Advocates & Activists Episodes

Dr. Samantha Harte’s story begins with a moment that reveals the duality so many people in addiction face: the night she was accepted into a doctoral program for physical therapy was also the night she overdosed on cocaine. Outwardly successful, inwardly unraveling, Samantha spent years trying to manage her addiction through survival strategies—perfectionism, control, people‑pleasing—before she ever understood the deeper roots of her suffering. In this powerful conversation, Samantha shares h...

Angela Kenneke’s life changed forever when her daughter Emily died from fentanyl poisoning at just 21 years old. In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Angela shares how her family’s experience with substance use disorder evolved from early warning signs in high school to the devastating moment they were preparing an intervention—only three days too late. Her story is not only one of loss, but of purpose, resilience, and a mission to prevent other families from facing the same tragedy. ...

Mirta Miler — known globally as @mimiermakeup — joins us for a powerful conversation about sobriety, confidence, and the unexpected ways recovery reshaped her life and career. With more than 22 million followers across platforms and over 1 billion likes on TikTok, Mirta is one of Europe’s most influential beauty creators. But behind the glam, she faced a deeply personal battle with alcohol addiction. Growing up in Croatia, Mirta explains that drinking culture was normalized — “especially bein...

In Part II of our special series on the DEA cannabis rescheduling hearings, expert witnesses Dr. Philip Drum, Dr. Ken Finn, and Dr. Karen Randall continue their detailed breakdown of the medical evidence the DEA is ignoring. Dr. Finn opens with shocking data from Colorado: 70% of dispensaries surveyed encouraged pregnant women to use marijuana during the first trimester, despite this being the most critical period of fetal brain development. He cites the NIH‑funded ABCD study showing that chi...

In this urgent episode, three nationally recognized physicians — Dr. Philip Drum, Dr. Ken Finn, and Dr. Karen Randall — testify before the DEA to oppose the proposal to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. Their expert witness statements reveal the medical, scientific, and public‑health dangers that rescheduling would create. Dr. Philip Drum, a national expert on the Controlled Substances Act, explains why marijuana has never met the FDA’s requirement for “accepted medical use.” He...

Dr. Tony Dice, Navy SEAL, firefighter, paramedic, therapist, author, and CEO of Bishop & Dice Defense, joins us to share one of the most powerful recovery stories we’ve ever featured. Tony describes how his early desire to “be a hero” led him into fire rescue, ambulance work, and ultimately the Navy SEAL teams — where camaraderie, trauma, and culture normalized heavy drinking and emotional suppression. Tony explains how addiction took root long before he realized it, escalating from alcohol t...

Jo McGuire, Executive Director of NDASA, delivers a powerful warning: rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III could end THC testing for pilots, bus drivers, truckers, and other workers who protect millions of lives every day. She shares the human cost of impairment on the job and urges the public to demand a federal safety carve‑out before tragedy strikes.

This episode of The Addiction Podcast — Point of No Return features Minnesota‑based creator and impact storyteller Josh Liljenquist, known online as Joshlilj, whose “Live to Love” mission turns online attention into real‑world help. With more than 34 million followers, 2.7 billion YouTube views, and over $1.9 million in documented public support, Josh has built a community that steps in when people face homelessness, addiction, medical emergencies, housing instability, or sudden hardship. Josh ...

Dr. Rachel Docekal of the Hanley Foundation joins the show to discuss the evolution of addiction treatment and why early intervention is so critical. Discover modern evidence-based care models, practical communication strategies for parents, and how to spot behavioral red flags early.

Darryl Strawberry is known worldwide as one of baseball’s greatest sluggers, a four‑time World Series champion and eight‑time All‑Star. But behind the fame, he struggled with addiction beginning at age 14, when he first smoked marijuana and drank alcohol. As he explains, “most of the time it’s because of the deep pain that’s going on on the inside” — and substances became his escape. His career was impacted by drinking, drugs, and amphetamines, eventually slowing him down and threatening ever...

Heather Bacchus is a Minnesota mother, author, and advocate whose life changed forever when her son Randy died by suicide at 21 after cannabis‑induced psychosis. Randy began using marijuana at 15, believing it was safe and creative. By 17 he was diagnosed with cannabis use disorder, and despite therapy and treatment, his condition worsened. At 21, he experienced psychosis and paranoia, leaving behind journal entries and videos documenting his decline. Heather and her husband Randy founded Be ...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Certified Life & Sobriety Coach and bestselling author Arlina Allen. She shares her raw, deeply honest journey from surviving childhood trauma and early addiction to achieving over 30 years of continuous sobriety. Arlina breaks down the illusion of moderation, the deep importance of self-compassion, and how she reframes the 12 steps for modern skeptics looking to heal underlying pain and build a fulfilling life.

Austin Rampt shares his raw, intense journey through meth addiction, cartel danger, homelessness, relapse, and the long road back to faith, family, and recovery. His story is one of survival, redemption, and the power of choosing a different path. One Last Hit Podcast - available on podcast platforms https://www.amazon.com/One-Last-Hit-Austin-Rampt/dp/1968485007/

Kim Porter opens up about the emotional toll addiction takes on families, the warning signs parents often miss, and the conversations that can save a loved one’s life. A compassionate, powerful look at family recovery. Kim Porter, CFRS, is the Co‑Founder and Executive Director of Be a Part of the Conversation, a Pennsylvania‑based nonprofit she launched in 2011 to help families and communities better understand substance use, addiction, and behavioral health. What began as a small initiative ...

Tara Peterson shares her powerful story of crack addiction, hitting bottom, and choosing recovery, offering hope and insight for anyone facing addiction crack addiction recovery, Tara Peterson, addiction recovery stories, substance use disorder, relapse prevention, trauma and healing, family addiction support, recovery journey, choosing sobriety, overcoming addiction, mental health and addiction, addiction awareness, recovery podcast, The Addiction Podcast, intervention and support, addiction education, coping with addiction, hope and healing.

Leigh Steinberg — the legendary sports agent who inspired Jerry Maguire — shares the deeply personal story behind his rise, fall, and ultimate comeback. Known for representing more than 300 professional athletes, including eight No. 1 NFL draft picks, Steinberg built one of the most influential careers in sports. But behind the success was a private battle with alcoholism that nearly destroyed everything he had built. In this powerful conversation, Leigh opens up about the collapse of his agency...

Whitney Yeager shares the tragic story of her son's marijuana-induced psychosis and the impact it had on his life. She emphasizes the dangers of high-potency marijuana and the need for education and awareness. Whitney also discusses the importance of recognizing the signs of marijuana use and seeking help. Takeaways High-potency marijuana poses significant risks to the developing brain, leading to addiction and psychosis. Parents and educators should educate themselves on the signs of ...

Nicole Byers has faced immense personal loss due to the opioid crisis. Her son, brother, father, and half-sister were all victims of fentanyl and pharmaceuticals. She is an active advocate for change and shares her story with organizations like Shatterproof and in Facebook groups for families who have lost loved ones to fentanyl. She now works with national nonprofit organizations Shatterproof, We are Appalled and Voices of Fentanyl. Nicole Byers has faced significant personal loss due to fen...

For 30 years, Laura Stack was best known in the business world as “The Productivity Pro.” Her career as a keynote speaker, bestselling author of eight books, and corporate spokesperson came to a screeching halt on November 20, 2019, when her 19-year-old son, Johnny, died by suicide after becoming psychotic from dabbing high-THC marijuana concentrates. Laura responded by forming the nonprofit, Johnny’s Ambassadors, to educate parents, teens, and communities about the dangers of today’s high...

Think you know the risks of unregulated CBD and cannabis? Dr. Kenneth Finn is here to pull back the curtain. He’s a board-certified pain specialist who has spent decades studying the science that the industry often ignores. Learn why he’s fighting for better safety rules and what every consumer needs to watch out for. Dr. Kenneth P. Finn is a board-certified physician in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) and Pain Medicine, known for his extensive work in pain management, medical cannabi...

What if the answer to stopping violence isn't what we’ve been told? This week, Diane Stein joins us to talk about the chilling documentary, Prescription for Violence. She’s revealing the evidence that links mass shootings to dangerous psychiatric drugs. It is a side of the story the media rarely talks about, and once you hear it, you’ll never look at the news the same way again Is the medication meant to help us actually making the world more dangerous? Diane Stein is sounding the alarm on a ...

One heart can change a moment, but many hearts can change the world. Meet Kim Bellas, the powerhouse behind the global movements Sober is the New Cool® and the White Heart Initiative®. From launching an International Recovery Walk that spans 38 countries to hosting the iconic White Party in NYC, Kim is on a mission to prove that wellness belongs to everyone. With 125+ global podcast appearances and a deeply personal story of family healing—including her son Matthew’s 8-year recovery—Kim is a ...

Leah Shepherd, the powerhouse Executive Director of Victoria’s Voice Foundation, is joining us. Her organization is on the front lines, dedicated to saving lives through drug-prevention education and overdose awareness. Under Leah’s leadership, Victoria's Voice has positively impacted over ONE MILLION students, families, and community members nationwide. She spearheaded National Naloxone Awareness Day and is relentless in her fight for expanded access to this life-saving overdose reversal medic...

Amy Newman is a mother, entrepreneur, and recovery advocate who built her life’s mission out of her own journey through addiction and long-term sobriety. After years of silently struggling and trying to hold everything together on the outside, Amy reached a turning point that changed the course of her life. Choosing to come forward, tell the truth, and ask for help marked the beginning of her transformation and ultimately the start of her calling to help others do the same. Now 22 years sober, ...