Clean and Sober Radio

On this edition of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and co-host Mark Sigmund talk to a mother about the death of her 25 year old daughter, Christina Marie Gribbin, from Fentanyl poisoning after which she found in a suitcase on the streets in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2020. This unspeakable tragedy has brought unimaginable pain and suffering to this family. Mother, Tammy Leslie, has turned pain into purpose by helping to organize many state Attorneys General, attempting to create laws that would charge dealers of Fentanyl as terrorists against our nation.

On this edition of Clean and Sober Radio host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund are joined by Linda E. to discuss the broad range of ways addiction is presented and misrepresented in our society. Our first issue: Can Addiction Be A Defense In a Criminal Proceeding? The recent, infamous, case of Alex Murdaugh, who falsely attempted to use opioid addiction as a defense in his murder trial is discussed. Beyond that, what can possibly be done in this country to reduce the destruction from Fentanyl? We have a spirited discussion about potential options.

On this edition of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund welcome Vernon Steed. Vernon grew up in a family of heroin addicted parents which set him on a course of criminal behavior. That led him to commit an accidental homicide as a juvenile. He was sentenced to life in prison for first degree murder. After a Supreme Court ruling in 2012 that banned life to juvenile offenders, Vernon Steed was set free after 32 years in 2018. During his incarceration, Vernon completed many programs as a model inmate and continues today to help those in re-entry programs lead productive lives.

Have you ever robbed a bank? Have you ever been shot seven times? Have you ever spent years in prison? On this edition of Clean and Sober Radio host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund welcome friend of the show Nolen Burchett. Nolan is the definition of second chances and redemption. Nolen experienced all of the above and is now the executive director of one of California’s largest recovery centers called “Touchstone.” We can and do recover.

On this edition of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund welcome Mark D. Mark shares his journey from addiction to recovery - a far too familiar story of an increased dependence on substance abuse, feeling in control at first, and finally realizing that he had lost control of his life. A real person with a real story about addiction and the devastation that can be caused by alcohol and drug abuse. Mark is now clean and sober and living life to its fullest in recovery. His story is relatable for many of us, a cautionary tale for some, and inspirational for us all as we strive to live one day at a time.

On this edition of Clean and Sober Radio host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund's guest is Randy “The Blaze” Lerch. Randy, as you might remember, was an MLB pro baseball pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, Montreal Expos and the San Francisco Giants. An above average hitter, Randy hit two home runs in a single game to clinch the National League East Division Championship for the Phillies in 1978. But fame and talent came at a price. Randy was diagnosed with Cirrhosis of the liver because of his addiction to alcohol and other substances. He is now an author and speaker on the subject of addiction.

On this edition of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund are the guests! Regular guest and friend of the show Linda Elkins reverses roles and becomes host, turning the table, interviewing Gary and Mark about their journey from addiction to sobriety. It's a funny, serious, and informative discussion about how Gary and Mark survived their addictions and how they have maintained their sobriety with 60 plus years between them.

On this edition of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund welcome friend of the show, defense attorney Zachary Cooper. Attorney Cooper specializes in representing folks who get DUI charges as a result of driving under the influence. We do not condone driving impaired in any way. Attorney Cooper educates and informs us on the law. Remember, driving impaired, even if you have a medical marijuana card, is ILLEGAL and under certain circumstances, you can go to jail.

On this edition of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund talk with friend of the show Brian Cuban. You may have guessed it, Brian is brother of Mark Cuban owner of the Dallas Mavericks, star of Shark Tank, and other endeavors. Brian is a star in his own right. In long term recovery, he is an author, a motivational speaker, an attorney, and is totally committed to helping those achieve sobriety.

On this edition of Clean and Sober Radio, Host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund meet Robert K., a 40 year old guy who grew up in the Kensington area of Philadelphia, an area now ravaged with 24 hour outdoor drug activities. He was kicked out of his house at the age of 8 years old. Yes, you read that correctly, Robert lived with many families and also on the streets. Now, a union carpenter and the owner of 13 recovery houses, this is an amazing success story. We can and do recover.