

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
Oct 9, 2024 • 55min
430 - Michael's Transformation – Overcoming Anger and Embracing Sobriety
Please join our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ Get your FREE GUIDE: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guide In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we share the story of Michael, who came into Rock Recovery Center angry and skeptical of the idea of sobriety. Initially resistant to the process, Michael eventually embraced the treatment journey and realized that his struggles with alcohol were deeply tied to unresolved internal issues. Through the therapeutic process, Michael began addressing his character defects and learned healthier ways to manage his emotions, rather than turning to alcohol. Having completed our program and committed to maintaining long-term sobriety, Michael's story highlights the power of self-awareness and personal growth. Join us as we dive into the role that character defects play in addiction and how a structured treatment process can lead to lasting change.

Oct 6, 2024 • 33min
429 - 5 Alarming Dangers of Alcohol Alternatives You Need to Know
Please join our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ Get your FREE GUIDE: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guide In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we dive into the often-overlooked risks of alcohol alternatives and non-alcoholic beer. While these products may seem like a safe option for those in recovery, they can actually keep you connected to addictive behaviors and hinder true sobriety. We discuss the importance of abstinence-based sobriety and why completely stepping away from alcohol, even in its alternative forms, is crucial for long-term recovery. By relying on alcohol substitutes, individuals may unintentionally trigger old habits and thought patterns, making sustained sobriety more difficult. Join us as we explore the psychological and emotional effects of alcohol alternatives and the reasons why choosing total abstinence is the key to lasting freedom from addiction.
Oct 4, 2024 • 1h
428 - It is NEVER TO LATE to get SOBER!
Join our FREE FB Support group!: The Sobriety Network Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services In this inspiring episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with Will, who got sober at the age of 62 after a long battle with addiction. Will shares his journey, discussing how growing up and being immersed in the music industry fueled his addiction and led him down a path of alcoholism. Will reflects on the struggles that ultimately brought him to his breaking point and the moment that drove him to seek sobriety. In a particularly powerful part of his story, Will talks about meeting a couple who shared a single word that sparked a life-changing transformation. Join us as Will opens up about his recovery journey and how his decision to get sober at 62 turned his life around for the better.
Oct 2, 2024 • 49min
427 - The REAL Difference Between Recovery and Mental Health with Josh Katz
Please join our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ Get your FREE GUIDE: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guide In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we are joined by Josh Katz, Vice President of Business Development for Harmony Hills mental health facility in Florida. Josh opens up about his personal recovery journey, sharing the challenges he faced and what it finally took for him to get clean and sober. He emphasizes the crucial role that a strong, supportive community plays in long-term recovery and how it helped him stay grounded. We also dive into the importance of understanding mental health and its integral role in the recovery process. Josh explains why addressing both mental health and addiction is key to a successful recovery, and why it's important to approach both with compassion and knowledge. This episode offers deep insights into recovery, mental health, and the power of community.

Sep 29, 2024 • 59min
426 - Overcoming Hardships in Sobriety: Aaron and Nikki from Boca Detox
Please join our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ Get your FREE GUIDE: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guide In this powerful episode of Real Recovery Talk, we welcome Aaron and Nikki from Boca Detox to share their deeply personal stories of overcoming challenges in sobriety. Nikki, who is eight months pregnant with her first child in recovery, opens up about the emotional journey of being pregnant after previously experiencing a miscarriage with twins. She reflects on how this experience has impacted her emotionally and how her sobriety has helped her navigate these challenges. Aaron shares the heart-wrenching story of his six-year-old son's stroke and the ongoing challenges it has presented for him and his family. He talks about the strength he's found through sobriety and how it has helped him cope during this difficult time. We also dive into the intricacies of detox care and discuss why it's critical to provide persistent, compassionate attention to clients during the detox phase of recovery. This episode is a deep dive into the realities of maintaining sobriety through life's toughest moments and the importance of providing quality care in the recovery community.
Sep 27, 2024 • 54min
425 - HOW TO build sobriety that LASTS!
5 steps to helping your loved one: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guide Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with Tyler, who shares his incredible journey of sobriety and how he has maintained it up to this point. Tyler opens up about his battle with addiction while growing up in the Philadelphia area and the struggles he faced along the way. Now, Tyler is making an impact in the addiction community, helping others find their way to sobriety. Tyler talks about his decision to not pursue a high-pressure career but instead take a job at Starbucks, a choice that allowed him to focus on his recovery and appreciate life's simple pleasures. This experience, he explains, set him up for long-term success. We also dive into the importance of avoiding relationships in early sobriety, and how getting involved too soon can derail progress. Tyler's story is full of valuable lessons on patience, perspective, and the importance of building a strong foundation in recovery.

Sep 25, 2024 • 46min
424 - You DO NOT have to do a 12 Step Program: BUT you better do something!

Sep 22, 2024 • 1h 22min
423 - Aaron Clark IFBB Pro: Opiate Addiction, Drugs used while Bodybuilding, Kratom

Sep 20, 2024 • 52min
422 - Holding Boundaries and Letting Go: A Message for Families
In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Ben and I address an important topic for families and loved ones supporting someone in recovery: holding boundaries and understanding that it's okay if your loved one isn't reaching out as much. We explain how, oftentimes, when someone in recovery goes silent, it can mean they are in a growth phase, focusing on their personal journey. Silence from a loved one in recovery can indicate a period of personal growth. Less communication doesn't necessarily mean they're struggling—it might mean they're focused on their own healing. The Importance of Boundaries: Why setting and holding healthy boundaries is crucial for both you and your loved one. How boundaries encourage independence and self-reliance in recovery. Offering Love and Support Without Enabling: The balance between providing emotional support and avoiding enabling behaviors. Understanding that sometimes love means stepping back. Investing in Yourself: Use this time to focus on your own self-care and well-being. The importance of building your own support network and finding healthy outlets for stress. The Long-Term Benefits: How maintaining boundaries can lead to a healthier relationship with your loved one. The role of patience in supporting long-term recovery and mutual growth. We dive into why it's crucial to maintain boundaries, offering only love and support without enabling, and why this can actually encourage independence in your loved one. It's also a reminder to take this time to invest in yourself and prioritize your own well-being. Join us as we offer insights and practical advice for families navigating these delicate dynamics.
Sep 18, 2024 • 52min
421 - Mike Harper's Journey – Why Total Abstinence is the Key to Sobriety
5 steps to helping your loved one: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guide Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with Mike Harper as he shares his candid story of battling addiction and the hard-earned lessons that came with his journey to sobriety. Mike opens up about his years of on-and-off relapse, often justifying that smoking marijuana was acceptable, only to realize that it led him to the same emotional and mental rock bottom as harder drugs. Mike dives deep into the work he's had to do to maintain his sobriety, explaining why being completely abstinent from all mood and mind-altering substances is the only path that works for him. Join us as we discuss the importance of full commitment to recovery, and why finding what works for you—whether it's total abstinence or another method—is crucial for long-term success.


