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.
Being Good Either Way
We’ve all heard the bumper-sticker recovery advice: "Let go and let God." But let's be honest—actually doing it is a whole different story. In this episode of the Recovered Life Show, Damon Frank challenges the traditional concept of "letting go" and shares a mindset shift that completely changed his own multi-decade recovery journey: learning to be "good either way." Damon opens up about the constant battle with an anxious, fast-moving ADHD mind that loves to micro-manage the future. He breaks down why we get trapped by tying our peace of mind to specific results, and how flipping the...
Is Your Mess a Mental Health Crisis? A Deep Dive with Hoarders Organizational Expert Dorothy Breininger
In this episode of The Recovered Life Show, host Damon is joined by Dorothy Breininger, a renowned organizational expert and featured specialist on the hit show Hoarders. Dorothy explores the profound connection between physical clutter and mental health, particularly for those on a journey of recovery from addiction. She shares her unique perspective that many people in recovery shift from being managed by a substance to being managed by their "things," which can create a cycle of anxiety and chaos that hinders true healing.
Dorothy introduces practical strategies for taking control of your environment, including her 5-Point...
From Cannabis to Clarity: Reclaiming Your Life After Decades of Use with Guest Leonard Buschel
In this episode of The Recovered Life Show, host Damon talks with Leonard Buschel, author of High: From Cannabis to Clarity. They dive into the often-overlooked issue of marijuana dependency, specifically focusing on how long-term use can shift from casual enjoyment to a life-altering addiction, particularly for the baby boomer generation. Leonard shares his personal journey from smuggling hashish to finding true sobriety and clarity after 26 years of daily use.
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Why Being a "Struggler" Keeps You Stuck
In this powerful episode of The Recovered Life Show, host Damon explores a radical shift in mindset for anyone in recovery. If you’ve spent years identifying as a "struggler" or viewing every day as a "battle" against addiction, this episode is a wake-up call.
Damon discusses how clinging to the identity of a fighter actually gives power to the very substances you’re trying to avoid. By creating a "Good Either Way" mentality, you can move toward a state of indifference where your peace isn't dictated by external outcomes. Learn the three practical steps to stop the...
Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Over 50 with Guest Cecil Gailey Jr.
In this episode of The Recovered Life Show, host Damon welcomes contributor Cecil Galey Jr. to discuss the growing trend of sobriety and mental health awareness among the "over 50" demographic. They dive into how the pandemic disrupted traditional face-to-face support systems and why the older generation is finally trading the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality for authentic connection and digital community.
Key Discussion Points
The Post-COVID Surge: How isolation during the pandemic led to an increase in addiction and mental health struggles for those who relied on in-person social circles.Bridging the Tech Gap...Is the Label "Alcoholic" Holding Us Back in Recovery?
In this episode of the Recovered Life Show, host Damon Frank explores a high-stakes question: Is the label "alcoholic" holding us back in recovery?. While the 12-step tradition often requires identifying as an alcoholic to participate, a new perspective from the Harvard Gazette suggests this term may conjure outdated stereotypes and keep individuals trapped in an identity of "brokenness".
Damon discusses the "peer pressure" found in some recovery circles to maintain this label indefinitely and asks whether it's more empowering to identify as "recovered" after years—or even decades—of sobriety. We dive into:
The potential stig...Where Have I Been? The Truth Behind the Podcast Hiatus
After a several-month hiatus, host Damon Frank returns to the podcast to address his absence and share the future vision of Recovered Life. He reflects on the origins of the show during the COVID-19 pandemic and explains how his personal evolution as a recovery coach—and the changing landscape of the recovery community—led him to "go all in" on a new level of support for those struggling with addiction and mental health.
Join me on Recovered Life!Â
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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.
Join the Recovered Life Community! Click HERE
🚀 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.
Join the Recovered Life Community! Click HERE
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.
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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.
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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
👉 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
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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.
Join the Recovered Life Community! Click HERE
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.
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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:
