Chapter 3 Stigma

Kyle Zibrowski
  • 5.0 (7)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Chapter 3 Stigma — Addiction, Recovery & Hope Chapter 3 Stigma is a podcast about what happens after the decision to change — when the real work of recovery begins. Hosted by Kyle Zibrowski, a recovering alcoholic and storyteller, the show dives into the heart of addiction recovery, mental health, and healing from shame through raw, unfiltered conversations with people who’ve lived it. Each episode explores what it means to rebuild after addiction: how to navigate relapse, repair trust, find forgiveness, and rediscover purpose. You’ll hear from therapists, recovery coaches, medical professionals, and loved ones who share hard-won insights about sobriety, relationships, and resilience. Whether you’re battling alcoholism, substance use disorder, or learning how to support someone in recovery, this podcast offers real-world tools, emotional honesty, and the reminder that you are not alone. Our mission: to end stigma, build understanding, and remind every listener that recovery isn’t a finish line — it’s a new chapter. Topics you’ll find here: addiction recovery • sobriety • relapse prevention • family healing • supporting a loved one • overcoming stigma • trauma recovery • emotional sobriety • mental health and addiction • personal growth Follow Chapter 3 Stigma to hear powerful stories that prove: even after addiction, life can begin again.

  1. NOV 18

    Breaking Addiction Cycles: From 2.5 Seconds to 2.5 Years Sober | Ep. 72

    Do you need immediate help? Suicide Hotline - 988 Substance Abuse and Mental Health hotline - 1-800-662-4357 Want to reach out? Find us on: Instagram (@chapter3stigma) YouTube (@Chapter3Stigma) Chapter 3 Stigma Substack In this deeply personal solo episode, Kyle reads one of the most painful chapters from his upcoming memoir, a chapter titled Cycles. At two and a half years sober, Kyle revisits the paranoia, the rituals, the lies, and the physical and emotional unraveling that defined his drinking. It’s a window into the madness of addiction from the inside out: the secret alcohol runs, frantic cover-ups, manipulation of loved ones, and the suffocating obsession that made every day feel impossible to escape. This is not an easy listen. It’s uncomfortable, disgusting, and at times brutal. But it’s also a testimony to what recovery can make possible. Kyle shares this chapter not to shock, but to reach anyone who feels trapped in their own cycle of urges, relapse, and shame—and to show that there is a solution, no matter how hopeless it feels in the moment. If you’re struggling, or if someone you love is, you are not alone. There is a way out of the darkness. And life on the other side is bigger and brighter than you can imagine.

    25 min

  2. NOV 5

    From Loss to Leadership: Building Community After a Stillbirth with Zach Tauscher | Ep 71

    Do you need immediate help? Suicide Hotline - 988 Substance Abuse and Mental Health hotline - 1-800-662-4357 Want to reach out? Find us on: Instagram (@chapter3stigma) YouTube (@Chapter3Stigma) Chapter 3 Stigma Substack After losing their daughters — Lucy and Brynlee — cousins Kyle and Zach found themselves walking parallel paths through unimaginable loss and slow, patient healing. In this powerful conversation, Zach shares the story of Brynlee's stillbirth and how he and his wife, began rebuilding their lives while honoring her memory. Together, Kyle and Zach open up about the unseen side of grief, the guilt that fathers often carry, and how men can learn to grieve out loud instead of in silence. Zach explains how he transformed his pain into purpose — starting a local support group for parents navigating pregnancy and infant loss, speaking publicly for the first time, and finding meaning by helping others heal. This episode is for anyone learning to live after loss — parents, partners, or friends trying to understand what it means to move forward with both love and grief in hand. Topics Covered: Grief, guilt, and the father’s role in loss The power of community and shared healing How men can process emotion without shame Turning tragedy into purpose and leadership Chapters 00:00 — Introduction 03:40 — Brynlee’s Story: The Day Everything Changed10:55 — Grieving as a Father: Isolation and Silent Pain18:30 — The Unseen Weight: Guilt, Faith, and Questions Without Answers26:15 — Communicating Grief: Marriage, Family, and Support Systems34:10 — Finding Purpose in Pain: The Early Stages of Healing42:55 — Building Community: The Birth of the Support Group51:45 — Leadership Through Vulnerability58:20 — Hope and Legacy: Keeping Brinley’s Memory Alive1:04:40 — Closing Reflections: Living Forward with Love and Grief

    1h 27m

  3. OCT 22

    The Science & Heart of Alcohol Recovery with Dr. Amy Swift | Ep. 70

    Do you need immediate help? Suicide Hotline - 988 Substance Abuse and Mental Health hotline - 1-800-662-4357 Want to reach out? Find us on: Instagram (@chapter3stigma) YouTube (@Chapter3Stigma) Chapter 3 Stigma Substack What actually happens inside rehab? What keeps people in recovery after they leave? Dr. Amy Swift, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Silver Hill Hospital, joins Kyle to pull back the curtain on the clinical and emotional sides of recovery. Silver Hill Hospital Website They explore: The difference between inpatient, residential, and outpatient programs—and how families fit into each. Why recovery starts with small, “chewable” steps (and what “holding hope” really means). How DBT tools like emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness reduce relapse risk. The power of family involvement—and how loved ones can help without enabling. The truth about co-occurring disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar) hiding under addiction. What happens after rehab—discharge plans, emotional reactivity, and rebuilding relationships over time. Dr. Swift’s blend of clinical expertise and human compassion offers a roadmap for anyone touched by addiction—patients, families, and professionals alike. Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Dr. Smith Intro 01:08 Why This Conversation Matters 03:04 What Is Silver Hill Hospital 04:25 Inpatient vs Outpatient Explained 06:22 Who Decides the Right Program 07:15 When Families Bring Someone In 10:31 The Fear of Rehab & Early Resistance 12:43 The Family’s Role in Recovery 14:12 Post-Rehab Reality 16:30 DBT & Emotional Skills for Recovery 17:30 Using Conflict as Growth 18:00 Discharge Plans & Perfectionism 21:18 Recovery Is a Marathon 22:28 Family Week at Silver Hill 23:38 When the Family Isn’t Ready 25:35 Addiction Within Relationships 26:24 Dr. Swift’s Journey Into Addiction Medicine 28:11 Finding Confidence as a Clinician 29:46 Redefining Success & Holding Hope 31:29 Emotional Boundaries & Letting Go 33:15 Building Resilience as a Healer 36:44 Women, Shame & Motherhood in Recovery 38:01 Kyle’s Story: Leaving Family to Heal 41:30 Healing Parental Guilt & Late-Stage Redemption 43:19 The Light Returning Gratitude in Recovery 45:17 Co-Occurring Disorders Explained 50:48 Facing Emotions After Detox 51:29 Feeling Again 53:04 Advice for Families & Society 54:25 Closing Reflections

    57 min

  4. OCT 8

    The Exhale: We’re Back (And Different) with Alyssa | Ep. 69

    Do you need immediate help? Suicide Hotline - 988 Substance Abuse and Mental Health hotline - 1-800-662-4357 Want to reach out? Find us on: Instagram (@chapter3stigma) YouTube (@Chapter3Stigma) Chapter 3 Stigma Substack In this episode of the Chapter 3 Stigma Podcast, Alyssa and Kyle share their personal journey of navigating family growth after loss, the emotional complexities of pregnancy, and the intertwining of grief and joy. They reflect on their experiences with addiction recovery, the anticipation of welcoming a new child, and the challenges of adjusting to life with two sons. The conversation emphasizes the importance of support, love, and finding a new normal amidst life's challenges and ever changing state. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey 02:20 Reflections on Family Growth 04:42 Navigating Pregnancy After Loss 07:16 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Expecting 10:16 Facing Medical Concerns 12:58 The Anticipation of New Life 15:47 The Birth Experience 18:31 Welcoming a New Family Member 21:07 Adjusting to Life with Two Sons 23:49 Grief and Joy Intertwined 26:13 Finding a New Normal 29:01 The Impact of Two Boys at Home on Family Dynamics 31:28 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans Keywords addiction, recovery, family, pregnancy, grief, parenting, emotional journey, support, love, healing

    47 min

  5. JUN 5

    The Final Episode (For Now): Love, Forgiveness, and Two Years of Recovery | Ep. 68

    Do you need immediate help? Suicide Hotline - 988 Substance Abuse and Mental Health hotline - 1-800-662-4357 Want to reach out? Find us on: Instagram (@chapter3stigma) YouTube (@Chapter3Stigma) Chapter 3 Stigma Substack In this heartfelt and unfiltered conversation, Kyle sits down with his wife Alyssa for what will be the final episode of Chapter 3 Stigma—at least for now. Together, they reflect on the past two years of sobriety, the difficult decisions that kept them together, and the private battles that played out behind the scenes of addiction recovery. Alyssa shares what it was like to love someone who didn’t love himself, the cost of codependency, and how she found her own path of healing alongside Kyle’s. They explore the complexity of forgiveness, the difference between trust and letting go, and what it means to rebuild a relationship from the ground up. Whether you're a loved one of an addict, deep in your own recovery, or seeking hope in dark places, this episode is for you. This episode marks a pause—not an end—as Kyle reflects on the journey and what may come next with the book and broader body of work. 00:00 Introduction to the Journey 01:01 Reflecting on the Podcast's Impact 04:54 Turning the Tables: A Conversation with Alyssa 05:14 Commitment Through Difficult Times 08:11 The Struggles of Loving an Addict 09:24 Recognizing Self-Care Issues 12:50 The Complexity of Honesty 15:29 New Beginnings and Parenthood 18:49 The Positive Side of Recovery 20:16 The Role of Partners in Recovery 22:25 Forgiveness and Healing 25:14 The Process of Forgiveness 30:00 Self-Forgiveness and Growth 32:14 Reconnecting with Identity 34:34 Looking Back on the Journey 34:59 Transformation Through Recovery 37:07 Navigating Relationships in Recovery 39:45 Hyperprotection and Trust 41:37 Evolving Together in Recovery 43:00 Preparing the Next Generation 46:04 Forgiveness vs. Trust 49:04 The Power of Gratitude 52:15 Reflections on the Journey 57:49 Messages of Hope for Loved Ones Keywords addiction, recovery, alcoholism, relationships, forgiveness, self-care, commitment, mental health, family, personal growth, recovery, addiction, relationships, forgiveness, gratitude, hope, transformation, trust, family, support

    1h 5m

  6. MAY 28

    Ep 67: A Vision for You: Finding Freedom, Fellowship, and a Future Beyond Addiction

    Do you need immediate help? Suicide Hotline - 988 Substance Abuse and Mental Health hotline - 1-800-662-4357 Want to reach out? Find us on: Instagram (@chapter3stigma) YouTube (@Chapter3Stigma) Chapter 3 Stigma Substack In this episode of Chapter 3 Stigma, Kyle wraps up the foundational 164 pages of the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, focusing on the final chapter, A Vision for You. Kyle reflects on the illusions of control in addiction, the liberating act of surrender, and the deeper identity formed in recovery—not just sobriety. Drawing from personal experience and the transformative language of the Big Book, Kyle explores the difference between being sober and living in active recovery. This episode is a moving invitation for those struggling with alcoholism, as well as for their loved ones, to see addiction through a new lens and to discover hope, healing, and lasting purpose. 00:00 Introduction to the Chapter 3 Stigma Podcast 01:00 Wrapping Up Alcoholics Anonymous Insights 06:48 Exploring the Final Chapter: A Vision for You 11:57 The Cycle of Addiction and Recovery 16:46 The Power of Community and Fellowship 21:02 Forgiveness, Sacrifice, and Spiritual Growth Keywords: addiction recovery podcast, Alcoholics Anonymous, Big Book chapter 11, letting go of control, living sober, dry drunk vs recovery, spiritual awakening, AA for loved ones, recovery identity, how to get sober, fellowship in recovery, Chapter 3 Stigma

    25 min

  7. MAY 21

    Ep 66: Book Sneak Peek: “Hope” — The Day I Walked Into Rehab

    Do you need immediate help? Suicide Hotline - 988 Substance Abuse and Mental Health hotline - 1-800-662-4357 Want to reach out? Find us on: Instagram (@chapter3stigma) YouTube (@Chapter3Stigma) Chapter 3 Stigma Substack In this special Chapter 3 Stigma episode, Kyle pulls back the curtain on his work-in-progress memoir—written for his son Grant and future children—to preserve every hard-won lesson from two years of sobriety. After hitting a major milestone in the editing process, Kyle reads the first half of “Hope,” the chapter that opens the book’s rehab section. You’ll hear the exact moment he surrendered everything, the gut-punch goodbye with his wife Alyssa, and the two promises he made in intake: trust the program and learn to say “I love you” to the man in the mirror. From parental guilt and hospital flashbacks to an unexpected sense of relief, this reading lays bare the terror and tender optimism of Day 1 in rehab. The second half of the chapter drops exclusively on the Chapter 3 Stigma Substack; links are in the show notes. Whether you’re battling addiction or supporting someone who is, let this honest glimpse of hope remind you that recovery is possible—and worth every step. 00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Healing 01:01 The Process of Writing and Reflection 04:10 Entering Rehab: A New Beginning 05:39 Facing Fears and Embracing Hope 10:07 Promises to Self: A Commitment to Change 14:17 Sharing the Journey: The Healing Process Keywords addiction, recovery, hope, healing, personal story, alcoholism, family, resilience, mental health, support

    17 min

  8. MAY 14

    Ep 65: Two Years of Recovery and Mother’s Day: A Marriage Transformed by Recovery

    Do you need immediate help? Suicide Hotline - 988 Substance Abuse and Mental Health hotline - 1-800-662-4357 Want to reach out? Find us on: Instagram (@chapter3stigma) YouTube (@Chapter3Stigma) Chapter 3 Stigma Website & Blog In this deeply personal episode, Kyle invites his wife Alyssa back to the Chapter 3 Stigma podcast for a conversation recorded on Mother’s Day 2025, nearly two years after Kyle entered rehab for alcoholism. What follows is a moving and honest dialogue between partners about what it means to rebuild trust, parent with presence, and navigate the emotional terrain of recovery together. Alyssa takes the lead, asking Kyle unfiltered questions about what’s changed in the last two years, what still challenges him, and how he’s stayed sober through life’s curveballs. From discussing the power of the 12 steps to the fear of complacency, to grieving the loss of their daughter Lucy while staying spiritually connected, this episode offers hope and depth for anyone walking the path of healing or supporting someone who is. Whether you're newly in recovery, a longtime supporter, or someone seeking hope in a hard season, this conversation will stay with you. 00:00 Welcome & Why Mother's Day Will Never Be the Same Again 02:34 “Doesn’t It Feel Like Another Lifetime?” — Alyssa Reflects 04:11 The One-Year Chip, Milestones, and What Comes Next 08:39 “How Did You Do It?” — Kyle on Listening, Action & AA 10:52 From Rehab to Real Life: Building Consistency & Confidence 13:05 The Hardest Part: Letting Go and Forgiving 14:55 What’s Been Easy: Joy, Presence & Parenting in Recovery 17:58 Alcohol Today: Boundaries, Triggers & Reclaiming Peace 23:38 Showing Up for Others: Giving Back in the AA Community 29:41 Surprise Realization: I Was Afraid of My Own Potential 32:34 Time, Energy & Creativity Recovered in Sobriety 35:14 "I Couldn’t Picture Life Beyond 35" — Facing the Future 40:08 Legacy Over Achievement: What Really Matters 44:42 What I Haven’t Shared Yet: Resentment, Rage, and Growth 46:22 The Fear of Complacency and Staying Connected 50:04 One-on-One Conversations and Writing the Book for Grant 54:31 What Progress Looks Like Now: Emotional Stability & Prayer 59:54 Talking to Lucy: Faith, Grief, and End-of-Day Reflection 1:02:53 Final Reflections: A Life Rebuilt One Day at a Time Keywords: recovery podcast, sobriety anniversary, couple in recovery, addiction and marriage, 12 steps of AA, emotional sobriety, grief and sobriety, faith in recovery, relapse prevention, parenting sober, Mother's Day recovery story, overcoming alcoholism

    1h 5m
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Chapter 3 Stigma — Addiction, Recovery & Hope Chapter 3 Stigma is a podcast about what happens after the decision to change — when the real work of recovery begins. Hosted by Kyle Zibrowski, a recovering alcoholic and storyteller, the show dives into the heart of addiction recovery, mental health, and healing from shame through raw, unfiltered conversations with people who’ve lived it. Each episode explores what it means to rebuild after addiction: how to navigate relapse, repair trust, find forgiveness, and rediscover purpose. You’ll hear from therapists, recovery coaches, medical professionals, and loved ones who share hard-won insights about sobriety, relationships, and resilience. Whether you’re battling alcoholism, substance use disorder, or learning how to support someone in recovery, this podcast offers real-world tools, emotional honesty, and the reminder that you are not alone. Our mission: to end stigma, build understanding, and remind every listener that recovery isn’t a finish line — it’s a new chapter. Topics you’ll find here: addiction recovery • sobriety • relapse prevention • family healing • supporting a loved one • overcoming stigma • trauma recovery • emotional sobriety • mental health and addiction • personal growth Follow Chapter 3 Stigma to hear powerful stories that prove: even after addiction, life can begin again.

Information

  • Creator
    Kyle Zibrowski
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Chapter 3 Stigma