My Last Relapse: Life in Recovery After Addiction

Matthew Handy
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

My Last Relapse is the recovery podcast that says out loud what you’ve been secretly thinking about addiction, relapse, and recovery. Matthew Handy—who lived through two decades of drug use—cuts through the lies and fear-mongering that dominate traditional recovery programs.  This isn’t about war stories or your worst relapse moments. It’s about the future—your future—without rigid rules, unrealistic expectations, or being told you don’t belong. This is real conversations about relapse, addiction, treatment, rehab, recovery programs, meetings, self-help, and the stigma that keeps people stuck. For anyone who feels burned out, left out, or cast out by traditional approaches, Matt and his guests offer radical honesty, practical insights, and a new way forward. Whether you’re battling substance use, struggling with sobriety, navigating withdrawal, dealing with cravings, or just tired of going through the motions, My Last Relapse is here to remind you:  You’re in recovery when YOU say you are. For individuals, families, friends, and professionals who are done with the lies and ready for a future without using, this is your space. Today, Matt is one of the founders of Harmony Grove Behavioral Health, an intensive outpatient rehab program in Houston, Texas, created with his brothers after living the struggles of addiction and recovery firsthand. Their shared journey shaped who they are and inspired the creation of Harmony Grove, a place where authenticity and clinical excellence guide every step of the process.  Together, they’ve built a program that feels real, meets people where they are, and provides tools for lasting success. About Harmony Grove Behavioral Health  Harmony Grove delivers outpatient addiction and mental health treatment focused on wellness, creativity, and authentic human connection—providing a supportive space for healing that extends beyond traditional clinical care. Harmony Grove’s IOP in Houston, Texas, is more than a program; it’s a lifeline for those ready to take the next step in their recovery. We are ready to meet you where you are and find your unique path to change.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and help is always available.  If you or anyone you know needs help, give us a call 24 hours a day at 844-430-3060.

  1. 5D AGO

    Life After Relapsing To Celebrate My One-Year Chip and Again With an 8-Month Old Baby

    Nikki grew up in a small town with a mother who struggled with alcoholism and periods of abuse but was also loving and devoted. As a teen, she began using substances like weed, pills, and whippets. At 19, she sought help from a doctor but felt dismissed, and at 21, she entered her first treatment program. Three months later, she met Curtis at an AA/NA club. Both had histories of addiction and legal issues. They married in 2015 and ran several businesses together, including a vape shop, while cycling through sobriety and relapse. After IVF, Nikki gave birth to their son, Cooper, in 2019. Postpartum depression and loneliness led to relapse and several treatment attempts, including a mother-and-child program in California. In 2021, after reaching a breaking point, Nikki committed to long-term sobriety on July 4, shortly after Curtis began his own recovery. She rebuilt her relationship with her now-sober mother and became involved with Story of Self, a values-based narrative therapy program. Today, she focuses on family, recovery, and helping others through her experience. GUEST Nikki Callaway Nikki is a mother and recovery advocate whose own journey through addiction, motherhood, and healing inspired her to support others facing similar struggles. After overcoming substance use, navigating treatment, and rebuilding family relationships, she now dedicates herself to helping others create positive change and find hope in recovery. Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow Story of Self on Instagram @story.ofself Matt Handy is the founder of Harmony Grove Behavioral Health in Houston, Texas, where their mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for anyone facing addiction, mental health challenges, and co-occurring disorders. Find out more at harmonygrovebh.com   My Last Relapse explores what everyone is thinking but no one is saying about addiction and recovery through conversations with those whose lives have changed. For anyone disillusioned with traditional recovery and feeling left out, misunderstood, or weighed down by unrealistic expectations, this podcast looks ahead—rejecting the lies and dogma that keep people from imagining life without using. Got a question for us? Leave us a message or voicemail at mylastrelapse.com Find us on YouTube @MyLastRelapse and follow Matt on Instagram @matthew.handy.17 About Harmony Grove Behavioral Health  Harmony Grove delivers outpatient addiction and mental health treatment focused on wellness, creativity, and authentic human connection—providing a supportive space for healing that extends beyond traditional clinical care. Harmony Grove’s IOP in Houston, Texas, is more than a program; it’s a lifeline for those ready to take the next step in their recovery. We are ready to meet you where you are and find your unique path to change.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and help is always available. If you or anyone you know needs help, give us a call 24 hours a day at 844-430-3060. Host: Matthew Handy Producer: Eva Sheie Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart Engineering: Chris Mann Theme music: Survive The Tide, Machina Aeon Cover Art:  DMARK My Last Relapse is a production of Kind Creative: kindcreative.com

    2h 40m

  2. FEB 7

    Life After 5 Years on Skid Row, Owning a Treatment Center & Realizing the Industry is Built on Lies

    Richard Galvan began stealing, getting arrested and drinking vodka alone in sixth grade. He snorted and sold his Ritalin, stole his mother’s pills and drank cough syrup. By his early teens, he was selling pills, using meth, and became well known to the police. Born in 1982 in the San Fernando Valley, by 10th grade, he started using heroin and spending time downtown near Skid Row. He was kicked out by both parents, lived with relatives, friends, and on the street, and entered juvenile hall at 16.  From ages 17 to 22, he was intentionally homeless with his girlfriend, was arrested multiple times, and continued daily drug use. In 2004, at age 22, he got sober through a Proposition 36 rehab program. While in rehab, he turned himself in to resolve tickets and restitution. He stayed active in AA for 18 years, sponsoring others and speaking in prisons and youth camps. He later opened a sober living home, an outpatient program (Casablanca Outpatient), and a residential detox (Essence Healthcare). After losing money and facing ethical conflicts, he sold the companies and moved to Barcelona, Spain.  He wrote The Addict, created his own sobriety program, and has been sober 21 years as of 2026. GUEST Richard Galvan Author of The Addict Richard Galvan overcame early alcohol use, heroin addiction, homelessness, and arrests to achieve sobriety at 22 via Prop 36 rehab—now 21 years clean. Former owner of Casablanca Outpatient and Essence Healthcare, he sold due to ethical issues and moved to Barcelona from LA. Today, he promotes his book The Addict, runs a 12-step sobriety program, and advocates recovery through AA, speaking, and social media. Learn more about Richard’s book, The Addict Follow Richard on Instagram @casablancaxsl and TikTok @baby.daddy.manife Matt Handy is the founder of Harmony Grove Behavioral Health in Houston, Texas, where their mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for anyone facing addiction, mental health challenges, and co-occurring disorders. Find out more at harmonygrovebh.com   My Last Relapse explores what everyone is thinking but no one is saying about addiction and recovery through conversations with those whose lives have changed. For anyone disillusioned with traditional recovery and feeling left out, misunderstood, or weighed down by unrealistic expectations, this podcast looks ahead—rejecting the lies and dogma that keep people from imagining life without using. Got a question for us? Leave us a message or voicemail at mylastrelapse.com Find us on YouTube @MyLastRelapse and follow Matt on Instagram @matthew.handy.17 About Harmony Grove Behavioral Health  Harmony Grove delivers outpatient addiction and mental health treatment focused on wellness, creativity, and authentic human connection—providing a supportive space for healing that extends beyond traditional clinical care. Harmony Grove’s IOP in Houston, Texas, is more than a program; it’s a lifeline for those ready to take the next step in their recovery. We are ready to meet you where you are and find your unique path to change.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and help is always available. If you or anyone you know needs help, give us a call 24 hours a day at 844-430-3060. Host: Matthew Handy Producer: Eva Sheie Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart Engineering: Chris Mann Theme music: Survive The Tide, Machina Aeon Cover Art:  DMARK My Last Relapse is a production of Kind Creative: kindcreative.com

    1h 47m

  3. JAN 31

    Judge Katrina Griffith, Harris County CPS Court: Who Gets Their Kids Back?

    Judge Katrina Griffith grew up wanting to be a lawyer, encouraged by her mother during arguments with her older brother in "mom's court." As a teenager, she saw the juvenile system affect family members. After college, she entered the University of Houston Law School focusing on juvenile criminal defense. In her 2L year, she joined the juvenile defense clinic. In her final semester, she took Professor Ellen Marrus’ child dependency clinic and shifted to CPS and child welfare law. After graduation, she opened a law firm with her best friend, taking immediate CPS appointments while building the practice. It grew rapidly as she represented both children and parents for balance, working in the field over 20 years.  In 2014, Judge Olen Underwood appointed her as the first judge of Harris County's Child Protection Court. She handled 100% CPS cases, where over 80% involved parental substance abuse such as mothers testing positive at birth or weekend drug use leading to neglect. She oversaw removals, placements (prioritizing relatives and siblings), and services like treatment, distinguishing between abstinence and true sobriety to ensure parents had tools for ongoing recovery. In 2025, Governor Abbott appointed her to the Texas Family Protective Services Council to review CPS policies. She openly discusses her family's hereditary addiction history with her 18- and 20-year-old children. GUEST Judge Katrina Griffith Harris County CPS Impact Court Judge Judge Katrina Griffith is currently the Associate Judge for the CPS Impact Court in Harris County. Prior to becoming an Associate Judge, she was a Family Law Attorney and is the Managing Partner of The Griffith Law Firm PLLC. The Houston based firm focuses on children's rights, family law, STAR family intervention court (drug court) and SOAR (juvenile drug court). She represented clients in divorce cases, child custody matters, modifications/enforcements, adoptions, children's protective services and juvenile law cases. Connect with Judge Griffith on LinkedIn Matt Handy is the founder of Harmony Grove Behavioral Health in Houston, Texas, where their mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for anyone facing addiction, mental health challenges, and co-occurring disorders. Find out more at harmonygrovebh.com   My Last Relapse explores what everyone is thinking but no one is saying about addiction and recovery through conversations with those whose lives have changed. For anyone disillusioned with traditional recovery and feeling left out, misunderstood, or weighed down by unrealistic expectations, this podcast looks ahead—rejecting the lies and dogma that keep people from imagining life without using. Got a question for us? Leave us a message or voicemail at mylastrelapse.com Find us on YouTube @MyLastRelapse and follow Matt on Instagram @matthew.handy.17 About Harmony Grove Behavioral Health  Harmony Grove delivers outpatient addiction and mental health treatment focused on wellness, creativity, and authentic human connection—providing a supportive space for healing that extends beyond traditional clinical care. Harmony Grove’s IOP in Houston, Texas, is more than a program; it’s a lifeline for those ready to take the next step in their recovery. We are ready to meet you where you are and find your unique path to change.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and help is always available. If you or anyone you know needs help, give us a call 24 hours a day at 844-430-3060. Host: Matthew Handy Producer: Eva Sheie Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart Engineering: Chris Mann Theme music: Survive The Tide, Machina Aeon Cover Art:  DMARK My Last Relapse is a production of Kind Creative: kindcreative.com

    1h 57m

  4. JAN 24

    Life After The Drug Blackout That Ended My NFL Career with Randy Grimes

    Born and raised in East Texas, Randy Grimes grew up in church with an older brother and sister and played football and baseball. He attended Baylor University, where he had a strong football career and met his future wife on his first day. They married after his junior year. In 1983, he was drafted in the second round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and moved to Tampa with his wife in a U-Haul. He soon began taking large amounts of opiates from a team drug safe to manage injuries. By 1990, he experienced blackouts during games, including one in Detroit that made him realize his addiction was out of control. He played ten seasons with the Buccaneers before being told after his final 1992 game that his career was over. He returned to Houston in 1993, where he doctor-shopped for drugs, lost work, and nearly lost his family and finances. After failed detox attempts and benzo withdrawal, his family set boundaries and he entered treatment in 2009, achieving sobriety. Six months later, he began working with the NFL Alumni Association to help launch the Player Care Foundation, then founded Pro Athletes in Recovery to support former athletes, first responders, and veterans. He co-authored a book with his wife for family healing, has children and five grandchildren, and remains focused on recovery, family, and helping others. GUEST Randy Grimes Randy Grimes, born in East Texas, excelled in football at Baylor University before being drafted second round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1983, playing 10 years while battling opiate addiction from team-supplied drugs that led to blacked-out games. After being fired in 1992, he retired to Houston, doctor-shopped for years, lost his job, and nearly lost his family until entering treatment in 2009. Now sober, he founded Pro Athletes in Recovery to help former athletes with addiction and mental health. Learn more about Pro Athletes in Recovery Learn more about the NFL Player Care Foundation Connect with Randy Grimes on LinkedIn Follow Randy on Instagram @sobercenter60 Matt Handy is the founder of Harmony Grove Behavioral Health in Houston, Texas, where their mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for anyone facing addiction, mental health challenges, and co-occurring disorders. Find out more at harmonygrovebh.com   My Last Relapse explores what everyone is thinking but no one is saying about addiction and recovery through conversations with those whose lives have changed. For anyone disillusioned with traditional recovery and feeling left out, misunderstood, or weighed down by unrealistic expectations, this podcast looks ahead—rejecting the lies and dogma that keep people from imagining life without using. Got a question for us? Leave us a message or voicemail at mylastrelapse.com Find us on YouTube @MyLastRelapse and follow Matt on Instagram @matthew.handy.17 About Harmony Grove Behavioral Health  Harmony Grove delivers outpatient addiction and mental health treatment focused on wellness, creativity, and authentic human connection—providing a supportive space for healing that extends beyond traditional clinical care. Harmony Grove’s IOP in Houston, Texas, is more than a program; it’s a lifeline for those ready to take the next step in their recovery. We are ready to meet you where you are and find your unique path to change.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and help is always available. If you or anyone you know needs help, give us a call 24 hours a day at 844-430-3060. Host: Matthew Handy Producer: Eva Sheie Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart Engineering: Voltage FM, Spencer Clarkson Theme music: Survive The Tide, Machina Aeon Cover Art:  DMARK My Last Relapse is a production of Kind Creative: kindcreative.com

    1h 53m

  5. JAN 17

    Life After Seriously Injuring Another Woman While Driving Drunk, Getting a Felony DUI, and Attempting Suicide

    Jenifer grew up in a home marked by physical and verbal abuse, which shaped how she viewed trust and relationships. She got pregnant at 18 and had her son, Hunter, at 19, raising him mostly on her own.  At 28, she married, but the relationship was unstable and ended in divorce due to her husband’s alcoholism. Jenifer built a 20-year career as a dialysis nurse but battled major depressive disorder. She turned to alcohol to cope, which led to a drunk driving accident that seriously injured another woman. Jenifer was charged with a third-degree felony, lost her license, and used a breathalyzer for over four years. Her drinking strained her relationship with her son, who went to live with her brother. At her lowest point, she attempted suicide by mixing medication and alcohol. Jenifer entered treatment at Covenant Hills, began a 12-step program, and has been sober since April 2, 2016. She rebuilt her life—losing weight, managing cravings with GLP-1 medication, and openly sharing her recovery journey. After 20 years in nursing, she transitioned into business development at Plum Creek Recovery Ranch in 2024. Now single and living with her dog, Jenifer stays active in recovery and uses her story to support others facing addiction and mental health struggles. GUEST Jenifer Oxford Director of Business Development at Plum Creek Recovery Ranch Jenifer is a former dialysis nurse who now works in business development for a recovery ranch, drawing on her personal journey through addiction, severe depression, and legal troubles to support others seeking sobriety. She is open about her mental health and recovery story, believing in the power of authenticity to help break stigma and inspire hope. Jenifer has been sober since April 2016 and is passionate about giving back to the recovery community.​ Learn more about Plum Creek Recovery Ranch in Lockhart, Texas Follow Plum Creek Recovery Ranch on Instagram @plumcreekrecoveryranch Follow Jenifer on Instagram @jeniferopcrr Matt Handy is the founder of Harmony Grove Behavioral Health in Houston, Texas, where their mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for anyone facing addiction, mental health challenges, and co-occurring disorders. Find out more at harmonygrovebh.com   My Last Relapse explores what everyone is thinking but no one is saying about addiction and recovery through conversations with those whose lives have changed. For anyone disillusioned with traditional recovery and feeling left out, misunderstood, or weighed down by unrealistic expectations, this podcast looks ahead—rejecting the lies and dogma that keep people from imagining life without using. Got a question for us? Leave us a message or voicemail at mylastrelapse.com Find us on YouTube @MyLastRelapse and follow Matt on Instagram @matthew.handy.17 About Harmony Grove Behavioral Health  Harmony Grove delivers outpatient addiction and mental health treatment focused on wellness, creativity, and authentic human connection—providing a supportive space for healing that extends beyond traditional clinical care. Harmony Grove’s IOP in Houston, Texas, is more than a program; it’s a lifeline for those ready to take the next step in their recovery. We are ready to meet you where you are and find your unique path to change.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and help is always available. If you or anyone you know needs help, give us a call 24 hours a day at 844-430-3060. Host: Matthew Handy Producer: Eva Sheie Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart Engineering: Voltage FM, Chris Mann Theme music: Survive The Tide, Machina Aeon Cover Art:  DMARK My Last Relapse is a production of Kind Creative: kindcreative.com

    1h 53m

  6. JAN 7

    Life After Bipolar & Depression, Getting Locked in a Rubber Room, Quitting Alcohol and Picking Up Crack

    Doug experienced abuse in early childhood, and at age 12 when his father left, he spiraled into severe depression, suicidality, and repeated psychiatric hospitalizations.  As a teenager, he discovered alcohol and used it to manage his symptoms while earning a master’s degree in social work and working at a suicide hotline, even as hospitalizations and heavy drinking continued. In his mid-30s, after a suicide attempt and abruptly quitting alcohol, Doug was introduced to crack cocaine, triggering years of intense addiction, medical crises, psychiatric admissions, and failed treatment attempts. During this period, he lost his marriage, access to his child, and his freedom, eventually serving nearly six years in Texas prison for robbery-related charges. While incarcerated, Doug found purpose in peer leadership, serving as a sexual-assault-prevention educator, 12-step sponsor, and chapel volunteer. After his release, he experienced relapses but reframed them as part of recovery rather than failure, rebuilding his life, his mental health, and his relationship with his daughters through honesty and accountability. Doug later remarried, adopted his stepdaughter, and built a career training peer specialists and advising states on mental-health, recovery, and justice-system reform. He authored The Path of Rocks and Thorns, blending his personal story with leadership and recovery insights, and continues to speak, train, and return to prisons as a free man to help others find a path forward. GUEST Doug Smith Douglas Smith, MSSW, is a leadership development trainer, certified trauma‑informed coach, and author of The Path of Rocks and Thorns: Leadership Lessons from a Prison Cell. He has over a decade of experience in mental health and justice policy, including roles at the Texas House of Representatives, the Texas Center for Justice and Equity, and as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Austin. Doug’s trauma‑informed leadership work is shaped by his master’s in social work, professional coaching training, and his own lived experience with mental illness, addiction, and incarceration. Learn more about Doug’s Book, The Path of Rocks and Thorns Connect with Doug Smith on LinkedIn Learn more about D-Degree Coaching & Training Matt Handy is the founder of Harmony Grove Behavioral Health in Houston, Texas, where their mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for anyone facing addiction, mental health challenges, and co-occurring disorders. Find out more at harmonygrovebh.com   My Last Relapse explores what everyone is thinking but no one is saying about addiction and recovery through conversations with those whose lives have changed. For anyone disillusioned with traditional recovery and feeling left out, misunderstood, or weighed down by unrealistic expectations, this podcast looks ahead—rejecting the lies and dogma that keep people from imagining life without using. Got a question for us? Leave us a message or voicemail at mylastrelapse.com Find us on YouTube @MyLastRelapse and follow Matt on Instagram @matthew.handy.17 About Harmony Grove Behavioral Health  Harmony Grove delivers outpatient addiction and mental health treatment focused on wellness, creativity, and authentic human connection—providing a supportive space for healing that extends beyond traditional clinical care. Harmony Grove’s IOP in Houston, Texas, is more than a program; it’s a lifeline for those ready to take the next step in their recovery. We are ready to meet you where you are and find your unique path to change.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and help is always available. If you or anyone you know needs help, give us a call 24 hours a day at 844-430-3060. Host: Matthew Handy Producer: Eva Sheie Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart Engineering: Chris Mann Theme music: Survive The Tide, Machina Aeon Cover Art:  DMARK My Last Relapse is a production of Kind Creative: kindcreative.com

    2h 12m

  7. 12/30/2025

    Life After Being an Ecstasy “Connoisseur” & MDMA-Fueled Raver, and the K-Hole That Scared Me Straight

    Born in Italy to Russian parents, Dan came to the U.S. as a baby and grew up in a highly driven immigrant community near Princeton, New Jersey.  An only child, he was pushed hard to be successful in academics and athletics, with video games becoming an early escape. As a teenager, he turned to marijuana and alcohol, escalating after his mother passed away during his senior year.  He headed to college in 2013, where he bounced between fraternities for drug- and alcohol-related issues while throwing himself into lifting and bodybuilding. At a rave, he was introduced to MDMA, soon followed by cocaine, ketamine, and psychedelics.  Despite the severe anxiety waves and emotional volatility that followed, he completed a mechanical engineering degree, stayed for a master’s in financial engineering, and moved to New York to work on Wall Street. There he tried to balance long finance hours with heavy drinking, cocaine use, compulsive dating, and intense strength training. As he dove deeper into raves and festivals, he began to refer to himself as an ecstasy “connoisseur.”  In 2022, he relocated to Los Angeles for a new job, still using while adding jiu jitsu, running, and competitive bodybuilding. A frightening ketamine episode, a collapsed relationship, and months of white-knuckle abstinence pushed him toward change.  Inspired by discipline-focused figures online, in 2024 he found a sponsor in Studio City and began working the 12 steps. After a relapse on MDMA in May 2024, he restarted his sobriety on May 21 and returned to the steps with urgency. He left banking for full-time personal training, completed a full inventory with a new sponsor, and eventually began sponsoring others. In May 2025, he stepped back on the bodybuilding stage sober—this time pairing competition with a life grounded in discipline, service, and the steps. GUEST Dan Vaysburd Dan is a Certified Personal Trainer (NASM) and Nutrition Coach (Precision Nutrition). His strength-based system helps clients achieve success without intense workouts, extreme diets, and expensive supplements. He offers online coaching to anyone worldwide through phone and video conference. Learn more about personal trainer and nutrition coach Dan Vaysburd Follow Dan on Instagram @dan.vaysburd Matt Handy is the founder of Harmony Grove Behavioral Health in Houston, Texas, where their mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for anyone facing addiction, mental health challenges, and co-occurring disorders. Find out more at harmonygrovebh.com   My Last Relapse explores what everyone is thinking but no one is saying about addiction and recovery through conversations with those whose lives have changed. For anyone disillusioned with traditional recovery and feeling left out, misunderstood, or weighed down by unrealistic expectations, this podcast looks ahead—rejecting the lies and dogma that keep people from imagining life without using. Got a question for us? Leave us a message or voicemail at mylastrelapse.com Find us on YouTube @MyLastRelapse and follow Matt on Instagram @matthew.handy.17 About Harmony Grove Behavioral Health  Harmony Grove delivers outpatient addiction and mental health treatment focused on wellness, creativity, and authentic human connection—providing a supportive space for healing that extends beyond traditional clinical care. Harmony Grove’s IOP in Houston, Texas, is more than a program; it’s a lifeline for those ready to take the next step in their recovery. We are ready to meet you where you are and find your unique path to change.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and help is always available. If you or anyone you know needs help, give us a call 24 hours a day at 844-430-3060. Host: Matthew Handy Producer: Eva Sheie Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart Engineering: Chris Mann Theme music: Survive The Tide, Machina Aeon Cover Art:  DMARK My Last Relapse is a production of Kind Creative: kindcreative.com

    2h 20m

  8. 12/23/2025

    Life After Splitting a Cop’s Head Open and Getting Dumped in a Desert Wilderness Camp at 15

    Seeing him on this podcast for the first time in 13 years, Matt admits to his old friend Austin York that he robbed him during the chaos of their using days in Southern California. Like Matt, Austin got into trouble very young, fighting in school and using drugs at a young age. His parents sent him away several times to try to get him back on track. He bounced around multiple high schools but never graduated, spending most of his teen years in juvenile rehabs like Phoenix House in San Diego and a wilderness camp in Idaho. He was arrested multiple times, including once for battery on a peace officer, which led to alternative sentencing at a wilderness camp. He spent time in solitary confinement in a Utah treatment facility before being sent home when insurance stopped paying. At 16, Austin got sober for the first time and built a strong sober community through Young People’s AA, but then at 18 he relapsed, got fired from his job and lost his chance to graduate high school.  After living on the streets and facing violence, he reconciled with sober friends who brought him back to meetings to rebuild his life. In sobriety, he found purpose working in event production for major music festivals like Coachella and Lightning in a Bottle. Today, Austin stays active in recovery and focuses on his business, family, and community, crediting the support and accountability of his sober network for helping him stay on track. GUEST Austin York Freelance Project & Site Manager for Live Events Austin York rebuilt his life after years of addiction, homelessness, and time in juvenile rehab and prison. Today, he works in event production for major music festivals and runs a fishing charter business in Texas with his friend. Austin is dedicated to recovery, family, and helping others find hope and stability after hardship. Connect with Austin on LinkedIn Matt Handy is the founder of Harmony Grove Behavioral Health in Houston, Texas, where their mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for anyone facing addiction, mental health challenges, and co-occurring disorders. Find out more at harmonygrovebh.com   My Last Relapse explores what everyone is thinking but no one is saying about addiction and recovery through conversations with those whose lives have changed. For anyone disillusioned with traditional recovery and feeling left out, misunderstood, or weighed down by unrealistic expectations, this podcast looks ahead—rejecting the lies and dogma that keep people from imagining life without using. Got a question for us? Leave us a message or voicemail at mylastrelapse.com Find us on YouTube @MyLastRelapse and follow Matt on Instagram @matthew.handy.17 About Harmony Grove Behavioral Health  Harmony Grove delivers outpatient addiction and mental health treatment focused on wellness, creativity, and authentic human connection—providing a supportive space for healing that extends beyond traditional clinical care. Harmony Grove’s IOP in Houston, Texas, is more than a program; it’s a lifeline for those ready to take the next step in their recovery. We are ready to meet you where you are and find your unique path to change.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and help is always available. If you or anyone you know needs help, give us a call 24 hours a day at 844-430-3060. Host: Matthew Handy Producer: Eva Sheie Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart Engineering: Voltage FM, Victoria Cheng Theme music: Survive The Tide, Machina Aeon Cover Art:  DMARK My Last Relapse is a production of Kind Creative: kindcreative.com

    3h 24m
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Trailer

About

My Last Relapse is the recovery podcast that says out loud what you’ve been secretly thinking about addiction, relapse, and recovery. Matthew Handy—who lived through two decades of drug use—cuts through the lies and fear-mongering that dominate traditional recovery programs.  This isn’t about war stories or your worst relapse moments. It’s about the future—your future—without rigid rules, unrealistic expectations, or being told you don’t belong. This is real conversations about relapse, addiction, treatment, rehab, recovery programs, meetings, self-help, and the stigma that keeps people stuck. For anyone who feels burned out, left out, or cast out by traditional approaches, Matt and his guests offer radical honesty, practical insights, and a new way forward. Whether you’re battling substance use, struggling with sobriety, navigating withdrawal, dealing with cravings, or just tired of going through the motions, My Last Relapse is here to remind you:  You’re in recovery when YOU say you are. For individuals, families, friends, and professionals who are done with the lies and ready for a future without using, this is your space. Today, Matt is one of the founders of Harmony Grove Behavioral Health, an intensive outpatient rehab program in Houston, Texas, created with his brothers after living the struggles of addiction and recovery firsthand. Their shared journey shaped who they are and inspired the creation of Harmony Grove, a place where authenticity and clinical excellence guide every step of the process.  Together, they’ve built a program that feels real, meets people where they are, and provides tools for lasting success. About Harmony Grove Behavioral Health  Harmony Grove delivers outpatient addiction and mental health treatment focused on wellness, creativity, and authentic human connection—providing a supportive space for healing that extends beyond traditional clinical care. Harmony Grove’s IOP in Houston, Texas, is more than a program; it’s a lifeline for those ready to take the next step in their recovery. We are ready to meet you where you are and find your unique path to change.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and help is always available.  If you or anyone you know needs help, give us a call 24 hours a day at 844-430-3060.

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