Real Talk about Addiction and Recovery: Eliminating the Whisper
The mission of the American Addiction Recovery Association (AARA) is simple but powerful: To save lives, restore families, and strengthen communities. AARA is America’s exclusive organization which combines the voices of families and peers together to address the addiction epidemic. Working together, peers and family members will make a difference. AARA will do for addiction what the Susan G. Komen Foundation has done for breast cancer: shatter stigma and show America that recovery is real. The number one cause of death in the United States for Americans 18 - 45 is overdose. This is not acceptable. The numbers are at historic highs in terms of cases of active addiction and overdoses. On average, 200 Americans overdose each day which is equivalent to a 737-plane crashing every day. AARA will work with governments at the federal, state, and local level to advocate for funding and legislation to address the addiction epidemic. AARA will work with businesses, faith leaders, education leaders, law enforcement, and the medical community to change the culture and offer tools and resources so that those in need of support and help can receive it in a professional and effective manner. AARA is your trusted leader in improving the lives of individuals and their families impacted by addiction, overdose, and mental health. We support efforts to empower people to live their lives to the fullest in recovery and without the shame and fear associated with stigma.
Episodes
Georgia’s addiction crisis won’t change without policy that actually reaches people where they are.
In this episode, State Representative Sharon Cooper breaks down what it means to legislate recovery from strengthening public health strategy to expanding treatment access and building real accountability across the systems that touch prevention, intervention, and long-term recovery. We talk candidly about wher...
Christina and Garrett speak openly about addiction, the hard realities families face, and the roadblocks to recovery that too many people run into especially when support, treatment access, and real-world resources don’t line up. They unpack what helps (and what hurts), why isolation is so dangerous, and how community sometimes in unexpected places can become the turning point. You’ll also hear why this isn’t just a p...
In this episode, we sit down with Eric Jennings musician and recovery advocate known for bringing the energy with Black Lion Reggaet o talk about how recovery reshapes your life from the inside out. Eric shares what it means to stay grounded, keep showing up, and use creativity as a force for healing. We also get into the power of community and why the recovery movement needs more honest stories, more connection, and ...
In this episode, we sit down with Georgia State Representative Esther Panitch for a candid conversation about what it takes to lead when the stakes are high. We talk about the realities of public service, the issues hitting families at kitchen-table level, and how policy becomes personal inside the State Capitol. Rep. Panitch shares what motivates her, what surprised her most in office, and what she believes communiti...
In this episode, we’re joined by Elenore Sturko, MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale and a former RCMP officer with years of frontline and public-safety experience. We dig into what British Columbia is seeing on the ground from addiction and mental health to public safety and accountability and what leaders can do differently if the goal is fewer deaths, more recovery, and stronger communities. Expect a direct, candid conversat...
In this episode, we sit down with Michael Mumper for a direct, honest conversation about addiction, recovery, and what it takes to turn pain into purpose. This isn’t a highlight reel this is the real work: the turning points, the lessons learned, and the practical ways families, communities, and leaders can respond with urgency and compassion.
If you’ve ever felt powerless watching addiction impact someone yo...
In this episode, we sit down with Tom Wolf for a direct, human conversation about addiction, recovery, and what it actually takes to move from awareness to action. We talk about the cost of stigma, the realities families are living through, and the solutions that make a measurable difference community support, practical policy, and recovery-centered leadership. If you’ve ever wondered what “progress” should look like,...
Addiction is personal but policy determines whether help is reachable. In this episode, Matthew Gambill joins us for a candid conversation on Georgia’s addiction and recovery landscape, the real-world impact of legislation, and the hard choices leaders face when lives are on the line. We cover practical steps that expand treatment access, strengthen recovery supports, and move communities from awareness to action.
#End...
Alexia Jones reveals how art became both her refuge and her revolution. Through painting, movement, storytelling, and creative expression, she discovered a pathway out of darkness that traditional recovery models often overlook. Alexia shares how the artistic process mirrors the recovery journey itself layer by layer, mistake by mistake, beauty emerging from what once felt broken. She discusses the power of giving peo...
In this powerful episode, Stone sits down with national recovery advocate Chris Thrasher for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about addiction, stigma, and what real solutions look like in the real world. Chris shares what he’s learned from years of working on the front lines of prevention, treatment, and recovery—what’s actually working, what’s clearly failing, and why too many people are still falling through the...
In this eye-opening episode, host Jeff Breedlove sits down with Tarusa Stewart, a recovery powerhouse and the founder of IHOPE (Intentional Holistic Opportunities to Promote Empowerment) based in Warner Robins, Georgia. With nearly 24 years of recovery, Tarusa is leading a quiet revolution across 16 correctional facilities by doing what was once considered impossible: bringing "lived experience" professional...
In this episode, Mike shares a powerful and deeply personal account of his journey through addiction, relapse, and long-term recovery. With honesty and clarity, he reflects on the patterns that kept him stuck, the moments that nearly cost him everything, and the turning point that led him to seek real change.
Mike discusses the emotional, physical, and relational impact of addiction, as well as the practical tools, sup...
Board-Certified ER nurse and overdose prevention educator Andy Gish, RN, BSN, CEN joins us to unpack what real recovery looks like in the middle of the opioid crisis. From helping pass Georgia’s “Don’t Run, Call 911” Medical Amnesty Law to training communities on how to use naloxone and respond to overdoses, Andy has been on the front lines saving lives and changing systems.
We talk about how language and stigma can e...
Discover the untold stories behind addiction recovery with Candace Whitaker, Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Recovery Residencies (GARR). She is a leader in the fight to bring dignity, safety, and hope to those battling addiction. This episode dives deep into what makes recovery residences truly transformative, their impact saving families from exploitation, and the policies shaping their future. Hear...
In this episode, I sit down with Georgia State Representative Long Tran for a powerful conversation about addiction, recovery, and what real change looks like at the Capitol. Rep. Tran talks about how addiction has touched families and communities in his district, why stigma keeps too many people suffering in silence, and what policymakers can do right now to expand treatment, support recovery, and save lives. We dig ...
This episode dives into the story behind the advocate Cammie Wolf Rice a mom who lost her son and refused to let his life be reduced to a statistic. She talks about the hidden side of addiction that families don’t post about, the isolation that comes with stigma, and the moment she decided, “I’m going to speak so other parents don’t have to bury their children.” Cammie shares what she wishes every family knew, how to ...
Jasmine Turner opens up about the parts of addiction and recovery that usually stay quiet the shame, the moment everything had to change, and the people who helped her rise. This episode is real, emotional, and full of hope. If you or someone you love is walking through addiction, you’ll hear yourself in her story and remember that recovery is possible, community matters, and silence helps no one. Listen in and help u...
In this raw and eye opening episode, recording artist and entrepreneur Joey Yak shares his deeply personal journey from the chaos of the music industry and drug addiction to a life grounded in purpose, discipline, and authenticity. With unfiltered honesty, Joey opens up about the highs of fame, the lows of substance abuse, and the identity crisis that forced him to confront who he really was.
Through pain, re...
In this honest and inspiring episode, Robert shares his journey from tough beginnings to finding strength, success, and a deeper sense of purpose. Through raw stories and hard earned wisdom, he opens up about the battles he’s faced, the lessons he’s learned, and how faith and resilience helped him rise above it all. Whether you’re grinding through your own struggles or looking for real motivation, this episode is a mu...
What if your life changed forever in a single night?
In this emotional and deeply personal episode, Lauren Sisler—Emmy-winning sports reporter and author of Shatterproof—shares the devastating loss of both her parents to opioid overdoses within just hours of each other.
But this isn’t just a story of loss—it's a story of silence, survival, and ultimately, strength.
Hear how Lauren found her voice, broke the stigma,...
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