The Essence of Recovery

In this episode of The Essence of Recovery , Shauna Harris and Brendan Leahy sit down with Dr. Merrill Norton, Professor Emeritus at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy and a nationally recognized expert in addiction science, psychopharmacology, and recovery. Dr. Norton breaks down the neuroscience of substance use disorders, explaining how addiction changes the brain's reward, memor...

In this episode of The Essence of Recovery , we sit down with Dennis T, whose story speaks to the deep connection between mental health and alcoholism—and the daily work it takes to live with both. Dennis shares about growing up in Athens, the lasting impact of personal trauma, and the ways fear and intrusive thoughts shaped his experience for years. Through honesty and reflection, he opens up abo...

In this episode of The Essence of Recovery , Johnette P shares her journey of healing through spirituality and personal growth. Her experience reflects a path that hasn’t always followed a traditional route, but instead has been shaped by a willingness to explore recovery in her own way. Johnette speaks about the challenges she’s faced, the shifts that helped change her perspective, and the role s...

Recovery does not end when substances are removed - it continues in the care of our mental and emotional health. In this episode of The Essence of Recovery , Jimmy P speaks candidly about the deeper layers of sobriety, including his experience with navigating mental health challenges well into recovery. He reflects on a period of profound struggle, the courage to seek therapy and medication, and t...

🎙 Bobbie Ray – Healing, Growth, and the Recovery Journey Description Healing often begins in the quiet moments of honest reflection. In this episode of The Essence of Recovery , Bobbie Ray reflects on the experiences, choices, and relationships that shaped her recovery journey. Through honesty and humility, she shares what it means to keep showing up — even when it’s hard — and how recovery contin...

🎙 Randy Parsons – Connection, Service, and Sustained Recovery Description Recovery didn’t begin with certainty — it began with willingness. In this episode of The Essence of Recovery , Shauna and Brendan sit down with Randy Parsons for an honest conversation about his journey from active addiction to sustained recovery. Randy reflects on the experiences that shaped his path, the turning points tha...