The Addiction Podcast-Point of No Return

Ricki Friedman is a motivational speaker, visionary, educator, and podcaster who takes you on the walk with her as she embarks on a life-changing journey of growth, healing, and expansion. Her humor, way with words, wisdom, and vulnerability make you feel seen, heard, and ready to transform your life, live your truth and walk towards your next level - one step forward at a time.  Ricki started a b...

This is a replay of an interview we did with Ed Bisch in 2021.  Ed was the first real activist to come on our podcast and since then, he has introduced us to countless others who are fighting this fight. Ed Bisch lost his son, Eddie, to an oxycontin overdose (he took one pill) in 2001. While Ed grieved the loss of his son, he also took notice - never having heard of oxycontin before. He began rese...

Thaddeus' service to this country began its course while proudly serving in the United States Air Force. He served on the Terrell County Independent School District School Board for eight years and as the Board President four of those years. His viewpoint: "Students and our school's educators are at the forefront of our nations foundation. Texas must lead the nation by adapting our approach to doi...

David J. Greer is an entrepreneurial coach, author, and facilitator living in Vancouver, Canada with his wife Karalee and their three children. He helps people fully realize their dreams through his coaching, writing, and speaking engagements. Spending just an hour with David, whether through his book, a talk, or personal coaching session, provides concrete action items to accelerate one's busines...

After going from a strong, moral upbringing in Southern Oklahoma to a drug-related downfall that had him facing federal prison, Bobby Newman understands what those who are addicted feel and think. That's what enables him to cut through the resistance and manipulative tactics of an addicted person and help them choose life and recovery. In the eighteen years since he completed a long-term drug reha...

Marci Hopkins is an award-winning TV personality, talk show host, and author. She is the brilliant mind behind the captivating talk show, Wake Up with Marci and Hilary, A Talk Show with A Heart, which has won the prestigious Telly Award three times. Marci is also a sought-after public speaker, recovery expert, and media trainer, with appearances on major networks such as Fox, CBS, NBC, and ABC. Do...

Mischa Zvegintzov is a man who got sober off of alcohol and drugs when he was 17 years old. In 1986, while living in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a judge gave him the choice of either going to jail for six months or going to treatment. He chose treatment and has maintained straight line sobriety ever since, which is now 37 years clean and sober. Mischa has known tremendous success, incredible failure an...

Paula Santos Young's world shattered when her beloved oldest son's life was stolen in March 2022 - poisoned by fentanyl-laced marijuana from someone he trusted. With his death, Paula's motherly instincts kicked into high gear. Now she's on a crusade, roaring from every platform she can find to wake up officials and communities to the fentanyl crisis destroying families like an unstoppable hurrican...

Colleen Schaeffel's childhood in Minnesota was upended when both of her parents became alcoholics. As her father's addiction escalated, he lost his job, home, and family bonds. But through it all, Colleen remained dedicated to helping him, making countless trips to detox and rehabilitation centers over nearly two decades.  It was a painful journey that tested Colleen's own mental health and streng...

Meet Tim Lodgen, a 46-year-old Baltimore County resident with a story of resilience and redemption. A former sponsored skateboarder, US Marine, MMA fighter, and Jr. Olympic Boxer, Tim battled a 27-year-long struggle with bipolar disorder, alcohol and drug addiction, and multiple suicide attempts. In this gripping podcast narrative, Tim shares his journey from the highs of athleticism to the depths...

Susan Bartz Herrick, MFA, EdD., is a retired professor at UNC-Fayetteville, St. Andrews University, and Methodist University. Early in her career, she was a Community Liaison Specialist at HCA Cumberland Psychiatric Hospital and Treatment Center, giving seminars on Mental Health Disorders and Addiction. Susan Herrick's memoir follows the story of her beloved and only son, Luke, through his struggl...

Allie Severino overcame unimaginable odds to turn her life around. What started as a typical suburban childhood took a detour into darkness when she developed an addiction to drugs as a teenager. At 17, she was arrested and faced over a century behind bars for trafficking ecstasy and oxycontin.  Hitting rock bottom, Severino had a choice - continue on the road to prison or death, or choose recover...

Stephen Yates, a seasoned analyst and practitioner in politics, policy, and national security, hails from St. Petersburg, Florida. As a Senior Fellow and Chair of the China Policy Initiative, he has traversed the intricacies of policy decision-making, both foreign and domestic. A veteran commentator and media trainer, Yates brings a wealth of experience to the table, having served as a senior advi...

Alex is 51 years of age, graduated in the top 5 and got a college scholarship, went to state in cross country and track and qualified for national team freshman year. Pre-med student for biomedical engineering. Busted with 52 hits of LSD in campus dorm room. Lost scholarship and started the slow spiral downward. Became a male entertainer, was in a couple of movies (both with Lee Burns) played semi...

Scott Strode, sober for over 25 years, is the Executive Director of The Phoenix, a transformational nonprofit he founded in 2006. The Phoenix harnesses the power of connection to ignite a movement that's changing how society looks at addiction and recovery. The Phoenix provides free programs both in-person and virtually, across the globe, including yoga, climbing, music, CrossFit, art, and more. T...

Nily Ilan lost her son 4 years ago to fentanyl poisoning.  He had become addicted to painkillers after a devastating car accident and even though he had tried rehab, he relapsed and bought what he thought was heroin.  However, it was laced with fentanyl and he died.  He was a young man in his 20s.  He was loved by all who knew him.  He had a young son at the time.  Now dealing with unspeakable gri...

I'm a native Floridian, born and raised in Sarasota. I had a very normal Floridian childhood, swimming and fishing in local ponds and lakes. Nothing extraordinary. I graduated Sarasota High School in 1982 and joined the United States Army. I served for six years so I could use the GI Bill to help pay for my college education.  After the Army I endured the long process of obtaining a Master of Scie...

Well obviously my name is Josh. Basically in a nutshell as it were I was a careered musician and was very successful in many capacities. I once owned a recording studio with Gordon Raphael (producer of the strokes & Regina Spektor) after getting my own record deal I worked on my debut album with Anthony Braun Perry and Scott Montoya (both from the band the growlers) and was well on my way. I h...

Ed Bisch's son died of an overdose of Oxycontin.  Ed didn't sit by.  He started researching Oxycontin and its manufacturer - Purdue Pharma; AND the family behind it - The Sacklers.  He has been fighting this battle for years and doesn't see giving up until both the company and the family are made to take responsibility for the countless deaths due to oxycontin addiction and overdose. In December 2...

I am Joe Sealey, a current cast member on "The Real Housewives of Cheshire," a globally televised show seen in 36 countries. While I may appear to lead a glamorous life on screen, my journey has been marked by personal struggles, particularly my battle with addiction to cocaine and alcohol. My story is not just one of success but of resilience, transformation, and the importance of sharing the rea...

Tonja Myles is a multi-faceted leader, ordained minister, and passionate advocate for mental health awareness, substance abuse recovery, and trauma healing. Over 36 years in recovery from addiction, Tonja has overcome suicide attempts and childhood/adult sexual abuse, earning a diagnosis of PTSD. Her inspiring journey has been shared in books, documentaries, talk shows, and national TV series. Ton...

Lang Martinez from Oxnard, California, a returning NAASCA family member. When the topic of homelessness is brought up in Ventura County, a single name comes quickly to mind: Lang Martinez. Martinez has built a reputation for himself as a known homeless advocate to have come from the same streets he now walks through with his head held high.    His peer-to-peer approach has cemented his name among...

Dan Zsido has had 15 years of narcotics investigative experience with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. He established and supervised the Strategic Diversion Task Force investigating pharmaceutical crimes, doctor shopping, fraud, trafficking and more.   Currently Dan is the Training and Education Director at NADDI (National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators) - The Training and Educat...

Thaddeus' service to this country began its course while proudly serving in the United States Air Force. He served on the Terrell County Independent School District School Board for eight years and as the Board President four of those years.  His viewpoint: "Students and our school's educators are at the forefront of our nations foundation. Texas must lead the nation by adapting our approach to do...

Lisa Gregory (qual it make sure it was both alc and drugs). The has one pp in Podpage, this is expanded:   Step into the riveting and uncharted territory of Lisa Gregory's life as she takes the mic on our podcast, baring her soul in a tale that will leave you utterly spellbound. Prepare to embark on an emotional rollercoaster as Lisa unravels her journey through the treacherous waters of addiction...