Thrive While Loving an Addict | Addiction | Sobriety | Recovery | Relapse

You're Not Stuck — You're Still Following Rules That Once Kept You Safe: Breaking Free from Inherited Patterns

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Thrive While Loving an Addict, producer Steve Cary joins host KL Wells to explore how deeply rooted patterns shape t...

What a Death Doula Learned About Loving Someone You Can’t Save

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Episode SummaryIn this powerful conversation, host KL Wells sits down with Paul Simard, a death doula, TED Talk speaker, and men’s wellness coach, t...

“Nothing Is Working” Usually Means You’re Fighting the Wrong Battle

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Episode SummaryIn this episode, podcast producer Steve Cary joins host KL Wells for an honest and reflective conversation about what it means to thriv...

Why Healing Yourself Is the First Step to Breaking Generational Cycles of Shame – Part 2

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Episode SummaryIn Part 2 of this compassionate conversation, host KL Wells continues her dialogue with Denise Frenette on what it truly means to heal ...

Why Healing Yourself Is the First Step to Breaking Generational Cycles of Shame

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Episode SummaryIn this powerful episode, host KL Wells sits down with Denise Frenette, a Canadian spiritual synergist, life coach, and author of the n...

How to Survive the Holiday Grief Spiral When Addiction Has Taken Someone

30 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this deeply moving and honest episode, host KL Wells is joined by Jim Horton, a father who tragically lost his 19-year-old son, Zach, to an opiate ...

How a Spiritual Awakening in India Healed a Lifetime of Addiction

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this deeply moving episode, host KL Wells welcomes Pamela Tosh, an energy healer and yoga teacher joining us from Cape Town, South Africa. Pamela s...

How to Survive the Unthinkable: Lessons from Antarctica, Addiction, and Saying Goodbye

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful episode, host KL Wells welcomes the extraordinary Mike Pierce, also known as "Antarctic Mike." Mike shares his incredible life story,...

The Hidden Root of Family Addiction and the Path to Parallel Recovery

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, host KL Wells sits down with fellow podcaster Krista Zaft to explore the generational cycles of addictio...

The Hidden Roots of Addiction and the Power of a Parent's Recovery

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this deeply moving episode, host KL Wells is joined by Dr. Janelle Martin, a functional medicine doctor and counselor from Houston. Dr. Martin shar...

Breaking Free from the Lie: How to Heal Past Trauma and Unlock Future Hope

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Thrive While Loving an Addict, host KL Wells welcomes author and cycle-breaker Wendy B. Correa to disc...

How to Break Free from Shame: The Surprising Root of Addiction and the Key to Healing

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Thrive, host KL Wells sits down with Ian Vassilaros—a licensed therapist, business consultant, and coach—to explore the destruc...

Mother & Son: How Healing Herself Saved His Life: A 20‑Year Journey From Pain to Purpose

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful third installment of our series with KL Wells, host Steve Cary explores KL’s deeply personal 20-year journey of loving her son, Sam...

From Grief to Purpose: A Sister’s Journey Through Addiction, Loss, and Recovery with Amanda Bourque

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Voices InCourage: Thrive While Loving an Addict, host KL Wells sits down with Amanda Bourque—certifi...

Challenging Addiction: Emerging Approaches with Dr. Amy Swift

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Episode Summary:In this insightful episode, host KL Wells sits down with Dr. Amy Swift, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Silver Hill Hospital in New Ca...

From Trauma to Triumph: A Journey of Recovery and Self-Discovery with Leslie Johansen Nack

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful episode, host KL Wells sits down with Leslie Johansen Nack—award-winning author and advocate—as she prepares to launch her third ...

Redefining Self-Defense: Elicia Ybarra on Taking Back Your Life with 'Pretty Hands Hard Punches'

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Host KL Wells welcomes Elicia Ybarra, founder of Pretty Hands Hard Punches, for a powerful conversation about resilience, healing, and empowerment. Dr...

From Grief to Purpose: A Father's Journey Through Loss and Advocacy with Doug Ballinger

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Thrive While Loving an Addict, host KL Wells welcomes Doug Ballinger—author, advocate, podcaster, and end-of-life doula. Doug sha...

Thriving Not Just Surviving: Navigating Addiction and Family Healing featuring David Hampton

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Thrive While Loving an Addict, host KL Wells welcomes David Hampton, a certified professional recovery coach, author, and speaker f...

From Why to How: Debbie Simmons on Transforming Grief into a Thriving Legacy

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this heartfelt episode of Thrive While Loving an Addict, host KL Wells sits down with Debbie Simmons—author, founder, and resilient mother of ...

Shame & Addiction: Breaking the Cycle with Duane Osterlind

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Thrive While Loving an Addict, host KL Wells reconnects with Duane Osterlind, LMFT, founder of The Addicted Mind podcast and expert...

A New Approach to Addiction and Trauma with Dr. Fredric Schiffer

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Thrive While Loving an Addict, host KL Wells welcomes Dr. Fredric Schiffer, a Harvard-affiliated expert on trauma and addiction. Dr...

Understanding Addiction: Separating the Person from the Disease with Jim Horton

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful episode, host KL Wells sits down with Jim Horton, who shares his transformative experience in Utah and opens up about his deeply pers...

From Addiction to Advocacy: Fighting Substance Use Disorder with Natasha Davis and Haley Sample

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Thrive While Loving an Addict, host KL Wells interviews Natasha Davis and Haley Sample, best friends of 25 years who have both pers...

Transforming Pain into Purpose: KL Wells on Her Journey with Son Sam's Addiction

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this continuation of our conversation with KL Wells, host Steve Cary dives deeper into the challenges and triumphs of navigating life alongside a l...

Boundaries and Love: Ian Cron on Parenting a Child in Recovery

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful episode, host KL Wells sits down with Ian Morgan Cron, bestselling author, Enneagram expert, and host of the Typology Podcast, to exp...

Thriving Amidst Chaos: KL Wells Discusses Loving Someone with Addiction

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, producer and team member Steve Cary steps out from behind the scenes to host a heartfelt conversation with KL Wells, founder ...

Navigating the Storm: KL Wells on Setting Boundaries for Families Affected by Addiction

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode of the Voices InCourage podcast, the tables turn as host Beverly Buncher interviews KL Wells - leadership coach, emotiona...

Supporting a Loved One in Addiction: Boundaries and Recovery with Kathy Wrenn

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, host KL Wells speaks with Kathy Wrenn, a former health education teacher and current coach with BALM Family Recovery.With over 20 yea...

Breaking the Cycle: Healing Generational Trauma and Addiction with Melissa Engle

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, host KL Wells reflects on the new year and the challenges of multigenerational addiction and trauma. They introduce Melissa Engle, co...

From Struggle to Strength: Supporting Loved Ones in Recovery with Cathie Coe Sipe

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "Thrive While Loving an Addict," host KL Wells and guest Cathie Coe Sipe, Founder/CEO of New Each Morning, discuss the challenges a...

Save Lives This Holiday Season – The Vital Role of Narcan and Advocacy with Dr. Rais Vohra

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "Thrive While Loving an Addict," the host KL Wells welcomes Dr. Rais Vohra, an emergency room physician and medical toxicology expe...

The Best Strategies for Supporting a Loved One in Recovery During the Holidays

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the host KL Wells engages with Beverly Buncher, founder of BALM Family Recovery, to discuss the emotional challenges families face du...

From Pain to Healing: Transforming Addiction into Connection with Melissa Engle

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "Thrive While Loving an Addict," host KL Wells welcomes Melissa Engle, co-owner and executive vice president of Healing Springs Ran...

Love, Limits, and Lessons: Navigating Life with an Addict with Waylon Hirst

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "Thriving While Loving an Addict," host KL Wells speaks with Waylon Hirst, spouse of sobriety coach Jen Hirst. Waylon shares his jo...

Healing the Family: How to Rebuild Trust and Connection Through Recovery with Beverly Buncher

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the host KL Wells welcomes Beverly Buncher, founder of BALM Family Recovery, and discusses the challenges families face when dealing ...

Breaking the Chains of Shame: A Journey to Authentic Sobriety with Meredith Eicher

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, the host KL Wells and guest Meredith Eicher discuss the themes of shame, guilt, judgment, and stigma surrounding substance us...

Beyond Bars: Empowering Families to Navigate Addiction and the Correctional System with Nicole Schueppert

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the host KL Wells and guest, Nicole Schueppert, a probation officer with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, discuss the challen...

How Can Families Support Loved Ones Struggling with Addiction? with Rachel Graham

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the host welcomes back Rachel Graham, founder and CEO of Healing Springs, to discuss addiction and its impact on families. Rachel sha...

Understanding the Family's Role in the Addiction Recovery Journey with William Moyers

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this insightful podcast episode, KL Wells welcomes William Moyers, a New York Times bestselling author and recovery advocate. They discuss addictio...

Understanding the Complexities of Addiction and Incarceration with Kelly Misfeldt

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, your host, KL Wells, shares a personal story about witnessing her son's arrest, highlighting the emotional challenges families face w...

Exposing the Addiction Recovery Stigma in Healthcare with Dr. Rais Vohra

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, KL Wells and Dr. Rais Vohra discuss their personal experiences and perspectives on addiction, emphasizing the need for a more compas...

How Sobriety Can Transform Relationships and Foster Self-Care with Jen Lee Hirst

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the host, KL Wells welcomes sobriety coach Jen Lee Hurst to discuss the complexities of sobriety, self-care, and the impact of addict...

The Healing Power of Connection: Nurturing Supportive Communities for Recovery with Andrew Schultz

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, our host, KL Wells, a mother with personal experience in dealing with a loved one's substance use disorder, speaks with Andre...

The Power of Living Amends After Recovery with Tucker Stine

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, host KL Wells, a mother with firsthand experience, and guest Tucker Stine, a CMO and recovery advocate, discuss the complexities of r...

Is Addiction Inherited? Can You Break the Cycle? with Andrew Schultz

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Andrew Schultz, a podcaster and entrepreneur, shares his heartfelt story of addiction, recovery, and the power of family inte...

What to Do When Your Spouse is an Addict with Rachel Graham

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine the life that you thought you were living was actually a lie as you witness your entire world unravel. Meet today’s guest, Rachel Graham, CE...

From Hollywood High Life to Rock Bottom: Laura Cathcart Robbins on Surviving Addiction in the Public Eye

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to a deeply personal episode, featuring best-selling author and podcast host, Laura Cathcart Robbins. Her memoir, Stash, My Life In Hiding, is...

The Brain Science Of "Change" With KL Wells

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When we are in the throes of a loved one’s addiction, change can be one of the biggest obstacles that lies in the way of allowing ourselves to thriv...

How Women Thrive In Sobriety With Coach Jen Lee Hirst

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s Voices InCourage episode, we feature Jen Lee Hirst, a dynamic full-time working mom of two and a sobriety coach on a mission to empower w...

Emotional Trauma The Power Of Resiliency With Therapist & Trauma Coach Cerita Yvonne

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Embracing our emotions has incredible healing power, yet can be one of the hardest acts to accept. It doesn’t have to be that way. Meet Cerita Yvonn...

Growing Up With Alcoholism With Marci Hopkins, Author Of “Chaos To Clarity”

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Growing up with alcoholism in the family creates a storm many families cannot weather alone. Join us with the author of Chaos to Clarity, Marci Hopkin...

How To Thrive When A Loved One Relapses

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Relapse is a part of the majority of an addict's journey. KL Wells opens up about her son’s relapse and how she went months with no contact. She adv...

Susan Bartz Herrick On Reinventing Your Life After Losing A Son To Addiction

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Experience a transformative conversation with Susan Bartz Herrick in today's episode that dives into the heartbreaking loss of her son to opioid addic...

Unraveling Grief With Author & Grief Therapist Claire Bidwell Smith

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, we have author, podcast host, speaker, and grief therapist Claire Bidwell Smith – a resilient woman who weathered the storm of...

Dr. Kate Lund On The Power Of Optimism

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Life is a whirlwind, especially when you're a parent facing the challenges of your child’s addiction and alcoholism. But guess what? Those challenge...

Dr. Bill Crawford On Finding Clarity In The Chaos Of Addiction During The Holidays

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we navigate this year’s holiday season, Dr. Bill Crawford is back in today’s episode to share practical strategies to redefine our experience u...

Understanding The Mind And Brain Of Addiction

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know it takes at least 9 months for a brain to recover from prolonged substance abuse? Addiction is often a complex web of genetics, environme...

Dr. Lynyetta Willis On The 5 PATHS Of Shifting Human Behavior

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Lynyetta Willis, a trauma survivor, shares her inspiring insights of personal transformation in five key areas she calls "PATHS”: Perspective, A...

Resentment To Understanding: Managing Anger When Addiction Hits Home

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the turbulent landscape of addiction, anger often emerges as an unwelcome companion. In this gripping podcast episode, host KL takes you on a deepl...

Jim Horton's Holiday Advice For Grieving Parents

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Prepare for a podcast episode that may well be the most profound and impactful from Voices InCourage. Whether you've grappled with the loss of a child...

Robin Detmer On Self-love, Forgiveness And The Ultimate Surrender.

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Voices InCourage, we welcome Robin Detmer, a woman whose life is a testament to love, resilience, and transformation. A physical th...

The Journey After Prison Release

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever welcomed a loved one back after their release from prison, you understand the rollercoaster of emotions that ride alongside. In today's...

How To Love Someone With Alcoholism With Jan Salisbury

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is a story of empathy, understanding, and unwavering love with Jan Salisbury, whose daughter is a recovering alcoholic of 18 years. Learn as we e...

Grace Burkhart - From Crisis To Connection: When Someone I Love Has Been Arrested

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for an emotionally charged episode that dives deep into the raw realities of love and crisis. VIC’s CEO KL Wells' world shattered as her bel...

How To Get Out Of The Silence Of Alcoholism, with Author Dana Killion

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Uncover the compelling journey of Dana Killion, acclaimed author of "Where the Shadows Dance," and a wife to an alcoholic. In this heart-rending podca...

Mary Beth O’Connor: I'm A Recovering Addict, But I'm Also A Loved One

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine moving From Junkie to Judge and the depth of work and clarity it took for Mary Beth O'Connor to achieve this goal. Today, learn what happened ...

Andy Graham: When the Outside Looks Perfect, But the Inside Is Shut Down

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever been in so much pain you’ve had to shut down emotionally? You stop allowing yourself to feel your emotions just so you can survive and...

Reinventing Summer Holidays When Addiction Takes Over

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Holidays are meant to bring about happy celebration, but what happens when a family member’s addiction turns them into fearful anxiety? KL Wells is ...

Silence Kills: Shattering The Stigma Of Addiction With Jim Horton

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you need help learning how to thrive in the midst of a family member’s substance abuse disorder? Today, KL Wells and Jim Horton discuss tactical ...

Voices InCourage 1 Year Anniversary Podcast

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, KL Wells and Tucker Stine reflect on celebrating one year of the Voices InCourage Podcast. They explore the harsh reality of the r...

What I Learned From My 34-Day ‘Dry' with Rachelle Babler

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, KL Wells sits down with her friend and collaborator, Rachelle Babler, a TEDx speaker, #1 International Best-Selling Co-Author, and Entrepreneur...

From Junkie To Judge: One Woman’s Triumph Over Trauma And Addiction, with Author Mary Beth O'Connor

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s podcast, KL meets Mary Beth O’Connor, author of “From Junkie to Judge: One Woman’s Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction.” In this po...

Sparkle - You Can't Own My Addiction

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today KL sits down again with Sparkle, who is 30 years sober from her meth addiction, to touch on the importance of acceptance and compassionate, unco...

Jim Horton On The Loss Of A Child To Addiction

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today KL Wells is back with Jim Horton, the founder of the Zachary Horton Foundation, this time with Jim as a featured guest on the Voices I...

A Father And Son's Story Of Addiction with Andy Graham

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We live to see drug addicts in our community but never hear the tale behind them. We never get to hear the stories behind every parent who also suffer...

Addiction Education And Safe Spaces In The Workplace

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Just as mental health education is becoming more accepted within the workplace, addiction education is right behind it. Join Voices InCourage founder ...

Vanessa Sexson On Neurofeedback - What It Is And How It Can Change Your Life.

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, KL Wells interviews Vanessa Sexson, a neuro-therapist who has been in the healing profession for 30 years. In this episode, Vanessa addresses w...

Removing 95% Of Drinking From My Life With Steve Cary

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

KL Wells sits down with Steve Cary, who has been part of the Voices InCourage team from the very beginning. Steve's journey with alcohol is similar to...

A Mother's Thriving Mindset In the Midst of Her Daughter's Addiction

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Meet Janet, an elite fitness coach who happens to be the mother of an addict. Her story is an inspiration of strength, self-discipline, and resilience...

The Dos And Don'ts Of Addiction With Ken Clark

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Just like with everything else, there are dos and don’ts to addiction. What should you say to a loved one with an addiction problem? How can you sta...

Shame And Judgment In The Workplace - Part 2

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to another episode where our host KL Wells reconnects with Tucker Stine, which follows their first conversation in Episode #11. Shame and...

Dr. Bill Crawford On Thriving In The Midst Of Disease

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is it possible to thrive in the middle of alcohol addiction? What role do family members have in making it a possibility? In this episode, Dr. Bill Cr...

Marriage And The Road To Recovery

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We take a moment to check in with our VPs Tucker and Jenn, who open up about where they are in their journey. Listen as they uncover their clarity of ...

Dr. Bill Crawford On Grieving The Shattered Dream

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Grief is natural to humans, and its intensity resonates with our love for others. Although grief can be overwhelming, it is a healthy process for ever...

Shame And Judgement In The Workplace

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With 65% of Americans searching for new jobs, only 20% finding fulfillment in work, and 84% saying they are bringing personal trauma to work, it’s n...

Sol Espinosa On Alcoholism, Self-Love And Cultural Acceptance

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sol Espinosa is a Holistic Nutrition Health Coach, a Mexican living in Australia, a married mother of two tweens, a marketing entrepreneur, and t...

Transforming A Crisis Into A Thriving Life with Ken Clark

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Addiction can bring your life into total disarray, messing up your career and relationships. Despite this depressing end result, the hope of regaining...

The Power Of Forgiveness

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest shifts the conversation around substance abuse disorder and makes forgiveness the dominating theme. Annie is a writer, speaker, and fa...

Jeff Bristol on Conquering Addiction: Never Lose Hope

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jeff Bristol is in his ninth year of recovery from drugs and alcohol, and is currently the co-owner at one of the top 10 gyms in the US. Jeff shares h...

Behind The Scenes Of Marriage And Alcoholism

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Voices InCourage VPs Jenn Stine and Tucker Stine open up about their struggles and successes while handling the dynamics of Tucker’s alcoholism and ...

Inside The Mind Of An Addict

16 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Meet one of Voices InCourage’s founding community members, Sparkle. Sparkle speaks on the journey of our experiences with alcoholism and addiction. ...

The Power Of Vigilant Learning Through Addiction

02 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Voices InCourage members Joanne and Sarah share their experience as mother and wife of their late son and husband, Bart. During Bart’s struggle with...

Our Secrets Keep Us Sick

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Meet Voices InCourage community member Jeannie. Jeannie teaches us an important lesson: "Our Secrets Keep Us Sick." In this conversation with KL Wells...

Breaking Your Silence Using Your Voice

05 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Breaking your silence with an alcoholic spouse can feel almost impossible. In this episode, Jenn joins KL Wells and shares her story about how her fea...

Welcome to the Voices InCourage Podcast

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Voices InCourage with KL Wells. In this special first episode, join us as we introduce you to our host. KL Wells brings together loved ones...