The Recovered Life Show
Information you need to live your best-recovered life. Join host Damon Frank as he brings you addiction recovery stories, news, expert perspectives, and features about life in sobriety and addiction recovery.
After the Show: How Mindfulness Can Help Your Recovery
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit recoveredlife.substack.com
In 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...
How Mindfulness Can Help Your Recovery
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 ou...
How Mindfulness Can Help Your Recovery
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 ou...
Is Gen Z Killing 12 Step Groups?
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 communit...
Is Gen Z Killing 12 Step Groups?
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.
🚀 Identify Your Domino: The One Thing That Moves Everything Forward
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...
🚀 Identify Your Domino: The One Thing That Moves Everything Forward
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.
After the Show: The Healing Power of Forgiveness
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
The Healing Power of Forgiveness
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, on...The Healing Power of Forgiveness
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 recovery
How forgiveness transforms our personal growth
The pr...
REPLAY: People-Pleasing & Boundaries: Breaking the Codependency Cycle
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.recoveredlife.tv
This week’s Recovered Life Panel dug into the messy, often unspoken patterns of codependency and people-pleasing, especially when a loved one is living with addiction. Members shared how these behaviors creep in, the toll they take, and the difficult but necessary process of breaking free. The conversation touched on personal stories of fear, exhaustion, and loss of self, but also on the hope and clarity that come with working a recovery program. One mother described the shock of learning her 22-y...
David Stopped Blaming Life—That’s When Everything in His Sobriety Changed
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.
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...
David Stopped Blaming Life—That’s When Everything in His Sobriety Changed
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...
After The Show: Empathy & Addiction with Guest JOMO
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit recoveredlife.substack.com
In 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 emphasize...
Empathy & Addiction with Guest JOMO
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.
🎯 Episode Highlights
Here’s what stood out in our conversation with JOMO:
JOMO reminds us how powerful it is to just meet people where they’re at—without judgment. A little compassion goes a long way.It’s not...
Empathy & Addiction with Guest JOMO
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. htt...
This Is What Finally Got Brandon to Stop Drinking
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...
This Is What Finally Got Brandon to Stop Drinking
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...
Unpacking the Pain: How Trauma Fuels Addiction with Guest Sean Ostendorf
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
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This...
Unpacking the Pain: How Trauma Fuels Addiction with Guest Sean Ostendorf
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.
Together, they unpack:
What trauma really is—and how it can quietly shape addictionWhy many people don’t realize they have trauma until after they get soberHow unresolved emotional pain becomes the fuel for cycles of dread, anxiety, and relapseThe role of EMDR in sever...After the Show: How Trauma Shows Up
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit recoveredlife.substack.com
In 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.
How Trauma Shows Up with guest Kyle Miller
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 im...
How Trauma Shows Up with guest Kyle Miller
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 im...
I Used to Be a Girl Scout Leader—Then I Was Shooting Heroin: Stephanie’s Story
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 comp...
I Used to Be a Girl Scout Leader—Then I Was Shooting Heroin: Stephanie’s Story
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 comp...
After the Show: Trauma & Addiction
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit recoveredlife.substack.com
What 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.
Trauma & Addiction with guest Hannah Bernstein
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 recovery
Whether 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...
Trauma & Addiction with guest Hannah Bernstein
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 behaviorsWhat it really means to heal without numbing outPractical 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.
Rising from the Ashes: Tim Lineaweaver's Journey to Recovery
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 th...
Rising from the Ashes: Tim Lineaweaver's Journey to Recovery
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 th...
After the Show: The Real Talk on MAT, Stigma, and Sobriety
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit recoveredlife.substack.com
In 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 ne...
Medical-Assisted Treatment: Sobriety or Substitution?
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...
Medical-Assisted Treatment: Sobriety or Substitution?
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.
Key Discussion Points:
After the Show: Emotional Sobriety—Why Some People Grow and Others Don’t
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit recoveredlife.substack.com
In 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.
What Is Emotional Sobriety and Why Does It Matter?
Damon Frank and guest psychotherapist Darrin Dennis delve deeper into the topic of emotional sobriety and its critical role in recovery. They explore how emotional challenges and past traumas can impact sobriety and the journey to a fulfilled life free from addiction.
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Key Highlights:
What Is Emotional Sobriety and Why Does It Matter?
Damon Frank and guest psychotherapist Darrin Dennis delve deeper into the topic of emotional sobriety and its critical role in recovery. They explore how emotional challenges and past traumas can impact sobriety and the journey to a fulfilled life free from addiction.
This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Key Highlights:
* What is Emotional Sobriety? Darrin defines emotional sobriety as recognizing and coping with feelings that often push individuals towards substance use or addictive behaviors.
* The Importance...
After the Show: Lessons from Coach Joe’s Recovery Journey
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit recoveredlife.substack.com
After recording an episode of The Recovered Life Show with Coach Joe, I’ve been thinking a lot about the powerful insights he shared. His story of surrender—literally putting his hands out and asking to be arrested—was one of the most impactful moments of our conversation. That moment wasn’t about giving up; it was about letting go of resistance and stepping into real recovery.
Joe’s journey is a reminder that transformation isn’t just about stopping a b...
When Knowing Isn’t Enough with Guest Coach Joe
Join us for this episode of The Recovered Life Show as host Damon Frank speaks with Coach Joe, a dedicated member of the recovery community with seventeen years of continuous sobriety. Hear Joe's incredible journey from the depths of addiction to living a fulfilling life in recovery. This episode dives into the misconceptions around knowledge and recovery, the struggle of recognizing addiction, and the importance of reaching out for help. Joe shares his personal experiences, including the pivotal moment that led him to seek help and how he rebuilt his life after hitting rock bottom. Tune in for insights...
When Knowing Isn’t Enough with Guest Coach Joe
Join us for this episode of The Recovered Life Show as host Damon Frank speaks with Coach Joe, a dedicated member of the recovery community with seventeen years of continuous sobriety. Hear Joe's incredible journey from the depths of addiction to living a fulfilling life in recovery. This episode dives into the misconceptions around knowledge and recovery, the struggle of recognizing addiction, and the importance of reaching out for help. Joe shares his personal experiences, including the pivotal moment that led him to seek help and how he rebuilt his life after hitting rock bottom. Tune in for insights...
After the Show: The Hidden Struggles of BPD & Addiction
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit recoveredlife.substack.com
Last week, I had an intense and enlightening discussion on BPD & Addiction on the Recovered Life Show. In this After the Show segment, I was joined by Kennedy McGurkin, a therapist and the owner of Returning to Self LLC. This conversation was raw, real, and necessary—diving into the intersection of borderline personality disorder (BPD), addiction, codependency, and recovery.
Facing the Fear Around BPD
I’ll be honest—this was a topic that made me nervous. As a stre...
