Talking Addiction & Recovery

Andrew J. Schreier

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

  1. 5D AGO

    Episode 155: From Tabling to Transformation: Rethinking Gambling Outreach (featuring Megan Poliquin)

    What happens when outreach stops being passive and starts becoming relational?  In this episode, we sit down with Megan Poliquin, Gambling Treatment and Prevention Program Manager at the ZEPF Center, to explore how her team transformed their community engagement strategy in Ohio. Megan shares how what began as a grant-funded obligation evolved into a passionate mission—one that has reached more than 2,300 individuals through brief gambling screens. Instead of simply “sitting at a table,” her team created interactive, engaging, data-driven outreach events that build relationships and demonstrate measurable impact. We discuss: the difference between marketing and true outreach, why human connection matters more than information alone, how to approach community partnerships with clarity and confidence, creative strategies for engaging college students, and how small, consistent steps can build large-scale impact.  About the Guest: Megan Poliquin (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor with her Gambling Endorsement. Megan has specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of gambling disorder since 2018. She is well-versed in the areas of substance use, anxiety, depression, and relationship and financial stressors. Her counseling style is supportive, interactive, and empathetic. She encourages sessions to be client-led, with her role being to help guide you to your own path of gambling recovery. Megan’s clients would describe her as authentic, humorous, relatable, and encouraging. Megan believes a trusting therapeutic relationship is the most powerful tool to create lasting change. Gambling addiction carries burdens of shame and guilt that lead to isolation, but we all need human connections to thrive. Megan’s own personal experience in therapy has shown her that it can be life-changing. Megan believes that no matter what is going on in your life, you are worthy and deserving of healing, happiness, and recovery.  Links: E-mail: mpoliquin@zepfcenter.org https://www.zepfcenter.org/gambling-treatment-program/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-poliquin-567a2185?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BVjelCD72S86%2BMr4ITY%2FlHA%3D%3D Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast. To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery@gmail.com Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

    59 min
  2. MAR 9

    Episode 154: Why Psychoeducation Still Matters in Addiction Treatment (featuring Tom Karl of R1)

    Psychoeducation is often treated as secondary to “real” clinical work—but what if it’s actually foundational?  In this episode of the Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast, we are joined by Tom Karl, Founder and CEO of R1 Learning, to explore the critical (and frequently undervalued) role psychoeducation plays in addiction treatment and recovery. Drawing from Tom’s background in corporate learning and development—and his personal recovery journey—the conversation challenges how treatment programs think about education, engagement, and fundamentals. Together, we unpack the gap between counseling and teaching skills, the importance of shared language and basic vocabulary in early recovery, and why engagement between sessions matters just as much as what happens in the therapy room. We also explore gamification, learning styles, stages of change, and how tools like micro-content and feedback loops can support both clients and clinicians.  This episode is a reminder that effective treatment doesn’t always mean more complexity—it often means returning to the basics and doing them well. About the Guest: Tom Karl founded R1 as the result of his own personal experiences in addiction, and recovery. The idea and vision for the R1 Learning System, the Discovery Cards, and R1 Discover App was inspired following Tom’s last substance use and hospitalization when he noted a lack of practical tools in addiction treatment settings. He has used the creation of the tools to help better understand himself, make a living amends to those he impacted, and build a positive path for others on a similar journey. Through R1, Tom’s goal is to put impactful self-discovery tools into the hands of individuals in recovery and empower them to reach their full potential. In addition, R1’s mission is to address the workforce shortage in the Behavioral Healthcare industry by equipping practitioners at all levels of knowledge, skill, and experience with evidence-based interactive support resources in both hands-on and online formats and in multi-languages. Tom has 25+ years of experience in workforce and leadership development, learning and development, employee engagement, and talent retention, working with global companies, government agencies, and education institutions. Links:  Website: https://r1learning.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/r1learning/posts/?feedView=all Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast. To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery@gmail.com Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

    53 min
  3. MAR 2

    Episode 153: Everybody Loses? The Rise of American Sports Gambling & What It Means for Public Health (featuring Danny Funt)

    Sports betting is everywhere. But what has the rapid expansion of legalized gambling actually cost us? In this episode, journalist Danny Funt joins to discuss his book Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling. Together, we explore how America’s sports betting boom has reshaped sports culture, media coverage, public health, and consumer protections.  Danny shares insights from interviews with people who struggle with gambling, industry executives, researchers, and regulators. The conversation goes beyond financial losses and examines: The erosion of sports integrityVIP betting programs and emotional entanglement strategiesMisleading “risk-free” advertisingWeak consumer protectionsConflicts of interest between leagues and betting monitorsThe normalization of gambling in sports mediaWhy meaningful regulation may require crisis-level consequencesWe discuss how gambling problems affect high-functioning, disciplined individuals — challenging common stereotypes and humanizing the issue.  This episode asks a hard question: If sports betting continues to expand without stronger safeguards… who really wins? About the Guest: Danny Funt is the author of Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling. His reporting has appeared in The Washington Post, The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, and the Columbia Journalism Review. He previously worked as an editor at The Week magazine. A graduate of Georgetown University and the Columbia Journalism School, he lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife, Sally, their son, Louis, and their tuxedo cat, Wynnie. Links:  Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Everybody-Loses/Danny-Funt/9781668062029 E-mail: dannyfunt1@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-funt-2695b4a3/ Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast. To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery@gmail.com Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

    1 hr
  4. FEB 23

    Episode 152: Traumedy and Grime through Addiction, Caregiving, and Never Being Too Late (featuring Dr. Nicki Monti)

    Dr. Nicki Monti, therapist, speaker, and author of the memoir The Divine Traumedy of Nicky Joy: A True Grime Tale is an artist when it comes to how she speaks and writes about her story. Dr. Nicki shares her powerful and unconventional journey from addiction to sobriety and how humor became a lifeline in her recovery. From pursuing acting in California to running a phone sex business, and ultimately becoming a licensed therapist, Dr. Nicki’s story challenges stereotypes about what recovery “should” look like. The conversation explores addiction, pain, and personal responsibility, as well as the often-overlooked emotional toll of caregiving. This episode balances honesty, hope, and humor—reminding listeners that healing doesn’t require perfection, just willingness. About the Guest: Dr. Nicki J. Monti is not your typical therapist. Dr. Nicki instantly gets to the core of presented issues, and immediately provides a clear path for genuine change. Her no-nonsense approach combines with extraordinary compassion and good humor to offer a clear, authoritative voice free of judgment and full of possibility. She quickly brings forward what others have somehow missed and then offers practical tools for truly productive resolution. She is not only a great listener but she makes you feel safe, comfortable and open to what she has to say—she uses wit and her own experiences to reveal what’s undermining you, and to get you beyond being ‘stuck in your own story.’ Joining Dr. Nicki in a seminar, session or event, you will see first-hand her genuine care, humor and intelligence. Through her insightful advice and encouragement, she assists your most positive emotional and life changes.  Dr. Nicki’s successful book series about being Stuck In The Story No More, her Television appearances, her articles, and podcasts have made her into a household name. Dr. Nicki has been seen on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Millionaire Matchmaker, Love Handles and many other Reality Television shows where her compassion, honesty and genuine expertise shine an instant light on circumstances and offer actual change. Links: Website: https://stucknomore.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Nicki-J-Monti/179364015418429  X: https://twitter.com/DrNicki  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NickiMonti  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnickimonti/  Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast. To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery@gmail.com Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

    1 hr
  5. FEB 16

    Episode 151: Wife, Mother, Drunk: Motherhood, Alcohol, and Finding Self-Acceptance (featuring Emily Redondo)

    What is it like to be in the shoes of a wife and mother who is drunk?  Emily Redondo, Texas-based author with Minnesota roots and writer of the memoir Wife, Mother, Drunk shares her vulnerability about her experiences. Emily shares her personal journey through alcoholism, recovery, and the challenges she faced as a mother navigating stigma and expectations.  Explore the impact of addiction on families, the barriers mothers face in seeking help, and the importance of compassion in treatment and recovery spaces. Emily speaks openly about return to alcohol use, shame, self-acceptance, and why recovery is never a straight line. Learn about the value of empathy, meeting people where they are, and creating safe, judgment-free spaces for those struggling with substance use.  A powerful conversation for anyone interested in addiction, motherhood, recovery, and the courage it takes to tell your story. About the Guest: Emily Redondo is a writer, bookworm, and proud mother of four whose articles on recovery and motherhood have been featured in Love What Matters, Genius Recovery, and Legacy Launchpad. Her interests include gardening, camping, collecting antique curiosities, and tinkering with her latest diy project in her workshop. She lives with her husband, Pete, and their lively household in McKinney, Texas. Links: https://www.emilyredondoauthor.com/  Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast. To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery@gmail.com Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

    1h 2m
  6. FEB 9

    Episode 150: Bridging Counseling & Spiritual Care: Inside Hope for the Heart’s Biblical Counseling Model (featuring Haley Scully)

    Explore how faith-based principles and professional counseling can work hand-in-hand to support individuals facing life’s most complex challenges. Haley Scully joins this episode to take a deep dive into Hope for the Heart’s Biblical Counseling Methodology, the Care and Counsel Handbook, and the organization’s mission to equip ministry leaders, helpers, and everyday believers.  This conversation covers: the challenges and opportunities of integrating spirituality into counseling, meeting clients where they are spiritually—without assumptions or pressure, balancing ethical standards with faith-driven approaches, and how the “Keys for Living” library addresses over 100 topics including substance use, gambling, anger, anxiety, forgiveness, and leadership.  Listen for the talk about the difference between discipleship and counseling, and where the two overlap.  The episode highlights how Hope for the Heart serves as a bridge, not a replacement, between professional counseling and spiritual guidance, providing tools that speak to the whole person. About the Guest: Haley Scully, MA, is an experienced and relatable conference speaker, author and trainer who has been with Hope for the Heart since 2011. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Ministry Operations, she began her journey within the organization by working in onsite counseling programs before transitioning to international ministry, where she has provided training in over 35 countries. In her role, Haley oversees various initiatives, fosters partnerships, coordinates resources, and delivers fundamental counseling, coaching and care ministry training for church leaders and parachurch organizations globally. Additionally, she co-hosts the acclaimed podcast, Hope Talks, where she shares practical insights on discovering hope amidst everyday challenges. Haley holds a degree in Communications from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is deeply passionate about connecting those in distress with hope in Christ and applying God’s Word to their daily lives. Links: Website: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HopeForTheHeart  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-scully-bb858947/  Book: Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast. To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery@gmail.com Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

    54 min
  7. FEB 2

    Episode 149: You Matter (featuring Dean Sikes)

    Do you think you matter?  Dean Sykes does and brings to the discussion his decades-long mission of helping teenagers understand their worth. Dean shares his personal journey—from experiencing trauma and emotional abandonment to finding healing through forgiveness and authenticity. Together we explore the themes behind his book You Matter, including the importance of self-worth, listening, and being present for those who are hurting. Learn about communication in families, the growing impact of technology on teens, and why active listening is essential for genuine connection. About the Guest: Since January of 1993, Dean Sikes has been on the road, communicating words of hope in high schools, Teen Challenge Centers, churches and prisons across America and in nations of the world. To date, he’s spoken at over four thousand three hundred events, sharing the YOU MATTER message with millions of people.   In addition to an active road outreach, the You Matter team is engaged everyday of the year on social media, sharing messages of hope for everyone, everywhere. Over the last two years, the team has had over 165 million views of Dean’s videos online.  A published author, to date, Dean has written thirty-three (33) books, all of which serve as follow up resources for teens and their families.  Together with his wife, Lori, the Sikes family make their home in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Links: Website: https://deansikes.net/  E-mail: contact@deansikes.net  Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast. To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery@gmail.com Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

    43 min
  8. JAN 26

    Episode 148: Transforming Methadone Treatment Through Technology & People (featuring Sam Wilson of Opio Connect)

    “What happens when you have a nurse and robot dispensing medication?”  Sam Wilson of Opio Connect discusses how technology is transforming opioid treatment programs and methadone access. Sam shares her work with Opio’s Zing and Zing Satellite systems—innovations designed to expand access to methadone, reduce clinic bottlenecks, and free up nurses to focus more on patient care. Listen to the challenges of adopting new solutions in the industry, the impact on patient experience, and why empowering frontline staff is key to better outcomes in addiction treatment. About the Guest: Sam Wilson (COO) Health tech strategy and ops expert. Co-founded Confidant Health, multi-state behavioral health practice and built ATLAS, the nation's first quality measurement system for addiction treatment facilities. Links: https://opioconnect.com/about/  https://vimeo.com/1135178951?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci  Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast. To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery@gmail.com Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

    43 min
4.8
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

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