Recoverycast: Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Stories

Recovery.com | Addiction, Sobriety, and Mental Health Support
  • 5.0 (11)
  • 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. 4D AGO

    Grace Adams | High-Functioning Alcoholism, Ballet & NYC Sober Living

    Grace Adams seemed to have it all: a prestigious advertising job, a New York City apartment, and a background as a classical ballet dancer. But behind the "perfect" Type-A exterior, Grace was trapped in a cycle of secret binge drinking and 48-hour blackouts. In this vulnerable episode of Recoverycast, Grace opens up about the "emotional bottom" that brought her to her knees on her apartment floor and the courageous phone call to her mother that changed everything. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ We dive deep into the unique pressures of the performing arts world, the "show pony" mentality that fueled her perfectionism, and how alcohol became a way to quiet her intense anxiety. Grace shares her journey through Ashley Addiction Treatment and the instrumental role that Release Recovery’s sober living played in teaching her how to actually live a vibrant, sober life. Now a recovery advocate, Grace discusses how she uses social media to provide the representation she never saw—showing young women that sobriety isn't just about stopping a substance; it's about starting "Life Part Two." If you are a high-functioning individual struggling with isolation or feel like a "fraud" in your own life, this story is a powerful reminder that there is another way to live. Subscribe to Recoverycast for more stories of hope and transformation. Comment below to share your own journey or ask Grace a question! ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – The "Aha Moment" with Peach Schnapps  01:18 – Childhood Pressure & The First Panic Attack  05:35 – The Competitive World of Classical Ballet  06:35 – High School: "Crazy Grace" & Secret Drinking  10:18 – College Binge Drinking & Sorority Culture  13:30 – Spilling Wine & Family Interventions  17:00 – NYC: 48-Hour Blackouts & The Emotional Bottom  25:23 – Entering Treatment & Facing the "Fraud" Narrative  34:00 – The Power of Sober Living & Community  44:06 – Advocacy: Helping Young Women Find Hope ❓ Questions the Video Answers: What does high-functioning alcoholism look like in young women? How does competitive ballet impact mental health and addiction? What is an "emotional bottom" in recovery? How do I tell my parents I can’t stop drinking? What is the difference between detox and learning to live sober? Can you be a "perfectionist" and an alcoholic? How does sober living help with long-term recovery? How do I maintain friendships with "normal" drinkers after rehab? What are the signs of a 12-step program working? How can social media advocacy help in the healing process? What is the "fraud syndrome" in early sobriety? How do I handle holiday triggers in early recovery? Is it possible to have fun in New York City while sober? How do I know if my drinking is "bad enough" for treatment? What are the benefits of a young adult-specific recovery program? #SoberStories #AlcoholRecovery #MentalHealth

    52 min

  2. FEB 4

    Carl Radke | Alcohol & Cocaine Addiction, Sibling Loss, & 12-Step Recovery

    Carl Radke from Bravo’s Summer House shares his raw journey through high-functioning cocaine and alcohol addiction. In this vulnerable episode, Carl opens up about growing up in Pittsburgh where alcohol was the family fabric and how his brother’s struggle with heroin addiction created a life of fear. He details the $2,000-a-weekend cocaine habit he hid behind his reality TV persona and the rock-bottom moment in January 2021 that finally forced him to choose life. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Carl dives deep into the non-linear road of recovery, from the intense pressure of filming while grieving his brother’s overdose to the "hard love" of a New York City AA sponsor. He discusses his memoir, Cake Eater, and his mission to provide alcohol-free spaces through Soft Bar and Cafe. This conversation is a masterclass in turning public shame into private healing and collective inspiration. Whether you are navigating loss or seeking a more intentional way to live, Carl’s story offers a roadmap for redemption and daily discipline. Subscribe to Recoverycast for more stories of hope and healing. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – The True Cost of a $2,000 Weekend  02:29 – Pittsburgh Roots: Alcohol as the Family Fabric  11:12 – Mental Health: Patterns of Depression and Anxiety  13:37 – The Shadow of Sibling Heroin Addiction  18:54 – The High-Functioning Trap: Cocaine vs. Heroin  26:16 – The Call: Losing a Brother to Overdose  31:11 – Filming Through Grief: Real Life on Camera  35:20 – Rock Bottom: The Breaking Point in January 2021  38:52 – Hard Love: AA and the 12-Step Solution  49:50 – Daily Discipline: Making the Bed and 5 Years Sober  ❓ Questions the Video Answers How did Carl Radke’s childhood normalize alcohol use? What are the signs of high-functioning cocaine addiction? How do you process grief when a sibling dies from an overdose? What was the financial impact of Carl's substance abuse? How does reality TV fame complicate the recovery process? Why did Carl Radke join AA and what was his sponsor like? What is the mission of Soft Bar and Cafe in Brooklyn? How can simple routines like making your bed support sobriety? What is Carl's perspective on the disease of addiction now? How did Carl Radke handle public shame regarding his brother? What are the best daily practices for maintaining sobriety? How does Carl Radke define "raw dogging" a marathon? #CarlRadke #SummerHouse #AddictionRecovery

    53 min

  3. JAN 28

    Mistena & Shannon | Meth Recovery, Domestic Abuse & Generational Healing

    Shannon Hughes and her daughter, Mistena Renteria-Elliott, share a raw and harrowing journey through the depths of methamphetamine addiction, domestic abuse, and the long road to generational healing. Shannon opens up about using substances to cope with severe anxiety while trapped in a manipulative and abusive relationship with a stepfather who controlled every aspect of their lives. Mistena reflects on a childhood defined by survival mode, moving constantly, and the trauma of watching her mother disappear into addiction and homelessness. The turning point came during a high-stakes crisis involving a psych ward hold and a last-chance family trip to the Florida coast. They discuss the complexities of meth recovery, the reality of childhood trauma, and how medication like Zoloft and supportive school counselors eventually saved Mistena's life. Now over a year sober, Shannon and Mistena are navigating the messy, beautiful process of getting to know each other again as mother and daughter. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ This episode is a testament to the fact that you can heal, no matter how broken the relationship seems. Whether you are struggling with substance use disorders or are a loved one setting boundaries, this conversation offers a roadmap from defeat to hope. Subscribe to Recoverycast for more authentic stories of sobriety and mental health transformation. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Identifying the Struggle: Methamphetamine and Family Impact 03:31 – The Intersection of Anxiety, Abuse, and Early Addiction 06:05 – Domestic Violence and the Cycle of Manipulation 11:01 – CPS Failures and Navigating Childhood Trauma 14:48 – Coping Mechanisms: Music and School as a Safe Haven 20:13 – Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health Medication and Support 26:27 – Rock Bottom: Homelessness and the Arkansas Psych Ward 30:28 – The Last Chance: A Life-Saving Trip to the Ocean 38:47 – What We Get Wrong About Loving an Addict 45:18 – Rebuilding the Mother-Daughter Bond in Recovery 50:12 – Advice for Families Losing Hope ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How does methamphetamine addiction affect the mother-daughter bond? What are the signs of emotional and domestic abuse in an addicted household? How can children cope with the trauma of a parent's addiction? What happens during a mandatory 72-hour psych ward hold for addiction? Can the ocean or nature assist in the early stages of detox and healing? How do you set boundaries with a parent struggling with homelessness? Is Zoloft effective for treating trauma-related anxiety in teenagers? Why do people stay in abusive relationships while struggling with substances? How can school counselors help students living in high-risk environments? What are the chances of long-term recovery after meth addiction? How do you rebuild trust after ten years of toxic communication? Why is "survival mode" a common experience for families in addiction? #MethRecovery #GenerationalHealing #SobrietyStories

    52 min

  4. JAN 14

    Brandi Mac | IV Fentanyl, Ambiguous Grief & The "Do What You Can Live With" Path

    Critical care nurse practitioner Brandi Mac shares the harrowing journey of her daughter’s IV Fentanyl addiction and the moment Brandi shaved her head to release years of trauma. In this vulnerable episode of Recoverycast, Brandi Mac discusses the reality of navigating nine treatment centers in four years and the "rehab industry" failures that left her family feeling hopeless. As a medical professional, Brandi reflects on her own stigmatized views of addiction prior to it hitting her home, and how she eventually found peace by abandoning "tough love" to lead with empathy. We dive deep into the science and success of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), specifically the life-changing impact of the Sublocade injection, and how Brandi’s daughter found long-term recovery after the family shifted their focus from the addiction back to the person. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ This conversation serves as a guide for families struggling with substance use, offering trauma-informed insights on reentry plans, setting boundaries that you can live with, and the importance of ethical oversight in treatment facilities. Brandi's story is a powerful reminder that as long as there is breath, there is hope. Subscribe for more authentic stories of healing, and share this episode with anyone who needs to hear that recovery is possible. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & The Breaking Point 01:12 – A Medical Professional’s Stigma 03:57 – The First Signs of Addiction 05:00 – IV Fentanyl & The Treatment Cycle 07:30 – Early Exposure: From Percocet to Meth 11:15 – The Failure of the Rehab Industry 13:55 – Why Reentry Plans Matter Most 16:00 – The Trap of "Tough Love" 20:48 – Shaving Her Head: Releasing the Trauma 24:54 – Choosing "What You Can Live With" 28:34 – Small Talk & Reconnecting in Active Use 33:44 – Setting Healthy Boundaries Without Cruelty 35:33 – The Truth About MAT & Sublocade 40:46 – Writing the Book on Chaos & Healing 45:09 – Red Flags in Treatment Centers ❓ Questions the Video Answers: 1. How can parents support a child struggling with Fentanyl addiction? 2. What are the signs of burnout in medical professionals treating substance use? 3. Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) just trading one drug for another? 4. What is "ambiguous grief" in the context of family addiction? 5. Why do traditional 30-day treatment programs often fail for opioids? 6. How do I set boundaries without using "tough love" tactics? 7. What is the Sublocade injection, and how does it help with recovery? 8. How can I reconnect and have "small talk" with a loved one in active use? 9. What are the major red flags to look for when choosing a rehab facility? 10. How does the concept of "doing what you can live with" help family healing? 11. Can a family find peace while their loved one is still using? 12. What is the role of compassion and empathy in clinical nursing care? 13. Why is discharge planning and reentry support crucial for sobriety? 14. What are the ethical issues surrounding free flights to treatment centers? 15. How does hair hold trauma during a breaking point? #FentanylRecovery #MAT #AddictionSupport

    50 min

  5. JAN 7

    Bobby Kazz | Stigma, Binge Eating Relapses & Journey to Men’s Eating Disorder Recovery

    At six years old, Bobby Kazz was already asking his mom how to lose weight; by college he was trapped in a cycle of starvation, binge eating and guilt. This episode of Recoverycast shines a light on male eating disorders—a story we rarely hear. Bobby Kazz explains how teasing at his sixth‑birthday pool party and growing up in a thin family planted seeds of insecurity. In high school he decided to “just run and see what happens” and began skipping meals, lying to his parents about eating, and running miles every day until his body felt worse and worse. Compliments about his weight loss fed the disorder and he kept pushing himself even when it hurt. College marked a turn: after getting an Apple Watch he started walking 30–40,000 steps a day and spending all his free time in the gym to “earn” food. This over‑exercise soon led to binge eating, fueled by loneliness and boredom, and he hit rock bottom in spring 2022. Despite sharing his struggles on TikTok, Bobby Kazz never sought formal treatment; instead, he relied on family support and developed his own tools, like breathwork, eating slowly and reminding himself that relapses are part of recovery. A pivotal moment came when a CrossFit coach told him to eat after a workout—he realized food wasn’t the enemy. Now he trains for marathons, eats to fuel his body and uses his platform to destigmatize male body image issues. Whether you struggle with binge eating disorder recovery, male body image insecurities, social media and male body image, or you’re looking for eating disorder recovery motivation, Bobby Kazz’s story shows that healing is possible. Tune in to learn how he broke the restrict‑binge cycle, managed triggers and built a healthy relationship with food and movement. Subscribe, drop a comment about your own journey and share this episode—there’s strength in knowing you’re not alone. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & Men’s Eating Disorder Stigma 02:00 – Childhood Weight & Early Body Dysmorphia 05:50 – High‑School Restriction & Compliments 10:28 – College: Over‑Exercising & Binge Eating 16:30 – Sharing His Story & Social Media Pressure 20:34 – Rock Bottom: Triggers & Relapses 29:00 – Marathon Training & Redefining Health 35:00 – Coping Strategies & Advice for Recovery 43:00 – Final Thoughts, Hope & Call to Action ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How can a man recognize the signs of an eating disorder? What makes male eating disorders so stigmatized? How did childhood teasing and family dynamics affect Bobby Kazz’s body image? Why did restrictive dieting and over‑exercising feel “normal” to him? How did compliments about weight loss reinforce unhealthy behaviors? In what ways did social media and an Apple Watch fuel his binge eating disorder? What triggers contributed to his worst binge episodes? How did breathwork, eating slowly and “the blink method” help Bobby Kazz cope with cravings? Why didn’t he seek formal treatment, and how did he create his own recovery toolkit? What role did a CrossFit coach’s advice to “eat a lot” play in changing his mindset? How did training for a marathon teach him to fuel his body properly? What does he tell his younger self about body image and self‑worth? How can friends and family support someone recovering from binge eating disorder? Why are relapses part of the recovery process, and how should you respond? How can people overcome shame and seek help for eating disorders? #eatingdisorderrecovery #mensmentalhealth #bodydysmorphia

    45 min

  6. 12/31/2025 · BONUS

    Welcome to Dry January | 14 Answers to Your Alcohol & Sobriety Questions

    Struggling with Dry January or thinking of cutting back on alcohol? In this bonus Recoverycast episode, guest host Riley Whelan fields the 14 most‑asked questions about Dry January and sober curiosity. She explains how a social media challenge became a powerful way to explore your relationship with alcohol. Whether you’ve never gone a week without drinking or you’re just curious about sobriety, Riley shares practical tips for starting one day at a time, coping with emotional and physical withdrawals, and understanding the true benefits of a 30‑day alcohol detox. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ You’ll learn why accountability is crucial, how to deal with cravings and boredom, and whether you should avoid parties or simply switch to mocktails with supportive friends. Riley talks openly about the discomfort of early sobriety—from mood swings to loneliness—and offers healthier ways to reward yourself than grabbing a bottle. She also discusses navigating relationships when your partner isn’t on board, building confidence without “liquid courage,” and finding sober‑curious communities online or in your city. If Dry January reveals deeper concerns, Riley explains when to seek professional help and how to connect with 12‑step programs or treatment centers. Tune in for a compassionate, candid Q&A that makes sobriety feel less intimidating and more empowering. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: Dry January Q&A With Riley Whelan 00:21 – What Is Dry January & Why Do People Do It? 01:03 – How Do I Start Dry January If I’ve Never Gone a Week Without Drinking? 02:09 – How Long Does It Take to Feel Better After Stopping Alcohol? 03:12 – Should I Tell People I’m Doing Dry January or Keep It Private? 03:55 – How Do I Deal With Alcohol Cravings, Stress & Boredom? 05:07 – Should I Avoid Parties or Bars During Dry January? 06:24 – How Do I Stay Motivated When Everyone Around Me Is Drinking? 07:49 – What If My Partner Doesn’t Want to Do Dry January? 09:09 – How Can I Feel Confident Without Alcohol? 10:32 – Is It Normal to Feel Lonely, Sad or Restless Without Drinking? 11:48 – How Do I Reward Myself Without Alcohol? 13:06 – Where Can I Meet Sober or Sober-Curious People? 14:57 – What If Dry January Makes Me Realize I Need Help? 16:31 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find Support #DryJanuary #SoberCurious #QuitDrinking

    17 min

  7. 12/17/2025

    Gabbie Egan | Bipolar I, Alcohol & Weed – One‑Year Sobriety & Mental Health Healing

    After hitting one year of sobriety, TikTok star Gabbie Egan joins us again and opens up about quitting alcohol and nightly weed use to reclaim her life and mental health.  In this candid conversation she recounts the surprising truth that the first months of sobriety felt harder than her chaotic partying days, yet staying off alcohol and cannabis eventually allowed her to feel “more me than I ever have” and maintain a healthier baseline despite her bipolar I diagnosis.  Gabbie describes reading the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, leaning on a group chat of sober women and her husband’s own recovery journey to avoid relapse triggers.  She talks about losing a close friend to suicide, attending a wedding filled with drinking soon after, and the importance of finding sober support when life gets messy.  Her psychiatrist warned that alcohol and weed were especially harmful for her bipolar disorder, so she replaced late‑night cannabis edibles with melatonin and learned to sit with discomfort without self‑medicating.  As a young mom, she now channels her energy into volunteering, making T‑shirts, school activities and building authentic friendships instead of nights out. Whether you’re searching for sobriety stories, curious about alcohol recovery success stories, struggling with weed addiction recovery, or seeking inspiration for bipolar recovery, Gabbie’s vulnerable account offers hope and practical tools.  Listen to hear how she navigates grief, stigma and social pressure while maintaining sobriety one day at a time.  She proves that with community, honesty and small daily commitments, it’s possible to rewrite your story. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & First Year Sober: Brittany welcomes Gabbie and recaps her year of sobriety 02:10 – Grief, Suicide & Staying Sober: Gabbie discusses losing a friend and resisting the urge to drink at a wedding. 05:45 – Friendships, Family & Building a Sober Community: She explains how her husband’s sobriety and a group chat of sober women keep her accountable. 09:30 – Mental Health & Bipolar I: Gabbie describes quitting nightly weed, her bipolar diagnosis and learning healthier coping skills. 13:00 – Staying Busy & Advice for Relapse Prevention: Volunteering, motherhood, creative outlets and a call‑to‑action for viewers. ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How did Gabbie Egan stay sober after years of alcohol and weed use? What does the first year of sobriety really feel like? How can someone with bipolar I manage mental health while quitting substances? Why did Gabbie’s psychiatrist warn her that alcohol and cannabis were dangerous? What strategies help prevent relapse when grief or stress hits? How do you rebuild friendships and community in recovery? How can sober parents find fun and connection without drinking? What role does the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book play in recovery? How do you replace late‑night weed or alcohol with healthier sleep habits? What does “one day at a time” mean in practice? How can you support a partner’s sobriety journey? What are signs that alcohol and weed are worsening mental health conditions? #sobriety #mentalhealth #addictionrecovery

    1h 5m

  8. 12/10/2025

    Kevin Kreider | Alcohol & Weed Addiction, Trauma, & 12‑Step Recovery

    Kevin Kreider’s raw story of adoption, alcoholism and healing challenges everything you think you know about recovery. A Korean adoptee raised by a German‑Irish Catholic family in Philadelphia, Kevin battled depression, anxiety, alopecia and a desperate need to belong. Alcohol and weed offered brief relief but quickly spiraled into 20‑hour drinking sessions, broken relationships and career collapse. We hear how Kevin’s father captured him on camera at his worst, how high‑school partying cost him a promising athletic career, and how pain drove him toward acting in New York, where booze felt more necessary than auditions. Kevin opens up about the cultural pressures of being a Korean American male, the shame surrounding addiction in Asian communities, and why he finally called himself an alcoholic. He explains how a single AA meeting on Thanksgiving, supportive roommates and his then‑girlfriend Devon moved him toward sober living in 2015. Over the next six years he rebuilt his life through 12‑step recovery, therapy, sleep hygiene, diet changes and renewed Christian faith, transforming his platform on Bling Empire into advocacy for mental health and sobriety. Kevin’s journey shows that recovery isn’t about losing yourself—it’s about gaining an authentic identity, clearer purpose and stronger relationships. He now speaks out to normalize sobriety within the Asian community, encourage men to seek help, and remind everyone that it’s never too late to change. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Stay tuned as Kevin shares practical advice on emotional regulation, the importance of good sleep, and why sobriety is the ultimate performance hack. If you or someone you know is struggling, this episode offers hope and actionable steps toward healing. Don’t forget to subscribe, comment with your thoughts, and share this powerful story with a friend who might need it. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & Kevin’s background 02:10 – Adoption, identity struggles & growing up Korean adoptee 05:45 – High‑school and college drinking, party culture & consequences 09:30 – Rock bottom: career collapse, father’s tough love & first AA meeting 13:00 – Sobriety tools: therapy, 12‑step recovery, faith & advocacy ❓ Questions the Video Answers: What led Kevin Kreider to start drinking alcohol and smoking weed?How did being adopted from Korea affect his identity and mental health?When did Kevin realize alcohol was ruining his athletic and acting dreams?How did his father intervene and encourage him toward sobriety?Why do some Asian cultures struggle to acknowledge alcoholism and recovery?What role did AA and the 12‑step program play in Kevin’s recovery?How did Kevin’s alopecia and depression influence his addiction?What challenges did he face when joining the cast of Bling Empire sober?How does Kevin balance his recovery with a public career?What daily practices (sleep, diet, meetings) support his sobriety?How can loved ones support someone struggling with addiction?What misconceptions do people have about being sober and “boring”?Why is spirituality or faith important in Kevin’s recovery journey?What message does Kevin have for Asian Americans facing addiction stigma?How can you find help for mental health or addiction treatment?#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #Sobriety

    1h 10m
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5
out of 5
11 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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