Heart of the Matter

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 youth.

Tune into this special episode to hear David’s inspiring story and his powerful message about investing in our children early on before they fall victim to a broken system.

Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, as well as discussions of substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, please contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (800) 662-4357. These programs provide free, confidential support 24/7. You are not alone.

Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:

• Parental Modeling: The Most Powerful Parenting Tool in Fostering Youth Mental Health and Resilience
• A Parent’s Guide to Raising Resilient Kids
• Is Your Child at Risk? A Substance Use Risk Assessment

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 this list. 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.

To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Congresswoman Madeleine Dean thought she understood addiction – but it wasn’t until her son Harry Cunnane was struggling that she came to truly realize what it means when a loved one has a substance use disorder. Now Harry has been in recovery for more than eight years, and the mother and son have written a joint memoir, titled Under Our Roof: A Son's Battle for Recovery, a Mother's Battle for Her Son. With this book, the pair hope to share the lessons they’ve learned about addiction and recovery with other families impacted by this disease.

In the 19th episode of Heart of the Matter, Elizabeth interviews Madeleine and Harry about what they gained from writing Under Our Roof, what it means when people refer to addiction as a family disease, and the importance of amplifying the possibility of recovery – not just the horror of active addiction.

Today, Madeleine continues to serve Pennsylvania’s fourth district, and Harry remains active in the addiction recovery community, even working as a resource director at the same treatment center where he originally sought help.

Related reading:

After you listen, explore these resources from Partnership to End Addiction to learn more about the topics and themes discussed in this episode:

• How to Identify Substance Use Disorder & Addiction
• How to Make a Discharge Plan When Your Child Leaves Addiction Treatment
• Get One-on-One Help to Address Your Child’s Substance Use

To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

To many who knew him in his college days, Darren Waller had the ideal life: a star football player at Georgia Tech who had caught the eye of NFL scouts, he seemed predestined for a picture-perfect future. However, beneath this glossy veneer was someone who was struggling with opioid use, whose self-confidence was flagging, and whose passion for the game he had loved since he was a boy was evaporating. Two suspensions and several years later, this culminated in a near-fatal overdose in August 2017 that would prove to be game-changing.

Now four and a half years into recovery, Darren has started a foundation to help youth struggling with addiction, has helped a teammate into recovery and looks back on his past with gratitude and without shame. Join Elizabeth as she speaks with Darren about the value of honesty in recovery, the importance of humility, and why he does not wish to shut the door on his past, but rather, sees it as the greatest possession he has.

Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:

• When Opioid Pain Relievers Are Prescribed For Your Child: What You Should Know
• How to Use Naloxone to Reverse an Opioid Overdose and Save a Life
• Intentional Misuse of Over-the-Counter Medication: What You Should Know

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 this list. 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.

To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

We often hear about the negative impacts social media can have on mental health, but Ryann Cooke and Jordan Shelton’s lives changed for the better because of the community they found on TikTok. Ryann and Jordan both decided to stop drinking in their 20s after coming to terms with the fact that alcohol was negatively affecting them. They each posted about their experiences on TikTok and received not only generous support from viewers, but also many messages from people who had similar stories.

Ryann and Jordan join Elizabeth Vargas on “Heart of the Matter” to talk about why they decided to stop drinking, the tie between storytelling and connection and how their vulnerability has allowed them to find supportive communities on social media.

Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:

• Alcohol: What Parents Need to Know to Help Protect Children, Teens and Young Adults
• Long Term Recovery from Addiction
• Alcohol Screening and Abstinence and Moderation Mobile Messaging

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 this list. 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.

To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

From a young age, actor and producer Frankie Grande found himself addicted to achievements, craving praise from teachers and his mother. When he was cast in the Broadway show “Mamma Mia!” in his early 20s, Frankie felt like his career hit its peak. He found himself misusing alcohol and other substances - something that would continue for years.

Frankie joins Elizabeth Vargas on “Heart of the Matter” to discuss how the tragic bombing at his sister Ariana Grande’s 2017 concert was the turning point for him to address his substance use, how he has been able to build a healthy support system in his recovery journey and the advice he’d give to anyone who is struggling or who has a loved one struggling with addiction.

Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:

• Alcohol: What You Need to Know to Help Protect Children, Teens and Young Adults
• Prescription Medication and Over-the-Counter Medicine: What You Need to Know to Help Protect Children, Teens and Young Adults
• LGBTQ+, Family & Substance Use

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 this list. 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.

To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts