Best Elizabeth Vargas Podcasts (2024)

1
“Below Deck” star Captain Sandy Yawn celebrates over 30 years in recovery 34:56

3M ago34:56

34:56

For the season 5 finale of Heart of the Matter, Captain Sandy Yawn from the hit Bravo TV show “Below Deck” joins Elizabeth Vargas to discuss how years of substance use eventually led to more than 30 years in recovery. Sandy also gives advice to anyone struggling – especially those who’ve relapsed – as well as their families. Explore more on topics …

1
Figlia founder Lily Geiger: On how her dad's alcohol use impacted her life and inspired her brand 26:23

3M ago26:23

26:23

Figlia founder Lily Geiger joins Elizabeth Vargas to share the inspiration behind her non-alcoholic cocktail brand. Lily reveals what it was like growing up with a parent struggling with substance use – including its profound influence on her life, and why it inspired her to start her own company. Content warning: This episode contains mentions of …

1
Author David Ambroz: On his journey from foster care to giving back 43:16

4M ago43:16

43:16

In this episode of “Heart of the Matter”, award-winning author David Ambroz joins Elizabeth Vargas to share his incredible journey of overcoming poverty and homelessness and rising to become a successful lawyer and advocate for change. David’s childhood was marked by hardship and a system that failed him. Yet, he defied the odds, achieving remarkab…

1
State Attorney Dave Aronberg: On how to find treatment centers 35:58

4M ago35:58

35:58

Dave Aronberg, who serves as the Palm Beach County State Attorney in Florida, speaks with Elizabeth Vargas about navigating the treatment system. They discuss things people should look for when researching treatment centers, as well as things to avoid. He also explains the “Florida Shuffle” and what patient brokering is – and how this is happening …

1
Chef Ashish Alfred gets personal about his addiction 43:16

5M ago43:16

43:16

Award-winning chef Ashish Alfred joins Elizabeth Vargas to discuss his family history with substance use – including his own addiction. Now that he’s in recovery, he is focused on transforming the restaurant industry for those who don’t drink alcohol. Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode: Is Your Child at Risk? A Substance Us…

1
Lady A’s Charles Kelley: On Honesty in Recovery 44:05

5M ago44:05

44:05

Charles Kelley joins Elizabeth Vargas to talk about his recovery journey. He discloses why he often hid his drinking from those closest to him, how his wife supported his recovery, and why it was important for Charles to be honest about Lady A’s 2022 tour postponement. Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode: Navigating the Trea…

1
Actor and producer Frankie Grande: Overcoming addiction and finding support 36:58

1y ago36:58

36:58

From a young age, actor and producer Frankie Grande found himself addicted to achievements, craving praise from teachers and his mother. When he was cast in the Broadway show “Mamma Mia!” in his early 20s, Frankie felt like his career hit its peak. He found himself misusing alcohol and other substances - something that would continue for years. Fra…

1
TikTok’s Recovery Community with Ryann Cooke and Jordan Shelton 44:07

1y ago44:07

44:07

We often hear about the negative impacts social media can have on mental health, but Ryann Cooke and Jordan Shelton’s lives changed for the better because of the community they found on TikTok. Ryann and Jordan both decided to stop drinking in their 20s after coming to terms with the fact that alcohol was negatively affecting them. They each posted…

1
The Surgeon General on the Loneliness Epidemic and His Own Personal Story 16:08

1y ago16:08

16:08

The Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy, recently made history by declaring a loneliness epidemic. Feelings of loneliness are on the rise, especially among young people, which can lead to serious health risks. This episode of “Heart of the Matter” is an extended version of Elizabeth Vargas’ conversation with Dr. Vivek Murthy for …

1
Fentanyl Q&A with award-winning author and journalist Sam Quinones 38:31

1y ago38:31

38:31

May 9, 2023 is National Fentanyl Awareness Day, a day to spread awareness and education about this deadly substance that is increasingly affecting young people. Award-winning author and journalist Sam Quinones, whose books “Dreamland” and “The Least of Us” explore the nation’s opioid epidemic, returns to “Heart of the Matter” to talk with Elizabeth…

1
Big Sky actress Dedee Pfeiffer: Alcohol, Trauma & Recovery 47:42

1y ago47:42

47:42

“Big Sky” actress Dedee Pfeiffer speaks to Elizabeth Vargas about how she silently struggled with an addiction to alcohol, stemming from years of unresolved trauma. But with support from her family, she sought out professional help and has been in recovery for nearly five years. They discuss how Dedee’s family continues to support her in her recove…

1
Desperate Housewives' Madison De La Garza: Marijuana, Treatment & Family Support 41:48

1y ago41:48

41:48

Elizabeth Vargas is joined by “Desperate Housewives” actress Madison De La Garza to talk about marijuana use disorder and the role her famous family plays in her recovery. While starring as Juanita on “Desperate Housewives” at just six years old, she was a victim to vicious cyberbullying comments about her appearance, which caused her to develop an…

1
“Same Love” singer-songwriter Mary Lambert: On overcoming childhood trauma and her struggle with alcohol 46:10

1+ y ago46:10

46:10

“Same Love” singer-songwriter Mary Lambert opens up to Elizabeth Vargas about how experiencing childhood trauma, including sexual assault, being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and a difficult relationship with the church as a queer woman, led to her intentionally misusing alcohol for many years. Now two years without alcohol, the Grammy-nominated…

1
Actor and author Matthew Perry: On his addiction journey 41:56

1+ y ago41:56

41:56

Elizabeth Vargas sits down with actor Matthew Perry for an emotional conversation recorded during his book tour for his bestselling book, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.” Matthew shares an incredibly honest, inside look at his decades-long struggle with an alcohol and substance use disorder. Despite his wildly successful career, thing…

1
Comedian and actor Tommy Davidson: On finding a second life in recovery 41:17

1+ y ago41:17

41:17

Tommy Davidson’s childhood was anything but textbook. Discovered on the streets as a toddler by his adoptive white mother, he faced alienation from those who looked down on his interracial upbringing, and strife from a society clinging to racial barriers. But a breakout role on the now-iconic ‘90s sitcom “In Living Color” soon thrust him into fame—…

1
Best-selling author David Magee: On how recovery is a journey 50:01

1+ y ago50:01

50:01

As a child, best-selling author David Magee felt that his life purpose was to write a book that could change lives. He recently told his remarkable journey of triumph in the face of trauma in his book “Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love, and Loss.” A few years ago, David lost his son William to an accidental overdose just …

1
Actor and author Cameron Douglas: On recovery, triumph and fatherhood 44:15

2y ago44:15

44:15

This week on Heart of the Matter, actor and author Cameron Douglas, son of Michael Douglas, opens up to Elizabeth Vargas about his incredible recovery journey, as told in his book, “Long Way Home.” Cameron began using substances at 13-years-old, which quickly progressed into a serious addiction. He recounts that even after many years of struggling,…

1
Co-founder of Sober Mom Squad Jessica Landon: On second chances, family and laughter 47:49

2y ago47:49

47:49

As an actress, comedian and Playboy model, Jessica Landon appeared to have the perfect life. But deep down, she was silently suffering from unresolved childhood trauma. Jessica began drinking as a pre-teen and didn’t stop. She became so reliant on alcohol that it became “the only way I could survive in the world,” as she describes it. After experie…

1
“Below Deck” star Captain Lee Rosbach: On guilt, loss and healing 35:43

2y ago35:43

35:43

Bravo’s “Below Deck” star Captain Lee Rosbach opens up to Elizabeth Vargas on the season three premiere of Heart of the Matter about the excruciating pain he experienced after losing his son Joshua to a fentanyl poisoning. Captain Lee discloses that he and his family did not discuss Joshua’s substance use with friends or his fellow crew members for…

1
Harold Koplewicz: Addressing the growing youth mental health crisis 46:14

2y ago46:14

46:14

In our latest episode of Heart of the Matter, host Elizabeth Vargas is joined by Harold Koplewicz, president and medical director of the Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit focused on helping children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. Harold shares that one in five children and adolescents struggle with mental health …

1
Zachary Levi: Understanding the importance of self-love 52:36

2y ago52:36

52:36

In the latest episode of Heart of the Matter, Elizabeth Vargas is joined by actor Zachary Levi, who opens up about his lifelong struggle with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts while starring in hit television shows like Chuck and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and blockbuster movies like Shazam! and Tangled. Zachary shares that after living with…

1
Paul Holes on his New York Times bestselling book “Unmasked” and the importance of having honest mental health discussions 46:21

2y ago46:21

46:21

In the latest episode of Heart of the Matter, Elizabeth Vargas is joined by investigator Paul Holes, New York Times bestselling author of “Unmasked: My Life Solving America’s Cold Cases.” Paul is known for his role in helping to solve high-profile homicide cases, including the notorious Golden State Killer. But his crime fighting success was masked…

1
BONUS EPISODE: Katie Couric interviews Elizabeth Vargas on Next Question Podcast! 1:13:30

2y ago1:13:30

1:13:30

Join us for a bonus episode! Elizabeth recently joined Katie Couric for her podcast Next Question with Katie Couric to discuss the increasing use of alcohol, particularly among women, during the COVID-19 pandemic -- why women are drinking more now than ever; what factors may cause an increase in alcohol consumption; and what recovery looks like. El…

1
Dr. Nora Volkow on the state of adolescent mental health and why we urgently need to apply the lessons learned in the pandemic to addiction and mental health 40:39

2y ago40:39

40:39

Like many families, Dr. Nora Volkow’s had kept it a secret that her grandfather had a substance use disorder and eventually committed suicide. Today, as the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health, she speaks out regularly about how important it is to share these stories to help other families impacted …

1
Song for Charlie co-founders Ed and Mary Ternan on the dramatic rise of counterfeit prescription pills 44:29

2y ago44:29

44:29

After a counterfeit tablet purchased on social media took their son Charlie’s life, Ed and Mary Ternan were determined to take action. Rather than blame social media companies for sales of dangerous substances, Ed and Mary saw an opportunity to make a change. They created the nonprofit Song for Charlie to raise awareness about fentanyl and fentanyl…

1
Dan Schneider of Netflix's The Pharmacist on his crusade to end the opioid epidemic and find justice for his son 48:07

2y ago48:07

48:07

After losing his son Danny Jr. to a substance-related shooting, Louisiana pharmacist Dan Schneider was determined to hold the powerful figures behind the nation’s opioid epidemic accountable. The critically acclaimed Netflix docuseries The Pharmacist recounts Dan’s rigorous quest to find answers about his son’s death, and his mission to stop the ov…

1
Physician and author Carl Erik Fisher on the history of addiction and the capacity for recovery 53:37

2+ y ago53:37

53:37

Physician and author Carl Erik Fisher is both a doctor who specializes in addiction treatment and a person who is very public about his own struggles with substance use, who is currently in recovery himself. With his highly praised book The Urge: Our History of Addiction, Dr. Fisher embarks on a feverish search for answers to age-old questions: Wha…

1
Author and journalist Sam Quinones on the rise of fentanyl, the methamphetamine crisis and the future of addiction 54:17

2+ y ago54:17

54:17

In 2015, award-winning author and journalist Sam Quinones took the world by storm with his heavily lauded book Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opioid Epidemic, an investigative work that helped awaken the nation to the devastation wreaked by OxyContin. With his newest release, The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fen…

1
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller on the work of recovery and the past as legacy 41:55

2+ y ago41:55

41:55

To many who knew him in his college days, Darren Waller had the ideal life: a star football player at Georgia Tech who had caught the eye of NFL scouts, he seemed predestined for a picture-perfect future. However, beneath this glossy veneer was someone who was struggling with opioid use, whose self-confidence was flagging, and whose passion for the…

1
Radical compassion and the power of empathy: in the halls with the students of Northshore Recovery High School 51:47

2+ y ago51:47

51:47

In many ways, Michelle Lipinski is the principal of a high school just like any other. Students rush from class to class from the morning to afternoon, study hard for quizzes and exams, and wait for their senior prom with bated breath. However, one thing sets Northshore Recovery High School apart from most other schools in the nation: All of its st…

1
Award-winning screenwriter and producer Danny Strong and author Beth Macy on Dopesick and the Sackler family 1:00:56

2+ y ago1:00:56

1:00:56

When the miniseries Dopesick premiered on Hulu in late 2021, it was to a world reeling from the conclusion of Purdue Pharma’s bankruptcy proceedings – a settlement that infamously absolved the Sackler family of any opioid-related liability. The show, based on author Beth Macy’s eponymous account of the opioid crisis and starring Michael Keaton in h…

1
REPOST: Anne and Sam Lamott on radical self-care, the genetics of addiction and recovery as inner grace 50:00

2+ y ago50:00

50:00

This week, we’re re-airing one of our favorite interviews from Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas, featuring Anne and Sam Lamott. Bestselling novelist and essayist Anne Lamott had more than her share of experience with substance use disorders: Growing up with family members with addiction, she also had distinct memories of drinking as a chil…

1
REPOST: Laura McKowen on facing pain, telling the truth and looking inward 36:54

2+ y ago36:54

36:54

This week, we’re re-airing one of our favorite episodes of Heart of the Matter, featuring author and founder of The Luckiest Club, Laura McKowen. When Laura first stopped drinking, she thought of it as “the end of all the color” in her life. But after weathering one particularly challenging night, she realized the magic that comes with being in rec…

1
REPOST: Emmy Award-winning actress Patricia Heaton opens up about overcoming drinking, having faith and being a mother 48:24

2+ y ago48:24

48:24

This week, we’re re-airing one of our favorite interviews from Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas featuring Emmy Award winner Patricia Heaton, star of Everybody Loves Raymond and The Middle. While Patricia was working long hours on TV sets and taking care of her four young children, she kept her drinking at bay. But when those shows ended an…

1
REPOST: Top Chef Gregory Gourdet on Reimaging his Relationship with Drugs and Alcohol and Redefining an Industry Bursting with Substance Use 36:58

2+ y ago36:58

36:58

This week, we’re re-airing one of our favorite interviews from Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas, featuring chef Gregory Gourdet. When Gregory was an up-and-coming chef at a top Manhattan restaurant, he found himself spending nights after shifts partying, fueled by alcohol and cocaine. It was only when he moved across the country to Portlan…

1
REPOST: Actress Kristen Johnston Describes the Struggles of Overcoming Addiction and Loving Someone with Addiction 37:06

2+ y ago37:06

37:06

This week, we’re re-airing one of our favorite interviews from Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas, featuring actress and star of 3rd Rock from the Sun Kristen Johnston. When Kristen first started finding success in television, feelings of self-doubt and panic began to overwhelm her. She turned to prescription painkillers, and addiction began…

1
World and international boxing champion Mia St. John on the isolation of relapse, recovery as connection and her fight through grief and loss 40:55

2+ y ago40:55

40:55

A fighter in every sense of the word, boxing champion Mia St. John encountered addiction from a young age, growing up with a father who struggled with drinking and attending her first Alcoholics Anonymous group when she was just twelve years old. Years later, she witnessed her son's struggle with mental illness and a cycle of substance use as self-…

1
Anne and Sam Lamott on radical self-care, the genetics of addiction and recovery as inner grace 49:59

2+ y ago49:59

49:59

Bestselling novelist and essayist Anne Lamott had more than her share of experience with substance use disorders: Growing up with family members with addiction, she also had distinct memories of drinking as a child. Decades later, she watched as her son Sam began struggling with methamphetamines. Today, both mother and son have been in recovery for…

1
Cheryl Burke of “Dancing with the Stars” on therapeutic honesty, addiction in the family and life in the spotlight 43:26

2+ y ago43:26

43:26

To the fans who watch her on their TV screens, Cheryl Burke leads the picture-perfect life, dancing her way across countless stages and starring on national broadcasts. However, there is more to the “Dancing with the Stars” competitor than may meet the eye: Beneath the impressive veneer is someone who is unafraid to open up about her struggles with…

1
Author and activist Ryan Hampton on the inside story of the Purdue Pharma settlement and looking beyond the Sackler family 36:57

2+ y ago36:57

36:57

In the early 2000s, Ryan Hampton was homeless and struggling with an opioid addiction, wondering how he had gone from working as a White House staffer to begging for change on a California street corner. A decade later in recovery, Ryan found himself at the epicenter of Purdue Pharma’s bankruptcy settlement, fighting for justice in a case that grip…

1
BONUS EPISODE: Elizabeth gets interviewed by Annie Grace on This Naked Mind! 52:12

3y ago52:12

52:12

Join us for a bonus episode! Recently, Elizabeth was interviewed by Annie Grace, host of This Naked Mind, a podcast that explores the role alcohol plays in our world and in our lives, with honesty and without judgment. Tune in as Elizabeth shares her story about drinking, working in broadcast television, and now, being a woman in recovery. ----- If…

1
Emmy Award-winning actress Patricia Heaton opens up about overcoming drinking, having faith and being a mother 46:47

3y ago46:47

46:47

In this episode of Heart of the Matter, Elizabeth Vargas interviews Emmy Award- winning actress Patricia Heaton. When Patricia was in the middle of it all — working all hours on wildly successful shows like Everybody Loves Raymond, while taking care of her four young children — she kept her drinking at bay. But when these shows ended and her childr…

1
Author Laura McKowen on facing pain, telling the truth and looking inward 36:05

3y ago36:05

36:05

In this episode of Heart of the Matter, Elizabeth Vargas is joined by Laura McKowen, author and founder of The Luckiest Club. When Laura first stopped drinking, she thought of it as “the end of all the color” in her life. But after weathering one particularly challenging night, she realized the magic that comes with being in recovery and feeling fu…

1
Former NBA Player Chris Herren on Simone Biles, supporting our youth and the strength in struggle 37:41

3y ago37:41

37:41

To any outsider in his Massachusetts high school, star basketball player Chris Herren looked on top of the world, with broken records behind him and a promising career ahead of him. But what many did not know was that beneath his physical prowess was someone struggling with mental health challenges and substance use. In his return to Heart of the M…

1
Brandon Novak on underestimating his addiction and turning inward to find recovery 37:02

3y ago37:02

37:02

Former professional skateboarder, TV stuntman, and recovery advocate Brandon Novak joins Elizabeth Vargas to talk about how he went from a skateboarding prodigy and reality star to homeless. He also shares where he is now: celebrating six years of recovery and spreading hope to others who are struggling. Brandon opens up to Elizabeth about “underes…

1
“Drunk Dreams,” Emerging from the Pandemic and Destigmatizing Addiction with Political Commentator Molly Jong-Fast 35:18

3y ago35:18

35:18

For the 20th episode of Heart of the Matter, Elizabeth Vargas is joined by her friend, writer and political commentator Molly Jong-Fast. Despite entering recovery almost 24 years ago at the age of 19, Molly still regularly attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings – but her routine was disrupted in the past year due to COVID-19. Together, Elizabeth and…

1
Facing a Family Disease with Congresswoman Madeleine Dean & Son Harry Cunnane 46:08

3y ago46:08

46:08

Congresswoman Madeleine Dean thought she understood addiction – but it wasn’t until her son Harry Cunnane was struggling that she came to truly realize what it means when a loved one has a substance use disorder. Now Harry has been in recovery for more than eight years, and the mother and son have written a joint memoir, titled Under Our Roof: A So…

1
The Origins of the Opioid Epidemic with “Empire of Pain” Author, Patrick Radden Keefe 47:11

3y ago47:11

47:11

In this episode of Heart of the Matter, ElizabethVargas interviews bestselling author and investigative journalist Patrick Radden Keefe about his latest book, Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty. In this book, Patrick tells the story of the family responsible for setting into motion the opioid epidemic. Following his recent te…

1
Top Chef Gregory Gourdet on Reimaging his Relationship with Drugs and Alcohol and Redefining an Industry Bursting with Substance Use 35:56

3y ago35:56

35:56

As an up-and-coming chef in Manhattan, Gregory Gourdet found himself surrounded by addictive substances. After finishing an arduous shift at one of the city’s top restaurants, he’d frequently spend the rest of the night partying, fueled by alcohol and cocaine. Eventually, his substance use caught up with him, putting at risk the thing he loved doin…

1
REPOST: Dignity, respect and addiction recovery with Chef & TV Host Andrew Zimmern 40:22

3y ago40:22

40:22

This week, we’re re-airing one of our favorite interviews featured on Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas. In addition to being a chef and TV host, Andrew Zimmern is also in long-term recovery. In this episode, he discusses how the support from family and friends changed his life, the joys of being in recovery for more than 29 years and “writ…

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Elizabeth Vargas Podcasts

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