Joining alongside one another in recovery is challenging - especially without giving a guide map for how this looks or works. Lisa Katona Smith, author of Parallel Recovery and TEDx speaker, discusses the essential—but often overlooked—role families play in the recovery process. Lisa shares insights from her work and writing, challenging the traditional labels of “enabling” or “codependent” and instead offering a compassionate, empowerment-focused approach. She explains how families can stay engaged in healthier ways, use tools like genograms to understand their patterns, and embrace harm-reduction strategies that support both their loved ones and themselves.

About the Guest:

Lisa Katona Smith, M.Ed., is the founder of Parallel Recovery® and a nationally recognized voice in the evolving landscape of family recovery. A certified Peer Recovery Specialist, TEDx speaker, and author of the forthcoming book Parallel Recovery: A Guide for Those Who Love Someone Struggling with Substance Use Disorder, Lisa brings over 20 years of experience as a master-level educator, combined with personal lived experience navigating a loved one’s addiction.

Motivated by the limitations of traditional support models, Lisa developed the Parallel Recovery® framework—a structured, compassionate process that helps families step into healing, reclaim influence, and rebuild connection in the face of substance use and mental health challenges. Her work is grounded in the belief that recovery is not a solo act, and families don’t need to wait on the sidelines. Through education, coaching, curriculum development, and professional training, she empowers families and clinical teams alike to move beyond survival toward sustainable change.

Lisa collaborates nationally with treatment centers, care teams, and professional partners to deliver evidence-informed care, family systems consulting, and high-acuity case support. Known for her clarity, emotional depth, and strategic insight, she speaks regularly on transforming the family’s role in recovery—bringing voice to the untold side of the story.

Links:

https://lisakatonasmith.com/bio/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAguAjVzE7o

Support the show

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery@gmail.com

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

How are sports changing? Neil Schwartz, President of SBRNET, provides a deep dive into how sports fandom has evolved—especially since the pandemic. We explore major shifts in fan behavior, including the rapid growth of streaming, the rising cost of live events, changes in athlete-fan interactions, and how sports continue to serve as a vital source of community and entertainment. Neil also discusses the expanding world of sports betting, sharing insights from national data on how gambling influences fan engagement, spending, and team loyalty. Together, we examine the growing risks for youth, the impact of mobile betting, and why the industry needs stronger guardrails to protect young fans and maintain the integrity of sports.

About the Guest:

Neil Schwartz, President of SBRnet, Inc., has over twenty-five years of marketing and consumer research experience focused entirely on sports, fitness, and active lifestyle categories. Neil is regarded as an expert in the trends affecting sports fans across both team and individual sports. He leverages his extensive knowledge and experience in data analytics to generate insights and craft stories that industry leaders need to make informed decisions. SBRnet and the Sports Market Analytics Platform provide a comprehensive online platform covering nationwide sports business, sports marketing, and sports marketing analytics, utilizing syndicated, custom, and proprietary research for professional, minor league, and college sports. Previously, Neil worked for SportScanInfo from SportsOneSource and led the research team at the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). He has been a featured speaker at numerous industry conferences and events and is well respected for his collaborations with leading financial and investment firms, top brands, and retailers in the sports footwear and apparel sectors. Neil is also the host of the My First Job in Sports Podcast and co-founder of the annual Get in the Game Sports Business Career Conference. As President of SBRnet, Neil is dedicated to expanding the use of data within academic and related commercial fields such as sports management, sports business, sports marketing, and sports analytics.

Links:

Website: https://sportsmarketanalytics.com/About.aspx

E-mail: neil@sbrnet.com

Support the show

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery@gmail.com

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

Sandy Zeldes is a trauma-informed health coach who helps women heal their relationship with food and their bodies through a holistic and compassionate approach. Sandy shares how she integrates ancestral nutrition, emotional freedom techniques (EFT), and trauma release methods to address the deep emotional roots behind disordered eating, addiction, and self-criticism. She explains how trauma manifests in the body and how safe, somatic practices can help clients reconnect with themselves, release stored pain, and build sustainable self-care habits. We explore the powerful intersection of trauma, addiction, and nutrition, emphasizing the importance of healing the body and mind together. The conversation also highlights how professionals in the behavioral health and addiction fields can begin incorporating trauma-informed nutrition discussions into their work to support lasting recovery and emotional balance.

About the Guest:

Sandy Zeldes is a spiritual cowgirl, former celebrity chef, and subconscious transformation expert with over 20 years of experience helping high-achieving women break free from emotional eating, addictive yo-yo dieting, and weight shame. Her signature blend of EFT tapping, trauma healing, and functional nutrition gets to the root—so change actually sticks. She is the creator of the #1 bestselling DailyOM course Healing Subconscious Blocks to Weight Loss and known for powerful, emotionally resonant interviews that cut through diet noise.

Links:

Website: https://sandyzeldes.com/

Support the show

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery@gmail.com

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

Enter the vision of a leader who is redefining recovery by treating it not just as cessation of substance use, but as “recovery from life.” In this conversation we dig into how Jeanne Foot, founder of The Recovery Concierge, brings a personalized “concierge” model to treatment and wellness, blending mental-health, trauma-informed care, and whole-person support so that people don’t just survive, they thrive. We’ll explore how this approach meets people exactly where they are and guides them through the many dimensions of recovery: mind, body and spirit. If you’re ready to rethink what recovery can look like, you won’t want to miss this.

About the Guest:

Jeanne Foot is the founder and CEO of The Recovery Concierge, a premier service for mental health, addiction recovery, trauma healing, and peak performance. Between her own lived experience, credentials as an International Certified Alcohol & Drug Counsellor, and trainings in Hypnotherapy, Neurolinguistic Programming, and Somatic work, Jeanne is often called the “best kept secret” in the world of recovery. She brings a unique, holistic, 360-degree approach to treatment, guiding individuals and their families through the complex journey of addiction and healing.

Jeanne and her team offer a comprehensive range of services, including interventions and assessments, alcohol management, sober companionship, case management, and long-term relapse prevention. Their work is grounded in an integrated, trauma-informed model that meets clients wherever they are with compassion, strategy, and unwavering support.

Links:

Website: https://therecoveryconcierge.com/

Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therecovery_concierge/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-foot-the-recovery-concierge/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therecoveryconcierge/

Naturally High Podcast:

On Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naturally-high/id1585263254

On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7LWUXpejsTxwYvzXOPHshA

Support the show

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery@gmail.com

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Mark Hrymoc, an addiction psychiatrist with six years of experience in ketamine therapy. In this episode, Dr. Hrymoc challenges common misconceptions about addiction and psychiatric treatment, explaining how addiction affects willpower rather than representing a failure of it. We explore the fascinating evolution of ketamine from anesthetic and club drug to a breakthrough treatment for treatment-resistant depression, and why it works faster than conventional antidepressants while uniquely reducing suicidal thinking. Dr. Hrymoc emphasizes the importance of comprehensive psychiatric evaluation over "gas-and-go" ketamine administration and advocates for treating substance use and underlying mental health issues simultaneously rather than sequentially. This conversation dives deep into the intersection of addiction medicine and innovative psychiatric treatments, while highlighting the critical need to reduce shame and stigma to encourage people to seek professional help. Whether you're struggling with addiction, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in cutting-edge mental health treatments, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of addiction recovery.

About the Guest:

Dr. Hrymoc has extensive expertise in the psychopharmacology of addiction and other mental health disorders. He is double Board-certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry and was previously board-certified in Addiction Medicine. Dr. Hrymoc previously held the position of Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA, where he supervised training psychiatrists at their Addiction Psychiatry Clinic. He completed his subspecialist training in Addiction Psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and currently serves as a consulting physician to several prestigious drug and alcohol treatment centers in the area. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Hrymoc continues to be active in the local addiction treatment community. Dr. Hrymoc has served as the representative of the states of California, Alaska, and Hawaii to the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry and was a member of the education committee of the California Society of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Hrymoc co-authored a chapter in Principles of Addiction Medicine, the main textbook of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and has been published in several academic journals.

Links:

https://www.mentalhealthctr.com/mark-hrymoc-md/

https://www.mentalhealthctr.com

Support the show

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery@gmail.com

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

This episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery features a timely and impactful conversation with Amanda Quintana from the Colorado Lottery, recorded as part of the Gift Responsibly holiday campaign. Together, we dive into the evolving world of responsible gambling, youth gambling awareness, and the collaborative efforts needed across sectors to reduce harm. Amanda shares her background in responsible gambling and problem gambling services—including her work with the Colorado Lottery —and offers an inside look at how the lottery is engaging in harm reduction, player health, and public education. Whether you work in prevention, public health, gambling services, or simply want to better understand the risks and responsibilities surrounding modern gambling, this episode offers a thoughtful and refreshing perspective. Listen, learn, and join the movement to Gift Responsibly.

About the Guest:

Amanda Quintana is the Player Health Manager for the Colorado Lottery, where she leads the Responsible Gambling program and serves as subject matter expert on gambling harm prevention. She previously worked in the nonprofit sector managing a helpline and treatment provider network, as well as serving as Program Manager at the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Amanda currently sits on the NCPG Board of Directors. With a background in community-based addiction services and a Master’s in Population Health Management from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Amanda integrates her frontline experience with a public health approach to advance safer gambling practices.

Links:

Toolkit: https://www.ncpgambling.org/responsible-gambling/gift-responsibly-campaign/

CO Lott "Know your limits" page: https://www.coloradolottery.com/en/about/know-your-limits/

GR Pledge: https://www.coloradolottery.com/en/contests/91:RHBSv-H8kVg9VRo0Ece0cB_czIh-FpWj-u6a-EO5Ofs/

Social Media:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-quintana/

Support the show

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery@gmail.com

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

At this year’s National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling, I was fortunate enough to meet Adam Lyons, host of The Modern Meeting Podcast. We sit down for a casual conversation around gambling-related topics that include changing the narrative that help is not out there, reducing the stigma related to having a problem with gambling and what can be turning points for those being more comfortable sharing their story, and what led to creating his podcast and how it’s changed over the years. With lived experience and a mission to help those impacted by gambling, Adam’s story and purpose allows for exploration and discovery of how we can continue to thrive in this profession.

About the Guest:

Adam Lyons is a compulsive gambler in recovery and creator and host of The Modern Meeting podcast. For 20 years Adam's addiction controlled every part of his life -- leading to job loss, relocation, financial collapse, and even illegal acts to fuel his gambling. Over those two decades, he cycled through more than 25 jobs and 15 addresses in six different cities, always looking for the fresh start that never came to fruition.

On February 8, 2022, he finally sought help through Gamblers Anonymous and he hasn't placed a bet since. After two years in recovery, Adam wanted to share everything that he had learned in these rooms, so he created The Modern Meeting Podcast out of a belief that as gambling continues to evolve and expand, the recovery conversation should evolve with it. The Modern Meeting is about consistently reaching for community, honesty, and support -- especially in recovery, where disconnection fuels addiction. The podcast exist to bridge that gap and offer a space where people can share their stories and know they're not alone and what they've lived.

Links:

Join us for The Modern Meeting Meeting every Monday night at 8pm EST on Zoom. It's a safe space to share, connect, and grow together. For more details email at: modernmeetingpod@gmail.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jMSSKkadnvzbvZl33dzZc

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-modern-meeting/id1779060982

You can also watch full episodes, interviews, and bonus content on The Modern Meeting YouTube Channel : https://www.youtube.com/@ModernMeeting

Support the show

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery@gmail.com

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

It’s marked on almost every calendar. The decorations are waiting to be brought down from the attic or out of the basement. Most of us would say we are aware of Christmas; but have we actually lost it? Donna VanLiere, author of The Lost Christmas, talks about the importance of the nativity scene. She brings it back to discovering that Jesus was born as an outcast, and only a trusted outcast can touch the lives of other outcasts. Listen as she talks about how this book was different from her previous writings, searching for joy and hope, and knowing that while the holidays aren’t the same for everyone there is a way for us to join someone in their journey.

About the Guest:

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Donna VanLiere’s 18 books include The Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Blessing, which were adapted into movies starring Rob Lowe and Neil Patrick Harris. Both movies garnered stellar ratings for CBS, including the highest rated made-for-TV movie of the year. Four other novels have been adapted into television movies for Lifetime and Hallmark. Donna's non-seasonal novels The Good Dream, Angels of Morgan Hill, and non-fiction works like Finding Grace, The Time of Jacob’s Trouble, and High Calling—the biography of Space Shuttle Columbia Commander Rick Husband—capture the same warmth as her Christmas books. Donna has won a Retailer's Choice Award for Fiction, a Dove Award, a Silver Angel Award, two Audie Awards (seven nominations) for best inspirational fiction, and a Gold Medallion Book of the Year nomination, and she is an inductee in the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges Hall of Excellence. One of Donna’s great loves is teaching and speaking. She has spoken at the prestigious Patricia Adams Lecture Series at Heidelberg University, Among Friends conferences, Women of Faith events, and Extraordinary Women conferences. Donna’s newest book, Looking for Christmas, is available now for pre-order, and she is currently finishing Looking for God, which will release in the spring of 2026.

Links:

Email: marianna@jonesliterary.com

Website: www.donnavanliere.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donnavanliere

Support the show

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail talkingaddictionandrecovery@gmail.com

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.