Recover Outloud Podcast

Alex shares his journey from early substance use in the Midwest to heavy drinking, cocaine, heroin, and meth addiction that eventually led to homelessness, legal trouble, and years of relapse. After multiple trips to rehab and hitting what he calls the true “jumping off point,” Alex realized that getting sober wasn’t the hardest part staying sober was. His turning point came when he began studying...

This episode explores the role of higher power, personal responsibility, and collective consciousness in recovery, while also diving into uncomfortable but necessary conversations about the war on drugs, incarceration, systemic barriers, and how addiction intersects with society, culture, and opportunity. Jeff speaks openly about his lived experience, the realities of prison and reentry, and why r...

Rich opens up about growing up in instability, chasing validation, and how alcohol and drugs became both an escape and a way to feel in control. What started as social use quickly evolved into a destructive cycle that impacted his relationships, career, and sense of self. Beneath the surface was a deep struggle with identity, ego, and the constant need to prove himself. As his world narrowed and c...

Jeremy shares his journey from early drinking in Alaska to a devastating back injury that introduced him to prescription opioids fueling a decade-long spiral of alcohol, pills, isolation, and self-destruction. What began as teenage experimentation evolved into full-blown addiction, fractured relationships, and a life that eventually included near-death experiences, arrests, and the crushing weight...

In this episode, Sean sits down with Daniel Gospodarek, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in men’s mental health and trauma, to explore both his professional work and his deeply personal recovery journey. Daniel opens up about surviving a traumatic brain injury at just 17 years old, waking from a coma to a life marked by brain fog, emotional dysregulation, rage, exhaustion, and the...

Joshua continues his journey by unpacking the unraveling of his identity after losing his music scholarship, the descent into full-blown meth addiction, and what it was like growing up in relentless chaos where manipulation, abuse, and dysfunction were normalized. He speaks candidly about how addiction reshaped his sense of reality, blurred the line between normal and abnormal, and led him into is...

In this deeply honest conversation, Sean sits down with Sam Ghanem, entrepreneur, comedian, mindset coach, and person in recovery to unpack a life shaped by early trauma, relentless self-expectation, and years of silently carrying pain behind a polished exterior. Sam shares what it was like growing up in an abusive household, leaving home at a young age, and learning how to survive by performing,...

In this episode, Sean is joined by Jayme Ethridge, whose journey through addiction is inseparable from years of trauma, domestic violence, homelessness, and the quiet erosion of self-worth. Jayme doesn’t tell her story to shock she tells it to tell the truth. A truth about how addiction rarely begins with drugs, but with pain, silence, and learning to accept harm as normal. Jayme reflects on growi...

In this deeply raw and honest episode of Recover Outloud, Sean sits down with John Devine, an Army veteran and professional wrestler, to unpack the long, complicated road from combat to civilian life—and what it takes to survive it. John shares his journey growing up in a multi-generational military family, serving as a combat engineer in Afghanistan, witnessing civilian casualties that still haun...

In this powerful episode of Recover Outloud, Sean sits down with Dr. Robb Kelly, a neuroscientist, behavioral specialist, and recovered alcoholic, to dismantle one of the biggest myths in recovery: that addiction is about the substance. Dr. Rob shares his journey from childhood trauma, homelessness, and repeated near-death experiences to becoming a global authority on addiction, alcoholism, and br...

In this episode of Recover Outloud, Sean sits down with Julie May, founder and host of The Ridiculously You Podcast, for a deeply human conversation about addiction, mental health, identity, and learning how to love yourself without conditions. Julie shares her journey through perfectionism, food addiction, suicidal ideation, toxic relationships, and the hidden pressure of appearing “put together”...

In this episode of Recover Outloud, Sean sits down with Jasmine Bootle, host of Everybody’s Addicted, for a raw, unfiltered conversation about addiction, recovery, and the damage caused by rigid labels and one-size-fits-all solutions. Jasmine shares her lived experience with alcohol and opioid addiction, growing up under crushing perfectionism, surviving trauma, navigating grief, homelessness, and...

In this heartfelt and powerful episode, Sean sits down with Hollis Versyp, a Marine veteran and close friend whose recovery path mirrors his own. Hollis shares his journey from a disciplined military career to the grip of alcoholism, a devastating DUI that resulted in felony charges, and the painful self-reckoning that followed. From early drinking in Texas fields to the heavy drinking culture of...

This special Christmas episode of Recover Outloud is a little different, and a lot more meaningful. Sean is joined by his daughter, Emma, coming to you live from Germany, where she and her family are stationed overseas. Together, they share a genuine, unscripted conversation that blends holiday spirit, family connection, and curiosity about the world beyond our own backyard. From comparing German...

In this gripping and inspirational episode, Sean sits down with Joe Gallagher, a former musician turned sauce entrepreneur, whose story captures the raw truth of addiction, survival, and spiritual rebirth. Joe opens up about his early struggles with self-worth, the escapism he found in alcohol and pills, and the traumatic moments that shaped his spiral, including being kidnapped in the Bahamas, a...

In this powerful and refreshingly blunt episode, Sean sits down with Martha Burich, a longtime educator, AA volunteer, jail mentor, and woman in long-term recovery who brings truth without sugar-coating. Martha dives into her early life of feeling unwanted, the drinking patterns that derailed her education, and the hard-won lessons that helped her rebuild her life into one of service, purpose, and...

In this deeply moving episode, Sean sits down with Abby Anderson, a survivor, creator, and fierce advocate for recovery, community, and compassion. Abby opens up about her journey from early childhood trauma, addiction, abusive relationships, and repeated cycles of pain, to finding sobriety, rebuilding her life, and reclaiming her purpose. Abby shares the truth behind her story: surviving assault,...

Pull up your chair and listen in as host Sean Young sits down with Steve Feldman, founder of Radical Recovery and a person thriving in long-term recovery. In this episode, Steve shares his powerful story of addiction, the depths he once faced, and the redemption that followed. From years lost to substance use to a renewed life of faith, purpose, and service, Steve’s journey embodies transformation...

Join host Sean Young as he sits down with Abby Moreira, a sister in recovery with a story that shines light on resilience, faith, and community. In this episode, Abby opens up about her struggles with addiction, what finally led her to get sober, and how she found recovery in one of the most isolating times, the pandemic. She shares her unique experience of getting sober when the world was shut do...

Get comfortable outside with a blanket and a warm beverage as host Sean Young sits down with Jonathon Scott — former Division I athlete, mental health survivor, and recovery speaker. In this heartfelt episode, Jonathon opens up about his battles with mental health, the impact it’s had on his family, and the journey that led him into recovery. He speaks candidly about the daily challenges he still...

Step out of your everyday life and join host Sean Young for a powerful and heartfelt conversation with Yvette Salva — author, fitness coach, and CEO of Yvette Salva Fitness. In this episode, Yvette opens up about her journey through alcoholism and addiction, sharing raw truths about the club life that pulled her deep down the rabbit hole — and the inner strength that led her back out. Today, Yvett...

Join me as we hear from Motivational Speaker, Coach, Author, and New Zealand Special Forces Veteran, John Templeton. In this episode John dives deep into his struggles with addiction, mental health disorders, grief, and loss. He shares about the power of standing back up and pressing on. I am grateful to have met John and to introduce him as the newest member of the Recover Outloud Family. Enjoy!!...

Join me for a raw and moving conversation with Joshua Pair, a substance abuse counselor and passionate musician. Joshua opens up about how he was first introduced to drugs, the depths of his addiction, and the painful journey from earning a full-ride scholarship to living homeless on the streets. His story of resilience, music, and recovery is so powerful that it couldn’t fit into just one episode...

Join me for an inspiring conversation with the marvelous Ms. Jacqui Grillon. With 27 years of sobriety, Jacqui shares her powerful story of overcoming addiction, navigating mental health challenges, and surviving abuse. In this heartfelt episode, she reflects on how she rebuilt her life and offers timeless nuggets of wisdom for anyone on the path of healing and resilience. I am grateful to have me...

Join me in Cambodia for a heartfelt conversation with the well-traveled Samantha Long. Samantha opens up about her battle with addiction, the turning point that led her into recovery, and the life-changing decision to move across the world. She shares what life is like in Asia, the challenges and growth she experienced during her transition, and the wisdom she’s gained along the way. I am grateful...