Overcoming Adversity

In this episode of Overcoming Adversity , we’re turning the mic around and spotlighting the powerhouse behind our own production - Janine Stella of StellaMix Studios. We’re talking podcasting, social media, and what it really takes to show up, be seen, and stay consistent when the haters come calling. We get real about the hustle behind visibility, the difference between passion and profit, and wh...

In this episode of Overcoming Adversity, we’re pulling back the curtain on what we actually do at Next Level Recovery Associates. From case management and companioning to interventions and aftercare, we break down the heart of our work—and how it goes far beyond the basics. Whether you're navigating mental health, substance use, eating disorders, or simply feeling stuck, we share how our appr...

In one of our most powerful conversations yet, Amanda Marino and Sarah Frias sit down with psychologist and certified sex therapist Dr. Rachel Needle to unpack the intersections of trauma, shame, intimacy, and resilience. From childhood abuse to substance use, from body detachment to rediscovering desire, we explore how reclaiming your sexuality isn’t indulgent—it’s essential. Dr. Needle shares he...

In this episode of Overcoming Adversity , Amanda Marino and Sarah Frias are joined by Yasmin Cuesta, the founder and owner of Y&S Digital Growth, a boutique digital marketing agency based in South Florida and the creative behind Next Level Recovery Associates and Amanda's digital marketing efforts. Yasmin brings a unique blend of analytical thinking and creative strategy to her work, spec...

In this deeply personal episode of Overcoming Adversity , Amanda Marino is joined by her 19-year-old son, Merik, for a rare and raw conversation about growing up, healing generational trauma, and finding your purpose in helping others. From EMT training to future goals in firefighting and intervention, Merik opens up about his quiet strength, his simple truth, and the love that shaped him. With wa...

In this uplifting episode, Amanda Marino and Sarah Frias sit down with Keesha Scott—mom of three, co-founder of Guardian Recovery, and author of the upcoming book Cake for Dinner . With 23 years sober, Keesha shares her journey of rebuilding after loss, raising kids as a single mom, and finding her purpose helping adolescents who don’t fit the mold. She opens up about parenting through chaos, co-p...

Lee Pepper flew in, rerouted his life—and dropped pure gold on this episode of Overcoming Adversity . Amanda Marino dives into Lee’s journey from military service to behavioral health marketing legend, and how his new book Never Outmatched turns battlefield strategies into business and life lessons. From leadership and AI to war-gaming your business plan, this episode is packed with insight, humor...

This one’s for anyone who’s ever walked into a networking event and left feeling drained instead of inspired. Amanda and Sarah reflect on the power of curating your circle—choosing real connections over forced conversations, and meaningful collaboration over performative support. From healing through loss to leveling up through masterminds, they’re sharing the uncomfortable truths, the hard-earned...

 What if faith wasn’t something you performed … but something you personally experienced? In this continuation of our heartfelt conversation with Natasha Silver Bell, host Amanda Marino leans into the deeper layers of spiritual curiosity, motherhood, recovery, and learning how to live without guilt or hustle-driven pressure. Together, they explore what it really looks like to break free from relig...

Ever felt like faith should bring peace, but instead leaves you confused, hurt, or questioning everything? You're not alone. In this powerful episode of Overcoming Adversity, Amanda Marino sits down with Natasha Silver Bell, founder and CEO of SilverBell Global, for a raw and uplifting conversation about healing religious trauma, navigating the modeling and pageant world, and discovering auth...

In this episode of Overcoming Adversity , powered by Next Level Recovery Associates, Amanda Marino and Sarah Frias sit down with therapist Eric Bricker—aka the “cool kid” of behavioral health. From cringey networking intros to real talk on grief, trauma, and post-COVID mental health, Eric keeps it honest and insightful. We cover the evolution of treatment, the power of human connection, and even a...

In this episode of the Overcoming Adversity Podcast , hosts Amanda Marino and Sarah Frias toss the script and let the conversation flow—from navigating negativity on social media to building a business rooted in purpose and partnership. They open up about how opposite strengths make them stronger together, why vulnerability is their superpower, and how grit—not perfection—drives long-term success....

In this episode of Overcoming Adversity , Amanda Marino and Sarah Frias sit down with their friend and special guest Craig Robinson —a South Florida attorney who's not only helping families through the legal maze of the Marchman Act and guardianships, but also someone who’s walked the recovery road himself. Craig gets real about his past, how he ended up in Florida, and why he and his law par...

In this compelling episode of Overcoming Adversity, powered by Next Level Recovery Associates, hosts Amanda Marino and Sarah Frias, alongside producer Janine, dive into the struggles of two women who have lived vastly different yet equally scrutinized lives—Britney Spears and Lily Phillips. They explore Britney’s rise to superstardom, the heartbreaking realities of her conservatorship, and her ong...

Join hosts Amanda Marino and Sarah Frias on the Overcoming Adversity Podcast , powered by Next Level Recovery Associates, for a heartfelt and relatable conversation with Jessica Ponn, a licensed clinical social worker and parenting coach. Jessica opens up about her journey from therapy to coaching, sharing honest insights and real-life advice for parents supporting adult children through addiction...

In this lively and heartfelt episode of Overcoming Adversity , Amanda Marino and co-host Sarah Frias dive into the real meaning of independence. From personal growth to leadership, relationships, and running a business, they explore the fine line between true independence and the need for control. Can you be independent while still asking for help? How does letting go of control lead to greater su...

This episode has been a long time coming, and trust us—it was worth the wait. Amanda and Sarah finally sit down with therapist Ben Taratuta, LMHC, to talk about trauma, healing, and how our past shapes us in ways we don’t always realize. Ben gets personal about the moment his life changed forever—when his father suffered a traumatic brain injury—and how that experience led him to question everythi...

In this episode of Overcoming Adversity, Amanda, Sarah, and Matt sit down with therapist Esin Pinarli for a look into narcissism, trauma, and the stuff we rarely talk about. Esin keeps it real, sharing how everything from somatic therapy to brain spotting and internal family systems (IFS) can help us break free from the emotional junk holding us back. Ever wondered why some relationships drain the...

Join the team as they sit down with sex therapist Tempany Andersen for an open conversation about intimacy, sex therapy, and addiction. They tackle topics often avoided—from understanding sexual dysfunctions and what a healthy sex life looks like, to navigating porn addiction and breaking down taboos. Tempany shares her expertise with warmth and humor, making important conversations feel like a fr...

In this episode, we dive into the beauty of balancing planned and unplanned moments in life and work. Join Amanda, Sarah, and Matt as they share personal stories about helping families and individuals navigate the challenges of recovery, sobriety, and personal growth. From breakthrough moments with clients to the incredible progress they witness, it's all about celebrating the small wins and...

Join Next Level Recovery Associates on this episode that is breaking barriers in men's mental health.  We sit down with Phil Treiber from Dude Breathe Counseling to talk about addiction, mental health, and why so many men avoid therapy. Phil breaks it down with real talk about using breathing techniques, letting go of old-school stereotypes, and making therapy relatable for guys. It's a...

On this episode of Overcoming Adversity, powered by Next Level Recovery Associates, hosts Amanda Marino, Sarah Frias, and Matt Williams welcome a very special guest—Blake Cohen! Blake, co-founder of Next Level Recovery, opens up about his bold decision to step away from the company to chase new dreams in organizational psychology. With real talk about identity, passion, and the messy middle of big...

In this compelling episode of Overcoming Adversity, hosts Amanda Marino, Sarah Frias, and Matt Williams are joined by special guest, Dr. Aldo Morales, a board-certified psychiatrist in addiction medicine. Dr. Morales shares his journey from pharmacy to addiction psychiatry and delves into the controversial topic of Suboxone. Together, they explore common misconceptions about opioid replacement the...

Amanda Marino, Sarah Frias, and Matt Williams are back! In this episode, they get real about the ups and downs of early sobriety. From landing that first "recovery job" to dealing with the fears and challenges of starting fresh, they share their own stories and some solid advice. Whether you're just out of treatment, figuring out a new career path, or simply trying to rebuild your l...

In this episode of the Overcoming Adversity Podcast, powered by Next Level Recovery Associates, hosts Amanda Marino and Sarah Frias explore the ups and downs of motherhood and recovery. Dressed like twins, Amanda and Sarah share laughs and insights into their different parenting stages—Amanda with her teenage son and preteen daughter, and Sarah with her two young children. They discuss the anxiety...