creator Taylor Perkins joins Nichole to share his personal journey of awakening and the lessons he's learned about navigating illusion and reclaiming power.Taylor opens up about growing up in a strict religious household and the cognitive dissonance that shaped his early years. He recounts the powerful moment as a teenager when he felt consumed by divine love — a turning point that awakened him to the reality that Source energy has always been within.Taylor and Nichole also explore:Reality as a mirror — how our beliefs, energy, and patterns reflect back to us in the physical world.Chaos as curriculum — why contrast and confusion are essential for spiritual evolution and why discernment matters more now than ever.Breaking loops — understanding repetitive patterns in our lives and how to shift them with awareness and compassion.Expansion over perfection — why striving for flawlessness keeps us stuck, and how embracing expansion allows for real freedom and growth.Integration — remembering that the answers aren't outside of us. The spiritual path is about self-sourcing truth and reclaiming sovereignty.Taylor's message is that discernment is not just a skill — it's a way of remembering who you truly are in the middle of a chaotic world.You can reach Taylor by following him on Instagram @iamtaylorperkins or on TikTok @mrcultdaddyIf you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, know you're not alone. Free, confidential help is available:SAMHSA Helpline (U.S.) – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)SMART Recovery – smartrecovery.orgSAA (Sex Addicts Anonymous) – saa-recovery.orgFor listeners outside the U.S., please check local hotlines and support services in your area.To connect with Nichole or join The Psychic Club, visit apsychicsstory.com.If you'd like to further support the podcast, please subscribe to it and/or:FOLLOW @apsychicsstory on Instagram. BOOK a session with Nichole.SIGN-UP to the newsletter for updates.JOIN Patreon for exclusive, ad-free content. BECOME A MEMBER of The Psychic Club.This podcast is intended to inspire you on your personal journey to inner peace. The podcast host, co-hosts or guests are not psychologists or medical doctors and do not offer any professional health or medical advice. If you are suffering from any psychological or medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified health professional. Support the show

Send us a textAlcohol was just the symptom. Matt and Steve talk about childhood wounds, confidence, and why lasting sobriety can take more than AA. From therapy to medical care, they share the tools that keep them sober—and why it's okay to build your own recovery path.Love the show? Stay connected between episodes with the Sober Friends Dispatch—our Substack newsletter packed with real stories, honest reflections, and tools to help you live your best sober life.