Recoverycast: Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Stories

Recovery.com | Addiction, Sobriety, and Mental Health Support
  • 4.7 (13)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Explore powerful, real-life mental health and addiction recovery stories in authentic, engaging conversations. Each episode spotlights relatable journeys shared by influential voices—from struggles and setbacks to moments of resilience, hope, and healing. This podcast is a safe, supportive space where vulnerability is celebrated, connections flourish, and listeners find reassurance that lasting recovery and mental wellness are truly possible. Tune in for inspiring narratives, practical guidance, and a compassionate sober community to accompany you on your personal path to healing.

  1. 15H AGO

    Gabe Pietrafesa | Alcoholism, Cocaine Recovery, & Choosing the Band Over the Bottle

    Can you still be funny—or even be yourself—without the substance? Gabe Pietrafesa, longtime guitarist for Young Culture and host of the Trapped on the Internet podcast, joins Recoverycast to share his vulnerable journey through the high-pressure world of the music industry and the internal battle for self-worth.. Gabe opens up about growing up as a "chameleon" and a people-pleaser, navigating a childhood shaped by divorce and a complicated relationship with his father's drinking.. What started as a way to "hack the system" through good behavior eventually spiraled into a decade-long cycle of heavy drinking and cocaine use while touring the world.. From performing for eight people in Indianapolis while high to the physical altercation at an Airbnb that served as his ultimate wake-up call, Gabe details the moment he realized he had to save the band he helped build.. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Now a full-time content creator, Gabe discusses the transition from seeking dopamine in a bottle to seeking it through social media validation, and the hard work of addressing "dry drunk" tendencies through therapy and AA.. This episode is a powerful look at how to rediscover your personality, manage sensitivity as an empath, and find a home within yourself when the party finally stops.. Subscribe for more stories of hope and healing. If this story resonated with you, please leave a comment and share it with someone who needs to hear it. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & The Gilmore Girls Obsession 02:18 – Growing Up as a "Chameleon" and People Pleaser 06:40 – Navigating Childhood Divorce and Family Instability 12:21 – First Experiences: From Skateboarding to Music Camp 19:21 – Touring Life: The "Work Hard, Play Hard" Trap 23:51 – The Breaking Point: A Physical Fight in the Rain 30:52 – Navigating Early Sobriety While Working at a Bar 37:03 – Content Creation, Validation, and New Addictions 46:38 – Writing "Broken Paper Plane": An Open Letter Apology 50:40 – Advice for the Sober Curious: "Try it Sober" ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How does childhood trauma influence people-pleasing behaviors?Can you maintain sobriety while touring in the music industry?What are the signs of a "dry drunk" in recovery?How do you navigate early recovery while working as a bartender?What is the relationship between cocaine use and alcohol in the music scene?How can bandmates support each other through addiction recovery?How does an "empath" personality type manage overwhelming emotions without substances?What are the challenges of switching from substance addiction to social media validation?Is it possible to find your "funny" again after getting sober?How do you handle a "rock bottom" moment with your best friends?What advice is there for musicians who feel they need substances to perform?How does therapy help unlock the "why" behind addictive behaviors?#Sobriety #AddictionRecovery #YoungCulture

    54 min

  2. APR 1

    Lucas Curtin | Grief & Loss, Alcohol Addiction, & The Power of Friendship

    How do you keep going when the person you love most suddenly disappears? Lucas Curtin (known online as Fitzgerald Checksworth) opens up about the intersection of cyclical alcohol struggle, sudden grief, and the "snap" in the brain that changed everything. In this vulnerable episode, Lucas shares his journey from being the high school "class clown" to using alcohol to "shut up the voices" of deep-seated anxiety and depression. He recounts the heartbreaking loss of his girlfriend, Marissa, who passed away at just 27, and how that tragedy initially fueled a desperate need to escape through drinking. Lucas discusses the "puke zone" of college drinking, the shame-filled hangovers that lasted for days, and the pivotal moment on October 19th, 2024, when he finally chose to stop running. We dive into the importance of "unconditional love" and judgment-free accountability, highlighted by Lucas’s close bond with his best friend and co-host, Gabe. From running "like Forrest Gump" to process his pain to finding a new North Star in his creative career, Lucas illustrates how sobriety isn't just about quitting a substance—it's about finally being present for the life you were meant to lead. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Whether you are "sober curious" or navigating the heavy weight of loss, Lucas’s story offers a roadmap for turning pain into purpose. Subscribe and hit the bell to hear more stories of resilience and recovery! ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – The "Class Clown" Mask and High School Pressure 04:30 – Crossing the "Puke Threshold" in College 06:30 – Childhood Panic Attacks and Internal Struggles 11:00 – Surviving Sudden Loss: Marissa’s Story 14:30 – The Snap: Choosing Sobriety on October 19th 18:30 – Testing Sobriety: The Annual Christmas Bar Crawl 21:00 – Running Like Forrest Gump: Finding a New Release 23:30 – The Power of Gabe: Friendship and Accountability 28:00 – Managing Grief and Anxiety Without the Numbness 31:30 – Sobriety as a Catalyst for Creative Growth ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How can someone handle sudden grief without turning to alcohol? What are the signs of high-functioning alcoholism in your 20s? Can running and exercise help with addiction recovery? How do you stay sober during social events like bar crawls? What is the "snap" moment in a person's decision to get sober? How does childhood anxiety manifest in adult substance abuse? Why does alcohol often block creative passions rather than fueling them? How can a best friend provide effective accountability in recovery? What does it mean to "take inventory" of your mental health? Can grief be used as a tool for deeper connection with others? Why do hangovers feel like a "shame fest" for those with depression? How do you stop "negotiating" with yourself about your drinking habits? #SobrietyStories #GriefAndRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness

    34 min

  3. MAR 25

    Ryan Hampton | OxyContin & Heroin Addiction to Mobilize Recovery Founder

    From walking the halls of the White House to facing homelessness due to a severe OxyContin and heroin addiction, Ryan Hampton’s story is unforgettable. Ryan Hampton was a rising political organizer and White House staffer when a hiking injury introduced him to highly addictive prescription opioids like Dilaudid and OxyContin. What started as a doctor-prescribed treatment quickly spiraled into a decade-long struggle with opioid use disorder, leading him to the streets and eventually to heroin when his pill supply was suddenly cut off. In this episode, Ryan opens up about the deep-rooted childhood trauma, including his father's incarceration, and the burden of hiding his LGBT identity that fueled his need for escape. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Ryan sheds light on the dark realities of unethical treatment centers and the crucial turning point in his recovery journey. He shares how accessing buprenorphine and finally finding a culturally competent therapist who allowed him to safely come out as gay changed the trajectory of his life. Today, Ryan is a celebrated author and the powerhouse behind Mobilize Recovery, fighting for life-saving legislation, naloxone access, and holding pharmaceutical companies accountable. He proves that our darkest moments can forge our greatest purpose. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment about what inspired you, and share this episode with someone who needs hope today! ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & Political Ambitions 03:35 – Using Organizing as a Coping Mechanism 10:15 – A Devastating Injury & The First OxyContin Prescription 18:10 – Pill Mill Crackdowns & The Shift to Heroin 24:40 – Unethical Rehabs & Extortion Tactics 29:33 – The Turning Point: Buprenorphine & Coming Out 35:04 – Rebuilding Life in a Sober Living Home 43:54 – Turning Tragedy into Advocacy 49:56 – Founding Mobilize Recovery & Policy Change 55:40 – Finding True Purpose & Staying Grounded ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How can a prescription for pain medication lead to heroin use? What were the early warning signs of opioid physical dependence? How did 1990s juice bars contribute to early substance use? What is the danger of cutting off a patient's pain pill supply abruptly? How do unethical rehab centers exploit vulnerable families? Why is culturally competent care vital for LGBTQ+ individuals in recovery? How does buprenorphine help stabilize someone with an opioid use disorder? What role do sober living homes play after residential treatment? How can peer communities prevent relapse in early recovery? How can recovering individuals turn their grief into systemic political change? What is Mobilize Recovery and how does it empower individuals? #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #opioidepidemic

    59 min

  4. MAR 18

    Patrick Custer | Alcoholism, Delirium Tremens & Facing a Brain Tumor

    What do you do when the very thing you have feared since you were three years old actually happens—and you have to face it while five years sober? In this episode of RecoveryCast, Brittany Barnard talks with recovery advocate and media personality Patrick Custer about his intense journey through alcohol addiction and a life-altering medical crisis. Patrick opens up about a childhood shaped by hypervigilance and a "fear of God" that led to chronic anxiety. He describes how his first drink didn't feel like euphoria, but like finally reaching a "baseline" of peace. The conversation dives deep into the physical toll of alcoholism, including the terrifying experience of Delirium Tremens (DTs), which Patrick describes as "electrocution of the brain." From being dropped from a prestigious nursing program to a high-stakes family intervention involving a warrant for his arrest, Patrick shares the moments that led to his radical acceptance. Most importantly, he explains how he navigated a brain tumor diagnosis in sobriety by "leaning in" to connection rather than isolating.  Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ If Patrick’s story of resilience and finding joy beyond "not being sad" inspired you, please subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that hope is always available.  ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: Becoming a Conduit for Hope 02:31 – The First Drink: Reaching "Baseline" 06:45 – Religious Trauma & Chronic Hypervigilance 11:38 – The Horror of DTs & Brain Electrocution 14:33 – "It Isolates Me From Me": Losing Identity 16:28 – The Unraveling: Dropped from Nursing School 19:04 – The Wrong Way: A Family Intervention 22:30 – Arrest Warrants & Radical Acceptance 27:12 – Facing the Nightmare: A Brain Tumor in Sobriety 38:15 – Why Leaning In Is Always Better ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How does alcohol act as a "baseline" for chronic anxiety? What does "electrocution of the brain" feel like during alcohol withdrawal? How can a hypervigilant childhood lead to later substance abuse? What are the consequences of being a "functional" alcoholic in nursing school? How do you handle a family intervention when you are in denial? What is the "forever concept" and why is it overwhelming? How does addiction cause you to "stop developing identity"? What is the impact of "fear of God" versus a spiritual life of your own? How can you stay sober while taking narcotics for a medical emergency? Why do people with addiction often feel "behind" in life? What does it mean to be a "bad apple" in a treatment program? How does a brain tumor affect motor function and speech? Is isolation always the "lesser result" in recovery? How can curiosity replace the shame of not knowing the answers? Why is "not being sad" different from having true joy? #AddictionRecovery #BrainTumorSurvivor #AnxietyAwareness

    42 min

  5. MAR 12

    Tiffany Jenkins | 20 Felony Charges, Pill Addiction, & Healing Through Humor

    Tiffany Jenkins, the New York Times bestselling author and voice behind "Juggling the Jenkins," joins Recoverycast to share her raw journey from facing 20 felony charges to 13 years of sobriety. Tiffany opens up about her childhood struggles with undiagnosed OCD and how a single sip of alcohol in high school led to a decade-long spiral into alcohol, weed, and eventually a devastating opiate addiction. She reveals the harrowing details of staging a burglary in her own home to fund her habit and the rock-bottom suicide attempt in a jail cell that eventually led to her transformation. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ This episode explores the complex intersection of mental health and addiction, covering Tiffany's experience with postpartum depression, agoraphobia, and her recent return to intensive outpatient therapy to maintain her healing. Tiffany discusses the "invisible" life of a high-functioning addict—including dating a police officer while hiding her drug use—and the life-saving connection she found through her father’s own sobriety. Her story is a powerful testament to radical honesty, the 12-step program, and the belief that the opposite of addiction is connection. Subscribe for more stories of hope and healing, and leave a comment sharing your own recovery journey. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Staging a Burglary: The Desperation of Addiction 00:33 – From Bestselling Author to 20 Felony Charges 01:45 – The "Good Kid" and Undiagnosed OCD 04:03 – The First Sip: When Everything Changed 11:11 – Grief, Rock Bottom, and the First Rehab Attempt 13:38 – Dating a Cop While Hiding an Opiate Addiction 23:17 – The Interrogation Room and Suicide Attempt 32:25 – A Christmas Miracle: Recovery as a Family 37:00 – OCD, Postpartum Depression, and Agoraphobia 44:45 – 13 Years Sober: Why Connection is the Cure ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How does undiagnosed OCD contribute to childhood anxiety? What are the signs of high-functioning opiate addiction? How can someone hide drug addiction from a police officer? What does it feel like to detox in a jail cell? Can humor be used as a primary tool for recovery? What is "radical honesty" in the context of sobriety? How does a parent’s sobriety impact a child’s recovery? Is it possible to recover after facing 20 felony charges? What is the difference between "wanting" rehab and "doing" it for others? How do 12-step meetings help with long-term sobriety? What is the link between postpartum depression and addiction relapse? How do you handle agoraphobia in recovery? Why is connection considered the opposite of addiction? What are the benefits of intensive outpatient therapy (IOP)? How do you maintain gratitude after 13 years of sobriety? #TiffanyJenkins #SobrietyStories #AddictionRecovery

    51 min

  6. MAR 4

    Jaimie Alexander | Bourbon Addiction, Near-Death Awakening, & Spiritual Recovery

    From Marvel’s Lady Sif to a hospital bed fighting for her life, actress Jaimie Alexander shares the raw truth about her battle with bourbon and burnout. Jaimie, the celebrated lead of Blindspot, opens up about the "lone wolf" mentality that nearly cost her everything. Despite a thriving career, she used alcohol to medicate social anxiety and the extreme physical toll of performing her own high-octane stunts. She recounts the terrifying moment her appendix ruptured, leading to sepsis and a profound spiritual encounter that finally broke the "death grip" of addiction. Jaimie details her "white light" experience in a Manhattan ER and the voice that gave her a choice: stay and never drink again, or go. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Now over seven years sober, Jaimie discusses overcoming childhood trauma and abuse, the importance of community over isolation, and how she maintains her mental health today through Stoicism and gratitude. Her story is a powerful reminder that hitting rock bottom can be the foundation for an authentic, joyful life. Subscribe for more stories of hope and healing. Share this with someone who needs to hear that they are enough. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Texas Roots & Accidental Acting Career 06:14 – Landing Thor & Humbling Career Lessons 11:36 – Bourbon as "Medication" for Anxiety 15:47 – The Physical Toll of Blindspot & Stunts 18:28 – Rules of Addiction & The "B" Bourbons 20:20 – Childhood Trauma & The "Tough Girl" Shield 29:01 – The Near-Death Sepsis Crisis 34:54 – A Spiritual Encounter: "Never Drink Again" 41:18 – Finding Community Over Isolation 57:30 – Daily Stoicism & The Power of Gratitude ❓ Questions the Video Answers: 1. How did Jaimie Alexander transition from high school wrestling to Marvel stardom? 2. Why do high-functioning actors use alcohol to manage social anxiety? 3. What were the specific "rules" Jaimie used to hide her bourbon use? 4. How does childhood trauma impact adult addiction and "toughness"? 5. What is the actual physical cost of performing stunts on a TV series? 6. What does a "white light" spiritual awakening feel like in a medical crisis? 7. How did a ruptured appendix lead to Jaimie's sobriety? 8. What is the "We Are Enough" mental health campaign? 9. How can Stoicism and daily gratitude lists aid in addiction recovery? 10. Why is asking for help a gift to the person you are asking? #JaimieAlexander #SobrietyStories #AddictionRecovery

    1h 9m

  7. FEB 25

    Sam Miller | From Tarp Living to Nationally Touring Recovery Comedian

    "It was not about getting high, it was about not being sober." In this raw and deeply moving episode of Recoverycast, nationally touring comedian and recovery advocate Sam Miller joins Brittany Bernard to share his incredible journey from the streets of Olympia to the comedy stage. Sam opens up about the intersection of ADHD and addiction, the profound impact of childhood trauma, and the cycle of methamphetamine, alcohol, and benzodiazepine use that led to years of homelessness and incarceration. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Sam describes the "mental load" of growing up with a father who was both violent and loving, and how the loss of his parent at age 12 shifted his fear from one man to the entire world. From huffing gas as a child to sleeping in barns and jail cells, Sam provides a window into the reality of meth recovery and the "survival mode" of unhoused life. He discusses the pivotal moment under a tarp when he finally chose help over death, leading to over 15 years of 12-step recovery, therapy for PTSD, and a successful career in stand-up comedy. This is a story of breaking cycles, finding "52% happiness," and the power of being "okay with being okay." If you or someone you love is struggling, Sam’s story proves that no matter how far you’ve gone, there is a path back. Subscribe to Recoverycast for more authentic stories of healing, and share this episode to help someone feel seen today. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Meet Sam Miller: Comedian & Advocate 01:41 – Childhood Trauma and a Father’s Legacy 04:09 – Navigating ADHD and the School System 07:23 – Grief, Guilt, and Losing a Parent at 12 13:37 – The Spiral: Early Use and Huffing Gas 18:31 – "I Was Running Away From Sobriety" 22:35 – Homelessness and Survival in Olympia 31:17 – The Tarp: The Day Everything Changed 33:36 – Stabilization, 12-Step, and Therapy 51:01 – How Comedy Entered the Recovery Story ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How does childhood trauma contribute to substance abuse?What is the link between ADHD and impulsive addiction?How can someone recover from long-term methamphetamine use?What does "running away from sobriety" mean in addiction?How do 12-step groups help with long-term stabilization?Can therapy help process PTSD from an abusive upbringing?What is the reality of living unhoused while struggling with addiction?How does a parent's addiction affect a child's mental health?What are the dangers of huffing gas and dust-off?How can comedy be used as a therapeutic tool in recovery?How do you break a generational cycle of abuse?What are the first steps to take when deciding to get sober?#MethRecovery #ADHDandAddiction #SobrietyStories

    1h 3m

  8. FEB 18

    Devan Rajkumar | Cocaine, Alcohol, & Ego Deflation in the Culinary World

    How does a celebrity chef dominate the culinary world while hiding a life-threatening cocaine and alcohol addiction? In this episode of Recoverycast, we are joined by Devan Rajkumar, popularly known as Chef Dev, who reveals the "unimaginable" double life he led for years. From national TV appearances and Times Square billboards to late-night after-parties and debilitating chest pains, Devan’s journey is a raw look at the high cost of high-functioning addiction.  Devan discusses how early habits formed at age 13 evolved into a progressive disease fueled by the "work hard, play hard" culture of the service industry. He shares the deep-seated roots of his struggle, including generational trauma and the tragic loss of his brother to suicide, which sent him spiraling deeper into substances to numb the grief.  Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Learn more about Chef Dev: https://www.chefdev.ca/ The turning point came when the "lie routine" finally collapsed after a terrifying overdose scare following a trip to Turks and Caicos. Now over four years sober, Devan explains how ego deflation and the 12-step program allowed him to trade his masks for authenticity. He also opens up about the immense challenge of quitting a 28-year nicotine addiction and why he now lives a purpose-driven life fueled by "Mad Love."  Subscribe to hear more stories of hope and recovery, and join us as we explore the path from addiction to advocacy. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction01:20 – Culinary Roots & Guyanese Heritage 04:33 – The "Lie Routine" & Early Substance Use 07:29 – High-Pressure Kitchens & After-Party Culture 15:49 – Processing Grief: Losing a Brother to Suicide 18:40 – Hiding Addiction Behind Celebrity Fame 30:48 – The Overdose Scare in Turks and Caicos 40:55 – Ego Deflation & Finding Humility in 12-Steps 52:53 – Physical Fitness & Auditing Your Inner Circle 58:18 – Living with Mad Love & Mental Health Advocacy ❓ Questions the Podcast Answers: How can someone hide a serious cocaine addiction while being a public figure? What are the signs of high-functioning addiction in the culinary industry? How do childhood trauma and lack of parental validation contribute to substance abuse? What is the "lie routine" used by those struggling with addiction? How can you navigate grief after losing a sibling to suicide without numbing the pain? What is "ego deflation" in the context of 12-step recovery? Why is the service industry particularly dangerous for people prone to addiction? How do you quit smoking after 28 years while already in recovery for other substances? What does it mean to "love people from a distance" during sobriety? How can physical fitness like squash or gym routines help maintain sobriety? What is the significance of the 12-step program for long-term recovery? How can practicing empathy toward parents help resolve childhood resentments? What is the "Mad Love" philosophy in Chef Dev’s recovery? How does a recovery sponsor provide a "coach for life"? What are effective ways to handle holiday triggers and the availability of alcohol?#SobrietyStories #AddictionRecovery #ChefDev

    1h 5m
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4.7
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Explore powerful, real-life mental health and addiction recovery stories in authentic, engaging conversations. Each episode spotlights relatable journeys shared by influential voices—from struggles and setbacks to moments of resilience, hope, and healing. This podcast is a safe, supportive space where vulnerability is celebrated, connections flourish, and listeners find reassurance that lasting recovery and mental wellness are truly possible. Tune in for inspiring narratives, practical guidance, and a compassionate sober community to accompany you on your personal path to healing.

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