Growing up in a loving family outside of New York City, Matt Williams had everything he needed—supportive parents, a good home, and endless possibilities. But behind the surface of a normal childhood, something darker was brewing. Undiagnosed ADHD made it hard for him to focus, and as a teen, he discovered a thrill in getting away with things—starting with alcohol. What began as sneaking drinks at sleepovers soon spiraled into a cycle of blackouts, consequences, and self-destruction.

By his late 20s, Matt's drinking had taken him to some of the darkest places imaginable—waking up in unknown locations, getting behind the wheel in dangerous states, and ultimately, crashing his car on May 15, 2010. That night changed everything. Stripped down in a jumpsuit, facing inmates whose crimes went beyond DUIs, he finally realized: he couldn’t keep living this way. Recovery wasn’t easy. He fought through loneliness, self-doubt, and the weight of rebuilding his life from scratch. But through relentless perseverance, he not only got sober but built a career, a family, and a thriving business—one step at a time.

Matt’s story is proof that no matter how deep the hole, there’s always a way out. If you’re struggling with addiction or know someone who is, this episode will give you hope, perspective, and the motivation to keep going. His journey will inspire you to face your own challenges, embrace change, and build a future beyond addiction.

Dr. Harold Jonas grew up feeling like a failure—struggling with self-worth, addiction, and a toxic family dynamic. Introduced to drugs at a young age, he quickly spiraled into a life of crime, heroin dependency, and repeated run-ins with the law. He tried to escape through relationships, business ventures, and even a rushed marriage in Las Vegas, but the cycle of addiction continued to pull him back.

After years of struggling, losing his marriage, and nearly losing himself, Dr. Jonas finally reached his breaking point. A letter offering him a ticket to Florida for treatment became his unexpected lifeline. Through the pain of withdrawal, personal loss, and deep self-reflection, he found a way forward. Today, as a licensed therapist, business owner, and advocate for addiction recovery, he shares his journey of resilience, transformation, and the heartbreaking loss of his son to addiction.

Access the full show notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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In this episode of Crosstalk Podcast, we welcome Eric Weber—also known as Bow Tie—a leading addiction counselor with 25 years of experience in mental health, addiction recovery, and behavioral disorders. From working in correctional facilities to treating patients at Karen Treatment Centers, Eric has seen addiction from every angle. Today, he reveals the hard truths about addiction, relapse, and what actually works in recovery.

Eric shares his personal and professional journey, starting as a counselor in a prison system, where he saw the devastating cycle of addiction, crime, and recidivism. He later transitioned to working in mental health and addiction treatment, gaining deep insight into what drives addiction, why people relapse, and how recovery can truly happen. He discusses the compounded shame of relapse, the role of community in recovery, and why some people struggle to stay sober even after treatment.

In this conversation, Eric also explores the science behind addiction, explaining how dopamine dysregulation fuels compulsions and why modern vices like gambling, cannabis, and technology are rapidly becoming new addiction epidemics. He provides practical, no-BS advice for those in recovery, those considering treatment, and family members who are struggling to understand addiction.

Whether you’re battling addiction, supporting a loved one, or simply want to understand the psychology of compulsive behaviors, this episode is packed with powerful insights that can change lives. Tune in to learn why addiction isn’t just about substances, why some people relapse, and the single biggest factor that predicts long-term recovery.

Access the full show notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Meet Sarah Frias, a former nurse who found herself battling IV drug addiction, facing near amputation, and spiraling into a deep, dark place. For years, she believed she was only a good nurse when using pills. But addiction took her further than she ever imagined—until she found the strength to turn her life around.

Sarah grew up struggling with identity, always trying to fit in. Her addiction journey began with alcohol and pills, escalating into IV heroin and crack use. At her lowest, she was facing severe wounds, hospitalizations, and the possibility of losing her leg. Despite multiple detox stays, she continued down a dangerous path—until she reached the breaking point.

Today, Sarah is over seven years sober and has completely transformed her life. She shares how she rebuilt her confidence, found her true self, and embraced recovery. From overcoming shame to navigating relationships in sobriety, Sarah's story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery.

This episode will inspire anyone struggling with addiction, self-doubt, or recovery challenges. Sarah’s raw honesty sheds light on the struggles of early sobriety, the importance of self-care, and the journey to rediscovering who you are beyond addiction. If you're searching for hope, healing, or just a reminder that recovery is possible, this episode is for you.

Access the full show notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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John Driscoll, CEO of the Caron Treatment Center, has spent decades fighting the addiction crisis. From his early days working in a Chicago homeless shelter to leading one of the nation’s top recovery centers, John shares the lessons he’s learned, the heartbreaking losses, and the victories that make it all worth it.

In this episode, John talks about addiction as a brain disease, the importance of structured treatment, and how he helped countless people rebuild their lives. His stories of women overcoming crack addiction, reuniting with their children, and finding hope are truly inspiring.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this episode offers insight, hope, and a reminder that recovery is possible.

Access the full show notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Meet Craig Robinson, a successful attorney whose life took a dramatic turn due to addiction. Craig shares his extraordinary journey of overcoming cocaine and alcohol dependency, navigating career setbacks, and rebuilding his life with resilience and hope.

Craig’s story begins with a “normal” childhood and a promising career in law, but substance use spiraled out of control, leading to job losses, foreclosure, and a suicide attempt. At rock bottom, Craig found the courage to ask for help, entering treatment and discovering the power of surrender, connection, and recovery.

Today, Craig is a husband, father, and lawyer who helps families struggling with addiction through the Florida Marchman Act. His story is a testament to the transformative power of recovery and the strength found in vulnerability.

This episode offers insight into the struggles and triumphs of addiction recovery, showing that it’s never too late to rebuild your life. Learn how asking for help, trusting others, and focusing on daily actions can lead to lasting change.

Access the full show notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We’re so grateful for your support each episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please help us reach others by sharing it with someone who’d love it and leaving a review here!

Meet Tamara, a veteran and mental health counselor whose life has been a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. From a childhood shaped by addiction in her family to her own battles with substance abuse, Tamara’s journey is filled with profound lessons on grief, loss, and the strength it takes to start over.

In this episode, Tamara shares how addiction affected her early life, from growing up in a home shadowed by substance abuse to losing both her father and stepfather to the disease. Despite her academic success and military aspirations, addiction led to devastating consequences, including career setbacks and shattered relationships.

But Tamara's story is one of hope and transformation. With the help of therapy, community, and her unrelenting determination, she found recovery, rebuilt her life, and now works to help others navigate their own paths to healing. Today, she is a homeowner, a loving caregiver, and a mental health professional who continues to give back through service.

Tune in to hear Tamara’s raw and inspiring story of hitting rock bottom and rising again. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or seeking hope, this episode will leave you with practical insights, encouragement, and a reminder that no matter how far you’ve fallen, change is possible.

Access the full show notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We’re so grateful for your support each episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please help us reach others by sharing it with someone who’d love it and leaving a review here!

Meet Taylor Baim, a personal trainer and recovering addict who has overcome immense personal challenges, including family turmoil, the loss of a close friend, and his own struggles with shame and self-acceptance as a gay man.

Taylor opens up about his tumultuous upbringing, marked by his parents' separation, a chaotic family dynamic, and early exposure to alcohol and drugs. He recounts how his substance use escalated during his teenage years and continued into his twenties, leading to devastating consequences. Despite these challenges, Taylor’s life took a turning point when he reached his lowest point and found clarity in the midst of chaos. Through the support of friends, recovery meetings, and sheer determination, he rebuilt his life. Today, Taylor is almost three years sober and thriving, using his story to inspire and help others.

Whether you're battling addiction, supporting a loved one, or seeking inspiration, Taylor’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-love. Tune in to hear how he turned his life around and the lessons he has for anyone walking a similar path.

Access the full show notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We’re so grateful for your support each episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please help us reach others by sharing it with someone who’d love it and leaving a review here!