The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast

In this Q and A episode Ashley talks with producer Scott Drochelman about how to maintain hope when you've been trying to help for a long time. You might not feel like there is much more you can do. You might find it difficult to remain connected. Ashley provides practical ideas on how to approach this complicated situation without enabling.

Benjamin eventually entered treatment, found help and 6 years into his recovery, moved to Florida with the woman he would eventually marry. The two had a son together and divorced bitterly shortly after. Benjamin eventually co-authored the book, “Our Happy Divorce”, with his Ex-Wife Nikki DeBartolo, which told the story of how their journey through divorce eventually brought them closer together.

Dr. Umhau is revolutionizing alcohol use treatment, utilizing medications, diet and The Sinclair Method to change lives. He has also led a team of scientists to develop a method of measuring the brain uptake of the essential omega-3 fatty acid, DHA. His comprehensive treatment methods consider the whole person and are highly effective.

In this Q and A episode Ashley Loeb Blassingame talks with producer Scott Drochelman about how to wade into the sober dating world with intention and authenticity while avoiding some of the mistakes from her own dating experience.

After Will's mom passed away in 2017, a lifetime of suppressed memories and events came flooding back in. Will turned to food to deal with the trauma eventually climbing to 400lbs. He tried everything he could to change his trajectory including appearing in a local Biggest-Loser-style competition where he lost 88lbs in 12 weeks. But without understanding the psychology of food in his life the results didn’t last long. Eventually Will did the hard work of understanding food’s place in his life and digging into the trauma he experienced growing up.

At seventeen Pej was hung over, driving his friends to school when he had a fatal car accident causing the death of a young teenager riding his bike to school. The event caused Pej to go off the deep end, drowning his guilt, shame, and sadness with drugs and alcohol. Pej now uses his experiences to help others through his work as an interventionist, recovery coach and the creator of multiple sober communities.

In this Q and A session Ashley Loeb Blassingame talks with producer Scott Drochelman about the challenges in caring for a loved one who is addicted to something. Folks are asked to lead with empathy, but they also have a right to be angry about the behaviors they're seeing. In this episode we talk about how to hold both ideas in your mind at the same time and tips for anyone caring for someone with an addiction.

Michelle’s passion for maternal mental health emerged after becoming a mother. Alcohol became a coping tool, eventually resulting in severe alcohol use disorder. After finding her own recovery, Michelle created Recovery is the New Black, a digital community that touches thousands.

In this episode we talk about the unusual path that brought her to work in the addiction field and cutting edge treatment that presents a path to drinking moderation to many who have struggled with addiction.

Host Ashley Loeb Blassingame talks to producer Scott Drochelman about the moment she realized she was addicted, how to recognize the signs, and your first steps if you suspect you might be addicted to something.

When tragedy struck her family in the form of the death of her 8 year old son, it sent her drinking into a destructive spiral. Numbing the pain of the loss she eventually ended up in detox and finally found help in AA and Al Anon.

Mescal got sober in his twenties but 18 years later found his sobriety threatened when past trauma and unresolved mental health issues could no longer be contained. With the help of friends and treatment he’s been able to wade through these challenges going to grad school for social work and finding a meaningful relationship in the process.

Season 4 Kickoff with Ashley Loeb Blassingame and new producer Scott Drochelman.

It's hard to believe Season 3 has come to an end. Tune in to hear highlights from the season, top 10 episodes, and more!

Lesa Thomas feels almost no pain. Tune in to this episode to find out why and to learn how online treatment saved her life.