CROSSTALK PODCASTS

In this powerful episode of Crosstalk Podcast, we sit down with Mike, a longtime member of the recovery community whose life story spans early exposure to substances, generational sobriety, devastating trauma, and ultimately, long-term recovery. Growing up around Alcoholics Anonymous through his father’s sobriety, Mike’s relationship with alcohol and drugs began young and escalated quickly fueled by experimentation, denial, and a culture where chaos felt normal.

Mike walks us through the pivotal moments that shaped his addiction, including multiple arrests, DUIs, blackout drinking, and a life-altering accident that left a permanent emotional imprint. Rather than avoiding the pain, this episode explores what happens when unresolved trauma is buried under substances and how avoidance can quietly accelerate addiction.

We dive deep into the turning point that forced Mike to confront reality: failing a drug test, facing professional consequences, and finally accepting help. Through candid reflection, Mike explains how Alcoholics Anonymous, sponsorship, the Twelve Steps, and accountability became the framework that helped him rebuild his life not overnight, but through consistent action, humility, and service.

This conversation goes beyond sobriety. It examines guilt, forgiveness, PTSD, amends, and the lifelong responsibility of recovery. Mike shares how service to others, prison outreach, and mentorship became a way of transforming pain into purpose and how recovery isn’t just about stopping drinking, but about learning how to live, feel, and show up differently.

Whether you’re in recovery, questioning your relationship with substances, or supporting someone on their journey, this episode offers raw honesty, lived wisdom, and proof that change is possible even after the darkest moments.

Access our website for the full notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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In this thought-provoking episode of Crosstalk Podcasts, we welcome Dr. Jeff from PCH (Psychological Care and Healing) for a deep dive into the flaws of our current mental health system. Challenging the very foundation of psychiatric diagnosis, Dr. argues that the DSM manual often creates more problems than it solves, turning adaptive survival responses into lifelong "disorders." He reveals how the split between anxiety and depression was arbitrarily decided and how the pharmaceutical industry benefits from this fragmented model.

We explore the PCH treatment philosophy, which rejects a one-size-fits-all, medication-heavy approach. Instead, they focus on a holistic, person-centered model that integrates intensive individual therapy, somatic work, neurofeedback, social justice advocacy, and community support. Dr. Jeff explains why feeling your pain is crucial to healing, why certain medications can block recovery, and how true mental wellness comes from understanding context, not just applying labels..

Access our website for the full notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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In this powerful episode of Cross Talk Podcast, we sit down with Jenna to explore the profound impact of growing up with a mother struggling with alcoholism. From the age of six, Jenna learned to disconnect from her body and her feelings, a coping mechanism that later manifested in disordered eating and complex relationships. She opens up about her journey of reclaiming those lost emotions, the struggle for control in a chaotic environment, and how her path led her toward recovery, wellness, and ultimately, helping others.

We delve into themes of honesty, trust, and the delicate balance between offering support and enforcing boundaries. Jenna shares insights on codependency, the difference between enabling and helping, and the hard-earned wisdom that we are in the "trying business, not the results business." This conversation is a raw and hopeful look at healing from family trauma, finding purpose through pain, and the ongoing work of building a life grounded in integrity and self-compassion.

Access our website for the full notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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In Part 2 of our extraordinary conversation with music icon Dion and his protégé Adam, we dive deeper into the wisdom gathered from 57 years of sobriety and a legendary life in rock & roll. They discuss their new book, “The Rock & Roll Philosopher,” a collection of stories that blend music history with profound life lessons—from dealing with lawsuits and managers to finding spiritual freedom.

Dion reveals the critical importance of having mentors (“not once in 57 years did my mentor say, ‘that’s a good idea’”) and the humility required to stay grounded (“there are no big shots in here”). Adam shares how he now helps others as a coach, guiding people to shed the “armor” of a false identity and become “fully alive.” This episode is a masterclass in openness, service, and the creative, fulfilling life that recovery makes possible.

Access our website for the full notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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In an unprecedented episode, we sit down with music legend Dion (of “The Wanderer” and “Runaround Sue” fame) and his spiritual protégé, Adam. Dion opens up with staggering humility about getting sober on April 1st, 1968—57 years ago—after his father-in-law took him to a meeting and told him, “A sick mind can’t cure a sick mind.”

Adam shares his harrowing entry into recovery, including a profound spiritual experience with a Catholic priest who used a UV light to reveal the “invisible fingerprints” of a Higher Power that had been guiding him all along. Their bond, which began when a 12-year-old Adam met his idol at a school concert, was divinely rekindled in the rooms of recovery, forging a sponsor relationship that changed both their lives. This is a powerful testament to timeless recovery, spiritual connection, and the miracle of one day at a time.

Access our website for the full notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We’re so grateful for your support each episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please help us reach others by sharing it with someone who’d love it and leaving a review here!

Kiefer, a director at Clear Behavioral Health, joins us for a raw and hopeful episode. With a seemingly ideal suburban upbringing, he traces his path from a 3.9 GPA high school student to a college dropout with a 0.9, all while his addiction to alcohol, benzos, and cocaine progressed from age 14. He shares the terrifying reality of his blackouts, the family interventions he missed, and the moment he "came to" in a treatment center with no memory of how he got there.

His story is one of profound surrender—not something he did, but something that happened to him. A simple conversation with another struggling kid sparked a "white light" experience that shifted him from hopelessness to hope. Now over five years sober, Kiefer discusses the spiritual tools that maintain his recovery, the miraculous restoration of his family relationships, and the urgent advice he has for anyone on the verge of asking for help.

Access our website for the full notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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In this powerful second part of our conversation with trauma therapist Laura Sorte, we dive into the brutal reality of her active addiction. Laura recounts the dangerous "disguises" of being a "wine connoisseur," the horrifying blackouts that led to her being found unconscious on NYC streets and strapped to a hospital bed, and the family intervention that was called off when they collectively decided she'd been "mugged."

Hitting her point of powerlessness at 29, Laura details her journey to detox and a six-month treatment program. She shares the transformative, difficult work she did there—from being banned from using her parents for emotional support to consciously building her first real female friendships—and how this painful process of individuation ultimately built the self-esteem she never had.

Access our website for the full notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We’re so grateful for your support each episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please help us reach others by sharing it with someone who’d love it and leaving a review here!

Laura Sorte, a therapist and expert in recovery, joins us for a profound and vulnerable conversation. She takes a retrospective look at her seemingly happy childhood to uncover the subtle moments of heartbreak and unmet emotional needs that contributed to her journey with substance use. Laura discusses the impact of learning disabilities, growing up as a twin under constant comparison, and how the identity of "not being smart enough" took root.

Now a parent and trauma-informed clinician, Laura reframes these early experiences not through blame, but through the lens of understanding impact and breaking generational cycles. She explains the crucial difference between responsibility and blame in family systems, and how acknowledging unmet needs is a powerful step toward healing for those struggling with addiction and their families.

Access our website for the full notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We’re so grateful for your support each episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please help us reach others by sharing it with someone who’d love it and leaving a review here!

Dr. Jeffrey Katzman, Director of the Academy for Research and Education at Silver Hill Hospital, joins Cross Talk to discuss one of the most pressing yet stigmatized issues of our time: the loneliness epidemic. He reveals startling data, including that loneliness is as deadly as smoking 14 cigarettes a day and contributes to a death every three minutes. Dr. Katzman explains how this crisis is deeply intertwined with addiction, mental health, and our over-reliance on digital "connection."

Drawing from his unique background in improvisational theater, Dr. Katzman challenges the manualized, checkbox approach to modern psychotherapy. He argues that the true healing power lies in the spontaneous, empathetic connection between therapist and client—a principle he calls "the common factors." This conversation explores practical solutions, from the grassroots success of "Andy's Man Club" in the UK to the simple, profound power of saying hello to a stranger.

Access our website for the full notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We’re so grateful for your support each episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please help us reach others by sharing it with someone who’d love it and leaving a review here!

Wendy, a licensed therapist, international speaker, and author, shares her profound 28-year recovery journey that began with a desperate look in the Yellow Pages. She recounts her early life as "Wild Wendy," her codependent family dynamic, and a marriage based on the wrong values. Wendy opens up about the moment her drinking became undeniable in front of her children and the immediate surrender that followed when she walked into her first AA meeting.

This episode delves deep into the real work of recovery that goes beyond abstinence. Wendy discusses how the coin inscribed "To Thine Own Self Be True" became her guidepost, leading her to therapy, Al-Anon, ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics), and ultimately to earning her MSW and building a new life. She explains her "Happiness Recovery System," the importance of healing the entire family, and offers crucial advice on setting boundaries, saying "no," and why caring less about what others think is the ultimate freedom.

Access our website for the full notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow CROSSTALK on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crosstalkpodcasts/⁠

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We’re so grateful for your support each episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please help us reach others by sharing it with someone who’d love it and leaving a review here!