Circle of Chairs with Caroline Beidler

Caroline Beidler, MSW
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

An addiction recovery and mental health podcast.

  1. 3D AGO

    Book Club Week 1: When You Love Someone in Recovery

    Book Club Week 1: When the Light Comes Back All month long, I'm walking through my new book, When You Love Someone in Recovery, with you. This week, we're starting where it all begins: when the light comes back. I kept hearing the same phrase at recovery meetings: "When someone is in recovery, it's like the light in their eyes comes back." Maybe you've seen it. Maybe you're still waiting for it. In this episode, I cover three big ideas from the Introduction and Chapters 1 through 3: 🔹 Recovery has a story, and so do you. The way we picture recovery shapes how we show up for the people we love.  🔹 Understanding the brain softens shame. Chapter 2, "Neuroscience for Normies," breaks down why "just say no" was never a strategy and why neuroplasticity is such a hopeful word.  🔹 Recovery is not a straight line. It's about more than stopping something. It's about the life someone returns to. I also share a piece of my own story from my first time in treatment at 17 and what I didn't know then about the brain's ability to heal. Your action step: Write down what you're hoping recovery could look like for you and your family. Then identify one support you need right now and go ask for it. 📖 Grab the book: HERE  📦 Ordering for a group? BulkBooks.com for close to 50% off. Next week: Supporting our loved one without losing ourselves (Chapters 4 through 7). Caroline Beidler, MSW, is an author, speaker, and Managing Editor of Recovery.com, where she combines expert guidance with research to help people find the best path to healing and treatment. Her next book, When You Love Someone in Recovery: A Hopeful Guide for Understanding Addiction, is coming Spring 2026 with Nelson Books. Drawing from her own recovery journey through addiction, mental health challenges, and trauma, along with training as a clinical mental health provider and addiction recovery expert, Caroline is passionate about guiding you into seasons of greater healing. Learn more about her books here.  Subscribe to her Circle of Chairs Substack community at carolinebeidler.substack.com

    15 min

  2. APR 7

    Circle of Chairs with Matt & Caroline Beidler

    In this special bonus episode, I sit down with my husband Matt for an honest, heartfelt conversation about what it's like to love someone in recovery - from his perspective.  We share the story of how we met, how he first learned about my recovery journey, and how we've navigated life's biggest changes together as a couple and as parents.  To celebrate the launch of my new book, When You Love Someone in Recovery, I wanted you to hear from the person who lives this every single day alongside me. New book from Caroline Beidler:  Pre-Order: When You Love Someone in Recovery  Caroline Beidler, MSW, is an author, speaker, and Managing Editor of Recovery.com, where she combines expert guidance with research to help people find the best path to healing and treatment. Her next book, When You Love Someone in Recovery: A Hopeful Guide for Understanding Addiction, is coming Spring 2026 with Nelson Books. Drawing from her own recovery journey through addiction, mental health challenges, and trauma, along with training as a clinical mental health provider and addiction recovery expert, Caroline is passionate about guiding you into seasons of greater healing. Learn more about her books here.  Subscribe to her Circle of Chairs Substack community at carolinebeidler.substack.com

    36 min

  3. MAR 24

    Share with Someone Who Loves You

    In this special episode of Circle of Chairs, I'm sharing key points from my new book, When You Love Someone in Recovery, and I created this one specifically for you to pass along to someone who loves you. Whether you're in recovery yourself or you're the family member or friend walking alongside someone who is, this episode is designed to help bridge that gap of understanding. I talk about why families matter more than we've been told, how to rethink some of the old ideas that have left loved ones feeling guilty or helpless, and why there's so much more reason for hope than you might think — even when the journey doesn't look the way you expected. Listen in, and then hit that share button and send it to your person. Caroline Beidler, MSW, is an author, speaker, and Managing Editor of Recovery.com, where she combines expert guidance with research to help people find the best path to healing and treatment. Her next book, When You Love Someone in Recovery: A Hopeful Guide for Understanding Addiction, is coming Spring 2026 with Nelson Books. Drawing from her own recovery journey through addiction, mental health challenges, and trauma, along with training as a clinical mental health provider and addiction recovery expert, Caroline is passionate about guiding you into seasons of greater healing. Learn more about her books here.  Subscribe to her Circle of Chairs Substack community at carolinebeidler.substack.com

    17 min
  4. Circle of Chairs with John Ortberg

    MAR 10

    Circle of Chairs with John Ortberg

    What if the very thing you’re trying hardest to hide is the doorway to healing? In this Circle of Chairs Conversation, I sit down with author and pastor John Ortberg to explore the surprising connection between spiritual formation and recovery. Drawing from his book Steps: Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn’t Enough, Ortberg reflects on why change is so difficult—and why the path forward often begins not with strength, but with honest weakness. Together, they discuss how the wisdom of the 12 Steps has shaped recovery communities for decades—and why the church may have more to learn from those basement meetings than it realizes. From stories of vulnerability to practical reflections on surrender, this conversation invites us to rethink what healing, faith, and transformation really look like. If you’ve ever felt inadequate, stuck, or unsure of your next step, this episode is a gentle reminder: sometimes the end of our rope is exactly where new life begins.  0:00 — Welcome & Intro 3:35 — The sermon that changed everything John tells the surprising story of fainting in the middle of a sermon—and how a visible weakness became a powerful spiritual lesson. 6:13 — “My strength is made perfect in weakness” Why vulnerability can create deeper connection than strength ever could. 7:08 — What the church can learn from recovery How the culture of confession and honesty in 12-step groups offers a prophetic example for the wider church. 11:11 — Recovery is about surrender, not just sobriety Caroline and John discuss why recovery is about transformation of the whole life—not just abstaining from substances. 12:48 — What recovery communities can learn from the church John explains how the 12 Steps grew from Christian discipleship traditions and why deeper spiritual formation matters. 19:49 — The power of telling your story A moving example of how vulnerability in church can reveal how much everyone truly needs God. 22:38 — God’s address is at the end of your rope A final encouragement for anyone feeling stuck, desperate, or unsure where to turn next. https://www.johnortberg.com/ Steps: Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn’t Enough (on Amazon) Order your pre-release copy of Caroline Beidler's book, When You Love Someone in Recovery and receive a free advance sample chapter.  New book from Caroline Beidler:  Pre-Order: When You Love Someone in Recovery  Caroline Beidler, MSW, is an author, speaker, and Managing Editor of Recovery.com, where she combines expert guidance with research to help people find the best path to healing and treatment. Her next book, When You Love Someone in Recovery: A Hopeful Guide for Understanding Addiction, is coming Spring 2026 with Nelson Books. Drawing from her own recovery journey through addiction, mental health challenges, and trauma, along with training as a clinical mental health provider and addiction recovery expert, Caroline is passionate about guiding you into seasons of greater healing. Learn more about her books here.  Subscribe to her Circle of Chairs Substack community at carolinebeidler.substack.com

    27 min

  5. MAR 3

    Circle of Chairs with Toni Collier

    In this Circle of Chairs conversation, I interview speaker, author, and podcaster Toni Collier about recovery, trauma, and the kind of community that helps people heal. Toni shares her “buckets” of work - traveling to speak on healing and redemption, writing books including Brave Enough to Be Broken and her new book Don’t Try This Alone, hosting the Still Coloring podcast, and raising her kids as a single mom. She explains that sharing hard truths came from recovering from people-pleasing and focusing on pleasing God rather than others’ opinions. Toni describes a confessional community she built before crisis hit and then the incredible response from her friends.  We discuss breaking cycles of seeking worth through men, learning to sit with pain, and “with-ness” through being seen, soothed, safe, and secure, plus a practical exercise to help you get started with forming your own deep community. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:56 Tony in Buckets 02:50 From Struggle to Vulnerability 06:01 Community and New Book 06:53 Divorce and Confessional Community 11:02 Breaking the Love Lie 16:00 Learning to Sit in Pain 18:37 Withness and Four S's 23:14 Practical Steps to Build Circles 26:04 Closing Thanks New book from Caroline Beidler:  Pre-Order: When You Love Someone in Recovery  Caroline Beidler, MSW, is an author, speaker, and Managing Editor of Recovery.com, where she combines expert guidance with research to help people find the best path to healing and treatment. Her next book, When You Love Someone in Recovery: A Hopeful Guide for Understanding Addiction, is coming Spring 2026 with Nelson Books. Drawing from her own recovery journey through addiction, mental health challenges, and trauma, along with training as a clinical mental health provider and addiction recovery expert, Caroline is passionate about guiding you into seasons of greater healing. Learn more about her books here.  Subscribe to her Circle of Chairs Substack community at carolinebeidler.substack.com

    30 min

  6. FEB 24

    Circle of Chairs with Caroline Beidler: Myths About Addiction Recovery

    What if some of the things you’ve believed about addiction recovery—about love, relapse, boundaries, even faith—aren’t fully true? In this episode, I gently challenge 10 common myths that quietly shape how we show up for the people we love. If you’ve ever wondered… Am I enabling?Is relapse proof they’re not trying?Shouldn’t my faith make this easier?Why does loving them feel so exhausting?This conversation is for you. We’ll unpack what’s really happening beneath addiction, why recovery is rarely a straight line, and how love and boundaries can coexist without guilt. Most of all, we’ll talk about your healing—because recovery doesn’t just impact one person. If you’ve been walking on eggshells, afraid of saying the wrong thing, I hope this episode brings clarity, courage, and grounded hope. Time Stamps 00:00 Top 10 Addiction Recovery Myths (Intro & Overview) 01:01 Myth #1: “Loving Them Is Enabling” — Love + Boundaries 03:39 Myth #2: “Addiction Is a Choice” — What’s Happening in the Brain 07:16 Myth #3: “Talking About Drugs Makes Them Use” — Why Conversation Protects 09:18 Myth #4: “Relapse Means They’re Not Serious” — Recurrence & the Recovery Journey 14:40 Myth #5: “Boundaries Are Mean” — Why Boundaries Are Brave 15:46 Myth #6: “My Healing Doesn’t Matter” — Family Recovery Starts With You 16:56 Myth #7: “I’m the Only One” — Finding Community 18:05 Myth #8: “If I Have Faith, I Shouldn’t Struggle” — Holding Faith and Pain 19:20 Myth #9: “Mental Health Talk Is Weak” — Strength in Asking for Help 20:17 Myth #10: “They Just Need to Stop” — Getting to the Root Wrap-Up: Truth, Hope & Final Encouragement Pre-order the book When You Love Someone In Recovery:  https://whenyoulovesomeoneinrecovery.com/ Caroline Beidler, MSW, is an author, speaker, and Managing Editor of Recovery.com, where she combines expert guidance with research to help people find the best path to healing and treatment. Her next book, When You Love Someone in Recovery: A Hopeful Guide for Understanding Addiction, is coming Spring 2026 with Nelson Books. Drawing from her own recovery journey through addiction, mental health challenges, and trauma, along with training as a clinical mental health provider and addiction recovery expert, Caroline is passionate about guiding you into seasons of greater healing. Learn more about her books here.  Subscribe to her Circle of Chairs Substack community at carolinebeidler.substack.com

    24 min
  7. Circle of Chairs with Brandon Burley

    FEB 17

    Circle of Chairs with Brandon Burley

    In this episode of Circle of Chairs, I sit down with Brandon Burley, Marine Corps veteran, former law enforcement officer, educator, and the founder of the Redemption Project - for a deeply hopeful conversation about addiction, incarceration, and what it really takes to help people rebuild their lives.  Brandon shares how his career in narcotics exposed him to the revolving door of recidivism: the same people cycling through the system, wanting treatment but facing barriers like lack of beds, insurance, and support. He talks honestly about the stigma that exists not only toward people who’ve been incarcerated or struggled with addiction, but even within law enforcement itself—and why enforcement alone can’t create safer communities without real rehabilitation on the back end.  We explore how recovery is both a public health and public safety strategy, and why community and belonging are often the missing pieces.   If you care about recovery, reentry, or what it looks like to become the kind of community that helps people truly come home, this conversation will leave you thinking—and hoping.  You can find Brandon at TheRedemptionProject.news (plus his podcast and Substack), and connect in his Facebook community, The Redemption Group.  00:14 Meet Brandon Burley: Marine, Law Enforcement & the Redemption Project 02:20 Breaking the Silos: Collaboration, Stigma & Compassionate Policing 06:04 Why Recidivism Happens: What Brandon Saw in Narcotics Work 09:41 Recovery as Public Safety: Community as the Missing Pillar 14:05 The First 30 Days After Release: IDs, Medication & Reentry Barriers 18:29 What’s Working Now: Redemption Project, Veterans Advocacy & Men of Valor 22:18 How to Connect + Final Thoughts For more resources, visit carolinebeidler.com. Pre-order the book: When You Love Someone in Recovery: A Hopeful Guide for Understanding Addiction. Caroline Beidler, MSW, is an author, speaker, and Managing Editor of Recovery.com, where she combines expert guidance with research to help people find the best path to healing and treatment. Her next book, When You Love Someone in Recovery: A Hopeful Guide for Understanding Addiction, is coming Spring 2026 with Nelson Books. Drawing from her own recovery journey through addiction, mental health challenges, and trauma, along with training as a clinical mental health provider and addiction recovery expert, Caroline is passionate about guiding you into seasons of greater healing. Learn more about her books here.  Subscribe to her Circle of Chairs Substack community at carolinebeidler.substack.com

    27 min
  8. Circle of Chairs with Diana Dalles

    FEB 3

    Circle of Chairs with Diana Dalles

    In this episode of Circle of Chairs, I am deeply honored to have my mom, Diana Dalles, as a special guest. Together, we candidly discuss the profound impact addiction and recovery have had on our family, sharing personal experiences and the journey toward healing and hope. We touch on the challenges we faced, from the lack of resources in the early 2000s to the isolation my mom felt, and the transformation that occurred through community support. We reflect on how showing up with love and hope can make a monumental difference for those struggling. Diana offers invaluable advice for family members feeling alone, emphasizing the importance of seeking support and resources available today. We also recount cherished memories and the enduring bond that has flourished despite the trials of addiction. This episode is a testament to the power of love, community, and unwavering hope in the face of addiction. Thank you for listening. 00:00 Introduction to Circle of Chairs 00:14 Meet My Mom, Diana Dallas 00:48 Humor and Light Moments 02:07 A Mother's Perspective on Addiction 04:43 Challenges and Changes in Recovery 09:06 The Importance of Support and Community 20:43 Reflections and Memories 23:08 Conclusion and Resources Diana Dalles LPN, MSW has been writing poetry and journaling since her teenage years, mainly for her own enjoyment and healing. She spent the early years of her career in the nursing field, then worked thirty-five years as a professional social worker. Her employment interests included hospice, medical social work, and gerontology. She has facilitated grief, trauma, and women’s empowerment groups. Diana retired in 2015, and being with her family brings her the greatest joy. Diana lives with her cat in East Tennessee. Pre-order a copy of my new book releasing April 2026:  When You Love Someone in Recovery https://whenyoulovesomeoneinrecovery.com/  Caroline Beidler, MSW, is an author, speaker, and Managing Editor of Recovery.com, where she combines expert guidance with research to help people find the best path to healing and treatment. Her next book, When You Love Someone in Recovery: A Hopeful Guide for Understanding Addiction, is coming Spring 2026 with Nelson Books. Drawing from her own recovery journey through addiction, mental health challenges, and trauma, along with training as a clinical mental health provider and addiction recovery expert, Caroline is passionate about guiding you into seasons of greater healing. Learn more about her books here.  Subscribe to her Circle of Chairs Substack community at carolinebeidler.substack.com

    24 min
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