Overcoming Adversity

Amanda Marino, Sarah Frias
  • 4.8 (20)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

The Overcoming Adversity podcast discusses all things and people who have looked in the face of struggle and have come out on the other side.

  1. 08/05/2025

    S3: EP 17 - You Do You with Grit and Grace

    In this episode of Overcoming Adversity, we’re turning the mic around and spotlighting the powerhouse behind our own production - Janine Stella of StellaMix Studios. We’re talking podcasting, social media, and what it really takes to show up, be seen, and stay consistent when the haters come calling. We get real about the hustle behind visibility, the difference between passion and profit, and why starting a podcast is more than just plugging in a mic - it’s about purpose, vulnerability, and owning your voice. From our humble beginnings to building brands with integrity, we explore how to keep showing up for ourselves and others, no matter the noise. If you’ve ever felt called to create, this one’s your sign. Grab a snack, get comfy, and let’s talk truth, transformation, and the power of doing life your way. StellaMix: Instagram: @stellamix_studios Facebook: @stellamix Next Level Recovery Associates: Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates Amanda Marino: Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist LinkedIn: Amanda Marino TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery Sarah Frias: Instagram: @sarahefrias

    33 min

  2. 07/29/2025

    S3: EP 16 - What We Really Do and Why It Works

    In this episode of Overcoming Adversity, we’re pulling back the curtain on what we actually do at Next Level Recovery Associates. From case management and companioning to interventions and aftercare, we break down the heart of our work—and how it goes far beyond the basics. Whether you're navigating mental health, substance use, eating disorders, or simply feeling stuck, we share how our approach is creative, non-judgmental, and deeply individualized. We also reflect on how far we've come since launching the podcast, the importance of building trust, and why it's okay to not have it all figured out. Oh—and Amanda’s still thinking about that salmon, just saying. If you’re struggling, know this: you’re not alone, and help doesn’t have to look just one way. We're here for you. Next Level Recovery Associates: Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates Amanda Marino: Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist LinkedIn: Amanda Marino TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery Sarah Frias: Instagram: @sarahefrias

    20 min

  3. 07/24/2025

    S3: EP 15 - Sex, Shame & Survival: Reclaiming Pleasure as a Radical Act of Healing

    In one of our most powerful conversations yet, Amanda Marino and Sarah Frias sit down with psychologist and certified sex therapist Dr. Rachel Needle to unpack the intersections of trauma, shame, intimacy, and resilience. From childhood abuse to substance use, from body detachment to rediscovering desire, we explore how reclaiming your sexuality isn’t indulgent—it’s essential. Dr. Needle shares her personal journey, her clinical expertise, and the emotional truths behind what it means to feel safe in your skin again. We break down the stigma sex therapists face, the myths surrounding porn and pleasure, and why so many women don’t begin embracing their sexual identity until midlife. This isn’t just about sex—it’s about healing, empowerment, and rewriting the narrative around what it means to connect with your body on your own terms. PLUS: We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of Next Level Growth Academy, a long-anticipated collaboration between Next Level and Dr. Needle to train trauma-informed recovery and mental health coaches. With Rachel’s leadership at Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, Palm Beach University, and Advanced Mental Training Institute, this program is built for growth, transformation, and real-world impact. Connect with Dr. Rachel Needle: Email: drrachelneedle@gmail.com or info@modernsextherapyinstitutes.com Phone (Therapy Inquiries): (561) 629-4579 Phone (Training/CE): (561) 379‑7207 Website: www.drrachel.com Training Institute: www.modernsextherapyinstitutes.com Instagram: @drrachelneedle Next Level Recovery Associates: Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates Amanda Marino: Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist LinkedIn: Amanda Marino TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery Sarah Frias: Instagram: @sarahefrias

    32 min

  4. 07/15/2025

    S3: EP 14 - Behind the Brand: Yasmin Cuesta on Showing Up and Standing Out in Behavioral Health

    In this episode of Overcoming Adversity, Amanda Marino and Sarah Frias are joined by Yasmin Cuesta, the founder and owner of Y&S Digital Growth, a boutique digital marketing agency based in South Florida and the creative behind Next Level Recovery Associates and Amanda's digital marketing efforts. Yasmin brings a unique blend of analytical thinking and creative strategy to her work, specializing in social media marketing for the behavioral health industry and beyond. Over the past several years, Yasmin has developed a reputation for helping behavioral health professionals and treatment centers build trust and authentic connections online.  They reflect on the early days of the pandemic, what it took to build something from scratch, and how being vulnerable on camera created ripple effects across the globe. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of building a business from the ground up, offering honest advice and a look at the evolving landscape of digital marketing in behavioral health. Next Level Recovery Associates: Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates Amanda Marino: Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist LinkedIn: Amanda Marino TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery Sarah Frias: Instagram: @sarahefrias

    22 min

  5. 07/08/2025

    S3: EP 13 - Merik’s Legacy: A Son’s Heart, A Mother’s Journey

    In this deeply personal episode of Overcoming Adversity, Amanda Marino is joined by her 19-year-old son, Merik, for a rare and raw conversation about growing up, healing generational trauma, and finding your purpose in helping others. From EMT training to future goals in firefighting and intervention, Merik opens up about his quiet strength, his simple truth, and the love that shaped him. With warmth, humor, and a few ball-busting moments, Amanda and Sarah reflect on how one son’s steady presence helped spark a mother’s transformation—and how their journey together continues to evolve. A touching look at resilience, recovery, and raising a good man in a complicated world. Next Level Recovery Associates: Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates Amanda Marino: Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist LinkedIn: Amanda Marino TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery Sarah Frias: Instagram: @sarahefrias

    12 min

  6. 07/01/2025

    S3: EP 12 - Cake for Dinner & Other Ways We Rise: Keesha Scott’s Story of Grit, Grace, and Starting Over

    In this uplifting episode, Amanda Marino and Sarah Frias sit down with Keesha Scott—mom of three, co-founder of Guardian Recovery, and author of the upcoming book Cake for Dinner. With 23 years sober, Keesha shares her journey of rebuilding after loss, raising kids as a single mom, and finding her purpose helping adolescents who don’t fit the mold. She opens up about parenting through chaos, co-parenting with compassion, and why her daughter’s defiant spirit taught her more than any parenting book ever could. From starting Guardian in a tiny Delray office to leading programs nationwide, Keesha’s story is one of grit, heart, and choosing to rise again—and yes, sometimes that means having cake for dinner. This is real talk about recovery, motherhood, and embracing imperfection with grace. Next Level Recovery Associates: Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates Amanda Marino: Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist LinkedIn: Amanda Marino TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery Sarah Frias: Instagram: @sarahefrias

    49 min

  7. 06/24/2025

    S3: EP 11 - Never Outmatched: Strategy, Grit & Disruption with Lee Pepper

    Lee Pepper flew in, rerouted his life—and dropped pure gold on this episode of Overcoming Adversity. Amanda Marino dives into Lee’s journey from military service to behavioral health marketing legend, and how his new book Never Outmatched turns battlefield strategies into business and life lessons. From leadership and AI to war-gaming your business plan, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and heart. Whether you’re in recovery, running a company, or just trying to pivot with purpose—this one’s for you. Next Level Recovery Associates: Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates Amanda Marino: Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist LinkedIn: Amanda Marino TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery Sarah Frias: Instagram: @sarahefrias

    41 min

  8. 05/27/2025

    S3: EP 10 - We’ve Outgrown the Room: Why Playing Small No Longer Works

    This one’s for anyone who’s ever walked into a networking event and left feeling drained instead of inspired. Amanda and Sarah reflect on the power of curating your circle—choosing real connections over forced conversations, and meaningful collaboration over performative support. From healing through loss to leveling up through masterminds, they’re sharing the uncomfortable truths, the hard-earned wisdom, and the joy of finally owning your voice—even if it comes with pushback. It’s raw, honest, and full of heart.  Next Level Recovery Associates: Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates Amanda Marino: Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist LinkedIn: Amanda Marino TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery Sarah Frias: Instagram: @sarahefrias

    22 min
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4.8
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

The Overcoming Adversity podcast discusses all things and people who have looked in the face of struggle and have come out on the other side.

Information

  • Creator
    Amanda Marino, Sarah Frias
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Overcoming Adversity
  • Show Website
    Overcoming Adversity