Recovery Uncensored: Recent Episodes
Host: Ty Bechel
Welcome to Recovery Uncensored with Ty Bechel, the #1 recovery podcast in the Midwest, where we discuss recovery, addiction, mental health, and ways to find self-improvement, healing, and recovery. We sit down and share real stories of hope and challenges, and our guests bring personal and professional testimonies, exposing vulnerabilities to highlight struggles and change in their individual lives or in their community. We also bring in professionals from the treatment and recovery industry to provide feedback and their point-of-view from their industry. Weekly episodes allow a great conversation to organically transpire that allows listeners to relate or learn more about addiction and finding solutions and reasonable happiness. Recovery Uncensored is great for those in or seeking recovery from substance abuse, family members of loved ones struggling, or clinical and medical professionals needing insight into substance use disorders that vastly affect millions across the globe. Follow us/subscribe today and join us in the recovery movement!
Have you ever wondered what the journey from addiction to recovery looks like, particularly from the unique perspective of those who have been on both sides of the drug court system? Ever thought about the real-life stories behind the faces of those tasked with the immense responsibility of turning lives around? This episode promises to take you on a profound journey with two inspiring guests, the honorable Judge Kyle Napp and Ms. Kimberly Clark, who transitioned from pre-med studies to a crucial role in mental health and drug court.
As you listen, you'll be moved by their personal stories, the hurdles they overcame, and the growth they experienced. Judge Knapp shares her inspiring journey from corporate law to a key player in criminal justice. On the other hand, Ms. Clark speaks about her fascinating transition from pre-med to a critical role in drug and mental health court. The resilience, the professional development, and the transformative leadership they've experienced is nothing short of inspiring.
The riveting conversation doesn't stop there. Our guests delve into deeply moving experiences; Judge Knapp's recounts her challenging yet rewarding journey that led up to becoming the Judge of Madison County Drug Court, highlighting the critical role her mother played in her life and why she works so diligently. Kim Clark, too, lends her voice to the importance of self-investment and the gratification derived from positively impacting others' lives. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain fresh insights into recovery, redemption, and making a difference from people who've helped those deeply impacted by addiction.
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Have you ever found yourself in a place so dark, you couldn't imagine a way out? Join us in a heartfelt conversation with Christina Foster-Beagle, who candidly shares her journey from the depth of addiction to the pinnacles of redemption. Listen as she takes us back to her small-town roots in Roxana, Illinois. Here, she paints a picture of a young woman who put aside her Navy dream for a love that ended just days after the wedding bells rang, followed by the devastating loss of her beloved brother. The story of Christina is a stark reminder of the lasting effects of addiction and relationships on our lives.
Christina's life took a dramatic turn when her son made a gut-wrenching request for her to plan her own funeral. This proved to be the wake-up call she needed to break free from her drug addiction. Navigating through a manipulative ex-husband and a near-death car crash, Christina emerged stronger and more determined to conquer her demons. Overcoming her tribulations, she transformed her life in a powerful testament to resilience and the human spirit.
Now, Christina is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of recovery. We explore her journey to sobriety and her empowering work with Foster's Light in the Dark, an organization she founded to give back to the community to help families impacted by losing a loved one to suicide or an accidental overdose. We delve into the importance of future planning, the role of God in her recovery, her gratitude for the support of her family and the balance between productivity and busyness in recovery. Listen in as we illuminate the path to recovery, community building, and finding light even in the darkest moments. This conversation is a testament to Christina's unshakeable spirit and a reminder that it's never too late to turn things around.
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In this episode, we hear some of the last recorded moments of Heather Thompson. We recorded this episode on Sunday, September 3rd, 2023, and she tragically passed away on Thursday, September 7th, 2023 - 4 days later. Heather and her husband, Joe Thompson, are residents of Coffeen, Illinois, a small village in Central Illinois with an approximate population of 700. When asked if Joe would like me to publish the episode or give it to them to be shared with family, he said Heather would have wanted us to publish the episode for others to hear.
In this interview, happy and excited to share about her life, experiences, children, parents, and husband, Heather shares about becoming a mother at 17, what is was like being a bartender, and how she was a high school achiever. But drugs came into the picture as an adult and everything changed.
Heather takes us on an emotional roller-coaster as she opens up about her multiple arrests, relapses, and the life-altering moment she was denied communion in church. These hardships, although traumatic, served as inspiration, pushing her to turn her life around. She shared with jubilation about planting her roots of recovery in Montgomery County and that she loves her job and her life.
Her heartfelt story underscores the importance of cherishing our time with loved ones, reminding us all of the fragility of life and the crucial role of love and support in our lives. Join us on this intense journey of Heather's life, from addiction, recovery, to redemption.
It was difficult to listen to this full interview and edit the little that I did. To hear her laugh and discuss how much she loved to help people and how much she adored her children and husband was extremely tough knowing she is no longer with us. In her honor, we will always miss her. And remember, her name is Heather Thompson.
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Meet Bonnie Goodwin, a woman who's journey through recovery has not only transformed her life but has also become a beacon of hope for others battling addiction. With eight years, eight months and one day of recovery under her belt, she travels to the town of Vandalia, sharing her unique insight on her growth in recovery. Sit tight as we delve into her personal experiences and thoughts on the power dynamics that have been at play.
Brace yourself as we navigate through the tumultuous teenage years of Bonnie, marred with substance abuse, traumatic encounters, and a desperate suicide attempt. Revisit the school halls where smoking and drinking culture took root, experience her intense loneliness amidst a crowd of 2,500, and bear witness to a distressing car ride that ended in a horrific violation of her safety. Her path to self-destruction and her turning point to seek help, a story of resilience and redemption, are testimonies of her courage.
In the concluding chapters, we shift focus to Bonnie's time in prison, her recovery journey, and the invaluable life lessons she learned along the way. From the impact of her arrest, the heart-breaking loss of her children, to the commencement of her time in Chicago, her tale is a testament of her strength and resolve. Currently, she works with Amare, extending her hard-won wisdom and serving as a recovery coach, providing a lifeline to others on a similar path. Join us as we celebrate her incredible story.
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Picture a young boy from Fairview Heights, Illinois, growing up in a small house with his two sisters and parents where life starts to unravel at an early age. That boy is Eric Conley and his story is one of struggle, resilience and ultimately, redemption. He candidly shares his battle with depression and addiction that began in his teenage years, leading to serious medical complications and the desperate need for recovery. His journey is a testament to the power of humility, a strong support system, and the crucial role of recovery centers.
Eric Conley, now the founding CEO of the Illinois Recovery Center, paints a picture of his life that’s as raw as it is relatable. From his first run-in with the law at the innocent age of 13, his struggle with substances to manage his anxiety and his mother's battle with breast cancer -- his journey is filled with trials and tribulations. But it's in these challenges where he found strength and purpose. His sobriety journey led him to turn his life around and inspire others through the establishment of the Illinois Recovery Center.
Tune in to hear about the importance of humility, resilience, and support in recovery. Eric emphasizes the role of a strong foundation, similar to sports, and progress over perfection. He shares how his love for sports helped him practice patience, a key principle in recovery. The episode closes on a powerful note as Eric reflects on the importance of seeking help and making that life-altering call for recovery. His gratitude for the Illinois Recovery Center is palpable, as it served as a beacon of hope and strength in his journey. Join us as we navigate this incredible story of struggle, survival, and salvation with Eric Conley.
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Brace yourselves for an intense journey of trauma, triumph, and healing with our guest, AE Lee. As a grade school teacher, the author of One of the Lucky Ones, she candidly shares her harrowing experiences with domestic violence, empowering others through her raw narrative of survival. This episode promises to shine a light on the dark corners of this often overlooked issue, illustrating the critical importance of recognizing and escaping from abusive situations.
Join us as we navigate the turbulent waters of AE's story, from a perilous escape with her children to a road of recovery that's as challenging as it is inspiring. You'll witness AE's determination as she balances her own healing with the needs of her children, grappling with paranoia and PTSD while seeking solace in creative outlets like writing. This episode also unveils how AE's children's book, Always, played a pivotal role in her family's collective healing process.
As we bring our conversation to a close, AE imparts invaluable wisdom about societal expectations, the significance of recognizing red flags in a relationship, and resources for those caught in similar cycles of abuse. Hear her speak about the pressures to conform, her journey to escape, and her unrelenting pursuit of a happier life. This episode is a poignant reminder of the innate strength within each of us, and the imperative need to reach out for support when necessary.
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Just imagine the journey one must take to devote their life to the study of the human mind. Dr. Ari Lakritz, our esteemed guest and psychologist at OSF in St. Anthony's in Alton, journeyed to the Midwest from the bustling streets of New York City and New Jersey, before settling in Alton. In our fascinating dialogue, Dr. Lakritz takes us along his educational journey, narrating his experiences from his undergrad studies to securing his doctorate, all while sharing his views on substance use along the way.
There is a raw honesty in the world of addiction and recovery, a truth that can be difficult to confront, yet is vital to the healing process. Dr. Lakritz beautifully illustrates this in our discussion. We speak candidly about the challenges medical professionals face when dealing with substance use disorders, and the importance of a holistic approach to healing. Digging deeper into the subject, we explore the intriguing concept of acquired personality pathology and delve into the intricacies of trauma-informed care. It's a conversation that underscores the need for patience, collaboration, and honesty in tackling these complex issues.
But what of those who need these services? Dr. Lakritz sheds light on an often overlooked aspect of therapy - the wait times. He outlines the importance of short wait times for therapy services, and how the team at OSF is making a notable effort to reduce the gap between scheduling and seeing clients. This conversation serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of seeking help when you need it, and the possibilities that are available. So, if you're someone in need, or you know someone who could benefit from these services, don't hesitate to reach out to OSF and take advantage of the shorter wait lists.
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Ever wonder what it's like to grow up in a small town and then struggle with addiction? This week, we have Jakob Miller shedding light on this very experience. Raised in Union, Missouri, Jakob opens up about the sharp contrast between small town life and the city, and the adjustments associated with returning home after years away.
Jakob gives us an intimate look at his battles with drug addiction and how his childhood played a significant role. He bares it all, discussing the impact of his relationship with his father, or lack of, on his self-worth, and the negative self-talk that dominated his thoughts. The conversation takes an uplifting turn as we touch on the essential role of self-love and respect in recovery, emphasizing that overcoming addiction is a journey filled with both trials and triumphs.
Wrapping things up, we hear about Jakob’s personal recovery journey and the necessity of reaching out for help. He gets candid about his family's role in his recovery, highlighting their support as a source of strength. He shares the vital role of community support in de-stigmatizing addiction, giving a shout-out to the community shift in Union, Missouri, and what it's like starting a treatment center with friends in the Swansea area. Whether you're on a recovery journey yourself, know someone who is, or just want to gain a deeper understanding, this is a conversation you'll want to tune in for.
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Have you ever wondered how roller skating could be a form of therapy? Our guest, Jackie Butler, shares her fascinating journey of finding solace in roller skating amidst the turmoil of her parents' divorce and the ensuing sense of isolation. Jackie's raw and emotional account of her struggles with substance use and mental health issues is a powerful testament to her resilience.
The conversation takes a deeper turn as we navigate through Jackie's tumultuous teenage years, marred by her parents' divorce, her father's addiction, and her own substance use. She bravely discusses her mental health breakdown, her stint in a state hospital, and her relentless pursuit of human connection. Jackie's candid account of her experiences with drug court and her subsequent transition to sobriety is a beacon of hope for anyone dealing with similar struggles.
Jackie's story is not just one of trials and tribulations, but also of redemption, recovery, and personal growth. She shares how she overcame her addiction, found connection within the 12 Step community, and regained control and found balance in her life. Join us for a conversation that redefines the narrative of addiction and recovery, emphasizing that individual recovery journeys are unique, and reminding us that progress indeed trumps perfection.
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Giving up was not an option for Brittany, even though she was only one wrong decision away from a life full of despair and possibly death. She joined Ty in the Big Z Media studio and shared how she flew under the radar with her drug and alcohol use, shocking her parents at the kitchen table while pleading for help from the grip heroin had on her everyday life. Brittany recounts frequently moving to different cities (and states) due to her father's work and having the gnawing feeling she doesn't truly fit in anywhere. She found ways to relate to kids in high school, as many adolescents do, by dating, drinking, and sometimes drugging. Alcohol introduced her to cocaine and Benzos, which inevitably led to intravenously using Dilaudid for the first time. She turned to stripping to support the newly found heroin addiction that took her down Salisbury St., Kingshighway Blvd., and Hall St. while evading the Jump Out Boys to stay out of jail. After four stints in residential treatment, Brittany knew she had to make a drastic change and plunged into a 12-step community where she has been ever since with almost 12 continuous years of recovery. She now works as a social worker, giving her heart and soul to help parents escape their own Hell and unify with their children.
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Rhiannon Gancheff joined Ty in the Big Z Media studio from Florida, traveling to Illinois to meet her mother and brother for a week. There is a saying, "Addiction is not a spectator sport, and the entire family gets to play," and Rhiannon was a central teammate in her mother's addiction. Rhiannon recounts the struggles she saw her mother and father experience, from drug and alcohol addiction, toxic encounters, and infidelities, to the separation of her family that led to moving over seven hours away from Colorado to a small town in Illinois. After her mother and new step-father attempted a blended family while her mother focused on drug use, Rhiannon was left to take on the hero role in her family and help raise her younger sister and brother. The annoyance of her mother's constant drug use became full-blown resentment and rage. Eventually, through a series of events over a few years, the momentum of hate, feelings of abandonment, and sadness for her own mother, Rhiannon decided to help her mother find recovery, though, through her own admittance, was not kind to her at all. After a three-hour conversation at the kitchen table with her mom, Rhiannon let a decade of anger, sadness, shame, and resentment out, which ultimately became the pivotal moment of her healing and repairing the relationship with her mother. A true story of how families are affected by addiction and how the power of healing and recovery is possible.
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Katie O'Malley joins Ty in the Big Z Media studio and discusses her ups and downs that led to her almost 4 years of continuous recovery. Born in the St. Clair County, Illinois, Katie is the daughter of her late father, Michael, a prominent and respected judge, who shares her travels to Manhattan and where she was on September 11th, 2001. She also discussed with transparency how her addiction spiraled after she tried heroin for the first and fell in love immediately. As she descended into her active addiction, she accidentally struck a pedestrian with her vehicle, which led to darker and more depressive days after St. Louis news agencies picked up on the story and it was publicized. She felt she was a failure and an embarrassment to her family and had to seek professional guidance to deal with her conflictions. She eventually turned her life around after completing a residential treatment program and is now happily married, attending a Certification Peer Recovery Specialist program at SIUE, a local university, and interns at a local Recovery Community Organization (RCO), Amare.
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Jessica joins Ty at the Big Z Media studio to discuss her obsession with alcohol and how it affected her day-to-day life. Coming from a supportive marriage and in-laws, Jessica shares her secrets about hiding her love for alcohol from those closest to her and her co-workers. While working at an upscale restaurant, hints were becoming apparent that alcohol may have been causing more problems in her life than she liked to admit. Call it spiritual, the universe, or pure coincidence, she kept running into clean and sober people, like the new neighbor she met while she was toasty during a day-drinking episode that later became her first sponsor in a 12-step program. Toying with the idea of recovery, she admits she was "California" sober and was on a strict marijuana maintenance diet that led to her last dab pen and anxiety-ridden stoner episode. Join us on Episode 54 and hear Jessica's remarkable turnaround and how she maintains recovery today.
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Liz, Outreach Worker for Oxford Inc. and a Kentucky native, joins Ty at the studio and discusses many challenging topics. Some will call her brave, and that she is, but it is also safe to say she is working an "honest program" because healing and recovering from a past riddled with active addiction and the need to fit in is essential to her health and success for years to come. She shares growing up in poverty and a dark moment in her past when she lost her young sister at three years old to murder. After what she thought was finding her tribe, drinking and drugs became her norm. After years of substance use and toxic relationships, Liz found herself in jail often. The mother of three shares her vulnerabilities from a place of honesty and transparency. She also updates us on all the great things Oxford Inc. is up to in the State of Illinois.
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In case you missed our live show that airs on Saturday nights, we gotchu covered! Host Ty Bechel, as always, was joined by his co-host, Bri on the Radio, and a returning guest from the recorded podcast, Dorie Hebblethwaite. We discussed what Dorie, a junior in high school, is seeing around her campus regarding drugs and what kids are up to these days. She also remembers growing up when her dad was in active addiction. We also released a new segment, Hell Naw!, where we talk about some messed up stuff revolving around addiction, drug policy, and beyond. Dorie and Bri go head-to-head on trivia right before Dorie gets put in the hot seat to answer some tough questions. Our live show can be heard on 107.1 FM in the St. Louis market on the 3rd Saturday of the month form 6-8 pm (CST) or streamed live HERE. But if you missed it, check out our live show full of comedic and sincere balance. We also have some big news coming about the live show and podcast.
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Amber Kite joins us in the studio to talk about everything recovery, but not before she gave a shout-out to her close friend, Ben, who tragically lost his life to suicide recently at the young age of 25. We discuss the importance of checking on our people and letting them know we love them. Remember, you can call 988 if you feel you are in a crisis and need someone to speak with. After her heartfelt memorialization to Ben, Amber takes us down a road of active addiction that seemed to grow after a long-time relationship of nearly seven years abruptly ended. Confessing the relationship had become toxic, and she was admittingly co-dependent, she descended into heavy drug use that led to her mother constantly worrying about her and having police contact, resulting in probation and attending Madison County, IL Drug Court under the Honorable Judge Napp; Amber was court-ordered to go to long-term treatment and was admitted to CRC, a long-term recovery home in Irving, Ill. (Montgomery County), a village of only 600. She stayed nearly two years, even during the strictest COVID-19 lockdowns. Today, she celebrates her family, friends, and working in the recovery field, helping others find a new way to live.
Learn more about the 988 crisis hotline by clicking HERE.
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Michael Wooten, owner of Effervescent Studios and person in recovery, joins Ty to discuss the past three years since he and his partner were last on the show. As many argue relapse if relapse is, or isn't, part of recovery, today's interview shows the monumental growth that can take place after a brief taste of recovery goes awry when relapse finds its way into our mind, body, and soul. Michael bares all and holds nothing back from the struggles his methamphetamine used caused with his closest relationships. After being asked to leave the home he and his partner began building, Michael was left to reevaluate his life, drug use, and if recovery was something he truly wanted. Realigning his values and desires, he realized a life with organic happiness and supportive people in his life was more important than the stimulants. Today, Michael owns his dance studio, is happily involved with his partner, and is learning peer work with Amare as a Family Recovery Coach Intern.
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Ted Perkins, a former Warner Bros. and Universal Studios Executive, joins Ty Bechel from Los Angeles to share his expertise in films, writing, recovery, and his recently published book, Addicted in Film. The 300-page paperback travels into unknown territory by mixing and bending Ted's recovery journey with his 30 years in Hollywood and great love for films and storytelling; Addicted in Film is truly a piece of nonfiction literature that is one of a kind.
During his interview, not only does Ted share his recovery journey and how he turned to 100 movies about addiction to help in his early months of healing, but he drops nuggets of truth about what it takes to become a writer and producer in the industry of filmmaking. As he continues to use his immense talent to write and sell scripts to various studios and production companies, he is also assisting in expanding the recovery movement through the power of storytelling so people can find a better way of living. If you love recovery and films, this is an episode you don't want to miss!
Visit www.addictedinfilm.com to learn more about Ted, his new book, Addicted in Film, and movies reflecting struggles and victories relating to substance use.
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Nate Hartmann, Vice President of Operations at Symetria Recovery, joins host Ty A. Bechel, all the way from Oswego, Illinois, a suburb outside of Chicago, to discuss his personal and professional journey. Nate, an Illinois native from Naperville, Illinois, struggled with drug and alcohol addiction hindered by debilitating depression as a young adult. His parents were concerned, and after seeing a therapist for his depression, later revealing his alcohol and drug habits, he decided to seek residential treatment recommended by his therapist. Nate credits his decision to go to treatment in 2003 after seeing a television show where the rock-n-roll hall of famer, Ozzy Osbourne's son, Jack Osbourne, decided to seek help for his spat with alcohol and drugs. He lived in a halfway house after his first (and last) stay at a treatment center. He later went on to work at a call center in 2008 for an intervention organization where he helped families and individuals find the resources they needed to find recovery. Fast forward a few years and a Master's Degree later, Nate is helping shape the professional world; he is keeping his roots in mind on how he was treated like a human being and had many of his needs met by his therapist and the admissions team at the residential facility he began his recovery journey at. This remarkable transformation leads him to return to Naperville, Illinois, after an 18-year hiatus with his wife and two children.
Attorney, past specialty court judge (drug court), and social entrepreneur, Katie Sullivan, joins Recovery Uncensored from her home to share a remarkable story of trials, tribulations, and success that took her all the way to working with the Trump Administration's Department of Justice.
Having nearly 26 years of continuous recovery from alcoholism, Katie was nothing short of honest with her challenges with alcohol, later attending 12 step meetings, and being challenged as a judge of Colorado's 5th judicial district for being in recovery by defense attorneys and their clients. Before becoming a judge, she had a private practice and later served as Deputy District Attorney in Colorado.
Katie was appointed by William Barr as the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. Today, she and her husband, Dr. Art Kleinschmidt, have retired from government positions and began a new journey with their organization Recovery for America Now Foundation, where the well-known Dr. Drew Pinsky sits on their Advisory Board. Their mission, "saving lives through treatment scholarships."
Zach George joined us in studio to talk about being an "everywhere man" and his struggles with homelessness and how it fueled his active addiction. From spending time in Ohio, Washington, and Texas, Zach knew he had to make a change. After finding recovery in Texas, he was given safe, supportive, and secure housing through an Oxford House. Now loving life, he gets to give back and help set up new recovery homes with Oxford Inc. in the State of Illinois and surrounding states. This is his story.
Author, publisher, counselor, and Hollywood socialite, Leonard Buschel joins Recovery Uncensored all the way from Los Angeles, California, to discuss his journey through marijuana and MDMA addiction and share about his newly released memoir, HIGH: Confessions of a Cannabis Addict. Recently celebrating 28 years of continuous recovery, Buschel shares how he had no intentions of taking getting clean and sober seriously but something inside him changed at the Arizona rehab during a gruesomely hot summer that made him question his drug and alcohol use and his practice of drug dealing. After losing what he describes as the love of his life, he nearly had a nervous breakdown that lead to the rehab and the beginning of his unsuspected transformation. He navigated through recovery and developed the Reel Recovery Film Festival, Writers in Recovery, and the Addiction and Recovery eBulletin. His film festival is in its 14th year, and in 2016, earned him the Link Award by In Recovery Magazine for promoting recovery "using film, panel discussions, and speakers to understand and encourage compassion for people living with addictive disorders."
Tara Demand joins host, Ty Bechel in the studio to discuss alcoholism and Adderall dependency finding her in her 30's. From experiencing a case of empty nest to climbing the corporate ladder in the medical field, Tara found herself hiding how bad her drinking had gotten. She shares with us how she slowly progressed with her drinking and Adderall use to completely uprooting her life with her husband. The mother of 4 and 2 bonus kids, she discovered her trauma was more severe than she thought. Pinpointing her abandonment trauma to her biological father leaving her at a young age, she would find herself putting other people's needs first so they wouldn't leave her. After finally revealing her secret of alcoholism to her husband, and later one of her sons, she was able to finally begin her path of healing and recovery. From the discovery of recovery, Tara has launched a new blog and inspirational site for women called the Recovered Woman Project at www.therecoveredwoman.com. Join us for an emotional interview of a mother that was on the verge of a alcoholic collapse before she decided to give recovery a shot (pun intended).
Hello, Recovery Uncensored fans! In case you didn't know, we started a spinoff show called Recovery Uncensored LIVE! that is live on the radio in the St. Louis region on 107.1 FM/1570 AM; you can stream live too! This is our 4th live episode captured for your Recovery Uncensored needs! Michael Wooten, owner and lead dance instructor of Effervescent Studio joined me and my co-host, Bri on the Radio, to discuss his last relapse, dealing with losing his partner when his active use became too much, and how well he is doing today with over a year of continuous recovery. Michael shares how he is helping transform lives at his dance studio and shares his class catalog with dance styles he teaches like the hustle, salsa, and more! We have fun on the live show and sometimes get off topic and even have challenges for our guests. Check out our live episode and don't forget to visit our website www.myrecoverypodcast.com for past episodes, our blog, and much more!
The infamous Grandpa Jack, aka Jack Wilcox, joined us to discuss addiction, recovery, and losing his son to an opiate overdose that lived in Dayton, Ohio, one of the places hardest hit nationally by the opioid epidemic. Jack goes into great detail about his personal struggle with alcoholism and the fateful day he got the call many parents dread. Grieving his son, Jack was not entirely sure what he would do, but what he chose to do next to carry a message with hopes of at least saving one life would shock those attending his presentations.
Erica and Pam join us all the way from Hillsboro, Illinois, to discuss their journey through recovery and how the recovery movement has been taken shape in their region. Pam shares honestly about hiding her attraction to other women in a time that being gay was not acceptable. Erica doesn't hold anything back either and shares about her time in a drug court program, trauma, and how she has been working to heal while admitting her emotions can be more intense than she would like.
Katie McKenna joins me from her home in Pana, Illinois, via Zoom to share her story of daydreaming as a young kid of wanting to listen to rock-and-roll music and party with friends, becoming ungovernable as a teenager, and trying meth for the first time at 12 years old. Her do-what-I-want attitude lead her to 25 months in prison after a fatal car accident. After her release from prison, she had to experiment for a few more years before she believed she was worth the effort of turning her life around.
Casey Arrillaga joins Ty all the way from Wimberley, Texas; Casey is a clinical social worker and chemical dependency counselor who has lived with and around addiction for all his life. He is now a therapist specializing in family counseling for addiction. In both his book, Realistic Hope: The Family Survival Guide for Facing Alcoholism and Other Addictions, and his podcast, Addiction and the Family, he shares the knowledge gained from conducting hundreds of family workshops and helping thousands of family members and also weaves his own narrative of recovery both as an individual and a family member. Casey also shares his journey through recovery and how he and his wife balance both of their personal programs.
In Ep. 38: Rock-N-Roll Recovery, Shaun Howard, lead singer of the band Foreplay and the Shaun & Mike Duo, joins Recovery Uncensored to share his struggle with alcoholism that accompanied his night life as a talented vocalist and natural-born rocker. We sit down and discuss the car wreck that changed his motivation for recovery, depression, writing original music, cartoons like Adventure Time and anime, and how grateful he is to have four years of continuous sobriety. He shares a lighter and more intimate side by performing an acoustic version of his original song "Blame it on Gravity" on the ukulele. Join us for another amazing interview with a talented and humble guest.
On Recovery Uncensored Ep. 37: Trauma Unveiled, Rick stops by the studio to share one of the most honest stories of adversity filled with extreme trauma, abandonment, and trying to find his place in a world where he could be accepted and loved. He takes us through being raised by his great grandparents and his sacred trust of an older family being extremely violated. Rick holds nothing back and even shares his most recent wound of losing his son to an accidental overdose.
A new year, with a new guest all on Recovery Uncensored! On our first episode of 2022, our host, Ty Bechel, brought on Duke Rumely, founder of Sober AF Entertainment out of Colorado.
Ty and Duke discuss Duke's history with alcohol abuse and how he crossed the border into Mexico, later to be arrested and detained by Mexican federales. The jail put a $25,000 bond on his head that his mother walked away from. Not wanting to keep Duke in Mexico, the jail reduced the bond to $4,000 and his mother came to his rescue.
Join us for episode 36 to discuss his detainment and deportation from Mexico, his blackout on a plane, and how he turned his life around, developing Sober AF Entertainment, a nonprofit that organizes sober tailgate parties and works with sporting venues to provide sober sections for those in recovery.
The controversial topic of harm reduction and syringe services programs (SSPs) - needle exchange - is discussed with our guest, Jen Nagel, who may seem radical in her ideology but has a glaring passion for helping those suffering from addiction and treating her participants at her organization, The Porchlight Collective, with nothing but compassionate-filled attention and love. Parts of the discussion will leave some with the faintest of hearts to say, "WTF!", while those that are open-minded will at least listen to the methodology and goals of needle exchange programs. Jen also discusses her struggle with drug addiction, mental health, and how she finally made a decision to give recovery a serious try.
Jake Grant joins us to discuss his three DUI's, three years in prison, and the romantic relationship he found while in residential treatment. Struggling to stay clean and sober, he worked day in and day out to find continuous recovery and get his two children back in his custody from DCFS. A story of perseverance and resiliency, Jake shares an honest look into his life and what he had to do to find happiness and the meaning of fatherhood.
Jason joins us in the studio to discuss his past trauma, mental health, time in the Navy, and his near-death experience. Troubled as a child and not feeling like he fits in, our guest found a way to make himself feel sociably accepted through alcohol and later drugs. When he realized that the drugs and alcohol consumed him in darkness, he felt there was no escaping the abyss. Jason found a way to escape the treacherous waters in recovery. Join us to hear his remarkable story and a discussion about different pathways to recovery.
Sponsored by Gateway Foundation
Episode 32 with host, Ty Bechel, discusses pathways to recovery. There is a lot of chatter as of late that there are only a few ways that you can recover from a substance use disorder, but we have found in our guests' testimony there are many different pathways to recovery one can take like 12-step model, science-based, Medical-Assisted Treatment, and more. In this intimate episode, we discuss a less known pathway to recovery. We read an excerpt from The Red Road to Wellbriety In The Native American Wayand discuss some of the principles found in this spiritual text.
Sponsored by Gateway Foundation
Heather sits down with Ty, host of Recovery Uncensored, at the Big Z Media studio. She discusses growing up after the divorce of her parents and adjusting to having two homes. As tension grew between her and her father, she found comfort in attending raves, dropping ecstasy, and couch surfing. The uncertainty and chaos became a comfortable passenger for Heather until she decided to turn her life around and find recovery.
Sponsored by Gateway Foundation
Allison stops by the Big Z Media studio and hangs out with Recovery Uncensored and drops the skinny about her remarkable story. Escaping Illinois and migrating to Florida, she entered a Disney intern program and began planting roots in the Sunshine State. After the internship, there were drug dealers, multiple jobs, and daily drug use. Allison and I put on our tiaras and she let it all loose from going to jail to her mom taking a flight to Florida to rescue her daughter from death or prison.
Sponsored by Gateway Foundation
Brian began telling his story that he once thought was boring... once he no longer felt nervous his narrated journey unpacked the insidious side of alcohol and prescription medication addiction that he hid from his family and friends, or so he thought. The thing about addiction is it makes us lie to everyone, even ourselves when we are in full-blown use. Brian's tale luckily has a happy ending... for now.
Sponsored by Gateway Foundation
From a small town to multiple prisons, Colby joins us in the Big Z Media studio. He shares how his release from prison and reflecting on the years of using drugs and alcohol inspired him to make a change and give recovery a chance. Wearing himself down from being homeless and couch surfing, Colby highlights that he had enough. Thank you Colby for such a fantastic interview.
Episode 27 is unlike any other episode we have produced. During this episode, we shift gears into discussing sex and love addiction with Hollywood actress (True Blood, Prom Night, Jarhead), Brianne Davis, that is in recovery from sex and love addiction.We talk about recovery from sex and love addiction in Hollywood, why the movie The Notebook is off limits for those in recovery from sex and love addiction, and her new book Secret Life of a Hollywood Sex & Love Addict. Brianne leaves nothing on the table during this shocking, revealing, and sex-y episode that will leave the listeners questioning their sex and love life and raising awareness of a much-needed topic that affects millions of people globally.
Sponsored by: Gateway Foundation
Two sisters, Brittney Yotter, and Rachael Capriglione stop by the Big Z Media Studio and sit down with our host, Ty Bechel, to discuss family, addiction, and their love and support for one another in their recovery journey. One was meth, the other fentanyl... two different stories that had an uncommon ending. Join us for one of the most intriguing interviews to date.
Sponsored by: Gateway Foundation
Mike joins us at the Big Z Media Studio to share his journey of recovery. From growing up with a single mom to experiencing secondary trauma, Mike takes us on a wild ride of cocaine binges and alcohol-induced blackouts. Through the drunken oblivion, heroin whispered into his ear, ushering in a new level of chaos and waking life misery. His recovery revitalized his love for writing and playing Magic the Gathering, leading him to a life he never expected. Join us for an honest, brave, and open conversation with Mike's amazing testimony.
Sponsored by: Gateway Foundation
Lacey joins us in the Big Z Media Studio to discuss going from telling on herself at a house party to hiding her cocaine and heroin use from her family and friends. Moving around a lot during her childhood to many military bases, Lacey found her roots when she moved to Illinois when she was 8. She lived a relatively quiet and safe childhood and after her cocaine love affair, she stumbled upon heroin and her life became a lot less quiet and a bit more dramatic. She never gave up, found recovery, and now is giving back to those that are in the shoes she was once in. Join us to hear a remarkable story of perseverance, hope, and redemption.
Sponsored by: Gateway Foundation
Morgan joins Recovery Uncensored's Ty Bechel at the Big Z Media studio and shares some of the most intimate moments of her life that makes us respect her even more. From foster care to her home going up in flames, she came to a crossroad in her life where she felt suicide was the only way out to escape her addiction that was ravaging her life. She shares her struggles and her triumphs in this jaw-dropping interview you don't want to miss.
Sponsored by Gateway Foundation
Erin joins Recovery Uncensored's host, Ty Bechel in the Big Z Studio and reveals the shocking truth that mothers drink too. Her riveting testimony reveals what used to be fun turned into a bleak, resentment-fueled relationship she had with alcohol. Her family at a loss did the only thing they thought was right to save their mother, wife, and daughter. In this heartfelt story of a family saved from the grips of addiction, Erin shares her darkest secrets that lead to her brightest triumphs.
Sponsored by Gateway Foundation
Professional MMA fighter, Brandon "QuickDraw" Lowe stops by the studio to meet with the host (and his brother) and share what it was like trying to love a brother that was spiraling out of control. We break the rules on Episode 21 and talk about family, addiction, and recollect some of his greatest fight moments.
Sponsor: Gateway Foundation
From a small town of only 1,250, Ryan tells it all about growing up in Shawneetown and going to juvenile prison. He describes in detail how his addiction progressed and his struggle to feel accepted during active addiction was never met until he made the decision to turn his life around and find recovery. From couch surfing to a business owner and a father of 4, this is an interview you don't wanna miss. WARNING: this one is tear-jerker.
Sponsor: Gateway Foundation
Leah joins us in the studio to take us on a wild ride of hitchhiking, mailing marijuana, and making sure she was hydrated with Gatorade while Vodka controlled her life. From Illinois to California, this unique and beautiful soul provides a testimony of tragedy turned triumph.
Sponsor: Gateway Foundation
Briana joins us in the studio to discuss growing up and not feeling like she fit in. From drunken cornfields to drug court, she not only struggled with drug addiction but a temper, too. After experiencing a traumatic event with her son, she didn't know how to cope and fell into a dark abyss of drug-induced escape. Luckily, she was able to turn her life around and now rocks it as an empowered saleswoman at a large car dealership. You don't wanna miss this interview.
Sponsored by: Gateway Foundation
Alida joins us in the studio to talk about leaving Colorado, its beautiful landscape, and family behind for a man to come to an industrialized abyss in Madison County, Illinois, where her addiction took her places she never dreamed, and drug court was one of them. She is witty, full of sass, and takes no shit off of nobody, and that is why we love her and her journey in recovery.
Sponsored by Gateway Foundation
On this episode of Recovery Uncensored, Meagan shares her story with us on her journey with addiction, panhandling, living in a vacant building, and how she recovered. She answers the Hot Seat questions and Ty gives you a brief preview of his new podcast "Threads"! Thanks to our sponsor Gateway Foundations.
There comes a time when an interview produces testimony that is moving, emotional, and inspirational. Well, this episode is all of those. Danielle puts it all out on the table for our listeners to experience. From moving to California and working in Hollywood to crossing the border in Mexico and living there for some time, Danielle is a survivor of adversity and trauma. We thank her for coming on the show and sharing so bravely.
Sponsor: Gateway Foundation
Wow! What an interview with Angela. From boosting anything she could get her hands on to a severe Adderall addiction, it is remarkable she was able to escape the grips of her addiction. Humility taught her that recovery is more than just putting down the drugs. It taught her to look inside and change what is necessary for happiness and her children.
Sponsored by Gateway Foundation
Jeremiah "HD" Reeves, funnyman and stand-up comedian, shares stories about life doing comedy shows and how the alcohol and lifestyle were no longer funny. We talk about music and when he met Jelly Roll, we talk about relationships, and we talk about the future of his comedy career. Thank you, Jeremeah, for being such an amazing guest.
Sponsored by: Gateway Foundation
Sponsored by: Gateway Foundation
What... An... Interview! Benjamin Thompson, World Famous Car Salesman, brought honesty, truth, and a whole lotta chaos turned redemption with his brutally straightforward testimony. He held nothing back when discussing what his early years selling cars was like while drinking alcohol and snorting cocaine only later to move to methamphetamines. His family later surrounded him as he turned his life around.
Episode 11 breaks all the molds when our host's daughter joins us in the WBGZ 107.1 studio for an intriguing and insightful interview. 14 year old, Dorie Mae, takes the listeners down memory lanes of what she recalls of her father's drug and alcohol use, his frequent absence from her life, and how she felt when her father found recovery. She was honest and didn't hold back as she reminds us how addiction affects more than just the person using drugs and alcohol.
Thank you to our sponsor, Gateway Foundation.
In this special episode, a past guest shows up to interview the host, Ty. You have heard much of his story through bits and pieces of the show, but Kevin serves as an astounding guest host and wasted no time to pull back the layers on Ty. Tears, laughs, nostalgic moments - Ty shares from a place of love, trauma, vulnerability, and pain, allowing our fans to see from a transparent and honest lens. We hope you enjoy. Thanks for doing such a good job, Kevin.
Melody blew us AWAY with her testimony of when she was led to selling crack, getting high on her own supply, nearly losing her life to two men, and turning her life around by finding God and Recovery after her two children were taken from her. Her sincere honesty allows all our listeners to hear a story that went from hopeless to hopeful.
How long can one person hide their active addiction before family, friends, and co-workers know the person we used to be was no more? Kevin joins us to discuss his escalation of alcohol use that led to taking pain medication and lying to his family daily. Was he able to escape the use of heroin? Join us to hear a Kansas City native's compelling story of intervention from opiates.
HOLY S#$#! Our guest, Jason Zarantonello, laid out honesty and humility all in one interview. Running the streets of St. Louis to get his fentanyl eventually landed him in Drug Court. Many people think Drug Court is set up to fail, but Jason had something else to say about that and set the record straight. Join us for an amazing and honest conversation with a Drug Court graduate that is now working in the treatment and recovery industry as an amazing peer worker.
This interview is DEEP! With all of the controversy and injustices in the nation today, Ty Hill blesses Recovery Uncensored with his presence to discuss, as an African-American in long-term recovery, Black Lives Matter, George Floyd's untimely and unnecessary death, cultural and spiritual shifts in our consciousness, Malcolm X, his faith in Islam and how society gets it twisted, and ways we can heal as a community and nation.
Sponsored by: Gateway Foundation.
Rachel "RAE" Treadway, the owner of Tranquility Exchange, joins us in the WBGZ 107.1 studio to discuss her recovery journey and her impressive knowledge of Reiki Meditation, Singing Bowl Therapy, and other things we didn't even know existed regarding the mind and body. Join us for a calm, yet cool, hour of Recovery Uncensored.
Fake ID's! Meth Manufacturing! Arizona's Top 10 Most Wanted List! Our very special guest, Dar Bryant, takes us on a personal journey from small-town church boy to meth addiction and being on the State of Arizona's Top Ten Most Wanted List to helping those released from prison with the Alton Dream Center.
We sit down with 3D Vapor LLC owner and person in long-term recovery and discuss taking business risks, dealing with insecurities and suicidal thoughts, and how a life of recovery has shaped him into the person he is today. He lays it all on the line to share his darkest moments to his saving grace. Thank you, Dano!
Episode 2: WE Strong: A Candid Look into LGBTQ & Recovery is not for those that are not willing to be open-minded and willing to learn from our two amazing guests, Alex Easton and Michael Wooten.
To break it down for our listeners: What happens when a straight podcast host has a discussion with one of the most beautiful gay couples in the St. Louis Metropolitan area about identity, addiction, and recovery? Magic is what happens. The discussion about growing up gay, wrestling with what identity society wants us to have, and how to break through and be comfortable and love who you are if you are part of the LGBTQ community is not only powerful, but it lays the groundwork for those of us that may not fully understand the LGBTQ community or recovery. Not only did we share a commonality of not fitting in, we also discovered that we all have fear and concerns in this crazy thing called life.
Thank you to Alex and Michael for sharing so bravely and honestly. We are honored to call you our friends.
How exciting! Our pilot episode for Recovery Uncensored features our host, Ty A. Bechel, with special guest Mike Morrison.
Will the age old question if addiction is a disease or not a disease finally be answered? Mike Morrison helps us answer that question, and he has 40 years of long-term recovery from drug and alcohol addiction and, believe it, or not, 40 years (now retired) from the addiction treatment industry. He was a CEO for Bridgeway Behavioral Health, helped establish CAPA, and now has his own art studio to keep him busy.
Join us for an interesting, fun, and serious conversation about drug and alcohol addiction being a disease, or not.