Clean and Sober Radio

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund welcomed Philadelphia City Councilmember-at-Large Jimmy Harrity to the studio. A person in long-term recovery himself, Harrity discussed his role on City Council and his advocacy for people still struggling with addiction, as well as his support for those living in recovery. The conversation explored the importance of having people in positions of influence who understand addiction firsthand and are committed to helping those in need. Harrity also discussed his support for Philadelphia’s Wellness Expo, held at Philadelphia City Hall in recognition of Recovery Mo...

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund welcomed Philadelphia native Max Ariel, who had been in recovery for more than 20 years and works as a substance abuse counselor in Puerto Rico. Max shared his personal recovery journey and offered insight into the differences in attitudes, cultural perspectives, and approaches to addiction and treatment in Puerto Rico compared with those in the United States. The conversation provided an informative look at how culture can influence the way addiction is understood, addressed, and treated, while emphasizing the universal challenges and possibilities of recovery.<...

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund welcomed siblings Jamila Winder, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Chair of the Board of Commissioners, and her brother Randy Winder, who is several years into recovery and works at the University of Pennsylvania. Gary and Mark explored the complex relationship between family, addiction, and recovery as Jamila and Randy shared their perspectives on what it was like to have addiction affect their family. The discussion examined the reality that addiction can affect people from loving, supportive, and successful families, regardless of the opportunities or advantages they...

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund explored an honest and often difficult question: Why did you seek sobriety? They discussed the different circumstances that can lead someone into recovery, whether it was a family member delivering an ultimatum, an employer demanding treatment, a court-ordered program, or simply reaching a point where the consequences and chaos of addiction had become too much to bear. Gary and Mark examined the motivations behind seeking recovery and considered whether lasting sobriety ultimately began when a person truly wanted a better life for themselves. The...

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund welcomed Steve Leckerman and Denise Leckerman, who shared their inspiring story of recovery, resilience, and hope in the face of unimaginable loss. The couple reflected on the tragic death of their daughter, Leigh, who was killed by a drunk driver more than two decades ago, and how they found the strength to continue their own recovery while honoring her memory. They discussed the creation of the Leigh Leckerman Foundation, which is dedicated to educating the public about addiction and raising funds to help individuals...

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund examined how addiction and recovery are portrayed in the news media and across social media. The discussion explored the highs and lows, challenges and triumphs, and often complicated realities experienced by people in active addiction and those in recovery. Gary and Mark considered how media coverage could shape public understanding of addiction, while emphasizing the importance of presenting accurate information and recognizing the human stories behind the disease. The episode highlighted the need for greater public awareness, compassion, and understanding of the facts surrounding...