In this episode of Overcoming Adversity, we’re turning the mic around and spotlighting the powerhouse behind our own production - Janine Stella of StellaMix Studios. We’re talking podcasting, social media, and what it really takes to show up, be seen, and stay consistent when the haters come calling.

We get real about the hustle behind visibility, the difference between passion and profit, and why starting a podcast is more than just plugging in a mic - it’s about purpose, vulnerability, and owning your voice. From our humble beginnings to building brands with integrity, we explore how to keep showing up for ourselves and others, no matter the noise. If you’ve ever felt called to create, this one’s your sign.

Grab a snack, get comfy, and let’s talk truth, transformation, and the power of doing life your way.

StellaMix:
Instagram: @stellamix_studios
Facebook: @stellamix

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias

In this episode of Overcoming Adversity, we’re pulling back the curtain on what we actually do at Next Level Recovery Associates. From case management and companioning to interventions and aftercare, we break down the heart of our work—and how it goes far beyond the basics. Whether you're navigating mental health, substance use, eating disorders, or simply feeling stuck, we share how our approach is creative, non-judgmental, and deeply individualized.

We also reflect on how far we've come since launching the podcast, the importance of building trust, and why it's okay to not have it all figured out. Oh—and Amanda’s still thinking about that salmon, just saying.

If you’re struggling, know this: you’re not alone, and help doesn’t have to look just one way. We're here for you.

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias

In one of our most powerful conversations yet, Amanda Marino and Sarah Frias sit down with psychologist and certified sex therapist Dr. Rachel Needle to unpack the intersections of trauma, shame, intimacy, and resilience. From childhood abuse to substance use, from body detachment to rediscovering desire, we explore how reclaiming your sexuality isn’t indulgent—it’s essential. Dr. Needle shares her personal journey, her clinical expertise, and the emotional truths behind what it means to feel safe in your skin again.

We break down the stigma sex therapists face, the myths surrounding porn and pleasure, and why so many women don’t begin embracing their sexual identity until midlife. This isn’t just about sex—it’s about healing, empowerment, and rewriting the narrative around what it means to connect with your body on your own terms.

PLUS: We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of Next Level Growth Academy, a long-anticipated collaboration between Next Level and Dr. Needle to train trauma-informed recovery and mental health coaches. With Rachel’s leadership at Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, Palm Beach University, and Advanced Mental Training Institute, this program is built for growth, transformation, and real-world impact.

Connect with Dr. Rachel Needle:
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Phone (Therapy Inquiries): (561) 629-4579
Phone (Training/CE): (561) 379‑7207
Website: www.drrachel.com
Training Institute: www.modernsextherapyinstitutes.com
Instagram: @drrachelneedle

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias

In this episode of Overcoming Adversity, Amanda Marino and Sarah Frias are joined by Yasmin Cuesta, the founder and owner of Y&S Digital Growth, a boutique digital marketing agency based in South Florida and the creative behind Next Level Recovery Associates and Amanda's digital marketing efforts.

Yasmin brings a unique blend of analytical thinking and creative strategy to her work, specializing in social media marketing for the behavioral health industry and beyond. Over the past several years, Yasmin has developed a reputation for helping behavioral health professionals and treatment centers build trust and authentic connections online. 

They reflect on the early days of the pandemic, what it took to build something from scratch, and how being vulnerable on camera created ripple effects across the globe. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of building a business from the ground up, offering honest advice and a look at the evolving landscape of digital marketing in behavioral health.

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias

In this deeply personal episode of Overcoming Adversity, Amanda Marino is joined by her 19-year-old son, Merik, for a rare and raw conversation about growing up, healing generational trauma, and finding your purpose in helping others. From EMT training to future goals in firefighting and intervention, Merik opens up about his quiet strength, his simple truth, and the love that shaped him. With warmth, humor, and a few ball-busting moments, Amanda and Sarah reflect on how one son’s steady presence helped spark a mother’s transformation—and how their journey together continues to evolve.

A touching look at resilience, recovery, and raising a good man in a complicated world.

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias

In this uplifting episode, Amanda Marino and Sarah Frias sit down with Keesha Scott—mom of three, co-founder of Guardian Recovery, and author of the upcoming book Cake for Dinner. With 23 years sober, Keesha shares her journey of rebuilding after loss, raising kids as a single mom, and finding her purpose helping adolescents who don’t fit the mold.

She opens up about parenting through chaos, co-parenting with compassion, and why her daughter’s defiant spirit taught her more than any parenting book ever could. From starting Guardian in a tiny Delray office to leading programs nationwide, Keesha’s story is one of grit, heart, and choosing to rise again—and yes, sometimes that means having cake for dinner.

This is real talk about recovery, motherhood, and embracing imperfection with grace.

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias

Lee Pepper flew in, rerouted his life—and dropped pure gold on this episode of Overcoming Adversity. Amanda Marino dives into Lee’s journey from military service to behavioral health marketing legend, and how his new book Never Outmatched turns battlefield strategies into business and life lessons.

From leadership and AI to war-gaming your business plan, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and heart. Whether you’re in recovery, running a company, or just trying to pivot with purpose—this one’s for you.

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias

This one’s for anyone who’s ever walked into a networking event and left feeling drained instead of inspired. Amanda and Sarah reflect on the power of curating your circle—choosing real connections over forced conversations, and meaningful collaboration over performative support. From healing through loss to leveling up through masterminds, they’re sharing the uncomfortable truths, the hard-earned wisdom, and the joy of finally owning your voice—even if it comes with pushback. It’s raw, honest, and full of heart. 

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias

 What if faith wasn’t something you performed… but something you personally experienced? In this continuation of our heartfelt conversation with Natasha Silver Bell, host Amanda Marino leans into the deeper layers of spiritual curiosity, motherhood, recovery, and learning how to live without guilt or hustle-driven pressure.

Together, they explore what it really looks like to break free from religious trauma, create healthy boundaries, and let go of the fear of "getting it wrong." Whether you’re deconstructing faith, building your next level, or simply seeking peace in your own life—this episode invites you to stop overthinking and start noticing the glimmer moments all around you.

Listen in and let the journey continue. 

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias

Ever felt like faith should bring peace, but instead leaves you confused, hurt, or questioning everything?

You're not alone. In this powerful episode of Overcoming Adversity, Amanda Marino sits down with Natasha Silver Bell, founder and CEO of SilverBell Global, for a raw and uplifting conversation about healing religious trauma, navigating the modeling and pageant world, and discovering authentic spiritual freedom without the pressure or the preaching.

From the Miss USA stage to the trenches of addiction recovery, Natasha shares her journey of breaking free from religious shame and shame-based systems to embrace purpose-driven "kingdom work" - helping others find their voice, healing, and purpose. If you've ever questioned faith, battled adversity, or struggled to find your place, this episode is for you. Grab your headphones and lean in—because part two is coming, and trust us, you won't want to miss it.

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok:  @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube:  Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias