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Heart of the Matter — Health & Fitness
Heart of the Matter

Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas is a production from Partnership to End Addiction. Heart of the Matter is an interview series that gives guests the opportunity to share their personal, candid stories about addiction. This podcast offers a space to open up about addiction, substance use and mental health, to share the ways in which people are shifting their narrative – in their own relationships and across communities – to support the cause of ending addiction in our country.

Worried about your child or loved one? Partnership to End Addiction’s helpline is here for you and anyone else playing a supportive role in the life of a person struggling with substance use. Get one on one support by texting JOIN to 55753 or visit https://helphope.net/3koi6Kh to learn more. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help or STOP to opt out.

Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on Heart of the Matter are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from the following link. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion. https://drugfree.org/article/shouldnt-use-word-addict/

Copyright: © 2023 Heart of the Matter

Latest Episodes:

Partnership to End Addiction’s Board Chair, Jamie Niven: Growing up as a Hollywood kid and putting down the bottle as an adult May 04, 2021

Show notes

Despite being the son of an Academy Award-winning actor, Jamie Niven’s life wasn’t all glitz and glamour. At just six months old, Jamie’s mother passed away, leaving Jamie to grow up with an overwhelming feeling of loneliness – a feeling that followed him for his entire life.

In the 15th episode of Heart of the Matter, Elizabeth talks with Jamie, who is also the chair of Partnership to End Addiction’s Board of Directors, about the way loss impacted his otherwise privileged life and contributed to a 50-year struggle with alcohol. Additionally, the pair discuss how, at the age of 65, Jamie found recovery, gave up alcohol, and committed himself to make a difference for others impacted by addiction.

Related reading:
After you listen, explore these resources from Partnership to End Addiction to learn more about the topics and themes discussed in this episode:

To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Obama’s Drug Czar Michael Botticelli discusses George Floyd, DMX and the Pervasiveness of Stigma Apr 20, 2021

Show notes

For the 14th episode of Heart of the Matter, Elizabeth Vargas is joined by one of the nation’s leading addiction experts: Michael Botticelli. As the first person in recovery from addiction to serve as the director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Michael has faced his fair share of challenges. Even before his confirmation, colleagues doubted that Michael would be fit for the role because he had a substance use disorder.

In this episode, Michael reflects on his own recovery, his experiences facing stigma, and how stigma and racism have impacted the way George Floyd and rapper DMX have been perceived in death.

Related reading:

After you listen, explore these resources from Partnership to End Addiction to learn more about the topics and themes discussed in this episode:

To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Shoe Mogul, Steve Madden on Seeing Miracles, Making Mistakes, Relapse and Recovery Apr 06, 2021

Show notes

Before he could start his incredibly popular shoe empire, Steve Madden needed to overcome his own struggles with addiction. Inspired by the principles that guided his recovery – showing up, doing the next thing, acknowledging his mistakes - Steve built a business that would become known worldwide.

Throughout his life and career, Steve has recovered, relapsed, and recovered again; gone to prison; and came back with grit in spades. In the 13th episode of Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas, Steve reflects on the arc of his life, coming from a family with a history of substance use disorders, managing ADHD and, most importantly, learning to let go and to grow.

Related reading:

After you listen, explore these resources from Partnership to End Addiction to learn more about the topics and themes discussed in this episode:

To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Grief and Giving Back with Admiral James and Mary Winnefeld Mar 23, 2021

Show notes

As parents, Mary and Admiral James “Sandy” Winnefeld just wanted to protect their son, Jonathan. This was a job Sandy felt he should have been well equipped for as the United States’ number two ranking military officer. Yet, Jonathan’s struggles with anxiety led him to start drinking alcohol and misusing prescription medications as a teen. Sandy and Mary did everything they could to find appropriate help for their son's substance use. Still, just three days after they dropped him off at college, Jonathan died of an accidental overdose in his dorm room.

In our 12th episode of Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas, Elizabeth reflects on her own experience growing up in a military family as she connects with the Winnefelds. Sandy and Mary also discuss the challenges they faced parenting a child struggling with his mental health, learning to live with grief and dedicating themselves to “saving a life every day” through their work with SAFE Project — the nonprofit they founded following their son’s death.

Related reading

After you listen, explore these resources from Partnership to End Addiction to learn more about the topics and themes discussed in this episode:

To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Actress Kristen Johnston Describes the Struggles of Overcoming Addiction and Loving Someone with Addiction Mar 09, 2021

Show notes

Just as Kristen Johnston started finding success as an actress starring in the Emmy-award winning sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun, feelings of self-doubt and panic began overtaking her life. In an unfamiliar city, without her support system nearby, Kristen found comfort in prescription painkillers – initially prescribed to her to treat migraines. Over the years her addiction worsened, turning Kristen into the self-described “Nancy Drew of painkillers.” Her persistent substance use ultimately caused an ulcer in her stomach to burst, sending her to the hospital. The events that followed led Kristen to find help, “break-up with her addiction” and even write the best-selling memoir Guts: The Endless Follies and Tiny Triumphs of a Giant Disaster.
But Kristen also knows what it feels like to love someone suffering from addiction. Just last year, she lost her sister to an accidental overdose. In this episode of Heart of the Matter, Kristen and Elizabeth reflect on the judgment they face as women in recovery, the importance of overcoming shame and the feelings that come with caring for someone struggling with substance use.
Related reading
After you listen, explore these resources from Partnership to End Addiction to learn more about the topics and themes discussed in this episode:

Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on Heart of the Matter are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from this list. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion.

To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Former NFL player Montee Ball speaks on mental health, masculinity and making a difference for communities of color Feb 23, 2021

Show notes

He was a highly celebrated student athlete with a promising professional career ahead of him. Yet, due to his struggles with addiction, Montee Ball found himself sitting in a jail cell while his former teammates won the Super Bowl. Now in recovery, Montee has walked away from the NFL and committed himself to breaking down barriers that prevent Black and Brown people from accessing help for mental health and substance use disorders.

In this episode of Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas, learn more about Montee’s journey through addiction, how he found purpose in fatherhood, and his work as a recovery advocate for communities of color.

Related reading

After you listen, explore these resources from Partnership to End Addiction to learn more about the topics and themes discussed in this episode:

To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

The Bachelorette’s Zac Clark discusses faking illnesses for narcotics and finding true love Feb 09, 2021

Show notes

Before Zac Clark was introduced to television viewers on The Bachelorette, he was considered the "life of the party" and willing to go to great lengths to achieve his “next high.” In his twenties, his addiction escalated to the point where his marriage crumbled and his friendships dissipated. His relationship with his parents was holding on by a thread. But they never gave up on him, and Zac found recovery. Ultimately, he won back his health and went on to win the heart of not only Tayshia Adams but also viewers across the country, all through his candor, compassion and commitment to a substance-free life. In the ninth episode of Heart of the Matter, listen in as Elizabeth Vargas and Zac revisit his journey, from faking illnesses to gain access to prescription medications to finding happiness in real life, making a career out of helping others with addiction, and even falling in love on reality TV.
Related reading
After you listen, explore these resources to learn more about the topics and themes discussed in this episode:

Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on Heart of the Matter are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from this list. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion.

To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Jeremiah Fraites of The Lumineers on humanizing addiction and making music Jan 26, 2021

Show notes

When he was 14 years old, Jeremiah Fraites of The Lumineers lost his older brother, Joshua, to a heroin overdose. He describes it as the worst thing to have happened to his family. Years later, Jeremiah is still reflecting on the monumental impact drugs and alcohol have on music, culture, families and relationships. This topic even served as inspiration behind the latest album from his band, titled III.
In this episode of Heart of the Matter, Jeremiah joins Elizabeth Vargas to share his perspective on substance use and to discuss his family’s experiences navigating addiction, giving up alcohol himself and learning to be a rock star without substances.
Related reading
After you listen, explore these resources from Partnership to End Addiction to learn more about the topics and themes discussed in this episode:

Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on Heart of the Matter are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from this list. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion.

To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Author Holly Whitaker on forging her own path and why women struggle with alcohol use Jan 12, 2021

Show notes

For the first episode of 2021, Elizabeth is joined by Holly Whitaker, author of Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice Not to Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol and founder and CEO of the online recovery program, The Tempest. In this interview, Holly and Elizabeth discuss their experiences as women coming to terms with the impact alcohol was having on their lives, how addiction is portrayed in the media, and their perspectives on the roads they took to finding recovery.

To learn more about addiction treatment, visit drugfree.org/treatmentoptions. If you are seeking treatment for your child or a loved one, know that numerous options exist. Addiction treatment is not “one-size-fits-all” and may take place in a variety of settings, at different degrees of intensity and for different lengths of time. Partnership to End Addiction services and resources are here to help you navigate this system and identify the best options for your family. Information about providers and services on our website or podcast does not constitute an endorsement.
Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on Heart of the Matter are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from this list. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion.

To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Dignity, respect and addiction recovery with Chef & TV Host, Andrew Zimmern Dec 29, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas, TV personality, chef, writer, teacher and social justice advocate Andrew Zimmern discusses losing 15 years of his life to addiction, achieving nearly 30 years of recovery, and ultimately “writing his own syllabus for life.” While best known for traveling the world and exploring shocking cuisine as executive producer and host of the Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods franchise, Andrew’s journey through addiction to recovery is just as compelling.
Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on Heart of the Matter are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from this list. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion.

To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

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