Carleah Summers shares her journey from addiction to recovery and how her experience inspired her to open Andrea's House, a non-profit residential treatment program in Maryland where mothers can recover from substance use disorder without being separated from their children. Carleah discusses the stigma around maternal mental health and the importance of keeping families together during recovery.

Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:

• Pregnancy and Postpartum Substance Use Support
• Parental Mental Health
• Risk Factors for Addiction

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

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

Matt Dorsey stopped drinking alcohol on his own in 1992. But after a few years, he began using substances again and questioned whether or not recovery was possible for him. Matt shares his experience with relapse, navigating addiction in the LGBTQ+ community, and how he’s using his experience to help others struggling with addiction in San Francisco.

Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:

• Long Term Recovery from Addiction
• Relapse: What You Can Do as a Parent
• LGBTQ+, Family & Substance Use

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

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

Lara Love Hardin discusses her journey from suburban soccer mom hiding a heroin addiction to bestselling author. As a result of stealing money and credit cards to fund her addiction, The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing author shares how jail helped her rediscover writing and inspired her to build a nonprofit supporting justice-impacted women. Her story is a powerful exploration of shame, resilience, and redemption.

Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, as well as in-depth discussions of substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, please contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (800) 662-4357. These programs provide free, confidential support 24/7. You are not alone.

Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:  

• Heroin: What parents need to know
• Opioids: What parents need to know
• Legal Process After an Arrest: A Family Guide to Juvenile & Adult Justice

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

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

Jim Sonefeld, drummer for Hootie & the Blowfish, shares his powerful journey from concert tours fueled by alcohol to finding recovery at age 40. He opens up about hiding his drinking behind the rock-and-roll lifestyle, the intervention that came from his 4-year-old daughter, and how he's rebuilt his life through recovery. Jim also discusses his unique approach to talking with his kids about substance use and why he now sees his recovery story as a gift rather than a punishment.

Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:

• Alcohol Resource Center
• Long Term Recovery from Addiction
• Prevention Tips for Every Age

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

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

After losing one son to overdose and watching another struggle with lifelong schizophrenia, neuroscientist Dr. Kristen Gilliland reveals what she wishes she'd known about today's ultra-potent marijuana and the developing brain. She breaks down the science of how THC hijacks the adolescent brain's critical development period and why the push for marijuana legalization may be putting more teens at risk.

Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, as well as in-depth discussions of substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, please contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (800) 662-4357. These programs provide free, confidential support 24/7. You are not alone.

Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:  

• Marijuana Resource Center
• Co-Occurring Disorders Resource Center
• Having Tough Conversations

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

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

William Perry shares his powerful journey from childhood trauma and opioid addiction to a 10-year prison sentence, and ultimately to co-founding This Must Be the Place, an organization that combines music, arts, and harm reduction. Now in recovery, Perry and his team distribute naloxone kits at concerts and festivals across the country. His story demonstrates how recovery, connection, and meeting people where they are can save lives and transform communities.

Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:  

• Harm Reduction Resource Center - Partnership to End Addiction
• Naloxone: Overdose Reversal Drug - Partnership to End Addiction
• Legal Process After an Arrest: A Family Guide to Juvenile & Adult Justice - Partnership to End Addiction

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

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

Can GLP-1 medications like Ozempic help treat addiction? Elizabeth Vargas talks with Pat Aussem, Vice President of Consumer Clinical Content Development at Partnership to End Addiction, about the ongoing clinical trials and the science behind how these drugs work on the brain's reward system. From promising early results to concerns about long-term effects and accessibility, Elizabeth and Pat examine both the potentials and the unknowns surrounding what could be a game-changing approach to substance use disorders.

Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:  

• Can GLP-1 Medications Like Ozempic Help in Addiction Treatment?
• Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder
• Recovery Resource Center

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

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

Season 7 of Heart of the Matter kicks off with country pop star Walker Hayes, whose Grammy-nominated hit "Fancy Like" catapulted him to fame. Walker opens up about his journey from drinking at 13 to finding recovery at 35. He discusses his deeply personal 2024 EP "Sober Thoughts," and shares a raw, honest conversation about addiction, creativity, and how recovery transformed his life and music.

Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, as well as in-depth discussions of substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, please contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (800) 662-4357. These programs provide free, confidential support 24/7. You are not alone.

Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:

• Substance Use Risk Assessment
• Alcohol Resource Center
• Treatment & Recovery Resource Center

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

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