Airing Addiction: Recent Episodes
New England Recovery Center
Hosted by Lisa Blanchard and Jesse Chaison of Spectrum Health Systems, this popular podcast discusses addiction and recovery, featuring personal stories, special guests and professional opinion.
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Sharif Nankoe, MD, MPA, MA, FASAM is the Chief Medical Director for Department of Corrections (DOC) Programs at Spectrum Health Systems, a nonprofit behavioral health organization based in Massachusetts. His area of expertise is the treatment of opioid use disorder in jails and prisons, and he has been involved in the establishment of over 20 correctional MOUD programs. Dr. Nankoe provides oversight, direction, and implementation of medical operations for the Massachusetts DOC MOUD Programs. Previously Dr. Nankoe served as the Medical Director for the Vermont DOC Medications for Addiction Treatment Program, and worked in the Vermont Hub and Spoke system as the Medical Director of two Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) and two office-based opioid treatment clinics. He is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and Family Medicine.
Join Jesse, Lisa, and Dr. Nankoe on this episode of Airing Addiction!
Danny is a person in recovery originally from Oklahoma who relocated to Massachusetts three years ago. While his recovery journey began in August of 2000, his first experience with treatment was at an eating disorder unit at 15 years old. He continues his recovery journey in Worcester and in his new hometown of Charlton, MA where he and his husband of 20 years reside. Through practicing recovery principles, he has been able to become a data scientist and is currently an AI software product lead in the professional services field.
Join Jesse and Lisa on this month's episode of Airing Addiction!
Jim is a Recovery Support Assistant at Alyssa’s Place in Gardner, MA and will be sharing his recovery story with the hope that it will help others on their own journey to recovery.
Join Jesse and Lisa as Jim shares his experience, only on Airing Addiction!
A Worcester native, Chris has experienced many triumphs and hardships throughout this life and is hoping by sharing his story he will help inspire and educate others on the often-misunderstood world of #mentalhealth.
Tune in to listen to Chris's story with your hosts Jesse and Lisa. Only on Airing Addiction!
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Craig has been in recovery for 8 months and is originally from the Worcester area. Craig has been working at Perennial Recovery to give the opportunity to help others as an effort to give back to those who helped him on his recovery journey.
Join Jesse and Lisa to hear Craig's story, only on Airing Addiction!
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Jarrett J. Krosoczka, known since boyhood as "JJK," is the New York Times bestselling author/illustrator behind more than forty books for young readers, including his wildly popular Lunch Lady graphic novels, select volumes of the Star Wars™: Jedi Academy series, and Hey, Kiddo, which was a National Book Award Finalist. Krosoczka creates books with humor, heart, and deep respect for his young readers—qualities that have made his titles perennial favorites on the bookshelves of homes, libraries, and bookstores over the past twenty years.
Join Jesse and Lisa to listen to Jarrett's story! Only on Airing Addiction.
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Dr. Corrie Vilsaint serves as the Associate Director of Recovery Health Equity at the MGH Recovery Research Institute and Instructor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Vilsaint is a community psychologist and an international speaker. Her research endeavors have focused on reducing recovery-related discrimination, building recovery capital, and the effectiveness of recovery support services.
Join Jesse, Lisa, and Dr. Corrie on this episode of Airing Addiction!
On this episode:
Ken has been a certified Recovery Coach at Signature Healthcare’s OBAT program for the past five years. His primary work involves engaging clients in community-based recovery to complement their MOUD treatment and strengthening his deeply established and new agency partnerships within the greater Brockton community.
Join Jesse and Lisa to hear Ken's story. Only on Airing Addiction!
Mathieu Miller has been in recovery since 8/31/21. He is the president of the Spectrum Alumni association and has been the events chair for the Massachusetts state convention of young people in Alcoholics Anonymous for the year 2023. Mathieu works as an Operations Manager in the emergency department with people struggling with mental/behavioral/ and addiction issues. Mathieu works his recovery in AA with a sponsor and is a sponsor to others. Mathieu is also active in commitments to different facilities and meetings around Massachusetts and other New England states. Recovery, fellowship, family, and friends are extremely important to Mathieu and encourages other to recognize that recovery can also be about having fun and he is finally able to live his life the way it was meant to be lived!
Dylan McGovern
Dylan in recovery from alcohol addiction and is the Co-Chair for the spectrum residential alumni. Dylan is passionate about recovery, because he is passionate about life. Dylan is dedicated to helping others gain for themselves what he has gained over the last few years through this journey and shares that Recovery saved my life!
Come tune in! Hear Dylan and Mathieu's story, only on Airing Addiction.
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Program directors from the New England Recovery Center will go in-depth to how they provide inpatient treatment to those seeking a true holistic approach to recovery. Jesse and Lisa will see what sets the program apart from others as they are joined by Executive Director Marybeth Adams, Clinical Supervisor Alexandria Supernor, and Program Director Sarah Stewart.
Marybeth Adams, MS LMHC, is the Executive Director of Inpatient Services for New England Recovery Center and is also a private therapist, and serves as an Adjunct Professor for the Mental Health Counseling Graduate Program.
Alexandria Supernor, MA, is the Clinical Supervisor at New England Recovery Center ATS. A graduate of Assumption College, she holds experience working with individuals with complex trauma, as well as those who struggle with substance abuse issues. Allie’s areas of specialty are anxiety, depression, trauma treatment, LGBTQIA-related issues, and substance use disorders.
Sarah Stewart, LMHC, MA, is the Program Director at New England Recovery Center detox and residential program. Sarah holds experience working with individuals who struggle with substance abuse as well as having a background in family and child counseling.
Join Jesse and Lisa to hear all about inpatient treatment on this episode of Airing Addiction.
On this episode of Airing Addiction, Dr. Madden and Dr. Altice explain how System Implementation Impacts those with SUD in the Community.
Dr. Madden’s work is focused on identifying treatment gaps in substance abuse/mental health treatment and improving both access to services and retention in treatment, with an emphasis on inclusion of marginalized persons and integration with primary care/treatment for infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and HCV. She is affiliated with Yale School of Medicine, Internal Medicine - AIDS.
Dr. Altice is a Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health at Yale University where he serves as the Director of Clinical and Community Research, the Community Health Care Van and the HIV in Prisons Program.
Please join Jesse and Lisa to hear expert opinions and experience, only on Airing Addiction.
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Athena Haddon, Spectrum’s executive director of peer services and recovery support and Billy Parks, assistant director of recovery and peer support at Advocates, Inc. will be sitting down with Lisa and Jesse to discuss the important role peer support plays in recovery.
Home | Moar Recovery (moar-recovery.org)
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Chris has worked in sports radio in Boston since 2002 and is currently an executive producer at WEEI Boston's Sports Original.
Join Lisa Blanchard and Jesse Chaison as they sit down with Chris to discuss his recovery journey this #RecoveryMonth
Dr. Griffin is a clinical and forensic psychologist with specialties in childhood trauma, resilience, and relationships.
She developed the UMass Child Trauma Training Center (now known as Lifeline For Kids) which has trained over 100,000 professionals in trauma, trauma-informed care, and trauma sensitive practices. She is a co-author of a book by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Childhood Trauma and Resilience, A Practical Guide, a go-to resource on childhood trauma for pediatrics. Recently, Dr. Griffin also authored a book for couples in romantic relationships, Relationship Rx: Prescriptions for Lasting Love and Deeper Connection.
Join Jesse and Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction as they learn from Jessica's experience.
Keriann Caccavaro is a woman in recovery who has struggled with direction and belonging in life. As Keriann began her personal journey away from substance use, she now has found her passion and purpose in helping others do the same. She is now community advocate, and recovery coach. She also owns and operates LIV Recovery Homes which provides sober living for women located in Lowell, Mass.
Please join Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction!
Rebecca Capri Durkee founded Gender Identity Support Services for Transgenders (GISST) in Boston, Massachusetts in 1994. Rebecca drew hundreds of community members and providers together for three events calling for a day of remembrance. She is a recipient of the AIDS Action Committee Community Recognition Award, and a member of the Massachusetts Prevention Planning Group.
Join Jesse and Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction to hear Rebecca's story.
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Matt Ganem describes himself as an addict in recovery, father, poet and well-known figure in the recovery community. He’s also CEO and owner of @Aftermath Recovery Treatment Center.
https://www.facebook.com/MattGanemPoet/
Join Jesse and Lisa to hear Matt's story, only on Airing Addiction!
Rob Demeo is a person in long term recovery who has been working in the field of addiction now supporting others. Rob is currently the Community Outreach Coordinator for Sunrise Detox, Evolve Recovery and the Counseling Center.
Please join Jesse and Lisa to hear Rob's story. Only on Airing Addiction!
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Jesse and Lisa are reunited on Real Talk TV with Darryl Buchannan. This episode puts the spotlight on Jesse and Lisa as they share what lead them to devote their lives to treating addiction. Darryl Buchannan is a published author and host of Real Talk TV. He uses his life experience to inform and educate the youth population about the perils of substance abuse and the criminal justice system.
Join us to hear Jesse and Lisa's story. Only on Airing Addiction!
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Darryl Buchannan is a published author and host of TV talk show called Real Talk TV. He uses his life experience to inform and educate the youth population about the perils of substance abuse and the criminal justice system.
Join Jesse and Lisa to hear Darryl's story, only on Airing Addiction.
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Derek’s family struggled with substance use disorder, and Derek soon found himself going down a similar path. Though he achieved and has maintained sobriety since 2003, Derek ultimately lost both his father and sister to alcoholism in 2020 and 2021. To learn more about Derek’s story and how he was able to sustain recovery despite these challenges, tune in at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the link provided.
Join Jesse and Lisa to hear Derek's story on Airing Addiction.
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Teddy Labonte will share his experience with addiction through Alcoholics Anonymous and how he came to experience a "second life" after overcoming his addiction.
Join Jesse and Lisa to hear Teddy's story. Only on Airing Addiction!
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Mario has a broad understanding of harm reduction and the “low-threshold model” that improves access to care for people impacted by addiction. Mario has been involved in starting and opening the Engagement Center, a welcoming, low-threshold daytime space for individuals navigating homelessness and substance use near the intersection of Melnea Cass and Mass Ave.
Join Jesse and Lisa to hear Mario's story, only on Airing Addiction!
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Michelle Dunn has both personal and professional experience in addiction and recovery. Michelle currently has been employed with GAAMHA as the Director of Community Engagement- Substance Use Services since July 2017.
Michelle is president and founder of the AED Foundation Inc., as a response to her daughter passing away from a heroin overdose in 2013. She along with the AED board of directors opened a “pop up” Peer Recovery Center to try and fill a large gap in North Central Massachusetts. Additionally, Michelle has been a facilitator for Learn to Cope parent support group, a grief group H.A.L.O. 15 for those who lost a loved one due to SUD, a steering committee member of the Gardner Community Action Team, as well as sitting on various advisory boards and committees. Michelle is involved in opiate overdose awareness on a local, state and National level with Fed Up Rally in DC since its inception and attended national summits. On a local level, Michelle has provided education and support for schools, businesses, and is a strong advocate for SUD programming and funding.
Please join Jesse, Lisa, and Michelle on this episode of Airing Addiction!
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Jesse and Lisa dive deep and share the importance and significance of Recovery Month with our listeners. We dive in to the impact recovery has in the broader scope of family and one's immediate surroundings. Jesse shares his lived experience with recovery and Lisa provides a clinical perspective on why recovery is worth dedicating an entire month to celebrating.
Please join Jesse and Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction.
On this episode:
Michelle Simons has been in long term recovery since the year 2000 and has worked in the addiction field for the past 19 years. She obtained her Masters in Counseling Psychology from Salem State University in 2016.
Currently she teaches the Recovery Coach Academy and various addiction counseling courses for North Shore Community College. Michelle also works as a clinical and nonclinical RC supervisor for several agencies. Michelle’s current path of recovery has involved practicing and teaching Sahaja Yoga Meditation and has a large network of fellow meditators and mentors she leans on all over the world. Michelle’s initial foundation of recovery started in residential treatment and involved 12 step fellowships for which she has the utmost respect for. Through the various recovery stages Michelle has been through over the years she has since learned to incorporate the understanding that there is no wrong door to recovery and wholeheartedly honors all recovery pathways.
Please join Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction!
In honor of Recovery Month, our next episode of Airing Addiction features a special guest. Mark, a former client of Spectrum Health Systems, was born and raised in Haverhill, MA and graduated from Haverhill High School in 2005. Sober since 2015, he joins us Thursday to share more about himself and his journey through addiction and recovery.
Please join Jesse and Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction!
This episode of Airing Addiction focuses on Overdose Awareness Day with our guests:
Dr. Christian Williams, Assistant Professor of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies at Assumption University will be sharing her research and clinical perspective on the impact of overdose loss on clinicians and the treatment community, and joining her will be Lauren McRae, Co-Founder and Director of Macka’s Mission to discuss her own experience as a family member who lost her brother.
Join Jesse and Lisa on this episode Airing Addiction!
This episode of Airing Addiction will discuss addiction and recovery in the academic space. Featuring guests Lynn Leblanc-Marrone John Pratico, and James DiReda.
Dr. DiReda holds a dual Ph.D. in Sociology and Social Work from Boston University, and a Masters’ degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut who has over thirty years of direct clinical experience and consulting in the field of addictions.
Lynn is the Executive Director of Inpatient & Outpatient Clinical Services for Spectrum Health Systems. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor with more than 35 years of clinical and supervisory experience. She is also an adjunct faculty member at area colleges providing instruction in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Addiction Treatment, and Culturally Responsive Counseling. Lynn holds a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Assumption College.
Dr. John Pratico is the Dean of Behavioral and Mental Health Programs at Anna Maria College. He received his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Anna Maria College, his Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from Lesley University, and his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology. He completed his postdoctoral fellowship at MetroWest Neuropsychology in Westborough, MA. He has worked with children, adolescents and adults in community health centers, psychiatric hospitals, schools, and private practice settings across the Commonwealth.
Please join Jesse and Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction!
Beck is originally from the Los Angeles Area and has found his way back to LA after about 20 years of living in various places across the US. Beck has a passion for working with the LGBTQ+ community and has years of experience doing so. He has written articles and papers directly addressing the need for training staff regarding LGBTQ+ communities.
Join Jesse and Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction!
On this episode of Airing Addiction, Jesse and Lisa discuss both
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy as well as ways both substance use providers and patients can integrate mindfulness into their lives and recovery with our guest Zlatina Kostova, PhD
Join us live on this episode of Airing Addiction.
Mr. Oliveri is a published third-generation nurse with over forty years of nursing experience. He has worked in world-renowned hospitals in Boston, Shriners Burns, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Ms. French has been dedicated to serving those most-at-need individuals for over a decade. She is currently the Director of Inpatient Nursing and a member of the board of directors for the Montachusett Recovery Foundation.
Please join Jesse and Lisa as we celebrate Nurses' Week only on Airing Addiction!
On this month's Alcohol Awareness episode, former Marine Mike Welsch shares how his addiction to alcohol forever changed his life. His loss of his leg has not stopped him from swimming the entire length of Lake Willoughby, running triathlons, and raising more than $36,000 for Dana Farber and the Jimmy Fund during a cycling marathon.
Hear Mikes inspiring story only on Airing Addiction.
In this episode, Lisa will be exploring the impact of social work, and why a career in addiction social work is rewarding. Our guests from Spectrum Health Systems Clinical Supervisor Amy Kasik and Assistant Professor Dr. Taylor Hall from Bridgewater State University’s School of Social Work share their wide-ranging experience in their field and why it is so important for success in recovery.
Only on Airing Addiction!
On this episode of Airing Addiction, we will dive into the Magnolia FAST family support program that Maureen herself trained Spectrum and NERC in last year and has been running weekly for the past 8 months.
Come learn about this support with Jesse and Lisa, why supporting families and loved ones is so critical to recovery, as well as what makes this group different and what families and supports need as they move through addiction and recovery with their loved ones.
Only on Airing Addiction.
Join us as Lisa and Jesse sit down with AJ Frost to hear his moving story of battling addiction. Only on Airing Addiction!
Richard Cassidy began his journey of recovery on December 2 2019.
On December 16, 2019 Richard checked himself into rehab and has maintained recovery ever since. Richard is now founder and success coach of NutritiveAfitness and creator of the upcoming Vlog cast A Thousand Roads To Recovery. Richard lives a life of gratitude as he states that his life long journey has prepared him to help others improve their overall lifestyle and wellbeing.
Join Jesse and Lisa to hear Richard's inspiring story on this episode of Airing Addiction!
Be sure to check out The Key Nutrition Podcast!
https://pca.st/podcast/74af35c0-ab0d-0136-7b93-27f978dac4db
Mike has many years of experience in addiction, law enforcement and corrections. He's currently a Director at Therapy Services, a counseling practice in Chelmsford, Massachusetts and Host of the Friends in Recovery podcast. Join Jesse and Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction where they sit down with Mike to talk about his recovery journey and recovery during the holidays.
Airing Addiction with Dr. James Broadhurst who has been a physician with Spectrum for 20 years, 5 years of which he served as Medical Director (2002-2009). Dr Broadhurst has over 40 years of medical practice experience, 20 years of addiction treatment experience and became board certified in addiction medicine in 2010. In addition to addiction treatment, Dr Broadhurst specializes in primary care and sports medicine.
Join us as we talk with Dr. Broadhurst about the evolution of addiction treatment and reflect on his time at Spectrum!
On this episode of Airing Addiction, our guest Katie O’Leary of Director of Recovery Support Services at North Suffolk Mental Health Association will be sharing her own road to recovery.
Join Cathy, Lisa, and Jesse to hear Katie's story.
Join Cathy and Lisa on Airing Addiction as they hear Jaclyn Carnavale's inspiring story to recovery and how she has helped others do the same.
Only on Airing Addiction!
Dianna Fontes is in long term recovery and has eliminated the need for methadone from her life. Join Cathy and Lisa on Airing Addiction to hear Dianna's success story.
It’s been one great year of Airing Addiction with new hosts Cathy Collins and Lisa Blanchard, featuring some amazing guests and stories! We’ll be looking back at some of the highlights in a special anniversary episode. Come listen in with us here for the show, when Cathy and Lisa will be joined by their producer (who’s usually behind the scenes), James Gangemi!
Join us for a conversation with Zlatina Kostova, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist who specializes in research and treatment for childhood trauma. We’ll be delving into the relationship between trauma and substance use disorders with Dr. Kostova, and the impact of trauma-informed practices.
Listen to Zlatina Cathy and Lisa on Airing Addiction.
This week we’re excited to be joined by Miriam Komaromy from the Boston Medical Center and Julie Burns of RIZE Massachusetts. We’ll be speaking with our experts about their experiences in addiction treatment, and how and why the terminology we use in the field is changing.
Join Cathy and Lisa on Airing Addiction.
Jesse Chaison is a Family Engagement Specialist at Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. who has himself struggled with addiction and is in long-term recovery. Hear his story, and how he uses his experience to help others like him every single day.
Join Lisa, Cathy and Jesse on Airing Addiction.
On this continuation of the previous episode, Dr. Baxter highlights more of the changes and achievements Spectrum Health Systems has had to adapt to during the COVID19 pandemic. Lisa and Cathy expand on recent breakthroughs in care delivered by Spectrum Health Systems during this pandemic.
Join Lisa, Cathy and Dr. Baxter on Airing Addiction.
Beck Gee-Cohen speaks on LGBTQ recovery, the challenges, and how to get the best care with Lisa and Cathy.
Cathy and Dr. Romas describe their experiences early in the pandemic, and what that means for recovery.
Dr. Romas speaks with Self-Help Author and Veteran Charlie Smith about his struggle with addiction, and how he overcame it with the support he received. Hear his inspiring story on Airing Addiction.
Dr. Romas speaks with David Nefussy about insurance companies role, and how they may affect your recovery.
On this episode, Dr. Romas discusses young adult recovery with Norah Lasorsa who is in charge of the Young Adult Program in Spectrum Health Systems Westborough.
Joining Dr. Romas on this episode is CEO Kurt Isaacson, VP of Clinical Services Lisa Blanchard, and Clinical Supervisor Robin Nagle celebrating 50 years of recovery in Spectrum Health Systems.
On this episode, Dr. Romas speaks with Clinical Supervisor Yeonjoo Son from Spectrum Health Systems Lincoln Street.
Dr. Romas Buivydas weighs the potential benefits to the harmful side effects of use of medical marijuana.
Dr. Romas speaks with Family Engagement Specialist Ronald Burgess of Spectrum Health Systems on how engaging with family is a crucial step in one's recovery.
Michael Earielo from Every Day Miracles talks with Dr. Romas about peer recovery, and it's importance on this episode of Airing Addiction.
Author Donnie Steiger shares his story from his book "Suck Up the Purple Buttermilk" during his recovery at Spectrum House with Dr. Romas
Dr. Baxter and Dr. Romas discuss how drugs affect the brain and how it affects recovery.
Richard J. Dyer. An attorney at law who overcame addiction himself and is a large advocate for those in recovery. Lisa and Cathy will hear and discuss his story with you on Airing Addiction.
On this episode, Dr. Baxter highlights some of the changes and achievements Spectrum Health Systems has had to adapt to during the COVID19 pandemic. Lisa and Cathy talk about the achievements and challenges faced with a hands-on treatment process in a socially-distant world.
Join Lisa, Cathy and Dr. Baxter on Airing Addiction.