The Truth About Addiction

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Control feels safe until it steals our peace. We sit down with Brooke Burke for a candid, spirited conversation that turns into an unscripted coaching session on surrender, acceptance, and real-world agency. We unpack why powerlessness isn’t weakness but a compass pointing us away from unwinnable battles—other people’s moods, shifting schedules, the traffic, the verdicts of bosses or gatekeepers—and back toward choices that actually change our day.

Together we trace how old survival strategies harden into overfunctioning and anxiety, and how pain can act like a circuit breaker...

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What if forgiveness isn’t something you give away—but the foundation you stand on? I share a raw story of recovery, grief, and betrayal that reframed everything I believed about healing. After losing my sister to overdose, my two worlds—clinical work and spiritual practice—collided, and I began translating the wisdom of recovery for anyone stuck in cycles of addiction, perfectionism, or emotional chaos. The ninth step’s spirit of amends became a mirror: before I could repair anything outside me, I had to make amends to myself.

We walk throu...

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Douglas James captivates listeners with his raw, vulnerable journey from a traumatic childhood to becoming a wildly successful entrepreneur and devoted family man. 

Growing up with a father battling addiction, mental illness, and violent tendencies, Douglas witnessed domestic abuse, experienced homelessness, and endured neglect that left deep emotional scars. His powerful testimony reveals how joining the Navy at 17 became his escape route—leading to a decade of military service and eventually building businesses that generated over $70 million in revenue.

Yet despite external success, Douglas discovered a profound truth: "Success doe...

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Raw, unfiltered, and straight from the heart—Vince Ricci's story of transformation from Bronx street survivor to creative powerhouse will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about forgiveness, resilience, and what it truly means to protect those you love.

The founder and CEO of Hubble Studio doesn't just share his success story; he rips open the vault on his tumultuous upbringing where survival meant discerning friend from foe, where trust could get you killed, and where the most feared men were sometimes the most tender-hearted. His candid reflections on gr...

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Marshall Davis Jones opens his heart and shares his profound journey through forgiveness in this soul-stirring conversation about healing, poetry, and personal liberation. A five-time TEDx speaker whose poems have been flown into space by NASA, Marshall reveals how the practice of forgiveness transformed not only his relationships but also healed debilitating physical pain.

Through vivid storytelling, Marshall takes us through his evolution from writing viral poetry that reinforced blame to crafting poems that embody accountability and wholeness. His turning point came when he made two pivotal phone calls—one to hi...

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Greg Kimble's story defies the ordinary arc of success. From a Capitol Records artist at 15 to a Vegas headliner at 21 making $25,000 weekly, his early trajectory seemed glamorous—until it nearly destroyed him. When his father showed up unannounced to save him from self-destruction, Greg experienced the first of many spiritual nudges that would ultimately redirect his life toward purpose and impact.

"Everyone has something inside that is needed and necessary in this world," Greg shares with electric conviction. This belief fuels his work through The Final Percent, a company named after wi...

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What happens when two souls reconnect after four decades apart? In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Pam Yudko – who was once my camp counselor when I was just six years old, and is now a nationally recognized transformational coach with over 20 years of experience helping people break free from limiting beliefs.

Our conversation, recorded live at my Heart Conscious Creators event in Los Angeles, explores the profound power of acknowledgment in healing relationships. Pam shares with remarkable vulnerability how she discovered layers of judgment she was still holding toward he...

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What happens when two people with extensive recovery journeys sit down to talk about what they're still struggling with? Magic, vulnerability, and profound wisdom emerge.

Dr. Samantha Harte welcomes Dave Meltzer – successful entrepreneur, sought-after keynote speaker, author, and as she describes him, "an amazing human" – for a raw conversation that quickly moves beyond the expected topics into deeply personal territory. Despite 16 years of sobriety and all the external markers of success, both open up about their ongoing internal work with disarming honesty.

The discussion moves seamlessly between profound topics: the...

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Death isn't always the end of the story. Sometimes, it's just the beginning of something extraordinary.

Frank Parisi didn't just approach death's door – he walked through it. During what began as treatment for a persistent cough, Frank found himself on a ventilator with his heart, liver, and kidneys failing. What happened next defies conventional understanding: he died, left his body, encountered his deceased friend, and was given the choice to stay or return. For the sake of his young son, he chose to come back.

This episode takes us th...

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What happens when you build your entire identity on who others expect you to be – then finally find the courage to live as your authentic self? In this extraordinarily vulnerable conversation, I speak with Romy Marie – certified identity coach, mother, entrepreneur, and former cast member of Showtime's "The Real L Word" – though we'd never met before hitting record.

Romi takes us through her journey that began with childhood survival, where she learned that creating drama and "being sick" would earn her the attention she desperately craved from her busy single mother and ab...

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What happens when the very traits that once helped you succeed become the prison bars holding you captive? In this raw and revelatory solo episode, Dr. Samantha Harte takes us on a deeply personal journey through her battle with perfectionism—a character trait that drove her to academic excellence, cocaine addiction, marital crisis, and ultimately, profound transformation.

Drawing from her recent Harte Conscious Creators event, Dr. Harte vulnerably shares how her need to control everyone and everything manifested when facing failure or uncertainty. From plagiarizing a college paper to preserve her st...

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Every so often, an unexpected friendship forms that cuts through the superficial and dives straight into soul-deep connection. That's exactly what happened when I met Brooke Burke—someone I'd admired from afar for years as she graced television screens with her natural charisma and undeniable presence.

What I discovered behind the public persona was truly remarkable: a deeply spiritual woman whose superpowers had nothing to do with her on-camera talent and everything to do with her genuine desire to lift others up. In this intimate conversation recorded in Brooke's backyard, we ex...

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What happens when your entire world collapses, your body betrays you, and even the medical establishment refuses to believe your pain? For Deborah Weed, this nightmare became reality during a three-year health crisis that transformed her from a successful corporate executive to a bedridden patient fighting for her life—and her dignity.

Deborah's remarkable journey began at the peak of her career. As Director of Development for Citibank overseeing 19 branches and leading major projects with Disney and Universal, she embodied professional success. Then came the pain—excruciating, relentless pain that doctors repe...

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What if those moments we dismiss as "coincidences" are actually glimpses into something more profound? After spending most of my life as a determined atheist who believed spiritual people were simply not intelligent enough to rely on themselves, I've undergone a remarkable transformation.

Sixteen years into sobriety and eleven years into an unexpected spiritual journey, I've completely reimagined what "God" means to me. No longer the rigid cultural construct I was taught to reject, I've discovered what I call "the whisper of God"—that intelligent, intuitive knowing within that guides us to...

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Traumatic experiences shape us in profound ways, often gifting us with remarkable strengths that help us survive—but what happens when those same strengths become barriers to our healing?

This captivating panel discussion features Paige and Joe, two individuals who've faced devastating traumas yet found ways to transform their adaptive traits from potential liabilities back into personal assets. Their stories offer a masterclass in self-awareness and emotional growth.

Joe, paralyzed after a military service injury in 2007, shares how his unwavering positivity and resilience helped him adapt to life in a...

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What happens when the very traits that make you successful in your career become obstacles in your personal life? This riveting panel discussion featuring coaches Alejandra Perez and Michael Graham explores the fascinating terrain of redirecting character traits from liabilities into assets.

Alejandra, a self-described driven optimist who reinvented herself multiple times across engineering, sales, and entrepreneurship, reveals how excessive positivity without preparation led to business failure. Rather than abandoning her optimistic nature, she found ways to ground it in reality while maintaining its motivational power. Her journey offers profound insights...

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What happens when a physical healer discovers that treating the body alone isn't enough? After years of helping patients recover physically while maintaining my own fragile sobriety, I faced a devastating wake-up call that transformed everything.

The moment my sister lost her battle with addiction, something fundamentally shifted in me. No longer could I separate my professional identity as a physical therapist from my personal journey through recovery. The carefully constructed walls between these worlds came crashing down, revealing a truth I'd been avoiding: true healing requires addressing the soul sickness...

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What happens when anger transforms into acceptance? When betrayal leads to forgiveness? When rage opens the door to healing? This powerful episode brings together three extraordinary individuals who've walked through fire and emerged with wisdom that could change your life.

Bruce Cardenas, a former Marine who built a billion-dollar nutrition brand, shares the gut-wrenching story of business betrayal that would have broken many. Instead of seeking vengeance, he chose forgiveness—a choice informed by asking forgiveness from his own brother and watching his son battle alcoholism. His revelation that "life is ex...

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What happens when a successful healthcare professional faces a personal tragedy that forces her to reimagine her entire purpose? Dr. Samantha Harte's raw, vulnerable story takes us from disillusionment with the healthcare system to entrepreneurial success, and ultimately to a profound spiritual awakening following her sister's fatal overdose.

Dr. Harte's journey began when she realized the healthcare system wasn't serving patients or providers. Despite her doctorate in physical therapy, she was earning just $33 an hour while witnessing trainers and yoga instructors making two to five times more. With a combination of...

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What happens when a Hollywood power broker responsible for managing millions for stars like Beyoncé and Alanis Morissette loses everything through addiction and embezzlement? Jonathan Todd Schwartz takes us on his extraordinary journey from "Diva Whisperer" to federal prison inmate to recovery advocate with unflinching honesty.

Schwartz doesn't shy away from the brutal truth – he stole $7 million from clients to fund his cocaine and gambling addictions, actions that destroyed his career, marriage, and relationship with his children. Yet his story isn't defined by his spectacular fall, but rather by his remarkable red...

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Ryan Zofay's story of transformation from addiction to spiritual abundance is nothing short of miraculous. After losing his sister at age five and being introduced to drugs by his mother at eleven, Ryan spiraled into a destructive path that included multiple felonies and culminated in a near-fatal car accident. That crash became his sobriety date—October 9, 2001—and marked the beginning of his remarkable journey to healing.

What sets Ryan apart isn't just his 24 years of sobriety or his business success, but the profound spiritual consciousness he operates from. While the 12-step prog...

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What happens when life's carefully constructed plans crumble? For Alex Smith, the journey from small-town athlete to Miss Oklahoma to entertainment industry executive has been anything but predictable. In this raw and revealing conversation, Alex shares how she transformed unexpected setbacks into powerful comebacks through the cultivation of faith.

Growing up in a community with just 32 students in her graduating class, Alex had mapped out a future in sports until an injury forced her to reconsider everything. Reluctantly entering the pageant world, she ultimately claimed the Miss Oklahoma crown on her...

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Your body is constantly talking to you—a hidden conversation happening beneath your conscious awareness. Yet in our neck-up, screen-focused world, we've disembodied ourselves from this essential wisdom. Meet Alexis, a transformation coach and founder of Soul Sway, who transitioned from working with A-list celebrities in entertainment to helping women globally reclaim their authentic power.

During this captivating live conversation, Alexis takes us through her own "U-turn" moments—those profound wake-up calls that forced her to reevaluate everything. From childhood trauma where her emotional expression was invalidated during a family tragedy to h...

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The simple act of waking up with the sun changed everything for Rick Sugarman. What started as a desperate attempt to create more time during a business crisis transformed into a life philosophy that bridges physical wellbeing, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.

Rick reveals how "beating up the sun"—his term for a morning routine that aligns with sunrise—creates a cascade of benefits far beyond the single hour invested. By shifting just one hour from the end of his day to the beginning, he effectively tripled his productivity while discovering prof...

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Sometimes our deepest pain becomes our greatest catalyst for transformation. In this raw, vulnerable solo episode, you'll hear the inspiring journey of how rock bottom moments became the foundation for an extraordinary life of purpose and healing.

Dr. Samantha Harte takes us through her evolution from cocaine addict to doctor of physical therapy, revealing how her near-fatal overdose occurred on the very day she was accepted into her doctoral program. With unflinching honesty, she shares how her marital crisis—born from the aftermath of addiction—pushed her to spiritual rock bottom whil...

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What if true healing demands we explore beyond conventional wisdom? In this deeply personal conversation, John Borden shares his extraordinary journey from cocaine addiction to profound transformation through the therapeutic use of psilocybin mushrooms.

John's story begins in a familiar place - trapped in cycles of control, substance abuse, and destructive patterns stemming from childhood bullying and deep-seated unworthiness. But when conventional paths failed him, an unexpected psychedelic experience cracked open his perception, revealing emotions and connections he'd suppressed for years.

We explore the pivotal moment when John reconnected...

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Kay Hanley, the remarkable Emmy and Peabody award-winning songwriter, joins us for a candid conversation on embracing powerlessness and its profound impact on her life and career. From her pivotal decision to get sober in 2011, Kay opens up about how letting go of control has shaped her journey, particularly in her relationships. She shares the deeply transformative experience of surrendering in the face of personal challenges, leading to a more authentic and fulfilling way of living. Listen as Kay recounts the powerful shift that occurred when she stopped trying to manage everything around...

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What does it take to rise from chaos and transform setbacks into opportunities? Join us as we uncover the incredible journey of Dan Fleyshman, a trailblazing entrepreneur known for being the youngest founder of a publicly traded company and for his extensive work as an angel investor. Dan shares his unique perspective on success, centered around the freedom to act autonomously and aid others. Listen to his compelling narrative about the dramatic rise and fall of Victory Poker, his online poker venture that soared to become a top contender globally, only to face...

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Ashley Rogers, a trailblazing entrepreneur and CEO of Sprinkles CPG, invites us into her world filled with the triumphs and challenges that come with building successful businesses. From her early life shaped by the dual influences of a father with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a mother battling addiction, Ashley's journey is a testament to resilience. Sharing personal stories of overcoming adversity, she paints a vivid picture of how her past molded her into the powerhouse she is today. Her experiences offer listeners invaluable insights into processing trauma and leveraging it for growth.<...

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After facing life-altering challenges, Chase—the inspiring health coach and certified TRX trainer—shares his incredible journey of resilience and transformation with us. He takes us through his story of overcoming a medical discharge from the military and the arduous process of relearning to walk. By embracing exercise and a healthy lifestyle, he not only changed his own life but also found his passion in helping others break free from limiting mindsets. His insights into how addiction extends beyond substances to the universal struggle of being stuck in unproductive patterns will resonate with anyo...

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Renowned investigative journalist and bestselling author Billy Jensen opens up about his transformative journey from addiction to sobriety, sharing how these experiences have profoundly shaped both his personal and professional life. Through candid discussions, he reveals the challenges of adapting communication in today's digital age and the powerful impact of authenticity. Billy talks about evolving from a storyteller who crafted elaborate narratives to one who values clarity and directness, comparing the succinctness required in modern communication to the art of poetry.

Growing up in a household marked by addiction, Billy reflects...

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What if you could break free from the constraints of traditional healthcare and truly transform your life and the lives of your clients? Let me take you on a journey of self-reinvention that I call "Samantha 2.0," where I share my decade-long experience as a physical therapist disillusioned by an insurance-based system. This episode reveals how personal challenges, such as recovering from addiction and coping with the tragic loss of my sister Jessica, propelled me towards a more holistic approach. By establishing a cash-based practice, I've embraced treating the whole person, addressing both physical...

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After years of living with subconscious addictive behaviors, Niko Arapkulis, our guest and the host of the Just Grow podcast, transformed his life to one of intentionality and purpose. On this episode of "The Truth About Addiction," Niko recounts his journey from a heavy partying lifestyle post-breakup to achieving four years of sobriety during the COVID pandemic. We explore how addiction manifests in various forms, including social media overuse, and how seeking fulfillment from within rather than external sources can lead to a more purposeful life.

Niko and I also share...

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Shina Rae Reynolds, a celebrated Israeli actress turned American aesthetician and celebrity makeup artist, joins us for a heart-to-heart conversation about her extraordinary journey from a life marred by trauma to one of triumph and resilience. Shina opens up about the powerful emotional connection she felt during a recent networking event, which led to our serendipitous collaboration aimed at empowering others. Her candid reflections on American superficiality and the inspiring role of vulnerability in personal growth provide a fresh perspective on the importance of sharing our stories to break the chains of isolation...

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Can early childhood trauma forge an entrepreneurial spirit? Amy Lacey’s journey from a tumultuous upbringing to creating the world's first cauliflower pizza crust and innovative soursop gummies will leave you inspired. This episode of "The Truth About Addiction" intimately explores how Amy’s mother's struggles as a single parent and her father's addiction issues shaped her resilience and fueled her passion for holistic health. Amy opens up about the pivotal role of therapy in her life, sharing how it helped her navigate past traumas and autoimmune conditions, leading to her groundbreaking ventures.
...

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Grief has a way of shaping us in unexpected ways. After the heartbreaking loss of our sisters and fathers, we realized just how much these experiences could fuel personal growth and give our lives new purpose. In this episode, London Reber and I reconnect after two years to reflect on our shared journey through grief and emotional sobriety. We discuss the impact of these losses on our lives and explore how principles of the 12-step program can apply beyond substance abuse, emphasizing our powerlessness over people, places, and things. Our evolving professional paths...

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How do you guide a loved one resisting treatment for addiction? In this emotionally charged episode, we sit down with Dr. Brian Licuanan, a seasoned psychologist skilled in addressing insomnia, family crises, and substance abuse. Dr. Licuanan shares invaluable insights from his book, "How to Get a Resisting Loved One into Treatment," revealing practical strategies for families battling the complexities of addiction. Throughout our discussion, Dr. Brian recounts his journey into social media advocacy, striking a delicate balance between digital engagement and real-world connections.

We tackle the heart-wrenching reality of addiction's...

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How does one rise from the shadows of a strict religious upbringing to become a beacon of hope for those battling burnout? Tracy Inscore joins us to unravel her remarkable journey, sharing her experiences growing up in a doomsday religious cult and how those early years of harsh discipline and emotional turmoil shaped her into an accomplished attorney and holistic energy practitioner. Tracy’s candid recollections of her father's rage and its impact on her nervous system provide a profound backdrop for understanding the importance of emotional regulation and healing.

Throughout ou...

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Actor, vocalist, and advocate Jacob Wilson joins us for a heartfelt exploration into the world of addiction within the entertainment industry. From his roots in Visalia, California, to his relentless pursuit of the arts under top-notch coaches, Jacob opens up about the tension between the industry's glamorous facade and the often harsh reality behind the scenes. This conversation touches on the challenges of identifying as queer, especially within the metal music scene, and the significant impact addiction has had on his life and the lives of those around him. 

Jacob’s raw...

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Ever wondered how someone transitions from a strict religious upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur and influencer? Join us as Travis Chappell shares his incredible journey from a door-to-door salesman to a founder, investor, speaker, and podcaster. Growing up in an Independent Fundamental Baptist community in Southern California, Travis reveals how his early environment shaped his worldview and the challenges he faced while making a career shift. From earning six figures at a young age to realizing he needed more fulfillment, his story underscores the power of mindset and internal work in achieving...

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Imagine being 13 years old and stumbling upon a world that would not only shape your future but also inspire countless others. Joe Hoye did just that when he had a life-changing gym experience, setting him on an extraordinary path to become a health, weight loss, and mindset coach for women aged 45 and older. In this episode, we sit down with Joe as he opens up about his incredible journey, guided by the influence of his mother and a deep desire to address the emotional and psychological elements that are crucial for lasting physical...

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Welcome back to The Truth About Addiction with Ricky Rebel! He is not a classic case-no formal substance abuse whatsoever. But he did grow up learning to self-abandon and please and perform at the expense of being his true self. We dive into whether or not that coping mechanism is an addiction in and of itself, and so much more. Enjoy!

Dr. Harte
About Ricky Rebel:

Ricky Rebel is a Billboard Top 40 recording artist who has been signed with MichaelJackson’s MJJ customlabel atSony and Madonna’s Maverick labe...

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Rachele Royale's journey through the music and entertainment industry is nothing short of extraordinary. Known for her powerhouse vocals and multifaceted talents, she opens up about the personal trials that have shaped her path, including the heart-wrenching loss of her mother to suicide and surviving sexual assault. Listen as she passionately shares her mission to empower women by teaching them self-sufficiency through skills like engineering and producing, aiming to reduce the need for compromising situations in the industry. With her latest project, "Haus of Royale," Rachele sheds light on the often unseen realities...

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Hi everyone!

Welcome back to The Truth About Addiction. Today's guest is a very special man with a powerful message. He's a living embodiment of what happens when an addict changes the trajectory of their life and steps into their purpose. For more on Mike Fiore, check out his bio below:

Michael Fiore is the Outreach Coordinator for Voices for Awareness and Project
Facing Fentanyl (Home of National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, August
21). Michael is C.E.O. & Founder of Inspire 2 Inspire providing resources to addicts...

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Welcome back to The Truth About Addiction! I have a very special guest today and boy does she have a story to tell. A sexual abuse survivor and rocketed to fame, Cheryl Burke tells us about her childhood, her inability to speak for years, her stroke of luck landing DWTS and her rock bottom-success. Tune in and hear another miraculous story about addiction, recovery and healing.

MORE ABOUT CHERYL

         With over thirty years of dancing experience and several championship titles under her belt, two-time Emmy nominated professional dancer Cheryl Burke...

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Today's episode features actress Holly Hester, a veteran in the entertainment industry with a deep and beautiful soul. Though she doesn't identify as a classic "addict" in the traditional sense, she discusses all the ways in which patterns from childhood show up as addictive tendencies in adulthood. We dive into the ways in which that presents and the ways in which we can break the cycle of dysfunction. 


MORE ABOUT HOLLY:

Holly Hester is an Actress, FNL Host, and Self Portrait Artist, Speaker, Life Coach, and Comedian. She s...

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Today's interview with Tori Kay touches on something very controversial---can we try sobriety and then change our minds? Can we control our drinking with firm boundaries? Can we override our DNA? Some people would say absolutely not. I tried it all and failed, so for me the 12 steps are a way of life. But for Tori, she is experimenting and isn't sure how this part of her story ends. Watch the episode for all the details!

More on Tori:

As a singer, dancer, actress, and content creator, Tori Kay...

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Today's episode is a fascinating conversation with Dr. Patrick Lockwood, a Doctor of Psychology who is not an addict but works at a recovery center and grew up with a sober dad. His perspective on recovery, accountability and empathy are worthy of a listen for anyone who wants to take an intellectual deep dive on these topics.

More on Dr. Lockwood:

Dr. Lockwood is a licensed Psychologist working as an addiction treatment
and recovery clinician since 2009. He earned his BA in Psychology at the
University of Missouri-Columbia...

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Welcome back to The Truth About Addiction!
 
Today I unexpectedly dive into the 12 steps--the ways in which the language of them keeps many people sick in and pout of recovery--and the ways in which I have reimagined them over more than a decade. This is a huge passion point for me and one of the big reasons I wrote my book in the first place.  Austin and I discuss his story from addiction to recovery before dissecting the ways in which the steps have transformed our lives, but only after we ha...

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     Welcome back to The Truth About Addiction and Happy New Year. I decided to share a recap of my year---arguably the wildest one yet.  Everything I thought would happen didn't, and everything I've dreamed of happening did. I take you through my year from beginning to end, from an attempt at real estate to a tour in Japan, a retreat in Tulum to performing in Vegas, finishing my book and co-writing a screenplay and losing a close friendship while watching my mother become (once again) acutely manic. It's been a whirlwind. I hope it h...

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       Welcome back to The Truth About Addiction! In today's episode, I interview founder of Amare Magazine, George Rojas, to uncover how he ended up as CEO of a successful magazine after living a life of crime, abuse and drug addiction. Rojas has overcome so many obstacles in his life, including both mental and sexual abuse as well as drug addiction. At rock bottom, George had a divine intervention and saw that there was a way out of the pain. He credits this moment to his unwavering spiritual connection in a power greater than him...

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Welcome Back to The Truth About Addiction with Dr. Harte. Today's episode is a continuation of the very difficult conversation around addiction, abuse, death and life after loss with Amy Davis. In episode 29, we tackled the beginning of the story and paused when things in her tumultuous marriage were escalating in dangerous ways. Today, we hit the absolute rock bottom moments that changed herald her daughter's life forever. We also discuss how to find connection, empathy and hope in the face of unimaginable grief. I hope you stay.

Dr. Harte

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Welcome back to The Truth About Addiction! Today's episode features a special and recurring guest named Dr. David Wiss. He is a sober friend with a brilliant mind and is changing the conversation around nutrition and mental health. He also shares his unique approach to nutrition counseling, which takes the model of food first, body second and turns it on its head. Imagine a world where we learned to listen to and trust our bodies and let our relationship with food follow? This perspective shift is monumental---stay tuned. 

More About David: Duration: 00:45:56

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Today's episode touches on some highly sensitive but really important topics--domestic abuse, relapse, and death to name a few. It is a story that must be told so the shame and stigma of violence and addiction loses its power over us individually and as a collective. Part one of Amy's story describes how it all began---the addiction, the rock bottom, and the journey into early sobriety. Stay tuned for Part two, where we discover what was behind the curtain of her tumultuous marriage and how she has survived abuse, loss and single parenting.  Duration: 01:10:05

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Welcome back to The Truth About Addiction!

Today I interview RJ Elizarraz, a man who seemingly lost everything more than once only to build back a life beyond his wildest dreams. It is a remarkable story, and a testament to how our message can truly become our message. 

RJ grew up in the Conejo valley region of southern California just north of Los Angeles. He was raised in a healthy environment by loving and successful parents. By the time he was 17, he had been expelled from several high schools. 2 y...

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Welcome back to The Truth About Addiction! Today's episode is a rich conversation with a sober friend and colleague in the wellness space, Gwen Dittmar. We dive into the nuances of every day living, including co-parenting post-divorce, living with inflammation in the body, and protecting the sacred nature of our energy field. No wellness path is off limits---therapy, 12 step programs, breath work, energy healing---when it comes to our sanity and serenity. 

More about Gwen:

Integrating an 18-year career in pharmaceutical and biotech research and consulting, with a lifetime of s...

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Welcome back to The Truth About Addiction. Today I get brutally honest about the recent "co-dependency bottom" I hit and what it is forcing me to look at. My dear friend and recovery buddy, Lauren Clayton, take a deep dive into nervous system regulation, inner child work, and ACA-yet another 12 step program that tackles childhood trauma with a beautiful and imperative mix of science, psychotherapy and soulfulness.

The discussion diverges from my normal format-rather than interview someone on a specific topic they are reckoning with in recovery, Lauren and I have...

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     Today's conversation is with one of my husband's dear friends and business partners Larry Miceli. Larry, owner of LM Auto Wholesale, has more than 91/2 year sober from drugs and alcohol. He has also spent the last 30 years in automotive wholesale.
     Larry has not only built a beautiful life in recovery but also built a $30 million business from a $2000 bankroll--more on that in today's episode.  From addiction to recovery and betrayal to forgiveness, Larry has built a life beyond his wildest dreams. With hard work and a great client base, Larry has fostered and reta...

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Today's episode captures the struggle and beauty of addiction, recovery, interpersonal relationships and the relationship we have with ourselves-especially our bodies. Lauren Clayton shares her story and what led her to the work she's doing in the world. We discuss it all-addiction to substances, love and external worthiness and recovery from outside validation. If you want to hear an honest conversation about dropping out of your head and into your heart, stay.

Lauren Clayton is an ex forensic therapist (where she did personality profiling and psych assessments for ex-cons recently released...

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Welcome back to The Truth About Addiction! Today's episode touches on some heavy topics, notably the real and often painful struggle of mental illness in recovery. Despite the founders of AA specifically discussing that there can and should be a place for addicts who need outside help, many people in recovery carry guilt and shame around their mental illness because they believe that working the steps should be enough to cure them. Couple that with judgment from people in recovery that medication should be avoided at all costs and you have yourself a...

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Welcome back to The Truth About Addiction! This short solo episode explains my personal reasons for celebrating my sober anniversaries, what they can bring up, and how they can inspire us to keep living honest and authentic lives. If you've ever wondered why addicts celebrate their sober anniversaries or what there is to be HAPPY about when you've stopped drinking and using, LISTEN IN! It's an inspiring message about walking through the hard in order to get to the magic.

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Welcome back to The Truth About Addiction! Today's' guest is a dear friend, Tali Bermudez, with 13 years sober from drugs and alcohol. Her story is incredible and her sobriety is breathtaking. Tune in to today's episode about her journey from addiction to recovery and her relationship journey from single to married and no kids to motherhood and step-parenthood.  Tali is a true testament of what it looks like to overcome adversity and build an inner resilience in the face of massive life trauma. Check out her bio below!

Tali was born i...

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Welcome back to The Truth About Addiction (and living sober.) Today's guest is a sober friend and professional mastermind named Devon Craig.  Early into sobriety, Devon's career took off and gave her a life on the outside that culture and years of conditioning tells us we all want. Despite lots of accolades and financial successes, her intuition told her when things weren't right. She continued to pivot and trusted that she would land on her feet. One decision at a time, her recovery proved strong enough to remind her that success doesn't mean m...

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Welcome back to The Truth About Addiction! Today's episode is a beautiful discussion with a sober friend Audra who talks about her journey into recovery, and one of the most difficult things she has experienced so far in sobriety-loneliness.  The universal application of this discussion is broad and expansive, and I hope it leaves you feeling a little less lonely and a little more connected.  The longer I stay sober, the more I realize that we are all here experiencing the same things-love, loss, joy, grief, loneliness, hope. The 12 steps are simply a gu...

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Today's episode features a long time friend and successful producer named Jonathan Kalter, a man who has found his way into AA and therapy to deepen his understanding of himself and live a more joy centered life.  This conversation breaks down the good and the different of 12 step programs versus therapy and vice versa, and shines a light on how important it is to stay open to all the tools available to improve our mental health.  I am a firm believer that no single modality is a cure all, and that many things ca...

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Join me in today's episode where I interview a sober friend, Alana Brooke, hailing from the heart of NYC.  She and I discuss her journey from addiction to recovery, and take a deep dive into the tricky waters of interpersonal and romantic relationships in sobriety.  Specifically, we discuss how easy it is to lose ourselves inside of someone else's love for us, and how that leads to the ultimate abandonment of self.  We also touch on the dire need to stay deeply connected to ourselves in order to stay sober.  Don't miss it!

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        Today's episode is deeply personal.  For the first time, I speak publicly about my husband's infidelity-what led up to it, what I went through during it, and what I did to recover from it.  I tell you this story because it is my truth and because the work I have done around it has led to one miracle after another.  I share my heartbreak because for me, it is the only way to real freedom, and the love I kept giving away to him I now have for myself.  If you've been betrayed, if you'v...

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Today's episode is a special interview with a sober sister, Laura Greenberg, who knows a thing or two about navigating the tumultuous waters of marriage.  Among other things, Laura describes overcoming some serious internal blockages that ultimately led to the collapse of her limiting beliefs and a rebirth of her inner world and ultimately, her marriage.  

Check out her BIO below:

Laura’s journey began in Los Angeles.  Growing up she desperately sought to find out what she was supposed to do with her life. She moved to Edinburgh, Scotl...

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Today's episode is a fascinating interview with Nathalie Sol Wiss, a sober sister and new mama who spent her life pursuing perfection in the fitness industry, achieving it, and feeling empty inside.  She went on a healing journey to find her way back to herself, to love the body she lives in, and to use food as fuel from a place of intuition rather than a punishment for how much or little she did that day.  Unsurprisingly, she fell in love with and eventually married Doctor David Wiss, a sober registered dietician who ha...

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Today's episode features a fascinating interview with Dr. Peg O’Connor, a recovering alcoholic and professor of philosophy specializing in addiction studies.

Peg has been sober for 34 years. She believes that philosophy helped her to get and remain sober, but she avoided Alcoholics Anonymous for the first 20 years of her sobriety because of the concept of a “higher power.” Now, Dr. O’Connor is the author of the forthcoming book, Higher and Friendly Powers: Transforming Addiction and Suffering (Wildhouse Publications, September 1, 2022). 

 In Higher and Friendly Powers, Peg O’Connor, PhD, address...

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Today's episode features guest star Gwendolyn Osbourne, actress, model, podcast host and ambassador for all things health and wellness.  Though she has never stepped foot in a 12 step program, she very much identifies with the ruminating thoughts that accompany fear, self-doubt, and a lack of worthiness.  Listen in on how she navigates this inner dialogue to find her power and live from a place of truth, authenticity and inspiration.

Check out her bio below:

Gwendolyn is an accomplished creative professional who is constantly striving for excellence in her wo...