

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

Nov 12, 2025 • 33min
580: Top 5 Tips To Getting Your Loved One Sober (You Won't Believe This!)
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar Learn how you can stop focusing on your addict loved one and RECLAIM your life back! Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 MindPump Media: https://www.youtube.com/@UCq0hKkwnW5Cw1wQqu455WrA Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Nov 5, 2025 • 19min
579: How To Get Sober In Your 40's (It's Not What You Think!)
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? J oin Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar A lot of people think if they haven't gotten sober by 40, it's too late. That the damage is done. The truth? It's not too late — but it is different. In this episode, we break down what it really takes to get sober after 40. From rebuilding your health and relationships to rediscovering your purpose, this conversation is raw, practical, and full of hope. We talk about how to stop comparing your journey to everyone else's, how to get your body and mind back after years of neglect, and how faith and community play a massive role in long-term recovery. Whether you're just realizing you need help or you've been trying for years — it's not over. You can rebuild. You can recover. And your best years can still be ahead of you. Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 45min
578: How Do You Forgive an Addict? Omar El Takrori
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar When your own dad struggles with addiction, it changes everything. In this episode, Omar shares the painful truth about growing up with an alcoholic father — the fear, the confusion, and the faith that eventually brought healing. We talk about what addiction does to families, how faith can transform even the darkest situations, and why true recovery goes far beyond just "getting sober." Omar opens up about his father's alcoholism, his mother's strength, and how God used all of it to shape his purpose and calling. Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639
Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 4min
577: Adopted at Birth, Addicted by 12: Rachel's Fight for Freedom
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar When Rachel was adopted as a baby, she didn't understand why she felt so different. By age 12, she was already using drugs — searching for a sense of belonging she never felt. For the next 26 years, addiction took everything from her — her health, her peace, her identity. But through it all, she discovered a truth that changed everything In this episode, Rachel shares her powerful story of addiction, adoption, and redemption — from childhood confusion and rebellion to finally finding purpose, peace, and freedom in sobriety. Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
Oct 15, 2025 • 19min
576: Why Addicts Lie, Guilt-Trip, and Play the Victim (and HOW TO stop it)
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar You've probably heard the promises: "I swear I'll change." "You don't trust me?" "If you loved me, you'd help me." These are phrases many families hear over and over again — and it's exhausting. In this video, we break down how addicts manipulate the ones who love them most, why it happens, and what you can do to stop getting caught in the emotional trap. This isn't about blaming or shaming — it's about understanding the psychology behind addict manipulation so you can finally respond with strength, clarity, and peace of mind. Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 10min
575: Why You Keep Using Even When You Don't Want To
🥃 Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar Why do we keep going back to drugs or alcohol — even when we swear we're done? In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom, Ben, and Jeff dive deep into the uncomfortable truth: for many, addiction becomes worship. It's not just about the substances — it's about what we're running from, what we're trying to fill, and the void that only a higher power or spiritual awakening can heal. Jeff, from Reprieve Treatment Center, shares his personal story of overdose, survival, and discovering true freedom in recovery. The guys discuss detox myths, the emotional and spiritual roots of addiction, and how to finally find peace without drugs. 😊 Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 📖 Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy 🔴 Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ 🔴 Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ 🔴 RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
Oct 1, 2025 • 30min
574: What to Expect in Alcohol Rehab (Step by Step Guide)
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join our next FREE webinar! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar We are discussing alcohol treatment. What to know and how to MAKE SURE you get what you need. Contact me: Tom@realrecoverytalk.com Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides
Sep 24, 2025 • 54min
573: Should You Date in Early Sobriety? Ali shares the truth!
Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling 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/

Sep 17, 2025 • 49min
572: I Stayed Sober 15 Year: Here's the Methods I Still Use
Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Fifteen years. Zero drinks. Thousands of days in recovery. In this special episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom reflects on what it takes to reach a milestone few ever see: 15 years of continuous 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/

Sep 10, 2025 • 17min
571: 5 Hidden Signs of Alcoholism You're Probably Missing
Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Most people think alcoholism is easy to spot — heavy drinking, blackouts, or DUIs. But the truth is, some of the most dangerous signs are the subtle ones you're probably missing. In this video, I break down five hidden signs of alcoholism that don't always get talked about but can completely change the way you view addiction. These are the red flags I've seen over and over again working with individuals and families for years in the recovery field — and you may even recognize one of them in yourself or someone you love. 👤 I'm Tom Conrad — 15 years sober and co-host of the Real Recovery Talk podcast. I've spent my career helping people and families understand addiction, get treatment, and rebuild their lives. 📌 In this video, you'll learn: The subtle behaviors that reveal hidden alcoholism Why these signs are often missed until it's too late What to do if you recognize them in yourself or a loved one 👉 Don't ignore these warning signs — they could be the difference between awareness and disaster. 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/


