No Matter What Club

No Matter What Club
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Sexuality
  • Updated Weekly

The No Matter What Club podcast aims to advocate, educate, and inform listeners about substance abuse and mental health challenges within the LGBTQ+ community. It welcomes both LGBTQ+ individuals and allies who are struggling with these issues, or who are affected by them. Through heartfelt and honest stories, the podcast offers transparency and insight, providing even better access to LGBTQ+ recovery resources and professionals dedicated to championing this community.

  1. 10h ago

    Community Heals

    A new episode just dropped — and this one hits differently. 🎙️🏳️‍🌈Paulo, Anthony, and Mell are coming to you from the Chicago Podcast Studio with the incredible Howard Gelb, and this conversation does *not hold back. Howard takes us inside what it was like living through the AIDS epidemic in the 80s and 90s — the loss, the survival, the drugs used to cope — and how out of all that grief, the circuit party was born. He also opens up about a deeply personal promise he made to his mom, and the early roots of recovery communities right here in Chicago.At the heart of it all? *Community builds resilience* - and in recovery, that's everything!This episode is for anyone who's ever needed their people to get through. 🤍🎧 Streaming now on all your favorite podcast platforms.Hashtags: #NoMatterWhatClub #SoberPodcast #PrideMonth #chicagopride #QueerHistory #AIDSHistory #mentalhealth #communityhealsHost:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryAnthony Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCrackenNational Director of Chemsex and LGBTQ+ Programs, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guest:Howard Gelb, LCSWPsychotherapist

    53 min

  2. May 29

    S3 Ep 4: Family Matters

    What does hope sound like in early sobriety? This week, Paulo, Mell, and Thomas sit down with Chicago recovery coach Charlie Bray to find out. The conversation goes deep — covering chosen family, family systems, and the quiet miracle that happens when you change the way you see the world. The No Matter What Club Podcast is available on all your favorite streaming platforms.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guest:Mell McCrackenNational Director of Chemsex and LGBTQ+ Programs, No Matter What RecoveryThomas AllenProgram Director, No Matter What Recovery Charlie BrayRecovery Coach

    1h 2m

  3. May 21

    S3 Ep 3: Resiliency in Action

    The depths of addiction, the friends we meet while using, dogs and non-profits, resiliency in ourselves and especially the LGBTQ community.This week, Paulo, Anthony, and Mell sit down with Dr. Robert Garofalo — and the conversation does not disappoint. From managing recovery as a working professional in the public eye, to the transformative power of resiliency, to the surprisingly profound impact dogs can have on the healing process, Rob brings wisdom, vulnerability, and heart. Season 3, Episode 3 is available now on all major streaming platforms. Hosts: Paulo Arranaga-Grayson Co-Founder, No Matter What Recovery Special Guest:Anthony Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What Recovery Mell McCrackenNational Director of Chemsex and LGBTQ+ Programs, No Matter What Recovery Dr Robert GarofaloPhysician and AuthorDiscussion topics covered:

    54 min

  4. May 14

    S3 Ep 2: Navigating Chemsex Recovery

    On the next episode of The No Matter What Club, hosts Paulo and Mell welcome Jessica Steinman, LMFT, CSAT, and David Fawcett, PhD, CST, CSAT, to the studio for a compelling conversation about chemsex addiction. They explore the history of chemsex, approaches to treatment, the potential benefits of pausing sexual activity during recovery, and the concept of arousal templates. David also shares details about his new workbook, a companion to his book Lust, Men and Meth. Hosts: Paulo Arranaga-Grayson Co-Founder, No Matter What Recovery Special Guest: Mell McCracken National Director of Chemsex and LGBTQ+ Programs, No Matter What Recovery Jessica Steinman Chief Clinical Officer, No Matter What Recovery David Fawcett, PhD, CST, CSAT Author

    58 min

  5. May 7

    We’re here, Chicago!

    The No Matter What Club is a podcast for the LGBTQ+ community — and everyone who loves them. Hosted by Paulo Arranaga-Grayson and some very special guest hosts, we're here to talk openly and honestly about substance use, mental health, and what healing really looks like. Whether you're in the middle of your own struggle, supporting someone you love, or just trying to understand — you belong here. Through real stories and real voices, we connect our community with the resources, professionals, and hope that too often feel out of reach. Hosts: Paulo Arranaga-Grayson Co-Founder, No Matter What Recovery Anthony Arranaga-Grayson Co-Founder, No Matter What Recovery Special Guest: Mell McCracken National Director of Chemsex and LGBTQ+ Programs, No Matter What Recovery Thomas Allen Program Director, No Matter What Recovery - Chicago

    52 min

  6. 12/11/2025 ·  Bonus

    Chemsex Curriculum

    Paulo and Mell share details about the new 90-day chemsex curriculum workbook that is being utilized at No Matter What Recovery. The workbook, authored by Mell, educates the reader on the effectsaffects of the combo of crystal meth and sex on our brain, healing from the fusion, relapse prevention strategies, and sexual health in recovery.  Learn more: No Matter What Recovery: www.nomatterwhatrecovery.com No Matter What Club podcast: https://nomatterwhatrecovery.com/no-matter-what-club-podcast/ Tags: #mentalhealth #hope #chemsex #healing Hosts: Paulo Arranaga-Grayson Co-Founder, No Matter What Recovery Mell McCracken Executive Director, No Matter What Recovery

    6 min

  7. 07/24/2025

    The "California Sober" Trap (Episode 18)

    In our season finale of the No Matter What Club podcast, Paulo, Anthony, and Mell chat with journalist Sandra Vergara about her journey with sobriety, the pitfalls of using psychedelics therapeutically, and we have a robust discussion on the phrase ‘California Sober’ and the potential harm the lifestyle has done to folks trying to get sober.  Sandra Vergara is a journalist, tv/digital series host, and mental health coach known for her ability to bridge entertainment with meaningful conversations. She began her career as a lifestyle correspondent for Yahoo digital, and went on to host for E! Network, working alongside icons like RuPaul. Most recently, she served as the LA correspondent for PEOPLE’S “The TV Show.” Sandra is passionate about emotional healing, recovery, and the power of storytelling. Drawing from her own lived experience, she speaks openly about sobriety, self worth, and the journey to reclaim inner peace. Her mission is to hold space for real transformation with honesty and compassion. Learn more: No Matter What Recovery: www.nomatterwhatrecovery.com No Matter What Club podcast: https://nomatterwhatrecovery.com/no-matter-what-club-podcast/ Tags: #mentalhealth #hope #inspiration

    50 min

  8. 07/17/2025

    What’s Love Got To Do With It? (Episode 17)

    In this episode of the No Matter what club podcast, Paulo, Anthony, and Mell welcome , Jessica Steinman, LMFT  to the show. The four of them dive into the discussion of love and sex addiction, what does it mean to be recovering from it, and what are some signs for those who might be struggling. We also discuss how those struggling with chemsex or sexualized drug use may also be affected.  Jessica is the Chief Clinical Officer for No Matter What Recovery and our favorite LGBTQ+ ally.  Jessica is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist. She works with individual adults, couples, and families.  Jessica has vast knowledge of many facets of mental health issues – but her passion for addiction has been a focus of hers for over a decade, especially with Sex and Love Addiction and Sexualized Drug Use.  Jessica trained at The Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and she received her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena.  Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations! Learn more: No Matter What Recovery: www.nomatterwhatrecovery.com No Matter What Club podcast: https://nomatterwhatrecovery.com/no-matter-what-club-podcast/ Tags: #mentalhealth #hope #inspiration

    56 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The No Matter What Club podcast aims to advocate, educate, and inform listeners about substance abuse and mental health challenges within the LGBTQ+ community. It welcomes both LGBTQ+ individuals and allies who are struggling with these issues, or who are affected by them. Through heartfelt and honest stories, the podcast offers transparency and insight, providing even better access to LGBTQ+ recovery resources and professionals dedicated to championing this community.

Information

  • Creator
    No Matter What Club
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © No Matter What Club
  • Show Website
    No Matter What Club

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