Best Addiction And Substance Misuse Podcasts (2025)

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"Addiction Thrives In Isolation, Recovery Blooms In Connection" | Listen UP Episode 3 - The Recovery Collective 1:08:28

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27d ago1:08:28

1:08:28

In Listen UP Episode 3, The Recovery Collective, the minds behind Scotland’s first alcohol-free music festival, dive into how they create safe, stigma-free events, highlighting the role of music in recovery and the value of community support. Shaun Kenny and Derek Watt of The Recovery Collective unveil how creating alcohol-free music events transfo…

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"The Thing About Trauma We Don't Talk About..." | Listen UP Episode 2 - Darren McGarvey 1:22:09

2M ago1:22:09

1:22:09

In Listen UP Episode 2, Darren McGarvey unpacks how trauma - and overcoming it - influences addiction recovery. Darren opens up: - Recovery isn't a straight line...we need to confront uncomfortable truths - Public sharing of trauma is both healing AND risky - Genuine healing .v. using trauma as a commodity - Both supportive and challenging relation…

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"I Think My Love Of Comedy Just Outweighed It So Much." | Listen UP Episode 1 - Darren Connell 1:06:47

3M ago1:06:47

1:06:47

Join us for the inspiring inaugural episode of the Listen Up recovery podcast hosted by Eddie Clarke, and featuring our first guest, comedian Darren Connell. In this episode, Darren shares his experiences with addiction, recovery, and comedy. He emphasises the importance of seeking help, accepting self, and the supportive role of therapy, and commu…

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Prevention Through Creative Expression 35:39

6M ago35:39

35:39

In this season finale, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy explore how creative expression—through art, music, dance, and storytelling—builds resilience and prevents substance misuse in kids. Joined by special guests John Lawler, award-winning director and arts education leader, and Dr. Steve Schlozman, Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at …

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Building Resilience Through a Positive Mindset 38:29

6M ago38:29

38:29

In this uplifting episode, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy are joined by renowned positive psychologist and best-selling author Niyc Pidgeon to explore the transformative power of a positive mindset in building resilience. Through practical tips, evidence-based insights, and inspiring stories, Niyc shares how parents can foster resilience and …

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The Science of Addiction and How to Use It for Prevention 36:28

6M ago36:28

36:28

In this episode, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy delve into the science of substance use disorders with Captain Christopher Jones, Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention at SAMHSA. CAPT Jones provides expert insights on how addiction impacts the brain, uncovering key risk factors and preventive strategies that empower parents to…

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Power of Relationships 31:43

6M ago31:43

31:43

In this repurposed episode of Awkward Conversations, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy revisit a compelling conversation with Dr. Shefali, clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and advocate for conscious parenting. Dr. Shefali shares transformative insights into building strong parent-child relationships, offering practical strategies for f…

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Building Resilience & Coping Skills in Kids 31:42

7M ago31:42

31:42

In this episode, Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy are joined by Mayim Bialik, actress, neuroscientist, and mom, along with child psychologist Dr. Peter Gray, to explore how parents can help children build resilience and develop essential coping skills. Mayim offers her unique perspective as both a neuroscientist and mom, while Dr. Gray shares his exp…

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Body Image Issues & Substance Misuse 36:45

7M ago36:45

36:45

In this important episode, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy tackle the complex intersection of body image issues and substance misuse in teens. Joined by pioneering activist and media literacy expert Dr. Jean Kilbourne, they explore how body image struggles can lead to substance use, particularly in today’s culture of idealized media and social…

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Awkward but Essential – Having 'The Talk' About Substances 38:18

7M ago38:18

38:18

In this best-of episode, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy tackle one of the most challenging yet essential topics for parents: having “The Talk” about drugs with kids. Joined by pediatrician Dr. Gary Kirkilas, youth drug prevention expert Ray Lozano, musician and The Voice winner Alisan Porter, and actor Greg Grunberg, the episode emphasizes th…

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New Drivers, New Dangers 29:31

7M ago29:31

29:31

In this best-of episode, New Drivers, New Dangers: Navigating Substance Use with Teen Drivers, hosts Jodie, Amy, and Rick share powerful strategies for guiding teens safely through the risks of driving, peer pressure, and substance use. As teens reach the milestone of driving, this episode equips parents with actionable tools to foster safe, respon…

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Use in LGBTQ+ Youth Communities 40:46

7M ago40:46

40:46

In this episode of Awkward Conversations, Jodie Sweetin is joined by Mel Brown, LMFT, and actor/advocate Alec Mapa to discuss the challenges LGBTQ+ youth face and how families and communities can provide better support. In celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month, they explore the importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces and the role of social medi…

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Bullying and Pressure: The Hidden Triggers 31:45

7M ago31:45

31:45

In this episode, Jodie Sweetin and clinical psychologist Dr. Krystal Lewis (NIMH) are joined by anti-bullying advocate and author Jodee Blanco. Together, they dive into the emotional toll of bullying and how it can lead to substance use, sharing insights during Anti-Bullying Week. Key Takeaways: Bullying can trigger drug use, isolation, and self-do…

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Youth Activism Against Substance Misuse 35:45

7M ago35:45

35:45

In this episode of Awkward Conversations, Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy explore the powerful role of youth activism in substance misuse prevention. Joined by Sean Fearns from the DEA, Dr. Shannon Moody, Bill Bryan, and youth advocate Bella Cornett, they discuss how young people are leading efforts to prevent drug use in their communities. Key Take…

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Prescription Drugs: Safety at Home 24:37

8M ago24:37

24:37

In this week’s Awkward Conversations episode, "Prescription Drugs: Safety at Home," host Jodie Sweetin and co-host Amy McCarthy are joined by Luis Agostini, Public Affairs Specialist at the DEA, and Dr. Heather DiBlasi, a leading addiction psychologist. Together, they explore the crucial topic of keeping prescription drugs safe in your home. The ep…

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S4 EP8: Mental Health & Drug Use 44:57

9M ago44:57

44:57

In this special two-part episode, Jodie Sweetin and co-host Dr. Krystal Lewis revisit one of the most critical conversations from Awkward Conversations: the connection between mental health and drug use among young people. Joined by Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and expert on mental strength, they offer invaluable guidance on recognizing mental heal…

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Replay: Leslie Weirich Is a Mom on a Mission to End Youth Suicide 54:12

9M ago54:12

54:12

Leslie Weirich lost her son to suicide during his junior year at Wabash College. Austin was a star athlete and stellar student with no indication of suicidal ideation. Left with questions and an aching heart, Leslie embarked on a journey to go upstream and create a network of support for adolescents to build their resilience to life. She realizes t…

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Replay: Cal Beyer, Rich Jones, and Hamilton Baiden Talk Prevention, Saving Lives, and Reducing Stigma 53:50

9M ago53:50

53:50

Cal Beyer is Vice President of Workforce Risk & Worker Wellbeing at Holmes Murphy & Associates. He has over 30 years of experience in safety, risk management & insurance. Cal has seen firsthand the stigma associated with Substance Use Disorder and Mental health in the workplace, especially in the construction industry. Cal is an advocate for bringi…

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Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Substance Us 29:29

9M ago29:29

29:29

Jodie Sweetin explores the importance of cultural sensitivity in substance use prevention with experts Catie Drew and Tracy Johnson. Learn about innovative programs, community involvement, and strategies to protect kids with diverse backgrounds. Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate, best known for her role as Stephanie Tanner on the ic…

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Replay: Justin Azbill Is Making Sure Construction Workers Are Mentally Safe on the Job 27:33

9M ago27:33

27:33

Justin, Liz and Hamilton discuss the stigma construction workers face when they need help for their mental health or substance use disorder. He tells his personal story of mental fatigue and how that led to suicidal ideation. He discusses the need for peer support as he sees that as a solution to people feeling like they are alone in their struggle…

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No Time to Waste: Getting Help for Your Child’s Drug Use 33:26

9M ago33:26

33:26

In this essential episode of Awkward Conversations, we revisit one of our most impactful discussions: No Time to Waste: Getting Help for Your Child’s Drug Use. Co-host Amy McCarthy is joined by Terrence Spain and Robert Vincent to explore the critical steps for addressing adolescent drug misuse, from recognizing the early signs to finding the right…

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Replay: Turning Misery into a Mission! 41:38

10M ago41:38

41:38

Dennis Gillan is a survivor of suicide loss-times two! Dennis lost both his older and younger brothers to suicide 11 years apart. Despite being grief-stricken, after some time, he began to speak openly about the loss of his brothers. He realized that by talking about them, lives could be changed and saved. Listen here as he bravely tells his story …

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Eyes Wide Open: Spotting The Signs Of Substance Use 25:50

10M ago25:50

25:50

Today’s awkward conversation is a revisit from last season, which is knowing the signs of possible drug use and what to do. Our host, Jodie Sweetin is joined by Timothy P. McMahon who has been employed by the DEA since 1998 and Amy McCarthy, Clinical Social Worker at Boston Children's Hospital. Special Agent McMahon shares common ways that kids hid…

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You Too? Narcan Saves Lives 18:12

10M ago18:12

18:12

You Too? Yes! Me too. I have a story that is uniquely mine yet very similar to yours. I have loved ones who have suffered from mental health issues and substance misuse. I have struggled with both. We have all gone through things that have shaped our lives, changed us for the better, and given us a story worth telling. When we share with others, th…

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Social Influencers and Substance Trends 44:29

10M ago44:29

44:29

Feeling overwhelmed by the influence social media has on your kids? You're not alone. In this episode of Awkward Conversations, Jodie Sweetin dives deep with Dr. Cooper Lawrence, a renowned psychologist specializing in media psychology, to explore the impact of social media stars on youth behavior. Here's what you'll learn: How social media influen…

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From the Archives: S2 EP3+4: Preventing Drug Use Among College Students 36:17

10M ago36:17

36:17

Join Jodie Sweetin and experts as they discuss drug use among college students. Originally a two-part special in Season 2, this replay provides advice on preventing substance abuse, choosing colleges with strong prevention programs, and staying connected with your kids during college. In this episode, Jodie Sweetin, Amy McCarthy, Rich Lucey, Sally …

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The Faces of Fentany 33:04

10M ago33:04

33:04

Join hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy as they explore the human side of the fentanyl crisis. Hear from Andrea Thomas, Dr. Gary Kirkilas, and Kevin Collins about the devastating impact of fentanyl and efforts to combat this epidemic. This episode highlights the importance of open conversations and offers hope for a brighter future. Educate yours…

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One Pill Can Kill 35:28

10M ago35:28

35:28

Hi, I'm Jody Sweetin, and welcome to Season 4 of Awkward Conversations. This season, we provide parents with practical advice on raising happy, healthy, substance-free kids. Our focus will be on building resilience, and confidence, and empowering kids to make smart choices. We'll feature our amazing co-host, Amy McCarthy from Harvard's Boston Child…

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You Too? A Story of Addiction, Recovery, and Giving Back 14:58

11M ago14:58

14:58

You Too? Yes! Me too. I have a story that is uniquely mine yet very similar to yours. I have loved ones who have suffered from mental health issues and substance misuse. I have struggled with both. We have all gone through things that have shaped our lives, changed us for the better, and given us a story worth telling. When we share with others, th…

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Charlie's Story | Staying Stopped (Episode 4) 19:18

12M ago19:18

19:18

In this compelling episode of "Staying Stopped," we sit down with Charlie as she opens up about her profound journey through addiction, the struggles she faced, and her path to recovery. Charlie shares the harrowing experiences of her life with alcohol addiction and the transformative process that helped her reclaim her life. Listen as Charlie cand…

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You Too? With Joshua Smith 34:56

1y ago34:56

34:56

This week, one of our Youturn Health coaches shares his story! You Too? Yes! Me too. I have a story that is uniquely mine yet very similar to yours. I have loved ones who have suffered from mental health issues and substance misuse. I have struggled with both. We have all gone through things that have shaped our lives, changed us for the better, an…

1
You Too? With Jessica Bryant 10:39

1y ago10:39

10:39

This week, one of our Youturn Health coaches shares her story! You Too? Yes! Me too. I have a story that is uniquely mine yet very similar to yours. I have loved ones who have suffered from mental health issues and substance misuse. I have struggled with both. We have all gone through things that have shaped our lives, changed us for the better, an…

1
You Too? With Pete Armstrong 18:35

1y ago18:35

18:35

You Too? Yes! Me too. I have a story that is uniquely mine yet very similar to yours. I have loved ones who have suffered from mental health issues and substance misuse. I have struggled with both. We have all gone through things that have shaped our lives, changed us for the better, and given us a story worth telling. When we share with others, th…

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You Too? With Amanda Bosley 25:03

1y ago25:03

25:03

Listen to how Amanda overcame her substance use disorder and continues to help others both at her job and by openly sharing her story.

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You Too? With George Rhinehardt 16:47

1y ago16:47

16:47

This week, one of our Youturn Health coaches shares his story! You Too? Yes! Me too. I have a story that is uniquely mine yet very similar to yours. I have loved ones who have suffered from mental health issues and substance misuse. I have struggled with both. We have all gone through things that have shaped our lives, changed us for the better, an…

1
You Too? With Eric Evitts 11:02

1y ago11:02

11:02

This week, one of our Youturn Health coaches shares his story! You Too? Yes! Me too. I have a story that is uniquely mine yet very similar to yours. I have loved ones who have suffered from mental health issues and substance misuse. I have struggled with both. We have all gone through things that have shaped our lives, changed us for the better, an…

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Kat's Story | Staying Stopped (Episode 3) 19:24

1y ago19:24

19:24

In Episode 3, the spotlight shines on Kat as she bravely opens up about her journey through detox and recovery. Kat's story is one of raw honesty and unwavering determination. She recounts the turbulent road of detoxification, sharing the highs and lows of her battle with addiction. Kat reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her journey. She s…

1
You too? With The Path Forward 33:59

1y ago33:59

33:59

April is Second Chance Month where people all over the country have the shared goal of informing and highlighting the many opportunities for state, local, and tribal governments and community-based service providers to build meaningful second chances for people returning from incarceration. We can't think of a better way to recognize this specialmo…

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You Too? With Pamela Rodriguez 7:59

1y ago7:59

7:59

This week, one of our Youturn Health coaches shares her story! You Too? Yes! Me too. I have a story that is uniquely mine yet very similar to yours. I have loved ones who have suffered from mental health issues and substance misuse. I have struggled with both. We have all gone through things that have shaped our lives, changed us for the better, an…

1
You Too? With Audrey Lee 6:11

1y ago6:11

6:11

This week, one of our Youturn Health coaches shares her story! You Too? Yes! Me too. I have a story that is uniquely mine yet very similar to yours. I have loved ones who have suffered from mental health issues and substance misuse. I have struggled with both. We have all gone through things that have shaped our lives, changed us for the better, an…

1
You Too? With Blane Roberts 13:23

1y ago13:23

13:23

You Too? Yes! Me too. I have a story that is uniquely mine yet very similar to yours. I have loved ones who have suffered from mental health issues and substance misuse. I have struggled with both. We have all gone through things that have shaped our lives, changed us for the better, and given us a story worth telling. When we share with others, th…

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Replay: Lauren Houck's story from Adderall to prison to peer support specialist 58:09

1y ago58:09

58:09

Lauren Houck is a Youturn Health Peer Support Specialst who works on the reentry team. Her lived experience allows her to not only empathize with her clients, but forms a bond that is necesary for their success once they are on the outside. Her story is an example of how our coaches use their struggles and their triumphs to encourage others along a…

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Replay: Host of Champagne Problems Robbie Shaw Shares His Story 55:27

1y ago55:27

55:27

Robbie Shaw is the founder and CEO of Eventide Recovery. His journey with alcohol also led him to create the nationally recognized podcast Champagne Problems. He and co-hosts, Samantha Hampson and Patrick Balsley have all worked in the addiction space and bring fresh perspectives to managing our relationship with alcohol. BIOGRAPHY Shaw has an unde…

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Kevin Lynch and the Quell Foundation 34:05

1y ago34:05

34:05

Kevin Lynch embodies The Quell Foundation mission. Founded in December, 2015 in North Falmouth, MA, Kevin launched The Quell Foundation which aims to reduce the number of suicides, drug overdoses and incarceration of people living with a mental illness. Kevin works tirelessly, and without compensation, to remove the stigma and normalize the convers…

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Kelly Flagg leads the way in safety in construction 26:12

1+ y ago26:12

26:12

You Learn You Turn is once again highlighting an exceptional woman in construction, Kelly Flagg in honor of Women In Constuction Week this month. WIC Week™, or Women in Construction Week™, celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. NAWIC held the first WIC Week in 1998 and it has grown and expanded each year since. Many…

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Mandi Kime keeps construction safe on the inside 39:40

1+ y ago39:40

39:40

WIC Week™, or Women in Construction Week™, celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. NAWIC held the first WIC Week in 1998 and it has grown and expanded each year since. Many of our local chapters hold WIC Week events, which can include making presentations to high school classes, job site tours, luncheons, and virtual…

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Dr. Olivia Johnson helps first responders and their families navigate trauma 46:55

1+ y ago46:55

46:55

Dr. Olivia Johnson and Erin Craw discuss the hardships First Responders face both on and off the job. She was recently part of the documentary called Is There Something Going on at Home? where she discusses how to navigate trauma with two families. Dr. Johnson has dedicated her life to improving the mental health programs for First Responders and f…

1
Chris Thompson is the Sober Sidekick 1:00:10

1+ y ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Chris Thompson of the wildely successful Sober Sidekick app sits down for an imformative session with our very own Chief Clinical Officer, Rich Jones. Chris Thompson is the founder of Sober Sidekick, the largest digital recovery community in the world. He founded this platform because he believes the opposite of addiction is connection, and believe…

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Tiffany Hines Part Two: A story of hope, resilience and giving back 22:33

1+ y ago22:33

22:33

Tiffany Hines is back with more insight into how she found recovery but even more important, how she maintains this on daily basis. Staying away from past behaviors and patterns can be hard without the right support systems in place. Find someone you can confide in and that will hold you accountable. It could save your life! Tiffany Hines is a coac…

1
Tiffany Hines Part One: A story of hope, resilience and giving back 22:20

1+ y ago22:20

22:20

Tiffany Hines is a coach for Youturn Health and works to help others find a stable life with new opportunities and hope for the future. She spent many years in and out of prisons and treatment centers until one day, she became open to change. Through love and support from her family, she dug into the 12-step program offered at the treatment center.…