HomePodcastsThe Addiction Podcast-Point of No Return
The Addiction Podcast-Point of No Return
Joanie Sigal452 EpisodesJul 23, 2026
This podcast addresses hope and recovery options for individuals, friends, family, parents and associates who have been or may be addicted to opioids, heroin, cocaine, prescription drugs, fentanyl, alcohol, or marijuana and want to overcome the addiction. There are interviews with former addicts, stories of having gone through numerous failed rehabs, parents and loved ones that describe the horrors and ultimate methods they have sought to save lives and help. Issues include the changing world of rehab, from 12 step programs to successful and effective alternative approaches to detox, withdrawal, and education for stable life style changes for former addicts. The benefits and dangers of different types of rehab from those that have experienced it. The "point of no return" is when the individual has come to a realization that they need and want help. This is also for friends and family of addicts who are at their wits end and don't know what to do to help the addict.
Episodes
Nearly Died in Cabo – John Luedke’s Brutal Addiction to 100lb Weight Loss & SobrietyJul 23, 202619:38In this powerful episode of The Addiction Podcast — Point of No Return, Joanie Sigal sits down with John Luedke, author of Big Dump, commodities trader, and sobriety advocate. John’s story is one of raw honesty, near‑death experiences, and remarkable transformation.From early substance use in high school — marijuana quickly escalating to alcohol, cocaine, Xanax, and opiates — John’s addiction spir
From Self-Loathing & Binge Drinking to Self-Love: Arlina Allen’s 32-Year Sobriety JourneyJul 16, 202627:04Arlina Allen is a Certified Life & Sobriety Coach (IAPRC), bestselling author, and podcast host specializing in addiction recovery, particularly helping high-achieving professionals quit drinking and build fulfilling lives.Arlina Allen shares her powerful journey from childhood trauma and addiction to over 30 years of sobriety. In this honest conversation, she discusses sexual abuse, her paren
Addicted at 12, Hunted, Homeless — Austin Rampt’s Recovery StoryJul 9, 202622:54Austin Rampt shares his raw, intense journey through meth addiction, cartel danger, homelessness, relapse, and the long road back to faith, family, and recovery. His story is one of survival, redemption, and the power of choosing a different path.One Last Hit Podcast - available on podcast platformshttps://www.amazon.com/One-Last-Hit-Austin-Rampt/dp/1968485007/
When Your Child Is Using: Kim Porter on the Fear, the Chaos, and How to Save ThemJun 29, 202623:34Kim Porter opens up about the emotional toll addiction takes on families, the warning signs parents often miss, and the conversations that can save a loved one’s life. A compassionate, powerful look at family recovery.Kim Porter, CFRS, is the Co‑Founder and Executive Director of Be a Part of the Conversation, a Pennsylvania‑based nonprofit she launched in 2011 to help families and communities bett
The Moment I Faced My Crack Addiction — And Decided to LiveJun 22, 202622:32Join us as Tara Peterson shares her powerful journey from addiction to sobriety, highlighting the importance of understanding underlying causes, developing resilience, and embracing faith in recovery.Main Topics Covered:Tara’s personal story of substance abuse, starting at age 17 with cocaine and crack addictionHow addiction initially serves as a solution to underlying mental health issuesThe sign
The Real Jerry Maguire — Leigh Steinberg on Alcoholism, Collapse & The ComebackMay 29, 202634:07Leigh Steinberg — the legendary sports agent who inspired Jerry Maguire — opens up about his battle with alcoholism, the collapse of his agency, and the lessons behind his new book The Comeback. A raw, honest look at rebuilding a life, a career, and a purpose.
Whitney Yeager - The Dangers of High-Potency MarijuanaMay 14, 202630:59Whitney Yeager shares the tragic story of her son's marijuana-induced psychosis and the impact it had on his life. She emphasizes the dangers of high-potency marijuana and the need for education and awareness. Whitney also discusses the importance of recognizing the signs of marijuana use and seeking help.TakeawaysHigh-potency marijuana poses significant risks to the developing brain, leading to a
Dr. Phillip Drum - Why Medical Marijuana should Stay Level 1 Controlled SubstanceApr 9, 202624:30The conversation with Dr. Drum covers the adverse effects of marijuana use, the classification of controlled substances, the impact of marijuana legalization on banking, and the association between marijuana use and mass murders. Dr. Drum emphasizes the lack of medical evidence for marijuana and the need for testing for THC in law enforcement and coroner reports.TakeawaysAdverse effects of marijua
Dr. Phillip Drum - More about the Medical Marijuana FallacyApr 2, 202623:22The conversation delves into the controversy surrounding medical marijuana, highlighting the lack of scientific evidence, safety studies, and expert acceptance. It also explores the implications of THC concentration and the state's approval of marijuana for medical use.TakeawaysMedical marijuana lacks standardized chemistry and reproducibility.Inadequate safety and efficacy studies undermine the c
Dr. Phillip Drum - No Such Thing as Medical MarijuanaMar 19, 202641:57The conversation covers the personal tragedy that led to advocacy, the evolution of marijuana, the impact of THC, roadside testing, controlled substance classification, medical marijuana misconceptions, marijuana research and FDA approval, and the impact of marijuana legalization. It also addresses the public health and safety concerns, marijuana-related incidents, and the need for advocacy and ac
Rethinking Addiction with Jeff Jones — A New Family Recovery ModelMar 12, 202630:57In this episode of The Addiction Podcast — Point of No Return, Jeff Jones explains how growing up in a family shaped by addiction led him to rethink how recovery truly works. He describes the unsafe dynamic between his mother and alcoholic grandfather — “it wasn’t safe for me to love him in my mother’s presence” — and how those early mixed messages inspired his lifelong curiosity about how familie
Dr. Libby Stuyt - The Inherent Dangers in Marijuana AddictionMar 5, 202634:29The conversation delves into the evolution of marijuana, the medical use of marijuana, ethical and medical concerns, the impact on adolescents and pregnant women, psychosis and cognitive impact, adolescent use and education, clinical experience and treatment, resources for factual information, and recommendations for safe use.TakeawaysHigh-potency THC products pose significant health risksEducatio
Nicole Byers A Mom on a MissionFeb 5, 202620:39Nicole Byers has faced immense personal loss due to the opioid crisis. Her son, brother, father, and half-sister were all victims of fentanyl and pharmaceuticals. She is an active advocate for change and shares her story with organizations like Shatterproof and in Facebook groups for families who have lost loved ones to fentanyl. She now works with national nonprofit organizations Shatterproof, We
Laura Stack Educating about the Dangers of MarijuanaJan 29, 202624:30For 30 years, Laura Stack was best known in the business world as "The Productivity Pro." Her career as a keynote speaker, bestselling author of eight books, and corporate spokesperson came to a screeching halt on November 20, 2019, when her 19-year-old son, Johnny, died by suicide after becoming psychotic from dabbing high-THC marijuana concentrates. Laura responded by forming the nonprofit, John
Andrew Ace Greenspan Music in RecoveryJan 22, 202619:51Andrew Ace Greenspan is a singer-songwriter/ motivational speaker from Nyack, NY. Andrew is 33 years old, on the autism spectrum and has been playing piano/ singing since he was four years old. Andrew has been in recovery since early 2024, over one year into sobriety and is pursuing a new album: Livin' Rough, Hangin' Tough about his personal battles overcoming addiction, mental health/ development
Dr Ken Finn the Marijuana PsychosisJan 15, 202641:06Think you know the risks of unregulated CBD and cannabis? Dr. Kenneth Finn is here to pull back the curtain. He's a board-certified pain specialist who has spent decades studying the science that the industry often ignores. Learn why he's fighting for better safety rules and what every consumer needs to watch out for. Dr. Kenneth P. Finn is a board-certified physician in Physical Medicine & Re
Diane Stein CCHR Prescription for ViolenceJan 8, 202622:49What if the answer to stopping violence isn't what we've been told? This week, Diane Stein joins us to talk about the chilling documentary, Prescription for Violence. She's revealing the evidence that links mass shootings to dangerous psychiatric drugs. It is a side of the story the media rarely talks about, and once you hear it, you'll never look at the news the same way again Is the medication m
Kim Bellas Sober is the New Cool in 2026Dec 25, 202527:45One heart can change a moment, but many hearts can change the world. Meet Kim Bellas, the powerhouse behind the global movements Sober is the New Cool® and the White Heart Initiative®. From launching an International Recovery Walk that spans 38 countries to hosting the iconic White Party in NYC, Kim is on a mission to prove that wellness belongs to everyone. With 125+ global podcast appearances an
Leah Shepherd Leading with Victoria's VoiceDec 5, 202522:42Leah Shepherd, the powerhouse Executive Director of Victoria's Voice Foundation, is joining us. Her organization is on the front lines, dedicated to saving lives through drug-prevention education and overdose awareness. Under Leah's leadership, Victoria's Voice has positively impacted over ONE MILLION students, families, and community members nationwide. She spearheaded National Naloxone Awareness
Director Donnie Anderson Fighting the Chinese in OklahomaNov 27, 202524:31Ready for an inside look at the war on drugs in Oklahoma? We're sitting down with Donnie Anderson, the Director of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control (OBNDDC). With over 30 years on the front lines, Director Anderson is a true law enforcement veteran. From starting out at the Garvin County Sheriff's Office to leading the charge against major drug and violent crime t
Amy Newman Sober Support for AllNov 19, 202524:16Amy Newman is a mother, entrepreneur, and recovery advocate who built her life's mission out of her own journey through addiction and long-term sobriety. After years of silently struggling and trying to hold everything together on the outside, Amy reached a turning point that changed the course of her life. Choosing to come forward, tell the truth, and ask for help marked the beginning of her tran
Daniel Hearn Sharing and Caring Hard Knox TalksNov 6, 202550:28This isn't just a recovery story—it's a fight for survival and family.Meet Daniel Hearn and Donna Gilchrist. Their path through addiction ripped their family apart: a tradesman losing everything, a son taken into care, a violent gangster, and Daniel held hostage with an axe to his throat. Meanwhile, Donna hit the streets, surviving violence and addiction.Today? They're not just recovered; they're
Robert Beltran Treating Recovery with NutritionOct 30, 202537:50Dr. Robert Beltran isn't just a doctor—he's a man who healed himself to heal others.A highly respected triple board-certified surgeon and pharmacist ($MD, PharmD, FACS$), Dr. Beltran had a decades-long career as an ENT and cosmetic surgeon, giving him a rare, deep understanding of the human body, from biochemistry to the operating room.His life and career changed in 2014 when a severe accident le
Ian Fee's Wild Ride to SobrietyOct 23, 202527:21After losing everything due to overdrinking from a very young age, Ian Fee reached a breaking point and began his journey to reclaim his life. Today, Ian is a successful author, entrepreneur, and the creator of Make It Great (MIG). Proudly sober since 2017, he has dedicated himself to personal growth, family, and living a life of purpose and clarity. His journey from addiction to empowerment has
From Navy SEAL to Recovery Advocate Dr Tony DiceOct 16, 202537:58Dr. Tony Dice, CEO of Bishop & Dice Defense LLC, empowers veterans, law enforcement, and first responders to overcome trauma and reclaim their lives. As a Navy SEAL, therapist, paramedic, and firefighter, he's lived at the extremes of chaos and control—from overseas deployments to firefighting, from decorated service to deep meth addiction. His rock-bottom moment came when the pull of meth nea
Eric Zimmer Feeding the WolfOct 10, 202531:56He was homeless, struggling with addiction, and sick. Now, Eric Zimmer is the author, teacher, and host behind the massive hit podcast, The One You Feed (with over 50 million downloads!), exploring the secrets to a meaningful life. In this powerful episode, Eric doesn't just share his inspiring personal story of recovery from addiction and hepatitis C; he reveals the practical, real-world tools t
Beth McDonough from Breaking News to Breaking the Bonds of AddictionOct 1, 202542:47Beth McDonough lost her career, her reputation, and her freedom. After two DUIs and being exposed by her own news station, this former television personality hit rock bottom. But that's not where her story ends. In this powerful episode, Beth shares the raw, honest truth from her new memoir, Standby. Learn exactly how she faced down addiction and completely rebuilt her life. Get her personal, prov
Alexis Pleus Turning a Mother's Heartbreak into ActionSep 25, 202526:13When Alexis Pleus, a civil engineer and dedicated educator, lost her son Jeff to a heroin overdose, she discovered that everything she'd been taught about addiction was wrong. This devastating truth ignited a new mission. In this powerful episode, Alexis, founder of Truth Pharm, shares her journey from grief to advocacy. She reveals the false dogma that failed her family and now drives her to spar
Sarah Hornbuckle Armoring Teens with Truth about DrugsSep 17, 202535:07For years, Sarah Hornbuckle lived through the hidden struggles of addiction and domestic violence. Then, in 2016, she found her way into recovery and never looked back. Now, as a certified Peer Support Specialist and a leader at the Hornbuckle Foundation, she's dedicated to lighting a fire for recovery in others. The Hornbuckle Foundation has awarded over 580 sober living scholarships, helping peo
Theo Fleury From Abuse to Addiction and Hockey FameSep 11, 202553:17Theo Fleury was on top of the world. A Stanley Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist, he had everything a hockey star could dream of. But behind the glory, a dark and self-destructive battle was raging. Fleury wasn't just playing with fire—he was engulfed by it. In this powerful episode, hear the raw, unfiltered story of how Fleury's life spiraled out of control. He shares the chilling truth behi
Duke Rumely Providing SAFE Alternatives to EntertainmentSep 4, 202535:10Duke Rumely is a former alcoholic who has been sober since 1989. Since then he realized that what was needed at concerts and sporting events was an area for those who are sober and trying to remain that way. He founded Sober AF Entertainment and is making great strides in leading the sober movement - making sober the popular to be for young and old alike. For information on upcoming events with SA
Steven May Purdue Pharma Whistle BlowerAug 28, 202547:37Steven May is a federal whistleblower who took on one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world: Purdue Pharma. His case, which once reached the Supreme Court, exposed what he believes was a calculated fraud that led to the approval of OxyContin and helped create the opioid crisis. In this powerful interview, May shares the eye-opening details he uncovered during discovery. He reveals h
Hakeem McFarlane Choose Yourself and RecoverAug 21, 202530:57For anyone feeling stuck, unheard, or defined by their past, Hakeem McFarlane's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to rewrite your narrative. From overcoming a 20-year probation sentence to breaking free from the generational cycle of addiction, Hakeem shares how he transformed personal pain into purpose. He's spoken in every kind of space imaginable, from Bronx classrooms to co
Ed Bisch A Grieving Dad Spearheads the Fight Against OpioidsAug 14, 202539:23Ed Bisch is an activist who founded Relatives Against Purdue Pharma (RAPP) after his son, Eddie, died from an OxyContin overdose in 2001. After Eddie's death, Ed started a website to warn others about the dangers of OxyContin and began connecting with other parents who had lost children to the drug. This led to the formation of RAPP, a group that has been actively protesting and seeking to hold P
Beatty Carmichael Healing Beyond TherapyAug 7, 202537:17 You don't want to miss this interview with Beatty Carmichael, a spiritual health breakthrough expert who has a created a prayer-based process that has helped thousands of people break free from addiction, trauma, emotional torment, and chronic pain. What makes his approach so unique is that it is not based on religion, therapy, or medication, but on the scienc
Mike Grant Running in RecoveryJul 31, 202541:04Meet Mike Grant. Six years ago, he was in an intensive diversion program for habitual drunk driving. Now, he's a 100-mile ultra-marathoner, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and the author of the gritty, honest memoir, (Re)Making A Sandwich. This interview will shock and inspire you. Mike reveals the raw truth of his recovery journey, from hitting the streets with his 4-year-old son to conquering
Derek Maltz - Fighting Against Drugs Where it CountsJul 24, 202535:12Get Ready for a Deep Dive Into Global Drug Enforcement and National Security Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Derek S. Maltz, a 28-year veteran of the DEA and one of the most influential voices in the fight against transnational crime. As the former Special Agent in Charge of the DEA's Special Operations Division (SOD), Derek led over 500 personnel and helped coordinate the capture of
Denise Barnes NARCAN+911Jul 17, 202528:38Denise Barnes was living a full and faith-filled life in sunny San Diego—a devoted mother of three, a wife, a surfer, and a woman grounded in love and purpose. But everything changed the day her youngest son unknowingly took a single pill laced with fentanyl. Narcan was administered… but 911 was never called. That one missed step cost him his life. Now, Denise is on a powerful mission to make sure
Julieta Santagostino Working for a Drug Free WorldJul 10, 202530:58What happens when one woman refuses to stay silent in the face of devastation? Meet Julieta, a powerhouse advocate whose journey from the border town of Juarez, Mexico, to global stages is anything but ordinary. Raised in a community ravaged by drug abuse, Julieta didn't just witness the damage—she decided to fight it. Since 2007, she's led the Florida chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free Wor
Chris Janssen Forgiveness and RecoveryJul 3, 202524:03Chris Janssen, MA, BCC is a USA TODAY Bestselling author, and results coach in performance and mindset. Her award-winning books include "Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want" https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1637633378?tag=simonsayscom and "Living All In: How to Show Up for the Life You Want" https://www.amazon.com/Living-All-Show-Life-Want/dp/B0BH8C5Z7B Chris has wor
Tiffany Jenkins Addiction, Laughter, Raw RedemptionMay 28, 202527:07Although best known for her comedy, Tiffany Jenkins is incredibly passionate about bringing awareness to mental illness and addiction. She travels the nation to speak at high schools, jails, rehab centers, and conferences about her own personal experiences with addiction and recovery. Beloved for her complete authenticity, raw honesty, and lovable humor, Tiffany Jenkins is the human voice of the o
Matthew Tyner Sr Fast Life, Hard LessonsMay 20, 202531:37Matthew (Matt) A. Tyner, Sr. is the author of Fast and Hard: From Addictions to Redemption. He is a man who has reinvented himself and has invested his second chance at life with building positive relationships with those around him. Matt is best known for his work as a college baseball coach, but many know him as a walk-on baseball player from the prestigious University of Miami Baseball progr
Sybil Stanonis Recovery Through DanceMay 8, 202535:31Dancing since the age of 5, Sybil Stanonis' first love was tap. Taking classes and competing with top level recognition in tap, ballet and jazz throughout childhood; she knew dance was a passion. Her competition success provided her invitations to dance across Russia (Leningrad, Minsk, Moscow ) and Denmark (Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen). Her professional credits include 2 seasons as a NFL Cheerleade
Rob Lohman Addiction, Faith and RedemptionMay 1, 202536:51Rob Lohman's battle with addiction began at just 14 years old, fueled by a family history of alcoholism. Throughout his teenage and young adult years, he lived a chaotic, chameleon-like existence, losing his true identity to drinking and drug use. Despite the mistakes he made during those years, Rob credits his journey with giving him the powerful stories he now uses to help others move from addic
Bob Kinney A Daughters Love, a Fathers RedemptionApr 22, 202535:38Bob Kinney is a recovered alcoholic after an 18-year battle of severe alcoholism. He is a father of six children and has 12 grandchildren. He is a veteran with a heart for homeless veterans. He is a Christian, retired carpenter, and devoted father and grandpa, residing in New Hope, MN. He is the author of Kill Me or Cure Me, a memoir published in 2024 which relives the story of his addiction and e
Nick Jonsson Rock Bottom, Recovery and ResilienceApr 3, 202533:02Success isn't just about climbing the ladder—it's about helping others climb it too. That's the heart of Nick Jonsson, co-founder and Managing Director of EGN (Executives' Global Network) across Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Through EGN, Nick has built a lifeline for 800+ senior leaders—a safe space for connection, strategy, and real talk in the high-stakes, often isolating world of executiv
Fred Luskin Forgiveness in RecoveryMar 15, 202524:52Dr. Frederic Luskin is a psychologist who has been teaching at Stanford University for the past 30 years. He has a Ph. D in Counseling and Health Psychology from Stanford University and holds clinical licenses as a Psychologist and a Marriage and Family Counselor. Currently he is on the faculty for the GSB Executive Education program where he teaches mindfulness, emotional intelligence, psycholog
Dan Zsido - Educating on Narcan and Saving Lives 2025Feb 25, 202526:38Dan Zsido has had 15 years of narcotics investigative experience with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. He established and supervised the Strategic Diversion Task Force investigating pharmaceutical crimes, doctor shopping, fraud, trafficking and more. Currently Dan is the Training and Education Director at NADDI (National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators) - The Training and Educatio
Hon Mary Bono Powerful Advocate for Addiction PreventionFeb 2, 202528:21A successful businesswoman and well-known political leader, Congresswoman Mary Bono (ret.) was hailed as the "embodiment of powerful American womanhood" by the Washington Times, rising to become Chairman of the influential U.S. House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade. In April of 2022, Mary was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Merit Award from her alma mater, the Univer
Julieta Santagostino Working for a Drug Free WorldJan 17, 202530:58Julieta's powerful journey from the border town of Juarez, Mexico, to becoming a relentless advocate for drug education is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in a community deeply affected by drug abuse, she witnessed firsthand not only the devastating impact on individuals but the ripple effect it had on entire neighborhoods. Realizing the urgent need for education and awareness, she became f
Lang Martinez Sober and Giving Back Living his Best LifeJan 9, 202544:25Lang Martinez, a resident of Los Angeles, CA, has successfully transformed his life's challenges into a compelling narrative of resilience. As a Trauma Survivor, Unconventional Advocate, Recovery Mentor, Hope Dealer and Speaker. Martinez leverages his experiences of sexual abuse and rape as a minor to advocate for the homeless, employing a peer-to-peer approach recognized in various publications,
DeDee Pfeiffer - Actress and Activist in Helping Others in AddictionDec 21, 202435:01Dedee Pfeiffer, celebrated actress and younger sister of Michelle Pfeiffer, is known for her roles in hit shows like *Cybill* and *For Your Love* and her recent return to television as Denise Brisbane in ABC's *Big Sky.* But Dedee's journey is far more compelling than her screen credits alone. After stepping away from Hollywood for a decade to confront her alcohol addiction and raise her children
Jackie Siegel - Helping Others with Victorias VoiceDec 12, 202427:20Jackie Siegel is best known for her role in the award-winning documentary feature, Queen of Versailles (Magnolia Pictures), which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012. A little back story: Jackie earned the "Queen" moniker when a decade ago, she and husband, David Siegel, began an extravagant project to build the largest private residence in the U.S.—named Versailles—and the ambitious c
Denise Barnes NARCAN+911Nov 28, 202428:38Denise Barnes is a devoted mother of three, married to a wonderful Christian husband, and a proud native of San Diego, California. Her family, deeply rooted in their love for surfing and faith, faced an unimaginable tragedy this year when her youngest son was found overdosing on a Xanax laced with fentanyl. Despite Narcan being administered, 911 was not called—a critical misstep that cost her son
Rev Melissa Hayward Tucker Faith Overcoming Addiction's ChainsNov 16, 202429:55Melissa Hayward-Tucker was caught in the grip of addiction for years, a victim of drugs and alcohol from her early teens. Growing up in a turbulent world of abandonment, domestic violence, and abuse, she faced trauma most never know. By age fourteen, she was using crack cocaine, and her life spiraled into darkness on the dangerous streets of Houston and Los Angeles, where she was left homeless, ad
Lance Dyer - Turning his Grief to Fight Against SyntheticsNov 12, 202451:39In 2012, 14-year-old Dakota Dyer tragically took his own life after trying a synthetic drug. His father, Lance Dyer, was determined to prevent other families from experiencing this devastation. Confronted with the growing scourge of synthetic drugs - marketed as "safe" alternatives to marijuana - Lance fought back. Using investigative skills honed as an Army Ranger, Lance tracked down the manufact
Lauren Sisler From Grief to Greatness ShatterproofNov 1, 202439:24Lauren Sisler is an Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster, ESPN sideline reporter, author, and keynote speaker known for her sideline shimmy. After landing her dream career with ESPN, reporting on college football and gymnastics, she began to open up about a story she once kept hidden: losing her parents to opioid addiction. Through sharing her story, she's been able to shed light on the stigma of
Marcel Gemme Drug Education Child ApprovedOct 25, 202432:55Marcel Gemme is a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist (DATS) and a member of NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals who concentrates on helping families find help for their loved ones. He is the founder and CEO of DRS, which includes Addicted.org and Drugrehab.ca, two websites that have helped thousands of people find treatment for substance use disorder in the United States and Can
Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland - Drugs at the Southern BorderOct 17, 202432:14Thaddeus' service to this country began its course while proudly serving in the United States Air Force. He served on the Terrell County Independent School District School Board for eight years and as the Board President four of those years. His viewpoint: "Students and our school's educators are at the forefront of our nations foundation. Texas must lead the nation by adapting our approach to doi
Dr. Tracy Strawberry - Healing Others with CourageOct 13, 202435:55Dr. Tracy Strawberry is an international speaker, published author, CEO, and wife of baseball legend Darryl Strawberry. After many years of battling addiction, alcoholism and other life controlling issues, Tracy surrendered her life to Jesus Christ and experienced a radical life transformation through the power of God and the process of change. By sharing her testimony openly, with biblical soluti
Emmy Winning Celebrity Chef Andrew Zimmern Writer Speaker Former Addict On Overcoming AddictionOct 8, 202445:57Andrew Zimmern knew from a young age he wanted a career in food. After attending The Dalton School and Vassar College, he cooked in New York City restaurants for Anne Rosenzweig, Joachim Splichal and Thomas Keller, amongst others. Andrew helped open and run a dozen restaurants, and at the same time was also an addict spiraling out of control. After a year spent living on the streets, an interventi
Barry Meier Author- Expose - Pain KillerSep 27, 202434:10Brace yourself for a fascinating episode of **The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return**, featuring the Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist, **Barry Meier**, as we peel back the layers of the opioid crisis, examining its roots, aftermath, and the unsettling role played by the Sackler family and their empire, Purdue Pharma. Meier also discusses how he ventured into investigative repor
Leann Blaskowsky - Marijuana and the Unborn ChildSep 25, 202447:37Leeann Blaskowsky is a board-certified neonatal nurse practitioner. In her words: since 2009 I have been living and working in Colorado, and I am faced, almost daily, with counseling families about marijuana use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. My nursing education began with an Associates degree waaay back in 1984, continuing to a Bachelors and Masters in Nursing more than twenty-five years la
Lunden Roberts My Life Inside Hunter Biden's AddictionSep 13, 202423:40Lunden Roberts is a mother, author, and financial officer from Batesville, AR. Her all-star basketball career culminated at Arkansas State University, where she was a McDonalds All-American Nominee shooting guard and studied criminal justice and psychology. Roberts went on to Washington, D.C. for the most prestigious CSI training in the country, where she met and began a relationship with Hunter B
Jim Wilfred A Second Chance at LifeSep 6, 202432:13Jim Willfred is a man with extensive life experiences that have fueled his insatiable passion to help those afflicted with substance use disorders and to support other parents in avoiding the pain of losing a child as he has. Jim struggled with substance use disorder for 20 years until he broke free in 2004. He was honored with the Individual Achievement Award by Governor Bond for his ability to u
John Bitinas A Narconon Success Now Clean and SoberAug 30, 202446:22John Bitinas is a native of New England, an entrepreneur, public speaker and young guy who has just been wildly successful after getting his life back from addiction. John has been clean and sober now for over 18 years, in that time he has built a successful business, found and married the love of his life and personally spoke to over 250,000 people about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. John cur
Into Light Project Using Art to Heal the Loss Theresa Clower and Debbie SimonAug 23, 202429:22he tragic loss of her son, Devin, in Feb 2018 to an accidental drug overdose was the catalyst for INTO LIGHT Project. Through the simple act of drawing, Theresa discovered the power of art and storytelling to change minds and hearts. The INTO LIGHT Project, while born out of tragedy, has provided Theresa with an opportunity to shed light on those lost to addiction so that their spirit, kindness, h
Anne Fundners Tragic Story The Deadly Cost of Open BordersAug 15, 202426:12Anne Elizabeth Fundner lost her son Weston to fentanyl poisoning in 2022. She blames the current administration for the opening of the borders for the death of her son. Anne Fundner shared that Weston was a really good kid, and she and her family did everything right. They involved him in sports, and Anne was an active room mom. Their relationship was wonderful; Weston was her perfect little bo
Charlotte Bismuth Advocating for the Victims of the Opioid PandemicAug 8, 202435:46Charlotte Bismuth was an attorney who started her career as a litigation associate. After joining the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor in 2010, she began investigating a doctor who was illegally overprescribing pain medications. After months of investigation, Dr. Li was finally convicted of 2 counts of murder and over 90 other counts. While she was part of an incredible team that assiste
Darryl Strawberry Sharing My Spiritual Healing and RecoveryAug 2, 202432:55Darryl Strawberry is described as a baseball legend by many who have been dazzled by the dynamics of his game. His many accomplishments in the major leagues include four World Series titles, eight All-Star Game appearances, and a nomination to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2004. He has earned the legendary nicknames and phrases of one of the most feared home run hitters in the game of base
Ryan Leaf Former NFL Giving Back in a Big WayJul 25, 202431:40Ryan David Leaf champions those battling mental and behavioral health issues, urging us to rethink mental health and addiction. He aims to crush the stigma, declaring, "asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness." As a former quarterback, Leaf's career at Washington State was stellar: Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year (1997), First Team All-American, Sammy Baugh Quarterback of the Year,
Steven May Purdue Pharma WhistleblowerJul 19, 202427:32Steven May reflected on his legal journey, noting that despite losing the case on a technical motion to dismiss, the experience during discovery was profoundly enlightening. His case had traversed through various stages, including a Supreme Court review before ultimately being dismissed due to what he deemed an unfortunate technicality. According to May, there was a belief that governmental pressu
Rick Mountcastle and Ed Bisch Forcing the Sacklers to Admit GuiltJul 11, 202448:23Ed Bisch's son died of an overdose of Oxycontin. Ed didn't sit by. He started researching Oxycontin and its manufacturer - Purdue Pharma; AND the family behind it - The Sacklers. He has been fighting this battle for years and doesn't see giving up until both the company and the family are made to take responsibility for the countless deaths due to oxycontin addiction and overdose. In December 2020
David Sanchez Creating Healthier Safer and Drug Free CommunitiesJul 6, 202433:39Born in Redondo Beach, California, David Sanchez began learning about drugs at age 9 when a neighbor offered him marijuana. By age 15, he was using harder drugs that first led to juvenile jail and eventually to multiple penitentiaries. The turning points came in 2012 when he finally conquered his addiction, and then in 2014 when he began building on his own knowledge and studies of addiction, and
Laura Stack Johnny's Ambassadors Educating about the New MarijuanaJun 27, 202443:51Johnny Stack was born on February 7, 2000 and died by suicide on November 20, 2019 at the age of 19. He was an incredibly intelligent, funny, charming, handsome young man, which you can see in his tribute video. We are a normal suburban family and did normal family things. He had a happy life, a 4.0 GPA with a scholarship to college, and a family who loved him very much. Unfortunately, we live in
Dr Ken Finn An Evidenced Based Approach to MarijuanaJun 20, 202443:33We've talked about marijuana many times on the podcast and noted that quite a few of the former addicts started their drug path with marijuana. In this episode, Dr. Kenneth Finn from Colorado gives us the facts about the use of marijuana as pain medication as well as it's adverse effects on young adults. Dr. Finn used slides during his interview so we suggest you watch the YouTube version of this
Philip Eil Author Prescription for PainJun 13, 202430:22Philip Eil is an award-winning freelance journalist based in his hometown, Providence, Rhode Island. He is the former news editor of the alt-weekly newspaper, The Providence Phoenix. Since the paper's close in 2014, he has contributed to The Atlantic, Men's Health, the Boston Globe, Huffington Post, and the Columbia Journalism Review, among other outlets. He has also taught writing and journalism
Michael DeLeon Dangerous Times for Drugging KidsJun 7, 202433:43Michael R. DeLeon, a successfully acclimated ex-offender who after nearly 8 years of drug addiction and gang involvement, spent 12 years in state prison and half-way houses for a gang-related homicide. Michael plead guilty in a very emotional and complicated case involving the murder of his own Mother by people tasked to kill him. Since Michael's release from prison, he has earned 3 Associates De
Navarone Garcia A Difficult Journey to SobrietyMay 30, 202431:07Navarone Garcia is Priscilla Presley's son. Navarone Garibaldi Garcia (born March 1, 1987) is an American musician who serves as the lead singer of Them Guns. Them Guns is a Los Angeles-based rock band made up of members Garcia (guitar/lead vocals), Kyle Hamood (lead guitar/vocals/keys), Bobby Vega (drums), and Chuck Holiday (bass). Santa Cruz Waves described their sound as "...a rock base, a ting
Barbie Rivera Author Educator Mom Freedom Fighter Enough is EnoughMay 24, 202454:35About 29 years ago, a public school teacher told Barbie Rivera that her 6 year old son had a mental disorder and she needed to put him on a mind altering drug - Ritalin. Barbie thought that was nutty as her son was very bright, normal and already bilingual. She started home schooling him now has her own school - called HELP Miami. Her story of how the drug companies offered to pay her $5K every