Recovery Centered Podcast | Real Talk on Recovery & Mental Health

In this powerful episode of the Recovery Centered podcast, host Tim Roberto sits down with Ashley Zarmanian, co-founder and clinician at Mangrove Therapy Group. Together they explore the intersection of trauma and addiction recovery, diving deep into how early attachment wounds and developmental trauma show up in addictive behaviors and relationships. Ashley brings both clinical expertise and real-world insights to the conversation, breaking down topics like empathy vs. enabling, the importance of healthy boundaries, and how supportive communities can foster long-term healing. Listeners will gain practical guidance on how to support loved ones without sacrificing their own wellbeing, understand...

A powerful role-reversal episode where Tim sits in the hot seat and opens up about his childhood, the Marines, decades of addiction, the seizure that changed everything, and the phone call that saved his life.Guest host Allie Severino takes Tim back through trauma, early recovery, camaraderie, faith, and the creation of Stomping Out the Stigma — his mission supporting first responders who struggle in silence.This candid conversation shows the truth of recovery: honesty, connection, and choosing service over fear.A must-listen for anyone at the beginning of their journey or supporting someone who is.

In this inspiring episode of The Recovery Centered Podcast, host Tim Roberto sits down with Joshua McNair — a 21-year-old firefighter, entrepreneur, and founder of Hardmode Fitness — to talk about faith, discipline, and the power of serving others.

Joshua shares his journey from high school athlete to first responder and how his passion for fitness and mental health drives his mission to help others reach their potential. Together, he and Tim explore what it means to live with purpose, the challenges first responders face, and why asking for help is a sign of strength — not weakness.

It’s a...

In this inspiring episode of The Recovery Centered Podcast, host Tim Roberto sits down with Joshua McNair — a 21-year-old firefighter, entrepreneur, and founder of Hardmode Fitness — to talk about faith, discipline, and the power of serving others.

Joshua shares his journey from high school athlete to first responder and how his passion for fitness and mental health drives his mission to help others reach their potential. Together, he and Tim explore what it means to live with purpose, the challenges first responders face, and why asking for help is a sign of strength — not weakness.

It’s a...

In this episode, Tim Roberto sits down with licensed clinical social worker Jessica Ponn to challenge one of the most persistent myths in addiction recovery — that parents are powerless to help their adult children. Jessica explains how this misinformation has shaped the way families approach recovery and offers a new, evidence-based perspective on what truly helps.

Together, they explore family dynamics, the power of truth and connection, and how parents can move from fear and guilt toward confidence and hope.

Learn more about Jessica’s work and parent coaching programs at JessicaPonnCoaching.com.

In this powerful episode of Recovery Centered, host Tim Roberto sits down with Fort Lauderdale firefighter and mental health advocate Gary Roberts for an unflinching conversation about the toll of trauma, the stigma around mental health in first responder culture, and the urgent need for change.

Gary shares his deeply personal story — from losing his daughter to addiction and his father to overdose, to transforming grief into advocacy through education, plant-based medicine, and the creation of a groundbreaking mental health app for first responders. Together, they explore what it really means to protect others while learning to sa...

In this heartfelt episode of The Recovery Centered Podcast, host Tim Roberto sits down with attorney and entrepreneur Shannon Sagan, known as The Dash Cam Lawyer, for an open conversation about finding purpose beyond success. Shannon shares his journey from building a thriving law practice to prioritizing experiences, family, and mental wellness. The two discuss the emotional impact of suicide, why giving back to first responders matters, and how service and self-care intertwine on the path to recovery. Blending humor, vulnerability, and inspiration, this episode reminds us that true success isn’t what we earn — it’s what we give.<

In this episode of the Recovery Centered Podcast, host Tim Roberto sits down with licensed mental health counselor, author, and long-time recovery advocate Trisha Edwards. Drawing on her own journey of trauma, recovery, and faith, Trisha shares how she moved from shame to self-compassion, how generational patterns of criticism shaped her identity, and how her cancer diagnosis during the pandemic rekindled her sense of purpose. Their conversation also explores the integration of therapy, brain-based practices, and spiritual resilience in healing. Trisha’s book, Rescued: Hope for the Shattered Heart and Soul, is a heartfelt invitation to anyone seeking to fi...

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, host Tim sits down with Daniel, a licensed therapist and person in long-term recovery, to explore the intersection of addiction, mental health, and healing.

Daniel shares his inspiring journey from professional success while secretly struggling with addiction, through hitting rock bottom, to rebuilding his life with faith, discipline, and support. Together, Tim and Daniel reflect on:

In this inspiring episode of Recovery Centered, we sit down with Charlene, founder of Paws Be With You, and her therapy dog Negan, the “Chief Dog Officer.” Together, they’ve made over 800 therapy visits—from fire stations and schools to hospitals and psychiatric units—bringing comfort, breaking stigma, and helping people heal.

Charlene shares how her father’s firefighting legacy and a powerful encounter with a therapy dog inspired her mission, why therapy animals can open doors where words fall short, and the science behind how dogs help reduce stress and release healing brain chemistry.

We also disc...

In this inspiring episode of Recovery Centered, host Tim Roberto sits down with Tom W, a former Beachway client who transformed his life through vulnerability, connection, and a willingness to change. Tom shares how he overcame fear, embraced AA fellowship, and found new purpose through service, volunteer work, and rebuilding relationships. His story is a candid look at resilience, self-discovery, and the power of giving back.

In this episode of the Recovery Centered Podcast, we sit down with John Schrey, founder of Haven for Heroes, a peer-led recovery program designed to support veterans dealing with addiction, PTSD, and the challenges of civilian life.

John shares his personal story of service and struggle, the path that led him to recovery, and why brotherhood, structure, and trust are at the core of Haven’s success. From navigating the VA system to rebuilding a life of purpose, this episode offers honest insight into what it really takes to heal — and help others do the same.

In this episode of the Recovery Centered Podcast, host Tim Roberto talks with Dr. Evelyn Higgins, founder of Wired for Addiction, about how genetics and trauma shape mental health and addiction. They explore how DNA testing can reveal underlying causes of emotional struggles and guide personalized treatment.

Dr. Higgins explains complex ideas like gene expression and epigenetics in simple, powerful terms—showing how healing can happen on a biological level. The conversation blends science, personal insight, and real hope for lasting recovery.

Learn more at www.wiredforaddiction.com.

In this episode of The Recovery Centered Podcast, host Tim Roberto speaks with Tia, law enforcement officer and trauma survivor, who shares her courageous journey through PTSD, housing instability, and personal healing. Tia reflects on what it means to serve her community while navigating her own recovery — and why healing often requires challenging broken systems, reclaiming agency, and telling your story on your own terms. 🎙 Topics include: Surviving trauma while working in law enforcement Returning to duty after PTSD and healing Systemic failures and the need for trauma-informed spaces The power of choice, community, and vulnerability in recovery 🎧 The Recovery...

In this episode of Recovery Centered, host Tim Roberto sits down with Dr. Phil Bulone — Vietnam veteran, retired NYPD detective, and experienced trauma therapist. They dive deep into the mental health challenges faced by veterans, first responders, and those struggling with addiction. Dr. Bulone shares personal stories from his decades of service and recovery work, explains the healing power of writing therapy and CBT, and reminds listeners that it’s okay to ask for help. Whether you’re navigating PTSD, early sobriety, or supporting someone who is, this heartfelt and unfiltered conversation is for you.

Contact Dr. Bulone...

On this episode of the Recovery Centered Podcast, host Tim Roberto talks with Carol Wick, LMFT—trauma therapist, global consultant, and long-time advocate for survivors of abuse. Carol shares her powerful journey from working in juvenile justice and domestic violence shelters to founding Sharity Global, where she helps nonprofits scale their impact worldwide.

The conversation explores how trauma affects the brain and body, why traditional models of care often fall short, and what real recovery looks like—for survivors and the professionals who support them. Carol also opens up about her role in helping pass legislation to prot...

In this powerful episode of The Recovery Centered Podcast, Beth sits down with Lee, a Beachway alum, who bravely shares his journey through addiction, emotional trauma, and recovery. Raised by a controlling mother and a passive father, Lee grew up in a home where boundaries were impossible to set—and the long-term emotional toll led to years of self-medicating with alcohol.

Now sober since October 2023, Lee opens up about what it took to reclaim his life in his 50s. From childhood trauma and hidden diagnoses to transformative therapy and finding community, Lee’s story is a moving remi...

In this powerful episode, AJ shares his remarkable journey of overcoming addiction, a path that has taken him through six treatment centers and nearly to the brink of death. He opens up about his struggle with alcohol, which began in his youth and escalated after bariatric surgery in 2019. Despite numerous setbacks, AJ found a turning point at Beachway Therapy Center, where a life-altering letter from his wife and a supportive treatment team helped him confront the painful truths about his addiction.

AJ discusses how humility, surrendering his ego, and the importance of long-term recovery programs helped him...

In this episode of the Recovery Centered Podcast, host Tim Roberto sits down with Dina Sagarese-Coleman, the Director of Family Services at Beachway. Dina shares her expertise in guiding and supporting families as they navigate the challenges of a loved one’s addiction and mental health struggles. She discusses the crucial role of family involvement in the recovery process, the impact of addiction on loved ones, and the strategies she uses to help families heal and rebuild relationships. This insightful conversation highlights the importance of education, communication, and self-care for those supporting someone in recovery.

In this episode, Tim sits down with Craig, a Beachway alum and military veteran, to discuss his journey through mental health and addiction recovery. Craig opens up about his struggles in seeking help over the years and why previous attempts at treatment didn’t work for him. It wasn’t until he joined a trauma-focused program that he truly began to heal, finding the support and understanding he needed to move forward.

In this Recovery Centered Podcast episode, host Tim Roberto sits down with Paritosh Nath to explore the transformative role of mindfulness practices in addiction recovery. Together, they discuss how meditation can help individuals reconnect with themselves and build emotional resilience during their recovery journey. Paritosh shares insights into simple yet effective mindfulness techniques that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about the intersection of mindfulness and mental health, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical tools to foster healing and growth.

In this episode of Recovery Centered, host Tim Roberto talks with Allie Severino, a true "do-er" in the fight against addiction, homelessness, and mental health challenges in South Florida. Allie shares her personal journey, her work on Dopesick Nation, and how she’s turned her lived experiences into action to support the most vulnerable. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, advocacy, and making a real difference in the community.

Recovery Centered brings you real conversations about addiction, mental health, and the fight for ethical treatment. In this episode, host Tim Roberto sits down with Dave Aronberg, Palm Beach County’s State Attorney, to discuss his 12-year mission to clean up the addiction treatment industry.

From tackling predatory sober homes to exposing corporate greed fueling the opioid crisis, Dave shares inside stories of reform, advocacy, and justice. They discuss the power of ethical treatment, the role of law enforcement in addiction recovery, and what families need to know when seeking help for a loved one.

Th...

Brandon Lutman, MSW, CET-2, CTP, CAP, EMDR, TRAUMA PROGRAM SPECIALIST Brandon brings over 7 years of professional experience in the behavioral and mental health fields. As a Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern (RCSWI), Supervised Practitioner of Sociometry, Psychodrama, and Group Psychotherapy (SP), Certified Experiential Therapist Level II (CET-2), Certified Trauma Professional (CTP), and Certified Addiction Professional (CAP), he offers a holistic and client-centered approach in my style of counseling. He assists individuals to connect safely with themselves as they explore the various physiological/physical symptoms, somatic trauma responses, maladaptive behaviors, and/or survival strategies that perhaps encapsulate shame and negatively...

Our first official Recovery Centered Podcast. This includes a candid conversation with Chief Brian Fuller Fire Chief for the City of Green Acres here in South Florida. In this episode he shares the stunning statistic; we are losing more first responders from suicide than from the line of duty. "We have to let them know that it's okay to say I'm not okay And that your job will be protected You're not going to lose your job We're going to get you the help We're going to get you to a therapy"