Recovery Coast to Coast

RC2C host Neil Scott shares an insightful interview with Eric Button from Burning Tree Ranch, down in Texas. Eric has been sober for nearly 21 years ... the path was not an easy one. His ego was a hurdle he eventually climbed over..and into the gratatute of long-term recovery. Today. he walks the walk, with pride and love!

And on today's Last Word, actor Rob Lowe comments on being ready only when you're read. You can't get sober for others!

PODCAST NOTES

RC2C host Neil Scott sits down with Jeff Jay. He and his wife, Deborah, were the 2026 recipients of the 2026 Michael Q. Ford Journalism Award, presented at the 47th Annual Leadership Conference of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP)  in Amelia Island, Florida.

And the iconic actress Jamie Lee Curtis has today 'Last Word' about her sobriety.

And, as promised, here is the audio from the NAATP Awards Banquet, which includes remarks by today's guest Jeff Jay.

 https://soundcloud.com/neil-scott-seattle/naato-2026-opening-night

Quint Studer is an amazing man! He is the owner of two minor league baseball teams, a hugely successful businessman, a sought-after speaker, and the founder of a healthcare consulting company. He is also a man in long-term recovery and has been for the last 44 years. He shares his story with RC2C hostNeil Scott, and it's a story filled with hope and inspiration.

He was recently the keynote speaker at the 47th annual NAATP leadership luncheon in Amelia Beach, Florita. Here is his talk,,,  https://soundcloud.com/neil-scott-seattle/naatp-day-2-leadership

This is the third in a 3-part series, featuring interviews that Neil Scott did with people in recovery who were volunteers at the home of Dr. Bob Smith at his home in Akron, OH

With the LAST WORD, we turn to Bill Dotson - Bill D. (often referred to as 'the man on the bed') - who was the first success for Dr. Bob and Bill W., from archived audio.

For the complete talk by Bill D.  https://youtu.be/USpYofPdZo4?si=A5LypdVW3NuL1piF

This is Part 2 of a 3-part series, with interviews conducted by Neil Scott at the home of Dr. Bob Smith, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. In Part 2 Neil talks to Bob C., who shares stories about the home where AA began!!

And through the magic of audio, Dr. Bob will get today's Last Word!

RC2C host Neil Scott takes listeners back to Akron, Ohio, to the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous, as he shares a conversation with Harmon Velie, who was the chairman of Dr. Bob's historic home. This is where it all began for AA.

And from the archives, the actual words of Dr. Bob, who gets this edition's Last Word!

RC2C host Neil Scott shares a fascinating conversation with award-winning actress Mackenzie Phillips, who was introduced to cocaine at the age of 11 by her dad, John Phillips, who was a member of the 'Mama and Papas'. Mackenzie eventually found recovery; however, she relapsed big-time at 10 years. 

Again, she went into treatment again, and eventually the 12-step rooms. and has been sober for the past 18 years. Her story is one of resiliency and recovery. 

And best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert ("Eat, Pray, Love") gets 'the Last Word' on this edition of Recovery-Coast to Coast'

Recovery Coast to Coast host Neil Scott introduces listeners to an amazing man who has been in recovery for 27 years. During his recovery, he was in a terrible car crash and was told he would never walk again; his oldest daughter was killed by her husband, who then took his own life, and he suffered a near-fatal heart attack. He came close to drinking, but he leaned into recovery, 

His name is Brian Harris, and he has written a book, chronicling his journey: what it was like, what happened, and what it's like today. The book is S...

RC2C Host Neil Scott welcomes the NAATP Director of Public Policy, Mark Dunn, for a chat about his personal recovery, as well as the challenges facing America.

And alcoholism historian William White gets 'The Last Word'!

PLUS - as mentioned in the podcast, here is a link to Nima Sarikhani's photo, in the running for the wildlife photo of the year. Nima is a good friend of recovery and the podcast. You can read the story behind the photos, as well as vote for the photograph of the year at:

https://www...

As we start the new year ... retired counselor and nurse Judy York will be celebrating 18 years of long-term recovery. She partied hardy and recovers joyfully. RC2C host Neil Scott shares a conversation with Judy, who lives in Corvallis, Oregon.

And rock 'n roll guitarist and a member of the Eagles, Joe Walsh, has today's last word on Recovery - Coast to Coast.

In this special edition of Recovery - Coast to Coast, Neil Scott celebrates 50 years of recovery for one of the world's most iconic actors - Sir Anthony Hopkins, who prefers to be called Tony H.! In an interview following the recent release of his autobiography "We Did OK, Kid," he takes listeners back to the end of his drinking and the beginning of 50 years in long-term recovery.

As part of this celebration, Neil shares a 12 Step meeting in Laguna Beach, California, featuring Tony H., when he was just shy of 25 years sober! What it was like, what...

A special edition of Recovery Coast to Coast, as RC2C host Neil Scott presents highlights from the recent King County Behavorial Health Forum, featuring three recovery stories and comments from some of the 20 legislators who were on stage to listen and learn. 

John F., a grateful member of Alcoholics Anonymous, joins RC2C host Neil Scott to share his story of long-term recovery - nearly 40 years, and how he came into the Fellowship, and why he has stayed - one day at a time!

Also, iconic actor Dick Van Dyke gets today's 'Last Word' on Recovery!

RC2C host Neil Scott welcomes a dear friend - author Judy Jance -who has had over 50 books on the NY Times  'Best Seller List', including a long-running series of books featuring JP Beaumont, a Seattle police detective who found recovery, following a 'literary intervention'. Her latest book is 'The Girl from Devil's Lake,' a Joanna Brady mystery novel.

Judy spent 13 years living with a chronic alcoholic before she finally divorced him, and he died a little over a year later. During that time, she wrote a number of poems chronicling her journey. That book is c...

On this edition of RC2C, Neil Scott sits down with Colorado Rockies Bench Coach Clint Hurdle, one of the very few who have been in the World Series as a player, coach, and manager. His biggest win was Recovery! Nearly 27 years ago.

The conversation was held in the Rockies' dugout on the last day of a 3-game series with the Seattle Mariners. It is very inspirational!

The podcast concludes with 'The Last Word' with Academy Award-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who has 26 years in recovery!

For those who missed the first interview...

They are often called 'circuit speakers,' - they tell their 12-Step stories to thousands of people all around the world. Newcomers often hang on their every word. What happens when ego and pride sideswipe sobriety?  RC2C host Neil Scott shares a conversation he recently had while down in Texas, with a woman who was in demand as a 'circuit speaker'.

With ego and pride as a backdrop, she fell from grace back into the depths of her disease. Again. Yet it was that same grace that brought her back into the fellowship and 14 years of c...

From the RC2C archives, Neil shares an intimate conversation with award-winning singer/songwriter/composer Rufus Wainwright ... along with some interesting comments by actor John Goodman on how he finally went into treatment.

Recovery Month Toolkit

https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/recovery-month/toolkit

Rufus Wainwright - HALLELUJAH

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAKC1YD2kHQ

RC2C host Neil Scott presents an archived interview with a pioneer in the recovery movement, the counseling profession, and the addiction treatment field. Mel Schulstad!

The interview was part of Neil's tribute broadcast following Mel's death in 2012 at the age of 93.

And the podcast concludes with the interesting comments from award-winning actor Danny Trejo on 12-Step Programs!

Neil Scott, RC2C host, shares a conversation with a former NFL offensive tackle, who played for the New York Giants and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also had two stints in recovery. The second one finally took hold. His stories and insightful are inspiring!

The podcast concludes with some thoughts from the multiple Grammy award-winning Adele.

And here is the profile that was done on Neil Scott in a recent edition of the Alcoholism and Recovery eBulletin:

RC2C host Neil Scott caught up with Steve Berger at the recent NAATP National Leadership Conference in Seattle. Steve just celebrated 37 years of recovery, including carrying the message of hope and the promise of recovery to men and women in Russia! He is truly an inspiration.

This edition of RC2C also includes some reflections on 'hope' from Rolling Stone's guitarist Ronnie Wood!

And, as promised, here is the link to the interview with Neil Scott by the 'Addiction and Recovery eBulletin'

https://addictionrecoveryebulletin.org/neil-scott-person-of-the-week/

RC2C host Neil Scott is joined by addiction treatment pioneer Claudia Black, discussing addiction treatment, the importance of recognizing and treating co-existing trauma, and the light at the end of the tunnel: recovery!

The podcast concludes with some comments on amends in recovery by actor Charlie Sheen.

And here is the link to the interview that I mentioned in the beginning of the podcast - my interview with the Addiction/Recovery eBulletin, featuring me as 'Person of the Week' 

https://addictionrecoveryebulletin.org/neil-scott-person-of-the-week/

PS: I encourage you to subscribe to t...

David Hobler, a man in long-term recovery for the past 33 years, joins RCC2C host Neil Scott to talk about his long and winding journey through his recovery, including the death of two of his children. Today. David is a lawyer and works to help people find their path to sobriety and recovery. It is a poignant and gripping story!

And Rock 'n Roll legend Joe Walsh  talks about his alcoholism and eventual recovery to round out the podcast.

Toby H., a grateful member of Alcoholics Anonymous, joins RC2C host Neil Scott to talk about his journey along the recovery road, beginning with 10 miserable years of not drinking, then finding a better way to live in the program of AA.

And Actor Dick Van Dyke share some thoughts on long term recovery, as well.

Mario Chajon, who lives in Mauai, reflects on 39 years of personal and affirmative recovery . . . from sniffing glue at the age of 6 to celebrating recovery proud and out loud nearly 40 years later ... it's a story of recovery and redemption, one grace-filled day at a time.

And the podcast concludes with some reflection on 12-Step Programs from iconic actor Danny Trejo.

RC2cC host Neil Scott shares a conversation with Darryl W., a grateful member of Alcoholics Anonymous (in keeping with the Traditions of AA, only his first name is used). He chronicles his years of personal destruction leading into his years of personal renewal in long-term recovery. 

And actor Charlie Sheen shares some thoughts on making amends.

Recovery advocate Alysse Bryson, a woman in long-term recovery, reflects on her 18-year journey from the depths of addiction to the sober serenity of long-term recovery.  

Following our conversation, actress Jamie Lee Curtis will define what sobriety means to her!

Be sure to check out The Sober Curator, with everything from lifestyle news to recovery resources, because .... "... getting sober matters, but staying sober matters more!"                                                                 https://thesobercurator.com/

Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer Dion is Neil Scott's special guest in this edition of RC2C. They discuss life, recovery, faith, and music. This is Dion's second visit to RC2C, the first was back in 2007, 18 years ago when RC2C was on terrestrial radio. 

Dion's greatest hits include - Where or When, Teenager in Love, Runaround Sue, The Wanderer, Ruby Baby, Teenager in Love, Abraham, Martin & John, and many others. 

Listen to the 2007 edited interview, which contains musical clips from his many hits, as well as stories about his music and his re...

RC2C host Neil Scott has an in-depth conversation about recovery with the co-author of DION: The Rock 'n Roll Philosopher. Adam talks openly about his recovery and his long-time relationship with Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame icon Dion Dimucci.

The podcast concludes with some inspirational thoughts on recovery from another Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer,  Joe Walsh, from The Eagles  

DION - The Rock 'n Roll Philosopher (Conversations on Life, Recovery, Faith and Music)                                                        https://www.amazon.com/Dion-Rock-Roll-Philosopher-DiMucci/dp/1493088025

RC2C host Neil Scott begins this podcast with a tribute to legendary actor Sir Anthony Hopkins, who just celebrated his 49th sober birthday. Neil then visits with NY Times best-selling author JA Jance, whose character JP Beaumont is a former Seattle homicide detective, who dealt with his drinking by going into treatment in book 8. The new book 'Den of Iniquity' is book 26, and Beau is a grateful (fictional charachter) in long term recovery. 

Although Judy is not in recovery, she spent  years with a practicing alcoholic husband, who died from his disease. Judy wrote a poignant bo...

RC2C host Neil Scott presents highlights from the 2024 King County Behavioral Health Legislative Forum, held at the Seattle Center. It features stories of recveroy as well as an optimistic outlook moving forward from elected officials

To see the full unedited forum, click on the following link!

https://youtu.be/1zXVg9J-mzU

The podcast ends with some wonderful words of recovery wisdom from Dick Van Dyke!

RC2C host Neil Scott is joined by Donna Chevrier, who will soon celebrate 25 years of miraculous recovery. She went from a black-out drunk to a proud professional, helping others to attain the joy of long-term recovery!

Her website is https://milestonesrecovery.com/

And we conclude the podcast with some wonderful thoughts about prayer from actress Julie Harris!

RC2C Host Neil Scott shares his conversation with Danette Gavis, a very successful woman entrepreneur - and a woman in long-term recovery. She chronicles her path over the last nine years.

There is a point in the interview where she talks about returning home after treatment. I mention a song that was written, produced, and recorded by singer/songwriter John Batdorf. Due to copyright reasons, we are not allowed to include music in podcasts, but I offer a link here, so you can hear this poignant song, titled 'Mama's Comin' Home Tonight'!  https://youtu.be/iBCeVgViI7o...

Neil Scott sits down with Diane Gradington on a recent Texas trip. She explains how her faith led her on a path to long-term recovery. It's quite a story,

And the great Lou Gossett Jr share some interesting reflection of recovery~!

RC2C host Neil Scott shares a conversation with Carol Cloud, director of the Addiction Counselor Traning School in Ho9uston, TX, plus one of her students, Naser Karimi, an Afghanistan immigrant who was an addiction counselor in Afghanistan and Iran.

Plus words of inspiration from actress Ali McGraw

Neil Scott, RC2C Producer/Host has a candid conversation with Ashlyn Beery, whose life spiraled out of control. She eventually repaired her life with recovery, and her family, as well. Plus she has broken the chain of family addiction! She shares her story openly and honestly.

And the great Lou Gossett Jr. shares some inspirational thoughts on self-forgiveness.

RC2C Host Neil Scott sits down with Tom Farley, a person in long-term recovery, whose brother Chris Farley died tragically of a drug overdose 26 years ago. Neil was in Texas for the 50th anniversary conference, presented by the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals (TAAP).

And legendary actor Dick Dan Dyke offers insight on denial.

There are thousands of treatment programs in America, and most have excellent alumni programs to enhance long-term recovery. But, what makes a good solid, alumnus program?

Leonard Bade is a person in long-term recovery and a board member emeritus of TPAS, the Treatment Professionals in Alumni Services. He shares some of the essentials of an empowering alumni program with RC2C host Neil Scott

Award-winning actress Julie Harris closes out the podcast with some words of wisdom about being in long-term recovery!

RC2C host Neil Scott visits with Karen Morgan, who shares her ongoing recovery with grace and gatitude!

RC2C host Neil Scott shares a conversation with Marvin Ventrell, CEO of the National Association of Addiction Providers 'National Leadership Conference' in Denver, CO. Marv is a grateful person in long-term recovery.

Actress Ali McGraw also shares some wisdom on self-pity and recovery

RC2C Host Neil Scott features a three-time Olympic Champion Carriie Bates, who won Gold three times back in the 1984 Olympics. She tried to repeat four years later and did not qualify. Her life spiraled out of control. After going through treatment 3 times, the 4th time was the charm and it paved the way to long-term recovery. In the words of our guest, "Our freedom exists within our truth."

We conclude the podcast with inspirational words of encouragement from award-winning actress Ali McGraw on courage!