Episode 145: The Dog Days of Summer Recovery

While the calendar insists August is just 31 days, for Mike and Nat it felt more like 31 years. From seizures on vacation to shoplifting Kratom from a Connecticut gas station—while en route to bring a family member to detox—the guys have been through the wringer. How did they keep their sobriety and their sanity intact? Tune in to find out.

Plus, we dig into the latest news, stories, and assorted chaos—on a very special edition of Recovery in the Middle Ages.

*This podcast does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.*

Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.

LINKS:

We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON 

Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on. 

https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges

As always, we thank you for your support.

 RMA ON YOUTUBE

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER 

Facebook Page

We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.

PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes. 

Email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!

E-Mail your story to [email protected]

If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step, (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.  

https://www.aa.org/

https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/

Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):

This Naked Mind

In this midyear news roundup episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, Mike and Nat discuss the most significant addiction and recovery stories of 2025. From the federal crackdown on kratom’s potent opioid-like compound to San Francisco’s hard pivot away from harm reduction, we’re breaking down what these changes mean for people in and around recovery. We’ll also explore why New York’s overdose death rate just dropped like a rock, how Scotland’s first legal injection site is making waves, and why India’s rehab clinics are overflowing. 

It’s our first episode since February so buckle up. We’ve got some personal updates and reflections on the last five months that will be of interest to one and all.

*This podcast does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.*

Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.

LINKS:

We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON 

Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on. 

https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges

As always, we thank you for your support.

 RMA ON YOUTUBE

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER 

Facebook Page

We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.

PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes. 

Email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!

E-Mail your story to [email protected]

If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step, (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.  

https://www.aa.org/

https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/

Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):

This Naked Mind

Episode 143: Recovery in the News

In this episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, we run down the latest news from the world of recovery, giving our take on the headlines that matter to those on the sober path. We discuss the tragic passing of Melissa Trachtenberg, which may have been related to alcoholic liver disease. Then, we discuss The New York Times' long-overdue admission that red wine is not, in fact, the health elixir it was once hyped up to be—turns out, the “glass of wine a day” myth doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. Finally, we highlight a success story worth celebrating: Blac Chyna marks two years of sobriety, proving that transformation is possible and that the journey to recovery is as much about growth and self-discovery as it is about abstaining from booze. 

Recovery in the News:

Has Red Wine lost its Health Halo? 

Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Harriet the Spy," passed away at the age of 39. 

Angela White, formerly known as Blac Chyna, recently marked two years of sobriety. She has been open about her struggles with alcohol and the positive changes sobriety has brought to her life

The Week in Weird:

Assemblyman Chris Rogers (D-Santa Rosa) puts forth bill number 666, in hopes of making Bigfoot the state cryptid of California.

*This podcast does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.*

Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.

LINKS:

www.soberliningsplaybook.com

We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON 

Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on. 

https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges

As always, we thank you for your support.

 RMA ON YOUTUBE

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER 

Facebook Page

We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.

PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes. 

Email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!

E-Mail your story to [email protected]

If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step, (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.  

https://www.aa.org/

https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/

Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):

This Naked Mind

ONE IN THE GOOSE TWO IN THE POOSE!

Episode 142: RMA, RFK and the San Patrignano Experiment

In this episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, we take a look at Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s plan to address addiction in America, which leans heavily on his personal recovery experience and the model of Italy’s San Patrignano rehab center. Kennedy’s proposal centers around creating “wellness farms” across rural America, where people struggling with addiction can live and work in therapeutic communities, focusing on organic farming and communal living as an alternative to incarceration. This approach is inspired by San Patrignano’s long-term, work-based rehab program, which has seen success for those who stick with it. But there’s a lot of pushback, as critics point out the lack of medically assisted treatment and the potential for coercive practices, which have plagued San Patrignano in the past. Kennedy’s skepticism toward pharmaceutical treatments like methadone and his promotion of alternative therapies like cannabis and psychedelics are also raising eyebrows, with many worried that his approach could undermine evidence-based practices that have proven effective in addiction treatment.

Recovery in the News:

A study on fruit flies has identified that acetylcholine, a brain signal integral to memory and motivation, plays a crucial role in alcohol-induced sleep disturbances. 

A recent survey indicates that nearly half of Americans, particularly younger generations, plan to reduce their alcohol consumption in 2025, driven by health concerns and the rising popularity of non-alcoholic alternatives. 

*This podcast does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.*

Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.

LINKS:

www.soberliningsplaybook.com

We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON 

Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on. 

https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges

As always, we thank you for your support.

 RMA ON YOUTUBE

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER 

Facebook Page

We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.

PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes. 

Email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!

E-Mail your story to [email protected]

If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step, (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.  

https://www.aa.org/

https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/

Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):

This Naked Mind

Episode 141: The Return of RMA-Recovery in the News Edition

It’s been a minute, we know — but Mike and Nat are BACK, rested, refreshed and ready to serve up a new episode packed with recovery bon mots, musings, and thought-provoking insights. This week we’re diving into the latest conversations around sobriety, cultural norms, and health, giving our take on three recent articles from The New York Times that challenge the narrative that drinking is normal and safe.

First up: I Quit Drinking Four Years Ago. I’m Still Confronting Drinking Culture by Charles Blow. Blow reflects on his journey to sobriety, unpacking the emotional and cultural challenges faced when stepping away from alcohol. Why does society romanticize drinking while casting suspicion on those who abstain?

Next: Alcohol Carries New Risks in Middle Age by Cari Blum. There are clearly heightened health risks associated with alcohol consumption in middle age, and new research reveals just how impactful booze in any quantity is on our health as we age.

Finally: When It Comes to Drinking, There Are No Good Answers by Rachael Bedard. This article takes a hard look at the conflicting messages around alcohol consumption, from moderate drinking myths to the growing body of research linking alcohol with serious health concerns, including cancer and liver disease.

After a long break, we’re back with sharper perspectives, plenty of laughs, and the same witty repartee that RMA is known for throughout the universe.

Before I forget, this week’s Week in Weird is all about Drones and Orbs, and anal probing! Nat is an expert!

*This podcast does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.*

Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.

LINKS:

www.soberliningsplaybook.com

We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON 

Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on. 

https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges

As always, we thank you for your support.

 RMA ON YOUTUBE

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER 

Facebook Page

We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.

PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes. 

Email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!

E-Mail your story to [email protected]

If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step, (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.  

https://www.aa.org/

https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/

Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):

This Naked Mind

Episode 140: The US of AA, Rethinking Addiction One Step at a Time

In this long-awaited episode of RMA, we give our take on Joe Miller's 2017 book, US of AA: How the Twelve Steps Hijacked the Science of Alcoholism. We discuss AA’s influence on addiction treatment and its implications for health policy, exploring the complex interplay between science, policy, and substance use treatment in America. Plus, we take a closer look at why drug deaths are on the decline. And finally—would a bigger calorie label make you cut back on beer? Let’s talk!

*This podcast does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.*

Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.

LINKS:

Recovery in the News

Calorie Labels on Beer

www.soberliningsplaybook.com

We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON 

Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on. 

https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges

Visit www.soberlink.com/middle-ages to sign up and receive $50 off your device. 

As always, we thank you for your support.

 RMA ON YOUTUBE

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER 

Facebook Page

We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.

PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes. 

Email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!

E-Mail your story to [email protected]

If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step, (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.  

https://www.aa.org/

https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/

Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):

This Naked Mind

Episode 139: Hillbilly Elegy-Rust Belt Realities and the Opioid Odyssey

Hey everyone! Remember us? Our last episode may have dropped on May 21st, but we promise we haven't been lost in the Middle Ages. We've been busy jesters, juggling our balls and brewing up some epic content! We're thrilled to be back. Thanks for sticking with us.

In this first episode of season 5, we take a wild ride through J.D. Vance's 2016 memoir "Hillbilly Elegy," exploring the ups and downs of life in Appalachian Ohio during the opioid crisis. We'll chat about Vance's rollercoaster family saga, the unexpected fame of his book, and the tug-of-war between blaming the system and taking personal responsibility. 

*This podcast does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.*

Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.

LINKS:

Recovery in the News

www.soberliningsplaybook.com

We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON 

Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on. 

https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges

Visit www.soberlink.com/middle-ages to sign up and receive $50 off your device. 

As always, we thank you for your support.

 RMA ON YOUTUBE

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER 

Facebook Page

We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.

PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes. 

Email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!

E-Mail your story to [email protected]

If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step, (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.  

https://www.aa.org/

https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/

Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):

This Naked Mind

Peeling Back Labels: Redefining Identity and Stigma in Recovery and Mental Health

On this week’s show we take a look at the complex interplay between labeling, identity, and stigma in addiction recovery. This episode, inspired by a critical look at mental health interventions for teenagers, examines similar issues within substance abuse treatment. We discuss how stigma and the labeling of individuals as "addicts" can hinder recovery efforts, drawing parallels to broader mental health strategies that may unintentionally exacerbate the problems they aim to solve. Tune in to uncover how moving beyond simplistic labels can lead to more effective and compassionate approaches to recovery.

*This podcast does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.*

Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.

LINKS:

Recovery in the News

This is Not The Way To Help Depressed Teenagers

www.soberliningsplaybook.com

John The Can Man GoFundMe

We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON 

Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on. 

https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges

Visit www.soberlink.com/middle-ages to sign up and receive $50 off your device. 

As always, we thank you for your support.

 RMA ON YOUTUBE

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER 

Facebook Page

We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.

PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes. 

Email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!

E-Mail your story to [email protected]

If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step, (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.  

https://www.aa.org/

https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/

Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):

This Naked Mind

High Time for Change: Cannabis Rescheduling and Its Impact on Recovery

In this episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, we explore a significant shift in cannabis legislation, focusing on the historical journey of cannabis from a Schedule I to a proposed  Schedule III substance. We explore the reasons behind this reclassification, the evolving perceptions of cannabis in society, and the science that influenced these legal changes. Additionally, we examine the implications of this rescheduling for individuals in recovery, discussing how it affects treatment options and public attitudes towards addiction and recovery. 

We also look at some quirks in New York law that pertain to the selling of non-alcoholic beverages, and talk about obesity, stress and managing boredom.

*This podcast does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.*

Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.

LINKS:

McSorley’s Urinals

DEA Moves to Reschedule Pot

Won’t Somebody Think of the Liquor Stores?

www.soberliningsplaybook.com

John The Can Man GoFundMe

We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON 

Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on. 

https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges

Visit www.soberlink.com/middle-ages to sign up and receive $50 off your device. 

As always, we thank you for your support.

 RMA ON YOUTUBE

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER 

Facebook Page

We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.

PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes. 

Email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

Check out the website:

www.middleagesrecovery.com 

We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!

E-Mail your story to [email protected]

If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step, (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.  

https://www.aa.org/

https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/

Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):

This Naked Mind

RMA 136: Reel Recovery: Critiquing 'Intervention' and Exploring Addiction Genetics"

In this week’s episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, we delve into the widely popular TV show 'Intervention.' We'll discuss both the praise and criticism it has received over the years, exploring how it portrays addiction and the recovery process. Does the show offer a realistic view of addiction, or does it sensationalize personal tragedies for entertainment? Then we shift gears to a discussion about the genetic basis of addiction. What role do genes play in addictive behaviors, and how can this knowledge empower individuals in their recovery journey? 

Plus: What the heck have Mike and Nat been up to lately? 

*This podcast does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.*

Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.

LINKS:

Florida GOP Rep Trashes Hotel Room

www.soberliningsplaybook.com

John The Can Man GoFundMe

We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON 

Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on. 

https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges

Visit www.soberlink.com/middle-ages to sign up and receive $50 off your device. 

As always, we thank you for your support.

 RMA ON YOUTUBE

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER 

Facebook Page

We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.

PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes. 

Email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

Check out the website:

www.middleagesrecovery.com 

We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!

E-Mail your story to [email protected]

If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step, (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.  

https://www.aa.org/

https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/

Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):

This Naked Mind