Meet Michael, a once-successful financial advisor from Westchester, New York, whose life on the outside looked perfect: a great job, marriage, a beautiful home. But behind closed doors, he battled a relentless storm of self-doubt, fear, and addiction.

Meet Lucky; a man who grew up surrounded by addiction, abandonment, and survival. Dropped off by his mother at age five and left to navigate a home filled with drugs, violence, and emotional neglect, Lucky witnessed overdoses, carried buckets of blood for his dying stepfather, and battled his own demons with alcohol and food. Though he avoided the substances that consumed his family, he couldn’t escape the emotional toll—until a near-fatal heart surgery forced him to face the truth and fight for a new life.

She had a master’s degree in criminology—and yet, she ended up addicted to heroin, walking the streets of Kensington, Philadelphia, caught in a world of drugs, prostitution, and grooming. In this raw and eye-opening episode of Crosstalk Podcasts, we sit down with a courageous woman who shares the brutal truth of how addiction hijacked her life and the incredible turning point that brought her back.

What started as "normal" partying escalated into hiding heroin use from her boyfriend and family. Alison lived a double life—functioning, excelling in school, and planning a legal career—while spiraling deeper into addiction. Eventually, the drugs, the lying, and the debt caught up with her. Her turning point came when she admitted her struggle to her sister, who despite also battling addiction couldn't save her. Alison found the strength to seek real help, maintain her sobriety, and become a leader in the recovery community.

Meet Jimmy—a man whose early life was scarred by abuse, alcoholism, and abandonment. His father, a traumatized WWII veteran, once told him, “I never loved you.” That moment, and many like it, shaped a young man who would spiral into addiction, bouncing from jails to detox centers, chasing relief and belonging.

Big John's story is a powerful journey through generational alcoholism, rock bottom, and redemption through AA and faith, proving that recovery is possible.

Christine found recovery at 50 after a lifetime of high-functioning alcoholism, unprocessed trauma, and family pressure—proof that healing is possible at any age.

Christine found recovery at 50 after a lifetime of high-functioning alcoholism, unprocessed trauma, and family pressure—proof that healing is possible at any age.

Explore Caitlin's profound journey from addiction to recovery, highlighting early substance use, her struggles, and eventual triumph in sobriety and self-discovery.

Two women's journeys reveal the power of overcoming addiction, transforming pain into hope, and proving recovery is achievable.

From childhood insecurities to a devastating battle with addiction, Sarah's journey led her to the brink of destruction—until she found the strength to fight back. Now, over two years sober, she shares how she reclaimed her life, proving that recovery is possible for anyone willing to take the first step.

John Driscoll’s journey from addiction to recovery is nothing short of inspiring. From hitting rock bottom to becoming the CEO of Caron, a renowned treatment center, his story proves that no matter how far someone falls, recovery is always within reach.

Discover Craig’s powerful journey from addiction to recovery, revealing how connection, surrender, and a willingness to change transformed his life into one of hope and purpose.

Discover how Tamara turned her struggles with addiction into a journey of recovery, resilience, and service. Her story highlights the power of healing, self-compassion, and finding joy in sobriety.

Taylor shares his inspiring journey from teenage experimentation to addiction and, finally, to recovery. Learn how vulnerability, a strong support system, and physical fitness helped him reclaim his life.

"Rich Pagano shares his family’s journey through the challenges of addiction, the power of recovery, and the legacy of hope that lives on through advocacy and action."

Growing up in a tense but calm household, our guest’s journey through addiction started innocently but became an unyielding battle, ultimately leading them to a life-changing recovery and a fulfilling present day.

Barry’s story of addiction and recovery highlights his journey from childhood rebellion, dangerous drug use, and hitting rock bottom, to now being a successful advocate for addiction recovery. His tale showcases the power of recovery to not only save a life but also transform it into one of purpose and fulfillment.

Alan shares his journey from growing up in a small Southern town, hiding his true identity as a gay man, to finding recovery and joy after battling addiction and surviving the AIDS crisis.

Adriana's journey from a childhood overshadowed by narcissistic abuse to reclaiming her life is a powerful testament to resilience, highlighting the path of acceptance, healing, and self-recovery.