Addiction Talk

The latest episode of “Addiction Talk” promises to be a thought-provoking conversation between three guests who are at the forefront of addiction recovery research and advocacy. Cure Addiction Now Founder Nancy Davis, Director of Drug Discovery Institute Paul J. Kenny, and MTV’s Laguna Beach and The Hills star Jason Wahler will be discussing the latest breakthroughs in addiction recovery, including the usage of the widely popular medications Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) to combat addiction cravings.

Peter White is a true warrior of the Yaqan Nukiy tribe, which is a part of the Ktunaxa Nation. His journey of triumph over homelessness, addiction and a cancer diagnosis is nothing short of inspiring. After his cancer diagnosis in May of 2016, Peter knew that he needed to make a change in his life. He had always wanted to start powwow dancing, but kept pushing it off for the “right time.” Little did he know that his cancer diagnosis was the sign he had been waiting for. Today, Peter is a Men’s traditional dancer, and this dance has brought out the inner warrior in him. As someone who has battled addiction and depression in the past, Peter’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and hope.

Adam Paul Hicks is an American actor, rapper, singer, and songwriter, best known for his leading role in the Disney Channel Original Movie “Lemonade Mouth” and his music projects. However, behind closed doors, Adam was struggling with addiction, mental illness, and family tragedies that ultimately led to his arrest and incarceration. At the age of 17, Adam’s mother was diagnosed with MS and began to have severe episodes that impacted his family’s wellbeing. As his career was taking off, Adam turned to alcohol and Xanax to cope with the stress. Then, his younger brother was in a car crash, killing his girlfriend, and Adam’s mother died two months before his brother was sentenced to ten years in prison. These tragic events, and the accidental drowning of his best friend, pushed Adam into a state of psychosis.

In January 2018, Adam and his girlfriend were arrested on suspicion of armed robbery. Adam spent time in a mental facility and ultimately prison, serving 1,460 days before being released on parole in 2022. Since then, Adam has been sober for over five years and focused on his health and wellbeing. Adam’s journey to recovery from addiction and mental illness is ongoing, and he credits therapy, medication, and a clean diet for his progress. Despite the challenges he faced, Adam is back into the Hollywood game, feeling more mentally and physically healthy than ever before. 

On this episode of “Addiction Talk,” the topic of alcohol addiction will be discussed by way of cutting edge research helmed by Bryant University Assistant Professor Kristin Scaplen, Ph.D.

Professor Scaplen, who obtained a B.S. in biology and psychology from the University of Connecticut, and Ph.D in neuroscience from Brown University, has spent years studying neural circuits and the persistence of memory in the context of alcohol use. This work was done in preparation for her current body of work in which she is conducting alcohol addiction research by investigating the neural circuits of fruit flies.

Fruit flies share 75% of the genes that cause human diseases and have previously aided researchers in learning more about biological processes that affect human health.

When it comes to alcohol addiction research, Dr. Scaplan in a pioneer in terms of the use of fruit flies, and there is much to learn from her work. Join us for this special episode where we learn more about the findings and the deeper understanding that can be gleaned from her research.

Jason Yamas is a queer writer, producer, director, and actor. Having released his courageous memoir, Tweakerworld, he joins us on Addiction Talk sharing a bright light on the worsening epidemic of crystal meth in the LGBTQ+ community.

Many know Leigh Steinberg as one of the most prolific sports agents, having represented more than 300 professional athletes in his 40+ year career, and as the real-life inspiration for Jerry Maguire. Steinberg’s clients include former San Francisco 49ers QB Steve Young, former Dallas Cowboys QB Troy Aikman and current QB for the Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes.

Leigh’s reputation stemming from his decades of success precedes him, but what many may not know is that he endured a public battle with addiction to alcohol. For nearly 10 years, Steinberg struggled with alcohol, which was spurred by financial issues.

Now, with more than 13 years in recovery, Steinberg is continuing his success in the sports industry. Steinberg Sports and Entertainment recently negotiated the largest deal in NFL history and will be expanding beyond its football roots; professional athletes from the MLB, NBA and BMX are all on the agency’s roster.

To kick off National Recovery Month, on this episode of “Addiction Talk,” we will be speaking with three experts in recovery who have utilized their collective experiences to aid others in beginning their own journey.

Each guest will speak about the importance of mindfulness in recovery: tactics that may work best, essential self-care strategies necessary for sobriety, and offer advice for those wanting to live a life without alcohol and substances
Featuring: 
Lane Kennedy is a precision health nutritionist, certified mindfulness teacher, hypnotherapist and co-host of the podcast Laughing without Liquor. She has also been in recovery for more than 26 years.

Fausto Castellanos is a substance abuse/mental health counselor and motivational speaker who has worked with thousands of people around the world to help find purpose in pain.

Erica Spiegelman is an author, addiction counselor, wellness specialist and motivational speaker who works with individuals, couples and families on personal growth and overall wellness. Her holistic approach to helping those with addiction has given many people the tools they need to create healthy lives.

Joining “Addiction Talk” is retired professional boxer, five-time world boxing champion, model, and mental health advocate Mia St. John.

St. John is known for her illustrious boxing career that began in 1997. In her first bout, which took place on Valentine’s Day 1997, she knocked out her opponent less than one minute into the first round and earned the nickname “The Knockout,” which followed her until her retirement in 2016.

Though known to be a dangerous sport, boxing turned out to be a healing venture for St. John, who experienced depression and anxiety throughout her life and struggled with addiction in her youth. At age 10, she had her first drink, attended her first AA meeting at age 12 and by the time she was legally able to purchase alcohol, she was already in recovery. In fact, it was boxing that helped her with maintaining her sobriety. But, unfortunately, St. John has had a spate of tragic events over the last decade.

VH1’s Mob Wives star Renee Graziano's tumultuous journey from a mob-tied upbringing to overcoming addiction is a testament to resilience and redemption. Shaped by childhood trauma, seeking love and acceptance, she spiraled into drug misuse and abusive relationships, but through reality TV fame, multiple rehab attempts, and a life-altering car accident, she found strength in therapy, support networks, and self-discovery, ultimately emerging as a survivor who reclaimed her identity and purpose.

Josh Eppard, drummer for rock band Coheed and Cambria, will be joining “Addiction Talk.” For more than two decades, Josh has been a seasoned musician, but in the early 2000s, it almost came to an end.

In 2002, Coheed and Cambria released their first studio album, first single and first music video, and by 2005, the band released their first major-label album, “Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness.” While his band was receiving international acclaim, unbeknownst to many, Josh’s substance use became unmanageable. In 2006, just after the release of his band’s most commercially successful album to date, he left.

During his time away, Josh continued to abuse substances: he release his second Weerd Science album, which was a personal account of his addiction, and began drumming for the supergroup Terrible Things.

Josh’s substance use continued after his resignation from the band until one day he decided to seek treatment. He left his hometown of Kingston, New York, moved to Albany and joined the supergroup Terrible Things.

Attempting to reestablish his relationship with his former bandmates, Josh began to reach out, and after seeing the changes he made in his life since his 2009 exit, nearly five years to the day of the announcement of his departure, it was announced he had rejoined.

Today, Josh has more 14 years in recovery and is thriving. Coheed and Cambria released their 10th album in 2022 and will be touring in Fall 2023. Josh has recently established Drum Set Confessional, an endeavor he uses to tell his story and inspire others.