Sober Spill

In this episode of Sober Spill, Jana Wu sits down with filmmakers Jamie and Jason Neese, the creators behind the powerful documentary Kratom: Side Effects May Include. Known for their work on major projects like The Umbrella Academy and Dear White People, the Neese brothers explore the world of addiction and uncover the realities of kratom and how this widely available substance is impacting individuals, families, and communities across the country. The Neese brothers share what they learned from victims’ families, advocates, and insiders. This episode highlights the risks, the controversy, and the urgent need for awareness around substances that are often misunderstood. #SoberSpillPodcast #KratomRecovery #KratomAddiction #SoberPodcast #Addiction Recovery

To learn more about Jamie and Jason Neese, or their film work, visit Jason's Instagram @vonngilmore or Jamie's @twinanator

For more info about our Sober Spill Podcast, check us out at https://www.soberspillpodcast.com/

Explore personalized workshops for families seeking guidance and support at https://www.mountainside.com/treatment/programs/family-services/family-foundations-workshop/

Early recovery can feel more manageable with someone by your side to offer support, whether at home, at events or traveling at https://www.mountainside.com/treatment/offerings/client-support-services/

What does it feel like to be addicted to something most people have never heard of — and feel too ashamed to even talk about it? In this raw and deeply personal episode of Sober Spill, Jana Wu sits down with Jarred, a kratom recovery advocate who spent eight years addicted to kratom powder. Jarred takes us through taking a "focus supplement" to the years of denial as his body slowly broke down. He shares how a Facebook group, an online recovery meeting, and Mountainside's kratom support community became the lifeline that saved him. Now nearly two years sober from kratom, cannabis, alcohol and more, Jarred is giving back and helping hundreds of others navigate one of the most isolating and misunderstood addictions of our time. This is a conversation about shame, community, resilience, and what real recovery actually looks like. #SoberSpillPodcast #KratomRecovery #KratomAddiction #SoberPodcast #Addiction Recovery

For more info about our Sober Spill Podcast, check us out at https://www.soberspillpodcast.com/

Families heal together — explore our Family Wellness services at https://www.mountainside.com/treatment/offerings/family-wellness/

Get connected with a mentor, spiritual guide and support system to hello you adjust to a new sober life at https://www.mountainside.com/treatment/programs/recovery-coaching/

In this episode of Sober Spill, Isabel speaks with the Pietrosimone sisters, Kelly and Jamie, as they share their shocking story of “Operation Big Blow.” The sisters reveal how their lives spiraled experimenting with drugs, opioid addiction, and arrests leading to involvement in a federal drug investigation. Kelly and Jamie reveal the moments they wish they could take back, facing federal charges tied to drugs, and the turning point that led them to rebuild their lives in sobriety and helping others find recovery. This episode is honest, shocking, and proof that the darkest chapters can lead to something powerful.

Learn more about the Pietrosimone sisters on Instagram, Kelly @itskellypietro and Jamie @shamone116. For our host, Isabel, follow @stopisabel_

For more info about our Sober Spill Podcast, check us out at https://www.soberspillpodcast.com/

Stay connected, stay grounded — explore our support groups at https://www.mountainside.com/resources/support-groups/

Mountainside is here to help families and loves ones navigate critical moments with clarity and care at https://www.mountainside.com/treatment/offerings/client-support-services/

In this deeply moving episode of Sober Spill, Jana Wu sits down with Patti, film producer and founder of A Beautiful Life Stolen. Patti shares the devastating story behind her documentary film "Kratom: Side Effects May Include", her son, Wyatt, died just two weeks after she discovered he was taking kratom. Together, Patti and Jana break down why kratom has exploded in popularity, why some say it's harder to quit than fentanyl, and what needs to change before more families are torn apart. This episode is a must-listen for parents, clinicians, policymakers, and anyone who has never heard of kratom — because chances are, someone you love already has. #SoberSpill #SoberSpillPodcast #Kratom #KratomAwareness #ABeautifulLifeStolen #PattiWheeler

Join a free, virtual support group to share experiences as well as information and education about kratom consumption at

https://www.mountainside.com/resources/support-groups/virtual/ltk-support-group/

Learn more about Patti Wheeler and her documentary, A Beautiful Life Stolen at https://abeautifullifestolen.com/ or on Instagram @patticwheeler

For more info about our Sober Spill Podcast, check us out at https://www.soberspillpodcast.com/

There is a safe, supportive space for individuals and families to reconnect, communicate more effectively, and begin healing together at https://www.mountainside.com/treatment/programs/family-services/

Build routine, stay confident in your recovery and maintain peace of mind with our Sober Monitoring program at https://www.mountainside.com/treatment/offerings/client-support-services/

In this episode of Sober Spill, Isabel sits down with Justin to talk about how addiction slowly took control even when he thought he was managing it. Justin opens up about what it was like navigating addiction at a young age and the mindset that kept him stuck until the moment he realized he couldn't keep living the same way. This episode explores young people in recovery, relapse risk and rebuilding trust. If you're in your 20s or 30s questioning your relationship with alcohol and drugs, or supporting someone in recovery, Justin’s story offers honesty, clarity, and hope. #SoberSpill #SoberSpillPodcast #AddictionRecovery #TheMaze #Recovery #SobrietyJourney

Learn more about Justin and The Maze at https://www.themazenyc.com/ or on Instagram @themazenyc

For more info about our Sober Spill Podcast, check us out at https://www.soberspillpodcast.com/

Build routine, stay confident in your recovery and maintain peace of mind with our Sober Monitoring program at https://www.mountainside.com/treatment/offerings/client-support-services/

This is a safe, supportive space for individuals and families to reconnect, communicate more effectively, and begin healing together at https://www.mountainside.com/treatment/programs/family-services/

table {mso-displayed-decimal-separator:"\."; mso-displayed-thousand-separator:"\,";}tr {mso-height-source:auto;}col {mso-width-source:auto;}td {padding-top:1px; padding-right:1px; padding-left:1px; mso-ignore:padding; color:black; font-size:11.0pt; font-weight:400; font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; font-family:Arial, sans-serif; mso-font-charset:0; text-align:general; vertical-align:bottom; border:none; white-space:nowrap; mso-rotate:0;}.xl41 {white-space:normal;}In this episode of Sober Spill, Jana sits down with legendary guitarist Earl Slick (Frank Madeloni) to talk about fame, touring, excess, and the addiction that nearly took everything. Behind the stages and sold-out crowds, there's a side of rock & roll most fans never see. Frank shares the truth about substance use in rock culture and his deeply personal story of addiction, relapse, and long-term sobriety after the moment he realized he couldn't outplay his addiction. Jana and Frank unpack the pressure of performing, masculinity in rock culture, the myth of control and the discipline to maintain recovery. This episode offers a candid conversation and rare insight into addiction in the music industry and why recovery requires humility no matter how famous you are. #SoberSpill #EarlSlick #DavidBowie #80sMusic  #SoberSpillPodcast #Kratom #KratomRecovery
Learn more about Frank Madeloni, the famous Earl Slick, here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/748406/guitar-by-earl-slick-with-jeff-slate/9780241371701
https://www.guitarfetish.com/Slick-Guitars_c_496.html
For more info about our Sober Spill Podcast, check us out at https://www.soberspillpodcast.com/

Healing happens step by step — discover our outpatient options at https://www.mountainside.com/treatment/programs/outpatient-services/

Mission: Recovery— explore our Veteran resources at https://www.mountainside.com/veterans

In this episode of Sober Spill, Isabel sits down with Melissa McGovern (aka The Sober New Yorker) to open up about the gray areas of drinking, pandemic grief, and the doctor's appointment that changed everything. After losing her best friend to alcohol-related illness, Melissa’s own bloodwork revealed dangerously elevated liver enzymes, high cholesterol, rising A1C levels, and a body under stress. No DUI. No public meltdown. Just nightly wine, mental gymnastics around moderation, and a growing sense that something wasn’t right. This conversation explores women and alcohol, midlife drinking culture, moderation myths, sober coaching, and how to know when it’s time to quit — even if you haven’t “hit rock bottom.” If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, this episode might be the nudge you need. #SoberSpill #SoberNewYorker #SobrietyPodcast #SoberLife #SoberSpillPodcast

To learn more about Melissa McGovern, visit her website https://thesobernewyorker.com/ or her instagram @thesobernewyorker

For more info about our Sober Spill Podcast, check us out at https://www.soberspillpodcast.com/

Healing happens step by step — discover our outpatient options at https://www.mountainside.com/treatment/programs/outpatient-services/

Mission: Recovery— explore our Veteran resources at https://www.mountainside.com/veterans

In this episode of Sober Spill, Isabel is joined by Rachel Hechtman, founder of Sober in Central Park, to dive deep about the emotional journey of letting go of the party girl persona and the "The Rachel Pass Out" to finding five years of freedom in sobriety. Rachel shares her journey as a "sober entrepreneur" and travel host , proving that sobriety is anything but boring. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling "stuck" in their identity and wants to live authentically. #SoberSpill #SoberInCentralPark #SobrietyPodcast #SoberLife #SoberSpillPodcast

To learn more about Rachet Hechtman, visit her website https://www.soberincentralpark.com/ or her instagram @soberincentralpark

For more info about our Sober Spill Podcast, check us out at https://www.soberspillpodcast.com/

Custom care for your unique recovery path — discover the Bespoke Program at hhttps://www.mountainside.com/bespoke-addiction-treatment/

Stay connected to the community that supports your recovery at https://www.mountainside.com/treatment/offerings/alumni-services/

Families heal together — explore our Family Wellness services at https://www.mountainside.com/treatment/offerings/family-wellness/

In this episode of Sober Spill, Jana is joined by Laura Cathcart Robbins, New York Times Bestselling author of Stash: My Life in Hiding, to pull back the curtain on her harrowing journey through Ambien addiction, high-functioning motherhood, and the "dark in the tunnel". Laura shares the raw reality of being the ""only one in the room"" as a Black woman in recovery and how she finally surrendered the image of the "perfect PTA mom" to save her own life. If you’ve ever felt like your struggle is too unique to be heard, this conversation on race, identity, and radical vulnerability is for you. Discover how Laura transformed her deepest shame into hope for anyone struggling to find their voice. #SoberSpill #AmbienRecovery #SubstanceUseDisorder #LauraCathcartRobbins #AddictionRecovery

To learn more about Laura Cathcart Robbins, visit her website https://lauracathcartrobbins.com/ or her instagram @lauracathcartrobbins

For more info about our Sober Spill Podcast, check us out at https://www.soberspillpodcast.com/

Healing happens step by step — discover our outpatient options at https://www.mountainside.com/treatment/programs/outpatient-services/

Families heal together — explore our Family Wellness services at https://www.mountainside.com/treatment/offerings/family-wellness/

Stay connected, stay grounded — explore our support groups at https://www.mountainside.com/resources/support-groups/

In this episode of Sober Spill, Jana is joined by Dr. Lipi Roy, physician and addiction expert, to break down what addiction really is — and why so many people still misunderstand it. Addiction isn't about willpower - Dr. Lipi Roy explains how substance use disorder affects the brain, why shame and punishment don’t work, and what evidence-based recovery actually looks like. This conversation offers a clear, scientific, and compassionate look at addiction for anyone seeking a deeper, more accurate understanding of addiction and healing. Understanding it differently can save lives.  #SoberSpill #AddictionScience #SubstanceUseDisorder #RecoveryEducation #AddictionRecovery
To learn more about Dr. Lipi Roy, visit her website Sita Med: https://sitamedllc.com/ or her instagram @lipiroymd
For more info about our Sober Spill Podcast, check us out at https://www.soberspillpodcast.com/
Healing happens step by step — discover our outpatient options at https://www.mountainside.com/treatment/programs/outpatient-services/
Families heal together — explore our Family Wellness services at  https://www.mountainside.com/treatment/offerings/family-wellness/
Mission: Recovery— explore our Veteran resources at https://www.mountainside.com/veterans