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Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas is a production from Partnership to End Addiction. Heart of the Matter is an interview series that gives guests the opportunity to share their personal, candid stories about addiction. This podcast offers a space to open up about addiction, substance use and mental health, to share the ways in which people are shifting their narrative – in their own relationships and across communities – to support the cause of ending addiction in our country.
Worried about your child or loved one? Partnership to End Addiction's helpline is here for you and anyone else playing a supportive role in the life of a person struggling with substance use. Get one on one support by texting JOIN to 55753 or visit https://helphope.net/3koi6Kh to learn more. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help or STOP to opt out.
Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on Heart of the Matter are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from the following link. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion. https://drugfree.org/article/shouldnt-use-word-addict/
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Can GLP-1 medications like Ozempic help treat addiction? Elizabeth Vargas talks with Pat Aussem, Vice President of Consumer Clinical Content Development at Partnership to End Addiction, about the ongoing clinical trials and the science behind how these drugs work on the brain's reward system. From promising early results to concerns about long-term effects and accessibility, Elizabeth and Pat examine both the potentials and the unknowns surrounding what could be a game-changing approach to su...
Season 7 of Heart of the Matter kicks off with country pop star Walker Hayes, whose Grammy-nominated hit "Fancy Like" catapulted him to fame. Walker opens up about his journey from drinking at 13 to finding recovery at 35. He discusses his deeply personal 2024 EP "Sober Thoughts," and shares a raw, honest conversation about addiction, creativity, and how recovery transformed his life and music. Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, as well as in-depth discussions of ...
In the season finale of Heart of the Matter, Broadway star and American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis opens up about his personal struggle with substance use. He reveals to Elizabeth Vargas how professional and personal challenges led him to confront his unhealthy habits and ultimately commit to recovery. Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode: What is Sober Curious? Substance Use Disorder VS. AddictionHaving Tough ConversationsEditor’s Note: The views ...
Jackie Siegel, also known as “The Queen of Versailles,” joins Elizabeth Vargas to share the heartbreaking journey of her daughter Victoria, who struggled with addiction and ultimately passed away from an overdose at 18 years old, after years of hidden mental health challenges and substance use. Transformed by grief, Jackie and her husband David established the Victoria's Voice Foundation, dedicated to preventing similar tragedies by providing substance use education and naloxone access, as we...
This week on “Heart of the Matter,” Elizabeth Vargas sits down with philanthropist and author Cammie Wolf Rice. Cammie shares the heartbreaking story of her son Christopher's fatal overdose at age 32, following an opioid prescription that led to more than a decade of addiction. Through her non-profit Christopher Wolf Crusade, Cammie has turned her profound loss into a mission that is saving lives by dedicating her time to educate families about opioid risks and alternative pain options. Cont...
Former U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy discusses his book "Profiles in Mental Health Courage," spotlighting a diverse group of people who have struggled with their mental health – many of whom are sharing their stories for the first time. Tonie “Miss Tonie” Dreher, who is featured in this book, also talks about her journey from struggling with substance use disorder and schizophrenia to becoming a mental health counselor. Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, as...
Sports reporter and author Lauren Sisler opens up to Elizabeth Vargas this week on Heart of the Matter about her parents' hidden struggles with addiction and the tragic loss that changed her life. Lauren promotes prevention education and shares insights from her new book, Shatterproof, aiming to break the stigma surrounding addiction and empower families. Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, as well as in-depth discussions of substance use. If you or someone you know is...
In this episode of “Heart of the Matter,” author and comedian Stefanie Wilder-Taylor opens up to Elizabeth Vargas about her struggle with alcohol, which intensified after becoming a parent, and how her blog provided a crucial connection with other moms. Now 15 years in recovery, Stefanie reflects on the pivotal moment that led her to quit drinking, its public exposure, and her new book, “Drunk-ish.” Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode: Parental Mental Heal...
Randy Grimes, former starting center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, silently struggled with an addiction to prescription pills during his tenure. On this week’s “Heart of the Matter,” he talks with Elizabeth Vargas about the impact of his addiction during and after his football career, and his work helping current and retired athletes get the treatment they need. Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode: What are Benzodiazepines? Suggesting Treatment to a ...
Braunwyn Windham-Burke, who starred in two seasons of the hit Bravo TV show “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” joins Elizabeth Vargas for the season 6 premiere episode of “Heart of the Matter.” Braunwyn talks about her long-term struggle with substance use disorder, what it was like to quit alcohol while being on TV, and how her family, friends, and partner help her maintain her recovery. Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode: Alcohol: What Parents Nee...
For the season 5 finale of Heart of the Matter, Captain Sandy Yawn from the hit Bravo TV show “Below Deck” joins Elizabeth Vargas to discuss how years of substance use eventually led to more than 30 years in recovery. Sandy also gives advice to anyone struggling – especially those who’ve relapsed – as well as their families. Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode: Having Tough Conversations Suggesting Treatment to a Loved One Long Term Recovery from Add...
Figlia founder Lily Geiger joins Elizabeth Vargas to share the inspiration behind her non-alcoholic cocktail brand. Lily reveals what it was like growing up with a parent struggling with substance use – including its profound influence on her life, and why it inspired her to start her own company. Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, as well as discussions of substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder...
In this episode of “Heart of the Matter”, award-winning author David Ambroz joins Elizabeth Vargas to share his incredible journey of overcoming poverty and homelessness and rising to become a successful lawyer and advocate for change. David’s childhood was marked by hardship and a system that failed him. Yet, he defied the odds, achieving remarkable success and using his experience to fight for a better future for vulnerable youth. Tune into this special episode to hear David’s i...
Dave Aronberg, who serves as the Palm Beach County State Attorney in Florida, speaks with Elizabeth Vargas about navigating the treatment system. They discuss things people should look for when researching treatment centers, as well as things to avoid. He also explains the “Florida Shuffle” and what patient brokering is – and how this is happening all over the country. In addition, Dave shares ways to find legitimate treatment centers. Explore more on topics and themes discussed in th...
Award-winning chef Ashish Alfred joins Elizabeth Vargas to discuss his family history with substance use – including his own addiction. Now that he’s in recovery, he is focused on transforming the restaurant industry for those who don’t drink alcohol. Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode: Is Your Child at Risk? A Substance Use Risk Assessment Having Tough Conversations Continuing Care: Life and Recovery After Treatment Editor’s Note: The vi...
Charles Kelley joins Elizabeth Vargas to talk about his recovery journey. He discloses why he often hid his drinking from those closest to him, how his wife supported his recovery, and why it was important for Charles to be honest about Lady A’s 2022 tour postponement. Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode: Navigating the Treatment SystemSuggesting Treatment to a Loved OneAlcohol Screening and Abstinence and Moderation Mobile MessagingTo learn more: Partners...
From a young age, actor and producer Frankie Grande found himself addicted to achievements, craving praise from teachers and his mother. When he was cast in the Broadway show “Mamma Mia!” in his early 20s, Frankie felt like his career hit its peak. He found himself misusing alcohol and other substances - something that would continue for years. Frankie joins Elizabeth Vargas on “Heart of the Matter” to discuss how the tragic bombing at his sister Ariana Grande’s 2017 concert was the turning p...
1We often hear about the negative impacts social media can have on mental health, but Ryann Cooke and Jordan Shelton’s lives changed for the better because of the community they found on TikTok. Ryann and Jordan both decided to stop drinking in their 20s after coming to terms with the fact that alcohol was negatively affecting them. They each posted about their experiences on TikTok and received not only generous support from viewers, but also many messages from people who had similar stories....
The Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy, recently made history by declaring a loneliness epidemic. Feelings of loneliness are on the rise, especially among young people, which can lead to serious health risks. This episode of “Heart of the Matter” is an extended version of Elizabeth Vargas’ conversation with Dr. Vivek Murthy for her news show, “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” on NewsNation. They discuss his decision to declare the loneliness epidemic, the importance of rebu...
May 9, 2023 is National Fentanyl Awareness Day, a day to spread awareness and education about this deadly substance that is increasingly affecting young people. Award-winning author and journalist Sam Quinones, whose books “Dreamland” and “The Least of Us” explore the nation’s opioid epidemic, returns to “Heart of the Matter” to talk with Elizabeth Vargas about some of the most popular questions our listeners have about fentanyl. They discuss why fentanyl has infiltrated the drug supply, and ...
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What an excellent episode! your continued efforts to shed light on the opiad epidemic is commendable. Great work to everyone who has worked contributed towards this podcast.