AllBetter

Joe Van Wie

Joe Van Wie hosts a podcast dedicated to exploring addiction and recovery through thought-provoking conversations with clinicians, researchers, legislators, and individuals who embrace diverse pathways to healing. A father, husband, filmmaker, and reformed media consultant in recovery, Joe brings a unique perspective to these discussions. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from the State University of New York and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). In 2023, Joe completed the Executive Leadership Program at MIT's Sloan School of Management and Schwarzman College of Computing, specializing in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Business. He is currently in the one-year residency program at Columbia University's School of Social Work, pursuing a Master of Science in Social Work. Joe is also the co-founder and CEO of Fellowship House in Scranton, Pennsylvania, which serves up to 75 men per month through a 90-day Partial Hospitalization Program designed to treat Substance Use Disorder (SUD).

  1. Breaking Free: Matt's Atheist Recovery Journey

    10/08/2024

    Breaking Free: Matt's Atheist Recovery Journey

    How does one navigate the path to sobriety without believing in a higher power? Join us for a compelling conversation with Matt, a Fellowship House alumnus, who shares his incredible journey of recovery. Matt opens up about his secular approach to the 12 steps, tackling sobriety from an atheist's perspective, and the significant role authenticity plays in his healing process. From enduring a dysfunctional household to grappling with self-esteem issues and alcohol, Matt's story offers a raw and honest look into the struggles and triumphs of addiction recovery. The episode unfolds as Matt recounts his early encounters with alcohol, beginning at age 17, and the emotional turmoil that pushed him towards drinking. He provides a poignant narrative about feeling like a victim, marked by family dysfunction and his brother's addiction, which set a skewed benchmark for his own behavior. Matt's candid reflections highlight the severe consequences of alcohol use and the critical moments that led him to acknowledge his substance use disorder. As he shares his journey, we touch on themes of depression, anxiety, and the crucial need for meaningful life changes beyond merely removing alcohol. In the latter chapters, we explore the complex intersections of atheism and spirituality in recovery, examining how Matt navigated the 12 steps without faith in a distinct higher power. He discusses Give us a Review! 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 1-(888)-HELP-120📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for Fellowship HouseAs a treatment center, Fellowship House offers both residential and outpatient treatment services toDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Stop by our Apple Podcast and drop a Review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/allbetter/id1592297425?see-all=reviews Support The Show https://www.patreon.com/allbetter

    58 min
  2. Finding Strength in Struggle: Amir's Road to Recovery

    09/24/2024

    Finding Strength in Struggle: Amir's Road to Recovery

    What happens when the structure of a military household collides with the chaos of addiction? Join us as Amir, an alumnus of Fellowship House, shares his compelling story of growing up in Scranton with a strong-minded mother whose military career shaped his early years. Amidst the discipline and the profound absence of his father, Amir reveals the emotional toll of his mother's multiple deployments and the resilience he built navigating these complexities. Listen as he opens up about the strong influences in his life and the unseen struggles behind a disciplined exterior. Amir had always vowed to avoid the pitfalls of substance use, but his freshman year of college marked a turning point. He candidly recounts his first encounter with marijuana, its initial appeal as a stress reliever, and how it gradually became a daily habit that impacted his academic and personal life. Through his journey, you'll hear about the juxtaposition of his dedication to mental health as a career and his own battles with addiction. This episode sheds light on the multifaceted challenges he faced, from the pressures of becoming a parent to the grueling balance of seeking recovery while maintaining professional responsibilities. The heart of Amir's journey unfolds at Fellowship House, where he found the community support crucial for his recovery. With raw emotion, he describes the initial anxiety and eventual comfort he experienced within this supportive environment. Key moments include the transformative power of open communication, the importance of surrendering control, and the ongoing commitment to service that Fellowship House instilled in him. Celebrate Amir's continued dedication to recovery and his inspiring drive to give back, proving that the journey doesn't end with personal triumph but extends to uplifting the community. Give us a Review! 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery Support the show Stop by our Apple Podcast and drop a Review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/allbetter/id1592297425?see-all=reviews Support The Show https://www.patreon.com/allbetter

    59 min
  3. Breaking Barriers in Education and Recovery

    09/17/2024

    Breaking Barriers in Education and Recovery

    What does it take to rebuild your life from the depths of addiction to academic and personal success? Jamie Monahan, a recruiter and certified recovery specialist at Luzerne County Community College's All One Recovery Center, shares his extraordinary journey of resilience and determination. His story highlights the pivotal moments that led him to seek help and his unwavering commitment to maintaining recovery. Jamie's firsthand experience underscores the transformative power of support systems, illustrating how the right help at the right time can make all the difference. You'll be captivated by the stories of triumph over adversity as we spotlight educational programs that change lives, like the All One Recovery Educational Institute. From earning business degrees to gaining acceptance into prestigious programs, we hear about individuals who have overcome significant obstacles thanks to the support from organizations and key figures such as Melissa Wassel. This episode paints a vivid picture of how education and community support are vital in rebuilding lives, offering hope and second chances to those in recovery. We also explore the importance of creating supportive environments for students in recovery, from addressing cultural shame to providing resources that remove barriers to education. Celebrating achievements like acceptance into Penn State, we delve into the multifaceted support systems in place, including the KEYS program. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, this episode encourages listeners to reduce stigma and extend a helping hand, ensuring that no one has to climb the mountain of recovery alone. LEARN MORE: https://www.luzerne.edu/arei/ https://www.luzernecounty.org/Do Give us a Review! 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery Support the show Stop by our Apple Podcast and drop a Review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/allbetter/id1592297425?see-all=reviews Support The Show https://www.patreon.com/allbetter

    51 min
  4. From Chaos to Clarity: Joey C's Journey through Addiction and Recovery

    09/10/2024

    From Chaos to Clarity: Joey C's Journey through Addiction and Recovery

    Imagine growing up in a high-pressure environment, feeling the weight of fitting in while battling personal demons. Joey C from Westchester, Pennsylvania, courageously opens up about his tumultuous journey through addiction and recovery. Adopted shortly after birth and discovering this life-altering fact at age 11, Joey shares how these formative experiences shaped his struggles. Tune in as we discuss his painful school years, marked by bullying and a desperate need to fit in, and how a move to Scranton for a partial hospitalization program became the catalyst for his recovery. What happens when the pressure to belong in a high socioeconomic circle leads to substance abuse? Joey's story paints a vivid picture of how seeking acceptance through drugs spiraled into addiction, affecting his relationships, academic performance, and social life. A wake-up call came when an anonymous tip led to school suspension, forcing Joey to confront the severity of his situation. Hear his raw reflections on the long-term impacts of his choices and the isolation from former friends, providing a sobering insight into the cost of addiction. Journey with us as we explore the dangers of high-potency THC and how Joey's time in rehab marked a turning point. Despite initial resistance, the unwavering support from peers convinced him to stay and ultimately succeed in the program. We highlight the importance of community and personal Give us a Review! 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery Fellowship HouseAs a treatment center, Fellowship House offers both residential and outpatient treatment services toallbetter.fmDiscussions on addiction and recovery. We interview clinicians/researchers, legislators, and individDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Stop by our Apple Podcast and drop a Review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/allbetter/id1592297425?see-all=reviews Support The Show https://www.patreon.com/allbetter

    1h 5m
  5. Finding Strength in Fellowship House

    09/03/2024

    Finding Strength in Fellowship House

    What if unresolved childhood trauma could be the root cause of your addictions? In today's powerful episode, we sit down with Mike G as he opens up about his first year of recovery at Fellowship House. Mike takes us back to his roots in Dunmore, a small football town, where the impact of his parents' divorce and his father's alcoholism left lasting scars. Listen as he shares how these early experiences shaped his feelings of inadequacy and responsibility, and how completing step four of his recovery journey helped him tackle these deep-seated fears head-on. From experimenting with marijuana during a middle school basketball game to balancing sports and social life, Mike recounts his early substance use and its intersection with his athletic ambitions. Despite participating in programs like DARE, he found himself frequently blacking out and attending therapy sessions in high school. The narrative takes you through his college years, where opportunities in sports led him to new paths and challenges, including a stint playing football in Berlin. Mike's candid storytelling brings you into the highs of MDMA use and the harsh lows of addiction, culminating in a cubicle job that only deepened his despair. Join us as Mike describes his transformative experience at Fellowship House, where supportive counselors and a conducive environment played crucial roles in his recovery. Discov Give us a Review! 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 1-(888)-HELP-120📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for Fellowship HouseAs a treatment center, Fellowship House offers both residential and outpatient treatment services toDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Stop by our Apple Podcast and drop a Review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/allbetter/id1592297425?see-all=reviews Support The Show https://www.patreon.com/allbetter

    1h 5m
  6. Healing Through Community: CEO Amy Durham's Personal Journey

    08/27/2024

    Healing Through Community: CEO Amy Durham's Personal Journey

    Amy Durham's journey from a childhood overshadowed by her father's alcoholism to becoming the CEO of Brookdale Premier Addiction Recovery is nothing short of remarkable. As she opens up about her own battles with liver disease and addiction, Amy's resilience and commitment to breaking the stigma around substance use disorder come to the forefront. This episode invites you to explore her personal story and the profound impact it has had on her professional mission to elevate addiction care through innovative, evidence-based practices. Listen as we unravel the complexities of navigating life’s challenges and the harrowing descent into addiction. Amy recounts the darkest moments, including severe liver failure and a near-death experience, shedding light on the physical and emotional toll of alcoholism. Her journey to recovery is marked by a strong support system and the transformative power of community – a testament to the critical role that camaraderie and mutual encouragement play in healing. We also take a forward-looking perspective on the future of addiction treatment. Amy discusses how Brookdale is pioneering new approaches, integrating technology and AI to enhance patient care and prevent relapse. From biometric data to frequent check-ins, discover how these advancements are reshaping the landscape of addiction recovery. Whether you’re on a personal recovery journey o Give us a Review! 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 1-(888)-HELP-120📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for Fellowship HouseAs a treatment center, Fellowship House offers both residential and outpatient treatment services toDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Stop by our Apple Podcast and drop a Review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/allbetter/id1592297425?see-all=reviews Support The Show https://www.patreon.com/allbetter

    1h 5m
  7. Navigating Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Family, Care, and Community Connections

    08/20/2024

    Navigating Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Family, Care, and Community Connections

    Discover the profound complexities of mental health and substance abuse treatment through our enlightening conversation with Shana Stefanik and Dylan Fredricey from STR Behavioral Health. Together, we explore their impactful journeys, the critical role of Cedar Crest—an essential residential facility—and the nuanced challenges of addressing substance use disorders. Dylan’s recent academic triumphs and the extraordinary potential of AI in modern care are also key highlights. Join us as we navigate the intricate terrain of family boundaries in mental health treatment, especially for those struggling with both mental health and substance use disorders in Pennsylvania. We discuss the tough decisions families face when local options fall short and the importance of family involvement in recovery. Discover how facilities like Silver Pines and Cedar Creek provide a crucial continuum of care, ensuring integrated treatment solutions that truly address the multifaceted needs of patients. Finally, we delve into managing high-acuity cases in smaller, focused environments such as Cedar Creek, emphasizing the importance of reducing stigma and ensuring frequent patient monitoring. Learn about the vital role of cultural competence in treating diverse populations, particularly the LGBTQ+ community, and the positive impacts of community engagement initiatives like the NEPA Pride Coalition. With exciting developments such as the upcoming outpatient facility in Lancaster, this episode underscores the pivotal importance of comprehensive, compassionate care in the mental health landscape. For more Info on STR; https://stepstorecovery.com/get-help/?gad_source=1 Give us a Review! 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery Support the show Stop by our Apple Podcast and drop a Review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/allbetter/id1592297425?see-all=reviews Support The Show https://www.patreon.com/allbetter

    1h 3m
  8. Exploring the Intersection of Adventure, Addiction, and Authentic Recovery with Nicholas Gettel

    08/13/2024

    Exploring the Intersection of Adventure, Addiction, and Authentic Recovery with Nicholas Gettel

    What happens when addiction meets the innate human need for adventure? Join me as I engage with Nicholas Gettel a Continuing Care Specialist at Caron Treatment Centers, to unravel this fascinating intersection. Together, we shed light on the nuances of how activism can sometimes fill voids left by personal dissatisfaction and the significant role political polarization plays in the recovery journey. Hear our personal stories about navigating these turbulent waters and understand how authentic adventure and meaningful engagement can be vital tools in a healthy recovery process. The media landscape today is a minefield of bias and hyperbole, making it challenging to discern the truth. Nicholas and I discuss the mental health implications of consuming news during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the alarming effects high-dosage THC can have on younger generations, potentially inducing psychosis-like symptoms and extreme ideologies. We underscore the importance of balance and stability, highlighting how genuine human connections are crucial in navigating these chaotic times, especially for those in recovery. Our conversation then moves into the profound impact of intellectual and spiritual pursuits on recovery. Nicholas shares transformative experiences from trauma-focused environments, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and honesty. We also explore the lasting imprint of e Give us a Review! 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for crisis or substance use treatment. Whether you are seeking help for the first time or are an alum in need of immediate assistance, our team is here for you around the clock. 📞 **Call 1-800-HELP-120 anytime, day or night.** #ScrantonRecovery 1-(888)-HELP-120📢 **Announcement!** 📢. We want to introduce our new 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for Fellowship HouseAs a treatment center, Fellowship House offers both residential and outpatient treatment services toDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Stop by our Apple Podcast and drop a Review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/allbetter/id1592297425?see-all=reviews Support The Show https://www.patreon.com/allbetter

    1h 7m
4.9
out of 5
91 Ratings

About

Joe Van Wie hosts a podcast dedicated to exploring addiction and recovery through thought-provoking conversations with clinicians, researchers, legislators, and individuals who embrace diverse pathways to healing. A father, husband, filmmaker, and reformed media consultant in recovery, Joe brings a unique perspective to these discussions. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from the State University of New York and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). In 2023, Joe completed the Executive Leadership Program at MIT's Sloan School of Management and Schwarzman College of Computing, specializing in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Business. He is currently in the one-year residency program at Columbia University's School of Social Work, pursuing a Master of Science in Social Work. Joe is also the co-founder and CEO of Fellowship House in Scranton, Pennsylvania, which serves up to 75 men per month through a 90-day Partial Hospitalization Program designed to treat Substance Use Disorder (SUD).