Real Recovery Talk
We are a podcast dedicated to sobriety and recovery from alcohol and drugs. (And whatever other addiction that is out there) It doesn't matter what you have been through in the past. We have all done very bad things in our addiction. This does not define who we are. We know there is a way out of addiction. Family and loved ones, you play a part in this as well. There are plenty of stories out there of families and loved ones not knowing what to do with their addicted loved one. Let us guide you on the right things to do and the right decisions to make to ensure that you and your loved one gets the help that you need.
info_outline
521: Addicted Communities: What’s REALLY Happening
05/09/2025
521: Addicted Communities: What’s REALLY Happening
Family Reconnect Waitlist: In this episode, we’re joined by Brave—someone who not only got clean and sober but has dedicated his life to helping others do the same. Brave walks us through his personal recovery journey, what it took to finally surrender, and how he rebuilt his life one day at a time. But his story doesn’t stop with his own sobriety. Brave is now deeply involved in the substance abuse field, working hands-on with those still struggling. He shares the realities he sees in communities hit hardest by addiction and talks candidly about the gaps in support, the barriers people face, and what truly makes a difference. This is a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation that sheds light on both the personal and systemic sides of addiction—and what it takes to create real change. 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/
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/36445615
info_outline
520: Big Book Study: Bill's Story: The Moment Bill W. Got Sober (Part 2)
05/07/2025
520: Big Book Study: Bill's Story: The Moment Bill W. Got Sober (Part 2)
Family Reconnect Waitlist: In this episode, Eric picks up where we left off with the second half of Bill’s Story from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. This part dives deeper into Bill’s spiritual awakening, the critical moments that led to lasting sobriety, and how his experience laid the foundation for what would become the AA program. Eric walks us through the powerful shift that took place once Bill fully surrendered—highlighting the principles, the pain, and ultimately the peace that came from choosing recovery. Whether you’re just getting started or have been sober for years, this episode brings fresh perspective and clarity to one of the most transformational stories in recovery. 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/
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/36445580
info_outline
519: Court-Ordered Sobriety: Real Recovery or Just Compliance?
05/04/2025
519: Court-Ordered Sobriety: Real Recovery or Just Compliance?
Family Reconnect Waitlist: Treatment Prep Guide: SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Craig, a successful attorney who opens up about his personal battle with addiction and how he found lasting sobriety. Craig shares the highs and lows of his journey—from struggling in silence while practicing law to finally hitting rock bottom and seeking help. But his story doesn’t stop there. Today, Craig uses his recovery and legal background to help families take action when a loved one is caught in the grips of addiction. He specializes in using the Marchman Act and other legal tools to guide families through the complex process of getting someone into treatment—even when they’re resistant or in denial. Craig breaks down how the legal system can be used as a pathway to healing, not punishment. If you're a parent, sibling, or loved one feeling stuck and unsure of what to do next, this episode offers hope, guidance, and practical next steps. 🖥️ Learn more about Craig’s work at Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/36409350
info_outline
518: Sobriety Doesn’t Fix Everything: But it sure helps!
05/02/2025
518: Sobriety Doesn’t Fix Everything: But it sure helps!
Family Reconnect Waitlist: Treatment Prep Guide: SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: In today’s episode, we sit down with Kaitlyn, better known on Instagram as @soberasamotherfocused. Kaitlyn opens up about what her life has looked like over the last 2.5 years of sobriety — the wins, the struggles, and everything in between. She shares how working a 12-step program completely changed her life, but also reminds us that sobriety isn’t a magic shield from life’s challenges. Hard stuff still happens — grief, stress, loss, everyday chaos — but now she faces it with a completely different mindset and a strong recovery foundation. We talk about the real work it takes to stay sober when life gets messy, how motherhood plays into her journey, and why it’s so important to stay plugged into a recovery community. This is a raw and honest conversation about what real sobriety looks like once the pink cloud fades. If you’re early in recovery or just need a reminder that tough days don’t mean you’re doing it wrong, this one’s for you. Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/36340665
info_outline
517: Big Book Study: Bill's Story
04/30/2025
517: Big Book Study: Bill's Story
Family Reconnect Waitlist: Treatment Prep Guide: SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: In this episode, Erik takes us deep into Bill's Story from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. From the man himself, Bill is one of the founders of alcoholics anonymous. 👉 Whether you’re new to AA or have been around for years, this is a fresh look at a section that often gets overlooked. 🔔 Make sure to subscribe — we’re taking you through the Big Book, one powerful chapter at a time. Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/36346485
info_outline
516: Why Anxiety Is Keeping You Addicted
04/27/2025
516: Why Anxiety Is Keeping You Addicted
Family Reconnect Waitlist: Treatment Prep Guide: SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we’re talking about something that a lot of people overlook when it comes to addiction: anxiety. Anxiety isn’t just a side effect—it can actually be the root cause of why many people start using in the first place. Whether it’s panic attacks, social anxiety, constant overthinking, or just that feeling like something bad is always about to happen… anxiety can push people straight into the arms of drugs, alcohol, or other unhealthy coping mechanisms. We discuss: 🔹 How anxiety shows up in early sobriety 🔹 Why untreated anxiety leads to relapse 🔹 What we’ve seen with clients struggling with both 🔹 Real tools and strategies to cope—without turning back to substances We also reference real-life stories (our own and others') that show how powerful it is to face anxiety head-on—because until we deal with the anxiety, sobriety is always going to feel like a battle. 👉 If you or someone you love deals with anxiety and addiction, this episode will give you clarity and direction. Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/36315660
info_outline
515: Is a Nightly Drink Slowly Killing You?
04/25/2025
515: Is a Nightly Drink Slowly Killing You?
Family Reconnect Waitlist: Treatment Prep Guide: SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we dive into the age-old debate—is it actually healthy to have a couple drinks at night? We’re not talking to the alcoholics here—we’re talking to the everyday folks who wind down with a glass of wine or two after work. We break down what the research says about alcohol and your health, and we reference a recent article where Joe Rogan opens up about his decision to stop drinking altogether—not because of addiction, but because of the potential long-term health consequences. From sleep disruption and gut issues to increased cancer risk and mental fog, we cover it all. Is the occasional drink really harmless? Or are we just ignoring the warning signs because it’s normalized? Tune in to find out what we learned—and what you might want to consider before pouring your next glass. 👉 Whether you're sober curious or just health conscious, this one’s for you. Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/36293480
info_outline
514: THIS Is Why Alcoholics Can’t Stop!
04/23/2025
514: THIS Is Why Alcoholics Can’t Stop!
Family Reconnect Waitlist: Treatment Prep Guide: SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: In this episode, Erik takes us deep into The Doctor’s Opinion from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. If you’ve ever wondered why alcoholics can’t just stop or what’s really going on beneath the surface of addiction, this chapter lays the foundation. We break down the concept of the allergy of the body and obsession of the mind, and why understanding this is absolutely critical for recovery. 👉 Whether you’re new to AA or have been around for years, this is a fresh look at a section that often gets overlooked. 🔔 Make sure to subscribe — we’re taking you through the Big Book, one powerful chapter at a time. Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/36265610
info_outline
513: The Family Reconnect Program Launches June 3rd!
04/20/2025
513: The Family Reconnect Program Launches June 3rd!
Family Reconnect Waitlist: Treatment Prep Guide: SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides In this video, we break down everything you need to know about our brand new Family Reconnect Program, officially launching on June 3rd. This program is designed specifically for families who have a loved one struggling with addiction — whether they’re in treatment, thinking about getting help, or still in active use. We discuss how the program works, what’s included, and why we created it in the first place. We cover: ✅ Weekly coaching sessions ✅ Step-by-step education on addiction ✅ Tools for setting boundaries ✅ Support for navigating tough conversations ✅ And how families can finally find healing too — not just the addict. If you’ve ever felt helpless, frustrated, or unsure of what to do… this program was made for you. Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/36189540
info_outline
512: How she turned her Grief Into Purpose: Prema’s Story After Losing Her Son
04/18/2025
512: How she turned her Grief Into Purpose: Prema’s Story After Losing Her Son
Prema's Retreats: Family Reconnect Waitlist: Treatment Prep Guide: SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: In this powerful episode, we sit down with Prema — a mother who shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 20-year-old son to fentanyl poisoning. Prema opens up about the unimaginable pain of that loss and what it’s been like navigating life in the aftermath. She talks about the deep grief, the healing process, and how this tragedy has transformed her from the inside out. Prema also shares how she’s now using her experience to serve others by hosting healing retreats at her home in Sweden — creating a space for people to come together, reflect, and find peace. This episode is a raw, emotional, and inspiring look at how one mother found a way to honor her son’s life by helping others find hope through their own pain. Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG:
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/36130180
info_outline
511: Mark Took a Chance… and It Changed His Life
04/16/2025
511: Mark Took a Chance… and It Changed His Life
Family Reconnect Waitlist: Treatment Prep Guide: SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: In this episode, we sit down with Mark — the very first recipient of our scholarship through our partnership with the Mindpump Podcast. Mark shares what life has looked like over the last 7 ½ months as he’s fully leaned into his recovery journey. We talk about what ultimately led him to taking that leap of faith, what he’s learned about himself throughout the process, and how doing the work has completely transformed his life. Mark also shares his next big move — making Florida his permanent home — and what his future looks like now that sobriety has given him a second chance at life. This is a powerful story of willingness, growth, and what happens when you finally surrender and do the work. Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG:
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/36127575
info_outline
510: Actual Experts DEBUNK Addiction Treatment Myths
04/13/2025
510: Actual Experts DEBUNK Addiction Treatment Myths
Family Reconnect Waitlist: Treatment Prep Guide: SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we’re getting honest about something we see all the time—families losing faith in the treatment process. Whether it’s due to relapse, lack of communication, or just feeling like nothing’s working, it’s incredibly common for loved ones to feel burned out, discouraged, and ready to give up. We break down the five biggest reasons this happens, including: Why relapse can feel like treatment failed How unrealistic expectations create disappointment The disconnect families feel when they’re left out of the process The weight of broken promises and emotional exhaustion And the powerful truth that healing has to happen on both sides We also talk about how families can begin to rebuild trust in the process, and why support, education, and community are crucial not just for the person in treatment—but for the family as well. If you’re tired, confused, or losing hope, this episode will remind you that recovery is still possible—and you don’t have to walk it alone. Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG:
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/36053855
info_outline
509: Wounded to Warrior: Tiffany Owen’s Journey from Rock Bottom to Purpose
04/11/2025
509: Wounded to Warrior: Tiffany Owen’s Journey from Rock Bottom to Purpose
Treatment Prep Guide: SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: In this deeply moving episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with Tiffany Owen, author of Wounded to Warrior, to hear her raw and powerful story of transformation. Tiffany opens up about her darkest moments—multiple suicide attempts, the hopelessness she felt in active addiction, and what it finally took for her to surrender and get sober. Her story is one of pain, but also of resilience, redemption, and radical change. Today, Tiffany is living a life with purpose. She has created a powerful program that helps others become the best version of themselves, using the same tools and mindset shifts that helped her rebuild from the ground up. She’s a coach, a speaker, and an example of what’s possible when we stop running and start healing. This is an episode for anyone who’s ever felt broken beyond repair—or has a loved one who has. Tiffany’s message is clear: you are not your past, and there is always hope. 📖 Grab her book 🌐 Learn more about her work at:
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/35980725
info_outline
508: Childhood Trauma led to Fausto’s Mission to Give Therapy Away for Free
04/09/2025
508: Childhood Trauma led to Fausto’s Mission to Give Therapy Away for Free
Treatment Prep Guide: SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: SWUB EPISODE: In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with Fausto—better known online as Not Your Average Counselor. Fausto shares his powerful sobriety journey and how he turned some of life’s biggest challenges into fuel for something much greater. After getting sober, Fausto made it his life mission to help others heal—offering therapy and mental health support for free. Yep, free. His passion for service and his ability to connect with people on a real, raw level has helped him impact thousands of lives across California and beyond. We talk about how Fausto found purpose through pain, why accessibility in mental health care matters, and how he’s using his platform to change the game. Whether you’re early in recovery, thinking about getting clean, or just looking for some serious inspiration—this episode is for you. 📺 You can find Fausto on YouTube at Not Your Average Counselor.
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/35979155
info_outline
507: How Sponsors can SCREW THINGS UP! The Spirit of the 4th Step
04/06/2025
507: How Sponsors can SCREW THINGS UP! The Spirit of the 4th Step
Treatment Prep Guide: SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we dive deep into the Fourth Step of Alcoholics Anonymous—the personal moral inventory—and why the spirit behind this step is just as important as the words on the page. Too often, this crucial step gets misunderstood or misused. We talk about how some sponsors—without meaning to—slip into the role of therapist, crossing lines that can actually hurt more than help. We unpack why this step is not about blame or shame, but rather about truth, clarity, and freedom. We also discuss the importance of working the 12 steps with someone who truly understands the spiritual foundation of the program, not just someone going through the motions. Over the last 50+ years, the 12-step world has changed—and in some ways, the original message has gotten diluted. We get honest about what’s working, what isn’t, and how to get back to the basics that actually lead to long-term sobriety. This episode is sponsored by SoberLink, an app/breathalyzer device designed to help you stay connected and accountable throughout your recovery journey. If you’re in recovery, working with a sponsor, or even sponsoring someone yourself—this episode will challenge you to go deeper and get real about what this step is all about.
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/35975885
info_outline
506: SOBRIETY is NOT guaranteed...DO NOT take it for granted.
04/04/2025
506: SOBRIETY is NOT guaranteed...DO NOT take it for granted.
Treatment Prep Guide: SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom and Eric sit down to explore a topic that often gets overlooked in early sobriety: gratitude—not just for the good days, but for the tough ones too. We kick off the conversation with a powerful question from someone inside our Sobriety Network Facebook group: “How do I stay grateful when everything feels hard?” That sparks a raw, honest discussion about how the path of sobriety isn't always sunshine and serenity—but how the struggles, setbacks, and emotional lows are often the moments that shape us the most. We talk about how easy it is to drift into frustration or comparison as time goes on in recovery, and how important it is to shift our mindset back to gratitude—gratitude for growth, for clarity, for peace of mind, and even for the hardships that teach us who we really are. Eric and Tom share personal stories of times when sobriety felt like a grind, and how pushing through those seasons actually deepened their appreciation for the life they’ve built in recovery. We also reflect on how gratitude isn't something that just shows up—it’s something we cultivate through practice, service, and perspective. If you’re in a season where sobriety feels heavy, or you’re just looking for some encouragement to help you keep showing up, this one’s for you.
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/35947235
info_outline
505: Adam Nimoy on Sobriety, Star Trek, and Reconnecting with His Father
04/02/2025
505: Adam Nimoy on Sobriety, Star Trek, and Reconnecting with His Father
SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: Chat with us! Adams book: In this episode, we sit down with Adam Nimoy — filmmaker, author, and son of the legendary Leonard Nimoy, best known as Spock from Star Trek. Adam opens up about what it was like growing up in the shadow of fame, the challenges within his relationship with his father, and how addiction shaped so much of that dynamic. But this isn’t just a story about struggle — it’s about healing. Adam shares how working a 12-step program not only changed his life, but ultimately helped repair the relationship with his dad after years of distance and dysfunction. With over 21 years sober, Adam talks about what’s kept him grounded, what recovery looks like today, and why the spiritual principles of the program still guide him every day. This conversation is honest, inspiring, and a reminder that it’s never too late to change — and never too late to reconnect.
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/35858565
info_outline
504: Brad Compton: 11 Years Sober, Finding Faith, and Giving Back
03/30/2025
504: Brad Compton: 11 Years Sober, Finding Faith, and Giving Back
SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: FAMILY FIRST: Chat with us! In this episode, we’re hanging out with Brad Compton, who shares his story of addiction, how far it took him down, and what it took to finally turn things around. Brad gets real about the role a 12-step program played in his recovery and how leaning into his spirituality completely changed his life. Today, he’s celebrating 11 years clean and sober, and he’s using his experience to help others. Brad now works with Family First, an amazing adolescent program that supports teens (ages 12–17) who are struggling with addiction. His passion for helping young people and their families is powerful — and it all stems from the life he’s lived and the freedom he’s found in recovery. If you’re looking for a story full of honesty, hope, and what’s possible when you surrender and do the work, this one’s for you.
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/35858450
info_outline
503: How Holistic Medicine is Helping Addicts and Alcoholics: Dr. Sam Zand
03/28/2025
503: How Holistic Medicine is Helping Addicts and Alcoholics: Dr. Sam Zand
Anywhere Clinic: Dr. Sam Zand IG: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sam Zand, founder of Anywhere Clinic, to talk about the evolving landscape of addiction treatment. Dr. Zand shares what he’s learned over the years working with substance abuse patients and what truly makes a difference in their recovery journey. We dive into some of the cutting-edge treatments that are starting to gain traction in the mental health and addiction world, and we also take a hard look at where modern medicine has missed the mark—especially when it comes to truly healing the whole person. If you’re curious about what’s next in addiction recovery, what needs to change in how we treat it, and how we can bridge the gap between science and compassion, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/35793650
info_outline
502: IS YOUR CHILD ADDICTED TO DRUGS?
03/26/2025
502: IS YOUR CHILD ADDICTED TO DRUGS?
SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: Chat with us! In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Laura, a mother who opens up about her son’s battle with addiction and how it’s impacted her life. She shares the emotional highs and lows of watching her son struggle, and the overwhelming sense of gratitude she feels now that he’s finally entered treatment. Laura talks about how, despite having no prior experience with addiction, she’s learning to lean on faith—and truly believes that God has aligned every step of this journey for the better. She also shares the honest truth about her fears, her uncertainties, and how she’s choosing to stay hopeful as her son begins his path to recovery. This episode is for any parent navigating the chaos of a loved one’s addiction. Laura’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there’s still room for hope.
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/35793610
info_outline
501: Loopholes, Reservations, and Unrealistic Expectations: Why They Lead to Relapse
03/23/2025
501: Loopholes, Reservations, and Unrealistic Expectations: Why They Lead to Relapse
SoberLink: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: Chat with us! In this episode, we dive into the subtle but dangerous ways people sabotage their recovery by trying to find loopholes—justifying behaviors, bending the rules, or searching for “safe” ways to still get high without calling it a relapse. We talk about what it looks like when someone isn’t truly solid in their sobriety, and how setting unrealistic expectations for themselves—like needing to be perfectly healed or have everything figured out—can set them up for disappointment and, ultimately, relapse. We also discuss the topic of hidden reservations—those quiet little “what ifs” in the back of someone’s mind. “If it gets too hard, I can always use.” Often, these reservations aren’t obvious to the people around them, but they’re dangerous and real. Finally, we break down why it’s so important to build a strong foundation in early sobriety, and how having a clear reason—and desire—to stay sober is what truly makes the difference. If you’ve ever struggled with being half-in or noticed someone you care about slipping without fully falling, this episode is for you.
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/35776975
info_outline
500: When will you GET CLEAN AND SOBER?
03/21/2025
500: When will you GET CLEAN AND SOBER?
Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: Chat with us! In this episode, we’re joined by Jared, who shares a raw and honest look at what it really took for him to get clean and sober. Jared opens up about the darkest parts of his addiction—the chaos, the desperation, and the extreme lengths he would go to just to get his next fix. But he didn’t stay stuck there. Jared walks us through the turning point in his life, what finally pushed him to seek help, and how his recovery has transformed not just his sobriety, but his outlook on life. This is a powerful conversation about what happens when you hit bottom—and what’s possible when you decide you’re done digging. If you’re looking for hope, truth, and a reminder that recovery is possible no matter how far gone you feel, this episode is for you.
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/35723625
info_outline
PARENTS! you need to let go...
03/19/2025
PARENTS! you need to let go...
Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: Chat with us! In this episode, we talk directly to parents and loved ones who are sending their adult child off to treatment. It’s one of the hardest things to do—trusting someone else with your child’s recovery. But as tough as it is, learning when to lean in and when to step back can make all the difference. We dive into how much involvement is actually helpful, and where well-meaning actions can cross into being overly controlling. We also cover the common pitfalls parents face during this process—like micromanaging treatment or trying to emotionally buffer every consequence. We explain why it’s so important to let the professionals do what they’re trained to do, while still staying supportive in a healthy, balanced way. If you’ve ever struggled with how to support your loved one without getting in the way of their recovery, this episode is for you.
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/35698675
info_outline
When you say YOU'RE SORRY, Nobody believes you...
03/16/2025
When you say YOU'RE SORRY, Nobody believes you...
Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: Chat with us! SOBERLINK: In this episode, I sit down with Ben and Eric to talk about one of the most powerful—and often misunderstood—parts of getting clean and sober: the amends process. We break down why making amends is such a crucial part of recovery, how it helps us repair the damage we’ve done, and what it actually looks like when done the right way. But we also talk about the flip side—why making amends too early can do more harm than good. A lot of people want to rush into it with two weeks sober, thinking it’ll fix everything, but the truth is, timing matters. There’s a reason the amends process comes after working the previous steps. Whether you’re new to recovery or have been walking this path for a while, this episode is full of real insight on what to do—and what not to do—when it comes to repairing relationships and moving forward in your sobriety.
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/35685350
info_outline
HOW TO GET YOUR FIRST YEAR SOBER!
03/14/2025
HOW TO GET YOUR FIRST YEAR SOBER!
Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: Chat with us! In this episode, we reconnect with Brian, who first joined us back on episode 361 while he was enrolled in our treatment program. Today, Brian is 14 months sober and has since transitioned back home to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He shares in detail what that transition was like—the challenges he faced, the emotional and environmental hurdles he had to overcome, and what he did to stay grounded in his recovery. Brian opens up about the habits, mindset shifts, and support systems that have helped him maintain sobriety over the past year. This episode is full of real talk about life after treatment and what it takes to keep going when the structure of treatment is no longer there. If you’re wondering what long-term recovery looks like after the program ends, this is one you don’t want to miss.
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/35654805
info_outline
The Power of Forgiveness in Sobriety
03/12/2025
The Power of Forgiveness in Sobriety
Here is the book! Study: Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: Chat with us! In this episode, we explore a topic that holds incredible weight in recovery—forgiveness. We’re joined by two guests who’ve done extensive research on how forgiveness impacts not just our emotional health, but our overall well-being, especially in sobriety. We dive into the science behind forgiveness—how holding onto resentment, guilt, and shame can keep us stuck, and how choosing to forgive (ourselves and others) can actually lead to measurable improvements in mental, physical, and spiritual health. Our guests share real-life examples and research-backed insights that show how forgiveness plays a critical role in long-term recovery. Whether you’re early in your sobriety or years into it, this episode offers tools and perspective to help you let go of what’s been holding you back—so you can truly move forward.
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/35639535
info_outline
VICTIMS WILL NOT STAY SOBER! Here is why...
03/09/2025
VICTIMS WILL NOT STAY SOBER! Here is why...
Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: Chat with us! One of the biggest things that keeps recovering addicts and alcoholics stuck in the cycle of relapse and self-destruction is victim mentality. It’s that mindset of "Life is out to get me," "No one understands what I’ve been through," or "I can’t succeed because of my past." In this episode, we’re digging deep into: What victim mentality looks like in recovery – the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways it creeps in. Why this mindset is dangerous – how it leads to resentment, isolation, and relapse. How to shift from self-pity to accountability – practical steps to take control of your sobriety. Why service work and gratitude are the ultimate antidotes to victim thinking. We also discuss how family members, sponsors, and recovery communities can help someone recognize when they’re stuck in a victim mindset—without enabling their excuses. At the end of the day, your recovery is YOUR responsibility. No one is coming to save you, but the good news is—you don’t need saving. You just need to take action. If you’re ready to move from blaming to thriving, this episode is for you!
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/35561000
info_outline
Relapse Warning Signs: 3 Red Flags You Can’t Ignore
03/07/2025
Relapse Warning Signs: 3 Red Flags You Can’t Ignore
Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: Chat with us! Relapse doesn’t happen overnight—it starts long before someone picks up a drink or a drug. In this episode, we’re breaking down the three biggest warning signs of relapse so you can recognize them early and take action before things spiral out of control. We will cover: Emotional relapse – When someone starts isolating, bottling up emotions, and neglecting self-care. Mental relapse – The dangerous inner battle of cravings, romanticizing the past, and rationalizing use. Behavioral relapse – The shift in actions, avoiding accountability, and making reckless choices. Whether you're in recovery or supporting a loved one, knowing these warning signs could be the difference between staying sober and falling back into addiction. Tune in to learn how to catch relapse before it happens and what steps you can take right now to prevent it.
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/35528440
info_outline
Ian Fee’s Journey: Seven Years Sober & An Unconventional Path to Recovery
03/05/2025
Ian Fee’s Journey: Seven Years Sober & An Unconventional Path to Recovery
Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: Chat with us! On this episode, we sit down with Ian Fee, who shares his powerful story of getting sober and what ultimately led him to make the change seven years ago. But Ian’s path to sobriety wasn’t the traditional route—he opens up about the unconventional way he got sober and how it shaped his journey in recovery. We dive into what’s worked for him, the challenges he’s faced, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Whether you’re new to sobriety or have been on this journey for a while, Ian’s story is proof that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to getting clean—but there is always hope. Tune in for an inspiring conversation!
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/35482245
info_outline
Andrew ‘Ace’ Greenspan: Sobriety, Autism, and the Healing Power of Music
03/02/2025
Andrew ‘Ace’ Greenspan: Sobriety, Autism, and the Healing Power of Music
Andrews Music! Join our Big Book Study! Join our FREE FB Support group!: Download our free guides!: Chat with us! On this episode, we sit down with Andrew “Ace” Greenspan, who opens up about his sobriety journey over the past nine months and what ultimately led him to make this life-changing decision. Diagnosed with autism at 18, Andrew shares how that impacted his addiction and the unique challenges he faced along the way. He also talks in detail about the serious health consequences he suffered due to his substance use and how he’s working to rebuild his life. But what truly stands out in Andrew’s story is his deep connection to music—he explains how it has shaped his recovery and how he’s using his musical talents to inspire and impact the recovery community. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, self-discovery, and the role that creativity plays in healing. Don’t miss it!
/episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/35475465