The Other Side of Addiction

Al Richards
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This is a podcast that focuses on addiction. It is an engaging and informative platform that explores various aspects of addiction, offering valuable insights, personal stories, expert interviews, and practical advice. Such a podcast seeks to raise awareness, foster understanding, and provide support for individuals struggling with addiction or those affected by it. The podcast may cover a wide range of addictive behaviors, including substance abuse, alcohol, gambling, sex, porn, gaming and more. It aims to shed light on the complexities and challenges faced by individuals dealing with addiction, while also addressing the impact on their relationships, mental health, and overall well-being. A podcast discussing addiction typically combines a compassionate and non-judgmental approach with evidence-based information and strategies. It may feature interviews with addiction specialists, psychologists, counselors, and individuals who have overcome addiction themselves. These discussions often touch upon the causes of addiction, physiological effects, treatment options, and the importance of support networks. The podcast may also delve into related topics like relapse prevention, coping mechanisms, harm reduction strategies, and the process of recovery. It can provide practical tips, resources, and techniques to manage cravings, develop healthy habits, and rebuild a fulfilling life after addiction. Listeners of an addiction-focused podcast can expect to gain a deeper understanding of addiction, dispel misconceptions, and discover valuable resources to support their own recovery or that of a loved one. The podcast serves as a source of inspiration, encouragement, and education, offering hope and a sense of community to those affected by addiction.

  1. 20 Oct

    A Broken Medical System, Coming To God" With Jordan Dougherty

    This episode was sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY/emergoacademy.com A Broken Medical System, Coming To God Through The Storm Podcast | Guest: Jordan Dougherty What happens when a man fighting for his life is forced to confront not only his past, but a future that may never come? On this deeply emotional and thought-provoking episode of Through The Storm Podcast, I sit down with Jordan Dougherty, a man facing liver failure, his own mortality, and the heartbreaking reality of being denied placement on a liver transplant list. Jordan has battled alcohol addiction, but today he says he's done drinking. He's taken full responsibility for the choices that contributed to his failing health. He isn't pointing fingers, making excuses, or blaming anyone for the road that brought him here. He's simply asking for a chance to keep living. Yet, according to Jordan, his history with alcohol has become a barrier to being considered for a life-saving transplant. And that raises a question we should all be willing to ask: At what point does someone's past stop defining their worthiness for a future? Addiction is already surrounded by stigma, shame, and judgment. But when those judgments enter conversations about life-saving medical care, the consequences can be devastating. Jordan's story challenges us to look beyond the addiction and see the human being. A husband. A man who has made mistakes. A man who has taken accountability. A man who still has dreams, love to give, and a life he desperately wants to live. But something extraordinary is happening in the middle of Jordan's storm. He's finding God. As Jordan stands face-to-face with the possibility of death, his eyes have been opened to the beauty of life in ways he never imagined. He shared a moment that stopped me in my tracks. He recently tasted an apple, something he hadn't done in years. And the way he described how delicious that apple tasted was incredible. Think about that for a moment. An apple. Something most of us wouldn't give a second thought to became a beautiful reminder of what it means to be alive. Jordan now sees the beauty in flowers, the kindness of strangers, the generosity of people willing to help, and the incredible sacrifices his wife has made while standing beside him through this unimaginable journey. Things so many of us take for granted have become some of his greatest blessings. And through it all, his relationship with God is growing stronger. Jordan also shared something encouraging. Following a recent liver-related medical test, he encountered doctors who treated him with empathy, compassion, and positive encouragement. After feeling judged because of his past, those moments of kindness meant more than words could express. It was a reminder that compassion still exists within our medical system, and that being treated with dignity can make a tremendous difference to someone fighting for their life. This conversation isn't about denying personal responsibility. Jordan has already accepted his. It's about recognizing that accountability and compassion can exist together. It's about understanding that a person battling addiction is still a person worthy of dignity, love, and thoughtful medical consideration. And it's about remembering that none of us knows how many tomorrows we have left. Jordan may be facing the greatest storm of his life, but in the middle of it, he's discovering something many people spend their entire lives searching for. A deeper relationship with God. A heart filled with gratitude. And an appreciation for the simple miracle of being alive. This episode will challenge how you look at addiction, recovery, forgiveness, faith, and the value of human life. Because sometimes the greatest lessons don't come from those who have everything. They come from those who are facing the possibility of losing everything. A Final Thought What if tomorrow you woke up and the things you took for granted today were no longer there? The taste of an apple. The beauty of a flower. The touch of someone you love. The opportunity to say thank you. The chance to make things right. Would you look at life differently? Jordan is reminding us that life isn't measured only by the years we're given, but by the love, gratitude, and purpose we discover along the way. We cannot change yesterday. But should yesterday alone determine whether someone deserves the opportunity for tomorrow? Different storms. Different stories. But every life has value. Let's Walk Toward Hope Together. "Jordan spent years battling something that was slowly taking his life. Today, he's fighting for the very life he once took for granted. And maybe that's the lesson for all of us. Don't wait until you're running out of tomorrows to appreciate the gift of today. Because sometimes God's greatest message isn't found in a miracle. Sometimes it's found in something as simple as the taste of an apple." https://gofund.me/39e3489fd @koez.oner

    A Broken Medical System, Coming To God" With Jordan Dougherty

  2. 16 Oct

    The God Aspect With Dave Cloutier

    This Episode was sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY/emergoacademy.com The God Aspect What if the worst day of your life became the beginning of your greatest purpose? In this deeply moving episode of Through The Storm Podcast, I sit down with Dave Cloutier to discuss the life-changing accident that nearly claimed his life at just 24 years old. Trapped on a snow-covered road, bleeding heavily, unable to speak because of a collapsed lung, Dave prayed silently in his mind. In that desperate moment, he heard a voice that would forever change his life: "Meet Me as a boy or a man." Dave would spend 18 days in an induced coma and 31 days in the hospital, losing his leg but gaining something far greater—a completely different understanding of God, Jesus, and the purpose behind life's greatest trials. As someone who also lost a leg later in life, this conversation hit me on a deeply personal level. It wasn't just an interview—it was two men discovering that what looked like the end of the story was actually where God began writing a new chapter. Together, we explore what it means to surrender, to trust God in the middle of unimaginable pain, and to discover that our greatest tragedies can become the very things that draw us closer to Him. We also discuss one of the most thought-provoking questions Dave now asks himself every day: "When I look in the mirror, is the person looking back my enemy... or my ally?" That single question has the power to change how we see ourselves, our struggles, and the lives we're capable of living. This isn't simply a conversation about surviving trauma or living with limb loss. It's about identity. Faith. Perspective. Redemption. It's about recognizing that sometimes God doesn't remove the storm—He walks through it with us, shaping us into the people we were always meant to become. If you've ever questioned God's plan, struggled through loss, or wondered how purpose can emerge from pain, this episode is a reminder that our greatest trials don't have to define us—they can refine us. Dave's story is proof that even in our darkest moments, God is still present, still speaking, and still working. Sometimes He doesn't change our circumstances right away... He changes our hearts in the middle of them. Because sometimes God doesn't remove the storm—He walks through it with us. And when we choose to walk with Him, we discover a strength, a peace, and a purpose we never knew existed.

    The God Aspect With Dave Cloutier

  3. 28 Sept

    Burnout: God's Recovery Plan With Keith Cole

    This episode was sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY/emergoacademy.com What happens when the person everyone depends on is the one silently falling apart? In this powerful episode of Through The Storm, I sit down with Keith A. Cole, a United States Marine Corps Vietnam combat veteran, retired CPA, author, and follower of Jesus Christ. Keith's life is one of incredible strength, sacrifice, and service. He survived combat in Vietnam, was wounded three times, lost both of his parents at a young age, became the legal guardian of his two teenage siblings at just 23 years old, built a successful business, and spent decades carrying responsibilities that most people could never imagine. But beneath the strength was a man carrying invisible wounds. Keith shares how years of grief, trauma, responsibility, and self-reliance eventually led him into burnout—not because he was weak, but because he believed he had to carry everything alone. Together we explore a truth that so many people need to hear: Being strong doesn't always get you where you need to be. Many of us look like we're doing just fine on the outside while quietly fighting battles on the inside. We convince ourselves that asking for help is weakness, that pushing harder is the answer, and that everyone else comes before us. Keith reminds us that burnout rarely announces itself. It doesn't always come through failure or collapse. More often, it arrives after years of faithfully carrying burdens without rest, recognition, or relief. We also talk about the life-changing moment when Keith stopped relying solely on his own strength and surrendered his life, his pain, and his struggles to Jesus Christ. That surrender became the beginning of true healing. Throughout our conversation, we discuss: The hidden weight of trauma and grief. Why toughness alone cannot heal emotional wounds. The difference between surviving and truly living. The importance of trusted relationships and community. God's invitation to exchange exhaustion for His peace. Why asking for help is one of the strongest things we can do. One message stood out above all the others: We were never created to fight our battles alone. Whether you're battling addiction, burnout, loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply carrying the weight of life, this conversation is a reminder that there is hope. God doesn't expect us to carry every burden by ourselves. He often works through faith, community, and people who are willing to walk beside us. As Keith so beautifully reminds us: "Toughness can carry you, but it can't heal you." If this episode encourages you, please share it with someone who may be carrying more than they're letting others see. Remember... Storms aren't sent to stop us. They're sent to reveal us. So don't run from the storm. Walk through it... Because that's where strength is built, hope is restored, and purpose is found. Let's Walk Toward Hope Together. https://recoverybyfaith.com/ keith@recoverybyfaith.com

    Burnout: God's Recovery Plan With Keith Cole

  4. 22 Sept

    Sugar Addiction With Michael Collins

    This episode was sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY/emergoacademy.com What if one of the most addictive substances isn't illegal... but sitting in our pantry? In this eye-opening episode of Through The Storm, I sit down with Michael Collins, founder of SugarAddiction.com and widely known as The Original SugarFreeMan. Michael has been completely sugar-free for more than 36 years and has dedicated his life to helping people break free from processed food and sugar addiction. During our conversation, we explored the hidden epidemic of sugar addiction and how deeply it impacts our physical, emotional, and mental health. Michael explained how excessive fructose consumption is contributing to alarming health issues—including fatty liver disease in children as young as five years old. It's a wake-up call for all of us. We also talked about the "sugar blues," the powerful cravings that keep people trapped in an endless cycle, and the illusion of control that so many experience. Just as with other addictions, many people believe they can stop anytime they want—until they realize how difficult that really is. One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that addiction doesn't always look the way we expect it to. Sometimes it isn't alcohol, drugs, or gambling. Sometimes it's the foods we consume every single day without questioning their effects on our brains, our bodies, and our emotions. Whether you're struggling with sugar yourself, trying to improve your health, or simply curious about how food affects the brain, this episode offers practical insights, hope, and a fresh perspective on recovery. Because healing isn't just about removing what hurts us... it's about understanding why we reach for it in the first place. "Addiction doesn't care what the substance is. It cares that something outside ourselves has become our source of comfort, escape, or control." https://quitsugarsummit.com/ https://www.facebook.com/QuitSugarNow/ The Last Resort Sugar Detox Guide: Learn How to Quickly and Easily Detox from Sugar and Stop Cravings Completely https://amzn.to/3Iv1L7k https://www.youtube.com/@SugarAddiction https://www.facebook.com/groups/sugardetox.sugaraddiction.supportgoup https://x.com/SugarDetox https://www.instagram.com/realsugarfreeman/ https://www.tiktok.com/@sugardetox https://www.pinterest.com/sugaraddictionsupport/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mike-collins-57a5628a/ Through The Storm Podcast Helping people navigate addiction, trauma, grief, mental health, and life's toughest storms—one honest conversation at a time.

    Sugar Addiction With Michael Collins

  5. 14 Sept

    Sharing Without Shame, With Donna Marston

    This episode was sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY/emergoacademy.com Sharing Without Shame With Donna Marston When someone we love struggles with addiction, it's easy to believe that if we just love them enough, help them enough, or sacrifice enough, we can save them. The truth is, addiction doesn't just affect the individual—it slowly begins to consume the entire family. In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Donna Marston, founder of Sharing With Out Shame®, Family Recovery Support Specialist, author, and speaker. After years of trying to rescue her own son from addiction, Donna discovered one of the hardest lessons a parent can learn: You can't love someone into recovery—but you can change how you respond. Together we explore the emotional toll addiction takes on parents, spouses, and loved ones, and why so many of us unknowingly lose ourselves while trying to save someone else. One of the most personal moments of our conversation came when I shared something a former co-host once said to me: "Al, you're addicted to your spouse's addiction." At first, those words were difficult to hear. But looking back, he was absolutely right. When someone we love is struggling, their addiction often becomes our addiction. Our thoughts revolve around them. Our emotions depend on them. Our lives become centered around trying to fix what only they can choose to change. Donna explains how unhealthy helping—although rooted in love—can actually keep us trapped alongside the person we're trying to help. She shares practical ways to establish healthier boundaries, remain connected, and love without losing ourselves in the process. This conversation isn't about giving up on those we love. It's about learning that healthy love looks different than enabling. It's about replacing shame with understanding. And it's about discovering that our own healing matters too. If you love someone battling addiction, this episode will remind you that you are not alone—and that taking care of yourself isn't selfish...it's necessary. Because sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone isn't rescuing them... It's allowing both of us the opportunity to heal. Donna Marston Founder, Sharing Without Shame® Certified Recovery Support Worker Family Recovery Strategist Author | Speaker | Podcast Host www.sharingwithoutshame.com Free Guide: 5 Boundaries & Breakthroughs https://swos.sharingwithoutshame.com/5-boundaries www.sharingwithoutshame.com

    Sharing Without Shame, With Donna Marston

  6. 7 Sept

    The Difference Between Pain & Suffering, With Thomas Thatcher

    This episode was sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY/emergoacademy.com "Pain may have written the first chapter of your story, but suffering doesn't have to write the rest." What if one of the greatest breakthroughs in your life wasn't about eliminating pain... but changing your relationship with it? In this powerful conversation, I sat down with Thomas Thatcher From The Tack Philosophy to explore one of the most important distinctions we can make in our healing journey—the difference between pain and suffering. Pain is real. Pain is the event. It's the loss, the betrayal, the diagnosis, the addiction, the trauma, or the unexpected storm that enters our lives. Suffering is everything we attach to that pain. It's the stories we replay, the "what ifs," the blame, the resentment, the guilt, and the meanings we create that keep us trapped long after the original event has passed. Thomas shares the powerful metaphor from his book, The Tack, reminding us that many of us continue to sit on the emotional "tack" of our past—not because we're forced to, but because we've unknowingly become attached to the story surrounding it. We also dive into the three dials that shape our experience: • Language – We are beings of language. The words we use and the meanings we assign to life's events become the stories we live. • History – Too often we continue living from our past instead of creating our future. Healing begins when we stop allowing yesterday to define tomorrow. • Biology – Our bodies remember what our minds try to forget. Understanding how our biology responds to stress and trauma gives us the awareness to respond differently instead of simply reacting. Throughout our conversation, Thomas reminds us that awareness creates choice. When we become aware of the stories we've been telling ourselves, we gain the freedom to write new ones. This episode isn't about pretending pain doesn't exist. It's about recognizing that while pain may be unavoidable, suffering doesn't have to be permanent. If you've ever found yourself stuck in resentment, replaying old wounds, or wondering why you can't seem to move forward, this conversation offers a fresh perspective that can help you step into greater peace, responsibility, and emotional freedom. Key Takeaways: • Pain is the event; suffering is the meaning we continue to give it. • Awareness creates the opportunity for different choices. • Our language shapes our reality. • We don't have to remain prisoners of our past. • Personal responsibility isn't about blame—it's about reclaiming our freedom. • Healing begins when we stop rehearsing our pain and start creating a new future. As I often say, storms aren't sent to stop us—they're sent to reveal us. Sometimes the greatest storm isn't what happened to us. It's the story we've continued telling ourselves afterward. I hope this conversation helps you let go of what's been keeping you stuck and reminds you that there is always another step forward. thetackphilosophy.com #ThroughTheStormPodcast #PainVsSuffering #ThomasThatcher #HealingJourney #MentalHealth #EmotionalHealing #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #Mindset #Recovery #Hope #Healing #Purpose #Growth #WalkThroughTheStorm

  7. 30 Aug

    A Force of Purpose, Who Inspires Through Action,. Empowers Through Education W/Dr Sarah Nisar

    This episode was sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY/emergoacademy.com A Force of Purpose, Who Inspires Through Action, Empowers Through Education What if we've been looking at recovery... and life... the wrong way? This week on Through The Storm Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Sarah Nasir, and our conversation reminded me that healing isn't about becoming someone new—it's about coming back into alignment with who God created us to be. We talked about the powerful connection between science and spirituality, and how they don't have to compete—they can work together. We discussed how our minds, bodies, and spirits were designed to function in balance, and when one is neglected, the others feel it too. One of my favorite moments came when Dr. Sarah challenged the word failure. She prefers the word pivot. Think about that. Failure suggests the story is over. A pivot means you're adjusting your direction while continuing your journey. We only truly fail when we decide to quit. Life isn't asking us to be perfect. God is training us through every challenge, every setback, every storm. Those difficult seasons aren't meant to define us—they're preparing us for what comes next. We also had an incredible discussion about destigmatizing addiction, something that has been at the heart of the Healing Utah Success Summit since day one. Recovery should never be measured by shame or judgment. It should be measured by hope, compassion, growth, and healing. Every person deserves dignity, second chances, and the opportunity to write a new chapter. Dr. Sarah also shared her vision of bridging unlike opposites—science and faith, ambition and family, medicine and purpose. Instead of living divided, she believes we can become whole. That message couldn't have come at a better time. Healing happens when we stop believing we are broken and start believing we were created with purpose. Storms don't mean God has left us. Sometimes they're the very place He's preparing us for what He's called us to become. Thank you, Dr. Sarah, for reminding us that healing is possible, purpose is waiting, and every pivot can lead us exactly where we're meant to be. Listen now and let us know what part of this conversation spoke to your heart. #ThroughTheStormPodcast #Recovery #Healing #Faith #Purpose #ScienceAndSpirituality #MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #SecondChances #Hope #God #HealingJourney #DestigmatizeAddiction #TotalRecovery #keepgoing I also love something Dr. Sarah said without actually saying it outright: "God isn't punishing us through our storms—He's preparing us through them."

    A Force of Purpose, Who Inspires Through Action,. Empowers Through Education W/Dr Sarah Nisar

  8. 30 Aug

    BEing Human

    This episode was sponsored by EMERGO ACADEMY/emergoacademy.com BEing Human Most of us spend our lives searching for the next answer. We look for the next book, the next program, the next medication, or the next breakthrough that will finally help us feel better. But what if one of the most powerful healing tools has been with us since the day we were born? Our breath. On this episode of Through The Storm, I sat down with former Australian Special Forces Commando Tim Thomas, whose life was built around performing under extreme pressure. After years of military service, Tim came home carrying the invisible wounds so many veterans face—PTSD, addiction, poor sleep, chronic stress, and a nervous system that never seemed to turn off. Like so many people, he looked okay on the outside while struggling on the inside. Then, during one of the hardest seasons of his life, he discovered something that changed everything. The off-switch wasn't somewhere out in the world. It had been inside him the whole time. That discovery became the foundation of his work helping people reconnect with themselves through something we all take for granted—our breathing. One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation was that breathing isn't just about keeping us alive. It directly communicates with our nervous system. The way we breathe can influence our heart rate, lower cortisol, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, sharpen focus, and help bring our minds and bodies back into balance. When we're overwhelmed, we tend to breathe fast and shallow, signaling danger to the brain. But when we intentionally slow our breathing, our body begins sending a completely different message: "You're safe." That simple shift activates the parasympathetic nervous system—often called our "rest and restore" system—which allows healing to begin. We also discussed how so many of us have become disconnected from ourselves. We push through exhaustion, wear stress like a badge of honor, and convince ourselves that feeling overwhelmed is just part of life. Tim challenged that belief. His message is simple: You're not exhausted because life is too hard. You're exhausted because you've lost control of your energy. What I appreciated most was that this wasn't about complicated techniques or expensive treatments. It was about learning to reconnect with the one tool we've carried our entire lives. Our breath. Science continues to show that intentional breathwork offers incredible benefits, including: Reducing stress and anxiety Improving sleep quality Lowering blood pressure Helping regulate emotions Increasing mental clarity and focus Supporting recovery from trauma by calming an overactive nervous system Improving resilience during difficult moments Helping us become more present instead of living in constant survival mode As someone who has walked through addiction, loss, grief, and life-changing challenges, this conversation really resonated with me. Healing doesn't always begin with something big. Sometimes it begins with something as simple as taking one slow, intentional breath. Because every storm eventually asks us the same question: "Can you be present right here, right now?" https://www.linkedin.com/in/bettersleepbetterworld/ https://breathworkinbed.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/breathworkinbed/ https://www.facebook.com/breathworkinbed https://www.tiktok.com/@breathworkinbed? Breath gives us that opportunity. It reminds us that we're still here. Still alive. Still capable of healing. If you're constantly running on empty, struggling to sleep, carrying stress, or simply feeling disconnected from yourself, maybe the answer isn't outside of you. Maybe it's already within you. One breath at a time. Remember... storms aren't sent to stop us. They're sent to reveal us. Sometimes the first step through the storm isn't taking another step at all. Sometimes it's simply taking a breath.

    BEing Human
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About

This is a podcast that focuses on addiction. It is an engaging and informative platform that explores various aspects of addiction, offering valuable insights, personal stories, expert interviews, and practical advice. Such a podcast seeks to raise awareness, foster understanding, and provide support for individuals struggling with addiction or those affected by it. The podcast may cover a wide range of addictive behaviors, including substance abuse, alcohol, gambling, sex, porn, gaming and more. It aims to shed light on the complexities and challenges faced by individuals dealing with addiction, while also addressing the impact on their relationships, mental health, and overall well-being. A podcast discussing addiction typically combines a compassionate and non-judgmental approach with evidence-based information and strategies. It may feature interviews with addiction specialists, psychologists, counselors, and individuals who have overcome addiction themselves. These discussions often touch upon the causes of addiction, physiological effects, treatment options, and the importance of support networks. The podcast may also delve into related topics like relapse prevention, coping mechanisms, harm reduction strategies, and the process of recovery. It can provide practical tips, resources, and techniques to manage cravings, develop healthy habits, and rebuild a fulfilling life after addiction. Listeners of an addiction-focused podcast can expect to gain a deeper understanding of addiction, dispel misconceptions, and discover valuable resources to support their own recovery or that of a loved one. The podcast serves as a source of inspiration, encouragement, and education, offering hope and a sense of community to those affected by addiction.

Information

  • Creator
    Al Richards
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    144
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Other Side of Addiction

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