Supporting Sobriety Podcast

Ryan Hedrick talks about how resentment can keep people stuck, and what shifts when someone you care about gets clean and starts doing the work. He speaks with Amanda E., now eight years clean, about showing up for her family, building a support network she can rely on, and the tools she uses to work through resentment. They also talk about what caregivers should understand so resentment doesn&rsq...

Ryan Hedrick sits down with his sponsor Jose G for a direct conversation about what sponsorship really means in recovery and what it means for you as a caregiver. They explain why sponsorship is the heartbeat of the program. A sponsor helps your loved one see what they are up against, shares real experience, strength, and hope, and walks them through the 12 steps step by step. Ryan and Jose get in...

Ryan Hedrick sits down with Daryl Gilmer, a recovering addict with 11 years clean and a story that speaks for itself. From fighting to keep and raise his son to figuring out what it really means to be a present father, Daryl brings a real, grounded perspective on parenting in recovery. The conversation stays honest and practical using your past as a tool, not something to run from, and how showing...

Ryan Hedrick talks with an Indianapolis treatment specialist about what it takes to enter treatment. They discuss a common issue: not everyone is ready. Some people are unsure if they want to stop. Others are not sure they have a problem. Ryan shares a time when he was not ready for treatment and what stayed with him from that experience. They explain how addiction can affect thinking and keep som...

Ryan Hedrick is joined by his wife for a conversation about addiction, recovery, and how those experiences affected their family. They discuss their past, the impact addiction had on their home, and how recovery changed the dynamics of their relationship and family life. Ryan also speaks to caregivers and loved ones who support someone in recovery, addressing some of the challenges and adjustments...

Ryan Hedrick sits down to talk about something every parent, spouse, or loved one in recovery eventually faces: how do you let go… without letting them down? We center the conversation around three questions that can keep you up at night: How much do I step in? What are the expectations now? And how do I stay optimistic when other people doubt them — or when I start doubting myself? R...

In this episode, Ryan Hedrick opens up about what it really means to trade one addiction for another. From drugs to social media, he explores how addiction is still addiction, even when it shows up in different forms and at different levels. Ryan shares honest examples from his own recovery journey and sits down with a friend who has been clean for more than six years to talk about how social medi...

In this episode, Ryan Hedrick talks about his experience with addiction and the long process of rebuilding his life. He explains what his day‑to‑day looked like when he was using, including the period he spent living in a crack house in Washington, D.C. He also describes the moment his mom stepped in and helped him start the path toward recovery. Ryan walks through what he found in 12‑step meeting...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick open up about grieving clean and sober, and the challenges that come with living life on life’s terms. Ryan shares about his recent trip to Maryland, where visiting his grandmother in a nursing home stirred emotions he had to process without leaning on old habits. Matt talks about how sobriety has changed the way he handles family issues, and together the guys refl...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about coping with grief and loss while in recovery. Recently, Ryan traveled to Maryland to be with his family as they said goodbye to his father, an experience he had never faced before. Matt also shares his own perspective on handling loss and finding balance through recovery. Together, they discuss practical ways to manage difficult emotions and support one anothe...

Marijuana is not exactly top of mind when we think of addiction. You might gently roll your eyes when hearing someone say, “I’m addicted to marijuana…” I mean, really? How can you be addicted to the ganja? You can’t overdose on it. It makes everyone giggle. It’s a natural pain killer. How, how in the world is marijuana addictive or dangerous? Some people even s...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick take a look at how complicated it can be to care for someone in recovery. The relationship shifts, emotions run high, and boundaries can blur — especially when the phone rings and it’s your loved one on the other end. Whether they’re trying to stay clean, have slipped back, or the roles have reversed and now you’re the one calling them, Matt and R...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about the dangers of drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil—one of the most powerful opioids out there—and the struggles people face trying to break free. They share real tips on how to start recovery, handle cravings, and stop thinking about drugs all the time. The conversation also looks at how to build a healthier life, stay safe, and find support when d...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick are talking about something that’s tough but important—saying no. In this episode of Supporting Sobriety , “Why We Say No,” they get into what it really means to support someone through addiction, and why setting boundaries isn’t just okay—it’s sometimes the best thing you can do for both of you. They break down the three big rea...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about why desire in recovery from addiction isn’t something you can measure or force and what that means for caregivers. They get into the struggles of supporting someone who might not always feel ready to change and why expecting constant motivation can lead to frustration. Drawing from what they’ve learned in their own recovery, they talk about how to...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss the stigma surrounding addiction and its effects on both individuals struggling with substance use and the family and friends who support them. They explain how societal judgment, assumptions, and misconceptions can make recovery more difficult by creating shame, discouraging people from seeking help, and isolating families. They also talk about why stigma is so...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick sit down to talk about something every caregiver dreads—relapse. What does it mean? Is it the end of progress, or just part of the process? They walk through it honestly, from both sides of recovery. If you're supporting someone who’s trying to stay clean, a relapse can feel like a gut punch. It’s confusing, personal, and it can leave you wondering if a...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick get real about what a higher power means in recovery. They chat about how caregivers can really tune in to the spiritual side of healing, not just the stuff you see on the surface. Sometimes it’s hard to understand what your loved one is going through, especially when it comes to faith or belief, but Matt and Ryan break it down in a way that’s easy to get. Th...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss how jealousy can quietly surface in the caregiving journey—especially when the person you've been helping through addiction starts getting clean and rebuilding their life. It’s a shift that can feel confusing. Suddenly, the person you supported is gaining momentum, getting recognition, maybe even moving forward faster than you expected—and you'r...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick sit down to talk about the tricky line between being a sponsor and being a caregiver. They get into how sponsorship can provide structure, support, and accountability—but also how the lines can blur when you're helping someone you love. It’s not always easy to know when you’re helping and when you might be doing too much. In this episode, they share per...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick reflect on their recovery journey. Over the last several years, they've faced significant challenges, but they haven't returned to drugs or alcohol. They discuss how that’s been possible, their caregivers' role, and what it’s like to stay in recovery while handling the ups and downs of everyday life. Caregivers—whether family, friends, or mentors—...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick open up about how alcohol has shaped parts of their lives, the good, the bad, and the wake-up calls, and why Alcohol Awareness Week matters. They talk about those first red flags we sometimes ignore, how easy it is to stay in denial, and why it’s so important for individuals and families to pay attention. If you're caring for someone who struggles with drinking, it...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick explore the challenging yet crucial process of rebuilding family relationships when a sibling is in recovery. They discuss how caregivers can assist children in understanding that, although their sibling's past may involve hurtful behaviors—such as lying, stealing, or causing pain during their addiction—recovery is centered on change. It's not about asking th...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss something that comes up a lot in recovery—introducing other drugs like cannabis. "But cannabis is medicinal!" "Suboxone helps people get off heroin!" "I’m an alcoholic, drugs are fine!" These are real thoughts and arguments, showing how tricky recovery can be. We’re talking about this because of the stigma around addiction and the reality of the...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick are back for another deep dive into the realities of addiction and recovery. Today, we’re tackling Suboxone—one of the most debated drugs in the recovery world. Some say it’s a lifesaver, giving people a real shot at staying off opioids. Others argue it’s just swapping one addiction for another, with its own set of side effects and risks. So what&...