Best Early Brunner Podcasts (2026)

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Secular Dry January Resources: Indigenous Wisdom, Intersectional Feminism, and Neuroscience 26:13

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6h ago26:13

26:13

Dry January can be more than a break from alcohol. It can be the beginning of the path to long-term secular addiction recovery, especially when our focus is on healing ourselves with science and community instead of shame and dogma. In this episode, Early shares their highlight reel of secular addiction recovery books and podcasts for sober curious…

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JT Part 2: Coping With ADHD in Addiction Recovery, Managing Cravings and Emotional Regulation to Prevent Relapse 1:04:11

7d ago1:04:11

1:04:11

JT returns for a follow-up conversation on ADHD and addiction recovery, exploring how ADHD affects cravings, emotional regulation, school, and daily routines. We discuss building structure, finding purpose in recovery, and navigating grief and emotional overwhelm. This episode also touches on social media's impact on mental health, and some very no…

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Benji: Loving Someone in Recovery and the Grief of Losing Them to Fentanyl Overdose 59:38

14d ago59:38

59:38

In this episode, Benji shares the story of dating a partner in addiction recovery and the loss that followed from a fentanyl overdose. Through the lens of a queer relationship, they discuss the reality of loving someone in recovery, navigating mental health struggles, and coping with the grief in the aftermath of addiction. The episode also incudes…

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How to Find a Therapist If You're Poor and/or Neurodivergent and in Addiction Recovery 32:33

21d ago32:33

32:33

Trying to find addiction recovery support can feel overwhelming when you're poor, neurodivergent, or have never had to navigate the world of mental healthcare. In this episode, we talk honestly about how to look for a therapist when money is tight, the system is confusing, and the process itself can be overwhelming or retraumatizing. We also unpack…

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Hana Part 3: Rebuilding a Life From Scratch After Addiction: Managing Triggers, Avoiding Relapse, and Deciding to Cut Off Her Mother 1:19:54

28d ago1:19:54

1:19:54

In part 3 of Hana's miraculous addiction recovery story, she breaks down the step-by-step reality of going from homelessness to rehab, sober living, and long-term stability. She shares how she managed triggers, avoided relapse during chaotic jobs, and stayed sober while building her business and buying a home. All the while, she follows her intuiti…

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Sober for the Holidays: Practical Skills for Coping with Loneliness & Fostering Empowerment Through Self-Inquiry 27:47

1M ago27:47

27:47

Let's take a deep dive into a neurodivergent, radical perspective on surviving the holidays with practical addiction recovery skills. We discuss tools that foster empowerment, nonviolent communication, healthy boundaries, and harm reduction that are specific to the unwanted pressure society puts on us this time of year. Family dynamics can cause ad…

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Hana Part 2: From A Homeless, Drug Addicted Sex Worker to Finding Hope While Being Held at Gunpoint 56:16

1M ago56:16

56:16

In this episode, Hana shares her raw and unflinching story of addiction, trauma, and survival. We dive into Part 2 of her story with a harrowing tale of being held at gunpoint by a drug dealer, followed by stories of a near-amputation, sex work, and homelessness in Seattle. She was in and out of jail and treatment. One day she heard another addict …

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Hana, Part 1: Dealing With a Chaotic Mother, Smoking Meth as a Troubled Teen, and Using Alcohol to Quit Suboxone 1:18:33

2M ago1:18:33

1:18:33

Trigger warning: Graphic description of suicide Hana's miraculous addiction recovery story begins with growing up with an alcoholic mother who created an extremely chaotic living environment. Hana was forced to caregive and be a "friend" to their mother, a phenomenon known as parentification -- when a child is forced to be in an adult role. She got…

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You're "Helping" Your Loved Ones All Wrong: Addiction in Families with Amber Hollingsworth 47:04

2M ago47:04

47:04

In today's episode, Early and Amber Hollingsworth of popular YouTube channel Put the Shovel Down discuss data-informed methods of how to help our loved ones escape their addiction. Most people accidentally put themselves in the "villian" role in their addicted family member's life, even though their actions are rooted in love. Why is this? What can…

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Recovery Resources: Decolonization, Internal Family Systems, The Holistic Psychologist, Somatics & Nutrition, and More! 29:25

2M ago29:25

29:25

Today Early discusses more addiction recovery resources for people in recovery, sober curious folks, and anyone else on a healing journey with their relationship to drugs and/or alcohol. They discuss a book from White Bison Inc about the hundreds of years old Indigenous resistance to alcoholism, and the decolonization movements that heal Native Ame…

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Danny: LSD at Age 11, IV Meth and Heroin Use, and Unlocking Healing With Ibogaine 1:02:05

2M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

Trigger warning: brief mention of childhood sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts Today we hear Danny's addiction recovery story as a neurodivergent person. He describes himself as being a highly emotional child who cried often. He tried LSD at the age of 11, and promptly changed his world view and became a musician and someone who ditched class. He g…

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Three Plant Medicines That Helped Me Survive & Thrive After Addiction: Valerian Root, Kratom, and Ayahuasca 38:18

3M ago38:18

38:18

Today Early discusses a bit more about their own story in addiction recovery. They outline the three most important plant medicines they have worked with on their journey: valerian root, kratom, and ayahuasca. What's right for one person may be harmful for another, and the most important thing is learning to listen to your own intuition and find wh…

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Kelly: "It's Called Blow, Not Save" Cocaine Addiction From Party Girl to Drug Court 1:11:03

3M ago1:11:03

1:11:03

Trigger warning: mention of child abuse, extensive discussion about suicide Today we hear Kelly's addiction recovery story. Her life started with a complicated childhood: a mix of happiness, love, and abuse. She was tasked with caring for her younger brothers as they suffered from life-threatening health problems, which she later realized was paren…

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Foundational Thoughts for Empowerment: What RD Secular Addiction Recovery Support Groups Look Like 35:17

3M ago35:17

35:17

In today's episode, Early discusses the foundational ideas that the RD secular addiction recovery/sober curious support groups have been built upon. These ideas are a work in progress, but include: -a land & history acknowledgement -viewing oneself as a scientist and a test subject in our recovery -the belief that we are powerful and already whole …

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Brittany: Drinking Through Childhood Trauma, Never Ending Grief and Tragedy — and Deciding to Take Her Life Back 1:09:19

3M ago1:09:19

1:09:19

Trigger warning: Frank discussions about suicidal thoughts and ambivalence towards life, talk of grief and death. In today's episode, we hear Brittany's addiction recovery/sober curious story. She grew up with parents in active addiction and experienced abandonment and trauma in early childhood. When she had her first drink, fireworks started going…

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Recovery Resources for Sober October! Nutrition & Alcohol, Accountability and Transformative Justice, Buddhism & Dark Emotions, and Another Gay Memoir! 28:44

3M ago28:44

28:44

In order to rewire our brains, we must feed them new information. Or bathe them in a soup of new information. Today, Early recommends a few books and podcasts to support addiction recovery. They also start the conversation about accountability for harm caused during addiction. Books: How to Eat to Change How You Drink by Brooke Scheller, DCN, CNS D…

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Emily: An Utterly Chaotic Childhood, Self-Medicating With Substances, and Beginning to Question It All 1:05:09

4M ago1:05:09

1:05:09

Trigger warning: Mentions of domestic violence, grooming Today we hear Emily's addiction story and about how she became sober curious. Emily's childhood involved having one parent in severe addiction, and the other parent covering for them. She discusses the complexity of loving someone who is abusing you, and using sex as a young person to seek th…

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The Two Mental Shifts That Make Addiction Recovery Possible 29:03

4M ago29:03

29:03

In today's episode, Early discusses the two pivotal mental shifts they made in their life that turned recovery from feeling impossible to being possible. Once they made these mental shifts, they were no longer "trying to quit drinking." Instead, they finally just quit. Want to donate to our nonprofit? Donations in any amount can be sent to our Venm…

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Bill: From Waking Up in Jail to Getting Sober During Covid 1:06:47

4M ago1:06:47

1:06:47

Trigger warning: brief mention of suicide. Today we hear Bill's addiction recovery story. Bill first saw the destructive powers of alcohol when his dad started drinking a lot after his parents got divorced. His own experimentation with binge drinking led to blackouts early on. In high school, he recognized that his drinking and weed smoking had sta…

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Recovery Resources Galore: Wingnuttery, a Gay Crackhead Memoir, Buddhism, and Three Queer Uplifting Podcasts 28:13

4M ago28:13

28:13

Today we explore more secular addiction recovery resources for sober curious people. What works for you is what works for you! Try everything and see what sticks. Maybe understanding your shadow self will help. Perhaps reading about someone else who has been on a crack bender will make you feel less alone. Maybe the practical tools of Buddhism will…

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Jonny: Getting Sober in a Bar, Proof There's No One "Right Way" to Quit Drinking 1:10:39

5M ago1:10:39

1:10:39

Today we hear Jonny's addiction recovery story as a neurodivergent veteran. Jonny grew up with a father who drank quite a bit. He made it to the age of 19 without ever drinking or using drugs, and then after signing up for the navy, he started to party. Drinking felt like a better version of himself - at first. After leaving the military he started…

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A Few Resources to Survive A Craving 27:24

5M ago27:24

27:24

In this week's episode, Early shares a bit about addictive cravings and how to survive them for sober curious people or folks in addiction recovery. They also share a few resources of things that have been helpful for them along the way. However, what's most important is to find what works for you. Do you like running? Music so loud your ears bleed…

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Hope: From Being Orphaned by Addicted Parents to Finding Healing Through the Pain of Grief 1:13:21

5M ago1:13:21

1:13:21

Trigger warning: brief mentions of sexual assault and self-harm. In today's episode, Early speaks with Hope about their addiction recovery story as a queer and neurodivergent person. They were raised by their grandparents due to their parents being in active addiction. Hope was determined to not be like their parents, but things didn't turn out the…

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Addiction Recovery Resources: Attachment Theory, A Memoir About Being Black in Recovery, A Memoir About Pill Addiction 28:46

5M ago28:46

28:46

Let us continue to bathe our brains in a soup of new information. This month's list contains two addiction memoirs and a book on attachment theory, as well as three single-episode recommendations for podcasts on attachment theory. Addiction recovery stories help us feel less alone, and understanding attachment theory can help us lead a healthier so…

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Obsidian's Update: Using Drugs Again After a Period of Abstinence, Relapse or Research? 55:25

6M ago55:25

55:25

Obsidian returns to discuss their ongoing addiction recovery story as a queer and neurodivergent person! In today's episode, we discuss the complexity of using again after a period of abstinence. Our healing work doesn't just disappear, and it can inform our experience when we use again. Picking back up again can be very different, end quickly, and…

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Randy: From Ruining His Life With Crack, Heroin, and Meth to Running a Men's Sober Living Nonprofit 1:18:55

6M ago1:18:55

1:18:55

Today we hear Randy's addiction recovery story. Randy's life started with tragedy and abandonment trauma; he was the sole survivor of a car wreck that killed his mother and two brothers when he was only 9 months old. Growing up he was always the odd one out until he found drugs and bad kids. He managed to keep his life together for a long time whil…

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Community & Alone Time in Recovery: Anti-Capitalism, Evolution, and the Alcohol Industrial Complex 32:15

6M ago32:15

32:15

In today's episode Early goes over our inherent need for both community and alone time, why your social anxiety makes you normal, how alcohol advertising targets our "wound of existence", anti-individualism, why normal things don't feel good anymore, and the ultimate question to ask while socializing: "Why am I here??" Follow along with the slidesh…

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Elise: From an Abusive Relationship and an Eating Disorder to A Life She Doesn't Need to Escape From 1:16:00

6M ago1:16:00

1:16:00

Trigger warning: graphic descriptions of physical and sexual assault, frank discussions about eating disorder In today's episode, Early talks with their friend Elise about her addiction recovery story. Elise suffered sports concussions as a kid and had to stop playing soccer, which at that time was a huge part of her identity. A resulting change in…

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Secular Addiction Recovery Resources: Gabor Mate, A Podcast for Wine Moms, Confronting Imposter Syndrome and More! 25:00

7M ago25:00

25:00

Today Early discusses a few more books & podcasts to supplement your recovery, along with a speech from their soapbox and for some reason - a lot of cussing. They discuss a practical book about methods to expore while quitting drinking, an addiction memoir, tracing addiction back to childhood trauma with Gabor Mate, imposter syndrome and how to ove…

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Andie: From "A Junkie and a Fiend" to Hosting Harm Reduction/Recovery Groups 1:06:34

7M ago1:06:34

1:06:34

Trigger warning: death by overdose, brief mention of suicidal thoughts. Check out Andie's support group! email [email protected] for the link Today we hear Andie's addiction recovery story and how they got into harm reduction. Andie's life started in a family with everyone in various degrees of neurodivergence and addiction. They began as ma…

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Replay: Early Talks About Imposter Syndrome on "Sort of Sure" Podcast with Samar Kargbo 25:45

7M ago25:45

25:45

This is a replay of Early's interview with Samar Kargbo on his podcast "Sort of Sure" - a podcast about imposter syndrome. Early talks about their time in EMS, a bit about their addiction recovery story, starting a nonprofit, and how they overcome seemingly insurmountable tasks. Check out Samar's work - https://samarthinks.com Donate to our cause! …

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Sophia: From Selling Meth and Being Pregnant in Prison to Walking Beside Others on Their Healing Journeys 1:16:36

7M ago1:16:36

1:16:36

Want to tell your story on our podcast? Send an email to [email protected] Today we hear Sophia's addiction recovery story. Sophia grew up in a house where both parents drank. She took her first drink when she was 12 and was smoking meth by age 14, and began rebelling in every way possible. She met some older friends, began selling meth …

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Secular Addiction Recovery Resources: Sober Sex Advice, Addressing Burnout and Neurodivergence, Addiction Recovery Stories and More! 26:35

7M ago26:35

26:35

Another curated list of recovery resources to help you on your journey! It is time to reprogram our brains and bathe them in a soup of new information. We hear about a book discussing sober sex and dating, addiction recovery stories, and a book about addressing burnout and neurodivergence under capitalism. Books: Dry Humping by Tawny Lara Girl Walk…

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Misha: From Drinking Alone as a Kid to Finding What Was Lost Along the Way 1:22:03

8M ago1:22:03

1:22:03

Trigger warning: Sexual assault in childhood & adulthood, brief mention of animal cruelty, religious trauma Today we hear from Misha about their addiction recovery story as a LGBT and neurodivergent person. He describes his childhood as both boring and traumatic, having grown up queer in a strict religious household. His brothers introduced him to …

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Clay: From Squatting, Multiple Rehabs, & Running from Fear to Feeling Hope & Genuine Love 1:08:00

8M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

Trigger Warning: Childhood abuse, discussions about suicide. Study Showing 75% of People Recover! Today we hear Clay's addiction recovery story as a neurodivergent person. His life began with both parents having problems with addiction, and having to leave with his mother and sister on the run from their father. This created a foundation of deep fe…

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Secular Addiction Recovery Resources: Indigenous Storytelling, Neuroscience, Becoming Sober Curious, Sober Black Girls Club and More! 21:52

8M ago21:52

21:52

As we continue to bathe our brains in a soup of new information, we grow, and we become stronger and more resilient. Learning new things helps to rewire our brains! Make your addiction a thing of the past. We discuss becoming sober curious, a book on the neuroscience of addiction, indigenous storytelling, sober black girls club, a podcast on women …

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Obsidian: The Antics of Crack and Quitting Before it Gets Bad 1:22:22

8M ago1:22:22

1:22:22

Trigger warning: childhood emotional abuse, discussions of suicide In today's episode, Obsidian tells their addiction recovery story. Their life begins with a mix of emotions, with their loved ones both caring for them in some ways and also being emotionally abusive in others. They mostly abstained from substances even though their friends were imb…

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Why I Started Recovery Demystified as a Non-Religious Alternative to AA 26:38

9M ago26:38

26:38

People are always asking how/why RD got started! In today's episode, Early discusses why they started Recovery Demystified as a non-profit instead of a for-profit business. They also give a reader's digest version of their story with addiction and recovery, including bits and pieces of why AA/NA caused more harm than good. Recovery Demystified supp…

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Karrie: From Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy in Childhood & Reckoning With Suicide to a Life Worth Living 1:14:27

9M ago1:14:27

1:14:27

Trigger Warning: Severe childhood abuse and neglect, involuntary psychiatric hold, frank discussions about suicide In today's episode, Karrie tells her addiction recovery story. Her life began as a victim of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy - her stepmother created fake health problems on her behalf which resulted in unnecessary medications and surgeri…

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Three Easy, Free Methods for Responding to Difficult Thoughts/Cravings 30:21

9M ago30:21

30:21

Click here to follow along with the slideshow! Today, Early discusses how thoughts originate, and how addictive processes can hijack our thoughts. They then present three concrete methods to address difficult thoughts. We explore the HALT method, the RAIN method, and the kitchen table method for responding to challenging emotions. Addiction recover…

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Kailey: Addressing Gray Area Drinking & Anxiety 1:08:14

9M ago1:08:14

1:08:14

In today's episode, Kailey tells her addictionr recovery story with alcohol and vaping. Her parents were divorced and as the oldest child she took on much of the role of parenting her siblings. Soon, she started with average teenage experimentation and college binge drinking. She reflects on how "no one teaches us how to drink" and how this led to …

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Non-religious Addiction Recovery Resources: AVRT, Nonviolent Communication, What Alcohol Does to the Brain and Body, Secular Buddhism, and more! 23:21

10M ago23:21

23:21

Let us continue to bathe our brains in a soup of new information. Knowledge is power, after all, so how about picking up a new book or listening to a new podcast? Addiction recovery resources can come in many shapes and sizes. Learning how to communicate with ourselves and others, as well as understanding the science of addiction, can be helpful to…

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Robert: From Being Arrested 34 Times to Finding Recovery Through Healthy Accountability and Taoism 1:18:40

10M ago1:18:40

1:18:40

Trigger Warning: Childhood neglect and abuse, brief mentions of suicide and death by overdose. In today's episode we hear Robert's addiction recovery story. Robert's life began in a pretty rough way: with childhood neglect, abuse in the family, and having his dad give him beers because he thought it was funny. Robert's childhood consisted of misbeh…

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JT: From Broken Bones and Drug Math to Freedom Through Books & Podcasts 1:01:31

10M ago1:01:31

1:01:31

Trigger warning: suicide In today's episode we hear JT's addiction recovery story. JT's story began with a traumatic childhood and being medicated for ADHD (which may have just been symptoms of trauma.) Later, her self-medication of unresolved trauma blossomed into binge drinking and multiple drug concoctions. After some broken bones, benders, and …

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Decolonizing Addiction Recovery: Resources for Indigenous Community, Trauma in the Body, and The Neuroscience of Being Sober 14:06

10M ago14:06

14:06

It is time yet again to bathe our brain in a soup of new information. The learning never ends, and as we keep trying new things, our recovery grows and becomes more secure. In financial hardship? Want a free book? Send an email with your name, address, and the book you want to: [email protected] March Reading and Podcast List: The Red Ro…

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Natalie: Growing Up With a Severely Addicted Parent 1:01:08

10M ago1:01:08

1:01:08

Trigger warning: childhood neglect In today's episode we hear Natalie's addiction recovery story. Natalie tells the story of her childhood growing up with a severely addicted parent, and how it affected her as a kid and into adulthood. She demonstrates the need to communicate effectively with children at an age appropriate level- because if we don'…

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Can We Talk About Inhalant Addiction? 14:16

11M ago14:16

14:16

Many people have struggled or dabbled with inhalants, yet we very rarely hear it discussed. In today's episode Early discusses their own personal use of inhalants as well as their experience as an EMT treating patients who use inhalants. Inhalant addiction is more common than we think, primarily because of the shame and stigma that keep inhalant ad…

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Jakob: From Cannabinoid Hyperemesis in the ER to Raw Dogging the Shit Out of Life 54:54

11M ago54:54

54:54

In today's episode Jakob tells his addiction recovery story. Jakob's story begins with supressing deep traumatic grief with the use of substances- something he saw demonstrated by adults in his life. His story moves through dabbling and being addicted to a variety of hard drugs, alcohol, and weed. Kratom and cocaine ultimately landed him in a not v…

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EK: From Self-Medicating Trauma to Sobriety is an Act of Radical Self-Love 55:50

11M ago55:50

55:50

Trigger warning: suicide attempt, domestic violence, sexual assault In today's episode we hear EK's addiction recovery story. They describe seeing their family use alcohol and cigarettes while they were a kid. EK's drinking and use stopped being fun at a very young age, as they navigated survival through abusive relationships. They describe self me…

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Secular Addiction Recovery Resources: Laura Cathcart Robbins, DharmapunxNYC, Recovery Happy Hour, and Neuroscience of Addiction 18:40

11M ago18:40

18:40

Early discusses their book and podcast list for February, 2025! It is time to bathe your brain in a soup of new information! Support our cause! Venmo & Paypal @recoverydemystified Stash: My Life in Hiding - book by Laura Cathcart Robbins The Only One in the Room - podcast by Laura Cathcart Robbins DharmapunxNYC - podcast by Josh Korda Recovery Happ…