The 13th Step

4.8 (994)
News
Complete Series

An investigation into the widespread culture of sexual misconduct and abuse persistent in the addiction treatment industry.

Episode 1

The Shadow

What is “the 13th step,” and why does it matter? It all starts with understanding what it’s like to be in the earliest days of recovery. We meet two women who say they were harassed during early recovery. And we meet the man who allegedly harassed them – the founder of New Hampshire’s largest addiction treatment network. The 13th Step is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team. More at 13thsteppodcast.org. To hear more stories by Lauren Chooljian and NHPR's Document team, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 2

The God of Recovery

As Eric Spofford tells it, he spent his teen years in the throes of addiction and crime. When he got sober, he became a crusader for recovery. We hear how he built his company – and his power. And we hear allegations that he abused that power by sexually assaulting members of his own staff. The 13th Step is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team. More at 13thsteppodcast.org. Nearly all the music in this podcast was written by Jason Moon. At the top of this episode, we used an excerpt of a track by “grapes” featuring J. Lang and Morusque. It’s called “I dunno.” To support investigative journalism like The 13th Step at NHPR, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 3

Just the Beginning

In March of 2022, Lauren publishes her first story detailing allegations against Eric Spofford. The events of the next several months illustrate the ways powerful, wealthy people can intimidate sources and try to stop journalism from happening. And then, there was the vandalism… The 13th Step is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team. More at 13thsteppodcast.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 4

A Wild (Wild?) West

How did 13th stepping become so common in the recovery world and who can hold people accountable? Lauren looks into the history of the addiction treatment industry; goes in search of the people, government agencies, and industry groups that are supposed to oversee it; and does a deep dive into its most pervasive cultural force: AA and the 12 steps. She finds a lot of good intentions, alongside a lot of problems. The 13th Step is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team. More at 13thsteppodcast.org. To support investigative journalism like The 13th Step at NHPR, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 5

The Litter Police

What does it take to catch a predator in the addiction treatment industry? We hear about a case in California where the CEO of a network of treatment facilities was convicted of sexual assault and massive insurance fraud. It required years of work – and two women who banded together and refused to give up. The 13th Step is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team. More at 13thsteppodcast.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 6

The Glam Room

Since Lauren began reporting, Eric Spofford sold his New Hampshire company for millions of dollars and filed a defamation lawsuit in response to NHPR’s coverage. We catch you up on everything that’s happened. And we introduce you to a sober living community where addressing women’s sexual trauma is a priority. The 13th Step is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team. More at 13thsteppodcast.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 7

Epilogue: Employee A

A conversation with one of the women whose story of sexual assault you heard earlier in this podcast. She talks with Lauren about what it was like to hear her story published, the legal threats she has faced from Eric Spofford and his lawyers, and why she decided to speak out in the first place. The 13th Step is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team. More at 13thsteppodcast.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 8

Vandalism Arrests

Federal prosecutors have charged three men for their alleged roles in the vandalism incidents. According to the feds, the vandalism was "solicited" by a "close, personal associate" of Eric Spofford's. Reporter Jason Moon goes to the arraignment at a Boston courthouse and tells Lauren what happened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See All Season 1 (13)

Trailer

Trailer: The 13th Step

Reporter Lauren Chooljian starts getting tips about the founder of New Hampshire’s largest addiction treatment network. He is allegedly sexually harassing or assaulting women — employees and former clients at his facilities. The tips send Lauren on a journey deep into the addiction treatment industry, which, as one source says, “needs a #MeToo movement.” The 13th Step is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team, coming June 6th. More at 13thsteppodcast.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4.8

out of 5

994 Ratings

Excellent reporting

08/29/2025

Seattlestacey

My only critique is the review of AA, which is so common in the media, that is doesn’t work for modern women. AA is a broad highway and is what you make of it. If you want to focus on dated language in a book written 85 years ago, then your success will be limited. Would love to hear a journalist interview a woman successful in AA in your research.
We need more good muck rakers like Lauren!

08/24/2025

Chagall

This podcast made me proud to be an NHPR supporter. The tenacity of Lauren Chooljian’s investigative reporting and the bravery of the employees and other subjects featured deserve a huge BRAVA.
Excellence in Journalism is still alive at NHPR

06/30/2025

Bunnyphonic

It’s been a long time since I’ve heard any kind of serious, old school investigative journalism. I went to J school in the 90s. Right around the time the internet launched short form, bite size news stories. I’m in awe of this story and the journalist’s ability to keep digging, keep pushing no matter what kind of threats or intimidation she faced. That kind of true grit, boots on the ground detective work is a rarity and it deserves recognition. You should listen to this podcast and support investigative journalism. 🏆
AA is not the problem

07/09/2025

Kimmy Kean

Re. The Wild Wild West Episode: it’s unfortunate the podcaster only used one women’s bad experience to depict Alcholics Anonymous. As a woman in recovery who has gone to AA for 10 years, this was not my experience. It saved my life and the lives of many of my female friends. I hope this podcast doesn’t deter women who need help from coming to AA. It is an incredibly warm, supportive and loving place. Yes there are some bad seeds but they are the exception, not the rule. Lastly, just want to note that is not how a 4th step is done. If you have been a victim of abuse, it has never been your fault. ❤️