The Recovery Guide

Guardian Recovery
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  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

The Recovery Guide is hosted by Michael Herbert, a person in long-term recovery with over 35 years clean and nearly four decades of experience in addiction and mental health. This show expands the conversation beyond abstinence, exploring the tools, mindset, health practices, and life rebuilding strategies that create lasting recovery. If you or someone you love is navigating addiction, this podcast offers practical guidance, hope, and a reminder that you don’t have to do it alone.

Episodes

  1. 28 APR

    Why Movement Is One of the Most Powerful Recovery Tools

    What if the way you’re working out is actually accelerating your aging? In this episode of The Recovery Guide Podcast, Kai Evans—founder of The Lift Lounge—breaks down the truth about longevity training, aging, and why most traditional workouts haven’t evolved in decades. From muscle loss after 30 to the real science behind strength, mobility, and recovery, this conversation dives deep into how to train smarter, avoid injury, and extend both your lifespan and healthspan. Kai shares his unique approach to training, blending science, movement, and mindset to help clients build strength, improve performance, and stay active well into their later years. You’ll also hear his powerful personal story—how fitness became his escape from bullying and ultimately shaped his mission to help others unlock their full potential. 💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: * Why most workouts are outdated and ineffective * What really happens to your body after age 30 * The difference between healthspan vs lifespan * Why grip strength is a key indicator of longevity * The truth about flexibility, mobility, and stretching * How to train for strength without destroying your joints * The science behind flow state workouts and performance Follow Guardian: https://www.instagram.com/guardianrecovery/ Read More About The Lift Lounge: https://theliftlounge.com/ 00:00 Why fitness hasn’t evolved in 50 years 00:30 What is longevity training? 03:13 What happens to your body after 30 04:16 Longevity = buying your time back 05:10 Top 3 priorities after age 50 07:03 Why 65 is the new young 08:42 The problem with traditional weightlifting 10:35 Injuries from poor training 12:27 Why stretching doesn’t increase flexibility 15:43 Why these workouts are addictive 16:30 Kai Evans’ origin story 19:06 Trainer vs artist mindset 21:21 Modern humans vs primitive fitness 23:30 The science of flow state workouts 25:18 Why most gym routines fail 27:25 Why grip strength predicts longevity 29:34 How to train at The Lift Lounge 31:16 The 4 pillars of longevity

    36 min

  2. 14 APR

    Why Families Keep Addiction Alive (And Don’t Know It)

    What if addiction isn’t just about the person struggling… but the entire family system? In this powerful episode of The Recovery Guide Podcast, licensed mental health counselor Tommy McGee shares his journey from addiction to becoming a therapist—and reveals the hard truths most people never hear about recovery. From childhood trauma and loss to navigating the limitations of traditional 12-step programs, this conversation dives deep into the realities of addiction, family dynamics, and what it truly takes to heal. You’ll learn why families often unknowingly enable addiction, how control can actually make things worse, and what real recovery looks like beyond surface-level solutions. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode will shift your perspective and give you a deeper understanding of what needs to change.   What You’ll Learn: How trauma and environment shape addiction Why 12-step recovery doesn’t work for everyone The hidden role families play in addiction Why control and monitoring don’t fix the problem How therapy, spirituality, and action work together in recovery What true long-term recovery actually requires     Follow Guardian: https://www.instagram.com/guardianrecovery/ Follow Tommy:  https://www.instagram.com/balance_matters/   This episode is sponsored by Guardian Recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, Guardian can help. Visit https://www.guardianrecovery.com  or call 888-721-3790 for confidential support and guidance.   00:00 – Childhood trauma, loss & first drink 03:02 – The moment that started recovery 06:09 – From “good kid” to addiction 11:35 – Falling into the recovery field by accident 15:04 – Early struggles as a therapist (imposter syndrome) 17:03 – The limitations of 12-step recovery 20:32 – Choosing integrity over money 26:12 – Learning culture over credentials (Seminole Tribe) 30:28 – Working with high-level clients & new environments 31:54 – Race, culture & therapy challenges 35:19 – Why people resist therapy 37:01 – Religion vs therapy (and bridging the gap) 42:26 – Outgrowing your environment 45:07 – Why action matters more than insight 46:31 – Working with couples & families 49:21 – Families suffer just like addicts 53:14 – The truth about control & enabling 55:19 – When families lose hope 56:09 – There IS hope in recovery 59:19 – Why families relapse too 01:01:34 – Final thoughts + how to connect with Tommy

    1hr 3min

  3. 31 MAR

    Yoga, Healing, and Learning to Feel Safe Again

    What if yoga isn't a supplement to addiction recovery — but one of its most powerful tools? In this episode of The Recovery Guide Podcast, host Michael Herbert sits down with Fern L Conn, a certified yoga teacher with 35 years of experience and owner of the Dancing Lion Studio in Delray Beach, Florida, to make exactly that case. Fern brings a grounded, science-backed perspective on why yoga — and Yin yoga in particular — belongs at the center of recovery programs rather than as a schedule filler. Through breathwork, present-moment awareness, and moving the body as a vessel for healing, she explains how the practice addresses what traditional talk therapy often can't: the stress locked in the nervous system, the cravings held in the tissues, and the shame quietly running the show. Michael shares his own journey into yoga — the skepticism, the six-month commitment, the daily attendance, and the genuine transformation he's experienced. Together they explore comparison, self-judgment, surrender, and what it means to find stillness when the world won't slow down. Midway through the episode, Fern leads listeners through a live guided breathwork exercise you can follow along with right now. Follow Guardian: https://www.instagram.com/guardianrecovery/ Follow Fern: https://www.instagram.com/fernlconn/  This episode is sponsored by Guardian Recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, Guardian can help. Visit https://www.guardianrecovery.com  or call 888-721-3790 for confidential support and guidance. 00:00 Introduction 01:24 Misconceptions About Yoga 03:05 Is Yoga Just a “Filler” in Treatment? 04:52 The Philosophy of Yoga & Healing 07:14 Taking Control of Your Thinking 08:02 Yoga for Stress, Cravings & Emotions 09:32 Living in the Present (Anxiety vs Peace) 13:09 Yoga as a Spiritual Practice 15:52 Letting Go of Comparison & Judgment 18:02 Healing Shame & Trauma Through Yoga 23:40 Longevity, Health & the Body 26:48 Breathwork & the Nervous System 27:54 Guided Breathwork Exercise 31:26 Meditation Made Simple 34:47 Fern’s Story: From Dance to Yoga 39:24 The Meaning of Shavasana 41:18 Surrender & Recovery 41:40 How to Start a Yoga Practice 45:47 Final Thoughts

    48 min

  4. 17 MAR

    Reality TV, Rock Bottom & Eating Disorder Recovery | Julianne Forrest

    Julianne Forrest, former star of The Real Housewives of New York, opens up about her deeply personal journey with bulimia, recovery, identity, and healing. Julianne shares how growing up in a high-pressure environment and struggling with perfectionism contributed to the development of her eating disorder at a young age. She reflects on how the loss of structure in her life triggered the disorder, and how secrecy and shame kept it alive for years. Julianne discusses her experience in treatment, the importance of honesty in recovery, and the life-changing moment she realized that “secrets keep you sick.” She also shares what it was like to step into the public spotlight on The Real Housewives of New York, the vulnerability of speaking openly about her struggles on television, and how her recovery journey continues today through meditation, spirituality, and self-awareness. This episode explores the realities of eating disorders, the power of recovery, and how even life’s most difficult moments can lead to growth, healing, and purpose. If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder or addiction, this conversation offers insight, hope, and a reminder that recovery is possible. Follow Guardian: https://www.instagram.com/guardianrecovery/ Follow Michael Herbert: https://www.instagram.com/coachmichaelherbert/  Follow Jules: https://www.instagram.com/juleswainstein    This episode is sponsored by Guardian Recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, Guardian can help. Visit https://www.guardianrecovery.com  or call 888-721-3790 for confidential support and guidance. 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Biracial Identity, Family Pressure & Perfectionism 03:09 When the Eating Disorder Became Active 04:04 Bulimia, Control & Keeping Busy 05:25 Shame, Secrecy & Wanting to Stay Small 06:53 Treatment, Independence & Recovery 08:42 Joining The Real Housewives of New York 10:16 Reality TV, Vulnerability & Pressure 13:16 “Secrets Keep You Sick” 14:34 Building a Support System in Recovery 17:19 Divorce, Arrest & Major Life Changes 19:39 Moving to Florida & Starting Over 20:52 Her Father’s Death & Spiritual Awakening 23:05 Meditation, Healing & Energy 24:35 A Meditation Trick for Relaxation 27:48 Daydreaming, Intuition & Connection 29:16 Why Meditation Changed Her Recovery 31:04 Future Goals: Just Be Happy 33:38 Final Thoughts, Michael’s Book & Recovery Wisdom 35:49 Her Mother, Creativity & Healing 38:07 The Power of Words & Manifestation 42:02 Be Ready When Opportunity Comes 42:30 Local Honey, Healing & Closing Thoughts

    44 min

  5. 3 MAR

    The Mirror Moment That Saved My Life – Charles Rosa

    Charles Rosa’s life could have ended in jail — or worse. After losing two older brothers to drug overdoses, Charles spiraled into addiction, grief, and self-destruction. One day, staring into the mirror, he didn’t recognize the person looking back at him. That moment changed everything. Charles shares how a spiritual awakening led him to treatment, how a bicycle became the foundation of his discipline, and how a single sparring session at American Top Team lit the fire that would carry him into the UFC. From riding 9 miles to the gym every day…
To winning 20 amateur fights in a row…
To fighting under the bright lights of the Boston Garden… This is a story of resilience, redemption, and what it truly means when you say: “Every day is a fight you can win.” If you’re struggling, chasing a dream, or rebuilding your life — this episode is for you. Follow Charles: https://www.instagram.com/charlesrosamma/  Follow Guardian: https://www.instagram.com/guardianrecovery/ Follow Michael Herbert: https://www.instagram.com/coachmichaelherbert/  This episode is sponsored by Guardian Recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, Guardian can help. Visit https://www.guardianrecovery.com  or call 888-721 3790 for confidential support and guidance. 00:00 – Introduction 01:42 – Introduction to Charles Rosa 03:50 – Growing Up in Boston & Losing Two Brothers to Overdose 06:34 – His Father’s Cold Water Ritual & Chucky’s Fight 11:04 – “Every Day Is a Fight You Can Win” 12:21 – How His Addiction Began 15:00 – Bottoming Out in New Hampshire 16:22 – The Hotline Call That Changed Everything 18:42 – The Police Raid & What Could Have Happened 20:00 – Treatment in Pennsylvania & Florida 23:30 – The Therapy Directive That Sparked His Career 27:00 – Riding a Bicycle to Build a Dream 32:00 – Sparring a Top 10 UFC Fighter on Day One 35:48 – Meeting Kimbo Slice 39:41 – Replacing Addiction with Martial Arts 41:06 – 20-0 Amateur Run 43:00 – The Fighter’s Mindset: Kill or Be Killed 44:30 – Turning Pain Into Power 47:56 – Why He Still Has Normal Ears

    1hr 7min

  6. 25 FEB

    Welcome to the Recovery Guide Podcast

    Host Michael Herbert brings over 35 years of personal recovery experience and 37 years working in addiction and mental health to introduce a broader, more expansive view of recovery.   This episode explores what recovery really means — beyond meetings and abstinence. While abstinence gets you in the door, what keeps you there is building a life worth staying sober for.   Michael shares his philosophy of trying “a thousand things and finding the five that work,” and why recovery includes perseverance, spirituality, journaling, exercise, diet, purpose, adventure, and even reclaiming dreams you may have abandoned.   This podcast is for: People struggling with addiction Those in active recovery Families and loved ones seeking understanding Anyone looking for hope and direction Recovery is not about perfection. It’s about consistency. And you don’t have to do it alone. There is hope — and this is your guide.   Follow Guardian: https://www.instagram.com/guardianrecovery/ Follow Michael Herbert: https://www.instagram.com/coachmichaelherbert/   This episode is sponsored by Guardian Recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, Guardian can help. Visit https://www.guardianrecovery.com  or call 888-721-3790 for confidential support and guidance.

    5 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

The Recovery Guide is hosted by Michael Herbert, a person in long-term recovery with over 35 years clean and nearly four decades of experience in addiction and mental health. This show expands the conversation beyond abstinence, exploring the tools, mindset, health practices, and life rebuilding strategies that create lasting recovery. If you or someone you love is navigating addiction, this podcast offers practical guidance, hope, and a reminder that you don’t have to do it alone.

Information

  • Creator
    Guardian Recovery
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Recovery Guide

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