Best Partnership To End Addiction Podcasts (2025)

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How Safe Relationships Help Us Heal ft. Jessica Baum, LMHC 58:32

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4d ago58:32

58:32

In honor of the release of her new book Safe, I sit down with licensed therapist and author of Anxiously Attached, Jessica Baum, for a powerful conversation about what it truly means to heal anxious attachment. We explore how safety shapes every aspect of our relationships, how old abandonment wounds resurface in adulthood, and why somatic awarenes…

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Dr. Kristen Gilliland: A Mother's Journey from Neuroscience to Advocacy 38:41

10d ago38:41

38:41

After losing one son to overdose and watching another struggle with lifelong schizophrenia, neuroscientist Dr. Kristen Gilliland reveals what she wishes she'd known about today's ultra-potent marijuana and the developing brain. She breaks down the science of how THC hijacks the adolescent brain's critical development period and why the push for mar…

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Recovery Through Music and Harm Reduction with This Must Be the Place’s William Perry 32:39

24d ago32:39

32:39

By Partnership to End Addiction

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Can GLP-1 medications help in addiction treatment? 32:43

1M ago32:43

32:43

Can GLP-1 medications like Ozempic help treat addiction? Elizabeth Vargas talks with Pat Aussem, Vice President of Consumer Clinical Content Development at Partnership to End Addiction, about the ongoing clinical trials and the science behind how these drugs work on the brain's reward system. From promising early results to concerns about long-term…

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Walker Hayes on recovery and resilience 44:57

2M ago44:57

44:57

Season 7 of Heart of the Matter kicks off with country pop star Walker Hayes, whose Grammy-nominated hit "Fancy Like" catapulted him to fame. Walker opens up about his journey from drinking at 13 to finding recovery at 35. He discusses his deeply personal 2024 EP "Sober Thoughts," and shares a raw, honest conversation about addiction, creativity, a…

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How to Set Boundaries (Without Feeling Like a Bad Person) 27:36

4M ago27:36

27:36

If setting boundaries makes you anxious, guilty, or afraid they’ll walk away—you’re exactly who this episode was made for. In this powerful solo episode, I unpack the complicated relationship anxious attachers have with boundaries—and why setting them can feel so triggering. We explore the real reasons guilt shows up, the role of nervous system dys…

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How to Create Healthy, Safe Partnerships as a Gay Man ft. Tom Bruett 53:13

5M ago53:13

53:13

In honor of Pride Month, I’m sitting down with therapist and author Tom Bruett to unpack how gay relationships differ from straight ones—and why so many of us in the LGBTQ+ community struggle with intimacy, identity, and emotional safety in dating. Whether you're queer or an ally, this conversation is packed with insights that go far beyond sexuali…

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Your Anxious-Avoidant Relationship Can Work—Here's How ft. Rikki Cloos 58:10

7M ago58:10

58:10

Is your relationship stuck in the anxious-avoidant "trap" or a cycle of pushing and pulling, ups and downs? In this powerful episode, I sit down with relationship writer Rikki Cloos (@anxiousheartsguide on Instagram and TikTok) to talk about why anxious-avoidant relationships feel so hard—and how to make the dynamic more secure. Here's what we disc…

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Addicted to Love—and Stress 25:20

7M ago25:20

25:20

In this week's episode of the Needy No More podcast, I dive deep into the final two steps of the cycle of anxious attachment, stress and addiction, answering the following questions: What is stress and how does it relate to addiction? What is love addiction? How does stress factor into the experience of anxious attachment? How does stress relate to…

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That Breakup Was a Breakthrough ft. Jessica Da Silva 52:53

7M ago52:53

52:53

In this episode of the Needy No More podcast, I interview my very first guest, Jessica Da Silva. Jessica Da Silva is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and Attachment Coach who empowers individuals to free themselves from attachment patterns that sabotage their relationships by teaching them actionable skills to relate to themselves and others more…

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How to Regulate Your Nervous System 43:35

7M ago43:35

43:35

In this week's episode, we unpack everything pertaining to nervous system dysregulation, including: What is nervous system dysregulation? How is it connected to being triggered? What are the causes of nervous system dysregulation in the past and present? How has nervous system dysregulation shown up in my own life? How is nervous system dysregulati…

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30 Questions About Anxious Attachment—Answered! 59:21

8M ago59:21

59:21

In this episode of the Needy No More podcast, I answer the top five most common questions I get from folks when it comes to the anxious attachment style: Where does the anxious attachment style come from? Why do I feel this way? How can I "fix" it? Will I always feel this way? How long does it take to heal? From there, I answer 25 questions from my…

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How Fear of Abandonment Pushes People Away 26:35

8M ago26:35

26:35

In the fourth episode of the Needy No More podcast, we unpack everything related to a fear of abandonment, including: What is abandonment? How do we define it? What about a fear of abandonment? What are various types of abandonment? How has it shown up in my own life? What is the worst form of abandonment you can experience? How does abandonment re…

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How to Conquer Codependency 33:34

8M ago33:34

33:34

In the third episode of the Needy No More podcast, I cover the following: What is codependency? How does codependency relate to anxious attachment? How is codependency similar to and different from addiction? What are some early warning signs that you might be slipping into a codependent dynamic? How can you address and interrupt your codependent t…

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Trauma Isn’t Just What You Experienced 32:57

9M ago32:57

32:57

In the second episode of the Needy No More podcast, I cover the following: How is trauma defined? What are some different frameworks for understanding the nature of trauma? How does trauma relate to the experience of anxious attachment? What are some avenues to explore when it comes to healing trauma? How can forgiveness help and how can I practice…

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We Have to Stop Using the Word Needy 40:27

9M ago40:27

40:27

In this inaugural episode of the Needy No More podcast, I cover the following: Who is this Chris Rackliffe guy, and why did I get into being a coach for people with an anxious attachment style? Why did I name the podcast Needy No More? Why you should never, ever call anyone needy—most of all yourself! What is attachment theory and what are the four…

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Broadway star and American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis talks resilience and recovery 37:48

11M ago37:48

37:48

In the season finale of Heart of the Matter, Broadway star and American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis opens up about his personal struggle with substance use. He reveals to Elizabeth Vargas how professional and personal challenges led him to confront his unhealthy habits and ultimately commit to recovery. Explore more on topics and themes disc…

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Jackie Siegel: “The Queen of Versailles” on her mission to save lives 24:15

11M ago24:15

24:15

Jackie Siegel, also known as “The Queen of Versailles,” joins Elizabeth Vargas to share the heartbreaking journey of her daughter Victoria, who struggled with addiction and ultimately passed away from an overdose at 18 years old, after years of hidden mental health challenges and substance use. Transformed by grief, Jackie and her husband David est…

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Cammie Wolf Rice's mission to save lives through opioid prevention 34:22

12M ago34:22

34:22

This week on “Heart of the Matter,” Elizabeth Vargas sits down with philanthropist and author Cammie Wolf Rice. Cammie shares the heartbreaking story of her son Christopher's fatal overdose at age 32, following an opioid prescription that led to more than a decade of addiction. Through her non-profit Christopher Wolf Crusade, Cammie has turned her …

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Patrick Kennedy and Tonie Dreher on the importance of sharing stories of mental health and addiction 35:02

1y ago35:02

35:02

Former U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy discusses his book "Profiles in Mental Health Courage," spotlighting a diverse group of people who have struggled with their mental health – many of whom are sharing their stories for the first time. Tonie “Miss Tonie” Dreher, who is featured in this book, also talks about her journey from struggling with …

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How Lauren Sisler is turning grief into action with new book “Shatterproof” 47:33

1y ago47:33

47:33

Sports reporter and author Lauren Sisler opens up to Elizabeth Vargas this week on Heart of the Matter about her parents' hidden struggles with addiction and the tragic loss that changed her life. Lauren promotes prevention education and shares insights from her new book, Shatterproof, aiming to break the stigma surrounding addiction and empower fa…

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Stefanie Wilder-Taylor on navigating parenthood and celebrating 15 years in recovery with new book “Drunk-ish” 31:36

1y ago31:36

31:36

In this episode of “Heart of the Matter,” author and comedian Stefanie Wilder-Taylor opens up to Elizabeth Vargas about her struggle with alcohol, which intensified after becoming a parent, and how her blog provided a crucial connection with other moms. Now 15 years in recovery, Stefanie reflects on the pivotal moment that led her to quit drinking,…

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Randy Grimes on helping athletes with addiction 34:33

1y ago34:33

34:33

Randy Grimes, former starting center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, silently struggled with an addiction to prescription pills during his tenure. On this week’s “Heart of the Matter,” he talks with Elizabeth Vargas about the impact of his addiction during and after his football career, and his work helping current and retired athletes get the treatm…

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Braunwyn Windham-Burke on quitting alcohol while on “The Real Housewives of Orange County" 32:19

1y ago32:19

32:19

Braunwyn Windham-Burke, who starred in two seasons of the hit Bravo TV show “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” joins Elizabeth Vargas for the season 6 premiere episode of “Heart of the Matter.” Braunwyn talks about her long-term struggle with substance use disorder, what it was like to quit alcohol while being on TV, and how her family, friend…

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“Below Deck” star Captain Sandy Yawn celebrates over 30 years in recovery 34:48

1+ y ago34:48

34:48

For the season 5 finale of Heart of the Matter, Captain Sandy Yawn from the hit Bravo TV show “Below Deck” joins Elizabeth Vargas to discuss how years of substance use eventually led to more than 30 years in recovery. Sandy also gives advice to anyone struggling – especially those who’ve relapsed – as well as their families. Explore more on topics …

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Figlia founder Lily Geiger: On how her dad's alcohol use impacted her life and inspired her brand 26:15

1+ y ago26:15

26:15

Figlia founder Lily Geiger joins Elizabeth Vargas to share the inspiration behind her non-alcoholic cocktail brand. Lily reveals what it was like growing up with a parent struggling with substance use – including its profound influence on her life, and why it inspired her to start her own company. Content warning: This episode contains mentions of …

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Author David Ambroz: On his journey from foster care to giving back 43:08

1+ y ago43:08

43:08

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 remarkab…

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State Attorney Dave Aronberg: On how to find treatment centers 35:50

1+ y ago35:50

35:50

Dave Aronberg, who serves as the Palm Beach County State Attorney in Florida, speaks with Elizabeth Vargas about navigating the treatment system. They discuss things people should look for when researching treatment centers, as well as things to avoid. He also explains the “Florida Shuffle” and what patient brokering is – and how this is happening …

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Chef Ashish Alfred gets personal about his addiction 43:09

1+ y ago43:09

43:09

Award-winning chef Ashish Alfred joins Elizabeth Vargas to discuss his family history with substance use – including his own addiction. Now that he’s in recovery, he is focused on transforming the restaurant industry for those who don’t drink alcohol. Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode: Is Your Child at Risk? A Substance Us…

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Lady A’s Charles Kelley: On Honesty in Recovery 43:54

2y ago43:54

43:54

Charles Kelley joins Elizabeth Vargas to talk about his recovery journey. He discloses why he often hid his drinking from those closest to him, how his wife supported his recovery, and why it was important for Charles to be honest about Lady A’s 2022 tour postponement. Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode: Navigating the Trea…

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Actor and producer Frankie Grande: Overcoming addiction and finding support 36:48

2+ y ago36:48

36:48

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. Fra…

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TikTok’s Recovery Community with Ryann Cooke and Jordan Shelton 43:55

2+ y ago43:55

43:55

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…

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The Surgeon General on the Loneliness Epidemic and His Own Personal Story 15:57

2+ y ago15:57

15:57

The Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy, recently made history by declaring a loneliness epidemic. Feelings of loneliness are on the rise, especially among young people, which can lead to serious health risks. This episode of “Heart of the Matter” is an extended version of Elizabeth Vargas’ conversation with Dr. Vivek Murthy for …

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Fentanyl Q&A with award-winning author and journalist Sam Quinones 38:19

2+ y ago38:19

38:19

May 9, 2023 is National Fentanyl Awareness Day, a day to spread awareness and education about this deadly substance that is increasingly affecting young people. Award-winning author and journalist Sam Quinones, whose books “Dreamland” and “The Least of Us” explore the nation’s opioid epidemic, returns to “Heart of the Matter” to talk with Elizabeth…

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Big Sky actress Dedee Pfeiffer: Alcohol, Trauma & Recovery 47:31

2+ y ago47:31

47:31

“Big Sky” actress Dedee Pfeiffer speaks to Elizabeth Vargas about how she silently struggled with an addiction to alcohol, stemming from years of unresolved trauma. But with support from her family, she sought out professional help and has been in recovery for nearly five years. They discuss how Dedee’s family continues to support her in her recove…

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Desperate Housewives' Madison De La Garza: Marijuana, Treatment & Family Support 41:36

2+ y ago41:36

41:36

Elizabeth Vargas is joined by “Desperate Housewives” actress Madison De La Garza to talk about marijuana use disorder and the role her famous family plays in her recovery. While starring as Juanita on “Desperate Housewives” at just six years old, she was a victim to vicious cyberbullying comments about her appearance, which caused her to develop an…

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“Same Love” singer-songwriter Mary Lambert: On overcoming childhood trauma and her struggle with alcohol 45:59

2+ y ago45:59

45:59

“Same Love” singer-songwriter Mary Lambert opens up to Elizabeth Vargas about how experiencing childhood trauma, including sexual assault, being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and a difficult relationship with the church as a queer woman, led to her intentionally misusing alcohol for many years. Now two years without alcohol, the Grammy-nominated…

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Actor and author Matthew Perry: On his addiction journey 41:44

3y ago41:44

41:44

Elizabeth Vargas sits down with actor Matthew Perry for an emotional conversation recorded during his book tour for his bestselling book, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.” Matthew shares an incredibly honest, inside look at his decades-long struggle with an alcohol and substance use disorder. Despite his wildly successful career, thing…

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Comedian and actor Tommy Davidson: On finding a second life in recovery 41:05

3y ago41:05

41:05

Tommy Davidson’s childhood was anything but textbook. Discovered on the streets as a toddler by his adoptive white mother, he faced alienation from those who looked down on his interracial upbringing, and strife from a society clinging to racial barriers. But a breakout role on the now-iconic ‘90s sitcom “In Living Color” soon thrust him into fame—…

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Best-selling author David Magee: On how recovery is a journey 49:49

3y ago49:49

49:49

As a child, best-selling author David Magee felt that his life purpose was to write a book that could change lives. He recently told his remarkable journey of triumph in the face of trauma in his book “Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love, and Loss.” A few years ago, David lost his son William to an accidental overdose just …

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Actor and author Cameron Douglas: On recovery, triumph and fatherhood 44:03

3y ago44:03

44:03

This week on Heart of the Matter, actor and author Cameron Douglas, son of Michael Douglas, opens up to Elizabeth Vargas about his incredible recovery journey, as told in his book, “Long Way Home.” Cameron began using substances at 13-years-old, which quickly progressed into a serious addiction. He recounts that even after many years of struggling,…

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Co-founder of Sober Mom Squad Jessica Landon: On second chances, family and laughter 47:38

3y ago47:38

47:38

As an actress, comedian and Playboy model, Jessica Landon appeared to have the perfect life. But deep down, she was silently suffering from unresolved childhood trauma. Jessica began drinking as a pre-teen and didn’t stop. She became so reliant on alcohol that it became “the only way I could survive in the world,” as she describes it. After experie…

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“Below Deck” star Captain Lee Rosbach: On guilt, loss and healing 35:31

3y ago35:31

35:31

Bravo’s “Below Deck” star Captain Lee Rosbach opens up to Elizabeth Vargas on the season three premiere of Heart of the Matter about the excruciating pain he experienced after losing his son Joshua to a fentanyl poisoning. Captain Lee discloses that he and his family did not discuss Joshua’s substance use with friends or his fellow crew members for…

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Harold Koplewicz: Addressing the growing youth mental health crisis 46:02

3+ y ago46:02

46:02

In our latest episode of Heart of the Matter, host Elizabeth Vargas is joined by Harold Koplewicz, president and medical director of the Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit focused on helping children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. Harold shares that one in five children and adolescents struggle with mental health …

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Zachary Levi: Understanding the importance of self-love 52:24

3+ y ago52:24

52:24

In the latest episode of Heart of the Matter, Elizabeth Vargas is joined by actor Zachary Levi, who opens up about his lifelong struggle with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts while starring in hit television shows like Chuck and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and blockbuster movies like Shazam! and Tangled. Zachary shares that after living with…

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Paul Holes on his New York Times bestselling book “Unmasked” and the importance of having honest mental health discussions 46:10

3+ y ago46:10

46:10

In the latest episode of Heart of the Matter, Elizabeth Vargas is joined by investigator Paul Holes, New York Times bestselling author of “Unmasked: My Life Solving America’s Cold Cases.” Paul is known for his role in helping to solve high-profile homicide cases, including the notorious Golden State Killer. But his crime fighting success was masked…

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BONUS EPISODE: Katie Couric interviews Elizabeth Vargas on Next Question Podcast! 1:14:12

3+ y ago1:14:12

1:14:12

Join us for a bonus episode! Elizabeth recently joined Katie Couric for her podcast Next Question with Katie Couric to discuss the increasing use of alcohol, particularly among women, during the COVID-19 pandemic -- why women are drinking more now than ever; what factors may cause an increase in alcohol consumption; and what recovery looks like. El…

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Dr. Nora Volkow on the state of adolescent mental health and why we urgently need to apply the lessons learned in the pandemic to addiction and mental health 40:28

3+ y ago40:28

40:28

Like many families, Dr. Nora Volkow’s had kept it a secret that her grandfather had a substance use disorder and eventually committed suicide. Today, as the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health, she speaks out regularly about how important it is to share these stories to help other families impacted …

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Song for Charlie co-founders Ed and Mary Ternan on the dramatic rise of counterfeit prescription pills 44:17

3+ y ago44:17

44:17

After a counterfeit tablet purchased on social media took their son Charlie’s life, Ed and Mary Ternan were determined to take action. Rather than blame social media companies for sales of dangerous substances, Ed and Mary saw an opportunity to make a change. They created the nonprofit Song for Charlie to raise awareness about fentanyl and fentanyl…

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Dan Schneider of Netflix's The Pharmacist on his crusade to end the opioid epidemic and find justice for his son 47:55

3+ y ago47:55

47:55

After losing his son Danny Jr. to a substance-related shooting, Louisiana pharmacist Dan Schneider was determined to hold the powerful figures behind the nation’s opioid epidemic accountable. The critically acclaimed Netflix docuseries The Pharmacist recounts Dan’s rigorous quest to find answers about his son’s death, and his mission to stop the ov…