AllBetter

How does one navigate the path to sobriety without believing in a higher power? Join us for a compelling conversation with Matt, a Fellowship House alumnus, who shares his incredible journey of recovery. Matt opens up about his secular approach to the 12 steps, tackling sobriety from an atheist's perspective, and the significant role authenticity plays in his healing process. From enduring a...

What happens when the structure of a military household collides with the chaos of addiction? Join us as Amir, an alumnus of Fellowship House, shares his compelling story of growing up in Scranton with a strong-minded mother whose military career shaped his early years. Amidst the discipline and the profound absence of his father, Amir reveals the emotional toll of his mother's multiple deplo...

What does it take to rebuild your life from the depths of addiction to academic and personal success? Jamie Monahan, a recruiter and certified recovery specialist at Luzerne County Community College's All One Recovery Center, shares his extraordinary journey of resilience and determination. His story highlights the pivotal moments that led him to seek help and his unwavering commitment to mai...

Imagine growing up in a high-pressure environment, feeling the weight of fitting in while battling personal demons. Joey C from Westchester, Pennsylvania, courageously opens up about his tumultuous journey through addiction and recovery. Adopted shortly after birth and discovering this life-altering fact at age 11, Joey shares how these formative experiences shaped his struggles. Tune in as we dis...

What if unresolved childhood trauma could be the root cause of your addictions? In today's powerful episode, we sit down with Mike G as he opens up about his first year of recovery at Fellowship House. Mike takes us back to his roots in Dunmore, a small football town, where the impact of his parents' divorce and his father's alcoholism left lasting scars. Listen as he shares how the...

Amy Durham's journey from a childhood overshadowed by her father's alcoholism to becoming the CEO of Brookdale Premier Addiction Recovery is nothing short of remarkable. As she opens up about her own battles with liver disease and addiction, Amy's resilience and commitment to breaking the stigma around substance use disorder come to the forefront. This episode invites you to explore...

Discover the profound complexities of mental health and substance abuse treatment through our enlightening conversation with Shana Stefanik and Dylan Fredricey from STR Behavioral Health. Together, we explore their impactful journeys, the critical role of Cedar Crest—an essential residential facility—and the nuanced challenges of addressing substance use disorders. Dylan’s recent academic triumphs...

What happens when addiction meets the innate human need for adventure? Join me as I engage with Nicholas Gettel a Continuing Care Specialist at Caron Treatment Centers, to unravel this fascinating intersection. Together, we shed light on the nuances of how activism can sometimes fill voids left by personal dissatisfaction and the significant role political polarization plays in the recovery journe...

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Stanton Peele, the revolutionary psychologist, attorney, and addiction specialist who has spent decades challenging traditional views on addiction. In this episode, we discuss Dr. Peele's groundbreaking work, including his influential book "Love and Addiction," and his compelling arguments against the old disease model of addiction. D...

What happens when an aspiring fashion professional finds her true calling in the heart of the addiction recovery world? Join us as Kingsley Schwartz, Business Development Director of Bright Life Recovery, takes us through her transformative journey. From her own struggles with addiction to a pivotal turning point at age 27, Kingsley sheds light on the challenges and triumphs in finding the right r...

What happens when a beloved tennis coach confronts his darkest demons and emerges as a beacon of hope for others struggling with addiction? Join us as Jerry Pickard shares his gripping journey from the depths of alcoholism to the transformative power of Recovery. With the unwavering support of his friend Victor and a newfound belief in a higher power, Jerry's story is one of resilience, faith...

Discover the transformative power of addiction treatment as we sit down with Louis DeSanto, the Regional Resource Director of Pennsylvania for the Caron Foundation. Louis shares the remarkable journey of Caron Treatment Centers, one of the world's most established and credible providers for substance use disorder. Learn how Caron holistic approach, which treats both the individual and their f...

Experience the magic of music and its profound role in the addiction recovery process, as we embrace a heartfelt conversation with gifted musician and songwriter Mike Miz Mizwinski. His soul-stirring melodies have not only mesmerized fans but have played a pivotal role in his own recovery journey. Tune in to hear how Miz's sensitivity, shaped by his journey of recovery, is reflected in his mu...

How often do you come across a story where business, addiction recovery, and personal growth intertwine so seamlessly? Our guest, Tony Mattioli, president and owner of Trademark Industrial, is a living testament to overcoming adversity and transforming life struggles into a thriving business. Tony's story is not just about overcoming addiction; it's about perseverance, resilience, and th...

What if you could recapture the essence of a bygone era, feel the pulse of its music, and relive its cultural significance, all while seated comfortably in your present? Tune into a riot of colors as our good friend Leo takes us on a voyage into his exhilarating experiences from the psychedelic age. From the rush of hallucinogens to the rhythms of Woodstock, Leo narrates his extraordinary journey...

What does it truly mean to overcome personal trials and advocate for those who are struggling? Join us for an exploration of resilience, recovery, and advocacy, as we share conversations that shed light on these significant aspects of life. Our guest, Senator John Kane, reveals his life journey from his humble beginnings as a plumber and labor leader to becoming a beacon of hope for working famili...

Get ready to discover the hidden struggles and triumphs of our first responders and veterans as they face the challenge of addiction. Welcoming our guest, Pat DeSarno, Shields Service Specialist at Brookdale Premier Addiction Recovery Center and former fire chief, we delve into a candid and enlightening discussion. Unraveling decades of civil service, Pat shares his personal journey of recovery, p...

Join us for an exclusive conversation with our esteemed partner, Larry Moran, as we delve into the heart of Fellowship House PHP/IOP/OP. Larry and I have been passionately crafting a program that resonates with authenticity and proves effective for individuals battling addiction and their families. Our journey together has been both fulfilling and enlightening, and we can't wait to share the...

How often do childhood influences shape the trajectory of our lives? For our guest, Weggy, those early years steeped in a culture where alcohol consumption was normalized, became the precursor to his lifelong struggle with alcoholism. We walk with him down memory lane, from his high school days working at a bar under his father's influence, through to his reckless party lifestyle that eventua...

Have you ever wondered how the cultural chaos of the 60s and 70s molded the society we live in today? Join me and my enigmatic guest, Elaine Donly, as we journey through her personal history and explore the deep-seated impact of a time when political assassinations were frequent, and violence was a part of everyday life. Elaine's gripping narrative of surrendering to Alcoholics Anonymous at a...

Imagine being drawn into the world of labor, addiction, and recovery through the eyes of Brian Eddis, a political ward leader in Northeast Philadelphia. With an intriguing background that spans construction work, politics, and union organizing, Brian opens up about his personal journey and the challenges faced by the labor movement. We delve deep into the complexities of addiction, the implication...

What if your understanding of spirituality and recovery could be drastically transformed? Join us as we delve deep with our guest, Jordan Harris, a primary counselor at Fellowship House, who shares his enlightening journey of personal transformation. Jordan, raised in a conservative Protestant family, takes us through his journey from addiction to recovery and the crucial role spirituality played...

Join us on a remarkable journey with Lia, as she courageously shares her battles with addiction and her transformative transition journey. We traverse the landscapes of Lia's life, exploring the interplay of identity, sexuality, and the struggle to stay sober. Lia's candid account paints a vivid picture of her life in Scranton, built on the foundation of recovery, and how an initial relu...

Imagine uprooting your life, battling with the demons of addiction, and then going on to build a thriving business. This is exactly what my friend Evan Glass did, and he shares his inspiring journey with us. Evan candidly recounts his youth in Pleasantville, NY, his struggles with substance abuse, and his ultimate commitment to sobriety that led him to Northeastern Pennsylvania. His story is a sta...

Buckle up for a transformative journey into the world of trauma-informed education with Nathan Barrett, the Superintendent of Hanover Area School District. Growing up in the tough neighborhood of Bellevue, Scranton, Nathan and I share more than just a childhood community - we share a commitment to supporting students dealing with trauma. Diving deep into the nuts and bolts of his community-centere...