Recovering Out Loud

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!

In this episode of Recovering Out Loud, we talk with Marc-Anthony Sinagoga, a stand-up comedian with over 14 years on stage. Marc-Anthony shares what it’s like to write jokes, bomb on stage, and perform in wild venues — including some unexpected gigs at sex clubs. We also explore the mental health challenges of constant travel, the impact of fatherhood, and the realities of working solo in comedy. This episode is a raw and funny look behind the scenes of comedy life, with insights for anyone navigating creativity, recovery, and personal growth.

Go find him at

https://www.marcanth.com/

 @notmarcanthony 

https://www.instagram.com/notmarcanthony/

Todays Guest is, Dr. Malasri “Mala” Chaudhery-Malgeri

Join Anthony Degasperis and Dr. Mala, Chief Clinical Officer at Recovery.com, for an honest and powerful conversation about trauma, addiction recovery, and the importance of integrative healing. Dr. Mala shares her personal journey overcoming childhood trauma, intimate partner violence, and her passion for advancing holistic recovery programs.

Discover insights into mental health stigma, PTSD, treatment options, and why community and support systems are crucial for sustained recovery. Whether you're navigating your own path or supporting a loved one, this episode offers hope, education, and practical tools.

📌 Learn about Recovery Literacy and the future of mental health advocacy.📌 Explore types of treatment centers and therapeutic approaches.📌 Hear personal stories that show healing is possible and unique for everyone.

Links:

Find resources at Recovery.com and follow Dr. Mala at @officialdrmala and drmala.net.

more info:

Dr. Malasri Chaudhery-Malgeri, Ph.D.Chief Clinical Officer|Ph.D., Clinical, Educational & Counseling Psychology Dr. Malasri Chaudhery-Malgeri (Dr. Mala) is the Chief Clinical Officer at Recovery.com, where she develops and delivers unbiased and educational resources for those seeking addiction and mental health treatment. A graduate of The University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) and Wayne State University (Detroit), she is an expert with over 20 years of experience in TBI, PTSD, Military Psychology, Marriage & Family Psychology, Rehabilitative Therapy, Integrative & Collaborative Program Development, Business Psychology, and more. She has helped individuals of diverse age ranges and backgrounds, including the military, executives and business professionals, political figures, rural communities, native populations, LGBTQ+ populations, athletes, and couples and families. She is also a motivational speaker and presenter.

In this candid episode, comedian Andrew opens up about his tough battle with addiction, how rehab changed his life, and the role comedy played in his sobriety. He shares raw stories about his intervention, early recovery struggles, and how running ultramarathons became a powerful tool in his healing journey.

FIND ANDREW HERE  ⁨@AndrewBarrComedy⁩  https://www.instagram.com/andrewbarrcomedy/

LIVE TREADMILL SHOW : https://comedybar.ca/shows/Andrew-Barr-Special-Recording?ev=2025-08-24T20%3A00%3A00

🔥 Highlights include:

• What it was like to get forced into rehab and the role of family

• Using comedy as a coping mechanism in recovery

• The evolving comedy scene and sobriety culture

• Preparing for a 12-hour treadmill run to raise overdose awareness

• How exercise helps with anxiety and mental clarity

Whether you’re in recovery, know someone struggling, or just curious about addiction and healing, Andrew’s story is brutally honest and deeply inspiring.

Allen Kharlip is an experienced Clinical Supervisor at addiction rehab Toronto, dedicated to providing support, guidance, and hope to individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction. He has a strong background in addictions counseling, group facilitation, and case management, he is passionate about helping others reclaim their lives and achieve lasting results.He holds certifications with the CACCF which includes his ICADC, CCAC, and a diploma in counseling from Vancouver College, which have equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex challenges of addiction. His training and years of practical experience have developed a comprehensive understanding of evidence-based treatment approaches, therapeutic techniques, and relapse prevention strategies.He is committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their struggles and develop personalized recovery plans.

KEY POINTS OF EPISODE 

In this gripping episode, Allen opens up about his journey from addiction to purpose. After losing his brother to an overdose and facing multiple relapses, Allen’s path led him through several treatment centers—and eventually, into lasting recovery. What started as a fight to survive became a mission to help others heal. Now a leader in the recovery community, Allen’s story is one of pain, perseverance, and powerful transformation. If you’re struggling with addiction, supporting someone who is, or just need a reminder that change is possible—this conversation will leave you inspired and full of hope.

https://addictionrehabtoronto.ca/

Welcome to Recovering Out Loud, where we get real about mental health and addiction recovery. In this powerful episode, Bill Ritchie, a certified generational trauma and motivational mindset coach from Cambridge, Ontario, shares his deeply personal story of overcoming emotional and physical abuse.

Bill discusses the impact of growing up with toxic and emotionally unavailable parents, how generational trauma shapes addiction, and practical tools for healing — including setting boundaries without guilt and coping with lifelong triggers.

If you’ve ever struggled with trauma, family pain, or addiction, this episode offers hope, insight, and actionable steps toward emotional freedom.

🔗 Connect with Bill Ritchie :Website: http://coachbill4u.com/

Instagram & Facebook: @coachbillforyou

If you found value in this episode, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more real stories about recovery and healing.

Welcome back to Recovering Out Loud, where we explore the many faces—and phases—of recovery. Today’s guest is someone who blends science, psychology, and soul into her healing work. Jiordana is a certified nutritionist, hypnotist, and behavioural psychology expert who’s been through the storm of addiction and food-related trauma herself.Now, she runs a thriving global practice that helps people reprogram their subconscious, escape destructive cycles, and heal at the deepest levels.From hypnotherapy to psychedelics to brain rewiring—nothing is off the table today."

Check out Jiordana’s work at TheMindFullClinic.com, her hypnotherapy app, and private coaching.And don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who’s ready to rewire their recovery."

https://www.instagram.com/jiordanasaade/

https://www.youtube.com/@jiordanasaade

TED TALK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppTkHMlSIVw

Here are links to key studies and authoritative sources that support the scientific claims made in the episode, along with clarifications where direct studies weren't referenced:

• ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Study:CDC ACEs OverviewShows how childhood trauma correlates with addiction and mental health disorders.

• Cortisol and Dopamine Dysregulation:PubMed: Childhood Stress & Reward Systems

• Yale Food Addiction Scale (Gearhardt et al.):Original StudyfMRI evidence that processed foods activate reward pathways like drugs.

• Sugar vs. Cocaine in Rats:Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Review

• Dopamine’s Role in Motivation (Lembke, 2021):Dopamine Nation Book

• Key Study: Nature Reviews Neuroscience

• Dieting and Overeating:American Psychological Association

• Metabolic Adaptation: Obesity Journal

• Smoking Cessation Meta-Analysis:NIH Study

• Psilocybin & Alcoholism:JAMA Psychiatry (2022)

• Psychedelics and Eating Disorders (Early Research):Nature: Psychedelic Research Review

⚠️ Clarifications Needed

1. "Bone in Nose from Cocaine":

• Septal perforation is common, but severe cartilage damage is rare.Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse

2. "80% of Diets Fail":

• Often misattributed to a 2007 UCLA study. Actual quote: "Most people regain lost weight."Study Link

3. "Oxytocin = Heroin-Like":

• Both activate opioid receptors, but oxytocin’s effects are context-dependent.PubMed Review

What happens when you stop drinking—but don’t want to stop living?

In this raw and hilarious conversation, Anthony sits down with Jordan, founder of Team Spirits, a premium alcohol-free cocktail brand, to unpack everything from:

• The sober curious movement

• Why quitting drinking doesn’t mean quitting fun

• The real reason you reach for a drink after work

• And how passion + purpose can save your life

They dive deep into addiction, identity, entrepreneurship, and why non-alc drinks are exploding across North America. If you’ve ever wondered, “What would life be like without alcohol?”—this one’s for you.

Find Jordan Quinn: Sober entrepreneur and Founder of Team Spirits (premium alcohol-free RTD cocktail brand) here: https://www.drinkteamspirits.com/

https://www.instagram.com/jordanquinnstagram?igsh=MTI1amRqd3l0M3Btag==

https://www.instagram.com/drinkteamspirits/

Today’s guest is Natalia Fomichenko, an ICF certified career and confidence coach based in London and the co-founder of La Visionnaire—a thriving community for ambitious international women. Before becoming a coach, Natalia built a powerhouse resume in consulting, earned her MBA from London Business School and Columbia University, and held leadership roles in fast-growing tech companies. But behind the scenes, she was silently struggling with an eating disorder that forced her to rethink everything she knew about success and self-worth. Now in recovery, Natalia helps high-achieving women redefine confidence and build lives on their own terms.In this powerful and raw episode of Recovering Out Loud, I sit down with Natalia Fomichenko—ICF-certified coach and recovery advocate—to explore the hidden layers of food addiction, body dysmorphia, and the parallels with substance use.We discuss:How control and shame fuel disordered eating in sobrietyBody image struggles that continue even after quitting substancesLearning to reparent your inner criticWhat true recovery feels like—and how to reclaim itIf you've ever felt like you "swapped addictions" or you’re silently battling a toxic relationship with your body and food... this one's for you.

Find her here: Natalia FomichenkoICF Certified Career & Confidence Coach | Co-founder of La VisionnaireLinkedIn | Instagram: @[email protected] 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

What if recovery could look different for everyone? In this episode, I sit down with Sylvia Subirana, Head of Content Development at Unconscious Moderation, to dive into alternative paths to healing beyond total abstinence.

We explore:

• Why moderation works for some (and not for others)

• How hypnotherapy is helping rewire addictive behaviors

• The science and stigma behind new recovery tools

• The surprising power of journaling for self-discovery

• Facing fear, breaking old patterns, and learning to live intentionally

If you’ve struggled with finding your way, or wondered if there’s more than one road up the recovery mountain, this episode is for you. Plus, practical tips you can use today—no matter where you are on your journey.

Listen, learn, and discover a new approach to changing your relationship with alcohol.

Download the Unconscious Moderation app: [Available on iPhone and Play Store]Follow Sylvia for more insights!

LINK TO THE STUDY (Effect of Hypnotherapy in Alcohol Use Disorder Compared With Motivational Interviewing: A Randomized Controlled Trial).

https://journals.lww.com/addictiondisorders/abstract/2019/09000/effect_of_hypnotherapy_in_alcohol_use_disorder.6.aspx

• Website: https://um.app/

• Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drink-less-alcohol-with-um/id6471595788?mt=8 

• Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mydryjourney&referrer=af_tranid%3DPMHHQhpl6uyJz-rwDUJ3Qw%26c%3Dwebsite+home+page+button%26pid%3Dwebsite+home+page+button&pli=1 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/um_app_/