RCVR Stories

PODCAST DESCRIPTION: In this compelling episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with ESPN sports broadcaster and host of the "Payoff with Pete" podcast, Pete Sousa. Pete opens up about his personal journey through addiction, sharing the highs and lows of his battle with alcoholism. He recounts the pivotal moments that led him to seek help and ultimately embrace sob...

PODCAST DESCRIPTION: In this deeply moving episode, Gary Menkes welcomes the inspiring Mary Alice O'Hara, who shares her raw and powerful journey from alcohol addiction to sobriety.  Once gripped by addiction and depression, Mary Alice transformed her life at the age of 61 and is now a beacon of resilience and hope. Listen as she candidly discusses her struggles with mental health, the impact...

Dive into this deeply personal and inspiring podcast episode as RJ Zimmerman, a certified coach with 'This Naked Mind' and founder of Untapped Keg, shares his journey of overcoming alcoholism.  Born and raised in Wisconsin, a place heavily influenced by alcohol, RJ's early life was marred by destructive drinking habits. However, his path to recovery has turned him into a beacon of h...

In this special compilation episode of The Begin Again Podcast, we bring you a profound and moving collection of moments from some of our most powerful guests. Each of these individuals has faced their darkest hours, whether battling addiction, enduring life-threatening illnesses, or confronting personal demons. Yet, through resilience and determination, they have all found a way to rise from the...

PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Join us in this powerful compilation episode as Gary Menkes shares his inspiring journey to sobriety. From his early struggles with alcoholism to the pivotal moments that led to his transformation, Gary's story is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and personal growth. This episode brings together the most poignant reflections from various episodes, highlighti...

In this riveting podcast episode, host Gary Menkes sits down with acclaimed actress and model, Brandy Ledford.  Brandy courageously opens up about her deeply personal battle with addiction, her path to recovery, and her ongoing mission to help others grappling with similar struggles. From her early days of substance abuse to finding solace in spirituality, Brandy's story is a powerful testame...

In this captivating podcast episode, Gary Menkes interviews Eliza Foltz, the Chief Growth Officer at Pretaa, who shares her extraordinary journey from battling addiction to becoming a beacon of hope in the world of behavioral healthcare.  Eliza's life, marked by resilience and transformation, takes us through her struggles with substance abuse, including painkillers, heroin, and fentanyl. Her...

In this powerful episode, host Gary Menkes welcomes Alecia Spendlove, a resilient individual who has turned her personal struggles into a source of inspiration for others.  Alecia, a commercial actress turned inspirational speaker, shares her compelling journey from battling alcoholism and low self-esteem to overcoming ovarian cancer.  She delves into her transformative experiences with EMDR and 1...

In this special episode of The Begin Again Podcast, we revisit some of the most powerful moments from our incredible guests, focusing on the crucial theme of asking for help. Throughout our journey, we've been honored to share stories of resilience, transformation, and the unyielding strength of the human spirit. This compilation episode highlights the profound impact that seeking support can...

In this gripping episode, Gary Menkes delves into the courageous journey of Jacob Scholze, from battling alcohol addiction to emerging as a beacon of hope.  Jacob opens up about his struggle with liver cirrhosis, the impact of genetics on addiction, and the power of self-awareness. He candidly shares how he spiraled into dependency, and how the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated his drink...

 🎙️In this powerful episode, host Gary Menkes welcomes Amanda Lockyer, a dedicated addiction coach and host of the 'Addiction Makes Three' podcast.  Amanda opens up about her personal journey, beginning with her partner's battle with addiction and how it led to her transformation into a wellness coach. She candidly discusses the emotional turmoil, societal stigma, and the importance...

In this riveting episode, Gary Menkes sits down with MJ Gottlieb, the co-founder and CEO of Loosid, a transformative app providing a sober social network and dating platform. MJ opens up about his personal journey, marked by a fear-filled childhood, substance abuse struggles, and his path to sobriety that began on March 21st, 2012. With raw honesty, he delves into his experiences with trauma, ange...

In this riveting episode, join Gary Menkes as he sits down with Michelle Curial, an inspiring woman who has battled and overcome substance addiction.  Michelle bravely shares her journey from a strict religious upbringing, through her struggle with drugs, alcohol, and prescription medications, to her triumphant recovery. She vividly recounts her rebellious teenage years, her chase for fame in Los...

PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Discover the transformative journey of ultra-marathon runner Kenny Dunn in this episode of the Begin Again podcast with host Gary Menkes.  From struggling with obesity and secretive drinking to achieving sobriety, Kenny's story is one of resilience and determination. He openly discusses his battle with alcoholism, his experiences with a 12-step recovery program, and his p...

PODCAST DESCRIPTION: In this riveting episode, Gary Menkes invites profound recovery advocate, Brian Deagan, for an enlightening discussion on battling addiction. Brian, a survivor of alcoholism, delves into his personal journey to recovery, sharing his unique blend of science, spirituality, and breathwork.  He discusses the transformative power of 12-step programs and narrative therapy, providing...

PODCAST DESCRIPTION: In this deeply moving The Begin Again podcast episode, Flindt Anderson and Jason LaChance engage in an open and heartfelt conversation about their personal journeys through addiction and recovery.  Both share their experiences, from their darkest moments to their transformative periods of clarity that led them to a life of service and purpose. They discuss the alarming rise of...

In this deeply moving The Begin Again podcast episode, Tracy Viola, a resilient survivor and advocate for sobriety, shares her personal journey from addiction to recovery.  She discusses the profound impact the 12-step program has had on her life, the unwavering bonds formed with her 'recovery friends', and the transformative power of sobriety.  Tracy candidly reveals her family history...

PODCAST DESCRIPTION: In this powerful episode, Gary Menkes welcomes special guest, Mike Diamond, a renowned author, TV personality, and sobriety advocate. Mike opens up about his personal journey from addiction to sobriety, a transformative shift that took him from the gritty streets of Perth, Australia to the glitzy world of New York's music and acting industries.  With raw honesty, Mike sha...

In this special roundup episode, host Gary Menkes revisits the most impactful moments from the season, featuring 42 inspiring guests sharing their unique recovery stories. From Derrick Machaud's advice on avoiding temptation to Luke Worsfold's take on embracing accountability, this episode is packed with wisdom and courage. Hear about Michael Quiqley’s Sober Shares Podcast and powerful t...

In this riveting episode, Gary Menkes delves into an intimate conversation with Paul Summers Jr. about his harrowing journey from addiction to sobriety.  Seventeen years ago, Paul's life was spiraling out of control, with suicidal thoughts, a failing marriage, and a powerful addiction. His remarkable transformation from a man on the brink of despair to a successful builder, author, and beacon...

In this gripping episode, Flindt Andersen , a recovered addict turned advocate, shares his raw and harrowing journey from severe opiate addiction to sobriety. He uncovers the harsh realities of addiction, the devastating impact on health, family, and society, and the critical need for effective solutions. Drawing from his personal battles with alcoholism, drug addiction, and a life-changing open-h...

In this captivating podcast episode, we delve into the unexpected journey of Jeanine Coulter as she shares her personal and harrowing experience with addiction. Breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions, Jeanine highlights the importance of understanding that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their upbringing or background. Jeanine takes us through her past, reflecting on her belief th...

In this powerful and inspiring The Begin Again podcast episode, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Jen Hirst, a woman who triumphed over addiction and transformed her life in unimaginable ways.  Jen opens up about her personal struggle with addiction, sharing the pivotal moments that led her down a destructive path and the harrowing consequences it had on her life. From hiding her struggle...

In this captivating podcast episode, we explore the life of Dan Jett, a remarkable individual who has triumphed over addiction with raw honesty and vulnerability.  Dan shares his tumultuous childhood in Detroit, shaped by the prevalence of alcoholism, offering insights into the lack of support he faced before social media's era.  His journey includes battling addiction through martial arts an...

In this episode, we sit down with Dana White-Guerrie , a woman who has overcome addiction and trauma to become a strong advocate for recovery and sobriety. Dana shares her personal journey with addiction and the challenges she faced, including the concept of bonding through trauma and the impact it had on her identity and relationships. She also discusses the importance of focusing on hope and pos...