The Recovery Couch

In this episode of the Recovery Couch, host Brandon Couch welcomes former NFL running back John Conner to discuss the critical role of recovery in athletic performance. John shares insights on the importance of recovery, the difference between healthy soreness and overtraining, and how diet and sleep impact recovery. He emphasizes the need for proper post-workout nutrition, mobility work, and the...

In this episode of the Recovery Couch, host Brandon Couch welcomes Mary Van Dorn, a seasoned coach with over three decades of experience in helping leaders find their voice. The conversation delves into the importance of vulnerability, storytelling, and connection in public speaking. Mary shares her journey into coaching, the techniques she uses to help speakers engage their audiences, and the tra...

In this powerful episode of The Recovery Couch, Brandon Couch creates a sacred space for honesty, healing, and hope as guests Kacia Warren, Crissie Leonard, and Ty Howell share deeply personal stories of trauma, recovery, and redemption. Kacia opens up about growing up in a family shaped by alcoholism and the heartbreak of losing her sister to fentanyl poisoning—a loss that compelled her to tell t...

In this episode of The Recovery Couch, Brandon Couch delves into the deeper issues surrounding recovery, emphasizing the importance of self-knowledge in the healing process. He discusses how understanding our emotional reactions and the patterns behind them can lead to personal growth and healthier responses. The conversation highlights the significance of accountability, love, and the power of ch...

In this episode of The Recovery Couch, Brandon Couch delves into the deeper issues surrounding recovery, emphasizing the importance of self-knowledge in the healing process. He discusses how understanding our emotional reactions and the patterns behind them can lead to personal growth and healthier responses. The conversation highlights the significance of accountability, love, and the power of ch...

In this episode, Brandon Couch explores the multifaceted topic of marijuana, discussing its history, the active ingredient THC, its effects, and the ongoing debate surrounding its use both recreationally and medically. He highlights the increasing potency of marijuana over the decades and addresses public perceptions and misconceptions about its addictive qualities. The conversation aims to provid...

In this episode of The Recovery Couch, host Brandon Couch speaks with Porcia, a courageous individual who shares her journey through addiction to crack cocaine and her path to recovery. Porcia discusses the struggles she faced during her addiction, including the moment she overdosed and was brought back to life. She reflects on the challenges of rebuilding her life, reconnecting with family, and t...

This episode of The Recovery Couch focuses on inhalants, discussing their risks, effects, and the importance of awareness. Host Brandon Couch emphasizes that inhalants, often seen as harmless, can lead to severe health issues and even death. The conversation covers the history of inhalant use, the reasons for their popularity among adolescents, and the acute physical effects they can have on users...

In this emotional episode, Brandon Couch speaks with Jennifer Bennington about her son Caleb's life, struggles, and tragic death due to fentanyl poisoning. Jennifer shares heartfelt memories of their close bond, Caleb's journey into fatherhood, and the challenges he faced as an adult. The conversation highlights the dangers of fentanyl, the impact of grief, and the importance of raising awareness...

In a world where vulnerability is often shunned, Brandon Couch's journey from addiction and trauma to healing and purpose stands as a beacon of hope. Through his candid storytelling, he illustrates how sharing personal struggles can lead to profound healing and connection.   The journey of self-discovery and healing often begins in the most unexpected places. For Brandon Couch, it started with a p...

This episode of The Recovery Couch delves into the extensive history of narcotics, tracing their origins from ancient civilizations to the modern opioid epidemic. Host Brandon Couch discusses the evolution of narcotics, including opium, morphine, and heroin, and examines the societal and governmental responses to addiction. The conversation highlights the persistent nature of narcotic addiction th...

In this episode of Learning Together, Brandon Couch delves into the world of narcotics, exploring their definitions, classifications, and the dangers associated with their use. He discusses the medical applications of narcotics, the risks of addiction and overdose, and the differences between natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic narcotics. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understand...

This conversation delves into the history and effects of Quaalude, a sedative that gained popularity in the 1960s and 70s. It discusses its initial perception as a safe alternative to barbiturates, its use as an aphrodisiac, and the serious risks associated with its use, including dependence and overdose.

In this episode, Brandon Couch interviews John Michael Weber, who shares his profound journey through trauma, addiction, and recovery. John discusses the impact of childhood trauma on his life, his struggles with addiction, and the turning point that led him to seek help. He emphasizes the importance of understanding trauma in the recovery process, the need for empathy, and the role of honesty in...

This conversation delves into the intricate process of alcohol detoxification in the body, focusing on the liver's unique role in transforming ethyl alcohol into less harmful substances. The discussion highlights the scientific aspects of how alcohol affects the body and the importance of understanding these processes for better health.   Takeaways Every time you put alcohol in your body, you're r...

In this episode of The Recovery Couch, host Brandon Couch continues the Learning Together series with a deep dive into the most complex organ in the human body — the brain. Building on previous discussions about the stages of addiction and the neurobiology behind it, Brandon explores how different parts of the brain are affected by drug and alcohol use and what that means for behavior, emotions, a...

Part 2 of my conversation with Julian Jackson-Linkhart. In this episode, Brandon Couch and Julian Jackson Linkhart discuss the journey of recovery from addiction, the importance of spirituality, and the role of relationships in personal growth. Julian shares his experiences with football, the challenges he faced, and how his faith has guided him through difficult times. They emphasize the signific...

In this episode, Brandon Couch explores the neurobiology of addiction, detailing how psychoactive drugs affect the brain and nervous system. He explains the structure and function of the nervous system, the role of neurons and neurotransmitters in communication, and how various drugs interact with these systems to produce their effects. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding t...

In this episode, Brandon Couch discusses the stages of addiction, the importance of recovery, and the critical components of effective treatment. He emphasizes the role of mental health in recovery and the need for comprehensive treatment approaches. The conversation highlights the significance of assessment, relapse prevention, and the intertwined nature of mental health and substance abuse condi...

In this episode, Brandon Couch introduces a new series focused on understanding addiction and its treatment. He discusses the prevalence of substance use, the transition from social use to addiction, and the critical differences between dependence and addiction. The conversation delves into the stages of addiction, the impact on individuals' lives, and the criteria for substance use disorders as o...

In this powerful episode of The Recovery Couch, host Brandon Couch sits down with Julian Jackson Linkhart for a deep and honest conversation about recovery, faith, and personal transformation. Julian opens up about his journey from the football field to finding freedom through spirituality, sharing how his struggles with ego, identity, and addiction ultimately led him to rediscover his purpose in...

In this episode, Brandon Couch discusses the essence of toughness and resilience, emphasizing that true strength comes from facing life's challenges head-on. He introduces the STEEL framework as a practical guide to building resilience and shares actionable tools to help listeners navigate tough times. The conversation culminates in a challenge for listeners to confront their struggles and take sm...

Brandon Couch opens up about the collision between the titles he wore—employee, grad student, veteran, husband, father—and the truth he refused to name: drug addict. In this raw conversation, he traces how opiate withdrawal bulldozed denial, how “using” turned into logistics, and how striving for control became a death spiral disguised as “management.” Through candid reflection, Brandon unpacks th...

In this episode of the Recovery Couch, Brandon Couch dives into the intertwined themes of addiction and infidelity, exploring how guilt, shame, and isolation can lead to destructive behaviors. He shares his personal journey through these challenges, emphasizing the importance of radical honesty and accountability in the recovery process. The conversation highlights the need for compassion and cons...

In this Voices of Recovery episode for National Recovery Month, host Brandon Couch reminds listeners that no matter how broken the past may seem, Your Story Isn’t Wasted. Every setback, every scar, and every struggle carries the potential to inspire and help someone else on their journey. Brandon unpacks how God can redeem even the darkest chapters and use them for a greater purpose. This episode...