The Recovered Life Show

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit recoveredlife.substack.comIn this After the Show, Damon Frank and Recovered Life contributor Kolleen unpack what mindfulness really looks like once the meeting ends and life begins.They talk about how easy it is to be in recovery but not enjoy recovery — and why slowing down, being present, and actually feeling what’s happening might be the missing piece. Kolleen shares stories from her own journey, including a wild bike ride through Old Delhi that taught her more about staying in the moment than any workshop ever could.You’ll hear practical ways to weave mindfulness into daily life — washing dishes, walking, driving — plus the simple mantra that helped her rebuild trust in herself and her Higher Power:“Inhale, I surrender. Exhale, I trust.”If you’ve ever felt restless, anxious, or stuck in your own story, this conversation might be the reminder you need to just be where your feet are.This episode is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. https://pxl.to/joinrltoday

In this episode, we explore the simple yet powerful truth that every recovery journey begins with one breath. One conscious inhale, one intentional exhale — that’s where awareness starts. Damon Frank sits down with Recovered Life TV Contributor Kolleen, who shares how mindfulness brings presence and peace to the recovery process. Together, they unpack how staying awake, aware, and alive helps us experience life fully — not numbing out, but tuning in to the moment as it is.This conversation is a reminder that recovery isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence. When we slow down enough to notice our breath, our thoughts, and our emotions, we open the door to deeper healing and genuine peace.This episode is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. https://pxl.to/joinrltoday This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit recoveredlife.substack.com/subscribe

Is Gen Z killing 12-step groups—or simply rewriting the rules of sobriety? In this episode of The Recovered Life Show, Damon Frank dives into the controversial question of whether Gen Z’s open approach to recovery and social media culture has watered down the traditions of anonymity that defined Alcoholics Anonymous for decades.From Slate’s recent article on #Sobertok to the legacy of Bill Wilson, we unpack how younger generations are reshaping recovery and what that means for the future of 12-step programs.👉 Connect with Damon: https://pxl.to/dfmeet👉 Join the community at RecoveredLife.tv and start living your best recovered life today. https://pxl.to/joinrltoday👉  Shop https://pxl.to/shoprl This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit recoveredlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Recovered Life, Damon dives into the power of identifying your domino—the single action that creates momentum and knocks down every other barrier in your way. Instead of drowning in busyness or hiding behind endless to-dos, Damon shows how to cut through the noise, find the bold move that matters most, and take massive action that shifts your entire week forward. This is a practical, no-excuses conversation about courage, focus, and momentum—perfect for your Massive Action Monday.👉 Connect with Damon: https://pxl.to/dfmeet👉 Join the community at RecoveredLife.tv and start living your best recovered life today. https://pxl.to/joinrltoday👉  Shop https://pxl.to/shoprl This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit recoveredlife.substack.com/subscribe

In this exclusive After the Show conversation, Damon Frank and guest Meegan go deeper into what it really means to forgive. We live in a culture that wants everything fast — but healing doesn’t happen on demand. Forgiveness isn’t a one-and-done event; it’s a process that takes time, reflection, and a willingness to grow. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit recoveredlife.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Recovered Life Show, Damon Frank sits down with guest Meegan to explore one of the most powerful — and challenging — parts of recovery: forgiveness.Resentment can feel like a stumbling block, keeping us tied to the past and stuck in pain. But as Meegan shares from her own experience, forgiveness opens the door to healing, freedom, and deeper connection — not just with others, but with ourselves.Together, we talk about:Why resentment is such a common roadblock in recoveryHow forgiveness transforms our personal growthThe process of rebuilding trust and letting go, one step at a timePractical ways to invite more peace into your recovery journeyForgiveness isn’t easy, but as you’ll hear, it can be the very thing that sets you free. 👉 Connect with Damon: https://pxl.to/dfmeet👉 Join the community at RecoveredLife.tv and start living your best recovered life today. https://pxl.to/joinrltoday👉  Shop https://pxl.to/shoprl This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit recoveredlife.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of How I Did It, David shares a hard truth that changed everything for him: You can’t always control what happens, but you can always control how you respond when life doesn’t go your way. When life threw him curveballs, David stopped saying “life sucks” and started asking better questions: What can I learn? How can I be better tomorrow? That mindset shift became the foundation of his recovery.Recovered Life is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.David’s story is a reminder that no matter how tough things get, you have choices. You can break free from the patterns that keep you stuck, find something positive in every situation, and use it to fuel your next step forward. 👉 Connect with Damon: https://pxl.to/dfmeet👉 Join the community at RecoveredLife.tv and start living your best recovered life today. https://pxl.to/joinrltoday👉  Shop https://pxl.to/shoprl This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit recoveredlife.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit recoveredlife.substack.comIn this raw and honest follow-up conversation, Jomo opened up to Damon about what it really took for him to recover—and it wasn’t easy. He talked about having a “Joey problem,” the old version of himself that kept him alive on the streets but ultimately blocked him from healing. The hardest part wasn’t just staying clean—it was surrendering the survival traits, the anger, the need to be hard, and instead stepping into humility and vulnerability.He emphasized that recovery didn’t happen until he became fully teachable. Jomo shared that giving only 50% of himself to the process meant only getting 50% of the results. The turning point came when he decided to go all in—to open his heart, let the old defenses drop, and fully commit to becoming a better version of himself. 👉 Connect with Damon: https://pxl.to/dfmeet👉 Join the community at RecoveredLife.tv and start living your best recovered life today. https://pxl.to/joinrltoday👉  Shop https://pxl.to/shoprl

Damon sits down with JOMO—an inspiring voice in the recovery community whose journey is marked by deep empathy, authenticity, and a powerful example of how to live a recovered life. From his compassionate outlook to his unwavering respect for others’ paths, JOMO shares what it means to give people the grace to grow.Recovered Life is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.👉 Connect with Damon: https://pxl.to/dfmeet👉 Join the community at RecoveredLife.tv and start living your best recovered life today. https://pxl.to/joinrltoday👉  Shop https://pxl.to/shoprl This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit recoveredlife.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of How I Did It, Brandon doesn’t sugarcoat a thing. He’s been there—high, checked out, spiraling—and he’s done pretending it didn’t affect anyone else. This is the wake-up call most people don’t want, but damn sure need.Brandon breaks down what happens when you finally stop lying to yourself. The excuses run out. The fake promises don’t land anymore. And if you actually love the people in your life—and if there’s even a shred of self-respect left—then getting sober isn’t optional. It’s the only play that makes sense.Do you have over a year of sobriety and want to tell your story? Click HereRecovered Life is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Some people wait until the end to figure it out. Brandon didn’t. He grabbed the life that was sitting there the whole time and made a move. That’s what this episode is about.👉 Connect with Damon: https://pxl.to/dfmeet👉 Join the community at RecoveredLife.tv and start living your best recovered life today. https://pxl.to/joinrltoday👉  Shop https://pxl.to/shoprl This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit recoveredlife.substack.com/subscribe

What if the addiction wasn’t the root—but the response?In this episode of The Recovered Life Show, host Damon Frank is joined by trauma therapist and EMDR specialist Sean Osterdorf to explore the hidden links between trauma, addiction, and the lingering emotional patterns that can persist long into recovery.👉 Connect with Sean Osterdorf https://pxl.to/seanosterdorf👉 Connect with Damon: https://pxl.to/dfmeet👉 Join the community at RecoveredLife.tv and start living your best recovered life today. https://pxl.to/joinrltoday👉  Shop https://pxl.to/shoprl This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit recoveredlife.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit recoveredlife.substack.comIn this honest and compassionate After the Show segment, Kyle Miller reminds us: recovery only starts when you’re ready—and that’s more than okay. No pressure, no schedule—just your own timeline.

Damon Frank sits down with licensed therapist and trauma specialist Kyle Miller to explore the subtle and not-so-subtle ways trauma manifests in our daily lives. From the way we use our bodies to how we avoid emotional discomfort, Kyle shares powerful insights into the hidden impact of unresolved trauma and what it takes to truly reconnect with ourselves. Whether you're in early recovery or deep into your healing journey, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about how trauma shows up—and how to begin transforming it. Kyle offers practical advice on awareness, emotional regulation, and the importance of getting into your body, even if no one else knows you're doing it. If you’re ready to go deeper in your recovery and reclaim your emotional life, don’t miss this episode. 👉 Connect with Kyle: https://pxl.to/fp46qscb 👉 Connect with Damon: https://pxl.to/dfmeet 👉 Join the community at RecoveredLife.tv and start living your best recovered life today. https://pxl.to/joinrltoday 👉 Shop https://pxl.to/shoprl This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit recoveredlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of the Recovered Life Show, Stephanie lays it all out—the wreckage, the hustle, and the fight to come back from it all. What started with prescription painkillers slid into heroin. From there, things unraveled fast: shoplifting to survive, broken connections, waking up every day in survival mode, chasing the next high.But this isn’t just a story about the fall. It’s about the moment she got honest with herself and decided to do something different. Stephanie talks about the messy, uncomfortable road to getting clean—including her time in rehab and the complicated hope that came with starting methadone treatment.No sugarcoating. No clichés. Just a real conversation about what it takes to pull yourself out and build something better.If you’ve ever wondered what recovery actually looks like behind the scenes—or needed proof that change is possible—this one’s for you.👉 Connect with Damon: https://pxl.to/dfmeet 👉 Join the community at RecoveredLife.tv and start living your best recovered life today. https://pxl.to/joinrltoday 👉 Shop https://pxl.to/shoprl This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit recoveredlife.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit recoveredlife.substack.comWhat happens when the dust of early recovery settles? When the chaos quiets and you're left with yourself—sober, awake, and wondering: Now what?In this powerful After the Show episode, psychotherapist Hannah Bernstein joins Damon Frank for a heart-opening conversation about what it really means to heal from trauma.

In this episode of The Recovered Life Show, host Damon Frank sits down with psychotherapist Hannah Bernstein to explore the powerful connection between trauma and addiction. They dive into:* How unresolved emotional pain drives addictive behaviors* What it really means to heal without numbing out* Practical tools for facing fear, staying present, and moving forward in recoveryWhether you're just starting out or deep into your recovery journey, this conversation offers real insights and support for healing at the root.Recovered Life is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit recoveredlife.substack.com/subscribe

In a world that often feels insurmountable, Tim Lineaweaver’s story reminds us that hope and redemption are always within reach. His journey through addiction and into sobriety is a testament to the transformative power of recovery.Tim Lineaweaver's life was overshadowed by addiction to alcohol and cocaine from an early age. Growing up in an alcoholic household, he had his first blackout at just 18, which marked the beginning of a relentless cycle. His addiction took him to places he never thought he would go, stripping him of his dignity, family, and sense of self. Yet, in the depths of despair, Tim found a spark of hope one fateful day after his daughter's christening, which propelled him to seek help. With the support of therapy, group sessions, and a commitment to change, he embarked on a grueling but fruitful recovery journey.Recovered Life is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.The initial month of sobriety was starkly challenging for Tim. He described it as a “rock fight,” filled with emotional turmoil yet suffused with a sense of commitment he had never felt before. As he navigated through the shadows of his addiction, he found clarity and purpose; everything began to shift. Sobriety did not just reclaim his relationships; it granted him a life filled with love and fulfillment. Celebrating over thirty years of sobriety, Tim is now the proud father of three and a grandfather of four. His recovery has even led him to become a therapist, guiding others struggling with similar battles, helping them find their way back into the light.“What I can tell you is that everything I have today has been granted to me by being sober,” - Tim LeideweberHis own experience has become a beacon for many lost in the darkness, illustrating that recovery is possible and profoundly rewarding. He urges those teetering on the edge of change, reminding them, “If you work at it and commit yourself, then you too can be sober—even if you’ve relapsed before. Just learn from it and keep pushing forward.”If you are at a crossroads in your life, contemplating the leap into recovery, Tim's story can guide and inspire you. For a deeper understanding of recovery and to hear more incredible stories like Tim's, subscribe to Recovered Life Plus. Join us as we navigate the path to hope and healing together. Don’t wait—take that step towards your best life today by listening in on our conversations and connecting with a community dedicated to recovery.Join Tim and many others as we walk this journey together!Ad Disclaimer: You still have to do the work to stay sober, even while using the mug. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit recoveredlife.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit recoveredlife.substack.comIn this Recovered Life Plus exclusive, Judy Acheson and I go deeper into the conversation sparked by our main episode on Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT). This isn't just a recap — it's where we really pull back the curtain. We talk openly about the stigma still lingering in recovery circles, how misinformation is harming people, and why emotional sobriety matters just as much as physical abstinence. Judy shares powerful insights from the front lines of treatment, and we dive into uncomfortable but necessary topics — like people using MAT being judged unfairly, the misuse of treatment protocols, and how sugar, shame, and spiritual bypassing still show up in recovery spaces.

Damon Frank and therapist Judy Acheson dive deep into the world of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for addiction recovery. They explore the misconceptions surrounding MAT, discuss its role in harm reduction, and share personal experiences and success stories that highlight the potential for lasting recovery.This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Key Discussion Points:* Understanding MAT: Damon and Judy explain how MAT works, its applications for various addictions, and why it's a valuable tool in recovery, especially for those struggling with opioid addiction.* Harm Reduction: The conversation emphasizes the importance of harm reduction strategies in the recovery journey, illustrating how MAT can help manage cravings and ease the transition to sobriety.* Personal Stories: Listeners hear inspiring success stories from individuals who have transformed their lives through MAT, reinforcing the message that recovery is possible and multifaceted.* Community and Support: Judy shares insights on the supportive community around recovery and stresses the importance of ongoing engagement in recovery programs, regardless of whether someone is using MAT.Join us as we bring hope, share knowledge, and empower individuals on their path to recovery.This video is for informational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a licensed professional for any health-related concerns. If you're in crisis, seek help immediately or call 911. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit recoveredlife.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit recoveredlife.substack.comIn this special “After the Show” conversation, Damon Frank and psychotherapist Darrin Dennis peel back the layers of what emotional sobriety really means — and why it’s often the missing piece in long-term recovery. While getting physically sober is a massive step, what happens after that is where the real work begins. This raw and eye-opening dialogue explores why many people stop just short of doing the deeper emotional work and what it takes to move past surface-level healing.