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. 13H AGO

    Reno | From Rave Influencer to Sober Movement Advocate: Overcoming Trauma & Bipolar

    From rave influencer to sober advocate, Reno (@CherryEmojiGirl) gets radically honest about the "cringe" and beauty of recovery. Reno shares her intense journey through polysubstance addiction, including alcohol, cocaine, ketamine, and whippets, while navigating the highs of Southern California's rave scene. She opens up about the deep-seated trauma of being adopted out at birth after her biological mother was convicted of child abuse related to Munchausen by proxy. Reno also discusses the complexities of mental health, from her initial BPD misdiagnosis to managing bipolar disorder with mood stabilizers.  Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ This episode explores the reality of "functional" addiction where life looks great on the outside while rotting on the inside. Reno breaks down how she transitioned from "balls to the wall" drug use to finding a community of sober ravers who prioritize wellness over the "pretty privilege" of free substances. Learn why she believes being "cringe" is the most authentic thing you can do and how digging deep into self-accountability finally allowed her to put down the drugs for good. Whether you are sober-curious or in long-term recovery, Reno’s story is a testament that it does get better—even if it gets harder first.  Subscribe and comment to join our community of radical honesty. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – The Swag of Being Cringe  04:41 – Introducing Reno (@CherryEmojiGirl)  08:19 – Adoption Trauma & Munchausen by Proxy  11:13 – Choosing No Contact for Healing  17:11 – Rave Culture & The "Influencer" Struggle  20:13 – Early Drug Use & "Robo-Tripping"25:59 – Bipolar Disorder vs. BPD Misdiagnosis  31:10 – The Turning Point: Quitting in the Backyard  40:05 – How to Rave Sober (and Still Have Fun)  46:26 – Authenticity & Helping Others Online  ❓ Questions the Video Answers: Can I stay sober and still go to raves?  What is the difference between Bipolar and BPD?  How does adoption trauma affect addiction in later life?  What are the signs of Munchausen by Proxy?  Why is radical honesty important in recovery?  How do I go "no contact" with a parent for my mental health?  Is ketamine addiction common in the EDM scene?  Can SSRIs cause mania in people with bipolar disorder?  What does a "functional" rock bottom actually look like?  How to handle emotional reactivity in early sobriety?  What is "cocaethylene" and why is it dangerous?  How do I stop people-pleasing while sober?  Is it possible to get sober without traditional rehab?  How to protect your mental health on social media?  Why does being "cringe" help with authentic recovery?  #SoberRaving #BipolarRecovery #AddictionRecovery

    1h 1m

  2. APR 29

    Riley Whelan Returns | Alcoholism, Relapse & the Path to Emotional Sobriety

    Coming up on three years of sobriety, Riley Whelan returns to Recoverycast to share the profound shift from "not drinking" to achieving true emotional sobriety. After a public journey through addiction and a humbling relapse, Riley discusses the reality of rebuilding a life, the anxiety of the "three-year itch," and why she transitioned from a chaotic lifestyle to finding peace in Saturday nights at home. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ In this episode, Riley dives deep into the "amends" process, recounting a powerful and healing confrontation with a family who took her in during her lowest point in San Diego. We explore the tools that keep her grounded—including morning meditation, restorative yoga, and the 12-step program—while navigating her new role as a social media coordinator and recovery advocate. Riley’s story is a testament to the fact that while you can't outthink the disease of addiction, you can outwork it by staying "in the middle of the boat" with the help of a supportive community. Whether you are struggling with alcohol, substances, or the boredom of early recovery, this conversation offers a roadmap for turning wreckage into a life of purpose and sparkle. Subscribe to hear more stories of hope and resilience. If Riley’s journey resonated with you, leave a comment below! ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – The Snapshot: 3 Years Ago vs. Now 02:15 – What is Emotional Sobriety? 05:10 – Practical Tools: Meditation, Yoga & Nature 07:20 – Why Relapse is a Part of the Story 09:15 – Making Amends: Healing the San Diego Trauma 13:45 – The Gift of Boredom & Sitting with Yourself 17:40 – Running From Silence: The Travel Trap 19:45 – Staying Grounded as a Sober Content Creator 24:30 – Navigating Treatment: Residential vs. Sober Living 32:00 – The "Sober Glow" & Breaking the Stigma ❓ Questions the Video Answers: What is the difference between physical and emotional sobriety?How do I handle the boredom and restlessness that comes with long-term recovery?What are the best morning routines for people in addiction recovery?How do I make amends to people I hurt during my addiction?Can yoga and physical exercise help with alcohol cravings?How does ADHD affect the ability to sit still in sobriety?What should I do if I feel like I am "running away" through travel or distractions?How do I stay humble when I start experiencing the "gifts of sobriety"?What is the role of a sponsor in the 12-step program?How do I choose between residential treatment and outpatient care?Does my skin and physical appearance change after quitting alcohol?How can social media be used as a positive tool for recovery?#SobrietyStories #AlcoholRecovery #MentalHealthMatters

    38 min

  3. APR 23

    Samuel Harness | The Voice, Acid, & Fatherhood-Driven Sobriety

    Singer-songwriter Samuel Harness, known for his breakout performance on Season 21 of The Voice, joins Recoverycast to share the raw reality of his journey through addiction recovery and childhood trauma. In this vulnerable episode, Samuel discusses the long-term impact of sexual assault, the complexities of being an adoptee, and the intense pressure of the music industry. From navigating anxiety and depression to his experiences with Adderall, alcohol, and psychedelics, Samuel illustrates how substances became a coping mechanism for a "dark cloud" building inside him. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Samuel details a pivotal moment in his sobriety story: finding out he was going to be a father while high on acid. This wake-up call led him to trade emotional absence for spiritual presence, finding an anchor in his faith and his son. He also offers a rare look at the difficulties of relapse prevention, specifically how he navigated a recent major back injury and the temptation of pain medication while maintaining his recovery. This conversation moves beyond generic "drug addiction" narratives to explore the "medicine" of music and the lifelong process of healing. If you are struggling with substance abuse or identity, Samuel’s story is a powerful reminder that while we are all "broken," there is a path to becoming a "multifaceted human being" defined by purpose rather than pain. Subscribe to Recoverycast for more stories of hope, comment your thoughts below, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction to Samuel Harness 01:41 — How Emo Music Provided Emotional Security 05:57 — Processing Childhood Trauma & Early Anxiety 08:48 — Adoption Identity & Generational Trauma 12:41 — From Public School Freedom to Substance Abuse 17:31 — Modeling, Eating Disorders, & Psychedelics 18:56 — The Turning Point: Finding Out I’m a Dad While High 28:28 — Navigating Fame on The Voice & Social Anxiety 37:01 — Redefining Recovery: Why We Must Talk About Relapse 47:30 — Managing a Back Injury Without Relapsing on Pills ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How does childhood sexual assault impact mental health in adulthood? What are the common coping mechanisms for children with untreated anxiety? How do adoption and birth parent rejection influence addiction? What was Samuel Harness's sobriety turning point? How does the modeling industry contribute to eating disorders? Can music serve as a form of therapy or "medicine"? What are the dangers of psychedelic use on long-term mental health? How can fatherhood motivate someone to stay sober? What is it like to navigate social anxiety while being a public figure? Is it possible to manage chronic pain medication in recovery? Why is the shame surrounding relapse so damaging to healing? How does Samuel Harness define himself beyond his music? What role does faith play in Samuel Harness's recovery? How can a ten-minute walk assist in mental health recovery? What are the "stereotypical steps" people try to take to feel normal? #SamuelHarness #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness

    1h 6m

  4. APR 15

    David Manheim | Heroin Recovery, Grief, & Building the Dopey Nation

    From interviewing Coldplay while high to losing his best friend and co-host to a fatal relapse, David Manheim reveals the raw, unfiltered truth about heroin addiction and the grit required for long-term recovery. As the creator of the legendary Dopey podcast, David spent two decades navigating the "frantic energy" of a career at MTV and the legendary tables of Katz’s Deli while battling a severe substance use disorder. In this moving episode of Recoverycast, David discusses the "war stories" that defined his early life, his experience on 150mg of methadone, and the crushing weight of parental shame that eventually led him to seek help. He opens up about the devastating loss of his co-host, Chris, and how that tragedy transformed the Dopey community into a global "Dopey Nation" focused on healing through humor and connection. We dive deep into why traditional recovery often feels watered down and how David found a lifeline through 12-step spiritual principles and radical honesty. Whether you are navigating your first day of sobriety or looking for ways to maintain long-term recovery after a loss, David’s journey offers a roadmap from the depths of addiction to a life of purpose and fatherhood. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Check out the Dopey podcast: https://dopeypodcast.com/ David shares the daily routine that keeps him sober today—from sponsorship to meditation—and explains why "hitting the dopey" (sharing the dark truths of addiction) is often the first step toward light. Subscribe to join our community and hear more powerful sobriety stories that prove you are never alone. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – The Origin of Dopey and the Loss of Chris 05:41 – High School at MTV: Internships and Infiltration 11:24 – The College Spiral: From Stoner to Art School Heroin Use 16:46 – Stealing from MTV and the Bottom Falling Out 21:10 – Living in Public Housing on $100k a Year 24:26 – Fatherhood, Visitation Shame, and Kicking Methadone 29:34 – The Moment of Clarity at 41 Years Old 34:57 – Launching Dopey: Turning War Stories into Connection 42:27 – Handling the Grief of a Best Friend’s Fatal Relapse 52:07 – Spiritual Maintenance: Staying Sober for 10 Years ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How can humor help in addiction recovery? What are the signs of high-functioning heroin addiction? How do I cope with losing a friend to an overdose? What is the "Dopey" podcast and Dopey Nation? How do I transition from methadone to total sobriety? Can I still be funny and creative without drugs? What does the 12-step program look like for chronic relapsers? How do I handle the shame of being a parent in active addiction? Why is raw honesty more effective than traditional treatment? What is a "moment of clarity" in recovery? How do you maintain sobriety after 10 years? What was it like interviewing rockstars while high at MTV? #AddictionRecovery #DopeyPodcast #SobrietyStories

    55 min

  5. APR 8

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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