Back from Broken

Morgan Sinclair wrestled with his identity as a trans man growing up. He turned to drugs to numb his feelings, and struggled with addiction. As a teen, he found a way to break free through rehab, as well as Denver's unique 5280 High School. Now, at age 19, he's four years sober, out and proud -- and has his whole life ahead of him.

Back From Broken is a show about how we are all broken sometimes, and how we need help from time to time. If you’re struggling, you can find a list of resources at BackFromBroken.org.

Thanks also to Kevin Dale, Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Martin Skavish, Kim Nguyen.

Lissa Yellow Bird-Chase is an Arikara woman who, after years of struggling with addiction and abusive relationships, has found healing, recovery, and purpose in investigating unsolved murders. The story of her spiritual path to recovery is memorable and moving.

Back From Broken is a show about how we are all broken sometimes, and how we need help from time to time. If you’re struggling, you can find a list of resources at BackFromBroken.org.

Thanks also to Kevin Dale, Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Martin Skavish, Kim Nguyen.

Leah V got married young. Her relationship was tumultuous, with high highs and low lows -- including a physical altercation that ended with Leah in jail. But therapy changed her life and allowed her to heal. Now, she's a successful writer and social media influencer, and a role model to others.

Back From Broken is a show about how we are all broken sometimes, and how we need help from time to time. If you’re struggling, you can find a list of resources at BackFromBroken.org.

Thanks also to Kevin Dale, Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Martin Skavish, Kim Nguyen.

Actor Jim Belushi is famous for his work on shows like Saturday Night Live and movies like About Last Night. He also knows firsthand the pain of losing a loved one who struggled with drugs. Jim shares moving memories of his late brother John Belushi, and talks about coping with grief and finding a way to move forward.

Thanks also to Kevin Dale, Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Martin Skavish, Kim Nguyen.

Lynn Chen faced comments about her weight from her family at an early age. Later, when she became an actor, she heard about her weight from her Hollywood colleagues. She developed an eating disorder, but found an unusual way to get help and heal. The actor, who appeared on “Grey's Anatomy,” speaks candidly about food, eating disorders, body image, and boundaries.

Thanks also to Kevin Dale, Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Martin Skavish, Kim Nguyen.

At an early age, Shane Price realized he could pour on the charm with women, and at 16 years old he started his career as a pimp. After a violent incident left him shaken, Shane made changes to his life. Today, he works in Black communities as a leading figure in advocating for prison reform. He’s also the director of Power of People Leadership Institute in Minnesota, which offers support to ex-offenders. This is the story of how his transformation came together.

Thanks also to Kevin Dale, Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Martin Skavish, Kim Nguyen.

Tierre Caldwell grew up without a father in a violent gang setting in Minneapolis. As a teenager, he developed addictions to drugs and alcohol. After an argument, he shot a man and was sent to prison for seven years. He wound up in solitary for six months, where he had no choice but to stop using and face his demons.

Thanks also to Kevin Dale, Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Martin Skavish, Kim Nguyen.

When we can meet each other with empathy and compassion, we can find hope. That is exactly what Back From Broken is all about. And it’s why we’re coming back for a third season.

Back From Broken returns on March 4, with some of the most powerful stories we’ve ever told. So please make sure you’re following Back From Broken wherever you get your podcasts. 
 
 And if you're already following us, do us a favor: Share Back from Broken with a couple of friends who could use it. Thank you for listening and supporting the podcast!

Hunter Biden’s struggle with addiction has been intense — and very public. His battle with alcohol and cocaine addiction came under scrutiny as his father, Joe Biden, ran for president. But with the support of his family, Hunter found the help he needed. His recovery story, which he shared in his book “Beautiful Things,” offers hope to those who are still struggling.

Thanks also to Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Martin Skavish, Kim Nguyen, Francie Swidler.

Kevin Griffin was a talented musician who struggled with addiction, felt diretionless in life and eventually became homeless. Until he discovered Buddhism and a recovery program -- and wrote a book that blended the two concepts and helped countless readers struggling with their own addictions. One of those readers was Vic Vela, Back From Broken's host. That connection adds a personal angle to an episode that's full of surprises and hope.

Thanks also to Hart van Denburg, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Matt Herz, Martin Skavish, Kim Nguyen, Francie Swidler.