Shows
AllBetterFinding Strength in Struggle: Amir's Road to RecoveryWhat happens when the structure of a military household collides with the chaos of addiction? Join us as Amir, an alumnus of Fellowship House, shares his compelling story of growing up in Scranton with a strong-minded mother whose military career shaped his early years. Amidst the discipline and the profound absence of his father, Amir reveals the emotional toll of his mother's multiple deployments and the resilience he built navigating these complexities. Listen as he opens up about the strong influences in his life and the unseen struggles behind a disciplined exterior.Amir had always vowed to...2024-09-2458 min
AllBetterBreaking Barriers in Education and RecoveryWhat does it take to rebuild your life from the depths of addiction to academic and personal success? Jamie Monahan, a recruiter and certified recovery specialist at Luzerne County Community College's All One Recovery Center, shares his extraordinary journey of resilience and determination. His story highlights the pivotal moments that led him to seek help and his unwavering commitment to maintaining recovery. Jamie's firsthand experience underscores the transformative power of support systems, illustrating how the right help at the right time can make all the difference.You'll be captivated by the stories of triumph over adversity as...2024-09-1750 min
AllBetterFrom Chaos to Clarity: Joey C's Journey through Addiction and RecoveryImagine growing up in a high-pressure environment, feeling the weight of fitting in while battling personal demons. Joey C from Westchester, Pennsylvania, courageously opens up about his tumultuous journey through addiction and recovery. Adopted shortly after birth and discovering this life-altering fact at age 11, Joey shares how these formative experiences shaped his struggles. Tune in as we discuss his painful school years, marked by bullying and a desperate need to fit in, and how a move to Scranton for a partial hospitalization program became the catalyst for his recovery.What happens when the pressure to belong in...2024-09-101h 05
AllBetterFinding Strength in Fellowship HouseWhat if unresolved childhood trauma could be the root cause of your addictions? In today's powerful episode, we sit down with Mike G as he opens up about his first year of recovery at Fellowship House. Mike takes us back to his roots in Dunmore, a small football town, where the impact of his parents' divorce and his father's alcoholism left lasting scars. Listen as he shares how these early experiences shaped his feelings of inadequacy and responsibility, and how completing step four of his recovery journey helped him tackle these deep-seated fears head-on.From experimenting with...2024-09-031h 05
AllBetterHealing Through Community: CEO Amy Durham's Personal JourneyAmy Durham's journey from a childhood overshadowed by her father's alcoholism to becoming the CEO of Brookdale Premier Addiction Recovery is nothing short of remarkable. As she opens up about her own battles with liver disease and addiction, Amy's resilience and commitment to breaking the stigma around substance use disorder come to the forefront. This episode invites you to explore her personal story and the profound impact it has had on her professional mission to elevate addiction care through innovative, evidence-based practices.Listen as we unravel the complexities of navigating life’s challenges and the harrowing descent in...2024-08-271h 05
AllBetterNavigating Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Family, Care, and Community ConnectionsDiscover the profound complexities of mental health and substance abuse treatment through our enlightening conversation with Shana Stefanik and Dylan Fredricey from STR Behavioral Health. Together, we explore their impactful journeys, the critical role of Cedar Crest—an essential residential facility—and the nuanced challenges of addressing substance use disorders. Dylan’s recent academic triumphs and the extraordinary potential of AI in modern care are also key highlights.Join us as we navigate the intricate terrain of family boundaries in mental health treatment, especially for those struggling with both mental health and substance use disorders in Pennsylvania. We dis...2024-08-201h 03
AllBetterExploring the Intersection of Adventure, Addiction, and Authentic Recovery with Nicholas GettelWhat happens when addiction meets the innate human need for adventure? Join me as I engage with Nicholas Gettel a Continuing Care Specialist at Caron Treatment Centers, to unravel this fascinating intersection. Together, we shed light on the nuances of how activism can sometimes fill voids left by personal dissatisfaction and the significant role political polarization plays in the recovery journey. Hear our personal stories about navigating these turbulent waters and understand how authentic adventure and meaningful engagement can be vital tools in a healthy recovery process.The media landscape today is a minefield of bias and...2024-08-131h 07
AllBetterRethinking Addiction: Dr. Stanton Peele on Alternative Approaches and Self-DeterminationJoin us for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Stanton Peele, the revolutionary psychologist, attorney, and addiction specialist who has spent decades challenging traditional views on addiction. In this episode, we discuss Dr. Peele's groundbreaking work, including his influential book "Love and Addiction," and his compelling arguments against the old disease model of addiction. Dr. Peele advocates for alternative approaches like moderation and emphasizes the role of raising independent, competent children in preventing addiction.We redefine addiction and recovery, emphasizing the importance of engaging with life and enhancing self-capabilities. Dr. Peele shares his insights on the varying impacts...2024-08-061h 02
AllBetterEmpathy and Outreach in the Recovery JourneyWhat happens when an aspiring fashion professional finds her true calling in the heart of the addiction recovery world? Join us as Kingsley Schwartz, Business Development Director of Bright Life Recovery, takes us through her transformative journey. From her own struggles with addiction to a pivotal turning point at age 27, Kingsley sheds light on the challenges and triumphs in finding the right rehab facilities. Her personal story and professional insights provide a unique perspective on the role of community outreach and aftercare in preventing relapse, making this a must-listen for anyone invested in recovery.Discover the vibrant...2024-07-3048 min
AllBetterA Tennis Coach's Inspiring Recovery JourneyWhat happens when a beloved tennis coach confronts his darkest demons and emerges as a beacon of hope for others struggling with addiction? Join us as Jerry Pickard shares his gripping journey from the depths of alcoholism to the transformative power of Recovery. With the unwavering support of his friend Victor and a newfound belief in a higher power, Jerry's story is one of resilience, faith, and the crucial steps that led him to sobriety. His heartfelt revelations not only spotlight the personal battles he faced but also the profound changes that faith and community support can evoke.2024-07-231h 08
AllBetterTransforming Addiction Treatment: Insights from Caron Treatment Centers with Louis DeSantoDiscover the transformative power of addiction treatment as we sit down with Louis DeSanto, the Regional Resource Director of Pennsylvania for the Caron Foundation. Louis shares the remarkable journey of Caron Treatment Centers, one of the world's most established and credible providers for substance use disorder. Learn how Caron holistic approach, which treats both the individual and their family system, has fostered a loyal and supportive community, ensuring long-term recovery and a robust alumni network.Listen to the inspiring story of Richard Caron, whose pioneering vision turned addiction treatment into a recognized and treatable disease. With over 70...2024-07-1753 min
AllBetterExploring the Intersection of Music, Addiction, and Recovery with Mike MizExperience the magic of music and its profound role in the addiction recovery process, as we embrace a heartfelt conversation with gifted musician and songwriter Mike Miz Mizwinski. His soul-stirring melodies have not only mesmerized fans but have played a pivotal role in his own recovery journey. Tune in to hear how Miz's sensitivity, shaped by his journey of recovery, is reflected in his music, and how a song he wrote in response to the political climate in 2018 brought people together. This episode also delves deeply into the significant correlation between music and addiction. Our guest shares h...2023-12-181h 02
AllBetterTransforming Adversity into Entrepreneurial Success: with Tony MattioliHow often do you come across a story where business, addiction recovery, and personal growth intertwine so seamlessly? Our guest, Tony Mattioli, president and owner of Trademark Industrial, is a living testament to overcoming adversity and transforming life struggles into a thriving business. Tony's story is not just about overcoming addiction; it's about perseverance, resilience, and the courage to take a leap of faith in the business world.Our chat with Tony takes us on a journey from his earliest encounters with opiates to his courageous path towards recovery. We delve into societal attitudes towards addiction and...2023-12-091h 04
AllBetterFrom Woodstock to Recovery: "Coming Down the Mountain"What if you could recapture the essence of a bygone era, feel the pulse of its music, and relive its cultural significance, all while seated comfortably in your present? Tune into a riot of colors as our good friend Leo takes us on a voyage into his exhilarating experiences from the psychedelic age. From the rush of hallucinogens to the rhythms of Woodstock, Leo narrates his extraordinary journey of exploration and self-discovery. You might expect tales of mind expansion, but Leo's narrative is one of escape and adrenaline, and how a negative trip became a life-altering experience....2023-12-0350 min
AllBetterBridging Divides: with Pennsylvania Senator John KaneWhat does it truly mean to overcome personal trials and advocate for those who are struggling? Join us for an exploration of resilience, recovery, and advocacy, as we share conversations that shed light on these significant aspects of life. Our guest, Senator John Kane, reveals his life journey from his humble beginnings as a plumber and labor leader to becoming a beacon of hope for working families. Going through his own battles with addiction and cancer, he articulates how he journeyed through recovery, highlighting the crucial role affordable healthcare and union benefits played in his survival and ultimate victory.2023-11-2454 min
AllBetter"SHEILDS Program" with Pat DeSarnoGet ready to discover the hidden struggles and triumphs of our first responders and veterans as they face the challenge of addiction. Welcoming our guest, Pat DeSarno, Shields Service Specialist at Brookdale Premier Addiction Recovery Center and former fire chief, we delve into a candid and enlightening discussion. Unraveling decades of civil service, Pat shares his personal journey of recovery, providing a unique perspective on the often overlooked issue of addiction among those who serve our communities.Deep diving into the complex nexus of PTSD, addiction, and the fire services, we engage in a critical conversation on...2023-11-1954 min
AllBetter"Fellowship House" with Larry Moran Esq.Join us for an exclusive conversation with our esteemed partner, Larry Moran, as we delve into the heart of Fellowship House PHP/IOP/OP. Larry and I have been passionately crafting a program that resonates with authenticity and proves effective for individuals battling addiction and their families. Our journey together has been both fulfilling and enlightening, and we can't wait to share the insights we've gained.In this special episode, Larry opens up about his incredible advocacy for veterans, his relentless efforts in addressing substance abuse, and his commitment to fostering crucial discussions around mental health. Prepare...2023-11-1149 min
AllBetter"A Life Lost, and a Life Saved" with Karl WegforthHow often do childhood influences shape the trajectory of our lives? For our guest, Weggy, those early years steeped in a culture where alcohol consumption was normalized, became the precursor to his lifelong struggle with alcoholism. We walk with him down memory lane, from his high school days working at a bar under his father's influence, through to his reckless party lifestyle that eventually led him to confront the harsh realities of his dependence on alcohol.As we delve deeper into Weggy's narrative, he shares his experiences bartending, his personal relationships affected by his addiction, and the...2023-11-041h 03
AllBetterCultural Amnesia: Understanding the 60s, 70s, and 80s Impact on Modern SocietyHave you ever wondered how the cultural chaos of the 60s and 70s molded the society we live in today? Join me and my enigmatic guest, Elaine Donly, as we journey through her personal history and explore the deep-seated impact of a time when political assassinations were frequent, and violence was a part of everyday life. Elaine's gripping narrative of surrendering to Alcoholics Anonymous at age 32, after years of battling addiction, serves as the linchpin of our discussion.In our earnest conversation, we draw parallels between the Vietnam War era and the modern world, emphasizing the importance...2023-10-281h 10
AllBetterExploring Labor, Addiction, and Recovery with Brian EddisImagine being drawn into the world of labor, addiction, and recovery through the eyes of Brian Eddis, a political ward leader in Northeast Philadelphia. With an intriguing background that spans construction work, politics, and union organizing, Brian opens up about his personal journey and the challenges faced by the labor movement. We delve deep into the complexities of addiction, the implications of unemployment, and the vital role of unions in upholding the dignity of the workforce amidst shifting economic landscapes.We navigate through the profound impact of emerging technologies on labor, and the rising tide of unemployment...2023-10-2155 min