On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund welcomed Philadelphia native Max Ariel, who had been in recovery for more than 20 years and works as a substance abuse counselor in Puerto Rico. Max shared his personal recovery journey and offered insight into the differences in attitudes, cultural perspectives, and approaches to addiction and treatment in Puerto Rico compared with those in the United States. The conversation provided an informative look at how culture can influence the way addiction is understood, addressed, and treated, while emphasizing the universal challenges and possibilities of recovery.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund welcomed siblings Jamila Winder, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Chair of the Board of Commissioners, and her brother Randy Winder, who is several years into recovery and works at the University of Pennsylvania. Gary and Mark explored the complex relationship between family, addiction, and recovery as Jamila and Randy shared their perspectives on what it was like to have addiction affect their family. The discussion examined the reality that addiction can affect people from loving, supportive, and successful families, regardless of the opportunities or advantages they had been given. This episode offers a candid look at addiction from both sides of the sibling relationship and the challenges, emotions, and lessons that families experienced when one of their own struggled with substance use.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund explored an honest and often difficult question: Why did you seek sobriety? They discussed the different circumstances that can lead someone into recovery, whether it was a family member delivering an ultimatum, an employer demanding treatment, a court-ordered program, or simply reaching a point where the consequences and chaos of addiction had become too much to bear. Gary and Mark examined the motivations behind seeking recovery and considered whether lasting sobriety ultimately began when a person truly wanted a better life for themselves. The conversation encouraged listeners to reflect on their own journey and the moment when they decided they had had enough and were ready to change.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund welcomed Steve Leckerman and Denise Leckerman, who shared their inspiring story of recovery, resilience, and hope in the face of unimaginable loss. The couple reflected on the tragic death of their daughter, Leigh, who was killed by a drunk driver more than two decades ago, and how they found the strength to continue their own recovery while honoring her memory. They discussed the creation of the Leigh Leckerman Foundation, which is dedicated to educating the public about addiction and raising funds to help individuals and families affected by substance use disorder. Their heartfelt conversation demonstrated how profound grief can be transformed into a lifelong mission of service, healing, and hope for others.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund examined how addiction and recovery are portrayed in the news media and across social media. The discussion explored the highs and lows, challenges and triumphs, and often complicated realities experienced by people in active addiction and those in recovery. Gary and Mark considered how media coverage could shape public understanding of addiction, while emphasizing the importance of presenting accurate information and recognizing the human stories behind the disease. The episode highlighted the need for greater public awareness, compassion, and understanding of the facts surrounding addiction and recovery.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund explored the question of what is truly necessary to achieve sobriety and maintain long-term recovery. The discussion examined whether following the teachings of the “Big Book,” attending AA or NA meetings, finding a sponsor, surrounding oneself with responsible and supportive people, and making sobriety a top priority were essential elements of a successful recovery program. Gary and Mark shared their perspective that these tools and practices could provide valuable structure, accountability, and support, while inviting listeners to consider what they believed was truly necessary to achieve and sustain lasting recovery.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund welcomed Mike T, who shared his powerful journey through grief, alcoholism, and recovery. Mike reflected on the devastating loss of his brother to a drug overdose in 2015 and his father in 2017, tragedies that led him to turn to alcohol in an attempt to cope with overwhelming grief. After his drinking spiraled out of control, culminating in a suicide attempt in 2019 and the near loss of everything he held dear, Mike found hope through recovery. Now more than three years sober, he discussed how daily participation in recovery meetings and a commitment to helping others had transformed his life. His story served as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is hope, healing, and a path forward.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund welcomed former sports director at 6ABC Philadelphia, Don Tollefson, for an honest and deeply personal conversation about success, addiction, and consequences. Known throughout Philadelphia for his long and successful broadcasting career, Don reflected on the events that led to his 2014 legal troubles and discussed how years of hidden addiction had increasingly affected his life and decisions. He shared how addiction contributed to the collapse of a once-brilliant career and the personal losses that followed, including financial hardship and incarceration. In a candid discussion with Gary and Mark, Don told his story openly—holding nothing back—and offered listeners a powerful reminder that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of success, status, or public image, and that recovery begins with honesty and accountability.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund welcomed longtime friend and supporter of the show Judge Mattox for a thoughtful conversation about addiction, accountability, and the justice system. Drawing on his experience from the bench, Judge Mattox discussed his belief that incarceration alone cannot solve the addiction epidemic in many cases and shared his approach to balancing compassion with responsibility when handling cases involving addiction and illegal activity. The episode explored the difficult decisions courts face, the importance of recognizing addiction as a complex issue, and the role that treatment, structure, and accountability can play in helping individuals move toward recovery and a better future.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund discussed the unique challenges that summertime can present for people in recovery. Reflecting on memories of days spent at the beach, barbecues, backyard parties, and other social gatherings where drinking and drug use were once a central part of the experience, they explored how seasonal activities can trigger old thoughts and emotions. The conversation focused on whether those in recovery still felt a sense of longing when watching others drink and use substances, or whether they had reached a place of gratitude for no longer having to live that way. Gary and Mark encouraged listeners to remember how their own stories ended when addiction was in control and to appreciate the freedom, health, and peace that recovery had brought into their lives.