Real Recovery Talk podcast

54:05

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/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: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/…

Real Recovery Talk

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517: Big Book Study: Bill's Story 34:43

4 days ago34:43

34:43

Real Recovery Talk

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516: Why Anxiety Is Keeping You Addicted 1:04:31

7 days ago1:04:31

1:04:31

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/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: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/…

Real Recovery Talk

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515: Is a Nightly Drink Slowly Killing You? 37:12

9 days ago37:12

37:12

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/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: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/…

Real Recovery Talk

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514: THIS Is Why Alcoholics Can’t Stop! 35:13

11 days ago35:13

35:13

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/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: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/…

Real Recovery Talk

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513: The Family Reconnect Program Launches June 3rd! 43:56

14 days ago43:56

43:56

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk 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: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/…

Real Recovery Talk

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512: How she turned her Grief Into Purpose: Prema’s Story After Losing Her Son 1:14:29

16 days ago1:14:29

1:14:29

Prema's Retreats: https://soham.se/ Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/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: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/…

Real Recovery Talk

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511: Mark Took a Chance… and It Changed His Life 1:01:49

18 days ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/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: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/…

Real Recovery Talk

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510: Actual Experts DEBUNK Addiction Treatment Myths 1:02:05

21 days ago1:02:05

1:02:05

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/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: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/…

Real Recovery Talk

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509: Wounded to Warrior: Tiffany Owen’s Journey from Rock Bottom to Purpose 50:32

23 days ago50:32

50:32

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/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 Wounded to Warrior 🌐 Learn more about her work at: https://coachtiffanyowen.com/…

Real Recovery Talk

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508: Childhood Trauma led to Fausto’s Mission to Give Therapy Away for Free 1:08:24

25 days ago1:08:24

1:08:24

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides SWUB EPISODE: https://youtu.be/JB9L1XvKCgw?si=0ehS2m3SDyjf73pk 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.…

Real Recovery Talk

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507: How Sponsors can SCREW THINGS UP! The Spirit of the 4th Step 36:40

28 days ago36:40

36:40

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/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.…

Real Recovery Talk

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506: SOBRIETY is NOT guaranteed...DO NOT take it for granted. 28:31

30 days ago28:31

28:31

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/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.…

Real Recovery Talk

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505: Adam Nimoy on Sobriety, Star Trek, and Reconnecting with His Father 33:31

5 weeks ago33:31

33:31

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services Adams book: https://www.amazon.com/Most-Human-Reconciling-Father-Leonard/dp/0915864738/ref=sr_1_1?crid=S8PBPCO2D3Y3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aSy62v_8EipD9qWFK0wWHZ9kT97J7ODoizJhHUX9WJ_XpsaKbm9tBfglwup8OdE4WVZiJuKFOiWDjJjdEyYBBAH7K_9pBiivVX3RuNHXkVPrSOqRTqxMTS7MOkY5ucWgM89olGMfXxq7imSF_LdJKD8RD-7XaXf93syaE23IVlWgoyooUIt01fQW9O7fb0sUYKdg7T0fjBvNVXliCvtuDhUVQ3aiwtxpmVdmWGgVNnU.Ob522WvIAkRbp7lGufZUNeGJdvNSNT-sQMiFcqyQmm0&dib_tag=se&keywords=adam+nimoy&qid=1742930669&sprefix=adam+nimoy+%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1 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.…

Real Recovery Talk

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504: Brad Compton: 11 Years Sober, Finding Faith, and Giving Back 1:07:57

5 weeks ago1:07:57