The Recovery Guide

Guardian Recovery
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Recovery Guide is hosted by Michael Herbert, a person in long-term recovery with over 35 years clean and nearly four decades of experience in addiction and mental health. This show expands the conversation beyond abstinence, exploring the tools, mindset, health practices, and life rebuilding strategies that create lasting recovery. If you or someone you love is navigating addiction, this podcast offers practical guidance, hope, and a reminder that you don’t have to do it alone.

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    Reality TV, Rock Bottom & Eating Disorder Recovery | Julianne Forrest

    Julianne Forrest, former star of The Real Housewives of New York, opens up about her deeply personal journey with bulimia, recovery, identity, and healing. Julianne shares how growing up in a high-pressure environment and struggling with perfectionism contributed to the development of her eating disorder at a young age. She reflects on how the loss of structure in her life triggered the disorder, and how secrecy and shame kept it alive for years. Julianne discusses her experience in treatment, the importance of honesty in recovery, and the life-changing moment she realized that “secrets keep you sick.” She also shares what it was like to step into the public spotlight on The Real Housewives of New York, the vulnerability of speaking openly about her struggles on television, and how her recovery journey continues today through meditation, spirituality, and self-awareness. This episode explores the realities of eating disorders, the power of recovery, and how even life’s most difficult moments can lead to growth, healing, and purpose. If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder or addiction, this conversation offers insight, hope, and a reminder that recovery is possible. Follow Guardian: https://www.instagram.com/guardianrecovery/ Follow Michael Herbert: https://www.instagram.com/coachmichaelherbert/  Follow Jules: https://www.instagram.com/juleswainstein    This episode is sponsored by Guardian Recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, Guardian can help. Visit https://www.guardianrecovery.com  or call 888-721-3790 for confidential support and guidance. 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Biracial Identity, Family Pressure & Perfectionism 03:09 When the Eating Disorder Became Active 04:04 Bulimia, Control & Keeping Busy 05:25 Shame, Secrecy & Wanting to Stay Small 06:53 Treatment, Independence & Recovery 08:42 Joining The Real Housewives of New York 10:16 Reality TV, Vulnerability & Pressure 13:16 “Secrets Keep You Sick” 14:34 Building a Support System in Recovery 17:19 Divorce, Arrest & Major Life Changes 19:39 Moving to Florida & Starting Over 20:52 Her Father’s Death & Spiritual Awakening 23:05 Meditation, Healing & Energy 24:35 A Meditation Trick for Relaxation 27:48 Daydreaming, Intuition & Connection 29:16 Why Meditation Changed Her Recovery 31:04 Future Goals: Just Be Happy 33:38 Final Thoughts, Michael’s Book & Recovery Wisdom 35:49 Her Mother, Creativity & Healing 38:07 The Power of Words & Manifestation 42:02 Be Ready When Opportunity Comes 42:30 Local Honey, Healing & Closing Thoughts

    44 min

  2. MAR 3

    The Mirror Moment That Saved My Life – Charles Rosa

    Charles Rosa’s life could have ended in jail — or worse. After losing two older brothers to drug overdoses, Charles spiraled into addiction, grief, and self-destruction. One day, staring into the mirror, he didn’t recognize the person looking back at him. That moment changed everything. Charles shares how a spiritual awakening led him to treatment, how a bicycle became the foundation of his discipline, and how a single sparring session at American Top Team lit the fire that would carry him into the UFC. From riding 9 miles to the gym every day…
To winning 20 amateur fights in a row…
To fighting under the bright lights of the Boston Garden… This is a story of resilience, redemption, and what it truly means when you say: “Every day is a fight you can win.” If you’re struggling, chasing a dream, or rebuilding your life — this episode is for you. Follow Charles: https://www.instagram.com/charlesrosamma/  Follow Guardian: https://www.instagram.com/guardianrecovery/ Follow Michael Herbert: https://www.instagram.com/coachmichaelherbert/  This episode is sponsored by Guardian Recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, Guardian can help. Visit https://www.guardianrecovery.com  or call 888-721 3790 for confidential support and guidance. 00:00 – Introduction 01:42 – Introduction to Charles Rosa 03:50 – Growing Up in Boston & Losing Two Brothers to Overdose 06:34 – His Father’s Cold Water Ritual & Chucky’s Fight 11:04 – “Every Day Is a Fight You Can Win” 12:21 – How His Addiction Began 15:00 – Bottoming Out in New Hampshire 16:22 – The Hotline Call That Changed Everything 18:42 – The Police Raid & What Could Have Happened 20:00 – Treatment in Pennsylvania & Florida 23:30 – The Therapy Directive That Sparked His Career 27:00 – Riding a Bicycle to Build a Dream 32:00 – Sparring a Top 10 UFC Fighter on Day One 35:48 – Meeting Kimbo Slice 39:41 – Replacing Addiction with Martial Arts 41:06 – 20-0 Amateur Run 43:00 – The Fighter’s Mindset: Kill or Be Killed 44:30 – Turning Pain Into Power 47:56 – Why He Still Has Normal Ears

    1h 7m

  3. FEB 25

    Welcome to the Recovery Guide Podcast

    Host Michael Herbert brings over 35 years of personal recovery experience and 37 years working in addiction and mental health to introduce a broader, more expansive view of recovery.   This episode explores what recovery really means — beyond meetings and abstinence. While abstinence gets you in the door, what keeps you there is building a life worth staying sober for.   Michael shares his philosophy of trying “a thousand things and finding the five that work,” and why recovery includes perseverance, spirituality, journaling, exercise, diet, purpose, adventure, and even reclaiming dreams you may have abandoned.   This podcast is for: People struggling with addiction Those in active recovery Families and loved ones seeking understanding Anyone looking for hope and direction Recovery is not about perfection. It’s about consistency. And you don’t have to do it alone. There is hope — and this is your guide.   Follow Guardian: https://www.instagram.com/guardianrecovery/ Follow Michael Herbert: https://www.instagram.com/coachmichaelherbert/   This episode is sponsored by Guardian Recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, Guardian can help. Visit https://www.guardianrecovery.com  or call 888-721-3790 for confidential support and guidance.

    5 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

The Recovery Guide is hosted by Michael Herbert, a person in long-term recovery with over 35 years clean and nearly four decades of experience in addiction and mental health. This show expands the conversation beyond abstinence, exploring the tools, mindset, health practices, and life rebuilding strategies that create lasting recovery. If you or someone you love is navigating addiction, this podcast offers practical guidance, hope, and a reminder that you don’t have to do it alone.

Information

  • Creator
    Guardian Recovery
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Recovery Guide