Back from Broken

Author Catherine Cho recounts how one of the happiest moments of her life turned ugly when she developed postpartum psychosis shortly after the birth of her first child. This is the story of how she and her family made it through. Back From Broken is a show about how we are all broken sometimes, and how we need help from time to time. If you’re struggling, you can find a list of resources at BackF...

Writer and comedian Sara Benincasa travels the world speaking about her struggle with agoraphobia -- which is funny, since her condition often gives her an intense fear of traveling. Her story also touches on family, addiction and why having a terrible day doesn't mean life will always be terrible. Back From Broken is a show about how we are all broken sometimes, and how we need help from time to...

Before he became host of the shows Bizarre Foods and What’s Eating America, Andrew Zimmern struggled for years with alcoholism. He was broke and desperate before he got help. Now, he's a found a way forward and he uses his work in restaurants to help others struggling with addiction. Back From Broken is a show about how we are all broken sometimes, and how we need help from time to time. If you’re...

Last season we told stories of life's challenges. Of recovery and hope. And you listened! So we're coming back. It’s a hard time in our world. There’s a lot to cope with right now. And we want to be here for you -- whatever you're dealing with. We return on Feb. 26, so please subscribe. And if you're already subscribed, please do us a favor: Share Back from Broken with a couple of friends who coul...

In this special episode, Colorado Public Radio reporter Dan Boyce uses interviews with friends and family, plus a fishing trip, to piece together lost memories from his own mental breakdown. A quick warning: This story is brutal at times, and raw. It contains content that may not be suitable for all listeners, including strong language and frank discussion of suicide. By the time Dan was 30, when...

Jake "The Snake" Roberts was one of the most famous pro wrestlers of the 1980s. He had a massive following. But behind the scenes he was addicted to drugs and alcohol, and haunted by childhood abuse. This is the story of how Jake "The Snake" turned things around and found a second career as a stand-up comedian.

Paul Scudo had a flashy, high-powered hotel job — and behind the scenes, he had a longtime drug addiction. When he couldn't hide it anymore, things blew up in his face. But he managed to use his newfound wisdom to help some of the most troubled drug addicts in Colorado get their lives back on track. On Twitter: @VicVela1 More about Step Denver: stepdenver.org

Whatever Keri Blakinger puts her mind to, she excels at. She has incredible focus. But that worked against her when she got into heroin. Hear Keri's journey from the edge of athletic stardom, to the depths of addiction, to a new career in journalism that puts her in the national spotlight for something entirely different. backfrombroken.org On Twitter: @VicVela1

Andy Bellatti couldn't resist the lights and sounds of a slot machine. He spent his days in Las Vegas building a successful career as a personable, TV-ready fitness expert, and his nights gambling away his savings. This is the story of how he hit rock bottom, and then confronted the demons that fueled his gambling addiction and finally got help. By the way: We like to end episodes of Back from Bro...

Dana Smith has a unusual job: She helps people in recovery reach their potential at a gym dedicated to sobriety and fitness. But she didn’t reach this point easily. This is the story of how she overcame her own addiction, found new purpose in life after a horrific accident, and built a career she loves. Follow Vic Vela on Twitter: @VicVela1

The Lumineers have sold millions of records and played stadiums around the globe. Their latest album is all about the pain of addiction and what it's like to see a loved one struggle with substance abuse. The band members share the personal stories that inspired the music, and play stripped-down versions of three songs, including the hit "Gloria." It's an intimate live episode recorded in front of...

Host Vic Vela has been through addiction, and now he’s in recovery. On this episode, Vic gives a first-person account of how his cocaine use affected the people around him. And he shows why there's hope for everyone who longs to make a comeback.

She's one of the greatest basketball players of all time. She was a three-time national champion in college and later starred in the WNBA. But Chamique Holdsclaw has struggled with mental health problems and bipolar disorder. She tells her story and explains how she wants to help others think differently about mental health.

A driver rammed into David Mellor when he was 18. It ended his hopes of pitching in the major leagues. It also led to years of sleepless nights cold sweats, and eventually a diagnosis of PTSD. David talks about how that diagnosis changed him, and how he did finally make it to Major League Baseball.

Anders Osborne is a talented singer, blues guitarist and songwriter from New Orleans. He was dependent on alcohol for years — and it nearly destroyed his career and family. Anders opens up about his struggles with addiction, explains how he got sober and shares songs about those experiences. He also talks about the role drugs and alcohol play in the music industry, and why he created a network to...

Back From Broken is a podcast about the highest highs, the darkest moments and what it takes to make a comeback. Colorado Public Radio’s Vic Vela — a journalist and recovering drug addict — talks to guests about how they’ve struggled and the surprising ways they put their lives back together. It’s an intimate show about challenges like substance abuse, PTSD, gambling addiction and mental health is...