Episodios

  • 549: A life of Gangs and Heroin to Helping Addicts Recover
    Jul 13 2025

    Have you ever felt completely hopeless watching someone you love spiral out of control?

    Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with our close friend and coworker, Shermain, who shares how he went from the streets of Memphis—deep in gang life and heroin addiction—to now celebrating over 5 years of sobriety.

    Charmaine opens up about:

    • Growing up in poverty and addiction

    • His darkest moments alone in a hotel room

    • What finally got him clean after years of relapse

    • Why surrendering to the program saved his life

    His story is raw, real, and proof that recovery is possible for anyone—no matter how far gone they feel.

    💬 Need help? Fill out this form and we’ll reach out:
    🔗 https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/help

    🎧 Subscribe to hear real stories of recovery, healing, and second chances.

    👉 Check out the Family Reconnect Program here: https://realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    Questions? Hit us up: info@realrecoverytalk.com

    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/

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    51 m
  • 548: Boundaries Don’t Work – Yes, They Do… If You Do This
    Jul 11 2025

    Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In this episode, Ben and I are talking about something that came up during our Family Reconnect call that really stuck with us… setting boundaries for yourself. A lot of times, families are focused on setting rules for the addict — but we don’t stop to ask: What about me? What am I doing to protect my own peace and sanity?

    Here’s what we cover: Why boundaries only work when you stick to them What it really means to “love someone from afar” Why helping too much might be hurting How addiction affects the entire family, especially siblings And why failing at boundaries in the past might actually help you get it right now If you’re tired of the chaos and feel like you’re doing all the work while they keep getting high — this one’s for you.

    👉 Check out the Family Reconnect Program here: https://realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    Questions? Hit us up: info@realrecoverytalk.com

    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/

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    35 m
  • 547: Big Book Study: How It Works Part III
    Jul 9 2025

    Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In today’s episode, Erik takes us through How It Works from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous Part III

    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/

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    34 m
  • 546: The Truth About Weed: Why It’s Not as Safe as You Think
    Jul 6 2025

    Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In this episode, Tom, Ben, and Dr. Tamberi talk about why weed (marijuana) is not as harmless as many people say it is—especially for young people. A lot of big influencers and celebrities are telling kids that weed is totally safe, but we don’t agree.

    We’ve seen many people come into treatment because of weed, and it’s not just “no big deal.” Some struggle with serious anxiety, depression, and even scary thoughts after using weed a lot.

    We talk about real stories, the science behind how weed affects the brain, and why it’s important to know the truth. If you're a parent, a teen, or just someone trying to understand what’s really going on, 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/

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    36 m
  • 545: Sage FINALLY got sober when....Story of inspiration and hope
    Jul 4 2025

    Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In this powerful and emotional episode, we sit down with Sage, who shares her journey of trying everything to get clean and sober — from treatment centers across the country to an experience in Mexico involving ibogaine. Despite her desperate efforts, nothing seemed to work. Sage opens up about the moment she cried out to God, asking Him to just let her die — and how that moment of surrender led to real, lasting change. This episode is filled with hope, faith, and raw truth — a must-listen for anyone who has a loved one struggling with addiction.

    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/

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    40 m
  • 544: Big Book Study: How It Works: Part 2
    Jul 2 2025

    Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In today’s episode, Erik takes us through the second half of How It Works from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.

    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/

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    28 m
  • 543: I Shouldn’t Be Alive... 8 Years Sober: Destiny's Story
    Jun 29 2025

    Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In this episode, we sit down with our friend Destiny, who just celebrated eight years of continuous sobriety! Destiny shares her incredible journey — from the depths of addiction to a life filled with purpose, hope, and service. We talk about what it really takes to stay sober long-term, how her mindset has evolved over the years, and the ways she continues to grow in her recovery. Whether you’re brand new to sobriety or years into the journey, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.

    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/

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    41 m
  • 542: Stop Doubting Yourself: Pastor Todd Mullins: Don't Let Doubt Take You Out
    Jun 27 2025

    Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    DONT LET DOUBT TAKE YOU OUT: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Let-Doubt-Take-You/dp/1636414346

    Christ Fellowship: https://www.christfellowship.church/

    In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan Laabs and Pastor Todd Mullins, lead pastor of Christ Fellowship Church here in South Florida. Pastor Todd shares the story behind his new book Don’t Let Doubt Take You Out - and how doubt shows up in our addictions, recovery journeys, and everyday life.

    We all opened up about our own experiences with self-doubt: how it creeps in, how it can pull us off track, and what it takes to break through it. Whether you’re new to sobriety, a family member trying to support a loved one, or simply someone battling your own inner doubt, this conversation will inspire you to keep moving forward.

    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/

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    59 m