Real Recovery Talk

Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

In today's episode, Erik takes us through the first half of How It Works from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. This is one of the most read and quoted sections in all of AA — but do people really understand what it's saying? Erik breaks it down line by line, shares how it applied to his own recovery, and calls out some common ways people misinterpret this chapter. If you've ever wondered why "rigorous honesty" is so emphasized — or if you've gotten hung up on words like "spiritual awakening" — this episode will give you a deeper understanding. Part 2 coming soon!

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Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

In this episode, Tom, Ben, and Dr. Tamanini sit down for a real conversation about antidepressants. We break down common questions like: Do they really work? Should people in sobriety take them? Are they overprescribed?

Dr. Tambini brings her clinical experience to the table, and we talk openly about what we've seen in the addiction and recovery world when it comes to these medications. Whether you've taken antidepressants yourself, know someone who has, or are just curious about their role in mental health and sobriety—this is an honest conversation you won't want to miss.

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

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

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Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: 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

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Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom Conrad and Benjamin B. discuss the impactful history and personal influence of Alcoholics Anonymous, the significance of Men's Mental Health Month, and their own experiences with these topics.

These discussions also touch on the Family Reconnect program and their personal lives, including a humorous segment on pet care challenges.

00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode

00:04 Importance of Alcoholics Anonymous

00:18 Men's Mental Health Month

00:29 Personal Stories and Experiences

00:50 Family Reconnect Program Overview

01:20 Gratitude and Viewer Engagement

01:40 Impact of the Family Reconnect Program

02:34 Special Features of the Family Reconnect Program

07:37 Challenges in Helping Others

15:03 Celebrating 90 Years of Alcoholics Anonymous

15:50 Big Book Insights

19:21 Structure of AA and Personal Stories

30:44 Men's Mental Health and Community Support

42:54 The Role of Relationships 54:45 Closing Segment and Farewells

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

In this episode, we dive deeper into We Agnostics, continuing the conversation around developing a relationship with a Power greater than ourselves. This section of the chapter challenges us to look at our past beliefs—or lack thereof—and how those ideas may have blocked us from getting sober. We break down the spiritual logic laid out in the Big Book, discuss how fear and ego can keep us stuck, and explore what it really means to be open-minded when it comes to spirituality in recovery.

Whether you're new to the steps or revisiting them, this part of the study will help you connect the dots between willingness, faith, and the foundation for lasting sobriety.

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

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

In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom Conrad, Benjamin B, and their guest, Josh, discuss Josh's eight-year sobriety journey. They dive into topics such as geographical change sparked by divine intervention, how life continues to challenge sobriety, and the significant impact of a spiritual journey.

00:00 Introduction of the Episode and Guests

00:21 Josh's Sobriety Journey and Key Moments

00:58 Sponsor Segment - Soberlink

02:29 Introductions Continued

03:42 Discussion on the Reality of Sobriety

14:31 Josh's Experience in Sober Living

17:42 The Importance of Community in Recovery

30:28 Impact of Helping Others in Recovery

35:23 Insights on Treatment and 12-Step Programs

41:10 Personal Reflections and Hobbies

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, we're joined by Kevin Lanning, host of The Rise Above Podcast, who shares his powerful story of recovery after nearly a decade of battling opiate addiction. Now with 7½ years clean, Kevin opens up about what it truly took for him to achieve long-term sobriety — from hitting bottom to finding purpose through service and connection.

Kevin talks in detail about how working with others has been the driving force behind his recovery and how The Rise Above Podcast has helped him build meaningful relationships, spark honest conversations, and stay grounded in the principles of recovery.

This is a conversation about healing, purpose, and showing up for the next person in line. If you're looking for hope and real insight into what long-term recovery looks like, don't miss this one.

KEVIN YT CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@UCw1nUfBMo7mO3yncTIwOpNQ

KEVIN IG: https://www.instagram.com/riseabovewithkevin/

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

In Week 9 of our Big Book Study, we dive into the first half of We Agnostics — one of the most pivotal and misunderstood chapters in Alcoholics Anonymous. This section speaks directly to those who struggle with the idea of a Higher Power, offering both challenge and invitation.

We break down how the Big Book addresses resistance, doubt, and past experiences with religion, and why belief doesn't have to come all at once — or look any certain way. If you've ever thought, "I want recovery, but I'm not sure about all this God stuff," this is the episode for you.

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

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

This one's for the person who's stuck—tired of using, tired of lying, tired of being miserable, but terrified of what sobriety actually looks like. I'm not here to sugarcoat it. Getting clean isn't easy. It takes grit, honesty, and a willingness to do things differently. But it's possible. In this episode, I'm talking directly to you—the addict who knows they need to change but doesn't know where to start. If you've been waiting for a sign, this is it.

You're not broken. You're not hopeless. But you are going to have to fight for the life you want. Let's talk about what that fight looks like… and why it's worth it.

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

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

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

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

In this episode, we sit down with Kat, who opens up about what it finally took for her to get sober after years of fighting recovery. She shares how she never saw herself as someone who would walk into an AA meeting — and definitely didn't think it would work.

But when nothing else worked, Kat made the decision to surrender. That decision changed everything. Kat talks in detail about how Alcoholics Anonymous helped her rebuild her life from the inside out. Today, she's not just sober — she's thriving, and she's passionate about giving back and helping others find the same freedom she did. If you're on the fence about recovery — or love someone who is — this one's for you.

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

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

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

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

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the Big Book with Part Two of "More About Alcoholism." This section pulls no punches — it lays out what makes us different from the "average drinker," and why self-knowledge, willpower, and good intentions just aren't enough to stay sober.

We break down the powerful stories in this chapter that show just how cunning, baffling, and powerful alcoholism really is — especially when we start thinking we have it all under control. We also talk about the emotional and mental obsession that keeps alcoholics trapped in the cycle, even when they know the consequences.

Whether you're working the steps, revisiting the Big Book, or supporting someone in recovery, this episode is packed with truth, perspective, and reminders of why surrender is the beginning — not the end.

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/