Real Recovery Talk
Tom Conrad, Ben Bueno, Dr. Pamela Tambini · Tom Conrad
Show overview
Real Recovery Talk has been publishing since 2017, and across the 9 years since has built a catalogue of 602 episodes. That works out to roughly 430 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 30 min and 56 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. It is catalogued as a EN-language Education show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 1 weeks ago, with 17 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2024, with 124 episodes published. Published by Tom Conrad.
From the publisher
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 to do and the right decisions to make to ensure that you and your loved one gets the help that you need.
Latest Episodes
View all 602 episodes604: Get and Stay Sober: Focus on These 5 Areas!
603: You Know You Are Being Lied To: Now What?
602: He Was Sleeping on His Dad's Couch, Drunk Every Day (DAD DID THIS)
601: The Truth About Dating in Early Recovery (FACTS)
600: Your Family Member Might Be Alcoholic If They Do This
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Am I an alcoholic? If you're asking that question — or asking it about someone you love — this video is for you. I breaks down 10 real warning signs of alcoholism from personal experience in recovery. Not textbook symptoms. Real signs that real people miss every day. 🔗 Join our Family Reconnect Program: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect 📅 Free Family Webinar — Every Monday at 6:30PM Eastern: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page
599: Kratom Addiction Is Real | Here's What I've Witnessed
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Is kratom really a safe alternative — or just another addiction in disguise? In this video, I'm giving you my honest, real-world take on kratom based on working with addicts every single day. This isn't theory. This is what I actually see happening to people who use kratom thinking it's going to help their recovery. We're talking about kratom effects, kratom addiction, and why I don't believe kratom belongs in anyone's recovery plan. If you or someone you love is using kratom or thinking about starting, watch this first. 🔗 Join our Family Reconnect Program: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect 📅 Free Family Webinar — Every Monday at 6:30PM Eastern: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page 📞 SAMHSA National Helpline (free, 24/7): 1-800-662-4357 Don't miss our FREE WEBINAR to learn more about patient care and avoiding common mistakes families make. https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page
598: The Addict Always Win The Argument (Unless You Do This)
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Does it seem no matter how hard you try, your addict loved one never seems to listen to you? This is totally normal. There are a few stratagies that you need to master before you can get anywhere with them. The main this is, dont get frustrated. In this episode i am going to breakdown 3 things that you can work on to have more influence over your addict loved ones. 🔗 Join our Family Reconnect Program: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect 📅 Free Family Webinar — Every Monday at 6:30PM Eastern: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page 📞 SAMHSA National Helpline (free, 24/7): 1-800-662-4357 Don't miss our FREE WEBINAR to learn more about patient care and avoiding common mistakes families make. https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Want continued support/guidence for you and your loved one? Consider joining our FAMILY RECONNECT FAMILY! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect
597: We Did Everything Right. She Still Became an Alcoholic.
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page She got sober at 18 years old — before she ever had a legal drink. In this episode, I sit down with Anna, a 19-year-old who went through multiple treatment attempts, residential, PHP, IOP — the whole process — and came out the other side with a year and a half of sobriety, a job in treatment, and a life she's actually proud of. We talk about what finally made it click, what her parents did right (and what they struggled with), and why waiting for someone to "hit rock bottom" might not mean what you think it means. If you're a parent watching this wondering what you could have done differently — this episode is for you. And if you're young and think you're too young to have a real problem — this one's for you too. 🔗 Join our Family Reconnect Program: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect 📅 Free Family Webinar — Every Monday at 6:30PM Eastern: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page 📞 SAMHSA National Helpline (free, 24/7): 1-800-662-4357 Don't miss our FREE WEBINAR to learn more about patient care and avoiding common mistakes families make. https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Want continued support/guidence for you and your loved one? Consider joining our FAMILY RECONNECT FAMILY! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect
596: My Husband Drinks Too Much (What To Do When They Finally Admit It)
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Is your husband's alcoholism affecting your family? You're not alone — and you're not overreacting. In this video I'm going to give you three things: clarity on what you're actually dealing with, a real strategy based on who your husband is, and permission to start taking care of yourself. We cover the difference between problem drinking and alcohol use disorder, the 11 clinical signs from the DSM-5 in plain language, what actually works when talking to your husband (and what makes things worse), and how to protect yourself and your kids regardless of what he decides to do. Whether you just started noticing something is wrong or you've been living this for years — this video is for you. 🔗 Join our Family Reconnect Program: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect 📅 Free Family Webinar — Every Monday at 6:30PM Eastern: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page 📞 SAMHSA National Helpline (free, 24/7): 1-800-662-4357 Don't miss our FREE WEBINAR to learn more about patient care and avoiding common mistakes families make. https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Want continued support/guidence for you and your loved one? Consider joining our FAMILY RECONNECT FAMILY! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect
595: The Real Reason Your Loved One Keeps Making Excuses (And What To Do)
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Don't miss our FREE WEBINAR to learn more about patient care and avoiding common mistakes families make. https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Want continued support/guidence for you and your loved one? Consider joining our FAMILY RECONNECT FAMILY! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect
594: Treatment Starts Before They Walk Into Rehab (5 Step Framework)
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page If your loved one agrees to seek help for their addiction, do you have a plan ready? This video addresses the critical need for families to be prepared for those moments when a loved one is ready for addiction recovery. With over 15 years in recovery, I explain how to build an effective plan for drug addiction so you can act immediately. Don't miss our FREE WEBINAR to learn more about patient care and avoiding common mistakes families make. https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Want continued support/guidence for you and your loved one? Consider joining our FAMILY RECONNECT FAMILY! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect 0:00 - Introduction — Are You Ready? 0:52 - Why You Need a Plan 1:19 - How Addiction Works Against You 2:16 - Step 1: Research Treatment Centers 4:00 - Step 2: Understand the Logistics 6:17 - Step 3: Build Your Support Team 8:14 - Workshop Invite 8:47 - Step 4: Understand Your Finances 13:22 - Step 5: Mentally Prepare for the Conversation 15:27 - Recap & Final Workshop Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
593: Why Addicts Get Angry When You Try to Help (The Real Reason)
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEB CLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page If your loved one explodes in anger every time you try to help them with their addiction, this video will change how you understand what's really happening. After 15 years of sobriety, I can finally explain what was going through my head when I raged at the people trying to save my life. Their anger isn't about you - it's about shame, fear, and survival. Once you understand this, everything changes about how you approach them. In this video, I break down: Why your offer of help triggers their rage (the shame bomb) What they're actually protecting when they push you away The real translation of "leave me alone" and "you don't understand" Specific phrases that work better than "you need help" How to stay present without enabling The person you love is still in there. Your job isn't to make them ready - it's to be there when they are. 0:00 - Why they attack when you offer help 0:45 - The shame trigger 3:30 - You're threatening their survival tool 6:00 - Anger keeps you away 8:30 - What they're really saying 10:30 - What actually works 13:00 - Final message for families Consider our FAMILY RECONNECT PROGRAM! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
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 recovery. 0:00 Intro: Words That Push Addicts Away 1:15 Phrase #1: "If you loved us, you would quit" 3:45 Why conditional love destroys trust 5:20 What to say instead of questioning their love 6:30 Free Monday Workshop (Register Now) 8:10 Phrase #2: "You're weak - why can't you stop?" 11:40 Why willpower isn't the answer 13:25 What to say instead of calling them weak 15:50 Phrase #3: Bargaining - "If you do this, I'll do this" 18:30 Why rewards backfire in recovery 20:15 What to say instead of negotiating 22:40 Phrase #4: "I don't care anymore" 25:10 Why detachment works but verbalizing doesn't 27:00 What to say when you're at your breaking point 29:30 Final thoughts: Being strategic with your words 31:45 How to get support for your situation Join my free Monday workshop: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page 5 Mistakes Every Family Makes When Helping a Loved One with Addiction 📅 Every Monday at 6:30 PM ET Need more? Want continued support and guidence for your situation? Consider our FAMILY RECONNECT PROGRAM! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
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/
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 actions you can start today and clarity on what healthy sobriety actually looks like. 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/
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/
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 sides of this. I used these tactics when I was in active addiction, and today I help families recognize them so they can stop enabling and start healing. 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/
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 year with clarity instead of fear. 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/
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 lies fear tells us when things get quiet, and what actually helps when you're feeling powerless. This isn't about fixing anything or having all the answers. It's about getting through tonight—with a little more peace, perspective, and hope. If you love a child who is struggling with addiction or destructive behavior, you are not alone. And this story isn't over. Merry Christmas. 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/
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 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/