Recovery in the Middle Ages - Two Middle-Aged Suburban Dads Talk About Recovering From Addiction to Drugs & Alcohol.

In this midyear news roundup episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, Mike and Nat discuss the most significant addiction and recovery stories of 2025. From the federal crackdown on kratom’s potent opioid-like compound to San Francisco’s hard pivot away from harm reduction, we’re breaking down what these changes mean for people in and around recovery. We’ll also explore why New York’s overdose death rate just dropped like a rock, ho...

Episode 143: Recovery in the News

In this episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, we run down the latest news from the world of recovery, giving our take on the headlines that matter to those on the sober path. We discuss the tragic passing of Melissa Trachtenberg, which may have been related to alcoholic liver disease. Then, we discuss The New York Times' long-overdue admission that red wine is not, in fact, the health elixir it w...

Episode 142: RMA, RFK and the San Patrignano Experiment

In this episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, we take a look at Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s plan to address addiction in America, which leans heavily on his personal recovery experience and the model of Italy’s San Patrignano rehab center. Kennedy’s proposal centers around creating “wellness farms” across rural America, where people struggling with addiction can live and work in...

Episode 141: The Return of RMA-Recovery in the News Edition

It’s been a minute, we know — but Mike and Nat are BACK, rested, refreshed and ready to serve up a new episode packed with recovery bon mots, musings, and thought-provoking insights. This week we’re diving into the latest conversations around sobriety, cultural norms, and health, giving our take on three recent articles from The New York Times that challenge the narrative ...

Episode 140: The US of AA, Rethinking Addiction One Step at a Time

In this long-awaited episode of RMA, we give our take on Joe Miller's 2017 book, US of AA: How the Twelve Steps Hijacked the Science of Alcoholism. We discuss AA’s influence on addiction treatment and its implications for health policy, exploring the complex interplay between science, policy, and substance use treatment in America. Plus, we take a closer look at why...

Episode 139: Hillbilly Elegy-Rust Belt Realities and the Opioid Odyssey

Hey everyone! Remember us? Our last episode may have dropped on May 21st, but we promise we haven't been lost in the Middle Ages. We've been busy jesters, juggling our balls and brewing up some epic content! We're thrilled to be back. Thanks for sticking with us.

In this first episode of season 5, we take a wild ride through J.D. Vance's 2016 memoir "Hillbilly ...

Peeling Back Labels: Redefining Identity and Stigma in Recovery and Mental Health

On this week’s show we take a look at the complex interplay between labeling, identity, and stigma in addiction recovery. This episode, inspired by a critical look at mental health interventions for teenagers, examines similar issues within substance abuse treatment. We discuss how stigma and the labeling of individuals as "addicts" can hinder recover...

High Time for Change: Cannabis Rescheduling and Its Impact on Recovery

In this episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, we explore a significant shift in cannabis legislation, focusing on the historical journey of cannabis from a Schedule I to a proposed  Schedule III substance. We explore the reasons behind this reclassification, the evolving perceptions of cannabis in society, and the science that influenced these legal changes. A...

RMA 136: Reel Recovery: Critiquing 'Intervention' and Exploring Addiction Genetics"

In this week’s episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, we delve into the widely popular TV show 'Intervention.' We'll discuss both the praise and criticism it has received over the years, exploring how it portrays addiction and the recovery process. Does the show offer a realistic view of addiction, or does it sensationalize personal tragedies for e...

Episode 135: Calm and Connected: Navigating Sobriety in Turbulent Times

In this episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, we wrestle with the critical topics of stress management and the dangers of isolation in sobriety. We explore practical strategies for maintaining emotional and mental balance through stress-busting techniques tailored for those in recovery. We also discuss the often overlooked risk of isolation—even when surround...

Semiglutides in Sobriety: A New Frontier in Addiction Recovery?

In this week’s episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, we delve into the groundbreaking realm of semiglutide medications, such as Ozempic, and their emerging role in addiction treatment. As science advances, so does our understanding of how these drugs not only aid in weight loss, but also show promise in the realm of addiction recovery. We'll explore the current sci...

RMA 133: The Prop 110 Debacle: A Deep Dive into Oregon's Legalization Experiment and the Nationwide Impact on Recovery

We are BACK! This week, we delve into the recent repeal of Proposition 110 in Oregon—a pivotal move that has sparked extensive debate and concern within the recovery community. We’ll explore how Oregon's challenges with drug legalization have not only affected local recovery efforts but also cast a long shadow acro...

RMA 132: The Suki Jones Interview

Join us this week on RMA, where we engage in a candid conversation with Suki Jones, author of the addiction and recovery memoir "Sea, Swallow Me." Suki takes us through her personal journey, detailing her experiences with drug addiction while juggling the responsibilities of motherhood and a career in modeling during the early '90s in the Bay Area. She shares the challenges of maintaining a façade ...

Nat Turns Six! Long Term Sobriety and Getting Your Marbles Back

As we celebrate Nat’s  remarkable milestone of six years of sobriety, we explore the personal journey of rebuilding one's identity and maintaining relationships in long-term recovery.  We also discuss the challenges and triumphs of redefining oneself post-addiction, from the metaphorical regaining of one's 'marbles' after five years, to the practicalities and emotional...

Beyond the Surface: Scuba Danny's Dive into Dry January, and Rethinking Your Own Relationship With Alcohol

In our first episode of 2024 Mike sits down with his old pal Scuba Danny.  Danny, currently navigating the waters of Dry January, shares his candid experiences and reflections on this temporary voyage of abstinence, despite having no plans to give up drinking long-term.

In this far-ranging conversation we delve into the comple...

Deck the Halls with Hope and Healing: The RMA Christmas Recovery Special

Welcome to the RMA Christmas Special! Join us as we dive into the spirit of the season while continuing to plumb the outer limits of the recovery universe for content and laughs. 

We play some listener voice-mails, tell a few bad jokes, and reflect on the ghosts of Christmases past and present. Are you setting any intentions for the new year? So are we!

Next w...

Breaking Balls and Beliefs: Unpacking Dock Ellis' LSD No-Hitter and Discussing the Outer Limits of Harm Reduction

In this week’s episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, Mike and Nat dive into the remarkable world of MJB pitcher Dock Ellis with a review of "No No: A Dockumentary." This episode takes a closer look at Ellis's infamous no-hitter while under the influence of LSD—a tale that intersects the worlds of professional sports, ...

Episode 127: Cult-ivating Sobriety- Reviewing Love Has Won and it’s Boozy Leader

In this week’s episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, Mike and Nat do an in-depth review of the documentary "Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God," now streaming on Max. Our hosts explore the captivating and often troubling world of the Love Has Won cult, discussing the complex interplay of addiction, control, and charismatic leadership embodied by ...

Episode 126: An Attitude of Gratitude-The RMA Thanksgiving Special!

Just in time for Thanksgiving, RMA brings you a special episode focused on gratitude. As we approach the festive time, it's important to remember the role of gratitude in our recovery journey. In this episode, we do a deep dive into understanding the power of thankfulness and its transformative impact on our mental and emotional well-being. Mike and Nat share perso...