Talking Addiction & Recovery

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. Support the showThank 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@gmail.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 journeyAbout 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.Support the showThank 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@gmail.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/ Support the showThank 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@gmail.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/ Support the showThank 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@gmail.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.comInstagram: @paul_summers_jrFacebook:  paulsummers777YouTube: YouTube ChroniclesSupport the showThank 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@gmail.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.Support the showThank 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@gmail.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.

Harm reduction vending machines are a polarizing topic, often criticized as enabling risky behaviors.  When a news article announced that a local community has a harm reduction vending machine now available it sparked uproar in the comments section.  This becomes an opportunity to break the stigma as it hits closer to home. In this episode, we dive into the debate, separating myths from facts with evidence-based statistics. Join us as we explore how these machines are saving lives, reducing overdoses, and fostering healthier communities. We'll address common criticisms, highlight the science behind harm reduction strategies, and discuss their real-world impact on public health.https://www.fox6now.com/news/south-milwaukee-harm-reduction-vending-machine-public?utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A%20Trending%20Content&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1zqmnzHLI7QYdgdwoAEa0iphJaCo86_jGQqupxljs_J7qaB3X-DSRliyI_aem_m3zIb9-9Gi76wGiaSaiMQw#a8n0hx2ylhwkdyo4j2cpn4fpnswwhyob Support the showThank 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@gmail.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 dive into the complexities of the opioid crisis with Dr. Elizabeth Chiarello, associate professor of sociology and author of Policing Patients: Treatment and Surveillance on the Frontlines of the Opioid Crisis. Drawing from hundreds of interviews with physicians, pharmacists, and law enforcement agents, Dr. Chiarello explores how prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are reshaping the boundaries between healthcare and criminal justice.We discuss the challenges faced by medical providers navigating between treatment and surveillance, the unintended consequences of PDMPs, and how these tools are both a resource and a "Trojan horse" for patient care. Dr. Chiarello offers critical insights on harm reduction, balancing care with safety, and the policies needed to improve outcomes for those impacted by opioid use disorder.About the Guest: Dr. Elizabeth ChiarelloElizabeth Chiarello’s POLICING PATIENTS: Treatment and Surveillance on the Frontlines of the Opioid CrisisElizabeth Chiarello is an associate professor of sociology at Saint Louis University, a former fellow at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute, and a frequent public commentator on opioid-related topics. She and her work have been featured in The New York Times, USA Today and on Bloomberg News, among other leading media outlets.In Policing Patients, Chiarello draws on hundreds of in-depth interviews with physicians, pharmacists, and enforcement agents across the United States to take readers to the frontlines of the opioid crisis, where medical providers must make difficult choices between treating and punishing the people in their care. States now employ prescription drug monitoring programs capable of tracking all controlled substances within a state and across state lines. Chiarello describes how the reliance on these databases blurs the line between medicine and criminal justice and pits pain sufferers against people with substance-use disorders in a zero-sum game.Shedding critical light on this brave new world of healthcare, Policing Patients urges medical providers to reaffirm their roles as healers and proposes invaluable policy solutions centered on treatment, prevention, and harm reduction.Contact Information:www.lizchiarello.comTwitter: @Liz_ChiarelloBluesky: @lizchiarello.bsky.socialSupport the showThank 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@gmail.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, Saul Malek shares his compelling story of transitioning from a casual love of fantasy sports to the dangerous world of sports betting. Saul opens up about how he shares his personal story of the rapid decline he experienced during his college years that ultimately led to life-changing consequences and his path to recovery. He discusses his mission to educate youth, adolescents, and college audiences about the risks of modern gambling. Saul reflects on respecting autonomy, spreading his message across various platforms, and the challenges of speaking truth in spaces that may not want to hear it. Join us for an insightful conversation about the realities of gambling and the hope of recovery.About the Guest: Saul MalekBiography: I grew up in Houston, Texas, to a loving family. I was blessed to attend the prestigious St John's School from sixth grade through high school, learning many things and discovering a variety of interests.  Hobbies like choir and French competitions kept me busy, but I found I was most passionate about fantasy sports. The St John's fantasy baseball league was a way to enjoy baseball and connect with friends, remaining a staple of my life through my freshman year of college at Trinity University. Everything changed my sophomore year when an acquaintance introduced me to sports betting through his local bookmaker. Suddenly the slow paced season long fantasy league was too tame for me... I needed action. In just under 2 years, from September 2017 to July 2019, I lost sleep, money, time, relationships, and almost my life. I knew I needed help. Now more than 5 years abstinent of gambling, I have made it my mission to educate others so that they can avoid the same mistakes I made. I have been invited to speak to schools, podcasts, news outlets, and other organizations as the trusted source on modern gambling.Contact: Website: https://www.saulmalek.com/ E-mail: saulbmalek@gmail.com Social Media:Instagram: Saul Malek (@saulmalekspeaking) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saulmalek/ Support the showThank 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@gmail.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 dive into the Gift Responsibly Campaign, an initiative dedicated to educating communities about the risks of gifting lottery tickets to children and raising awareness about youth gambling. We explore the harm of early exposure to gambling, the psychology behind gifting gambling-related items, and provide alternative gift ideas for loved ones. Join us as we share resources for responsible gambling, discuss eye-opening statistics on youth gambling, and reaffirm our podcast’s commitment to the campaign. Let’s protect our youth and foster a culture of informed, responsible choices.To learn more about the #giftresponsibly campaign visit: Gift Responsibly Campaign. https://www.ncpgambling.org/responsible-gambling/gift-responsibly-campaign/ Support the showThank 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@gmail.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.