Artists & Authors Episodes

In this powerful episode of The Addiction Podcast — Point of No Return, Joanie Sigal sits down with John Luedke, author of Big Dump, commodities trader, and sobriety advocate. John’s story is one of raw honesty, near‑death experiences, and remarkable transformation. From early substance use in high school — marijuana quickly escalating to alcohol, cocaine, Xanax, and opiates — John’s addiction spiraled alongside a lifelong struggle with food and weight. At his worst, he weighed over 320 pound...

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...

Andrew Ace Greenspan is a singer-songwriter/ motivational speaker from Nyack, NY. Andrew is 33 years old, on the autism spectrum and has been playing piano/ singing since he was four years old. Andrew has been in recovery since early 2024, over one year into sobriety and is pursuing a new album: Livin’ Rough, Hangin’ Tough about his personal battles overcoming addiction, mental health/ developmental challenges and chronic neurological pain. In 2024, Andrew began writing powerful new music about ...

After losing everything due to overdrinking from a very young age, Ian Fee reached a breaking point and began his journey to reclaim his life. Today, Ian is a successful author, entrepreneur, and the creator of Make It Great (MIG). Proudly sober since 2017, he has dedicated himself to personal growth, family, and living a life of purpose and clarity. His journey from addiction to empowerment has become his mission: to help others trapped in the same cycle of self-destruction break free and emba...

He was homeless, struggling with addiction, and sick. Now, Eric Zimmer is the author, teacher, and host behind the massive hit podcast, The One You Feed (with over 50 million downloads!), exploring the secrets to a meaningful life. In this powerful episode, Eric doesn't just share his inspiring personal story of recovery from addiction and hepatitis C; he reveals the practical, real-world tools that helped him get—and stay—clean for good. You'll discover: What we get completely wrong about wil...

Theo Fleury was on top of the world. A Stanley Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist, he had everything a hockey star could dream of. But behind the glory, a dark and self-destructive battle was raging. Fleury wasn't just playing with fire—he was engulfed by it. In this powerful episode, hear the raw, unfiltered story of how Fleury’s life spiraled out of control. He shares the chilling truth behind his struggles with addiction, the millions he gambled away, and the desperate attempts to chea...

Meet Mike Grant. Six years ago, he was in an intensive diversion program for habitual drunk driving. Now, he's a 100-mile ultra-marathoner, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and the author of the gritty, honest memoir, (Re)Making A Sandwich. This interview will shock and inspire you. Mike reveals the raw truth of his recovery journey, from hitting the streets with his 4-year-old son to conquering unimaginable distances. But his story doesn't end there. Discover how Mike, an addiction therapist ...

Chris Janssen, MA, BCC is a USA TODAY Bestselling author, and results coach in performance and mindset. Her award-winning books include "Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want" https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1637633378?tag=simonsayscom and "Living All In: How to Show Up for the Life You Want" https://www.amazon.com/Living-All-Show-Life-Want/dp/B0BH8C5Z7B Chris has worked with hundreds of creatives, soldiers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses internationally to clo...

Although best known for her comedy, Tiffany Jenkins is incredibly passionate about bringing awareness to mental illness and addiction. She travels the nation to speak at high schools, jails, rehab centers, and conferences about her own personal experiences with addiction and recovery. Beloved for her complete authenticity, raw honesty, and lovable humor, Tiffany Jenkins is the human voice of the opioid epidemic. This is her gripping true story, from her life as an addict, 20 felony charges, and...

Matthew (Matt) A. Tyner, Sr. is the author of . He is a man who has reinvented himself and has invested his second chance at life with building positive relationships with those around him. Matt is best known for his work as a college...

Lang Martinez, a resident of Los Angeles, CA, has successfully transformed his life's challenges into a compelling narrative of resilience.  As a Trauma Survivor, Unconventional Advocate, Recovery Mentor, Hope Dealer and Speaker. Martinez...

Dedee Pfeiffer, celebrated actress and younger sister of Michelle Pfeiffer, is known for her roles in hit shows like *Cybill* and *For Your Love* and her recent return to television as Denise Brisbane in ABC's *Big Sky.* But Dedee's journey is far...

Lauren Sisler is an Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster, ESPN sideline reporter, author, and keynote speaker known for her sideline shimmy. After landing her dream career with ESPN, reporting on college football and gymnastics, she began to open up...

Andrew Zimmern knew from a young age he wanted a career in food. After attending The Dalton School and Vassar College, he cooked in New York City restaurants for Anne Rosenzweig, Joachim Splichal and Thomas Keller, amongst others. Andrew helped open...

Brace yourself for a fascinating episode of **The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return**, featuring the Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist, **Barry Meier**, as we peel back the layers of the opioid crisis, examining its roots,...

he tragic loss of her son, Devin, in Feb 2018 to an accidental drug overdose was the catalyst for INTO LIGHT Project. Through the simple act of drawing, Theresa discovered the power of art and storytelling to change minds and hearts. The INTO LIGHT...

Philip Eil is an award-winning freelance journalist based in his hometown, Providence, Rhode Island. He is the former news editor of the alt-weekly newspaper, The Providence Phoenix. Since the paper’s close in 2014, he has contributed to The...

Navarone Garcia is Priscilla Presley’s son. Navarone Garibaldi Garcia (born March 1, 1987) is an American musician who serves as the lead singer of Them Guns. Them Guns is a Los Angeles-based rock band made up of members Garcia (guitar/lead vocals),...

About 29 years ago, a public school teacher told Barbie Rivera that her 6 year old son had a mental disorder and she needed to put him on a mind altering drug - Ritalin.  Barbie thought that was nutty as her son was very bright, normal and...

Susan Bartz Herrick, MFA, EdD., is a retired professor at UNC-Fayetteville, St. Andrews University, and Methodist University. Early in her career, she was a Community Liaison Specialist at HCA Cumberland Psychiatric Hospital and Treatment Center,...

Allie Severino overcame unimaginable odds to turn her life around. What started as a typical suburban childhood took a detour into darkness when she developed an addiction to drugs as a teenager. At 17, she was arrested and faced over a century behind...

Stephen Yates, a seasoned analyst and practitioner in politics, policy, and national security, hails from St. Petersburg, Florida. As a Senior Fellow and Chair of the China Policy Initiative, he has traversed the intricacies of policy decision-making,...

I’m a native Floridian, born and raised in Sarasota. I had a very normal Floridian childhood, swimming and fishing in local ponds and lakes. Nothing extraordinary. I graduated Sarasota High School in 1982 and joined the United States Army. I served...