Heart of the Matter
Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas is a production from Partnership to End Addiction. Heart of the Matter is an interview series that gives guests the opportunity to share their personal, candid stories about addiction. This podcast offers a space to open up about addiction, substance use and mental health, to share the ways in which people are shifting their narrative – in their own relationships and across communities – to support the cause of ending addiction in our country. Worried about your child or loved one? Partnership to End Addiction's helpline is here for you and anyone else playing a supportive role in the life of a person struggling with substance use. Get one on one support by texting JOIN to 55753 or visit https://helphope.net/3koi6Kh to learn more. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help or STOP to opt out. Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on Heart of the Matter are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from the following link. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion. https://drugfree.org/article/shouldnt-use-word-addict/
Episodes
Matt Dorsey stopped drinking alcohol on his own in 1992. But after a few years, he began using substances again and questioned whether or not recovery was possible for him. Matt shares his experience with relapse, navigating addiction in the LGBTQ+ community, and how he’s using his experience to help others struggling with addiction in San Francisco.
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Lara Love Hardin discusses her journey from suburban soccer mom hiding a heroin addiction to bestselling author. As a result of stealing money and credit cards to fund her addiction, The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing author shares how jail helped her rediscover writing and inspired her to build a nonprofit supporting justice-impacted women. Her story is a powerful exploration of shame, r...
Jim Sonefeld, drummer for Hootie & the Blowfish, shares his powerful journey from concert tours fueled by alcohol to finding recovery at age 40. He opens up about hiding his drinking behind the rock-and-roll lifestyle, the intervention that came from his 4-year-old daughter, and how he's rebuilt his life through recovery. Jim also discusses his unique approach to talking with his kids about substance use and why he now see...
After losing one son to overdose and watching another struggle with lifelong schizophrenia, neuroscientist Dr. Kristen Gilliland reveals what she wishes she'd known about today's ultra-potent marijuana and the developing brain. She breaks down the science of how THC hijacks the adolescent brain's critical development period and why the push for marijuana legalization may be putting more teens at risk.
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William Perry shares his powerful journey from childhood trauma and opioid addiction to a 10-year prison sentence, and ultimately to co-founding This Must Be the Place, an organization that combines music, arts, and harm reduction. Now in recovery, Perry and his team distribute naloxone kits at concerts and festivals across the country. His story demonstrates how recovery, connection, and meeting people where they are can save live...
Can GLP-1 medications like Ozempic help treat addiction? Elizabeth Vargas talks with Pat Aussem, Vice President of Consumer Clinical Content Development at Partnership to End Addiction, about the ongoing clinical trials and the science behind how these drugs work on the brain's reward system. From promising early results to concerns about long-term effects and accessibility, Elizabeth and Pat examine both the potentials and th...
Season 7 of Heart of the Matter kicks off with country pop star Walker Hayes, whose Grammy-nominated hit "Fancy Like" catapulted him to fame. Walker opens up about his journey from drinking at 13 to finding recovery at 35. He discusses his deeply personal 2024 EP "Sober Thoughts," and shares a raw, honest conversation about addiction, creativity, and how recovery transformed his life and music.
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In the season finale of Heart of the Matter, Broadway star and American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis opens up about his personal struggle with substance use. He reveals to Elizabeth Vargas how professional and personal challenges led him to confront his unhealthy habits and ultimately commit to recovery.
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Jackie Siegel, also known as “The Queen of Versailles,” joins Elizabeth Vargas to share the heartbreaking journey of her daughter Victoria, who struggled with addiction and ultimately passed away from an overdose at 18 years old, after years of hidden mental health challenges and substance use. Transformed by grief, Jackie and her husband David established the Victoria's Voice Foundation, dedicated to preventing similar traged...
This week on “Heart of the Matter,” Elizabeth Vargas sits down with philanthropist and author Cammie Wolf Rice. Cammie shares the heartbreaking story of her son Christopher's fatal overdose at age 32, following an opioid prescription that led to more than a decade of addiction. Through her non-profit Christopher Wolf Crusade, Cammie has turned her profound loss into a mission that is saving lives by dedicating her time to educ...
Patrick Kennedy and Tonie Dreher on the importance of sharing stories of mental health and addiction
Former U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy discusses his book "Profiles in Mental Health Courage," spotlighting a diverse group of people who have struggled with their mental health – many of whom are sharing their stories for the first time. Tonie “Miss Tonie” Dreher, who is featured in this book, also talks about her journey from struggling with substance use disorder and schizophrenia to becoming a mental health counse...
Sports reporter and author Lauren Sisler opens up to Elizabeth Vargas this week on Heart of the Matter about her parents' hidden struggles with addiction and the tragic loss that changed her life. Lauren promotes prevention education and shares insights from her new book, Shatterproof, aiming to break the stigma surrounding addiction and empower families.
Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, as we...
In this episode of “Heart of the Matter,” author and comedian Stefanie Wilder-Taylor opens up to Elizabeth Vargas about her struggle with alcohol, which intensified after becoming a parent, and how her blog provided a crucial connection with other moms. Now 15 years in recovery, Stefanie reflects on the pivotal moment that led her to quit drinking, its public exposure, and her new book, “Drunk-ish.”
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Randy Grimes, former starting center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, silently struggled with an addiction to prescription pills during his tenure. On this week’s “Heart of the Matter,” he talks with Elizabeth Vargas about the impact of his addiction during and after his football career, and his work helping current and retired athletes get the treatment they need.
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Braunwyn Windham-Burke, who starred in two seasons of the hit Bravo TV show “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” joins Elizabeth Vargas for the season 6 premiere episode of “Heart of the Matter.” Braunwyn talks about her long-term struggle with substance use disorder, what it was like to quit alcohol while being on TV, and how her family, friends, and partner help her maintain her recovery.
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For the season 5 finale of Heart of the Matter, Captain Sandy Yawn from the hit Bravo TV show “Below Deck” joins Elizabeth Vargas to discuss how years of substance use eventually led to more than 30 years in recovery. Sandy also gives advice to anyone struggling – especially those who’ve relapsed – as well as their families.
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Figlia founder Lily Geiger joins Elizabeth Vargas to share the inspiration behind her non-alcoholic cocktail brand. Lily reveals what it was like growing up with a parent struggling with substance use – including its profound influence on her life, and why it inspired her to start her own company.
Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, as well as discussions of substance use. If you or someone you know is strugg...
In this episode of “Heart of the Matter”, award-winning author David Ambroz joins Elizabeth Vargas to share his incredible journey of overcoming poverty and homelessness and rising to become a successful lawyer and advocate for change. David’s childhood was marked by hardship and a system that failed him. Yet, he defied the odds, achieving remarkable success and using his experience to fight for a better future for vulnerable yout...
Dave Aronberg, who serves as the Palm Beach County State Attorney in Florida, speaks with Elizabeth Vargas about navigating the treatment system. They discuss things people should look for when researching treatment centers, as well as things to avoid. He also explains the “Florida Shuffle” and what patient brokering is – and how this is happening all over the country. In addition, Dave shares ways to find legitimate treatment cent...
Award-winning chef Ashish Alfred joins Elizabeth Vargas to discuss his family history with substance use – including his own addiction. Now that he’s in recovery, he is focused on transforming the restaurant industry for those who don’t drink alcohol.
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