Nate Hartmann, Vice President of Operations at Symetria Recovery, joins host Ty A. Bechel, all the way from Oswego, Illinois, a suburb outside of Chicago, to discuss his personal and professional journey. Nate, an Illinois native from Naperville, Illinois, struggled with drug and alcohol addiction hindered by debilitating depression as a young adult. His parents were concerned, and after seeing a therapist for his depression, later revealing his alcohol and drug habits, he decided to seek residential treatment recommended by his therapist. Nate credits his decision to go to treatment in 2003 after seeing a television show where the rock-n-roll hall of famer, Ozzy Osbourne's son, Jack Osbourne, decided to seek help for his spat with alcohol and drugs. He lived in a halfway house after his first (and last) stay at a treatment center. He later went on to work at a call center in 2008 for an intervention organization where he helped families and individuals find the resources they needed to find recovery. Fast forward a few years and a Master's Degree later, Nate is helping shape the professional world; he is keeping his roots in mind on how he was treated like a human being and had many of his needs met by his therapist and the admissions team at the residential facility he began his recovery journey at. This remarkable transformation leads him to return to Naperville, Illinois, after an 18-year hiatus with his wife and two children. Support the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

Ted Perkins, a former Warner Bros. and Universal Studios Executive, joins Ty Bechel from Los Angeles to share his expertise in films, writing, recovery, and his recently published book, Addicted in Film. The 300-page paperback travels into unknown territory by mixing and bending Ted's recovery journey with his 30 years in Hollywood and great love for films and storytelling; Addicted in Film is truly a piece of nonfiction literature that is one of a kind.During his interview, not only does Ted share his recovery journey and how he turned to 100 movies about addiction to help in his early months of healing, but he drops nuggets of truth about what it takes to become a writer and producer in the industry of filmmaking. As he continues to use his immense talent to write and sell scripts to various studios and production companies, he is also assisting in expanding the recovery movement through the power of storytelling so people can find a better way of living. If you love recovery and films, this is an episode you don't want to miss!Visit www.addictedinfilm.com to learn more about Ted, his new book, Addicted in Film, and movies reflecting struggles and victories relating to substance use. Support the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

Michael Wooten, owner of Effervescent Studios and person in recovery, joins Ty to discuss the past three years since he and his partner were last on the show. As many argue relapse if relapse is, or isn't, part of recovery, today's interview shows the monumental growth that can take place after a brief taste of recovery goes awry when relapse finds its way into our mind, body, and soul. Michael bares all and holds nothing back from the struggles his methamphetamine used caused with his closest relationships. After being asked to leave the home he and his partner began building, Michael was left to reevaluate his life, drug use, and if recovery was something he truly wanted. Realigning his values and desires, he realized a life with organic happiness and supportive people in his life was more important than the stimulants. Today, Michael owns his dance studio, is happily involved with his partner, and is learning peer work with Amare as a Family Recovery Coach Intern.  Support the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

Amber Kite joins us in the studio to talk about everything recovery, but not before she gave a shout-out to her close friend, Ben, who tragically lost his life to suicide recently at the young age of 25. We discuss the importance of checking on our people and letting them know we love them. Remember, you can call 988 if you feel you are in a crisis and need someone to speak with. After her heartfelt memorialization to Ben, Amber takes us down a road of active addiction that seemed to grow after a long-time relationship of nearly seven years abruptly ended. Confessing the relationship had become toxic, and she was admittingly co-dependent, she descended into heavy drug use that led to her mother constantly worrying about her and having police contact, resulting in probation and attending Madison County, IL Drug Court under the Honorable Judge Napp; Amber was court-ordered to go to long-term treatment and was admitted to CRC, a long-term recovery home in Irving, Ill. (Montgomery County), a village of only 600. She stayed nearly two years, even during the strictest COVID-19 lockdowns. Today, she celebrates her family, friends, and working in the recovery field, helping others find a new way to live.  Learn more about the 988 crisis hotline by clicking HERE.Support the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

In case you missed our live show that airs on Saturday nights, we gotchu covered! Host Ty Bechel, as always, was joined by his co-host, Bri on the Radio, and a returning guest from the recorded podcast, Dorie Hebblethwaite. We discussed what Dorie, a junior in high school, is seeing around her campus regarding drugs and what kids are up to these days. She also remembers growing up when her dad was in active addiction. We also released a new segment, Hell Naw!, where we talk about some messed up stuff revolving around addiction, drug policy, and beyond. Dorie and Bri go head-to-head on trivia right before Dorie gets put in the hot seat to answer some tough questions. Our live show can be heard on 107.1 FM in the St. Louis market on the 3rd Saturday of the month form 6-8 pm (CST) or streamed live HERE. But if you missed it, check out our live show full of comedic and sincere balance. We also have some big news coming about the live show and podcast. Support the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

Liz, Outreach Worker for Oxford Inc. and a Kentucky native, joins Ty at the studio and discusses many challenging topics. Some will call her brave, and that she is, but it is also safe to say she is working an "honest program" because healing and recovering from a past riddled with active addiction and the need to fit in is essential to her health and success for years to come. She shares growing up in poverty and a dark moment in her past when she lost her young sister at three years old to murder. After what she thought was finding her tribe, drinking and drugs became her norm. After years of substance use and toxic relationships, Liz found herself in jail often. The mother of three shares her vulnerabilities from a place of honesty and transparency. She also updates us on all the great things Oxford Inc. is up to in the State of Illinois.Support the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

Jessica joins Ty at the Big Z Media studio to discuss her obsession with alcohol and how it affected her day-to-day life. Coming from a supportive marriage and in-laws, Jessica shares her secrets about hiding her love for alcohol from those closest to her and her co-workers. While working at an upscale restaurant, hints were becoming apparent that alcohol may have been causing more problems in her life than she liked to admit. Call it spiritual, the universe, or pure coincidence, she kept running into clean and sober people, like the new neighbor she met while she was toasty during a day-drinking episode that later became her first sponsor in a 12-step program. Toying with the idea of recovery, she admits she was "California" sober and was on a strict marijuana maintenance diet that led to her last dab pen and anxiety-ridden stoner episode. Join us on Episode 54 and hear Jessica's remarkable turnaround and how she maintains recovery today. Support the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

Katie O'Malley joins Ty in the Big Z Media studio and discusses her ups and downs that led to her almost 4 years of continuous recovery. Born in the St. Clair County, Illinois, Katie is the daughter of her late father, Michael, a prominent and respected judge, who shares her travels to Manhattan and where she was on September 11th, 2001. She also discussed with transparency how her addiction spiraled after she tried heroin for the first and fell in love immediately. As she descended into her active addiction, she accidentally struck a pedestrian with her vehicle, which led to darker and more depressive days after St. Louis news agencies picked up on the story and it was publicized. She felt she was a failure and an embarrassment to her family and had to seek professional guidance to deal with her conflictions. She eventually turned her life around after completing a residential treatment program and is now happily married, attending a Certification Peer Recovery Specialist program at SIUE, a local university, and interns at a local Recovery Community Organization (RCO), Amare. Support the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

Rhiannon Gancheff joined Ty in the Big Z Media studio from Florida, traveling to Illinois to meet her mother and brother for a week. There is a saying, "Addiction is not a spectator sport, and the entire family gets to play," and Rhiannon was a central teammate in her mother's addiction. Rhiannon recounts the struggles she saw her mother and father experience, from drug and alcohol addiction, toxic encounters, and infidelities, to the separation of her family that led to moving over seven hours away from Colorado to a small town in Illinois. After her mother and new step-father attempted a blended family while her mother focused on drug use, Rhiannon was left to take on the hero role in her family and help raise her younger sister and brother. The annoyance of her mother's constant drug use became full-blown resentment and rage. Eventually, through a series of events over a few years, the momentum of hate, feelings of abandonment, and sadness for her own mother, Rhiannon decided to help her mother find recovery, though, through her own admittance, was not kind to her at all. After a three-hour conversation at the kitchen table with her mom, Rhiannon let a decade of anger, sadness, shame, and resentment out, which ultimately became the pivotal moment of her healing and repairing the relationship with her mother. A true story of how families are affected by addiction and how the power of healing and recovery is possible. Support the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

Giving up was not an option for Brittany, even though she was only one wrong decision away from a life full of despair and possibly death. She joined Ty in the Big Z Media studio and shared how she flew under the radar with her drug and alcohol use, shocking her parents at the kitchen table while pleading for help from the grip heroin had on her everyday life. Brittany recounts frequently moving to different cities (and states) due to her father's work and having the gnawing feeling she doesn't truly fit in anywhere. She found ways to relate to kids in high school, as many adolescents do, by dating, drinking, and sometimes drugging. Alcohol introduced her to cocaine and Benzos, which inevitably led to intravenously using Dilaudid for the first time. She turned to stripping to support the newly found heroin addiction that took her down Salisbury St., Kingshighway Blvd., and Hall St. while evading the Jump Out Boys to stay out of jail. After four stints in residential treatment, Brittany knew she had to make a drastic change and plunged into a 12-step community where she has been ever since with almost 12 continuous years of recovery. She now works as a social worker, giving her heart and soul to help parents escape their own Hell and unify with their children.  Support the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

Have you ever wondered how roller skating could be a form of therapy? Our guest, Jackie Butler, shares her fascinating journey of finding solace in roller skating amidst the turmoil of her parents' divorce and the ensuing sense of isolation. Jackie's raw and emotional account of her struggles with substance use and mental health issues is a powerful testament to her resilience.The conversation takes a deeper turn as we navigate through Jackie's tumultuous teenage years, marred by her parents' divorce, her father's addiction, and her own substance use. She bravely discusses her mental health breakdown, her stint in a state hospital, and her relentless pursuit of human connection. Jackie's candid account of her experiences with drug court and her subsequent transition to sobriety is a beacon of hope for anyone dealing with similar struggles.Jackie's story is not just one of trials and tribulations, but also of redemption, recovery, and personal growth. She shares how she overcame her addiction, found connection within the 12 Step community, and regained control and found balance in her life. Join us for a conversation that redefines the narrative of addiction and recovery, emphasizing that individual recovery journeys are unique, and reminding us that progress indeed trumps perfection.Support the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

Ever wonder what it's like to grow up in a small town and then struggle with addiction? This week, we have Jakob Miller shedding light on this very experience. Raised in Union, Missouri, Jakob opens up about the sharp contrast between small town life and the city, and the adjustments associated with returning home after years away. Jakob gives us an intimate look at his battles with drug addiction and how his childhood played a significant role. He bares it all, discussing the impact of his relationship with his father, or lack of, on his self-worth, and the negative self-talk that dominated his thoughts. The conversation takes an uplifting turn as we touch on the essential role of self-love and respect in recovery, emphasizing that overcoming addiction is a journey filled with both trials and triumphs.Wrapping things up, we hear about Jakob’s personal recovery journey and the necessity of reaching out for help. He gets candid about his family's role in his recovery, highlighting their support as a source of strength. He shares the vital role of community support in de-stigmatizing addiction, giving a shout-out to the community shift in Union, Missouri, and what it's like starting a treatment center with friends in the Swansea area. Whether you're on a recovery journey yourself, know someone who is, or just want to gain a deeper understanding, this is a conversation you'll want to tune in for.Support the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

Just imagine the journey one must take to devote their life to the study of the human mind. Dr. Ari Lakritz, our esteemed guest and psychologist at OSF in St. Anthony's in Alton, journeyed to the Midwest from the bustling streets of New York City and New Jersey, before settling in Alton. In our fascinating dialogue, Dr. Lakritz takes us along his educational journey, narrating his experiences from his undergrad studies to securing his doctorate, all while sharing his views on substance use along the way.There is a raw honesty in the world of addiction and recovery, a truth that can be difficult to confront, yet is vital to the healing process. Dr. Lakritz beautifully illustrates this in our discussion. We speak candidly about the challenges medical professionals face when dealing with substance use disorders, and the importance of a holistic approach to healing. Digging deeper into the subject, we explore the intriguing concept of acquired personality pathology and delve into the intricacies of trauma-informed care. It's a conversation that underscores the need for patience, collaboration, and honesty in tackling these complex issues.But what of those who need these services? Dr. Lakritz sheds light on an often overlooked aspect of therapy - the wait times. He outlines the importance of short wait times for therapy services, and how the team at OSF is making a notable effort to reduce the gap between scheduling and seeing clients. This conversation serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of seeking help when you need it, and the possibilities that are available. So, if you're someone in need, or you know someone who could benefit from these services, don't hesitate to reach out to OSF and take advantage of the shorter wait lists.Support the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

Picture a young boy from Fairview Heights, Illinois, growing up in a small house with his two sisters and parents where life starts to unravel at an early age. That boy is Eric Conley and his story is one of struggle, resilience and ultimately, redemption. He candidly shares his battle with depression and addiction that began in his teenage years, leading to serious medical complications and the desperate need for recovery. His journey is a testament to the power of humility, a strong support system, and the crucial role of recovery centers.Eric Conley, now the founding CEO of the Illinois Recovery Center, paints a picture of his life that’s as raw as it is relatable. From his first run-in with the law at the innocent age of 13, his struggle with substances to manage his anxiety and his mother's battle with breast cancer -- his journey is filled with trials and tribulations. But it's in these challenges where he found strength and purpose. His sobriety journey led him to turn his life around and inspire others through the establishment of the Illinois Recovery Center. Tune in to hear about the importance of humility, resilience, and support in recovery. Eric emphasizes the role of a strong foundation, similar to sports, and progress over perfection. He shares how his love for sports helped him practice patience, a key principle in recovery. The episode closes on a powerful note as Eric reflects on the importance of seeking help and making that life-altering call for recovery. His gratitude for the Illinois Recovery Center is palpable, as it served as a beacon of hope and strength in his journey. Join us as we navigate this incredible story of struggle, survival, and salvation with Eric Conley.Support the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

Meet Bonnie Goodwin, a woman who's journey through recovery has not only transformed her life but has also become a beacon of hope for others battling addiction. With eight years, eight months and one day of recovery under her belt, she travels to the town of Vandalia, sharing her unique insight on her growth in recovery. Sit tight as we delve into her personal experiences and thoughts on the power dynamics that have been at play.Brace yourself as we navigate through the tumultuous teenage years of Bonnie, marred with substance abuse, traumatic encounters, and a desperate suicide attempt. Revisit the school halls where smoking and drinking culture took root, experience her intense loneliness amidst a crowd of 2,500, and bear witness to a distressing car ride that ended in a horrific violation of her safety. Her path to self-destruction and her turning point to seek help, a story of resilience and redemption, are testimonies of her courage.In the concluding chapters, we shift focus to Bonnie's time in prison, her recovery journey, and the invaluable life lessons she learned along the way. From the impact of her arrest, the heart-breaking loss of her children, to the commencement of her time in Chicago, her tale is a testament of her strength and resolve. Currently, she works with Amare, extending her hard-won wisdom and serving as a recovery coach, providing a lifeline to others on a similar path. Join us as we celebrate her incredible story.Support the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

In this episode, we hear some of the last recorded moments of Heather Thompson. We recorded this episode on Sunday, September 3rd, 2023, and she tragically passed away on Thursday, September 7th, 2023 - 4 days later. Heather and her husband, Joe Thompson, are residents of Coffeen, Illinois, a small village in Central Illinois with an approximate population of 700. When asked if Joe would like me to publish the episode or give it to them to be shared with family, he said Heather would have wanted us to publish the episode for others to hear. In this interview, happy and excited to share about her life, experiences, children, parents, and husband, Heather shares about becoming a mother at 17, what is was like being a bartender, and how she was a high school achiever. But drugs came into the picture as an adult and everything changed. Heather takes us on an emotional roller-coaster as she opens up about her multiple arrests, relapses, and the life-altering moment she was denied communion in church. These hardships, although traumatic, served as inspiration, pushing her to turn her life around. She shared with jubilation about planting her roots of recovery in Montgomery County and that she loves her job and her life. Her heartfelt story underscores the importance of cherishing our time with loved ones, reminding us all of the fragility of life and the crucial role of love and support in our lives. Join us on this intense journey of Heather's life, from addiction, recovery, to redemption.It was difficult to listen to this full interview and edit the little that I did. To hear her laugh and discuss how much she loved to help people and how much she adored her children and husband was extremely tough knowing she is no longer with us. In her honor, we will always miss her. And remember, her name is Heather Thompson. Support the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

Have you ever found yourself in a place so dark, you couldn't imagine a way out? Join us in a heartfelt conversation with Christina Foster-Beagle, who candidly shares her journey from the depth of addiction to the pinnacles of redemption. Listen as she takes us back to her small-town roots in Roxana, Illinois. Here, she paints a picture of a young woman who put aside her Navy dream for a love that ended just days after the wedding bells rang, followed by the devastating loss of her beloved brother. The story of Christina is a stark reminder of the lasting effects of addiction and relationships on our lives.Christina's life took a dramatic turn when her son made a gut-wrenching request for her to plan her own funeral. This proved to be the wake-up call she needed to break free from her drug addiction. Navigating through a manipulative ex-husband and a near-death car crash, Christina emerged stronger and more determined to conquer her demons. Overcoming her tribulations, she transformed her life in a powerful testament to resilience and the human spirit.Now, Christina is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of recovery. We explore her journey to sobriety and her empowering work with Foster's Light in the Dark, an organization she founded to give back to the community to help families impacted by losing a loved one to suicide or an accidental overdose. We delve into the importance of future planning, the role of God in her recovery, her gratitude for the support of her family and the balance between productivity and busyness in recovery. Listen in as we illuminate the path to recovery, community building, and finding light even in the darkest moments. This conversation is a testament to Christina's unshakeable spirit and a reminder that it's never too late to turn things around.Support the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

Have you ever wondered what the journey from addiction to recovery looks like, particularly from the unique perspective of those who have been on both sides of the drug court system? Ever thought about the real-life stories behind the faces of those tasked with the immense responsibility of turning lives around? This episode promises to take you on a profound journey with two inspiring guests, the honorable Judge Kyle Napp and Ms. Kimberly Clark, who transitioned from pre-med studies to a crucial role in mental health and drug court.As you listen, you'll be moved by their personal stories, the hurdles they overcame, and the growth they experienced. Judge Knapp shares her inspiring journey from corporate law to a key player in criminal justice. On the other hand, Ms. Clark speaks about her fascinating transition from pre-med to a critical role in drug and mental health court. The resilience, the professional development, and the transformative leadership they've experienced is nothing short of inspiring.The riveting conversation doesn't stop there. Our guests delve into deeply moving experiences; Judge Knapp's recounts her challenging yet rewarding journey that led up to becoming the Judge of Madison County Drug Court, highlighting the critical role her mother played in her life and why she works so diligently. Kim Clark, too, lends her voice to the importance of self-investment and the gratification derived from positively impacting others' lives. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain fresh insights into recovery, redemption, and making a difference from people who've helped those deeply impacted by addiction. Support the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

Lacey joins us in the Big Z Media Studio to discuss going from telling on herself at a house party to hiding her cocaine and heroin use from her family and friends. Moving around a lot during her childhood to many military bases, Lacey found her roots when she moved to Illinois when she was 8. She lived a relatively quiet and safe childhood and after her cocaine love affair, she stumbled upon heroin and her life became a lot less quiet and a bit more dramatic. She never gave up, found recovery, and now is giving back to those that are in the shoes she was once in. Join us to hear a remarkable story of perseverance, hope, and redemption. Sponsored by: Gateway FoundationSupport the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1

Mike joins us at the Big Z Media Studio to share his journey of recovery. From growing up with a single mom to experiencing secondary trauma, Mike takes us on a wild ride of cocaine binges and alcohol-induced blackouts. Through the drunken oblivion, heroin whispered into his ear, ushering in a new level of chaos and waking life misery.  His recovery revitalized his love for writing and playing Magic the Gathering, leading him to a life he never expected. Join us for an honest, brave, and open conversation with Mike's amazing testimony. Sponsored by: Gateway FoundationSupport the showwww.myrecoverypodcast.comwww.facebook.com/recoveryuncensoredwww.twitter.com/recoveryuncens1