Talkin' Trash Addiction Recovery Podcast

Tonight, we had the pleasure of welcoming Tanya from Halifax, Nova Scotia to the show. With more than a decade in recovery, Tanya shared her experience with a level of honesty and clarity that made it feel as though her journey happened yesterday. Her lighthearted spirit, positive outlook, and thoughtful delivery brought both hope and inspiration to the conversation. Tanya reflected on the challen...

What was supposed to be a guest episode turned into an unexpected in-house conversation when our scheduled guest didn't make it—and it ended up being one of those shows that reminded us why we do this. We talked about overdose, a situation close to home, and leaned on the strength we find in each other when life puts us to the test. Nearly two hours later, it was nothing but high-fives all aro...

We welcomed Elizabeth back to the podcast for another recurring appearance as our trusted medical professional. A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner serving rural Georgia, Liz brings much-needed clinical insight to the often complex and confusing world of addiction recovery. Our team and audience are incredibly grateful for the time she donates to educate, support, and help those struggl...

Tonight we welcomed Melanie Brown and her daughter, Rebekah, to the show. Melanie, CAO and co-owner of Prairie Sky Recovery Centre and a Registered Social Worker, shared how her lived experience in addiction and recovery has helped shape both her personal journey and her life's work. Joined by Rebekah, an emerging voice in the recovery community, the conversation highlighted the importance of...

Tonight we welcomed back one of our dearest friends, Jenny Mansfield. If the last name sounds familiar, that's because she's Brad's sister. Our girl Jenny took center stage and showed everyone what independent, sober living looks like. She shared her trials, triumphs, and the many obstacles she's overcome in both life and recovery. We're incredibly grateful she took the time to...

Here’s a cleaned-up version that keeps your voice while tightening the flow: On a shorthanded midweek show, we welcomed back Steve, who never hesitates to step up when the team needs him. We appreciate his honesty, candor, and willingness to donate his time to the cause as we recover out loud and carry the message to those still suffering. With just a couple of months to go before reaching the two...

We welcomed longtime friend of the show Steve M. back to the podcast tonight. Coming in hot with over a year clean, Steve continues to prove that recovery is not only attainable—it's worth it. His story resonates with so many who have walked a similar path, and he's now seeing the fruits of sobriety as a long-standing legal situation has finally come to an end. Steve shared his experience,...

Bethany Basler joined the team tonight. Bethany, or "BB" as we call her, was amazing as always. A passionate advocate for recovery and peer support, Bethany has built a strong presence online and recently launched her own podcast, Rock Bottom Recovery . While she's been a guest on our show before, there are still parts of her story that haven't been told. Tonight, she opened up a...

We welcomed back Larry Foster—the man, the myth, the legend—to the podcast as we kicked off Men's Health Month in Middle Earth. Larry fits right in with the team because, truthfully, he is part of the team. As a longtime counselor in addiction recovery and Lord Protector of the Realm, Sir Larry shared the wisdom and insight we all needed to hear, covering mental health awareness, generational...

We welcomed Kaeden to the show tonight. At just 26, he has already overcome a tremendous amount of adversity and is now four months clean, embracing the sober living lifestyle. Our crew first met Kaeden at Prairie Sky Recovery Centre during the live, on-site broadcast of Episode 190. As they so often do, the boys connected with someone who heard the message of recovery and thought, "I want th...

We welcomed back a very special friend of the show, Elizabeth McKeon. Liz is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with a Master's of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing — and simply put, she’s one of the good ones. In addiction recovery, many of us suddenly think we have all the answers. We self-diagnose, self-treat. The only doctor's we're re...

Tonight on the pod, we welcomed another fellow Saskatchewanian. Our special guest Larissa celebrated an incredible milestone — 10 months clean. Her story was a powerful reminder that addiction does not discriminate. No matter our backgrounds, appearances, or experiences, the disease connects us all in ways many never fully understand. Larissa shared openly about her struggles with codependency, gr...

Tonight’s episode featured an incredible guest, Bethany, who shared her experience, strength, and hope with us in a truly powerful way. She’s seen it all and been through it all, but her story is one of resilience, recovery, and finding purpose through the struggle. Bethany spoke openly about the challenges she’s faced and the lessons she’s learned along the way, reminding listeners that no matter...

We kicked off our Mental Health Awareness Month campaign by welcoming back Mike Oxley, a longtime addiction recovery nurse and original co-founder of the show. Mike, a proud New Jersey native, brought plenty of personality along with more than a decade of experience in addiction recovery. Beyond his professional background, Mike shared what truly set him apart — his willingness to go the extra mil...

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Trashers out there! Tonight, we welcomed a very special guest — someone incredibly close to the show. Brad’s sister, Jennifer, joined us alongside Brad for a powerful and heartfelt conversation. Their bond, forged through recovery, was impossible to miss. Jennifer bravely shared her story on this special Mother’s Day episode of Talkin’ Trash, speaking openly about the...

Tonight’s show was blessed with a father-daughter duo whose connection transcended addiction and recovery. In this extra-long edition of Talkin’ Trash, we heard from two addicts representing two very different generational perspectives on addiction, mental health, and recovery. First we heard from Brody, whose story was filled with both life experiences and the challenges of starting a family at a...

The team welcomed a powerful guest from south who recently celebrated two years of sobriety. He shared an honest and relatable perspective on what it takes to stay clean, emphasizing consistency, accountability, and learning to face life without escaping it. He was right at home with the squad as the 5 shared their similar views on addiction, recovery, relapse and treatment. His message hit home—i...

The boys were shorthanded tonight while they tackled the topic of patience in addiction recovery. With some last-minute changes behind the scenes, the episode had an unpolished, off-the-cuff energy that actually mirrored the reality of recovery itself—imperfect, unpredictable, and constantly evolving. Despite it being amateur hour, the boys landed on their feet touching on meaningful insights, hig...

Talkin’ Trash hits a major milestone with its 200th episode, a testament to the power of honest conversation, shared experience, and the strength of the recovery community. What started as a space to talk openly about addiction and healing has grown into a platform that’s impacted countless lives, offering hope, laughter, and real connection along the way. This moment isn’t just about the number—i...

Tonight 75% of the gang welcomed Art, a guest from Manitoba whose life stands as a powerful testament to long-term recovery. With 30 years clean, 50 years of marriage, and 70 years of life experience, Art brought wisdom, humility, and a steady sense of gratitude to the conversation. He reflected on the ups and downs of his journey, emphasizing the importance of consistency, community, and staying...

We were greeted with a very special "normie" tonight as Lara brought her powerful outside perspective. Though she’s never struggled with addiction personally, Lara shares how deeply it has shaped her life—growing up around it, navigating relationships impacted by it, and often stepping into the role of caretaker. Her insight highlights the often-overlooked reality that addiction doesn’t...

This episode featured Charlotte Wells, a guest whose story carried both grit and a surprising light. A former meth and benzodiazepine addict, she spoke with a level of energy and enthusiasm that immediately filled the airwaves. Her emotion was genuine, transcending borders and miles all well challenging the usual expectations people might have about someone with her past. Her honesty about the cha...

This episode features a deeply emotional conversation with Blair S., on the verge of celebrating three years clean, offering a powerful reflection on just how far he'd come. Through moments of vulnerability and honesty, he shared the pain of his past, the struggles of early recovery, and the turning points that helped him stay the course when it felt impossible. What stands out most is Blair &...

We welcomed Caylen to the family tonight. A sharp, quick-witted veteran who brings both experience and honesty to the mic as she shares her journey in recovery. A recovering meth addict, Caylen opens up about how this time feels different—not because the struggle has been easier, but because she’s finally addressing her mental health head-on. With insight beyond her time clean, she emphasizes that...

Smiles all around we merged holiday sized efforts and last-minute additions. The boys welcomed former pro sports announcer, Rod Pedersen who graciously shared his journey of overcoming alcoholism and celebrated 11 years of recovery with us. We were grateful for his time and insight. He reflected on the darkest moments of his addiction and the turning points that led him to recovery. Living the dou...