Best Courage Kind By Kathy 💫 Podcasts (2025)

1
73: From Addiction to Advocacy: Fighting Substance Use Disorder with Natasha Davis and Haley Sample 36:39

13d ago36:39

36:39

In this episode of Thrive While Loving an Addict, host KL Wells interviews Natasha Davis and Haley Sample, best friends of 25 years who have both personally navigated addiction and substance use disorder. Now working on the treatment side at Her Harbor in Fresno, they focus on specialized addiction treatment for women. Natasha and Haley share their…

1
Transforming Pain into Purpose: KL Wells on Her Journey with Son Sam's Addiction 32:52

27d ago32:52

32:52

In this continuation of our conversation with KL Wells, host Steve Cary dives deeper into the challenges and triumphs of navigating life alongside a loved one battling addiction. Picking up from Part 1, "Thriving Amidst Chaos: KL Wells on Loving Someone with Addiction," this episode explores KL's personal journey as her son, Sam, faces the trials o…

1
Boundaries and Love: Ian Cron on Parenting a Child in Recovery 40:10

1M ago40:10

40:10

In this powerful episode, host KL Wells sits down with Ian Morgan Cron, bestselling author, Enneagram expert, and host of the Typology Podcast, to explore the transformative power of the Twelve Steps—not just for those struggling with addiction, but for anyone seeking personal growth, healing, and a deeper spiritual awakening. Ian shares his deeply…

1
Thriving Amidst Chaos: KL Wells Discusses Loving Someone with Addiction 30:03

2M ago30:03

30:03

In this podcast episode, producer and team member Steve Cary steps out from behind the scenes to host a heartfelt conversation with KL Wells, founder of Voices InCourage, about her experience as a mother navigating the complexities of loving someone struggling with addiction. KL candidly shares her deeply personal journey, highlighting her son Sam’…

1
Navigating the Storm: KL Wells on Setting Boundaries for Families Affected by Addiction 51:45

2M ago51:45

51:45

In this special episode of the Voices InCourage podcast, the tables turn as host Beverly Buncher interviews KL Wells - leadership coach, emotional fitness trainer, TEDx speaker and the mother of a young man in recovery. Stepping into the guest seat, KL shares her deeply personal journey of resilience, courage, and the lessons learned while loving s…

1
Supporting a Loved One in Addiction: Boundaries and Recovery with Kathy Wrenn 48:12

3M ago48:12

48:12

In this episode, host KL Wells speaks with Kathy Wrenn, a former health education teacher and current coach with BALM Family Recovery. With over 20 years of experience in education, Kathy shares her personal journey of navigating her son Tucker's substance use disorder. As the executive director of ILUME Family Recovery, she discusses the importanc…

1
Breaking the Cycle: Healing Generational Trauma and Addiction with Melissa Engle 54:10

3M ago54:10

54:10

In this episode, host KL Wells reflects on the new year and the challenges of multigenerational addiction and trauma. They introduce Melissa Engle, co-owner and executive vice president of Healing Springs Ranch, Texas, who has nearly 37 years of experience in addiction and mental health. Melissa discusses the importance of understanding trauma, epi…

1
From Struggle to Strength: Supporting Loved Ones in Recovery with Cathie Coe Sipe 49:09

4M ago49:09

49:09

In this episode of "Thrive While Loving an Addict," host KL Wells and guest Cathie Coe Sipe, Founder/CEO of New Each Morning, discuss the challenges and triumphs of supporting loved ones in recovery. Cathie shares her personal journey, including her first husband's battle with alcoholism and her transition from hairdresser to nonprofit leader. Emph…

1
Save Lives This Holiday Season – The Vital Role of Narcan and Advocacy with Dr. Rais Vohra 42:06

4M ago42:06

42:06

In this episode of "Thrive While Loving an Addict," the host KL Wells welcomes Dr. Rais Vohra, an emergency room physician and medical toxicology expert, to discuss addiction and emergency preparedness during the holiday season. They emphasize the importance of having Narcan (naloxone) available to reverse opioid overdoses and provide practical tip…

1
The Best Strategies for Supporting a Loved One in Recovery During the Holidays 36:54

5M ago36:54

36:54

In this episode, the host KL Wells engages with Beverly Buncher, founder of BALM Family Recovery, to discuss the emotional challenges families face during the holiday season when a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder. Beverly Buncher, with over 15 years of experience, shares strategies for managing emotions, setting boundaries, and …

1
From Pain to Healing: Transforming Addiction into Connection with Melissa Engle 56:52

5M ago56:52

56:52

In this episode of "Thrive While Loving an Addict," host KL Wells welcomes Melissa Engle, co-owner and executive vice president of Healing Springs Ranch. Melissa, with nearly 40 years of experience in addiction and mental health, discusses the complexities of addiction, defining it as a "pervasive pattern of avoiding emotional pain." She emphasizes…

1
Love, Limits, and Lessons: Navigating Life with an Addict with Waylon Hirst 41:36

6M ago41:36

41:36

In this episode of "Thriving While Loving an Addict," host KL Wells speaks with Waylon Hirst, spouse of sobriety coach Jen Hirst. Waylon shares his journey of supporting Jen through her struggle with alcoholism and recovery. He discusses the early signs of her addiction, the emotional challenges he faced, and the importance of setting boundaries. W…

1
Healing the Family: How to Rebuild Trust and Connection Through Recovery with Beverly Buncher 32:53

6M ago32:53

32:53

In this episode, the host KL Wells welcomes Beverly Buncher, founder of BALM Family Recovery, and discusses the challenges families face when dealing with addiction. Beverly shares her personal journey with her husband's addiction and emphasizes the importance of family recovery and support systems. She introduces her mindfulness-based recovery pro…

1
Breaking the Chains of Shame: A Journey to Authentic Sobriety with Meredith Eicher 46:51

6M ago46:51

46:51

In this podcast episode, the host KL Wells and guest Meredith Eicher discuss the themes of shame, guilt, judgment, and stigma surrounding substance use disorder. Meredith Eicher shares her personal journey of sobriety, detailing her early relationship with alcohol, the accumulation of shame, and the pivotal moments that led her to seek help. She em…

1
Beyond Bars: Empowering Families to Navigate Addiction and the Correctional System with Nicole Schueppert 50:26

7M ago50:26

50:26

In this episode, the host KL Wells and guest, Nicole Schueppert, a probation officer with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, discuss the challenges families face when a loved one is arrested. Nicole shares insights from her ten years of experience, highlighting the evolving, compassionate approaches within the correctional system to support i…

1
How Can Families Support Loved Ones Struggling with Addiction? with Rachel Graham 45:46

7M ago45:46

45:46

In this episode, the host welcomes back Rachel Graham, founder and CEO of Healing Springs, to discuss addiction and its impact on families. Rachel shares her personal journey and introduces her "ARCH" framework, which stands for Awareness, Root Cause, Change, and Heal. This model helps families support loved ones dealing with addiction by addressin…

1
Understanding the Family's Role in the Addiction Recovery Journey with William Moyers 39:06

8M ago39:06

39:06

In this insightful podcast episode, KL Wells welcomes William Moyers, a New York Times bestselling author and recovery advocate. They discuss addiction, recovery, and the vital role of family support. William shares his personal journey with addiction, emphasizing the importance of hope, setting boundaries, and understanding insurance coverage for …

1
Understanding the Complexities of Addiction and Incarceration with Kelly Misfeldt 52:00

8M ago52:00

52:00

In this episode, your host, KL Wells, shares a personal story about witnessing her son's arrest, highlighting the emotional challenges families face when a loved one is incarcerated. She introduces Kelly Misfeldt, a social worker and clinical substance abuse counselor from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. Kelly discusses her role in oversee…

1
Exposing the Addiction Recovery Stigma in Healthcare with Dr. Rais Vohra 45:01

9M ago45:01

45:01

In this episode, KL Wells and Dr. Rais Vohra discuss their personal experiences and perspectives on addiction, emphasizing the need for a more compassionate and aggressive approach to treatment. They also explored the challenges and stigma surrounding substance use disorders, the importance of harm reduction, and the potential of non-pharmaceutical…

1
How Sobriety Can Transform Relationships and Foster Self-Care with Jen Lee Hirst 50:05

9M ago50:05

50:05

In this episode, the host, KL Wells welcomes sobriety coach Jen Lee Hurst to discuss the complexities of sobriety, self-care, and the impact of addiction on relationships. Jen shares her personal journey with alcohol abuse, her path to sobriety, and the valuable lessons she has learned. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, community support,…

1
The Healing Power of Connection: Nurturing Supportive Communities for Recovery with Andrew Schultz 47:44

10M ago47:44

47:44

In this podcast episode, our host, KL Wells, a mother with personal experience in dealing with a loved one's substance use disorder, speaks with Andrew Schultz, an international speaker and entrepreneur. They discuss the critical role of supportive communities in the recovery process. Andrew shares his journey from addiction to recovery, emphasizin…

1
The Power of Living Amends After Recovery with Tucker Stine 30:12

11M ago30:12

30:12

In this episode, host KL Wells, a mother with firsthand experience, and guest Tucker Stine, a CMO and recovery advocate, discuss the complexities of rebuilding family relationships post-recovery. Tucker shares his personal journey of recovery, emphasizing the importance of patience, grace, and vulnerability. They explore the concept of "living amen…

1
Is Addiction Inherited? Can You Break the Cycle? with Andrew Schultz 52:20

11M ago52:20

52:20

In this podcast episode, Andrew Schultz, a podcaster and entrepreneur, shares his heartfelt story of addiction, recovery, and the power of family interventions. Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Andrew turned to substances after trauma and despite career success, he lost everything due to addiction. Influenced by his father's battle with alcoholism an…

1
What to Do When Your Spouse is an Addict with Rachel Graham 41:05

12M ago41:05

41:05

Imagine the life that you thought you were living was actually a lie as you witness your entire world unravel. Meet today’s guest, Rachel Graham, CEO and Co-founder of Healing Springs Ranch, an addiction treatment center in Tioga, Texas. In this episode, Rachel dives deep into PTSD, emotional unavailability, and the interplay between trauma, mental…

1
From Hollywood High Life to Rock Bottom: Laura Cathcart Robbins on Surviving Addiction in the Public Eye 48:44

12M ago48:44

48:44

Welcome to a deeply personal episode, featuring best-selling author and podcast host, Laura Cathcart Robbins. Her memoir, Stash, My Life In Hiding, is a testament to her resilience and authenticity. As a champion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and a TEDx speaker, Laura's voice is a beacon of courage and wisdom. In this episode, we delve into …

1
The Brain Science Of "Change" With KL Wells 18:56

1y ago18:56

18:56

When we are in the throes of a loved one’s addiction, change can be one of the biggest obstacles that lies in the way of allowing ourselves to thrive. In today’s episode, KL Wells shares her journey of learning how critical role the brain plays in embracing real change. She shares her most unexpected lesson in dealing with her own son’s addiction s…

1
How Women Thrive In Sobriety With Coach Jen Lee Hirst 48:47

1y ago48:47

48:47

In today’s Voices InCourage episode, we feature Jen Lee Hirst, a dynamic full-time working mom of two and a sobriety coach on a mission to empower women to boost confidence through a life without alcohol. Jen's journey is nothing short of inspiring – from facing two DUIs and battling intense anxiety to the point of drinking mouthwash, she found her…

1
Emotional Trauma The Power Of Resiliency With Therapist & Trauma Coach Cerita Yvonne 54:29

1y ago54:29

54:29

Embracing our emotions has incredible healing power, yet can be one of the hardest acts to accept. It doesn’t have to be that way. Meet Cerita Yvonne, trauma coach and therapist, who guides us through the process of acknowledging the validity of our emotions and embracing forgiveness in the healing process from emotional trauma. Cerita shares her r…

1
Growing Up With Alcoholism With Marci Hopkins, Author Of “Chaos To Clarity” 48:48

1y ago48:48

48:48

Growing up with alcoholism in the family creates a storm many families cannot weather alone. Join us with the author of Chaos to Clarity, Marci Hopkins, who shares her story from being raised by an alcoholic mother to the chaos and clarity she found in her journey of recovery. She gives us an honest account as she recalls the effects of childhood a…

1
How To Thrive When A Loved One Relapses 25:42

1y ago25:42

25:42

Relapse is a part of the majority of an addict's journey. KL Wells opens up about her son’s relapse and how she went months with no contact. She advocates for elevating oneself above the chaos and challenges us to redefine the way we navigate life. Join her as she delves into the concept of avoiding the rabbit hole and reclaiming control over one's…

1
Susan Bartz Herrick On Reinventing Your Life After Losing A Son To Addiction 45:28

1+ y ago45:28

45:28

Experience a transformative conversation with Susan Bartz Herrick in today's episode that dives into the heartbreaking loss of her son to opioid addiction. Susan explores the 13 precursors to addiction and the profound insights into the 3 C's – cause, control, and cure – that shaped her own experiences in understanding her son's disease. Her story …

1
Unraveling Grief With Author & Grief Therapist Claire Bidwell Smith 43:36

1+ y ago43:36

43:36

In today’s episode, we have author, podcast host, speaker, and grief therapist Claire Bidwell Smith – a resilient woman who weathered the storm of losing both parents to cancer at a young age. Claire witnessed the loss of her mother during her freshman year of college, only later to face the death of her father senior year. With a compelling narrat…

1
Dr. Kate Lund On The Power Of Optimism 47:41

1+ y ago47:41

47:41

Life is a whirlwind, especially when you're a parent facing the challenges of your child’s addiction and alcoholism. But guess what? Those challenges don't define you. Embrace "The Power of Optimism" with Dr. Kate Lund as we navigate the art of seeing the positive outside of life's challenges. Learn how to foster change from the inside out and disc…

1
Dr. Bill Crawford On Finding Clarity In The Chaos Of Addiction During The Holidays 43:18

1+ y ago43:18

43:18

As we navigate this year’s holiday season, Dr. Bill Crawford is back in today’s episode to share practical strategies to redefine our experience using his 5-Step Model for clarity, confidence, and purpose. In this episode, Dr. Crawford illuminates how these principles can transform our encounters, urging us to create the magic within ourselves rath…

1
Understanding The Mind And Brain Of Addiction 28:05

1+ y ago28:05

28:05

Did you know it takes at least 9 months for a brain to recover from prolonged substance abuse? Addiction is often a complex web of genetics, environment, and psychological factors. In this vulnerable episode, KL and Tucker share their personal insights and experiences as they dive deep into the mind of an addictive brain and explore the profound ho…

1
Dr. Lynyetta Willis On The 5 PATHS Of Shifting Human Behavior 48:18

1+ y ago48:18

48:18

Dr. Lynyetta Willis, a trauma survivor, shares her inspiring insights of personal transformation in five key areas she calls "PATHS”: Perspective, Awareness, Tools, Healing, and Self-Empowerment. Dr. Willis challenges us to explore the stories we tell ourselves. What narratives have shaped our lives, and how can we shift our perspective? Finally, D…

1
Resentment To Understanding: Managing Anger When Addiction Hits Home 18:56

1+ y ago18:56

18:56

In the turbulent landscape of addiction, anger often emerges as an unwelcome companion. In this gripping podcast episode, host KL takes you on a deeply personal journey of transformation, where compassion triumphs over fury. KL divulges her own process of learning to let go of anger's tight grip, revealing how even the briefest moments of fury can …

1
Jim Horton's Holiday Advice For Grieving Parents 38:01

1+ y ago38:01

38:01

Prepare for a podcast episode that may well be the most profound and impactful from Voices InCourage. Whether you've grappled with the loss of a child to addiction or are simply a concerned parent navigating your child's substance use, this episode is for you. Jim Horton's courageous vulnerability touches the core of every parent as he shares his i…

1
Robin Detmer On Self-love, Forgiveness And The Ultimate Surrender. 45:51

1+ y ago45:51

45:51

In this episode of Voices InCourage, we welcome Robin Detmer, a woman whose life is a testament to love, resilience, and transformation. A physical therapist, mother, published author, and shamanic medicine mesa carrier, Robin's story is as captivating as it is inspiring. Born and raised in the wilds of Belize, her life was marked by natural disast…

1
The Journey After Prison Release 30:47

1+ y ago30:47

30:47

If you've ever welcomed a loved one back after their release from prison, you understand the rollercoaster of emotions that ride alongside. In today's engaging podcast episode, KL reconnects with Jeannie, a mother who has recently welcomed her son back into her life following his battle with addiction and prison release. Together, they explore the …

1
How To Love Someone With Alcoholism With Jan Salisbury 39:05

1+ y ago39:05

39:05

This is a story of empathy, understanding, and unwavering love with Jan Salisbury, whose daughter is a recovering alcoholic of 18 years. Learn as we explore how every individual's chemistry is different and how becoming aware of these differences can be the first step toward support. We unveil the concept of being emotionally detached without casti…

1
Grace Burkhart - From Crisis To Connection: When Someone I Love Has Been Arrested 43:43

1+ y ago43:43

43:43

Join us for an emotionally charged episode that dives deep into the raw realities of love and crisis. VIC’s CEO KL Wells' world shattered as her beloved son, Sam, fell into the grip of drug psychosis, and was taken to jail right before her eyes. But within the shadows of despair emerged an unexpected glimmer of hope in the form of Grace Burkhart, w…

1
How To Get Out Of The Silence Of Alcoholism, with Author Dana Killion 43:07

1+ y ago43:07

43:07

Uncover the compelling journey of Dana Killion, acclaimed author of "Where the Shadows Dance," and a wife to an alcoholic. In this heart-rending podcast episode, KL engages in a candid conversation, delving into the sacrifices made by wives of alcoholics and the transformative lessons they learn while finding their truth amidst chaos and getting ou…

1
Mary Beth O’Connor: I'm A Recovering Addict, But I'm Also A Loved One 56:14

2y ago56:14

56:14

Imagine moving From Junkie to Judge and the depth of work and clarity it took for Mary Beth O'Connor to achieve this goal. Today, learn what happened after she decided to get clean and sober, while her best friend and sister did not. How did she handle those feelings of despair and terror and manage the racing thoughts: "I got sober. Why can't you?…

1
Andy Graham: When the Outside Looks Perfect, But the Inside Is Shut Down 48:37

2y ago48:37

48:37

Have you ever been in so much pain you’ve had to shut down emotionally? You stop allowing yourself to feel your emotions just so you can survive and keep going, because the reality of what you are facing is so painful you cannot even begin to allow yourself to walk through and acknowledge the truth. If this sounds like you, then you don’t want to m…

1
Reinventing Summer Holidays When Addiction Takes Over 33:22

2y ago33:22

33:22

Holidays are meant to bring about happy celebration, but what happens when a family member’s addiction turns them into fearful anxiety? KL Wells is back with Tucker Stine as they discuss the challenges that come with reinventing family traditions for the summer holidays when the disease of addiction takes over. With the 4th of July being one of the…

1
Silence Kills: Shattering The Stigma Of Addiction With Jim Horton 40:47

2y ago40:47

40:47

Do you need help learning how to thrive in the midst of a family member’s substance abuse disorder? Today, KL Wells and Jim Horton discuss tactical steps on how to retrain our brains to find the lessons out of tragedies as family members. Including the unimaginable: the loss of Jim’s son to overdose. Their goal is to shatter the stigma of addiction…

1
Voices InCourage 1 Year Anniversary Podcast 34:00

2y ago34:00

34:00

In today's podcast, KL Wells and Tucker Stine reflect on celebrating one year of the Voices InCourage Podcast. They explore the harsh reality of the recovery journey: the highs and lows that addicts and their families face. In a surprising realization, KL discovers that her relapse plan as a family member mirrors Tucker's relapse plan, who has been…

1
What I Learned From My 34-Day ‘Dry' with Rachelle Babler 39:24

2y ago39:24

39:24

Today, KL Wells sits down with her friend and collaborator, Rachelle Babler, a TEDx speaker, #1 International Best-Selling Co-Author, and Entrepreneur & Advocate who grew up in Southern California. Rachelle has a background of a variety of careers, ranging from paramedic to forensic analyst to entrepreneur. Years ago, Rachelle was diagnosed with a …

1
From Junkie To Judge: One Woman’s Triumph Over Trauma And Addiction, with Author Mary Beth O'Connor 44:05

2y ago44:05

44:05

In today’s podcast, KL meets Mary Beth O’Connor, author of “From Junkie to Judge: One Woman’s Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction.” In this podcast, Mary Beth shares her journey of going from a lifetime of abuse, trauma, PTSD, and anxiety, to being sober and in recovery since 1994. Six years into her recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law, and in …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Courage Kind By Kathy 💫 Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen