No Matter What Club
The No Matter What Club podcast aims to advocate, educate, and inform listeners about substance abuse and mental health challenges within the LGBTQ+ community. It welcomes both LGBTQ+ individuals and allies who are struggling with these issues, or who are affected by them. Through heartfelt and honest stories, the podcast offers transparency and insight, providing even better access to LGBTQ+ recovery resources and professionals dedicated to championing this community.
Episodes
Building Possibilities
Season finale! Paulo and Anthony sit down with two Chicago recovery constants, John O and Alley B, for a conversation that's equal parts celebration and real talk. John and Alley share what it took to get sober during the Great Recession and actually build a life on the other side of it, including the wisdom of finishing the work on the inside before diving into dating. They dig into leaning o
The Road to Chemsex Recovery
This week, Paulo, Anthony, and Mell sit down with Ross Mondschain at the Chicago Podcast Studio for a deep dive into chemsex recovery — both during treatment and long after. They talk through doing parts work with Internal Family Systems, learning to settle back into the body in early treatment, and then settling into the mind for the harder work around chemsex itself. Ross shares why safety conta
Hocus Pocus
In this episode of the No Matter What Club podcast, Paulo, Anthony, and Thomas sit down with Chicago Roundup Chair Melissa Young for a conversation that covers a lot of ground — sage advice from old-timers in recovery, the "hocus-pocus theory," the legend of local drag king icon Jackson Masters, and a shared love of Madonna and other muses. Melissa also takes us back to the beginnings of
Reclaiming Queer
This week on the No Matter What Club, Paulo, Anthony, and Thomas sit down with a true Chicago legend — Edna D Mascara, a beloved fixture in the city's drag scene. Out of the wig and lashes, she's Andy Foxhoven, substance use counselor and proud member of the No Matter What Recovery team at our Chicago outpatient location.In this episode, Edna takes us back to where it all began — the origi
Community Heals
A new episode just dropped — and this one hits differently. 🎙️🏳️🌈Paulo, Anthony, and Mell are coming to you from the Chicago Podcast Studio with the incredible Howard Gelb, and this conversation does *not hold back.Howard takes us inside what it was like living through the AIDS epidemic in the 80s and 90s — the loss, the survival, the drugs used to cope — and how out of all that grief, the circui
S3 Ep 4: Family Matters
What does hope sound like in early sobriety? This week, Paulo, Mell, and Thomas sit down with Chicago recovery coach Charlie Bray to find out. The conversation goes deep — covering chosen family, family systems, and the quiet miracle that happens when you change the way you see the world. The No Matter What Club Podcast is available on all your favorite streaming platforms.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-Gra
S3 Ep 3: Resiliency in Action
The depths of addiction, the friends we meet while using, dogs and non-profits, resiliency in ourselves and especially the LGBTQ community.This week, Paulo, Anthony, and Mell sit down with Dr. Robert Garofalo — and the conversation does not disappoint. From managing recovery as a working professional in the public eye, to the transformative power of resiliency, to the surprisingly profound impact
S3 Ep 2: Navigating Chemsex Recovery
On the next episode of The No Matter What Club, hosts Paulo and Mell welcome Jessica Steinman, LMFT, CSAT, and David Fawcett, PhD, CST, CSAT, to the studio for a compelling conversation about chemsex addiction. They explore the history of chemsex, approaches to treatment, the potential benefits of pausing sexual activity during recovery, and the concept of arousal templates. David also shares deta
We’re here, Chicago!
The No Matter What Club is a podcast for the LGBTQ+ community — and everyone who loves them. Hosted by Paulo Arranaga-Grayson and some very special guest hosts, we're here to talk openly and honestly about substance use, mental health, and what healing really looks like. Whether you're in the middle of your own struggle, supporting someone you love, or just trying to understand — you belon
Chemsex Curriculum
Paulo and Mell share details about the new 90-day chemsex curriculum workbook that is being utilized at No Matter What Recovery. The workbook, authored by Mell, educates the reader on the effectsaffects of the combo of crystal meth and sex on our brain, healing from the fusion, relapse prevention strategies, and sexual health in recovery. Learn more:No Matter What Recovery: www.nomatterwhatrecover
The "California Sober" Trap (Episode 18)
In our season finale of the No Matter What Club podcast, Paulo, Anthony, and Mell chat with journalist Sandra Vergara about her journey with sobriety, the pitfalls of using psychedelics therapeutically, and we have a robust discussion on the phrase ‘California Sober’ and the potential harm the lifestyle has done to folks trying to get sober. Sandra Vergara is a journalist, tv/digital series host,
What’s Love Got To Do With It? (Episode 17)
In this episode of the No Matter what club podcast, Paulo, Anthony, and Mell welcome , Jessica Steinman, LMFT to the show. The four of them dive into the discussion of love and sex addiction, what does it mean to be recovering from it, and what are some signs for those who might be struggling. We also discuss how those struggling with chemsex or sexualized drug use may also be affected. Jessica i
The Chicago Loop (Episode 16)
In this episode of the No Matter What Club podcast Paulo and Anthony welcome Kylon Hooks and Daniel Rubin to the studio to chat about recovering in Chicago, navigating being a newcomer to sobriety, establishing a ‘connection’ as the antidote to addiction, and the special sauce in the Chicago recovery community.As Chicagoans, Kylon and Daniel are long-time mentors in the recovery community, each of
Healing the Healer (Episode 15)
In this episode of the No Matter What Club Podcast, hosts Paulo, Mell, and Jack welcome bestselling author and recovery expert TJ Woodward to the podcast to discuss TJ’s work in healing the healers; dragging toxic shame through life and what we can learn from our experiences; how to tap into spirituality; and, Mell’s most important people in their life.TJ Woodward is a bestselling author, inspirat
Sobriety in the Spotlight (Episode 14)
On our final Pride month episode of the No Matter What Club, Paulo, Anthony and Jack welcome international drag artist Kendall Gender to the show to talk about the challenges of sharing sobriety with an international streaming audience; how Kendall incorporated sobriety into her and drag and using the platform for good; navigating recovery in the club scene and workplace; and, what drives our musi
Meeting Calamity with Love (Episode 13)
Paulo, Anthony, and Mell host a very special Pride edition of the No Matter What Club podcast, shining the spotlight on Friendly House and its Chief Executive Officer Christina Simos! This week, the group talks about the spiritual practice of expressing joy, and using it to overcome negative feelings; figuring out your journey in life; how to use outrage for good; and, the practice of letting your
Just a Kid from Ohio (Episode 12)
In our next Pride edition of the No Matter What Club, Paulo, Mell and Anthony welcome Queer Eye creator David Collins to the studio to chat about being a kid from Ohio; the early beginnings of Queer Eye, and how the show got its name; religion in a small town, as well as what it means in sobriety; family dynamics, and breaking the chains of generational burdens; and the importance of reaching out
Chemsex Healing (Episode 11)
The history of HIV/AIDS in the LGBTQ+ community; The convergence of the AIDS and Meth epidemics; the Chemsex crisis, and how people feel compelled to live in the shadows; the repetitive loop in the dating apps; and, how to build impulse control for healthier living in sobriety.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCrackenExecutive Director, No Matter What RecoverySp
Gender Affirming Care (Episode 10)
Paulo and Mell kick off Season 2 with our friends from Gender Wellness of Los Angeles, Casey and Grace, to discuss the evolution of the LGBTQ+ community and resilience, coming out later in life, the grief process associated with coming out, and defining gender affirming care.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCrackenExecutive Director, No Matter What RecoverySpec
Bridging The Gap (Episode 9)
In the season finale of the No Matter What Club, Anthony brings Internal Family Systems specialist Adrienne Glasser to the set to talk with Paulo and his brother Stephen about growing up gay, the family dynamics in addiction, and being an ally for the LGBTQ+ community.Hosts:Anthony Arranaga-GraysonCo-founder, No Matter What RecoveryPaulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoverySpecial G
Trauma Healing (Episode 8)
The No Matter What Club welcomes Kathleen Murphy and Brian Stark to the podcast to take a deeper dive into the topic of trauma, how we embrace “the now,” and how families can support their loved ones on the road to recovery.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCrackenExecutive Director, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guest:Kathleen MurphyLMFTBrian Stark Executive D
Life-Affirming Transition (Episode 7)
This week, Paulo and Anthony welcome Jazzmun Crayton and Joie Gyondla to the Club to chat about the freedom in recovery, taking risks, and our individual evolution.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryAnthony Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guest:Jazzmun CraytonRecovery Community MemberJoie Gyondla Volunteer Coordinator, The Phoenix
Returning from Relapse (Episode 6)
Paulo, Mell, and Jack welcome Dr Wesley Detwiler to the Club to discuss returning from a relapse, the magic of sober living, embracing the idea of a dating app holiday in early sobriety, and building self esteem.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCracken, Co-HostExecutive Director, No Matter What RecoveryJack Moll, Co-HostProgram Director, No Matter What Recovery
Reducing Harm (Episode 5)
The No Matter What Club co-hosts Paulo, Mell, and Jack welcome Mike Cativo to the set to chat about harm reduction and medication assisted treatment, the fentanyl epidemic, and Taylor Swift as a higher power.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCracken, Co-HostExecutive Director, No Matter What RecoveryJack Moll, Co-HostProgram Director, No Matter What RecoverySpec
From Mess to Message (Episode 4)
Emmy-winning makeup artist and drag performer 6 joins No Matter What Club hosts Paulo, Mell and Jack to chat about finding hope in sobriety in the rooms of recovery; discovering your voice; and, the panel weighs in on the different perspectives of personal achievements in sobriety.Paulo Arranaga-Grayson, HostCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCracken, Co-HostExecutive Director, No Matter Wh
The T is Here to Stay (and Slay)! Episode 3
Paulo and Mell welcome twin sisters Vivian and Victoria Rubio to the club! In this latest episode, Victoria shares what it was like to come out as trans during her teens on national television; Vivian fights back on erasing a community; Mell talks about sexualized drug use within the trans population; and, both the sisters send a heartfelt message to trans kids.Guests:Paulo Arranaga-Grayson, Host
Taming Chemsex, Episode 2
Paulo Arranaga-Grayson and Mell McCracken welcome Sheku Fofana, the psychiatric nurse practitioner at No Matter What Recovery Detox. The three behavioral health professionals discuss and define Chemsex and its impact on the Queer community. Furthering the discussion, they talk about the complexities of detoxing off of stimulants, the chemical composition of crystal meth, how it affects the mind, b
What’s Your Why, Episode 1
Welcome to the premiere episode of the No Matter What Club! Podcast host Paulo Arranaga-Grayson introduces his regular drop-in co-hosts: Mell teases the chemsexies; a moment of discovery for Jack; and, what turned Anthony’s life around. Guests: Paulo Arranaga-Grayson, Anthony Arranaga-Grayson, Mell McCracken, Jack Moll
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