Real Recovery Talk

Latest Episodes:

528: Why do YOUNG people relapse, after years of sobriety? May 25, 2025

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Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

In this episode, Tom and Steve react to Chrissy Teigen's recent announcement that she started drinking again after a period of sobriety. This sparks a bigger conversation: why do people relapse — even when life looks "good" on the outside? We break down some of the most common reasons people pick up again, including emotional triggers, social pressure, unresolved trauma, and lack of support.

Whether you're in recovery or supporting someone who is, this episode is a real look at what can lead someone back to the bottle — and how to prevent it.

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

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527: My Sponsor Had a Sponsor: WHO CARES! May 23, 2025

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Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

In this episode, we dive into the idea of "sponsor families" — you've probably heard someone say, "My sponsor's sponsor was sponsored by so-and-so," almost like a sobriety family tree. But is that even a real thing? Or is it something we made up to feel more important in the rooms?

We talk about where the concept might have come from, why some people cling to the lineage of their sponsorship like a badge of honor, and whether this creates more division than unity. At the end of the day, we all date back to Bill Wilson — so is the whole sponsor-family vibe helpful or just ego in disguise? Tune in for a thought-provoking, honest conversation with a little humor mixed in.

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

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526: There is a Solution: Part 2 May 21, 2025

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Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

In this episode, we continue breaking down one of the most impactful chapters in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous — There Is a Solution. This time, we dive into the second half of the chapter, where the Big Book gets into what the real solution actually is.

We talk about the idea of spiritual experience, the power of the fellowship, and the critical role that working with others plays in long-term recovery. This isn't about quick fixes — it's about a complete shift in how we live and connect with the world around us. Whether you're brand new to recovery or years in, the second half of this chapter offers depth, direction, and clarity that can re-center your entire program.

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

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525: Why Willpower Isn't Enough to Get Sober... May 18, 2025

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Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Labor — a medical doctor who also happens to be in long-term recovery from drug addiction. Her story is powerful: from the outside, she had it all together — a successful career in medicine — but behind the scenes, addiction was slowly taking over her life.

Today, she not only shares her personal experience getting sober but also helps us understand why addiction is so misunderstood — especially by those who have never experienced it. Dr. Labor breaks down the brain chemistry behind addiction in a way that's easy to follow and incredibly eye-opening.

We talk about how the reward system gets hijacked, what happens neurologically when someone tries to quit, and why the common advice to "just stop" doesn't work for alcoholics and addicts. She offers both personal insight and professional knowledge, helping bridge the gap between science and lived experience. This episode is for anyone trying to make sense of addiction — whether it's your own, a loved one's, or someone you're trying to help.

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

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RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

524: He Relapsed After 1 Year in Treatment: Brian's Story May 16, 2025

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Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

In this episode, we sit down with Brian, who shares his powerful journey through nearly four years of sobriety. Brian opens up about the brutal depths his addiction took him, and what it finally took for him to get clean.

But his story takes a turn — even after spending a full year in treatment, he relapsed almost immediately upon leaving. Why? That's what we dig into. Brian reflects on his lack of willingness during that time and the truth he wasn't ready to face.

Joining us is Nicole, who was Brian's therapist during his original treatment stay back in 2017. She offers insight into what might have been missing, the patterns she saw, and why sometimes relapse is part of the journey — not the end of it.

This is a real, honest look at what recovery really takes, and why simply being in treatment isn't enough if you're not willing to do the inner work.

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

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Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

523: Big Book Study: There Is a Solution PART 1 May 14, 2025

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Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

In this episode, Eric picks up where we left off with the second half of Bill's Story from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. This part dives deeper into Bill's spiritual awakening, the critical moments that led to lasting sobriety, and how his experience laid the foundation for what would become the AA program.

Eric walks us through the powerful shift that took place once Bill fully surrendered—highlighting the principles, the pain, and ultimately the peace that came from choosing recovery. Whether you're just getting started or have been sober for years, this episode brings fresh perspective and clarity to one of the most transformational stories in recovery.

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

522: Sobriety Slogans: What Does That Even Mean? May 11, 2025

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Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

In this episode, we dive into all those one-liners and slogans you hear tossed around in and outside of 12-step rooms — from "One Day at a Time" to "Let Go and Let God" to "Fake It Till You Make It." Some of them carry real depth and meaning… others?

Not so much. We talk about which ones have actually helped us in our sobriety, which ones we think are overused or misunderstood, and how sometimes people repeat them without really knowing what they mean. It's a lighthearted convo about the clichés, the classics, and the ones that make us roll our eyes. Whether you love them or love to hate them, this episode is for you.

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

521: Addicted Communities: What's REALLY Happening May 09, 2025

Show notes

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

In this episode, we're joined by Brave—someone who not only got clean and sober but has dedicated his life to helping others do the same. Brave walks us through his personal recovery journey, what it took to finally surrender, and how he rebuilt his life one day at a time. But his story doesn't stop with his own sobriety.

Brave is now deeply involved in the substance abuse field, working hands-on with those still struggling. He shares the realities he sees in communities hit hardest by addiction and talks candidly about the gaps in support, the barriers people face, and what truly makes a difference. This is a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation that sheds light on both the personal and systemic sides of addiction—and what it takes to create real change.

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

520: Big Book Study: Bill's Story: The Moment Bill W. Got Sober (Part 2) May 07, 2025

Show notes

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

519: Court-Ordered Sobriety: Real Recovery or Just Compliance? May 04, 2025

Show notes

Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

In this powerful episode, we're joined by Craig, a successful attorney who opens up about his personal battle with addiction and how he found lasting sobriety. Craig shares the highs and lows of his journey—from struggling in silence while practicing law to finally hitting rock bottom and seeking help.

But his story doesn't stop there. Today, Craig uses his recovery and legal background to help families take action when a loved one is caught in the grips of addiction. He specializes in using the Marchman Act and other legal tools to guide families through the complex process of getting someone into treatment—even when they're resistant or in denial.

Craig breaks down how the legal system can be used as a pathway to healing, not punishment. If you're a parent, sibling, or loved one feeling stuck and unsure of what to do next, this episode offers hope, guidance, and practical next steps.

🖥️ Learn more about Craig's work at www.wevebeenthere.com

Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

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