544: Big Book Study: How It Works: Part 2
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: In today’s episode, Erik takes us through the second half of How It Works from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. Treatment Prep Guide: SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
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543: I Shouldn’t Be Alive... 8 Years Sober: Destiny's Story
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: In this episode, we sit down with our friend Destiny, who just celebrated eight years of continuous sobriety! Destiny shares her incredible journey — from the depths of addiction to a life filled with purpose, hope, and service. We talk about what it really takes to stay sober long-term, how her mindset has evolved over the years, and the ways she continues to grow in her recovery. Whether you’re brand new to sobriety or years into the journey, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration. Treatment Prep...
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542: Stop Doubting Yourself: Pastor Todd Mullins: Don't Let Doubt Take You Out
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: DONT LET DOUBT TAKE YOU OUT: Christ Fellowship: https://www.christfellowship.church/ In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan Laabs and Pastor Todd Mullins, lead pastor of Christ Fellowship Church here in South Florida. Pastor Todd shares the story behind his new book Don’t Let Doubt Take You Out - and how doubt shows up in our addictions, recovery journeys, and everyday life. We all opened up about our own experiences with self-doubt: how it creeps in, how it can pull us off track, and what it takes to break...
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541: Big Book Study: How It Works Part 1
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: In today’s episode, Erik takes us through the first half of How It Works from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. This is one of the most read and quoted sections in all of AA — but do people really understand what it’s saying? Erik breaks it down line by line, shares how it applied to his own recovery, and calls out some common ways people misinterpret this chapter. If you’ve ever wondered why “rigorous honesty” is so emphasized — or if you’ve gotten hung up on words like “spiritual awakening” —...
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540: Mental Health Medications: Do They Really Work?
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: In this episode, Tom, Ben, and Dr. Tamanini sit down for a real conversation about antidepressants. We break down common questions like: Do they really work? Should people in sobriety take them? Are they overprescribed? Dr. Tambini brings her clinical experience to the table, and we talk openly about what we’ve seen in the addiction and recovery world when it comes to these medications. Whether you’ve taken antidepressants yourself, know someone who has, or are just curious about their role in mental health and...
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539: Why Men’s Mental Health Still Gets Ignored; AA is 90 YEARS OLD
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: Treatment Prep Guide: SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/ In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom Conrad and Benjamin B. discuss the impactful history and personal influence of Alcoholics Anonymous, the significance of Men's Mental Health Month, and their own experiences...
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538: Big Book Study: We Agnostics: Part 2
Real Recovery Talk
Family Reconnect Waitlist: In this episode, we dive deeper into We Agnostics, continuing the conversation around developing a relationship with a Power greater than ourselves. This section of the chapter challenges us to look at our past beliefs—or lack thereof—and how those ideas may have blocked us from getting sober. We break down the spiritual logic laid out in the Big Book, discuss how fear and ego can keep us stuck, and explore what it really means to be open-minded when it comes to spirituality in recovery. Whether you’re new to the steps or revisiting them, this part of...
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537: From Heroin in the Hospital to 8 Years Sober – Josh’s Story of Redemption
Real Recovery Talk
Family Reconnect Waitlist: In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom Conrad, Benjamin B, and their guest, Josh, discuss Josh's eight-year sobriety journey. They dive into topics such as geographical change sparked by divine intervention, how life continues to challenge sobriety, and the significant impact of a spiritual journey. 00:00 Introduction of the Episode and Guests 00:21 Josh's Sobriety Journey and Key Moments 00:58 Sponsor Segment - Soberlink 02:29 Introductions Continued 03:42 Discussion on the Reality of Sobriety 14:31 Josh's Experience in Sober Living 17:42 The Importance of...
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536: He Recovered from a TERRIBLE OPIOID ADDICTION!
Real Recovery Talk
Family Reconnect Waitlist: In this episode, we’re joined by Kevin Lanning, host of The Rise Above Podcast, who shares his powerful story of recovery after nearly a decade of battling opiate addiction. Now with 7½ years clean, Kevin opens up about what it truly took for him to achieve long-term sobriety — from hitting bottom to finding purpose through service and connection. Kevin talks in detail about how working with others has been the driving force behind his recovery and how The Rise Above Podcast has helped him build meaningful relationships, spark honest conversations, and stay...
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535: Big Book Study Week 9: We Agnostics: Part 1
Real Recovery Talk
Family Reconnect Waitlist: In Week 9 of our Big Book Study, we dive into the first half of We Agnostics — one of the most pivotal and misunderstood chapters in Alcoholics Anonymous. This section speaks directly to those who struggle with the idea of a Higher Power, offering both challenge and invitation. We break down how the Big Book addresses resistance, doubt, and past experiences with religion, and why belief doesn’t have to come all at once — or look any certain way. If you’ve ever thought, “I want recovery, but I’m not sure about all this God stuff,” this is the...
info_outlineThe holiday season is here upon us. This can be tough for those who are in early recovery, especially being with family. Along with family comes a lot of emotions. You may have indulged in drugs and alcohol to get through previous holidays to get yourself through this time. Now, however; you are sober and you’ll need to put new tools in your toolbox to move through the holidays sober.
The big question I’m going to discuss today: How can we go into the holiday season and be sure we will be OK when we get out the other side?
Don’t go into the holiday season with the idea that this will be hard for you. Put your fear aside, celebrate being joyful with friends and family. Especially if you’re new to sobriety, take heart to follow these steps and make your holiday season a good and memorable one.
Here is a plan you can follow to have a safe, fun and enjoyable holiday season this year:
#1 Create a plan for your holiday
Not just plan where to go, but how you are going to deal with situations. If you are seeing family, you’ll most likely be going back to the same dysfunction or bad habits of the family. Think about what you are going to do and say when family members put you in a “party” situation or try to bring you to a bar.
#2 Find a meeting where you are going during the holiday
Find a support person locally to reach out and talk to someone who can support you.
#3 Communicate with your family members
Tell your family your boundaries and expectations for your health and to support you. Let your family know if they cannot support you, that you will not be coming to the family function. They won’t know what you expect unless you communicate with them effectively. Share with them your expectations weeks before you are going to meet them for the holidays. This will relieve the awkwardness of your family so they will know what you feel comfortable with during events. Tell your family that you don’t want to be offered alcohol or drugs. If they are drinking, you may need to be in a different room.
#4 Set up your accountability partners beforehand
The newly recovered person should decide before they go to a family function who the responsible family members are which they can have for support.
#5 Look at this as an opportunity to create new, wonderful memories with your family!
Look for happy moments and fill your time with fun activities with your family and friends. Have meaningful conversations and tell them about your newfound sobriety. You may be a vehicle for others to become sober. You may have spent years not being there for your family, this is your time to show your family and friends you are sober and there for them. Have gratitude you have this opportunity to spend time with them.
- If your family is a party family and always uses drugs or alcohol, your best choice is to not attend a family gathering. Be proud of your sobriety and do not put yourself in a situation to lose what you have done for yourself!
There’s nothing on the face of this planet that is worth more than your sobriety.
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Show Notes:
[01:44] Sobriety - you haven’t had to be sober for previous holidays, but now you do!
[03:22] Going into your first holiday season as a sober person.
[04:33] #1 Create a plan for your holiday
[07:11]What should you do when your family puts you in a not-so-great situation? Plan ahead!
[09:09] #3 Communicate with your family members
[12:03] Decide what family members are supportive and communicate with them. #4 Set up your accountability beforehand.
[15:59] Know that you have a say in what you do with alcohol.
[19:09] Be proud to be the sober person in the crowd.
[20:15] There’s nothing on the face of this planet that is worth more than your sobriety.
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