Rooted Recovery Stories

Welcome to this episode of Rooted Recovery Stories! Join co-hosts Patrick Custer and Erin Dugan as they dive into the complexities of mental health during the holiday season. In this candid conversation, they explore the themes of stress, emotional regulation, and the impact of family dynamics on our well-being. Whether you're dealing with family expectations, grieving lost loved ones, or simply t...

In this heartfelt episode of Rooted Recovery Stories, host Patrick Custer sits down with the incredibly talented singer/ songwriter Eloise Alterman. They dive deep into Eloise's journey through vulnerability, self-acceptance, and the power of music as a healing tool. Eloise shares her personal experiences with body image, emotional struggles, and the impact of family dynamics on her self-worth. Fr...

In this episode of Rooted Recovery Stories, Patrick sat down with Hannah Sward, an inspiring author and poet with a remarkable story to share. During their conversation, Hannah reflects on her unconventional upbringing in Canada, shaped by her father’s life as a poet and the absence of her mother. She shares the struggles of feeling disconnected, battling shame, and coping with addiction. She even...

In this episode of Rooted Recovery Stories, I had the opportunity to sit down with Raven Dawson, a gifted media personality and host of Rewind the Podcast. Raven shared her personal journey of growing up in a close-knit, seemingly perfect family in Hoover, Alabama, and how her older brother’s battle with addiction transformed their lives forever. Raven opened up about the early warning signs of he...

In this episode of Rooted Recovery Stories, I had the chance to chat with Jordy Cray, a social media influencer who’s known for his thoughtful takes on pop culture. Jordy shared his unique background, growing up in a privileged environment after his grandparents won the lottery, but also navigating the complexities of having parents in active addiction during his early years. He opened up about th...

This week on Rooted Recovery Stories, Patrick sits down with country artist Dani Rose, who opens up about the difficult journey of dealing with a loved one affected by alcoholism. Dani shares the emotional challenges she faced in recognizing the signs of addiction and the turmoil that came with trying to help, only to realize that some situations can’t be fixed on her own. She also reflects on how...

Welcome to this episode of Rooted Recovery Stories! Join host Patrick Custer as he sits down with actor and advocate Gregory Zarian. Gregory shares his deeply personal journey, exploring themes of family, trauma, and the path to recovery. From his family's harrowing experiences during the Holocaust and the Armenian Genocide to his own struggles with addiction and self-acceptance, Gregory opens up...

Join host Patrick Custer as he sits down with country artist, Spencer Crandall, for an engaging conversation about life, creativity, and the journey of recovery. In this episode, Spencer shares his unique upbringing in Denver, Colorado, where he balanced his love for the outdoors with a passion for performing. From his early days as a birthday party clown to navigating the challenges of college li...

In this episode of Rooted Recovery Stories Patrick sit's down with mental health advocate, public speaker, eating disorder recovery coach, and therapist, Colleen Conklin. As the pair dives into many topics revolving around Colleen's past and the work she does/has done in the past, not only helping herself, but also helping other's! Colleen shares her struggles as a dancer and the culture she was s...

On this episode of Rooted Recovery Stories Patrick sit's down with decorative painter James Mobley and has an incredible conversation about his past and present with multiple years of sobriety between the two. James opens up about his past usage, his friends much appreciated intervention for him, the healing journey he has been on, and so much more! About James: James has been described as a renai...

In this episode of Rooted Recovery Stories Patrick sits down with standup comedian and actor Zach Noe Towers. This being Zach's return to the podcast, the pair touch on the last time he was on the show, how far he's come since then, what he has planned for the future, how sobriety has helped him and so much more, you don't want to miss the laughs in this episode! About Zach: Zach Noe Towers is a s...

This week Patrick sits down with writer, filmmaker, actor, and friend, Phillip Cordell. Phillip shares his complicated past with alcohol and substances and how far he has come since deciding to get help with his addiction. The two discuss how isolating getting sober can feel and leaning into living in the present. Patrick also opens up about how Phillip was the first straight man that he came out...

This week Patrick sits down with former reality TV star, Leah McSweeney. Leah opens up about her road to sobriety over the past couple of years and the changes she’s noticed in herself due to becoming sober. The past couple of years have been nothing but a rollercoaster for Leah, but she speaks on how her daughter and being sober have helped her through. Tune into this episode to find out more abo...

In recognition of National Recovery Month, Charles Kelle y - co-founding member of legendary country trio, Lady A , and his wife, Cassie Kelley joined host, Patrick Custer for a special episode of the Rooted Recovery Stories podcast in front of a live audience at SoHo House theatre in Nashville, TN. Charles discusses his battle with alcoholism, the lowest moments of his life and how he has able to...

This week on Rooted Recovery Stories, the tables get turned! Patrick Custer sits down with his producer and owner of The Cast Collective, Erin Dugan, except Patrick's in the guest chair today. Patrick discusses his life, the tough decisions he's made and what led him to where he is today. Erin and Patrick dive deeply into his early struggle with his sexuality and the role faith has played...

This week on Rooted Recovery Stories, Patrick sits down with drag queen legend, Willam Belli. Willam shares many stories from her time on Drag Race, working in the entertainment industry, and how she got to where she is today. The two of them also talk about Willam’s journey with alcohol and how being in entertainment has impacted her relationship with substances. This episode has no short of laug...

This week on Rooted Recovery Stories our host Patrick Custer sits down with award winning artist Fancy Hagood as the pair discuss many topics ranging from Fancy growing up in Nashville and the community he has here to how being an openly queer male since the age of 19 has been a challenge throughout his career. Fancy also speaks on his time in LA trying to "de-Reba" himself something he...

This week Patrick sits down with trans rights activist, actress, and writer, Joslyn Defreece. Joslyn opens up about her struggles with addiction, eating disorders and how those bumps in the road changed the trajectory of her life. She also discusses the discovery of her true identity as a trans woman and how this played out in the midst of recovery. There is no written map for recovery and Joslyn’...

On this week’s episode of Rooted Recovery Stories, Patrick is joined by the lovely, talented and hilarious Tayla Lynn, granddaughter of country music legend and icon, Loretta Lynn. All this and more on this episode! We would love to hear from you! Email us at ROOTED@PROMISES.COM About Tayla Lynn! There is a bright eyed enthusiasm to singer/songwriter Tayla Lynn that cannot be denied. There is a wa...

On this week’s episode of Rooted Recovery Stories, Patrick is joined by Bravo’s ‘Below Deck’ sensation, Kyle (Viljoen) Riley! He opens up about his time on the show and the corruption, manipulation and abuse in the elite yachting scene across the globe. Kyle says he, and other crew members, witnessed and experienced these same appalling behaviors during their time on ‘Below Deck’. Kyle also discus...

On this week’s episode of Rooted Recovery Stories, Patrick is joined by TikTok Star and adorable mom of 3 @Maggieeatsss! The two bond over their public acknowledgment of being in recovery, as they dive into Maggie's childhood traumas and past issues with emotional regulation. They celebrate together all the ways that sobriety had changed their lives for the better, including how their thoughts...

On this week’s episode of Rooted Recovery Stories, Patrick sits down with good friend and singer songwriter Cody Belew! Blending raw emotion with Southern stomp, Cody Belew offers a unique point of view on faith and love – both of which he approaches with fearless honesty. Coming off PRIDE week, Cody and Patrick discuss the embodiment of community and the importance of always knowing your neighbor...

On this week’s episode of Rooted Recovery Stories, Patrick is joined by his friend and colleague Liz Perrett. Liz has over 10 years of experience in the mental health and recovery field, serving in various roles including residential management and Director of Admissions of a nationally renowned residential treatment facility. She is the current Executive Director of NorthStar Clinical Services wi...

On this episode of Rooted Recovery Stories, Patrick sits down with the multitalented Vidalia Anne Gentry, better known as Drag Queen VAG or Vag4Short. VAG boldly shares stories from her childhood and experiences with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and how they have shaped her and her views as a performer and human being. She discusses the importance of being creative, having care and empathy for o...

On this week's episode Patrick talks with singer Cole Redding! Cole dives into his addiction beginning at a young age, leading to recovery by age 20. Although there is extreme isolation in feeling different, Cole shares his insights on the beauty of not being like everyone else. He has a passion for getting to know strangers and the human experience as a whole. Patrick and Cole relate to the s...