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

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...

Episode 125: Recovery News Roundup: Sober Companions, Xylazine Alert, Poly-Addiction Trends and the West Coast Monkster Mash!

It’s an extended version of Recovery in the News!  We kick off the discussion with an look into the concept of sober companions and their growing importance in the journey towards sobriety, (if you have enough money). The conversation then shifts to a critical analysis of xylazine, a substance that's increas...

Episode 124: A Monkster's Tale: Zed's Journey from Cannabis to Clarity

This week Mike and Nat welcome Zed to the podcast to tell his story of his weed and alcohol addiction, and his recovery through the 12 steps. Zed began smoking weed and drinking in college and things quickly got out of hand. A speeding arrest, coupled with the impending arrival of his first child, became Zed's turning point towards the healing path of the 12 ste...

Episode 123: RMA Interview: Dave Smith-The Dharma of Addiction and Recovery

This week Mike and Nat welcome Dave Smith to the podcast to discuss Buddhism, recovery, and the dharma of your life.

Dave is an internationally recognized Buddhist meditation teacher, addiction treatment specialist, and published author. His background is rooted in the Insight Meditation tradition and he was empowered to teach through the Against the St...

Episode 122: Recovery 101-Sober October and Other Scary Recovery Concepts

It’s back to basics this week, as Mike and Nat talk about how to have a successful Sober October and how to use the popular challenge as a way to springboard forward into a more lasting recovery.

Also, Nat is back from Dopey Con IV and he gives a full report, and Mike takes the Fear City tour of the Lower East Side with John Joseph of the Cro-Mags.

Plus...

Episode 121: Recovery Gold-Hoarding Your Addiction 

Mike and Nat dig deep into the recovery topic token bag and pull out some conversation starters. Is there a positive way to look at self-centeredness? Do you need faith and spiritual awakenings to recover? How is the recovery journey like the plot of the Hobbit? 

We also catch up with Ryan and read a listener email. All this and more on a searching and fearless episode of Recove...

RMA Episode 120: Fentanyl Fall-Drug Policy and More! An RMA News Special

Last week, a tragic incident occurred at a daycare center in New York, where a child died due to a suspected fentanyl overdose after being exposed to the drug concealed within the facility. Meanwhile, across the country in Oregon, the state grapples with the repercussions of passing Proposition 110. This legislation effectively decriminalized drugs, including ...

RMA Episode 119: Recovery Boys-An RMA Back to School Special!

This week Mike and Nat do an in-depth review of the Netflix special Recovery Boys. Recovery Boys is a Netflix documentary directed by Elaine McMillion Sheldon. The documentary, which was released in 2018, follows the journey of four young men as they attempt to rebuild their lives and recover from opioid addiction. The film primarily takes place at a farm-based rehab fac...

RMA Episode 118: Painkiller Review-A Kick in the Sacklers

And we’re back! Season 4 kicks off with a discussion of the Netflix docu-drama Painkiller. Does the world need another re-telling of the Oxy-Contin story? Tune in to find out.

PLUS, we listen to some hotline voice-mails, talk about what we did on our summer vacations, and share the sad story of the Long Island cocaine Chihuahuas.

AND Mike has 4 years! 

*This podcast do...

RMA Episode 117: The Highs and Lows of Pharmaceutical Meth: A Candid Dive into “Take Your Pills'"

In this week’s episode of the Recovery in the Middle Ages Podcast, Mike  and Nat dissect the thought-provoking Netflix documentary, "Take Your Pills." This 2018 documentary delves into the world of Adderall and other stimulants, exploring their widespread use for ADHD and their potential for abuse by people looking for an edge. Mike...