Real Recovery Talk

Tom Conrad, Ben Bueno, Dr. Pamela Tambini
undefined
Jul 16, 2025 • 25min

550: Big Book Study: Sex Inventory

Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc In today's episode, Erik takes us through Sex Inventory from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous 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/
undefined
Jul 13, 2025 • 51min

549: A life of Gangs and Heroin to Helping Addicts Recover

Have you ever felt completely hopeless watching someone you love spiral out of control? Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with our close friend and coworker, Shermain, who shares how he went from the streets of Memphis—deep in gang life and heroin addiction—to now celebrating over 5 years of sobriety. Charmaine opens up about: Growing up in poverty and addiction His darkest moments alone in a hotel room What finally got him clean after years of relapse Why surrendering to the program saved his life His story is raw, real, and proof that recovery is possible for anyone—no matter how far gone they feel. 💬 Need help? Fill out this form and we'll reach out: 🔗 https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/help 🎧 Subscribe to hear real stories of recovery, healing, and second chances. 👉 Check out the Family Reconnect Program here: https://realrecoverytalk.com/frc Questions? Hit us up: info@realrecoverytalk.com 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/
undefined
Jul 11, 2025 • 35min

548: Boundaries Don't Work – Yes, They Do… If You Do This

Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc In this episode, Ben and I are talking about something that came up during our Family Reconnect call that really stuck with us… setting boundaries for yourself. A lot of times, families are focused on setting rules for the addict — but we don't stop to ask: What about me? What am I doing to protect my own peace and sanity? Here's what we cover: Why boundaries only work when you stick to them What it really means to "love someone from afar" Why helping too much might be hurting How addiction affects the entire family, especially siblings And why failing at boundaries in the past might actually help you get it right now If you're tired of the chaos and feel like you're doing all the work while they keep getting high — this one's for you. 👉 Check out the Family Reconnect Program here: https://realrecoverytalk.com/frc Questions? Hit us up: info@realrecoverytalk.com 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/
undefined
Jul 9, 2025 • 34min

547: Big Book Study: How It Works Part III

Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc In today's episode, Erik takes us through How It Works from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous Part III 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/
undefined
Jul 6, 2025 • 36min

546: The Truth About Weed: Why It's Not as Safe as You Think

Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc In this episode, Tom, Ben, and Dr. Tamberi talk about why weed (marijuana) is not as harmless as many people say it is—especially for young people. A lot of big influencers and celebrities are telling kids that weed is totally safe, but we don't agree. We've seen many people come into treatment because of weed, and it's not just "no big deal." Some struggle with serious anxiety, depression, and even scary thoughts after using weed a lot. We talk about real stories, the science behind how weed affects the brain, and why it's important to know the truth. If you're a parent, a teen, or just someone trying to understand what's really going on, this episode is for you. 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/
undefined
Jul 4, 2025 • 40min

545: Sage FINALLY got sober when....Story of inspiration and hope

Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc In this powerful and emotional episode, we sit down with Sage, who shares her journey of trying everything to get clean and sober — from treatment centers across the country to an experience in Mexico involving ibogaine. Despite her desperate efforts, nothing seemed to work. Sage opens up about the moment she cried out to God, asking Him to just let her die — and how that moment of surrender led to real, lasting change. This episode is filled with hope, faith, and raw truth — a must-listen for anyone who has a loved one struggling with addiction. 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/
undefined
Jul 2, 2025 • 28min

544: Big Book Study: How It Works: Part 2

Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc In today's episode, Erik takes us through the second half of How It Works from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. 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/
undefined
Jun 29, 2025 • 41min

543: I Shouldn't Be Alive... 8 Years Sober: Destiny's Story

Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc In this episode, we sit down with our friend Destiny, who just celebrated eight years of continuous sobriety! Destiny shares her incredible journey — from the depths of addiction to a life filled with purpose, hope, and service. We talk about what it really takes to stay sober long-term, how her mindset has evolved over the years, and the ways she continues to grow in her recovery. Whether you're brand new to sobriety or years into the journey, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration. 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/
undefined
Jun 27, 2025 • 59min

542: Stop Doubting Yourself: Pastor Todd Mullins: Don't Let Doubt Take You Out

Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc DONT LET DOUBT TAKE YOU OUT: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Let-Doubt-Take-You/dp/1636414346 Christ Fellowship: https://www.christfellowship.church/ In this episode, I'm joined by Ryan Laabs and Pastor Todd Mullins, lead pastor of Christ Fellowship Church here in South Florida. Pastor Todd shares the story behind his new book Don't Let Doubt Take You Out - and how doubt shows up in our addictions, recovery journeys, and everyday life. We all opened up about our own experiences with self-doubt: how it creeps in, how it can pull us off track, and what it takes to break through it. Whether you're new to sobriety, a family member trying to support a loved one, or simply someone battling your own inner doubt, this conversation will inspire you to keep moving forward. 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/
undefined
Jun 25, 2025 • 27min

541: Big Book Study: How It Works Part 1

Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc In today's episode, Erik takes us through the first half of How It Works from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. This is one of the most read and quoted sections in all of AA — but do people really understand what it's saying? Erik breaks it down line by line, shares how it applied to his own recovery, and calls out some common ways people misinterpret this chapter. If you've ever wondered why "rigorous honesty" is so emphasized — or if you've gotten hung up on words like "spiritual awakening" — this episode will give you a deeper understanding. Part 2 coming soon! 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/

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app