591: STOP playing the VICTIM: Michael Wall
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! Does your new sober life seem to be boring and mundane? Are you having a hard time finding purpose? This is an episode that you dont want to miss! Join our Big Book Study! Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
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590: The 90-Day Sobriety Framework (THIS WILL WORK)
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! What does it actually take to stay sober for the first 90 days? In this episode, we break down a simple, practical framework for alcoholics and drug addicts who want real stability — not just white-knuckling it. We also speak directly to families and loved ones, sharing clear benchmarks that help you tell the difference between real progress and empty promises. If you or someone you love is early in recovery, this episode gives you tangible actions you can start today and clarity on what healthy...
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589: Why I Kept Relapsing on C***aine (Until I Finally Did This)
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! Join our SKOOL Group: Join our Big Book Study! Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
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588: 4 MORE Manipulation Tactics Addicts Use Against their own FAMILY! (Be Prepared)
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling guilty, confused, or responsible for someone else’s choices? You’re not imagining it — and you’re not weak. In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, I break down 4 manipulation tactics addicts commonly use against the people who love them most. These patterns are subtle, emotionally charged, and incredibly effective — especially on parents, spouses, and family members who just want to help. I’ve been on both sides of this. I used these tactics...
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587: 3 Intentions to Help Families Start 2026 With Hope
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? As we head into a brand new year, many family members and loved ones are carrying a mix of hope, exhaustion, and uncertainty — especially when someone they love is struggling with addiction. This video is not about resolutions. It’s not about fixing anyone. And it’s not about doing more. In this episode, I share a few simple intentions you can carry into 2026 — practical, grounded ways to protect your own well-being, strengthen connection, and walk into the new year with clarity instead of fear. Join our SKOOL...
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586: Why You Feel Lied To, Manipulated And Guilty (Advice For Parents Only)
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? If it’s Christmas Eve and you’re lying awake right now, worried about your child, this episode is for you. While the rest of the world seems to be celebrating, many parents are quietly carrying fear, guilt, and exhaustion—wondering where their son or daughter is, if they’re safe, or if things will ever change. In this solo episode, I speak directly to parents who are struggling tonight. We talk about why Christmas Eve can feel heavier than any other night, the lies fear tells us when things get quiet, and what...
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585: My Mom Died From Alcoholism: Here is Why...
Real Recovery Talk
Have someone in your life struggling with addiction? DO NOT MISS THIS! Free webclass: 5 MISTAKES FAMILIES MAKE WHEN TRYING TO HELP A LOVED ONE STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION In this powerful episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with Ricki Santiago, a licensed clinician who opens up about his own experience growing up with an alcoholic mother—and how that trauma shaped his entire life. Before he was a therapist helping others heal… he was a kid watching his mom drink herself into the grave. Join our SKOOL Group: Join our Big Book Study! Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG:...
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584: Addiction or Narcissism? How to Tell the Difference (Professional Opinion)
Real Recovery Talk
Have someone in your life struggling with addiction? DO NOT MISS THIS! Free webclass: 5 MISTAKES FAMILIES MAKE WHEN TRYING TO HELP A LOVED ONE STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION In today’s episode, we break down the difference between true narcissism and the narcissistic behaviors that show up during addiction. These can look identical — manipulation, gaslighting, lack of empathy, emotional abuse — but the root cause is often very different. Join our SKOOL Group: Join our Big Book Study! Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
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583: What Families Get Wrong About Addiction (It's Not Willpower)
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! In today’s conversation, Hilary shares one of the most powerful trauma stories we’ve ever had on the podcast. Before addiction ever entered her life, trauma did. From growing up in chaos… to being pushed into acting at five years old… to living in fear, shame, and survival mode — her story explains EXACTLY why so many addicts and alcoholics struggle the way they do. Join our SKOOL Group: Join our Big Book Study! Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
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582: HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Why Addicts and alcoholics are the most grateful people around...
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I wanted to come on and share my gratitude for ALL OF YOU! Join our SKOOL Group: Join our Big Book Study!
info_outline“I have a purpose today, and I feel God steps in my life a lot and he was telling me to have courage and be fearless.” -Ira
Today, Ben and I chatted with Ira, who’s a real deal addict. He’s had a ton of health issues like cancer, diabetes, and even facing death as a result of his drug and alcohol addiction. But he managed to turn his life around and now he’s going on two years sober! Listen in as he talks about getting addicted, how he overcame it, and all the people who helped save his life along the way.
Struggling to Find His Place
Growing up in the 70s as half Irish and half Vietnamese, Ira felt like he never fit in anywhere. He went through some verbal and physical abuse at an early age.
In seventh grade at age 13, he picked up his first beer and smoked dope for the first time. By age 15, he was an IV drug user and hooked on cocaine and opiates. Then he dropped out of high school with only a 9th-grade education and eventually became a convicted felon in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Florida.
Years after his father passed away from cirrhosis, Ira turned to heavy drinking. “I drank alcoholically because I was searching for the high from dope and pills or whatever it may be, and I wasn’t getting it.”
This led to frequent illness and hospital visits that did nothing to help his addiction... until a pivotal low point marked the real beginning of his turbulent recovery.
Helping Others in Recovery
After a lot of pain and uncertainty about where his life was headed, Ira has taken up a mantle that not many sober people choose. He shares his story in hopes of helping others recover from their addictions. Through his own experience of 35 years and newfound faith, he meets great people in places like hospitals, treatment centers, and psyche wards. Ira knows the importance of having a supportive person or group on the road to sobriety.
Check out our website, where you can download episodes with helpful information for those in recovery and their families. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review!
Show Highlights
[05:26] What made Ira swear off heavy drinking for 13 years
[07:26] How he got high on alcohol and drugs at the same time
[10:49] Frequent hospital visits as an easy way to get a fix
[14:11] Why the substance of choice plays a minor part in addiction overall
[18:46] Ira’s downturn before the turnaround
[29:36] An intervention that led to him getting treatment for his health problems
[40:04] The place and the meeting that ended up saving his life
[46:58] How the last few months of Ira’s life have changed
Episode Links and Resources
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Ideas for a show? Email us tom@realrecoverytalk.com and ben@realrecoverytalk.com
Podcast editing and show notes by Pro Podcast Solutions