Clean and Sober Radio

On this edition of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund explored whether the recovery community can truly rely on the news for accurate statistics, resources, and information that keep us informed and safe. Together, they reviewed a variety of news articles from around the world, questioning their truth and relevance. The discussion highlighted how misleading or inaccurate reporting can harm those seeking help and distort the reality of addiction and recovery treatments—raising the important question: do we really believe everything we read?

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund paid tribute to the late Marc Willig, a beloved friend of the show and a pillar of the Philadelphia recovery community, who passed away peacefully after a lengthy battle with medical issues. Marc’s life in recovery was marked by his unwavering dedication to carrying a message of hope and resiliency to those struggling with addiction. The program also featured Steve C., who has remained clean and sober for over three decades despite enduring the unimaginable loss of two wives—one in a car accident and the other to COVID. His story of perseverance, commitment, and faith in the recovery process was both moving and inspiring.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund spoke with former District Attorney Seth Williams, the first African-American DA in both Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Seth reflected on his rise through the ranks of Philadelphia’s legal system, culminating in his role as DA, and the wrong decisions that ultimately led to his 2017 indictment on bribery and extortion charges by the U.S. Department of Justice. He shared how addiction played a role in his downfall and spoke candidly about his journey, offering an honest and revealing account of his life’s highs and lows.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund welcomed former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Randy Lerch to the show. Randy shared stories from his fascinating Major League Baseball career, his struggles with addiction, and his diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver caused by years of substance abuse. Now in long-term recovery, Randy has dedicated his life to helping others battling addiction. As an author and motivational speaker, he brought powerful insight, inspiration, and honesty to the conversation.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund explored the difficult but important topic of relapse. Many in recovery experience relapse at some point in their journey—whether after a week, a year, or even longer. Gary and Mark discussed why relapse happens, the common triggers that can lead to it, and how individuals can better protect themselves from falling back into old patterns. They examined whether relapse is a part of recovery or a rationalization to use again, and offered insight into prevention strategies and self-awareness tools to stay on the path of sobriety.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund spoke with Dawn, a former Air Force service member who courageously shared her story of survival. While serving our country, Dawn was sexually assaulted twice - trauma that haunted her long after leaving the military. Her pain led her into an abusive marriage, heavy drinking, multiple DUIs, jail time, and the heartbreaking loss of her children. But Dawn’s story didn’t end there. Through resilience and recovery, she turned her life around, regained custody of her kids, and now holds a stable, well-paying job. Her journey is a powerful reminder that healing is possible and that we can and do recover.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund were honored to welcome Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty. Justice Dougherty, appointed to the Supreme Court in 2001 by Governor Tom Ridge, brought decades of experience from his early days as a Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney to his leadership roles as a Judge of the Common Pleas Court, and Administrative Judge of the Family and Trial Divisions. Known for his deep commitment to protecting children, families, and the most vulnerable, especially those impacted by addiction, Justice Dougherty shared valuable insights from the bench. This rare and engaging conversation was unique opportunity to hear directly from one of the state’s highest-ranking legal minds.

On this heartfelt episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler, joined by Linda E for vacationing Mark Sigmund, welcomed retired educator, author, and devoted mother Karen Poserina-Lohr. Karen shared the devastating story of losing her daughter, Kelsey, to addiction on September 11, 2019. With raw honesty and deep emotion, she discussed the pain of that loss and how it inspired her to write "Hippie Chick," a book that honors Kelsey's life and explores the grief and resilience of the family left behind. This powerful conversation offered insight, connection, and hope to those navigating similar heartache.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund tackled a question many struggle with: “Am I really an addict, or just someone who overdoes it?” They explored the common rationalizations—“I’m just having fun,” “I can stop anytime,” “I’m not as bad as them”—that often delay the hard truths. The conversation focused on recognizing the signs of addiction, the damage denial can cause, and the moment of clarity that can lead to real change. It was a powerful and honest discussion about facing the truth and taking the first step toward recovery.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund explored the shifting landscape of drug legalization and what it means for our society—especially the recovery community. They discussed how substances once associated with incarceration and death, like marijuana and even psilocybin, are now legal in some states. The conversation raised important questions: What’s next—cocaine, heroin, fentanyl? How do these changing laws and cultural attitudes impact those in or seeking recovery? It was a thought-provoking and timely discussion about where we’re headed.