Longterm: A Podcast In Recovery

"If I just met you in the street, I would never have thought you had an issue with drinking." Recovery doesn't always look like hitting rock bottom in a public way. For many, it’s a quiet, internal battle fought while maintaining a successful reputation. Mary Alice Stephens joins Longterm to share her journey of sobriety and the profound "ripple effect" that happens when one person decides to get...

"No one speaks to me like that—not even me." What happens when a successful psychotherapist with three luxury practices and a "perfect" life reaches a point of total hopelessness? For Sanya Bari, the "letters behind her name" couldn't protect her from the pain of a life built on people-pleasing and suppressed trauma. After a life-altering suicide attempt, Sanya realized she didn't need more certif...

What do you do when your "perfect" life starts to feel like a cage? For licensed psychotherapist Izabela Oquendo, a series of profound losses—the death of her father and the ending of long-held friendships—served as a wake-up call that she could no longer ignore. In this episode of Longterm, Izabela shares the radical story of how she and her family sold their possessions, packed into an RV, and s...

For ten years, Amy Thurman lived with a broken neck. For six of those months, it went undiagnosed. But as harrowing as the physical pain was, it was the internal "wreck"—the emotional toll, the disconnect from her true self, and the moment she almost gave up—that defined her journey. In this episode of Longterm, Amy joins me to unpack a story of survival that goes far beyond a medical diagnosis. W...

"How do you keep moving when your world stops spinning?" Most of us talk about recovery in terms of substances or trauma from the past. But what happens when "The Wreck" isn't something you caused, but something that happened to you? In this episode of Longterm, I sit down with Liz Fiedler Mergen. Liz faced an unimaginable tragedy: the sudden loss of her husband while she was a new mother. We dive...

In this episode, Ti King speaks with Dan Maigler, a social worker and therapist, about the profound impact of animals on mental health and therapy. They discuss Dan's journey in creating the nonprofit Paws for Patrick, which connects young people with emotional support animals following the tragic loss of one of his students. The conversation explores how pets can facilitate communication, reduce...

In this special episode, podcast industry expert and Podcast Hall of Fame inductee Arielle Nissenblatt joins Ti King to talk about how this platform can improve and reach a wider audience. This behind the scenes chat gives real insight into how the show is made and how we can push this message of recovery further. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Recovery and Podcasting 02:39 Arielle's Podcasting Jo...

In this episode, Ti King interviews Chris Cummins, COO of Laguna Treatment Center, discussing the multifaceted nature of recovery from addiction. Chris shares his personal journey, including his early experiences with substance use and the importance of counseling in recovery. The conversation explores the challenges within the treatment landscape, the significance of building connections, and the...

Angela Campagna is a licensed clinical social worker and certified clinical trauma professional. In this episode we explore the multifaceted nature of recovery and healing, discussing the impact of trauma, the importance of self-insight, and the role of therapy in personal growth. Angela shares her experiences with brain-spotting therapy, a newer approach to trauma treatment, and emphasizes the si...

Is it possible to have the "ritual" of a drink without the destruction of the alcohol? For many of us in recovery, the hardest part isn't just putting down the bottle—it’s losing the social spaces, the celebrations, and the rituals that usually come with it. That’s why I visited Beyond the Bar, an alcohol-free bottle shop that is changing the game for the recovery community. In this episode, I sit...

In this episode of Longterm, we’re back in Dallas for a conversation that is as heartfelt as it is heavy. We sit down with creator and podcaster Jessica Spawn to 'unbox' a story she has never shared quite like this before. Jessica takes us behind the scenes of her 'Season 1'—from the pressure of a stalking case and the isolation of COVID to the moment a 'switch flipped' with alcohol. She describes...

In this conversation, Mark Astor discusses the profound impact of addiction on individuals and their families. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that those struggling with addiction may not be aware of their actions, likening it to a kidnapping of their brain. Astor highlights the necessity for families to commit to the recovery process, as individuals often cannot make the decision to...

"I was addicted to power and control as much as the drugs." Host Ti King talks with Shannon Holland Anderson about her unique path from being a federal inmate to a recovery clinician. Shannon breaks down the mindset of an addict, detailing her relapse while pregnant and homeless, and the moment she finally decided to "chase recovery" with the same ferocity she chased a high. Learn why lived experi...

This Longterm podcast episode explores the intersection of trauma and addiction recovery, emphasizing that many individuals turn to substances as a coping mechanism to deal with unresolved issues. Understanding childhood trauma and its effect on substance use and the brain is vital for healing and overall mental health. #neardeathexperience #recovery #addictionhelp Learn more about your ad choices...

Charles Anderson knows the multifaceted journey of recovery from addiction, emphasizing the importance of community support, personal transformation, and the role of faith. He shares his experiences with trauma, the challenges of reintegrating into society after prison, and the ongoing struggle of maintaining sobriety. The discussion highlights the significance of emotional awareness and the need...

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Hawkins discusses the process of reversing type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes, emphasizing the importance of education, support, and personal motivation. He shares his personal connection to diabetes and the emotional journey of patients as they transition from dependency on medication to a healthier lifestyle. The conversation highlights the significance of long-t...

Do you feel like drinking is too often the default, or that social norms make it hard to cut back? In this essential episode of Longterm, Ti King is joined by Erica Mallery, a Mindful Drinking Coach, to explore the complex relationship many of us have with alcohol. They discuss how addiction often hides in plain sight, normalized by society, and why early intervention is so critical. Erica shares...

Dr. Sarah Church is the founder of Whole View Wellness. In this episode she and Ti King talk about the complexities of addiction recovery. They explore Dr. Church's journey into the field, the importance of individualized treatment approaches, and the role of family dynamics in addiction. The discussion also covers evidence-based practices, harm reduction strategies, and the significance of medica...

In this conversation, Ti King and Dr. Paul Kolodzik discuss the evolving landscape of recovery from alcohol use disorder, emphasizing the importance of harm reduction strategies and the role of new medications like GLP-1s and naltrexone. They explore the complexities of identifying alcohol use disorder, the social acceptance of drinking, and the potential of innovative treatment methods such as th...

Addiction isn't just about substances—it's a pattern of behavior that can block your path to personal growth. In this powerful episode of Longterm, Ti King sits down with transformative coach and expert Zoilita Grant to break down the true nature of addiction, and how to conquer it. Zoilita shares her own journey and reveals how hypnosis and deep self-awareness can instantly begin to reprogram the...

How do you rebuild your life after everything you knew was a lie? This week, Ti King and expert Anat Joseph dive deep into the silent, complex trauma of recovering from cults. We break down the psychological manipulation tactics used in recruitment, the intense challenge of establishing boundaries, and why relationship education is the key to preventing future high-control traps. Essential listeni...

Forget everything you think you know about group homes. This week on Longterm, I sat down with Jim Boad, a successful real estate entrepreneur who left the chaotic market behind to build something truly meaningful: structured, safe sober living environments. Jim takes us through his fascinating career pivot, from serving in the military to navigating market downturns, and ultimately, finding his c...

What does long-term addiction recovery really look like? This week on Longterm, Ti King sits down with recovery advocate and influencer Amber Hollingsworth to break down the barriers and misconceptions. Amber shares her unique path from the classroom to the world of recovery advocacy, emphasizing that recovery is a complex journey, not a simple fix. We talk about: The non-negotiable role of family...

The transition from military to civilian life can often feel like a second war, especially when grappling with addiction and trauma. This week, Ti King is joined by veteran Michael Springer for a candid and deeply personal discussion on his recovery journey. Michael details the complexities of post-combat life, revealing how addiction took hold as a coping mechanism and what it took to finally bre...

Ti King engages with Ramdev Regulapati, founder of My Physician Plan, to discuss the pressing issues surrounding access to healthcare and insurance in today's society. They explore the challenges faced by individuals without insurance, the innovative solutions provided by My Physician Plan, and the importance of building strong patient-doctor relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for...