Addiction Talk

The latest episode of “Addiction Talk” promises to be a thought-provoking conversation between three guests who are at the forefront of addiction recovery research and advocacy. Cure Addiction Now Founder Nancy Davis, Director of Drug Discovery Institute Paul J. Kenny, and MTV’s Laguna Beach and The Hills star Jason Wahler will be discussing the latest breakthroughs in addiction recovery, includin...

Peter White is a true warrior of the Yaqan Nukiy tribe, which is a part of the Ktunaxa Nation. His journey of triumph over homelessness, addiction and a cancer diagnosis is nothing short of inspiring. After his cancer diagnosis in May of 2016, Peter knew that he needed to make a change in his life. He had always wanted to start powwow dancing, but kept pushing it off for the “right time.” Little d...

Adam Paul Hicks is an American actor, rapper, singer, and songwriter, best known for his leading role in the Disney Channel Original Movie “Lemonade Mouth” and his music projects. However, behind closed doors, Adam was struggling with addiction, mental illness, and family tragedies that ultimately led to his arrest and incarceration. At the age of 17, Adam’s mother was diagnosed with MS and began...

On this episode of “Addiction Talk,” the topic of alcohol addiction will be discussed by way of cutting edge research helmed by Bryant University Assistant Professor Kristin Scaplen, Ph. D. Professor Scaplen, who obtained a B.S. in biology and psychology from the University of Connecticut, and Ph. D in neuroscience from Brown University, has spent years studying neural circuits and the persistence...

Jason Yamas is a queer writer, producer, director, and actor. Having released his courageous memoir, Tweakerworld, he joins us on Addiction Talk sharing a bright light on the worsening epidemic of crystal meth in the LGBTQ+ community.

Many know Leigh Steinberg as one of the most prolific sports agents, having represented more than 300 professional athletes in his 40+ year career, and as the real-life inspiration for Jerry Maguire. Steinberg’s clients include former San Francisco 49ers QB Steve Young, former Dallas Cowboys QB Troy Aikman and current QB for the Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes. Leigh’s reputation stemming from...

To kick off National Recovery Month, on this episode of “Addiction Talk,” we will be speaking with three experts in recovery who have utilized their collective experiences to aid others in beginning their own journey. Each guest will speak about the importance of mindfulness in recovery: tactics that may work best, essential self-care strategies necessary for sobriety, and offer advice for those w...

VH1’s Mob Wives star Renee Graziano's tumultuous journey from a mob-tied upbringing to overcoming addiction is a testament to resilience and redemption. Shaped by childhood trauma, seeking love and acceptance, she spiraled into drug misuse and abusive relationships, but through reality TV fame, multiple rehab attempts, and a life-altering car accident, she found strength in therapy, support n...

Josh Eppard, drummer for rock band Coheed and Cambria, will be joining “Addiction Talk.” For more than two decades, Josh has been a seasoned musician, but in the early 2000s, it almost came to an end. In 2002, Coheed and Cambria released their first studio album, first single and first music video, and by 2005, the band released their first major-label album, “Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Vol...

Sharing her story on “Addiction Talk” is Melissa Urban, the co-founder and CEO of Whole30. Whole30 is the popular food plan designed to help its users learn more about food sensitivities and how food affects them. Urban is also a seven-time “New York Times” best-selling author, including the instant best-seller “ The Book of Boundaries .” Many are aware of Melissa’s dedication to health and wellne...

Joining “Addiction Talk” is actress, recovery advocate and former Miss USA, Tara Conner. Many remember the controversy surrounding Tara back in 2006: months after being crowned Miss USA and participating in the Miss Universe pageant, she tested positive for cocaine. Publicly, this was a surprise, but for Tara, it was a long time coming. In her early teens, after the death of her grandfather and he...

Many already know of Nic’s story: the Golden Globe and SAG nominated-film “Beautiful Boy” was based on his New York Times best-selling memoir, “Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines” and his father, David’s, bestseller of the same name. In this episode Nic shares his incredible recovery story. 

Cameron Douglas, actor and son of Hollywood legend Michael Douglas, fought against heroin and liquid cocaine addiction, numerous rehabs and interventions, and even resorted to drug dealing to support his habit. Join us on Addiction Talk as he shares his inspiring story of finding his way back home.

In honor of Fentanyl Awareness Day, Addiction Talk will host Mae Van Der Weide, a talented fashion model who began using cannabis at age 16, and later progressed to using fentanyl due to the high pressures of the modeling industry. Today, Mae celebrates three years in recovery and uses her platform to share her experience with others who are also struggling with addiction.

On this episode of “Addiction Talk,” we will hear from a panel of experts who have all been personally affected by Narcan and the overdose crisis. Nathan “Narcan Nate” Smiddy, Robin Vang Bigelow and Philip Van Guilder will share their harrowing experiences and illustrate the importance of accessibility to Narcan.

Joining “Addiction Talk” is actor, activist and model, Kevin Kreider, who is best known as one of the stars of the Netflix series, “ Bling Empire .” Though he comes from a loving and kind family, Kreider struggled with his identity beginning at a young age. Kevin was born in Seoul, Korea, and at age three, was adopted and grew up in Philadelphia. It wasn’t long after this that the bullying and bea...

On this International Women’s Day episode of Addiction Talk, we celebrate the achievements of three women who, through recovery from addiction, have overcome adversity and have made it their mission to empower other women.

Irene Rollins is a pastor, certified emotional health coach, recovery activist and the author of “Reframe Your Shame: Experience Freedom from What Holds You Back.” As a pastor, mother and wife, Irene looked like she had it all: a successful church that she led with her husband, Jimmy, and three amazing children. After not drinking for more than a decade, Irene introduced alcohol back into her life...

In honor of Black History Month, joining “Addiction Talk” are Khadi A. Oluwatoyin and J. Nicole Jones from the Sober Black Girls Club, a collective that provides resources and support for Black girls, women, femmes and non-binary folks who are in recovery or considering sobriety. Khadi founded Sober Black Girls Club in 2018 after addressing her own struggles with alcohol. It was during college tha...

Cara Santana is an actress, activist, designer and digital influencer known for her starring role in the Starz series “Vida” and her upcoming role in the film “Daughter of the Bride” out Feb. 3. Cara’s experience with addiction took place in her teens, when she left her hometown of El Paso, TX, to pursue a career in acting in Los Angeles. It wasn’t long after her arrival that she encountered cocai...

Actor and comedian, Tom Arnold, has had a well-publicized journey with addiction. Arnold’s drinking and substance use began years prior to him leaving the Midwest, where he was born and raised, and where his sister became one of the most prominent drug dealers. In the late ‘80s, Arnold arrived in LA – with his substance use under wraps – to pursue a career in comedy and soon after was brought on a...

Danny Trejo is one of the most recognized character actors known for roles in films such as “Desperado,” “From Dusk Till Dawn,” “Machete,” and the sequel “Machete Kills.” But, what many may not know is that he has been in recovery for more than 54 years. Trejo’s history with substances and encounters with law enforcement began at a very early age: When he was seven, he participated in his first dr...

Joining "Addiction Talk" is TikTok influencer Ariana Ruiz. Ariana has gained a massive following on the platform primarily because of her relatability - the cooking content she's known for is simple and straightforward, she's a young parent of two daughters, and like many people across the country, stressors during the pandemic caused her to relapse. Ariana's marijuana use...

Army Capt. Ryan Griffis is a TikTok influencer who has amassed more than a million followers on the platform due to his transparency about his struggles with addiction and mental health. Alcohol use was something very familiar to Griffis. He and his younger brother were exposed to its use through their father’s alcohol use disorder. This experience later influenced both of their drinking habits. I...

Jillian Barberie is an artist, actress, host and radio personality who is best remembered for her time as the co-host of Good Day LA and its national counterpart Good Day Live. For nearly two decades, Jillian was a Los Angeles morning news staple and her popularity eventually led to roles in TV shows like Clueless and Melrose Place, Fox NFL Sunday, where she presented the national weather segment,...