Talksicology

On this week's episode of Talksicology, hosts Jason and Joseph sit down with Amanda Johnson, Recovery Unplugged's Executive Director at our NEW Charleston, South Carolina location. From the start of her career in the kitchen at Buffalo Wild Wings, where she aimed to climb the ranks to General Manager, to her pivotal decision to join Recovery Unplugged, Amanda's career trajectory has been marked by bold leaps and dedication. In this episode, we explore the crucial role non-authoritative positions chefs and technicians play in AMA blocking and the meaningful connections they form with clients, ultimately leading to life-changing transformations. Amanda opens up about the profound impact of losing a client to fentanyl and the emotional rollercoaster of establishing rapport with numerous clients. This episode of Talksicology is proudly brought to you by Recovery Unplugged. For those in need of support, please call 855-206-6172 or visit recoveryunplugged.com.

This week on Talksicology, Jason sits down with Pro Skateboarder Brian Anderson. Growing up as the youngest of 14, Brian discovered his passion for skating at the age of 10. However, his encounter with alcohol began at the tender age of 15. In this episode, Brian reflects on his relationship with alcohol, what attracted him to drinking, tour life, and the skateboarding community in the late 80s and early 90s. Brian opens up about his sexuality and what it was like coming out as gay in the skateboard community. Gain insight into the pivotal moments when he discovered his drinking was too much and how he ultimately detoxed from his alcohol addiction. This episode of Talksicology is proudly brought to you by Recovery Unplugged. For those in need of support, please call 855-206-6172 or visit recoveryunplugged.com.

Welcome back to this week's episode of Talksicology with hosts Joseph and Jason. Join us in a candid conversation with musician Nate Laningham. Nate shares his journey from relying on cocaine for stage confidence to finding redemption through Recovery Unplugged. In this episode, we delve into the tumultuous weeks leading up to Nate's admission to Recovery Unplugged, where he experienced a spiritual awakening amidst divorce, a suicide attempt, and the daunting challenge of quitting psych medication cold turkey. Nate's story is one of resilience and transformation as he navigates the rocky terrain of addiction and self-identity. Tune in as the gang explores the power of self-written narratives and the journey of self-discovery. Nate opens up about his shift from identifying with the darkness of his past to embracing the positive aspects that define him today. This episode of Talksicology is proudly brought to you by Recovery Unplugged. For those in need of support, please call 855-206-6172 or visit recoveryunplugged.com.

This week on Talksicology, Jason sits down with guest Jonah Bayer. Jonah Bayer is a writer, musician, and podcaster with two decades of experience in the music industry. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Travel + Leisure, Guitar World, SPIN and Stereogum and he has produced, written, and hosted podcasts for clients such as HBO Max, iHeartMedia & Sonos. He is currently the co-host of the weekly podcast “How Did We Get Weird?” alongside his sister Vanessa Bayer, which is available on Will Ferrell’s Big Money Players network. He also has a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and certification in Trauma-Informed Counseling from Antioch University. Join Jonah and Jason as they discuss the gaps in mental health services and the unique needs of musicians on the road. Jonah shares his journey touring with bands over the years and his work in the music industry. We dive into Jonah's passion for writing about the intersection of music and mental health and the changes that need to happen for musicians on tour. He shares his mission to bring more awareness to mental health and the strong need for access to therapy to prevent the self-destructive behaviors that often take place. This episode of Talksicology is proudly brought to you by Recovery Unplugged. For those in need of support, please call 855-206-6172 or visit recoveryunplugged.com.

This week on Talksicology, Jason sits down with renowned singer-songwriter Melissa Ferrick. Melissa openly shares her journey towards sobriety at age 26 and the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, including grappling with her mental health and reaching a critical turning point that prompted her to commit to a life without alcohol. Join us as we dive into the world of music, exploring everything from the rebellious spirit of punk rock to the trailblazing artists shaping the industry. Melissa guides us through her tour experiences alongside Morrissey while also shedding light on the hurdles that come with staying sober while navigating the bar scene night after night on the road. Beyond the spotlight, Melissa reflects on the quieter moments of life on tour, touching on themes of loneliness and isolation. These days, Melissa finds joy and fulfillment as a teacher and mentor to aspiring musicians in the industry. This episode of Talksicology is proudly brought to you by Recovery Unplugged. For those in need of support, please call 855-206-6172 or visit recoveryunplugged.com.

In this episode of Talksicology, hosts Jason and Joseph sit down with Aleshka Ortiz, a Clinical Navigator at Recovery Unplugged. As a clinical navigator, Aleshka's primary responsibility is to connect individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse to resources within the community. Raised in New Jersey within a Hispanic household originating from Honduras, she was no stranger to how excessive drinking can affect your life. We delve into the cultural stigma surrounding substance abuse and the hesitation to seek treatment. Opening up about her own mental health journey, Aleshka shares the impact going through a divorce had on her life and the challenges of being a single mom. Aleshka's goal is to break the stigma in the Hispanic community and let others know that resources are available. You don't have to stay silent or struggle alone. We also discuss the importance of self-love and her favorite Disney park. This episode of Talksicology is proudly brought to you by Recovery Unplugged. For those in need of support, please call 855-206-6172 or visit recoveryunplugged.com.

Jason reunites with Carlos Truan for the third time in this episode of Talksicology! With nearly 12 years of recovery under his belt and the recent opening of his second tattoo parlor, Carlos has plenty to share. The conversation kicks off with a deep dive into sobriety, touching on being a sponsor, meeting attendance, and the typical day in Carlos' life. They also dive into his daily life before sobriety and share stories from his days dealing. Throughout the episode, they recount their experiences with detoxing in jail and reflect on the importance of gratitude and Carlos' desire to prioritize family time over the hustle and bustle of daily. This episode of Talksicology is proudly brought to you by Recovery Unplugged. For those in need of support, please call 855-206-6172 or visit recoveryunplugged.com.

On this episode of Talksicology, Jason welcomes guest Joey Grant. Joey was the first client of Recovery Unplugged Nashville in October of 2019 and is about to celebrate 3 years sober. Drugs and alcohol were very present during Joey's childhood as both his parents battled addiction. Despite resenting substance abuse during his youth, Joey's struggle began at 13 with marijuana, leading to a quick escalation in his relationship with substances. Joey takes us through life-altering moments including his first experience using a needle, the birth of his son, and the moment he could finally get treatment with Recovery Unplugged. Jason and Joey discuss the challenges of relapse, addressing the real emotions of shame and guilt, and the resilience needed to keep moving forward. This episode of Talksicology is proudly brought to you by Recovery Unplugged. For those in need of support, please call 855-206-6172 or visit recoveryunplugged.com.

On this episode of Talksicology, Joseph sits down with Tina Courtney whose journey to recovery is a powerful testament to resilience and transformation. Unlike many stories, Tina describes her childhood as happy, loving, and with no history of addiction and mental illness. However, the traumatic events of her parent's divorce, her mother's unexpected death, and the feeling of always being different propelled her to find acceptance and belonging in substance use. We navigate through crucial points in Tina's life, including her arrest for forging prescriptions, her challenging journey through divorce while in treatment, the heart-wrenching decision to give up custody of her twins, and the impactful conversation with one of her daughters that became a turning point in her recovery. This episode of Talksicology is proudly brought to you by Recovery Unplugged. For those in need of support, please call 855-206-6172 or visit recoveryunplugged.com.

In the latest episode of Talksicology, we're honored to sit down with Bryan Sloan, a Recovery Unplugged alumni. Bryan now works at the front lines of Recovery Unplugged in the life saving center, guiding individuals through the admissions process and helping them start their recovery journey. From being adopted at just 10 days old to facing early diagnoses of ADHD, anxiety, and depression, Bryan opens up about the struggles of addiction and his reunion with his biological mother at the age of 25. Join us as he takes us through the pivotal chapters of his life, from navigating military school and a wilderness camp to overcoming the effects of early-age bullying. We also touch on the dangers of detoxing from benzos and what led to Bryan's decision to get clean. This episode of Talksicology is proudly brought to you by Recovery Unplugged. For those in need of support, please call 855-206-6172 or visit recoveryunplugged.com

In this week's episode of Talksicology, hosts Joseph Gordo and Jason Cabello extend a warm welcome to John Sadkin-DeLaGarza and Tyelur Watkins, hosts of the "Getting Sober Young Podcast." Both John and Tyelur got sober at the young age of 17, and this week's discussion centers on the many challenges they faced while navigating the path to recovery during adolescence. John and Tyelur take us through how they met in sober living, their first jobs, getting tattoos, therapy, and what ultimately led to their idea to collaborate and start their own podcast “Getting Sober Young.” This episode of Talksicology is proudly brought to you by Recovery Unplugged. For those in need of support, please call 855-206-6172 or visit recoveryunplugged. com

In this episode of Talksicology, Joseph reminds Jason that not being perfect is ok. Recovery Unplugged CEO and Co-Founder Andrew Sossin sits down with the guys to discuss how seeing both family and friends struggle in the opioid crisis led him to open what is now Recovery Unplugged; and how a freak accident with a BBQ pit inspired a change in perspective. Andrew talks about the pride he feels whenever clients of RU succeed, and reminds us all that helping people comes first. “When we have a business in the community, we have a responsibility to take care of the community.” Andrew himself says he is a constant work in progress, but commits his effort to maintain a mindset that allows him to be the best husband, father, employer, and community leader he can be by surrounding himself with people and experiences that remind him of who he is and where he comes from. Checking in with our Recovery Unplugged family to discover more about our origins, purpose, and the love that makes up our DNA as a company is always a pleasure. Thank you to our very own man-on-a-mission Andrew Sossin for reminding us of our “why” every day! Tune in now to the Talksicology Podcast for a heartfelt, honest, and playful look at addiction recovery, mental health, and the journey of self-discovery. Subscribe, like, and share to be part of our vibrant community! Talksicology is Sponsored by Recovery Unplugged. If you or a loved one need support call 855-206-6172 or visit RecoveryUnplugged.com

Join the Talksicology Podcast hosts, Joseph Gorordo and Jason Cabello, on a deep dive into the world of addiction recovery and mental health in this special "Just the Dudes" episode, where they open up about their own addiction and recovery experiences, sharing their unique journeys towards healing and growth. In this episode they reflect on how Recovery Unplugged plays a crucial role in their recovery journeys, empowering them to make decisions for themselves and offering the freedom to work on personal growth. They'll talk about the distinctive vibe of Recovery Unplugged's facilities that resonates with their personalities and interests. Jason reveals his inspiring journey to becoming a homeowner, while Joseph delves into the challenges of parenting and managing emotions, all while helping his children navigate their emotional landscapes. And don't miss our grand finale! We've got a very special guest joining us for an exclusive "Ask the Dudes" segment, where Jason and Joseph candidly answer questions from viewers and our behind-the-scenes team. It's an episode packed with insights, laughter, and genuine connection. Tune in now to the Talksicology Podcast for a heartfelt, honest, and playful look at addiction recovery, mental health, and the journey of self-discovery. Subscribe, like, and share to be part of our vibrant community! Talksicology is Sponsored by Recovery Unplugged. If you or a loved one need support call 855-206-6172 or visit RecoveryUnplugged.com #AddictionPodcast #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthPodcast #Talksicology #RecoveryUnplugged #CandidInterview #AskMeAnything

Jason hosts solo, giving him a chance to share the good news that he bought a house! For Jason, one of the biggest factors in his success story was receiving a scholarship to Recovery Unplugged, through the organization MusiCares, where Shireen Janti handled his case. MusiCares is a nonprofit that works to support the music community by offering help with preventative, emergency, and recovery programs. Shireen spent 18 years with MusiCares, and says the best part of her job was being able to say yes to people who asked for help. Shireen and Jason relate their shared experiences in recovery, and growing up with music industry parents. For Shireen, living in Los Angeles in the 70’s and 80’s was both an incredible experience, and an incredibly easy place to become an addict. When she finally got clean it was with the help of an organization similar to MusiCares, years later she never imagined she would find herself on the other side of the desk, saving lives. What does it take to finally see that you have a support system? What do we mean by, “you teach people how to treat you?” Check out the whole conversation on episode 70 of Talksicology. #RecoveryUnplugged #MusicCares #MusicCommunity #AddictionRecovery #SupportSystem #RecoveryStories #MusicIndustry #Talksicology #SuccessStory #AddictionPodcast

This week’s guest Ricky Byrd is a rock legend who played with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. His music and the music of his peers has been a foundational element of modern rock and roll. Likewise the people who came before us in recovery often have an enormous impact on the way we think about getting clean. One of the main reasons to keep coming to meetings is so you can give back and inspire the newcomers who are just starting their recovery journey. Ricky Byrd knows all about giving back in his recovery. Ricky talks about what it was like to be backstage when his band was touring with Aerosmith, and how even in the world of rock and roll, sobriety brought musicians together. In his 36 years sober, Ricky got certified as a counselor and sober coach, and now does work for AllSober.com, a resource website for anyone who needs to find help. “I recover out loud.” Jason and Joseph talk about how they’re giving back to their recovery community, from one-on-one interactions, to political work, and how they could become even more involved in the future. #RecoveryTalks #SobrietyJourney #RockLegend #RecoveryCommunity #Inspiration #GivingBack #RecoveryResources #SobrietySupport #RecoveryOutLoud #SoberLife #CleanandSober

On episode 68 of the Talksicology Podcast Jason and Joseph never miss an opportunity to spread some good news and toot their own horns. Joseph talks about celebrating 15 years sober this month(!) and how different that celebration looks today than it did when he was in his early recovery. From an upcoming tour with rock legends, Kiss, to big things brewing at Recovery Unplugged, Jason also has plenty of good news to share while still keeping some surprises under wraps for later. Special guests this week are Richie Wall and Jason Amato from the band Nolo! Today Nolo’s music is taking off as they become a major player in the Austin music scene, but Jason and Richie say the band came from pretty humble beginnings. Can you imagine living in a garage with four other guys while you try to stay sober and get your music career off the ground? Richie and Jason talk about their lives in early recovery, and the importance of finally being present enough to find your people. Big things are happening for Nolo with a development deal, and guitar endorsements, and it all started when they got sober through Recovery Unplugged. If you love this story and want to help others get scholarships for their recovery, you’re in luck! Recovery Unplugged’s Empowered Shoppe is an online T-shirt store where all proceeds go towards recovery scholarships. EmpoweredShoppe.com Catch Nolo before they blow up on episode 68 of Talksicology, Behind the Music. #RecoveryUnplugged #ExcitingNews #NoloBand #MusicJourney #HumbleBeginnings #EarlyRecovery #FindYourTribe #MusicSuccess #RecoverySupport #Scholarships #TalksicologyPodcast #BehindTheMusic #PodcastEpisode #Addiction #Recovery

This week on the Talksicology podcast, Jason celebrates a very particular type of sober birthday, “it’s been 7 years since I started to listen to people.” This week’s guest knows first hand how hard it can be to listen to the people around you, and take those first few steps towards recovery. Michelle Smith is an author, speaker, and founder of Recovery is the New Black, a digital community by and for women in recovery. The life she lives now is far from where she started. After multiple hospitalizations, and losing her job to her addiction, Michelle said she had to try something different, but it took a long time to start healing and listening to the people who wanted to help. Michelle said coming from a family of alcoholic doctors, she knew two things, she wanted to help others, and she had a predisposition to alcoholism. After losing both of her parents, Michelle said she didn't really process her grief until she started getting sober, and now she is better equipped to be present for her own kids. Today Michelle is a beacon of hope for so many women seeking community while getting clean. Learn more about Recovery is the New Black at https://recoveryisthenewblack.com/ #talksicologypodcast #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #MichelleSmith #RecoveryIsTheNewBlack #GriefAndRecovery #BreakingTheCycle #RealLifeStories #RecoveryUnplugged #Talksicology #Alcoholism

This week on Talksicology Jason talks shop with pro skateboarder, Fred Gall. Fred turned pro with skateboarding company Alien Workshop when he was in his teens, and took off, skating professionally on an international scale. Fred says there’s not a lot of money in pro skating but there are a lot of people who want to party with you. When it came to partying Fred was already out-pacing his peers, and his drug use only increased after a bad injury for which he was prescribed painkillers. Fred and Jason talk about how for a lot of people, the agony of detox can be a huge hurdle in getting clean. But after losing his mom to an overdose, and becoming a full-time caretaker for his uncle John, Fred was determined to get - and accept - real help. Today, he continues his recovery and is still skating! Fred discusses his current sponsor, Metal Skateboards and his new Thrasher video, “Spiritual Healing.” This episode is for anyone who knows what it means to feel like shit, and keep going anyway. Talksicology is Sponsored by Recovery Unplugged. If you or a loved one need support call 855-206-6172 or visit RecoveryUnplugged.com

Jason is solo hosting Talksicology this week, as Joseph is busy running three Recovery Unplugged facilities. Even though we miss Joseph, we’re glad to have an expert like Jason for our special guest Emily Cohen! Jason and Emily relate about their different experiences with addicted family members, and their very similar experiences with ADHD. Emily has been a therapist and social worker, but says she didn’t really find out who she was as a person until she began her recovery journey after years of codependency and PTSD. While both Jason and Emily can talk about their experience with family members who have struggled with addiction, Emily says that sometimes getting sober isn’t enough. If you stop doing drugs but don’t start working on yourself, you’re still going to end up hurting the people around you. So how do you break the cycle? How do you become the version of yourself you haven’t even met yet? Finally being in a stable, loving relationship can be a big turning point, but then it’s up to you to keep the good going. Tune in to episode 65 of Talksicology for a reality check that will shake you out of your slump, and to hear tips and tricks for how Jason and Emily are working with their ADHD - and over packing for every trip they’ve ever taken. Talksicology is Sponsored by Recovery Unplugged. If you or a loved one need support call 855-206-6172 or visit RecoveryUnplugged.com

Welcome back to the most Ninja Turtle heavy podcast about recovery on the airwaves today. In episode 53 of Talksicology, special guest Tyler Cricchi joins to talk about his journey into sobriety, answering some of the big “then and now” questions since getting clean.    For Tyler, finding his perfect treatment match at Recovery Unplugged was a major turning point. Incorporating music into his recovery program was motivating for Tyler, and a way to keep him engaged and invested in treatment.   What else can music do?    Joseph talks about collecting records and the rare album he just got in the mail all the way from the UK. Jason remembers when he first discovered break-dancing, and how it changed his taste in music forever. Like Tyler, Jason also came to Recovery Unplugged after dozens of attempts to get clean at other recovery centers, but said music does make the difference.    Joseph and Tyler talk about their experience representing RU at some events they’d consider pretty “far from recovery.” Tyler answers the real questions newly sober people want to know;  What’s it like to go to a biker rally early into your recovery? What is a reasonable response to a stranger dousing you in vodka?   And most importantly…does acapella f*ck?  It was a rough road to where he is today, but now Tyler is happily married, loves music, dirt bikes, and being a dad, and he's glad to share his story to anyone looking for a way forward.   ---- Talksicology is Sponsored by Recovery Unplugged. If you or a loved one need support call 855-206-6172 or visit RecoveryUnplugged.com.