• 543: I Shouldn’t Be Alive... 8 Years Sober: Destiny's Story
    Jun 29 2025

    Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In this episode, we sit down with our friend Destiny, who just celebrated eight years of continuous sobriety! Destiny shares her incredible journey — from the depths of addiction to a life filled with purpose, hope, and service. We talk about what it really takes to stay sober long-term, how her mindset has evolved over the years, and the ways she continues to grow in her recovery. Whether you’re brand new to sobriety or years into the journey, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.

    Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

    SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

    Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

    Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

    Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

    Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

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    41 mins
  • 542: Stop Doubting Yourself: Pastor Todd Mullins: Don't Let Doubt Take You Out
    Jun 27 2025

    Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    DONT LET DOUBT TAKE YOU OUT: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Let-Doubt-Take-You/dp/1636414346

    Christ Fellowship: https://www.christfellowship.church/

    In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan Laabs and Pastor Todd Mullins, lead pastor of Christ Fellowship Church here in South Florida. Pastor Todd shares the story behind his new book Don’t Let Doubt Take You Out - and how doubt shows up in our addictions, recovery journeys, and everyday life.

    We all opened up about our own experiences with self-doubt: how it creeps in, how it can pull us off track, and what it takes to break through it. Whether you’re new to sobriety, a family member trying to support a loved one, or simply someone battling your own inner doubt, this conversation will inspire you to keep moving forward.

    Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

    SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

    Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

    Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

    Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

    Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

    Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

    RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

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    59 mins
  • 541: Big Book Study: How It Works Part 1
    Jun 25 2025

    Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In today’s episode, Erik takes us through the first half of How It Works from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. This is one of the most read and quoted sections in all of AA — but do people really understand what it’s saying? Erik breaks it down line by line, shares how it applied to his own recovery, and calls out some common ways people misinterpret this chapter. If you’ve ever wondered why “rigorous honesty” is so emphasized — or if you’ve gotten hung up on words like “spiritual awakening” — this episode will give you a deeper understanding. Part 2 coming soon!

    Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

    SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

    Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

    Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

    Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

    Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

    Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

    RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

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    27 mins
  • 540: Mental Health Medications: Do They Really Work?
    Jun 22 2025

    Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In this episode, Tom, Ben, and Dr. Tamanini sit down for a real conversation about antidepressants. We break down common questions like: Do they really work? Should people in sobriety take them? Are they overprescribed?

    Dr. Tambini brings her clinical experience to the table, and we talk openly about what we’ve seen in the addiction and recovery world when it comes to these medications. Whether you’ve taken antidepressants yourself, know someone who has, or are just curious about their role in mental health and sobriety—this is an honest conversation you won’t want to miss.

    Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

    SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

    Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

    Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

    Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

    Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

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    31 mins
  • 539: Why Men’s Mental Health Still Gets Ignored; AA is 90 YEARS OLD
    Jun 20 2025

    Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

    SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

    Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

    Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

    Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

    Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

    In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom Conrad and Benjamin B. discuss the impactful history and personal influence of Alcoholics Anonymous, the significance of Men's Mental Health Month, and their own experiences with these topics.

    These discussions also touch on the Family Reconnect program and their personal lives, including a humorous segment on pet care challenges.

    00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode

    00:04 Importance of Alcoholics Anonymous

    00:18 Men's Mental Health Month

    00:29 Personal Stories and Experiences

    00:50 Family Reconnect Program Overview

    01:20 Gratitude and Viewer Engagement

    01:40 Impact of the Family Reconnect Program

    02:34 Special Features of the Family Reconnect Program

    07:37 Challenges in Helping Others

    15:03 Celebrating 90 Years of Alcoholics Anonymous

    15:50 Big Book Insights

    19:21 Structure of AA and Personal Stories

    30:44 Men's Mental Health and Community Support

    42:54 The Role of Relationships 54:45 Closing Segment and Farewells

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • 538: Big Book Study: We Agnostics: Part 2
    Jun 18 2025

    Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In this episode, we dive deeper into We Agnostics, continuing the conversation around developing a relationship with a Power greater than ourselves. This section of the chapter challenges us to look at our past beliefs—or lack thereof—and how those ideas may have blocked us from getting sober. We break down the spiritual logic laid out in the Big Book, discuss how fear and ego can keep us stuck, and explore what it really means to be open-minded when it comes to spirituality in recovery.

    Whether you’re new to the steps or revisiting them, this part of the study will help you connect the dots between willingness, faith, and the foundation for lasting sobriety.

    Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

    SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

    Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

    Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

    Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

    Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

    Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

    RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

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    30 mins
  • 537: From Heroin in the Hospital to 8 Years Sober – Josh’s Story of Redemption
    Jun 15 2025

    Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom Conrad, Benjamin B, and their guest, Josh, discuss Josh's eight-year sobriety journey. They dive into topics such as geographical change sparked by divine intervention, how life continues to challenge sobriety, and the significant impact of a spiritual journey.

    00:00 Introduction of the Episode and Guests

    00:21 Josh's Sobriety Journey and Key Moments

    00:58 Sponsor Segment - Soberlink

    02:29 Introductions Continued

    03:42 Discussion on the Reality of Sobriety

    14:31 Josh's Experience in Sober Living

    17:42 The Importance of Community in Recovery

    30:28 Impact of Helping Others in Recovery

    35:23 Insights on Treatment and 12-Step Programs

    41:10 Personal Reflections and Hobbies

    Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

    SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

    Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

    Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

    Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

    Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

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    47 mins
  • 536: He Recovered from a TERRIBLE OPIOID ADDICTION!
    Jun 13 2025

    Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In this episode, we’re joined by Kevin Lanning, host of The Rise Above Podcast, who shares his powerful story of recovery after nearly a decade of battling opiate addiction. Now with 7½ years clean, Kevin opens up about what it truly took for him to achieve long-term sobriety — from hitting bottom to finding purpose through service and connection.

    Kevin talks in detail about how working with others has been the driving force behind his recovery and how The Rise Above Podcast has helped him build meaningful relationships, spark honest conversations, and stay grounded in the principles of recovery.

    This is a conversation about healing, purpose, and showing up for the next person in line. If you’re looking for hope and real insight into what long-term recovery looks like, don’t miss this one.

    KEVIN YT CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@UCw1nUfBMo7mO3yncTIwOpNQ

    KEVIN IG: https://www.instagram.com/riseabovewithkevin/

    Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

    SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

    Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

    Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

    Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

    Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

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    1 hr