
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


In this raw, unfiltered episode of Recovering Out Loud, Kaitlin shares her extraordinary journey through childhood trauma, addiction, sexual abuse, sex work, and human trafficking right here in Canada. From being sent to a wilderness rehab as a teen to surviving multiple assaults, abusive relationships, and manipulation by a trafficker—Kaitlin explains the real meaning of consent, the trauma bond, and how society often fails the most vulnerable.
We dive deep into what it’s actually like to lose yourself in addiction, why people stay in abusive relationships, and the impossible hurdles faced by survivors of human trafficking. Kaitlin’s story is one of unthinkable lows—and incredible resilience. Whether you’re in recovery, know someone struggling, or want to better understand trauma and survival, this episode will change your perspective.
If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out. You are not alone.
RESOURCES
If you're seeking support or resources related to human trafficking in Canada, here are some key organizations and services available:
Phone: 1-833-900-1010
Website: canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca
Services: Confidential, multilingual, 24/7 support connecting victims and survivors to emergency shelters, law enforcement, and other services. (canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca, Toronto Central Health Line)
Website: publicsafety.gc.ca
Resources: Information on human trafficking, support services, and provincial/territorial resources. (Public Safety Canada, Public Safety Canada)
Website: joysmithfoundation.com
Focus: Education, intervention, and support for survivors of human trafficking. (joysmithfoundation.com)
Website: covenanthousetoronto.ca/protectyourkids/
Focus: Awareness, prevention, and support for youth at risk of sex trafficking. (Covenant House Toronto)
Website: actalberta.org
Focus: Coalition of organizations addressing human trafficking in Alberta through awareness and support. (Wikipedia)
Website: ceasenow.org
Focus: Support for survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking in Edmonton, Alberta. (Wikipedia)
Website: protectchildren.ca
Services: Cybertip.ca for reporting online sexual exploitation of children. (Wikipedia)
If you need assistance connecting with any of these resources or require information specific to your province or territory, feel free to ask.
🇨🇦 Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline🛡️ Public Safety Canada – Human Trafficking Resources🧭 Joy Smith Foundation🏠 Covenant House Toronto – Traffick Stop📍 ACT Alberta🧑⚖️ Centre to Empower All Survivors of Exploitation and Trafficking (CEASE)🧒 Canadian Centre for Child Protection
On this episode of Recovering Out Loud, Anthony sits down with his returning guest and good friend Tom to have a brutally honest conversation about addiction, recovery, and the daily struggles of staying sober. Tom shares his story of biking through harsh winters to meetings, the crushing weight of ego and self-destruction, and how learning humility was one of the biggest gifts sobriety has given him.
They dive into the common but deadly "fuck it" moments that lead addicts to relapse, the fantasy of freedom that drugs and alcohol promise but never deliver, and the importance of outside support and community in staying on the path. Tom also talks about his creative career struggles while drinking, his journey with ADHD medication, and how he's learning to relinquish control and embrace help.
This episode is a heartfelt reminder that addiction is universal, that everyone’s story is different yet similar, and that real recovery comes with daily work, grace, and hope.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, reach out. You’re not alone.
ADDICTION GUIDES on Amazon
WHATS WRONG WITH MY TEEN?
The Recovery Journal
00:00 - Intro & Welcome to Recovering Out Loud
00:43 - Tom’s return & biking as early recovery therapy
02:10 - The motivating power of doing hard things in sobriety
03:20 - Surviving addiction: weight gain, injury, and denial
07:10 - Anthony opens up about losing his job and ego hits
09:20 - Comparing lives and giving oneself grace in recovery
13:00 - The power of authentic support and cutting toxic people
15:00 - Ego, humility, and learning to ask for help
18:40 - The "fuck it" moments that lead to relapse
21:00 - Sobriety’s inverse progress and personal achievements
23:20 - The fantasy of freedom vs. the reality of addiction
26:20 - Alcoholism’s preparation rituals & life consequences
29:00 - Responsibility and accountability in recovery
31:30 - The power of hope and community in staying sober
35:00 - ADHD, medication, and outside help in recovery
38:30 - Addiction’s impact on creativity and career
42:00 - The ongoing process of recovery and humility
45:00 - Closing thoughts and encouragement
In this deeply honest episode of Recovering Out Loud, Anthony talks with Mary about the often-overlooked struggles of depression and suicidal ideation during addiction recovery. Mary opens up about living with constant suicidal thoughts—even years into sobriety—and the daily fight to stay alive and hopeful. They discuss the importance of facing these feelings head-on, using coping strategies like routine, physical activity, and seeking support, rather than numbing the pain with substances. This episode is a vital listen for anyone grappling with mental health challenges in recovery or supporting someone who is.
Recovery Tools:
Amazon Links:
Get the Recovery Journal
Helpful Book Mentioned in todays episode:
Whats Wrong With my Teen?
Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Introduction22:15 – Life in active addiction vs. life in recovery with depression23:00 – Constant suicidal thoughts and coping strategies27:30 – The role of exercise and routine in managing mental health40:00 – Recognizing that sobriety doesn’t end mental health struggles42:30 – The danger of masking depression with substances44:30 – Building structure to combat mental health challenges46:30 – How mental health treatment supports long-term recovery52:00 – Final thoughts on hope and survivalFollow Us:🌐 Website: recoveringoutloud.ca📱 Socials: @RecoveringOutLoudPod (Instagram, X, TikTok & more)🔗 All Links: linktr.ee/Recoveringoutloudpod💡 Helpful Resources for Addiction & Recovery🇨🇦 National (Canada-Wide) ResourcesCanadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA)Research, policy, and resources on substance use and addiction.Health Canada – Substance Use and AddictionsGovernment info on prevention, treatment, and harm reduction.Canada’s Drug and Alcohol Treatment DirectoryLocate treatment centers across Canada.National Overdose Response Service (NORS)Peer-run hotline for safer drug use support.📞 Call: 1-888-688-6677🏠 Ontario-Specific ResourcesConnexOntario – Mental Health & Addiction HelplineFree, confidential support for addiction and mental health.📞 Call: 1-866-531-2600Ontario Addiction Treatment Centres (OATC)Opioid addiction treatment (methadone, Suboxone).Ontario Harm Reduction NetworkSafer drug use, naloxone, and harm reduction programs.CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)Leading hospital for addiction and mental health care.📞 Call: 1-800-463-6273Withdrawal Management (Detox) Services in OntarioFind detox and treatment programs.Ontario 211 – Addiction & Mental Health ServicesConnect to local support services.📞 Dial: 211🚨 Crisis & Immediate HelpOverdose Prevention Hotline: 1-888-853-8542Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 | Text: 45645Good2Talk (For Students): 1-866-925-5454💬 Join the conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s recover out loud together.👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for new episodes every week!#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #RecoveringOutLoud #recovery #addiction #podcast #sober #sobriety
On this episode of Recovering Out Loud, Anthony sits down with Chloe, a Toronto actor and recovering addict, to get real about relapse, trauma, and what it takes to stay sober. Chloe shares her experience of leaving rehab, facing old triggers, relapsing just 48 hours later, and rebuilding her life through connection, service, and faith.
They dive into:
Why addiction recovery isn’t a straight line
The insidious nature of relapse (and how she survived it)
Rebuilding self-worth after years of addiction and shame
How spirituality and higher power help her stay sober
Finding joy, purpose, and community in recovery—even after setbacks
Lessons for families and anyone struggling to stay clean
Whether you’re in recovery, love someone who is, or just want to hear an honest story of hope, this conversation will inspire you.
Whats Wrong With my Teen? Helpful Book about how to deal with a loved one in Addiction by Susan Raphael on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/8IAgPEh
The Recovery Journal
Need help or support? Message us @RecoveringOutLoudPod or email [email protected].
00:00 - Intro: Real Talk on Addiction & Recovery
01:03 - Welcome, Chloe!
02:23 - Facing Triggers in Early Recovery
03:08 - Life After Rehab & the Bubble Bursts
04:48 - Relapse 48 Hours Out: What Happened
06:11 - Hitting Bottom, Moving Forward
09:06 - Love, Relationships & Getting Honest
10:19 - Why Recovery Has to Be For YOU
13:27 - The Moment Everything Changed
16:03 - Finding Your People in Sobriety
17:58 - Life in Sober Living
18:46 - Back Home: Facing Old Patterns
21:13 - Stimulants, Alcohol & “Same Sh*t, Different Shovel”
25:02 - How Spirituality & Higher Power Show Up
29:03 - Getting Faith, Self-Esteem & Forgiveness Back
31:01 - Book Recommendation: "What’s Wrong With My Teen?"
32:02 - Conferences, Amends & New Beginnings
35:05 - Acting, Comedy & Recovery
39:31 - Key Advice for Anyone Struggling to Stay Sober
40:45 - The Power of Service & Showing Up
41:56 - Building Accountability in Life & Recovery
43:00 - Outro: You Are Not Alone
Welcome to Recovering Out Loud! In this powerful episode, Anthony sits down with Brigid, who shares her incredible journey of getting sober at 21 and building 12 years of recovery. They dive deep into childhood trauma, addiction, suicidal thoughts, finding a sober community, navigating relationships, and how faith and spirituality play a crucial role in long-term sobriety. Brigid is a powerful example of how you can get through ANYTHING sober.
Whether you’re struggling with addiction, supporting a loved one, or searching for real stories of hope, this episode is for you. Bridget’s honest account covers hitting rock bottom, the challenges of early recovery, mental health, relapse, divorce, building new coping skills, and learning to find joy again—without alcohol.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome & Show Introduction
0:35 – Why Service Matters in Recovery
1:49 – How Anthony & Brigid Met: “No Coincidences”
3:00 – Brigids Story: Getting Sober at 21
4:51 – Childhood Trauma, Books & Early Escape
5:41 – When Drinking Was Still Fun
7:00 – Realizing Alcohol Became the Problem
8:21 – The Moment Bridget Knew She Needed Help
10:04 – Trying to Control Drinking (and Failing)
11:02 – Accepting the Truth: “I Can’t Stay Stopped”
12:22 – The Reality of Sobriety: Emotional Rollercoaster
15:05 – Suicidal Thoughts & Hospitalization
17:29 – Finding Community in Early Recovery
20:06 – Learning to Have Fun Sober
21:24 – Dealing with Triggers & Playing the Tape Forward
23:03 – The Illusion of Control & the Lurking Notion
24:36 – Identity in Recovery: Am I Still an Alcoholic?
26:42 – Chasing the “Fun” That Never Lasts
27:19 – Faith, Spirituality & Higher Power
29:17 – Divorce, Relapse, and Letting Go
34:06 – Finding Joy Again After Loss
38:28 – The Power of Gratitude & Being Present
40:02 – “This Too Shall Pass”—Surviving the Bad Days
43:07 – Slipping Up: Accidental Drink in Recovery
45:05 – Staying Vigilant in Recovery
46:38 – Recovery Routine: Daily Tools for Sobriety
49:13 – Perspective Shifts & Helping Others
51:13 – The Freedom to Be Imperfect
53:31 – Final Words: Hope for Anyone Struggling
55:07 – Thank You & Closing
sobriety, recovery, addiction, alcoholism, sober journey, faith, spirituality, mental health, relapse, coping skills, 12 step, community, trauma, healing, Bridget recovery story, Anthony D podcast, sober podcast, recovery tools, surviving rock bottom, life after addiction
Watch more inspiring recovery stories:
Subscribe to Recovering Out Loud
Follow on Instagram @recoveringoutloudpod
Join us as Susan Raphael, a mental health and addiction clinician, shares insights on teen addiction and family recovery. Learn about enabling vs. supporting, the importance of validating statements, and navigating the fentanyl crisis. Discover practical tools for parents and loved ones from her book, 'What's Wrong with My Teen?'
Addiction and mental health clinician Susan Raphael, ICADC, is the
founder and principal of Sustainable Recovery Counselling Services in
Toronto. Susan specializes in addiction and recovery. Areas of expertise
include treating individuals and families with a special focus on teenagers,
young adults and parents.
She is a referral clinician in the National Basketball Association,
NBA/NBPA Clinicians’ Network and is Internationally Certified by the
Canadian Addiction Counselors Certification Federation (CACCF), the gold
standard of addiction counsellors in Canada and Internationally.
Susan holds an honours degree from York University, and attended the
University of Toronto for graduate studies. Her lived experience with
addiction and long-term sustainable recovery add to her expertise.
🌐 www.SustainableRecovery.ca
📞 416-271-1117
🔗LinkedIn Profile
📸 Instagram: @sustainable__recovery
YouTube: @susan_raphael
📚 Guiding Families in Addiction & Mental Health Recovery. Author of,
"What's Wrong with My Teen? Finding Answers to Teenage Addiction and
Family Crisis”.
You and your teen are in crisis. You don’t have to be.
You are not alone. There is hope. There is a solution. Packed with practical
strategies and step-by-step guidance that empowers you for real change,
What’s Wrong with My Teen? demystifies the complex interplay of
addiction, mental health issues, and typical teenage behavior. Learn the
secrets to empathetic, judgment-free listening. Acquire priceless tools for
engaging in difficult discussions, with sample letters and scripts for critical
conversations. Gain comprehensive techniques for establishing and
enforcing healthy boundaries. Discover the power of natural
consequences and compassionate language.
In What’s Wrong with My Teen? Susan Raphael draws on her vast
experience with families like yours. Finally—a clear, actionable plan for
navigating today’s greatest challenges and turning them into tomorrow’s
triumphs.
Available everywhere books are sold www.WhatsWrongWithMyTeen.com
📋 Resources for Parents and Caregivers
1. 📞 Families for Addiction Recovery (FAR – Canada)
What they do:
• National charity run by parents, offering peer support for families of
someone struggling with addiction
• Free parent-to-parent phone support (Individually or via Peer-to-Peer
sessions): trained parent volunteers using CRAFT/MI/ACT techniques
• Weekly online drop-in parent support groups
• Advocacy and public education on addiction and policy reform
Contact Info:
• Phone (toll‑free): 1‑855‑377‑6677 ext 207
• Hours: Mon–Fri 12 pm–3 pm EDT; Wed 7 pm–9 pm EDT
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.farcanada.org
2.☀ Sunnybrook Family Navigation Project (FNP)
What they do:
• Clinician-led service for youth (13–26) and their families
• Provides expert guidance and connection to mental health &
substance‑use services across the GTA
• No referrals, no fees, no need for a diagnosis
Contact Info:
• Phone (toll‑free): 1‑800‑380‑9367
• Email: [email protected]
• Service Area: Greater Toronto Area
3. 🧭 HOPE (Helping Other Parents Everywhere)
What they do:
• Ontario-wide volunteer-run peer support for parents/guardians of
teens & young adults
• Weekly confidential support groups: virtual and re-opening in-person
• Peer phone support, workshops, and access to online tools
Contact Info:
• Phone (toll‑free): 1‑866‑492‑1299
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: hope4parents.ca
• Fees: $50 one-time membership + $10 annual renewal (financial
assistance available)
Mike B's powerful recovery story is proof that it’s never too late to change. From smoking crack on East Hastings to building a coaching business helping others get sober, Mike opens up about the lowest points of his addiction, his spiritual awakening, and the mindset shift that helped him take action.
We talk about:
Surviving addiction, trauma, and relapse
Letting go of ego, fear, and people-pleasing
Discovering purpose through sobriety and service
How social media helped him connect with others in recovery
Tools for confidence, consistency, and healing
If you’re struggling with alcohol, drugs, anxiety, or low self-worth, this episode will speak directly to you.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.
Follow Mike here:
https://www.instagram.com/trueyou_mike?igsh=MXU5MmR5azBnOHloZA==
addiction recovery podcast, sobriety journey, recovery coach, how to get sober, quit drinking, life after addiction, crack addiction story, rock bottom recovery, mental health podcast, overcoming substance abuse
In this powerful episode , we sit down with Omar at the cottage to dive deep into his journey from marijuana dependency to sobriety. Originally from Toronto and now living in Denver, Omar shares how weed became a crutch during personal and professional traumas, the insidious nature of its cumulative effects, and the profound health benefits he gained from quitting. From body dysmorphia to the societal pressures fueling addiction, this candid conversation uncovers the hidden dangers of legalized marijuana and offers hope for those struggling. Learn about the neurological pathways of addiction, the impact of high-potency THC, and practical tools for recovery. If you or someone you know is battling addiction, this episode is a must-watch for inspiration and actionable insights. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support honest conversations about sobriety!
We discuss: weed addiction, marijuana dependency, sobriety journey, overcoming addiction, THC dangers, mental health, body dysmorphia, recovery tools, legalized marijuana, addiction recovery
On this episode of Recovering Out Loud, Anthony sits down with Joe, a passionate voice in recovery, to talk about the messy, beautiful journey of getting sober. Joe opens up about childhood trauma, battling addiction, and the pivotal role of spirituality in his recovery. Together, they dive deep into nervous system regulation, people-pleasing, the importance of authentic support systems, and why real change comes from within—not from others. Whether you’re new to recovery or have years of sobriety, Joe’s honest story will resonate and inspire.
Topics include:
Growing up with trauma and rejection
Early recovery struggles and breakthroughs
Faith, spirituality vs. religion
Family dynamics & support (or lack thereof)
Daily routines for sobriety
Why peace and self-love matter most
Advice for those still struggling
Subscribe, share, and join us in honest recovery—out loud.
00:00:00 - Intro & Setting the Stage
00:01:01 - Why This Podcast Started: Sobriety First
00:02:05 - Chasing Followers vs. Chasing Recovery
00:03:04 - Addiction Doesn’t Discriminate: Stories from the Rooms
00:05:01 - Joe’s Childhood & Trauma
00:07:41 - The Roots of Rejection & People Pleasing
00:10:01 - Spirituality vs. Religion: Finding a Higher Power
00:13:11 - Faith in Recovery & The “Chosen Ones”
00:17:09 - Early Recovery: Breaking Old Patterns
00:20:20 - Hitting Bottom & Finding Real Change
00:24:21 - Why Spirituality is Key to Sobriety
00:30:33 - Daily Routines & Gratitude Practices
00:34:21 - Staying Honest, Staying Sober
00:36:26 - Family, Boundaries & Support Systems
00:42:46 - Carrying the Message & Living Authentically
00:46:38 - What Joe’s Most Proud Of in Sobriety
00:50:53 - The Marathon of Recovery: Staying Patient
00:53:28 - Why We Don’t Feel Better After Lashing Out
00:56:47 - Advice for Struggling Addicts & Alcoholics
00:57:21 - Outro & Final Thoughts
In this episode, Anthony sits down with Alanna Ostvik , founder of Pour Sport, a nonalcoholic wine import business in Toronto. They discuss the rise of quality nonalcoholic beverages, the importance of 0.0% alcohol content for people in recovery, and the growing wellness trend behind it all. Allana shares her personal journey from heavy drinking to sobriety, how staying sober helped her launch a business, and the social challenges and rewards of living alcohol-free. From dating sober to building confidence and maintaining relationships, this is an inspiring conversation about reclaiming life without alcohol — while still enjoying social moments with style and purpose.
Pour Sport was born from a personal journey. Alanna was caught in the cycle of social drinking, enjoying the buzz at celebrations, but feeling the aftereffects all too often. In 2022, she decided to take a break from alcohol, hoping to feel better in her body and mind. What started as a month-long experiment turned into a year of sobriety.
Yet, despite feeling amazing without alcohol, Alanna noticed something missing at social gatherings: the ritual of clinking glasses, toasting milestones, and feeling part of the celebration. That’s when she discovered non-alcoholic wine. Everything clicked. It wasn’t just about the drink. It was the feeling of continuing celebrations. She knew others were looking for the same thing: an alcohol-free wine that tasted just as good, if not better, than the real thing.
https://www.instagram.com/drinkpoursport/
https://www.drinkpoursport.com/
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction & Nonalcoholic Wine Explanation
01:00 - Why 0.0% Alcohol Matters for Sobriety
02:20 - Who Buys Nonalcoholic Beverages?
03:00 - Nutritional Info & Product Varieties
04:00 - Elena’s Sobriety Journey & Why She Quit Drinking
08:00 - The Meaning Behind the Name "Pour Sport"
13:30 - Social Challenges of Sobriety
18:00 - The Rapid Growth of the Nonalcoholic Beverage Industry
21:00 - Price Challenges of Nonalcoholic Drinks
22:30 - Business Startup Struggles & Supply Chain Issues
26:00 - How Sobriety Fuels Entrepreneurship
29:30 - Sobriety & Dating Advice
32:00 - Explanation of the "Hierarchy" Fitness Trend
34:00 - Morning Routine & Staying Active
36:00 - Importance of Community & Avoiding Isolation
38:00 - Sobriety and Building Confidence
41:00 - Helping Others as a Confidence Booster
43:00 - Traveling Sober & Enjoying Life Fully
44:30 - Coping with Hard Times in Sobriety
47:00 - Final Thoughts & Encouragement
Follow Us:
🌐 Website: recoveringoutloud.ca
📱 Socials: @RecoveringOutLoudPod (Instagram, X, TikTok & more)
🔗 All Links: linktr.ee/Recoveringoutloudpod
💡 Helpful Resources for Addiction & Recovery
🇨🇦 National (Canada-Wide) Resources
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA)
Research, policy, and resources on substance use and addiction.
Health Canada – Substance Use and Addictions
Government info on prevention, treatment, and harm reduction.
Canada’s Drug and Alcohol Treatment Directory
Locate treatment centers across Canada.
National Overdose Response Service (NORS)
Peer-run hotline for safer drug use support.
📞 Call: 1-888-688-6677
🏠 Ontario-Specific Resources
ConnexOntario – Mental Health & Addiction Helpline
Free, confidential support for addiction and mental health.
📞 Call: 1-866-531-2600
Ontario Addiction Treatment Centres (OATC)
Opioid addiction treatment (methadone, Suboxone).
Ontario Harm Reduction Network
Safer drug use, naloxone, and harm reduction programs.
CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
Leading hospital for addiction and mental health care.
📞 Call: 1-800-463-6273
Withdrawal Management (Detox) Services in Ontario
Find detox and treatment programs.
Ontario 211 – Addiction & Mental Health Services
Connect to local support services.
📞 Dial: 211
🚨 Crisis & Immediate Help
👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for new episodes every week!
From the publisher's feed

1,704 Listeners

21,056 Listeners

12,704 Listeners

2,017 Listeners

111,791 Listeners

2,549 Listeners

69,485 Listeners

46,884 Listeners

107 Listeners

10,696 Listeners

19,028 Listeners

617 Listeners

8,803 Listeners

1,803 Listeners