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Recovery Matters! Podcast

Recovery Matters! Podcast

Connecticut Community For Addiction Recovery (CCAR)

A podcast from one of the nation's original Recovery Community Organizations - CCAR. CCAR envisions a world where the power, hope, and healing of Recovery from addiction is thoroughly understood and embraced. We invite guests from all areas of the Recovery Movement to explore the concept of recovery with us, share their stories, and have real discussions that move us toward that world which we envision.
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Top 10 Recovery Matters! Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Recovery Matters! Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Recovery Matters! Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Recovery Matters! Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Recovery Matters! Podcast - 2 Years Clean from Addiction: The Ugly, The Beautiful, and The Real
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02/11/25 • 66 min

This episode vividly portrays Cass' journey from the depths of addiction to the vibrant glow of recovery. Explore how her shift in mindset revolutionized her mornings, relationships, and daily life. Cass opens up about the transformative power of therapy, creative outlets, and meditation in her recovery. With raw honesty, she discusses rebuilding bonds with her family amidst personal turmoil and the profound impact of a supportive community. This gripping account highlights the intricate balance between powerlessness and empowerment, providing a rich tapestry of insights for anyone seeking inspiration on the path to recovery.

00:00 The Recovery Glow

00:27 Morning Mindset Shift

02:46 Focusing on the Present

04:36 Prioritizing Recovery

07:47 Multiple Pathways to Recovery

08:23 Therapy and Personal Growth

09:28 Creative Outlets and Meditation

14:52 The Power of Music

25:34 Two Years Clean: A Reflection

36:45 Relationships in Recovery

37:24 Family Dynamics and Divorce

38:21 Rebuilding Bonds with Parents

45:32 Accountability and Personal Growth

48:31 Inspiration for Those Seeking Recovery

52:30 The Power of Community Support

01:04:11 Perspective and Daily Challenges

01:04:57 Living a Life of Principles

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

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Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 161 | Rich St. Pierre recounts his challenging upbringing, the impact of family dynamics, and his turbulent years of substance use. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to recovery, including his experiences with various treatment programs and his ultimate decision to turn his life around. Rich highlights the importance of having a support system, finding new identities and passions, and maintaining accountability in recovery. He also delves into how martial arts and fitness played crucial roles in his sobriety and how he integrates these into his current life. Through his candid narration, Rich's story offers inspiration and valuable insights for anyone seeking or maintaining recovery.

00:00 Introduction and Host Background

00:29 Early Life and Family Struggles

03:20 High School and Descent into Addiction

06:09 Attempts at Recovery and Setbacks

08:36 Turning Point and Path to Recovery

18:16 Rebuilding Life and Finding Purpose

22:33 Coping with Loss in Recovery

23:27 The Importance of Therapy

24:58 Finding New Passions

26:42 Identity Beyond Addiction

29:42 The Role of Support Systems

32:37 The Power of Practice

39:03 Commitment to 12-Step Recovery

41:11 Incorporating Recovery into Daily Life

42:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

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Recovery Matters! Podcast - I Didn’t Choose Recovery—It Found Me
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02/18/25 • 31 min

Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 167 | Tajay's story begins with a life-changing arrest, leading him to outpatient treatment and, ultimately, to CCAR. He didn’t initially seek recovery—it found him. While in IOP, he struggled with staying sober, turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. However, deep down, he knew he wanted more for himself. His commitment to trying something differentled him to school, where a conversation about psychology unexpectedly introduced him to the idea of becoming a recovery coach. This opened the door to a new world, and through CCAR, Tajay found the support, structure, and inspiration to rebuild his life.

One of the most significant changes in his recovery journey was reevaluating friendships and relationships. He realized that many of his past connections were built around substance use, and changing his circle was necessary. He now values friendships based on mutual respect and personal growth rather than peer pressure or partying. Relationships, particularly romantic ones, remain tricky, especially when dating someone who isn’t in recovery. However, he emphasizes the importance of healthy communication and setting boundaries.

Education played a crucial role in his transformation. What started as a simple way to stay busy turned into a passion. Tajay became deeply involved on campus, founding the Legacy Club to help students network, connect, and take their careers seriously from day one. His belief that “it’s not just what you know, but who you know” helped him secure opportunities, despite not yet having a degree. He encourages students to build relationships, take advantage of resources, and stay open to new possibilities.

Beyond education, Tajay found purpose in entrepreneurship and music. His first venture, a clothing brand focused on positive affirmations, gave him his first taste of running a business. While it was a learning experience, it laid the foundation for his current passion—creating and promoting music. Initially hesitant, he pushed past self-doubt and began sharing his music on social media, even shooting a music video for one of his songs, Love Life. His new goal is to combine music, merch, and motivation, using his platform to inspire others.

Throughout the conversation, Tajay emphasizes that recovery is not easy, but it’s worth it. He describes recovery as "armor"—something that protects him from life’s hardships. He acknowledges that early recovery is overwhelming, especially when emotions come rushing back after years of numbing pain with substances. However, he encourages anyone on the fence about recovery to stick with it. His biggest message? "Don’t quit before the miracle happens."Tajay’s life is proof that even when things seem impossible, recovery can open doors you never imagined.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & Tajay’s background
02:00 – Getting arrested & his first steps into recovery
06:00 – How addiction shaped his friendships & how he had to change his circle
10:00 – Finding education as a new path & becoming a leader on campus
14:00 – The "Get Out of Here" mindset vs. realizing it’s about changing yourself
18:00 – Entrepreneurship, music, and using creativity in recovery
23:00 – The moment he knew he had to go all in on sobriety
28:00 – What he’d say to someone struggling: “Don’t quit before the miracle happens.”

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

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Recovery Matters! Podcast - Homeless, Addicted, and Nearly Dead: How Domenick Found Recovery
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09/21/21 • 78 min

Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 46 | Dominic opens up about his early struggles with authority, his experiences growing up with a father and brother who both faced severe health issues, and his own descent into addiction, which left him homeless for five years. He recalls his transformative moment of clarity, leading him to Teen Challenge and eventually the Salvation Army in Hartford, CT where he began to rebuild his life. Dominic speaks candidly about the challenges he faced in early recovery, the importance of a supportive community, and how his faith and continuous self-improvement played pivotal roles in his journey. Through perseverance and dedication, Dominic now works as a Department of Corrections recovery coach and collaborates with the Manchester Police Department, helping others find their path to recovery. His story is an inspiring testament to the power of hope, resilience, and the importance of treating addiction with compassion.

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Matters Podcast

00:27 Hosts' Lighthearted Banter

01:35 Introducing Today's Guest: Dominic

02:57 Dominic's Role at CCAR

04:02 Early Life and Family Struggles

11:57 Adolescent Challenges and First Encounters with Addiction

15:14 Friendships and Losses

27:45 Homelessness and Struggles with Addiction

38:37 Exploring Homeless Communities

39:39 Walking Through Memories

40:24 Revisiting Springfield

41:46 Teen Challenge Journey

45:19 Salvation Army Experience

51:42 Finding a New Path

56:02 Discovering Recovery Coaching

01:14:19 Faith and Recovery

01:16:34 Conclusion and Reflections

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

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Recovery Matters! Podcast - Facing Cancer Again: A Real and Raw Conversation
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03/05/24 • 36 min

In this raw and deeply personal conversation, previously recorded on 2/6/24, Sandy and Phil Valentine openly discuss Phil's cancer diagnosis and the impact it is having on their lives. As Phil is preparing to start chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin's B Cell Lymphoma, they reflect on their experiences of Phil's previous bout with cancer in 2010. Sandy expresses her struggle with seeing her partner in pain again while Phil shares his contemplation on death, revealing spiritual questions and emotional fears. The couple discusses the importance of kindness, community and maintaining a strong support system. Through it all, they highlight the importance of recovery and their faith, reiterating their determination to stay resilient against cancer. 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 00:06 Reflecting on Past Experiences with Cancer 01:35 Dealing with Emotions and Anger 02:27 Facing a New Diagnosis: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma 05:07 Understanding the Medical Process and Delays 05:44 Navigating the Healthcare System 07:54 Contemplating Mortality and the Afterlife 08:44 Facing the Possibility of Death 14:31 Dealing with Anger and Emotional Changes 18:18 Understanding the Treatment Regimen 18:46 The Four Quadrants of Health 21:16 The Role of Art in Coping 24:20 Facing Chemotherapy 30:34 The Impact on Family 33:00 The Power of Kindness 34:55 Coming to Terms with the Unknown----Across the Web---- 🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us ✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/ 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO... 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast? 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/ 🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery 📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery 🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery
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Recovery Matters! Podcast - Journey through Recovery: A Conversation with Dr. Rick Davila
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12/19/23 • 24 min

Journey through Recovery: A Conversation with Dr. Rick Davila In this podcast episode, Dr. Rick Davila shares his personal journey with recovery from alcohol addiction which started in October 1966, when he was only seven years old. He shares about his transformative years, the importance of 12-step recovery programs and his strong emphasis on AA meetings for his recovery. Davila explains his experience of transitioning from a troubled adolescent, a military stint and his struggle with heavy alcoholism to becoming a recovery coach. Despite his struggles, he emphasizes his commitment to helping others battling with addiction. He reflects upon the evolution of alcohol and drug rehabilitation treatment, and the emergence of multiple pathways to recovery beyond the traditional 12 step programs. Finally, he expresses his view on maintaining daily recovery wellness and his continued commitment to assisting others on their path to recovery. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation 00:05 Dr. Rick Davila's Early Life and Recovery Journey 01:13 Military Service and Struggles with Alcohol 02:33 Discovering Alcoholics Anonymous and Recovery Culture 04:04 The Struggles and Challenges of Early Recovery 07:27 Transition into the Field of Helping Others 08:14 The Impact of Ego and Power in Recovery 10:36 Returning to the Field and Overcoming Challenges 16:19 Maintaining Recovery and Giving Back to the Community 16:51 Reflections on Multiple Pathways to Recovery 20:17 Closing Remarks and Reflections----Across the Web---- 🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us ✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/ 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO... 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast? 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/ 🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery 📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery 🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery
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Recovery Matters! Podcast - Conversations on Recovery: An Open Discussion with Kevin Connelli
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11/21/23 • 55 min

Connolly shares his personal experiences with drug and alcohol addiction, the impact it had on his relationships and the constant cycle of recovery and relapse. He discusses his experiences with treatment centers and the struggle of finding inner peace. Despite battling his addiction, Connelli also opens up about his desire to help others, hinting at potentially becoming a recovery coach himself. The candid dialogue offers a deep and genuine insight into the struggles, fears, and hopes surrounding the road to recovery.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:31 Understanding Recovery and Its Impact

01:16 Childhood and Early Life Experiences

02:43 Passions and Interests Growing Up

04:56 Transition into Teenage Years and Early Signs of Addiction

08:20 Struggles with Addiction and Consequences

11:57 Attempts at Recovery and Relapses

11:59 Impact of Addiction on Personal Relationships

17:29 Current State of Recovery and Future Aspirations

27:34 The Importance of Helping Others in Recovery

28:09 Understanding Impulsivity in Addiction

30:12 The Struggle of Relapse

32:09 The Role of Faith in Recovery

35:44 The Consequences of Relapse

36:45 The Power of Choice in Recovery

45:12 The Fear of Relapse

49:11 The Value of Continuous Recovery

52:35 The Role of Helping Others in Personal Recovery

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

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In this riveting episode, Jesse shares his tumultuous journey from incarceration to recovery. With multiple stints in prison and unsuccessful treatments, he found himself at the crossroads of life when his brother faced a life-threatening accident. Forced to confront the reality of his choices, Jesse took the difficult path towards self-improvement, personal growth, and healing. Now a recovery coach at Teen Challenge, he offers an unflinching look at the struggles and triumphs of fighting addiction. This episode delves into the power of community, the significance of accountability, and the profound impact of genuine transformation.----Across the Web---- 🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us ✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/ 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO... 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast? 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/ 🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery 📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery 🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery
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In this episode of the Recovery Matters Podcast, host Phil interviews Randy Anderson, a person living in long-term recovery since January 9, 2005. Randy is also a recovery coach and the founder of Bold North Recovery. The episode delves into Randy's journey from addiction to recovery, highlighting the significant role that law enforcement intervention played in his life. Randy shares a pivotal moment in his treatment when a counselor's challenging words ignited his determination to recover. Randy also discusses his advocacy work, particularly in the realm of drug sentencing reform. He emphasizes the racial disparities in the criminal justice system and calls for more people in recovery to get politically involved. Randy believes that the only way to bring about meaningful change is for people in recovery to have a seat at every table, or better yet, to build their own table for others to join. The episode serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of recovery and the importance of advocacy in effecting systemic change.----Across the Web---- 🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us ✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/ 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO... 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast? 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/ 🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery 📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery 🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery
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Recovery Matters! Podcast - Coping With Loss | Recovery Matters! Podcast Episode 80
play

06/14/22 • 44 min

Recovery Matters Podcast 6-14-22

Sandy: Hi, honey. It's just the two of us this morning.

Phil: Does that frighten you?

Sandy: No.

Phil: Oh, good.

Sandy: You don't scare me anymore

Phil: anymore? I don't think you scare me anymore. Cause you don't have your big corporate office where you used to scare me.

Sandy: I know. That was really surprising back then.

Phil: Yeah. Well you became like a new person, a different person.

Sandy: Yeah. In the workplace. I would be a leader and at home, I would be completely submissive to your ...desires and wishes.

Phil: So we're here solo

Sandy: duo.

Phil: Yeah. And at this stage in our life, I think there's a big topic. You both, you and I don't really want to talk about, but think we probably should.

Sandy: Yeah. So just recently, just a few months ago, you lost both your parents within 48 hours.

Phil: And the strange part too being, they were divorced for 40 plus years and died like 48 hours almost to the minute, right.

Sandy: From completely different reasons and their progression towards those final days, started around the same time for four, five months prior.

Phil: Well, it was, and I'm interested. So when do you think my, my mother's progression started?

Sandy: Yeah. So your mom was, well, your mom had very serious diseases and ailments probably for her last. 30 years. Right. And kept surviving them.

Phil: Tough. She's tough.

Sandy: Very tough. But the kind of the deal breaker was she was bumped into, by a car and a grocery store parking lot and just couldn't rebound from that.

Phil: And then she was at 88 and my dad was 87 and had along, we think. Probably four or five, six years of progressive dementia. Alzheimer's

Sandy: yeah.

Phil: Yeah. But all of that sped up for him around November, December the same time she was hit by the car and they both went to the hospital and they both went to short-term rehab. And then your mom moved into. Assisted living then got hospice care and your dad went back home under the care and love of his wife and got hospice care and then they chose the same week to leave us

Phil: well. And you know, 88 and 87 62, they've been part of my life for 62 years, obviously. Right. They've both had good lives, I would say overall, you know and there's so many issues here around grief and our recovery principles. So I'm interested to see where this conversation goes because recently I I wanted to process some of the issues with a therapist or a counselor and I signed up and I got somebody that was like, frankly appalling in a lot of ways. So I'm not quite sure what that was about, but here we are a few days later, you and I to talk about it and we talk a lot in our car rides down, back and forth to the beach and process this I think I want to start by asking you a question. As we are pretty much pretty close to bedside with both the deaths, right. And seeing how the funerals and the services played out, how our kids responded. What have you learned? And you also have a lot of other grief in your life. So, yeah, and my sister was a huge part of all this as well, and this played an amazing role. So what have you learned?

Sandy: Well, can I first start maybe by recapping my experiences a little bit.

Phil: Of course,

Sandy: I think it comes out of accumulation. So when I was 39, my father passed away. He was 86 and over the next 10 years, my sister died from, so my father died from congenital heart failure. He was someone similar to your mom who had a major, major illness or disease. At every stage of my life, but I came along the scene. He was 48 when I was born. So I came along the scene later in life. But it, but, so that was kind of expected his age and what his body had been through. My sister had leukemia and survived it. Had radiation induced dementia. And in my mind, she died of dehydration living in a nursing home, but in my mind, she died of the side effects of that disease. And then my brother died of melanoma. And then, so that then my mom,

Phil: well, since you're kind of recapping how everybody died, I'm not quite sure why you're talking about how they died. But your brother was agent orange in Vietnam, right?

Sandy: Right.

Phil: Yeah. That was where the melanoma came from.

Sandy: Yeah. Yeah. And it was sharing cause you had shared how your parents,...

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FAQ

How many episodes does Recovery Matters! Podcast have?

Recovery Matters! Podcast currently has 174 episodes available.

What topics does Recovery Matters! Podcast cover?

The podcast is about Addiction, Health & Fitness, Healing, Spirituality, Addiction Recovery, Alternative Health, Self-Help, Wellness, Sobriety, Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Education, Recovery and Health.

What is the most popular episode on Recovery Matters! Podcast?

The episode title 'Facing Cancer Again: A Real and Raw Conversation' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Recovery Matters! Podcast?

The average episode length on Recovery Matters! Podcast is 50 minutes.

How often are episodes of Recovery Matters! Podcast released?

Episodes of Recovery Matters! Podcast are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Recovery Matters! Podcast?

The first episode of Recovery Matters! Podcast was released on Sep 30, 2020.

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