The overdose crisis has left few untouched. Many of us know someone (whether a client, colleague, friend, or family member) who has died from an overdose. For helping professionals, repeated exposure to loss can quietly build a kind of emotional armor. What happens when that armor turns into desensitization? In this episode, we talk about the hidden grief that comes with working in the midst of the overdose epidemic, how professionals can become numb to repeated losses, and the toll it takes on our well-being. We’ll explore coping strategies, ways to process grief in a profession that often pushes it aside, and why acknowledging these emotions is critical for sustaining ourselves and the work we do.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery.com

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

Description: What is happening with sports betting? Jonathan D. Cohen, author of the illuminating Losing Big: America’s Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling. Cohen traces the astonishing evolution of sports wagering from underground parlors to online sportsbooks lobbying for legalization. We dive into what happened with legislation in 2018 and before, the consequences for certain populations, and what this monumental shift means for the future of betting culture. Whether you're a casual fan or a policy advocate, this conversation sheds light on the high stakes of America’s gambling dive and what we

About the Guest:

Jonathan D. Cohen is the author of Losing Big: America's Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling and For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America.

https://www.jonathandcohen.com/

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery.com

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

Join us for a candid conversation with David Alford (producer, director, writer, and founder) and Joseph Stam (award winner actor, co-director, and co-writer) of Searching for the Elephant. Set against the rugged beauty of a Southern ranch, this powerful drama follows Jason Bowden (Stam) as he reconnects—with his estranged Vietnam‑veteran grandfather, Griff (Rick McVey), and ultimately with himself. We’ll dig into themes of addiction, healing through family bonds, the challenges of independent filmmaking, and the transformative power of location‑driven storytelling.

About the Guests:

David Alford is a producer, director, writer, and founder of Cross Purposes Productions. David has spent decades in the world of storytelling—first in Christian radio, then as a theater actor and director, and now as a filmmaker. After graduating from the University of Texas with a degree in Radio-Television-Film, he worked in Christian music and talk radio before transitioning to teaching and theater. David brings a wealth of knowledge on faith based filmmaking, from writing and directing to production and distribution, making him an invaluable guest for conversations on storytelling, faith, and media.

Joseph Stam is an award-winning actor, co director, and co-writer, Joseph has been integral to Cross Purposes Productions since his teenage years. He brings a fresh perspective on acting, writing, and directing in faith-driven projects. He grew up immersed in storytelling, first on stage and later behind the camera. He landed his first film role at 16 and quickly expanded his expertise, becoming a co-writer, co-director, and associate producer on multiple films. With a deep passion for faith-driven storytelling, Joseph has earned recognition as both a youth and adult actor, appearing at major Christian film festivals and securing global distribution deals.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery.com

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

In this enlightening episode join us for a profound conversation with sociologist and psychotherapist Ross Ellenhorn, author of Purple Crayons: The Art of Drawing a Life. Ellenhorn delves into the concept of "sacred originality," exploring how embracing one's unique inner life and creativity can be a transformative force in recovery. Drawing inspiration from the classic children's book Harold and the Purple Crayon, he discusses the importance of playfulness, imagination, and self-determination in overcoming life’s challenges. Listeners will gain insights into how reclaiming their inherent creativity can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life journey

About the Guest:

Dr. Ellenhorn is a pioneer and leader in the development and promotion of community integration services, types of care that serve and empower individuals diagnosed with psychiatric and/or addiction issues while they remain in their own communities and outside institutional settings.

Trained as a sociologist, psychotherapist and social worker, Ross Ellenhorn, Ph.D., created the first fully operational intensive hospital-diversion and wraparound program in Massachusetts, and went on to establish and lead one of the first public Programs for Assertive Community Treatment teams in the state. He is the owner and CEO of Ellenhorn, the most robust community-integration program in the United States, which offers services outside of a hospital or residential setting for individuals experiencing addictive behaviors and/or extreme and complex states of mind and mood. Ellenhorn has offices in Boston, New York and Los Angeles.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery.com

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

Ever wonder what a road trip for recovery would look like? In Recovery Road Trip: A Journal for Your Journey, author Patti Clark authors a unique, interactive guide designed to support individuals on their personal path to recovery. We explore how journaling can be a powerful tool for reflection, healing, and self-discovery, and how this book offers encouragement, structure, and inspiration for anyone working through addiction or supporting someone who is. Whether you're in recovery, a professional in the field, or simply curious about the role creativity plays in healing, this conversation offers practical insights and heartfelt stories from the road to recovery.

About the Guest:

Patti Clark is the award-winning author of This Way Up: Seven Tools for Unleashing Your Creative Self and Transforming Your Life. She has been featured on TVNZ’s Breakfast Show, and her work has been featured in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, The Mindful Word, and Thrive Global. Her own experience as a middle-aged woman in recovery is deeply reflected in her new book, Recovery Road Trip: Finding Purpose and Connection on the Journey Home.

Links:

Website: https://www.patticlark.org/

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery.com

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

In this episode, we welcome Cindy Brinker Simmons, author of "Restored: Reconnecting Life's Broken Pieces." Cindy shares her insights on overcoming personal loss and the importance of choosing joy and trusting God, regardless of circumstances. Join us as we explore practical tools and biblical truths to help navigate life's hardships and find hope and peace.

Guest Information:

Cindy Brinker Simmons is a best-selling author, businesswoman, and philanthropist who cares deeply about helping people in the midst of life’s challenges. She is a living, breathing champion of joy. Cindy's victory in overcoming the sorrow of multiple personal losses provides comfort and hope to those struggling through life’s most difficult trials. For years, she has walked alongside hurting people to encourage and help them confidently press forward, choose joy, and trust God no matter the circumstances. Cindy lost her beautiful mother, the late great tennis champion Maureen “Little Mo” Connolly Brinker, to cancer in 1969 when she was twelve and thirty-six years later, lost her beloved husband, Bob, to cancer. She has an adult son, William. All net proceeds from the sale of her Amazon best-selling book, Restored: Reconnecting Life’s Broken Pieces, will be donated to Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer and the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation.

Links:

• https://brinkersimmons.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/cindybrinkersimmons.author
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRkrePBJWcAnV4e9GC16IGQ
• https://www.facebook.com/cindybrinkersimmons.author/

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery.com

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Summers Jr., author of "Hide and Seek: A Dad's Journey From Soulless Addiction to Sole Custody." Paul shares his raw and inspiring story of battling addiction, the transformative path to recovery, and his fight to regain custody of his daughter. Join us as we delve into the depths of addiction, the challenges of the recovery process and other systems, and the profound love of a father determined to rebuild his life and family.

Guest Information:

Committed to increasing understanding and connection by dismantling the stigmas toward parents afflicted with substance abuse disorder and their children, Paul has written Hide and Seek: A Dad’s Journey From Soulless Addiction to Sole Custody. His experience-based knowledge offers a frightening glimpse into that which lies at the core of the overdose epidemic – the guiding thoughts within the mind of the addict/alcoholic.

Continuously seeking ways to give back, Paul is a certified sound healer. He creates soundscapes proven by modern neuroscience to ease and heal the damaging effects of withdrawals. One of his guitars is on display at the Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas, NV.

Links:

Website: paulsummersjr.com

Instagram: @paul_summers_jr

Facebook: paulsummers777

YouTube: YouTube Chronicles

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery.com

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

Gambling Disorder is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, often dismissed as a lack of control rather than a serious disorder. In this special episode for Problem Gambling Awareness Month 2025, we explore the theme “Seeking Understanding” by shedding light on the realities of problem gambling, breaking down myths, and sharing real numbers behind the problem. Through interactive questions, eye-opening statistics, and actionable insights, we’ll challenge assumptions and provide the knowledge needed to foster empathy and support for those affected by gambling-related harm.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery.com

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.