Real Recovery Talk

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

In this episode, we're joined by Brave—someone who not only got clean and sober but has dedicated his life to helping others do the same. Brave walks us through his personal recovery journey, what it took to finally surrender, and how he rebuilt his life one day at a time. But his story doesn't stop with his own sobriety.

Brave is now deeply involved in the substance abuse field, working hands-on with those still struggling. He shares the realities he sees in communities hit hardest by addiction and talks candidly about the gaps in support, the barriers people face, and what truly makes a difference. This is a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation that sheds light on both the personal and systemic sides of addiction—and what it takes to create real change.

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

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Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

In this episode, Eric picks up where we left off with the second half of Bill's Story from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. This part dives deeper into Bill's spiritual awakening, the critical moments that led to lasting sobriety, and how his experience laid the foundation for what would become the AA program.

Eric walks us through the powerful shift that took place once Bill fully surrendered—highlighting the principles, the pain, and ultimately the peace that came from choosing recovery. Whether you're just getting started or have been sober for years, this episode brings fresh perspective and clarity to one of the most transformational stories in recovery.

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

In this powerful episode, we're joined by Craig, a successful attorney who opens up about his personal battle with addiction and how he found lasting sobriety. Craig shares the highs and lows of his journey—from struggling in silence while practicing law to finally hitting rock bottom and seeking help.

But his story doesn't stop there. Today, Craig uses his recovery and legal background to help families take action when a loved one is caught in the grips of addiction. He specializes in using the Marchman Act and other legal tools to guide families through the complex process of getting someone into treatment—even when they're resistant or in denial.

Craig breaks down how the legal system can be used as a pathway to healing, not punishment. If you're a parent, sibling, or loved one feeling stuck and unsure of what to do next, this episode offers hope, guidance, and practical next steps.

🖥️ Learn more about Craig's work at www.wevebeenthere.com

Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

In today's episode, we sit down with Kaitlyn, better known on Instagram as @soberasamotherfocused. Kaitlyn opens up about what her life has looked like over the last 2.5 years of sobriety — the wins, the struggles, and everything in between. She shares how working a 12-step program completely changed her life, but also reminds us that sobriety isn't a magic shield from life's challenges.

Hard stuff still happens — grief, stress, loss, everyday chaos — but now she faces it with a completely different mindset and a strong recovery foundation. We talk about the real work it takes to stay sober when life gets messy, how motherhood plays into her journey, and why it's so important to stay plugged into a recovery community.

This is a raw and honest conversation about what real sobriety looks like once the pink cloud fades. If you're early in recovery or just need a reminder that tough days don't mean you're doing it wrong, this one's for you.

Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

In this episode, Erik takes us deep into Bill's Story from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. From the man himself, Bill is one of the founders of alcoholics anonymous.

👉 Whether you're new to AA or have been around for years, this is a fresh look at a section that often gets overlooked.

🔔 Make sure to subscribe — we're taking you through the Big Book, one powerful chapter at a time.

Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we're talking about something that a lot of people overlook when it comes to addiction: anxiety. Anxiety isn't just a side effect—it can actually be the root cause of why many people start using in the first place. Whether it's panic attacks, social anxiety, constant overthinking, or just that feeling like something bad is always about to happen… anxiety can push people straight into the arms of drugs, alcohol, or other unhealthy coping mechanisms.

We discuss:

🔹 How anxiety shows up in early sobriety

🔹 Why untreated anxiety leads to relapse

🔹 What we've seen with clients struggling with both

🔹 Real tools and strategies to cope—without turning back to substances

We also reference real-life stories (our own and others') that show how powerful it is to face anxiety head-on—because until we deal with the anxiety, sobriety is always going to feel like a battle.

👉 If you or someone you love deals with anxiety and addiction, this episode will give you clarity and direction.

Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we dive into the age-old debate—is it actually healthy to have a couple drinks at night? We're not talking to the alcoholics here—we're talking to the everyday folks who wind down with a glass of wine or two after work.

We break down what the research says about alcohol and your health, and we reference a recent article where Joe Rogan opens up about his decision to stop drinking altogether—not because of addiction, but because of the potential long-term health consequences. From sleep disruption and gut issues to increased cancer risk and mental fog, we cover it all. Is the occasional drink really harmless? Or are we just ignoring the warning signs because it's normalized?

Tune in to find out what we learned—and what you might want to consider before pouring your next glass. 👉 Whether you're sober curious or just health conscious, this one's for you.

Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

In this episode, Erik takes us deep into The Doctor's Opinion from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. If you've ever wondered why alcoholics can't just stop or what's really going on beneath the surface of addiction, this chapter lays the foundation.

We break down the concept of the allergy of the body and obsession of the mind, and why understanding this is absolutely critical for recovery.

👉 Whether you're new to AA or have been around for years, this is a fresh look at a section that often gets overlooked.

🔔 Make sure to subscribe — we're taking you through the Big Book, one powerful chapter at a time.

Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

In this video, we break down everything you need to know about our brand new Family Reconnect Program, officially launching on June 3rd. This program is designed specifically for families who have a loved one struggling with addiction — whether they're in treatment, thinking about getting help, or still in active use. We discuss how the program works, what's included, and why we created it in the first place.

We cover:

✅ Weekly coaching sessions

✅ Step-by-step education on addiction

✅ Tools for setting boundaries

✅ Support for navigating tough conversations

✅ And how families can finally find healing too — not just the addict.

If you've ever felt helpless, frustrated, or unsure of what to do… this program was made for you.

Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Prema's Retreats: https://soham.se/

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Prema — a mother who shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 20-year-old son to fentanyl poisoning. Prema opens up about the unimaginable pain of that loss and what it's been like navigating life in the aftermath.

She talks about the deep grief, the healing process, and how this tragedy has transformed her from the inside out. Prema also shares how she's now using her experience to serve others by hosting healing retreats at her home in Sweden — creating a space for people to come together, reflect, and find peace.

This episode is a raw, emotional, and inspiring look at how one mother found a way to honor her son's life by helping others find hope through their own pain.

Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/