• 540: Mental Health Medications: Do They Really Work?
    Jun 22 2025

    Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In this episode, Tom, Ben, and Dr. Tamanini sit down for a real conversation about antidepressants. We break down common questions like: Do they really work? Should people in sobriety take them? Are they overprescribed?

    Dr. Tambini brings her clinical experience to the table, and we talk openly about what we’ve seen in the addiction and recovery world when it comes to these medications. Whether you’ve taken antidepressants yourself, know someone who has, or are just curious about their role in mental health and sobriety—this is an honest conversation you won’t want to miss.

    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

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    Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

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    31 mins
  • 539: Why Men’s Mental Health Still Gets Ignored; AA is 90 YEARS OLD
    Jun 20 2025

    Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles 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/

    In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom Conrad and Benjamin B. discuss the impactful history and personal influence of Alcoholics Anonymous, the significance of Men's Mental Health Month, and their own experiences with these topics.

    These discussions also touch on the Family Reconnect program and their personal lives, including a humorous segment on pet care challenges.

    00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode

    00:04 Importance of Alcoholics Anonymous

    00:18 Men's Mental Health Month

    00:29 Personal Stories and Experiences

    00:50 Family Reconnect Program Overview

    01:20 Gratitude and Viewer Engagement

    01:40 Impact of the Family Reconnect Program

    02:34 Special Features of the Family Reconnect Program

    07:37 Challenges in Helping Others

    15:03 Celebrating 90 Years of Alcoholics Anonymous

    15:50 Big Book Insights

    19:21 Structure of AA and Personal Stories

    30:44 Men's Mental Health and Community Support

    42:54 The Role of Relationships 54:45 Closing Segment and Farewells

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • 538: Big Book Study: We Agnostics: Part 2
    Jun 18 2025

    Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In this episode, we dive deeper into We Agnostics, continuing the conversation around developing a relationship with a Power greater than ourselves. This section of the chapter challenges us to look at our past beliefs—or lack thereof—and how those ideas may have blocked us from getting sober. We break down the spiritual logic laid out in the Big Book, discuss how fear and ego can keep us stuck, and explore what it really means to be open-minded when it comes to spirituality in recovery.

    Whether you’re new to the steps or revisiting them, this part of the study will help you connect the dots between willingness, faith, and the foundation for lasting 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/

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    30 mins
  • 537: From Heroin in the Hospital to 8 Years Sober – Josh’s Story of Redemption
    Jun 15 2025

    Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom Conrad, Benjamin B, and their guest, Josh, discuss Josh's eight-year sobriety journey. They dive into topics such as geographical change sparked by divine intervention, how life continues to challenge sobriety, and the significant impact of a spiritual journey.

    00:00 Introduction of the Episode and Guests

    00:21 Josh's Sobriety Journey and Key Moments

    00:58 Sponsor Segment - Soberlink

    02:29 Introductions Continued

    03:42 Discussion on the Reality of Sobriety

    14:31 Josh's Experience in Sober Living

    17:42 The Importance of Community in Recovery

    30:28 Impact of Helping Others in Recovery

    35:23 Insights on Treatment and 12-Step Programs

    41:10 Personal Reflections and Hobbies

    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/

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    47 mins
  • 536: He Recovered from a TERRIBLE OPIOID ADDICTION!
    Jun 13 2025

    Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In this episode, we’re joined by Kevin Lanning, host of The Rise Above Podcast, who shares his powerful story of recovery after nearly a decade of battling opiate addiction. Now with 7½ years clean, Kevin opens up about what it truly took for him to achieve long-term sobriety — from hitting bottom to finding purpose through service and connection.

    Kevin talks in detail about how working with others has been the driving force behind his recovery and how The Rise Above Podcast has helped him build meaningful relationships, spark honest conversations, and stay grounded in the principles of recovery.

    This is a conversation about healing, purpose, and showing up for the next person in line. If you’re looking for hope and real insight into what long-term recovery looks like, don’t miss this one.

    KEVIN YT CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@UCw1nUfBMo7mO3yncTIwOpNQ

    KEVIN IG: https://www.instagram.com/riseabovewithkevin/

    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/

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    1 hr
  • 535: Big Book Study Week 9: We Agnostics: Part 1
    Jun 11 2025

    Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In Week 9 of our Big Book Study, we dive into the first half of We Agnostics — one of the most pivotal and misunderstood chapters in Alcoholics Anonymous. This section speaks directly to those who struggle with the idea of a Higher Power, offering both challenge and invitation.

    We break down how the Big Book addresses resistance, doubt, and past experiences with religion, and why belief doesn’t have to come all at once — or look any certain way. If you’ve ever thought, “I want recovery, but I’m not sure about all this God stuff,” this is the episode 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/

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    31 mins
  • 534: To the Addict Who’s Still Struggling…
    Jun 8 2025

    Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    This one’s for the person who’s stuck—tired of using, tired of lying, tired of being miserable, but terrified of what sobriety actually looks like. I’m not here to sugarcoat it. Getting clean isn’t easy. It takes grit, honesty, and a willingness to do things differently. But it’s possible. In this episode, I’m talking directly to you—the addict who knows they need to change but doesn’t know where to start. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it.

    You’re not broken. You’re not hopeless. But you are going to have to fight for the life you want. Let’s talk about what that fight looks like… and why it’s worth it.

    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/

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    30 mins
  • 533: The Dark Side of Sobriety: What They Don’t Tell You
    Jun 6 2025

    Family Reconnect Waitlist: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

    In this episode, we sit down with Kat, who opens up about what it finally took for her to get sober after years of fighting recovery. She shares how she never saw herself as someone who would walk into an AA meeting — and definitely didn’t think it would work.

    But when nothing else worked, Kat made the decision to surrender. That decision changed everything. Kat talks in detail about how Alcoholics Anonymous helped her rebuild her life from the inside out. Today, she's not just sober — she's thriving, and she's passionate about giving back and helping others find the same freedom she did. If you’re on the fence about recovery — or love someone who is — this one’s 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/

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    55 mins