• 546: The Truth About Weed: Why It’s Not as Safe as You Think
    Jul 6 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. 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/

    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • 545: Sage FINALLY got sober when....Story of inspiration and hope
    Jul 4 2025

    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/

    Show more Show less
    40 mins
  • 543: I Shouldn’t Be Alive... 8 Years Sober: Destiny's Story
    Jun 29 2025

    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/

    Show more Show less
    41 mins
  • 542: Stop Doubting Yourself: Pastor Todd Mullins: Don't Let Doubt Take You Out
    Jun 27 2025

    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/

    Show more Show less
    59 mins
  • 541: Big Book Study: How It Works Part 1
    Jun 25 2025

    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/

    Show more Show less
    27 mins
  • 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

    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/

    Show more Show less
    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

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 3 mins