Recoverycast: Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Stories

Lacey Spence survived a childhood of foster care, an illegal "girls' home" in Mexico, and a harrowing journey through the prison system to build a life defined by radical resilience. After being abandoned by her mother and losing both her mother and sister to suicide, Lacey’s path led from prescribed Percocet to a "rolling ball of disaster" involving heroin, meth, and high-stakes robbery. Today, she is a professional dental assistant, a wife, and a mother who successfully fought to restore her family.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Follow Lacey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bbylaceyxoxo
In this vulnerable conversation, Lacey pulls back the curtain on the "daily hustle" of addiction and the brutal reality of sobering up in a jail cell without a mattress or window. She shares how she maintained nine years of sobriety even after the sudden death of her father, proving that no one is ever "too far gone". Lacey’s story is a powerful testament to breaking the stigma and the importance of giving people a second chance to prove their worth. Whether you are struggling with a mother wound, navigating the legal system, or seeking hope in the face of bankruptcy and loss, Lacey’s "chest out" approach to boundaries and self-love provides a roadmap for transformation.

Subscribe for more stories of radical resilience, comment with your favorite takeaway, and share this episode with someone who needs to know that life isn't over after a relapse or a prison sentence.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Surviving Foster Care & Childhood Trauma
03:15 – Abandoned in Mexico: The Illegal Girls’ Home
21:00 – From Prescribed Percocet to the Opioid Epidemic
30:40 – The Descent: Heroin, Meth, & Hitting Rock Bottom
37:20 – Robbery, Running, & a Prison Sentence
50:00 – Sobering Up Behind Bars
53:00 – Grieving Her Father Without Relapsing
57:00 – Restoring Motherhood & Fighting for Custody
59:00 – Life After Prison: Radical Resilience
59:45 – How to Find Lacey Online
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How does childhood trauma in foster care lead to addiction?
What is the link between prescription painkillers and heroin use?
Can you recover from heroin and meth addiction in prison?
How do I cope with the death of a parent in early sobriety?
How can I get custody of my children back after prison?
What are the signs of a "mother wound" in recovery?
How does radical transparency help break the addiction stigma?
Can an addict return to a professional career like dental assisting?
What is it like to sober up in a jail cell?
How do you set boundaries with toxic people in recovery?
What is the impact of family suicide on the recovery journey?
How do you handle bankruptcy caused by drug addiction?
Is it possible to find love and marriage after prison?
How do I deal with resentment toward guardians during recovery?
What does "radical resilience" look like in long-term sobriety?
#AddictionRecovery #PrisonToPurpose #SobrietyStories

From rave influencer to sober advocate, Reno (@CherryEmojiGirl) gets radically honest about the "cringe" and beauty of recovery. Reno shares her intense journey through polysubstance addiction, including alcohol, cocaine, ketamine, and whippets, while navigating the highs of Southern California's rave scene. She opens up about the deep-seated trauma of being adopted out at birth after her biological mother was convicted of child abuse related to Munchausen by proxy. Reno also discusses the complexities of mental health, from her initial BPD misdiagnosis to managing bipolar disorder with mood stabilizers. 
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
This episode explores the reality of "functional" addiction where life looks great on the outside while rotting on the inside. Reno breaks down how she transitioned from "balls to the wall" drug use to finding a community of sober ravers who prioritize wellness over the "pretty privilege" of free substances. Learn why she believes being "cringe" is the most authentic thing you can do and how digging deep into self-accountability finally allowed her to put down the drugs for good. Whether you are sober-curious or in long-term recovery, Reno’s story is a testament that it does get better—even if it gets harder first. 
Subscribe and comment to join our community of radical honesty.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – The Swag of Being Cringe  
04:41 – Introducing Reno (@CherryEmojiGirl)  
08:19 – Adoption Trauma & Munchausen by Proxy  
11:13 – Choosing No Contact for Healing  
17:11 – Rave Culture & The "Influencer" Struggle  
20:13 – Early Drug Use & "Robo-Tripping"
25:59 – Bipolar Disorder vs. BPD Misdiagnosis  
31:10 – The Turning Point: Quitting in the Backyard  
40:05 – How to Rave Sober (and Still Have Fun)  
46:26 – Authenticity & Helping Others Online  
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
Can I stay sober and still go to raves?  
What is the difference between Bipolar and BPD?  
How does adoption trauma affect addiction in later life?  
What are the signs of Munchausen by Proxy?  
Why is radical honesty important in recovery?  
How do I go "no contact" with a parent for my mental health?  
Is ketamine addiction common in the EDM scene?  
Can SSRIs cause mania in people with bipolar disorder?  
What does a "functional" rock bottom actually look like?  
How to handle emotional reactivity in early sobriety?  
What is "cocaethylene" and why is it dangerous?  
How do I stop people-pleasing while sober?  
Is it possible to get sober without traditional rehab?  
How to protect your mental health on social media?  
Why does being "cringe" help with authentic recovery?  
#SoberRaving #BipolarRecovery #AddictionRecovery

Coming up on three years of sobriety, Riley Whelan returns to Recoverycast to share the profound shift from "not drinking" to achieving true emotional sobriety. After a public journey through addiction and a humbling relapse, Riley discusses the reality of rebuilding a life, the anxiety of the "three-year itch," and why she transitioned from a chaotic lifestyle to finding peace in Saturday nights at home.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
In this episode, Riley dives deep into the "amends" process, recounting a powerful and healing confrontation with a family who took her in during her lowest point in San Diego. We explore the tools that keep her grounded—including morning meditation, restorative yoga, and the 12-step program—while navigating her new role as a social media coordinator and recovery advocate. Riley’s story is a testament to the fact that while you can't outthink the disease of addiction, you can outwork it by staying "in the middle of the boat" with the help of a supportive community. Whether you are struggling with alcohol, substances, or the boredom of early recovery, this conversation offers a roadmap for turning wreckage into a life of purpose and sparkle.
Subscribe to hear more stories of hope and resilience. If Riley’s journey resonated with you, leave a comment below!
⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – The Snapshot: 3 Years Ago vs. Now 02:15 – What is Emotional Sobriety? 05:10 – Practical Tools: Meditation, Yoga & Nature 07:20 – Why Relapse is a Part of the Story 09:15 – Making Amends: Healing the San Diego Trauma 13:45 – The Gift of Boredom & Sitting with Yourself 17:40 – Running From Silence: The Travel Trap 19:45 – Staying Grounded as a Sober Content Creator 24:30 – Navigating Treatment: Residential vs. Sober Living 32:00 – The "Sober Glow" & Breaking the Stigma
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
What is the difference between physical and emotional sobriety?
How do I handle the boredom and restlessness that comes with long-term recovery?
What are the best morning routines for people in addiction recovery?
How do I make amends to people I hurt during my addiction?
Can yoga and physical exercise help with alcohol cravings?
How does ADHD affect the ability to sit still in sobriety?
What should I do if I feel like I am "running away" through travel or distractions?
How do I stay humble when I start experiencing the "gifts of sobriety"?
What is the role of a sponsor in the 12-step program?
How do I choose between residential treatment and outpatient care?
Does my skin and physical appearance change after quitting alcohol?
How can social media be used as a positive tool for recovery?
#SobrietyStories #AlcoholRecovery #MentalHealthMatters

Singer-songwriter Samuel Harness, known for his breakout performance on Season 21 of The Voice, joins Recoverycast to share the raw reality of his journey through addiction recovery and childhood trauma. In this vulnerable episode, Samuel discusses the long-term impact of sexual assault, the complexities of being an adoptee, and the intense pressure of the music industry. From navigating anxiety and depression to his experiences with Adderall, alcohol, and psychedelics, Samuel illustrates how substances became a coping mechanism for a "dark cloud" building inside him.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Samuel details a pivotal moment in his sobriety story: finding out he was going to be a father while high on acid. This wake-up call led him to trade emotional absence for spiritual presence, finding an anchor in his faith and his son. He also offers a rare look at the difficulties of relapse prevention, specifically how he navigated a recent major back injury and the temptation of pain medication while maintaining his recovery. This conversation moves beyond generic "drug addiction" narratives to explore the "medicine" of music and the lifelong process of healing.
If you are struggling with substance abuse or identity, Samuel’s story is a powerful reminder that while we are all "broken," there is a path to becoming a "multifaceted human being" defined by purpose rather than pain.
Subscribe to Recoverycast for more stories of hope, comment your thoughts below, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction to Samuel Harness 
01:41 — How Emo Music Provided Emotional Security 
05:57 — Processing Childhood Trauma & Early Anxiety 
08:48 — Adoption Identity & Generational Trauma 
12:41 — From Public School Freedom to Substance Abuse 
17:31 — Modeling, Eating Disorders, & Psychedelics 
18:56 — The Turning Point: Finding Out I’m a Dad While High 
28:28 — Navigating Fame on The Voice & Social Anxiety 
37:01 — Redefining Recovery: Why We Must Talk About Relapse 
47:30 — Managing a Back Injury Without Relapsing on Pills 
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How does childhood sexual assault impact mental health in adulthood? 
What are the common coping mechanisms for children with untreated anxiety? 
How do adoption and birth parent rejection influence addiction? 
What was Samuel Harness's sobriety turning point? 
How does the modeling industry contribute to eating disorders? 
Can music serve as a form of therapy or "medicine"? 
What are the dangers of psychedelic use on long-term mental health? 
How can fatherhood motivate someone to stay sober? 
What is it like to navigate social anxiety while being a public figure? 
Is it possible to manage chronic pain medication in recovery? 
Why is the shame surrounding relapse so damaging to healing? 
How does Samuel Harness define himself beyond his music? 
What role does faith play in Samuel Harness's recovery? 
How can a ten-minute walk assist in mental health recovery? 
What are the "stereotypical steps" people try to take to feel normal? 
#SamuelHarness #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness

From interviewing Coldplay while high to losing his best friend and co-host to a fatal relapse, David Manheim reveals the raw, unfiltered truth about heroin addiction and the grit required for long-term recovery. As the creator of the legendary Dopey podcast, David spent two decades navigating the "frantic energy" of a career at MTV and the legendary tables of Katz’s Deli while battling a severe substance use disorder.

In this moving episode of Recoverycast, David discusses the "war stories" that defined his early life, his experience on 150mg of methadone, and the crushing weight of parental shame that eventually led him to seek help. He opens up about the devastating loss of his co-host, Chris, and how that tragedy transformed the Dopey community into a global "Dopey Nation" focused on healing through humor and connection. We dive deep into why traditional recovery often feels watered down and how David found a lifeline through 12-step spiritual principles and radical honesty. Whether you are navigating your first day of sobriety or looking for ways to maintain long-term recovery after a loss, David’s journey offers a roadmap from the depths of addiction to a life of purpose and fatherhood.

Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Check out the Dopey podcast: https://dopeypodcast.com/

David shares the daily routine that keeps him sober today—from sponsorship to meditation—and explains why "hitting the dopey" (sharing the dark truths of addiction) is often the first step toward light. Subscribe to join our community and hear more powerful sobriety stories that prove you are never alone.

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – The Origin of Dopey and the Loss of Chris
05:41 – High School at MTV: Internships and Infiltration
11:24 – The College Spiral: From Stoner to Art School Heroin Use
16:46 – Stealing from MTV and the Bottom Falling Out
21:10 – Living in Public Housing on $100k a Year
24:26 – Fatherhood, Visitation Shame, and Kicking Methadone
29:34 – The Moment of Clarity at 41 Years Old
34:57 – Launching Dopey: Turning War Stories into Connection
42:27 – Handling the Grief of a Best Friend’s Fatal Relapse
52:07 – Spiritual Maintenance: Staying Sober for 10 Years

❓ Questions the Video Answers:

How can humor help in addiction recovery?

What are the signs of high-functioning heroin addiction?

How do I cope with losing a friend to an overdose?

What is the "Dopey" podcast and Dopey Nation?

How do I transition from methadone to total sobriety?

Can I still be funny and creative without drugs?

What does the 12-step program look like for chronic relapsers?

How do I handle the shame of being a parent in active addiction?

Why is raw honesty more effective than traditional treatment?

What is a "moment of clarity" in recovery?

How do you maintain sobriety after 10 years?

What was it like interviewing rockstars while high at MTV?

#AddictionRecovery #DopeyPodcast #SobrietyStories