Real Recovery Talk

Real Recovery Talk

byTom Conrad, Ben Bueno, Dr. Pamela Tambini

EducationSelf-ImprovementHealthFitnessMental

We are a podcast dedicated to sobriety and recovery from alcohol and drugs. (And whatever other addiction that is out there) It doesn't matter what you have been through in the past. We have all done very bad things in our addiction. This does not define who we are. We know there is a way out of addiction. Family and loved ones, you play a part in this as well. There are plenty of stories out there of families and loved ones not knowing what to do with their addicted loved one. Let us guide you on the right things...

Episodes(40 episodes)

Real Recovery Talk

592: 4 Things That Will Destroy Their Recovery (Don't Say These)

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEB CLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page If someone you love is struggling with alcohol and drugs, the words you choose matter more than you think. In this video, I break down the 4 phrases that push addicts deeper into their addiction — and what you should say instead. These are the exact things my dad said to me when I was using, and I'll show you why they don't work and how to communicate in a way that actually moves the needle toward re...
Published: Feb 4, 2026Duration: 21:46
Real Recovery Talk

591: STOP playing the VICTIM: Michael Wall

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR!  https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Does your new sober life seem to be boring and mundane? Are you having a hard time finding purpose?  This is an episode that you dont want to miss! Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
Published: Jan 28, 2026Duration: 1:09:01
Real Recovery Talk

590: The 90-Day Sobriety Framework (THIS WILL WORK)

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR!  https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page What does it actually take to stay sober for the first 90 days? In this episode, we break down a simple, practical framework for alcoholics and drug addicts who want real stability — not just white-knuckling it. We also speak directly to families and loved ones, sharing clear benchmarks that help you tell the difference between real progress and empty promises. If you or someone you love is early in recovery, this episode gives you tangible act...
Published: Jan 21, 2026Duration: 48:58
Real Recovery Talk

589: Why I Kept Relapsing on C***aine (Until I Finally Did This)

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
Published: Jan 14, 2026Duration: 1:04:52
Real Recovery Talk

588: 4 MORE Manipulation Tactics Addicts Use Against their own FAMILY! (Be Prepared)

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling guilty, confused, or responsible for someone else's choices? You're not imagining it — and you're not weak. In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, I break down 4 manipulation tactics addicts commonly use against the people who love them most. These patterns are subtle, emotionally charged, and incredibly effective — especially on parents, spouses, and family members who just want to help. I've been on both side...
Published: Jan 7, 2026Duration: 41:54
Real Recovery Talk

587: 3 Intentions to Help Families Start 2026 With Hope

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page As we head into a brand new year, many family members and loved ones are carrying a mix of hope, exhaustion, and uncertainty — especially when someone they love is struggling with addiction. This video is not about resolutions. It's not about fixing anyone. And it's not about doing more. In this episode, I share a few simple intentions you can carry into 2026 — practical, grounded ways to protect your own well-being, strengthen connection, and walk into the new y...
Published: Dec 31, 2025Duration: 24:12
Real Recovery Talk

586: Why You Feel Lied To, Manipulated And Guilty (Advice For Parents Only)

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page If it's Christmas Eve and you're lying awake right now, worried about your child, this episode is for you. While the rest of the world seems to be celebrating, many parents are quietly carrying fear, guilt, and exhaustion—wondering where their son or daughter is, if they're safe, or if things will ever change.  In this solo episode, I speak directly to parents who are struggling tonight. We talk about why Christmas Eve can feel heavier than any other night, the...
Published: Dec 24, 2025Duration: 28:08
Real Recovery Talk

585: My Mom Died From Alcoholism: Here is Why...

Have someone in your life struggling with addiction? DO NOT MISS THIS! Free webclass: 5 MISTAKES FAMILIES MAKE WHEN TRYING TO HELP A LOVED ONE STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page In this powerful episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with Ricki Santiago, a licensed clinician who opens up about his own experience growing up with an alcoholic mother—and how that trauma shaped his entire life. Before he was a therapist helping others heal… he was a kid watching his mom drink herself into the grave. Join our SKOO...
Published: Dec 17, 2025Duration: 1:18:02
Real Recovery Talk

584: Addiction or Narcissism? How to Tell the Difference (Professional Opinion)

Have someone in your life struggling with addiction? DO NOT MISS THIS! Free webclass: 5 MISTAKES FAMILIES MAKE WHEN TRYING TO HELP A LOVED ONE STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page In today's episode, we break down the difference between true narcissism and the narcissistic behaviors that show up during addiction. These can look identical — manipulation, gaslighting, lack of empathy, emotional abuse — but the root cause is often very different. Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 Join our Big Book...
Published: Dec 10, 2025Duration: 43:34
Real Recovery Talk

583: What Families Get Wrong About Addiction (It's Not Willpower)

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar  In today's conversation, Hilary shares one of the most powerful trauma stories we've ever had on the podcast. Before addiction ever entered her life, trauma did. From growing up in chaos… to being pushed into acting at five years old… to living in fear, shame, and survival mode — her story explains EXACTLY why so many addicts and alcoholics struggle the way they do. Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=809...
Published: Dec 3, 2025Duration: 1:21:34
Real Recovery Talk

582: HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Why Addicts and alcoholics are the most grateful people around...

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  I wanted to come on and share my gratitude for ALL OF YOU! Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy
Published: Nov 26, 2025Duration: 22:03
Real Recovery Talk

581: Should You Date in Early Recovery? (This Answer Will Surprise You)

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar Getting into a relationship in early recovery can feel amazing… until it quietly becomes the thing that takes you out. In this episode, we talk honestly about why early-recovery relationships are so intense, why they so often end badly, and what actually makes a relationship healthy in long-term sobriety. And we finally share something big with the Real Recovery Talk family: Ben and Destiny are in a committed relationship now. 🎙❤️ We use their...
Published: Nov 19, 2025Duration: 1:03:43
Real Recovery Talk

580: Top 5 Tips To Getting Your Loved One Sober (You Won't Believe This!)

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar Learn how you can stop focusing on your addict loved one and RECLAIM your life back! Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 MindPump Media: https://www.youtube.com/@UCq0hKkwnW5Cw1wQqu455WrA Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram...
Published: Nov 12, 2025Duration: 33:07
Real Recovery Talk

579: How To Get Sober In Your 40's (It's Not What You Think!)

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? J oin Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar A lot of people think if they haven't gotten sober by 40, it's too late. That the damage is done. The truth? It's not too late — but it is different. In this episode, we break down what it really takes to get sober after 40. From rebuilding your health and relationships to rediscovering your purpose, this conversation is raw, practical, and full of hope. We talk about how to stop comparing your jo...
Published: Nov 5, 2025Duration: 18:36
Real Recovery Talk

578: How Do You Forgive an Addict? Omar El Takrori

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar When your own dad struggles with addiction, it changes everything. In this episode, Omar shares the painful truth about growing up with an alcoholic father — the fear, the confusion, and the faith that eventually brought healing. We talk about what addiction does to families, how faith can transform even the darkest situations, and why true recovery goes far beyond just "getting sober." Omar opens up about his father's alcoholism, his mother's strength, and how God use...
Published: Oct 29, 2025Duration: 1:45:09
577: Adopted at Birth, Addicted by 12: Rachel's Fight for Freedom

577: Adopted at Birth, Addicted by 12: Rachel's Fight for Freedom

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar When Rachel was adopted as a baby, she didn't understand why she felt so different. By age 12, she was already using drugs — searching for a sense of belonging she never felt. For the next 26 years, addiction took everything from her — her health, her peace, her identity. But through it all, she discovered a truth that changed everything In this episode, Rachel shares her powerful story of addiction, adoption, and redemption — from childhood confus...
Published: Oct 22, 2025Duration: 1:03:45
576: Why Addicts Lie, Guilt-Trip, and Play the Victim (and HOW TO stop it)

576: Why Addicts Lie, Guilt-Trip, and Play the Victim (and HOW TO stop it)

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar You've probably heard the promises: "I swear I'll change." "You don't trust me?" "If you loved me, you'd help me." These are phrases many families hear over and over again — and it's exhausting. In this video, we break down how addicts manipulate the ones who love them most, why it happens, and what you can do to stop getting caught in the emotional trap. This is...
Published: Oct 15, 2025Duration: 19:27
575: Why You Keep Using Even When You Don't Want To

575: Why You Keep Using Even When You Don't Want To

🥃 Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar Why do we keep going back to drugs or alcohol — even when we swear we're done? In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom, Ben, and Jeff dive deep into the uncomfortable truth: for many, addiction becomes worship. It's not just about the substances — it's about what we're running from, what we're trying to fill, and the void that only a higher power or spiritual awakening can heal. Jeff, from Reprieve Treatment Center, shares h...
Published: Oct 8, 2025Duration: 1:09:34
574: What to Expect in Alcohol Rehab (Step by Step Guide)

574: What to Expect in Alcohol Rehab (Step by Step Guide)

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join our next FREE webinar! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar We are discussing alcohol treatment. What to know and how to MAKE SURE you get what you need. Contact me: Tom@realrecoverytalk.com  Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides
Published: Oct 1, 2025Duration: 30:25
573: Should You Date in Early Sobriety? Ali shares the truth!

573: Should You Date in Early Sobriety? Ali shares the truth!

Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
Published: Sep 24, 2025Duration: 53:57