The Recovered Life Show | Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Podcast

In this episode of The Recovered Life Show, we tackle the rising controversy surrounding kratom and concentrated 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine) products head-on. Joined by leading University of Florida researchers Dr. Chris McCurdy, Dr. Oliver Grundmann, and Dr. Abhisheak Sharma, we break down the critical pharmacological differences between whole-leaf kratom and modern semi-synthetic extracts.

The panel dives into how concentrated 7-OH acts as a potent opioid receptor agonist, why it carries rapid tolerance and intense withdrawal profiles, the unregulated market filling vape shops with mislabeled products, and the severe risks these formulations pose to individuals in recovery.

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Have you ever been told to "just move on" from a painful past experience, only to find that your body and emotions refuse to cooperate? In this insightful episode of The Recovered Life Show, host Damon Frank is joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Robinson, who specializes in trauma, anxiety, and EMDR therapy.

Together, they break down why healing from trauma isn't as simple as making an intellectual decision to move forward. Dr. Robinson explains how unprocessed traumatic memories get stuck in the nervous system, what actually happens in the brain during a trauma trigger, and the deep connection between early childhood neglect, trauma responses, and addictive behaviors. The conversation also covers the fundamental differences between traditional talk therapy and bottom-up approaches like EMDR, practical strategies for regaining control of your nervous system, and why full recovery and post-traumatic growth are truly possible.

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Can you truly heal from trauma if you don’t fully remember what happened? On this episode of The Recovered Life Show, host Damon Frank sits down with Dr. Chuck Benincasa, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in complex trauma, dissociation, and severe forms of abuse and neglect.

Together, they unpack the mechanics of human memory under severe stress and explore why incomplete, missing, or unclear memories are a natural protective response of the nervous system. Dr. Benincasa explains the subtle differences between processing abuse versus early childhood neglect, how the body stores trauma through sensory cues and nervous system baseline shifts, and why "digging" for lost traumatic memories can often cause more harm than good.

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, therapeutic, or professional healthcare advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client or doctor-patient relationship. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this show.

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In this episode of the Recovered Life Show, host Damon Frank sits down with psychologist Dr. Natalie Feinblatt, who specializes in addiction, trauma, and codependency.

Together, they take a deep dive into what it truly means to be "the fixer"—the person who constantly steps in to solve problems, keep the peace, and take responsibility for everyone else’s lives. Dr. Natalie shares key insights on where this compulsive need to save others comes from, how codependency operates in relationships affected by addiction or mental health issues, and how to spot the line between helpfulness and control.

Whether you've been a lifelong people-pleaser or are navigating your own recovery journey, this conversation provides actionable guidance on setting healthy boundaries, tolerating the discomfort of saying "no," and reclaiming your energy.

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In this episode of The Recovered Life Show, host Damon Frank sits down with researcher and expert Dr. Radwa to explore a paradigm-shifting perspective on ADHD. Instead of viewing ADHD purely as a deficit or a problem to be fixed, Damon and Dr. Radwa discuss the incredible hidden benefits of the neurodivergent brain—specifically its connection to out-of-the-box creativity and problem-solving.

Dr. Radwa breaks down the science of mind-wandering, attention spectrums (focusing and defocusing), and how harnessing these natural patterns can unlock powerful creative abilities. Whether you are neurodivergent, navigating addiction recovery, or simply curious about the untapped potential of the ADHD mind, this conversation will change how you think about attention.

Science Daily Article here.

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What happens when you give up the obvious addiction but still find ways to escape?

Damon Frank sits down with Dr. Judith Wright to explore soft addictions—everyday habits like scrolling, shopping, overeating, overworking, and entertainment that can quietly become ways to numb feelings or check out of life.

Discover how to recognize when a harmless habit has crossed the line, uncover the deeper need underneath it, and replace “counterfeit comfort” with things that genuinely make you feel more alive and fulfilled. 

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In this episode of The Recovered Life Show, Damon Frank examines the conversation surrounding Brad Pitt and reports that he resumed drinking after seven years of sobriety. Damon questions whether the media is treating alcohol use too casually—as if returning to drinking were simply a lifestyle choice rather than a potentially serious decision for someone with a history of alcohol problems.

Drawing from more than three decades of personal recovery and his experience watching others attempt controlled drinking, Damon explores the belief that time, knowledge, and personal growth might allow someone with alcoholism to drink normally again. He explains why having to constantly monitor, limit, or manage alcohol consumption may itself be a warning sign.

Ultimately, the episode asks a difficult question: Can someone who has experienced alcoholism ever safely return to drinking? Damon shares his honest perspective while inviting listeners to examine their own beliefs about moderation, relapse, and what long-term recovery really means.

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In this personal episode of The Recovered Life Show, Damon Frank celebrates 33 years of continuous sobriety and reflects on why the past year became one of his best—not because of a major accomplishment, but because he finally felt more comfortable being himself.

Damon discusses putting down fear, accepting that everyone has a different path to recovery, and how treatment options have changed since he got sober in 1993. Through it all, one truth has remained constant: a spiritual solution can bring hope to a problem that once felt hopeless. He also shares his gratitude for everyone who has supported him and helped Recovered Life grow into a community he never could have imagined.

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In this episode of The Recovered Life Show, Damon dives deep into the concept of reinventing yourself during recovery. Many people enter recovery feeling broken or weighed down by the labels of their past, but true reinvention is about letting go of those old identities. Damon discusses how changing your life doesn't happen overnight, but rather through small, intentional actions. This episode explores how to give yourself permission to change and challenges you to ask the most important question: "Who are you becoming?"

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We’ve all heard the bumper-sticker recovery advice: "Let go and let God." But let's be honest—actually doing it is a whole different story. In this episode of the Recovered Life Show, Damon Frank challenges the traditional concept of "letting go" and shares a mindset shift that completely changed his own multi-decade recovery journey: learning to be "good either way." Damon opens up about the constant battle with an anxious, fast-moving ADHD mind that loves to micro-manage the future. He breaks down why we get trapped by tying our peace of mind to specific results, and how flipping the script—focusing entirely on your intentions while completely detaching from the outcome—is the ultimate power move. Whether you’re navigating sobriety, hitting walls in your business, or stressing over relationships, Damon delivers a raw, refreshing perspective on how to stop being a hostage to your own expectations and finally find some mental breathing room. 

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