

Real Recovery Talk
Tom Conrad, Ben Bueno, Dr. Pamela Tambini
We are a podcast dedicated to sobriety and recovery from alcohol and drugs. (And whatever other addiction that is out there) It doesn't matter what you have been through in the past. We have all done very bad things in our addiction. This does not define who we are. We know there is a way out of addiction. Family and loved ones, you play a part in this as well. There are plenty of stories out there of families and loved ones not knowing what to do with their addicted loved one. Let us guide you on the right things to do and the right decisions to make to ensure that you and your loved one gets the help that you need.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 18, 2024 • 1h 16min
460: Chris's Journey: From Jail and institutions to Long lasting sobriety
Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Chris to explore the harrowing yet inspiring journey that led him to sobriety. For much of his life, Chris cycled in and out of jails and institutions, caught in the relentless grip of addiction. Just over seven years ago, he reached a point of total surrender—an act that would change his life forever. Today, Chris is a proud husband and father to a beautiful daughter, living a life he once thought impossible. He takes us through the darkest chapters of his past, detailing the pain and consequences of his addiction, and shares the pivotal moment that finally pushed him to seek help. Chris now dedicates his life to serving others, working with addicts daily to guide them toward recovery. He explains why helping others is not just part of his journey but a key to maintaining his own sobriety. This conversation dives deep into the realities of addiction, the power of surrender, and the hope that recovery offers—even for those who feel like all is lost.

Dec 15, 2024 • 40min
459: Kratom: Risks, Realities, and Why It's Not the Answer
Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services In this episode, we take a closer look at Kratom and share why we're so passionate about this controversial topic. Following a recent episode that sparked numerous comments, we're here to clarify our stance and discuss why we don't believe Kratom is a safe alternative for most people pursuing a clean and sober life. While we acknowledge there may be specific situations where Kratom could be useful, we explain why it's not something to mess with for those committed to long-term recovery. This is a candid conversation about the risks, realities, and the importance of staying informed in your sobriety journey.
Dec 13, 2024 • 1h 15min
458: Overcoming Depression, Anxiety, and Finding Sobriety: Lee from The Palms
Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services In this episode, we're joined by our good friend Lee, who opens up about his powerful sobriety journey and what it's taken to stay on the path. Lee shares the challenges he's faced over the years, including chronic depression and anxiety, and the sacrifices he had to make to finally get sober at 30 years old. Lee talks about hitting rock bottom and experiencing the gift of desperation—a turning point that led to one life-changing event that transformed his future. Through his raw honesty and hard-earned wisdom, Lee's story is a testament to the resilience it takes to overcome life's toughest struggles and build a better life in sobriety. If you're looking for inspiration, hope, or just a reminder that you're not alone in your challenges, this episode will speak to you. Tune in to hear Lee's incredible journey and how he found strength through the darkest times.
Dec 11, 2024 • 34min
457: Can You Make Someone See Their Problem? Questions from the Sobriety Network
Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services In this episode, we're diving into questions from our Facebook support group, The Sobriety Network. One of the most common—and toughest—questions we tackle is: "How can I make my loved one recognize that they have a problem?" We share our honest thoughts and opinions on this topic and explain why we believe this isn't something you can force someone to do. We also explore other important questions and topics that came up in the group, offering insights, advice, and support for those navigating the challenges of addiction and recovery in their families. Join us for this truthful and informative conversation, and if you're not already part of The Sobriety Network, we invite you to join the community and be part of the discussion. Enjoy the show!

Dec 8, 2024 • 52min
456: The Kratom Task Force: From Rock Bottom to 7.5 Years Clean and Sober
Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services In this episode, we sit down with Ian from the Palms Recovery Center to hear his powerful story of overcoming addiction. Ian recently celebrated 7.5 years of sobriety, but his journey was anything but easy. He shares how, for years, he would go to treatment to get off opiates but held onto reservations about drinking alcohol and smoking pot—habits that kept pulling him back into addiction. It wasn't until Ian hit rock bottom at 28, when the rug was completely pulled out from underneath him, that he realized something had to change. He surrendered to his addiction and made the decision to live a life of complete sobriety. Ian opens up about the lessons he's learned, the challenges he faced, and how he's found purpose in helping others through his work at the Palms Recovery Center. If Ian's story resonates with you or someone you care about, take action today. Whether it's reaching out for help, joining a recovery program, or supporting someone on their journey, the first step can make all the difference. Don't wait—change starts now!

Dec 6, 2024 • 36min
455: Addiction Risk Assessment: Tools, Challenges, and Staying Sober After Surgery
Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services In this episode, we dive into a groundbreaking study that could change the way physicians assess a patient's risk of addiction. This new tool, based on psychosocial history, aims to help doctors determine whether prescribing opioids is a safe option—especially for patients undergoing surgery. We also discuss real-life situations where people in recovery face elective surgeries and the difficult decisions that come with them. From understanding the potential risks of being prescribed narcotics to the strategies you can use to protect your sobriety, we cover it all. If you or someone you love is in recovery and may face surgery or prescribed pain management, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights to help navigate those challenges. Don't miss this important conversation about staying clean and sober while managing medical needs.
Dec 4, 2024 • 58min
454: Kayla's First Year of Sobriety: Challenges, Growth, and Sponsorship
Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services In this inspiring episode, we celebrate Kayla's incredible milestone—one year of sobriety! Over the past year, Kayla has faced her fair share of challenges but stayed determined and did everything she needed to do to maintain her sobriety. Kayla shares the highs and lows of her journey, the lessons she's learned, and the tools that helped her stay grounded during tough times. Her story is a powerful reminder that, no matter how hard things get, recovery is possible with the right mindset and support system. Whether you're new to recovery, supporting a loved one, or just looking for some inspiration, Kayla's story will leave you feeling hopeful and motivated. Tune in to hear her honest reflections on the past year and what she's looking forward to in her sober future!
Dec 1, 2024 • 42min
453: The Big Book: Erik's Journey to Sobriety and How It Can Help Anyone
Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services In this episode, we sit down with Erik to talk about the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous and why it's been such a huge part of his recovery. Erik opens up about his journey, sharing the real struggles he faced when getting sober and how the lessons in the Big Book helped him through tough times. He talks about what it took to stay on the path and how the book continues to guide his everyday life. We're also excited to announce our live Big Book study starting on January 6, 2025! Every Monday, we'll go through the book together, breaking it down so it's easy to understand and apply. This study isn't just for people in recovery—it's for anyone who wants to learn more about the principles of the Big Book. Family members and loved ones are especially encouraged to join, as it can help them understand what their addicted loved one is going through and how they can offer better support. Erik also clears up some of the common myths about the Big Book. Many people think it's only for alcoholics, but the truth is, anyone can benefit from its teachings if they take the time to dig in. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or just curious about the Big Book, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical advice. Don't miss this conversation—it's a chance to hear how the Big Book has changed lives and how it might just change yours, too!

Nov 29, 2024 • 1h 4min
452: How Holistic healing can assist in your recovery: Trish's Journey of Holistic Wellness
Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services In this transformative episode, we connect with Trish, a passionate advocate for holistic healing who has been living a vibrant, sober life since 2014. Trish opens up about her journey from addiction to recovery, shedding light on the challenges she faced and the pivotal moments that changed her life. Today, she dedicates her energy to helping others through the power of holistic practices like breathwork and wellness coaching, offering a unique perspective on recovery. But that's not all—toward the end of our conversation, we switch gears and dive into an unexpected topic: cryptocurrency. Trish shares her thoughts on how this digital revolution intersects with personal empowerment and financial independence, sparking a fascinating dialogue that bridges wellness and modern innovation. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your own recovery journey, curious about the benefits of holistic health practices, or looking to learn more about crypto's potential, this episode is packed with wisdom, practical advice, and fresh perspectives. Don't miss it!

Nov 27, 2024 • 43min
451: Resentment, Relapse, and Recovery: Tackling Addiction Trends and Risks
In this packed episode, we dive deep into how resentment can lead people back to using drugs and alcohol. Drawing from the Big Book, we explore the strong correlation between unresolved resentment and relapse, offering insights and tools to help break the cycle. We also cover several pressing topics in the addiction and recovery world. First, we discuss the alarming TikTok trend known as chroming, where kids are dangerously huffing spray paint. Next, we examine the risks associated with ADHD medications like Adderall and their potential for misuse. On a brighter note, we highlight the recent downward trend in overdose deaths this year, exploring what might be driving this positive change. Lastly, we discuss San Francisco's controversial proposal to require drug testing as a condition for receiving welfare checks, sparking a broader conversation about addiction, accountability, and support systems. This episode is filled with critical information and thought-provoking discussions that are essential for anyone navigating sobriety, working in recovery, or wanting to stay informed about trends impacting the addiction community.


