5 Recovery Podcasts Worth Listening To
Podcasts are coming back in a big way and I’m just so glad that people in recovery have a platform that allows sharing of stories and experience. Podcasting is nothing new but it has seen a surge in popularity over the past couple of years.
But here’s the thing — there are so many recovery podcasts out there right now. Some shows are better than others but in order to find them, it can be a gamble.
So where do you start?
I turned to the airwaves and started to keep note of the best podcasts that are entirely worth checking out. Plus, I’ve included a few of my favorite episodes from each show to get you started.
You’re welcome.
Recovery Happy Hour
This one I only just started listening to but am so glad I found it. It’s hosted by Tricia, a very sweet woman I have not had the pleasure of meeting yet but I feel like I already know her. She balances that fine line between a relatable woman in recovery with fact-based evidence, articles and studies. I also love that she’s just honest about what she doesn’t know.
My favorite episode: Episode 3: Mommy Wine Culture
SHAIR Podcast: Sharing Helps Addicts in Recovery
Hosted by Omar Pinto (or just O), SHAIR is legitimately the best quality sound and production among all the recovery podcasts out there. O was made to host this show — he’s great with people and has a voice that destined for radio.
If you work a 12-step program — this show really dives into how other people work their program, how they stay sober/manage their recovery and mental health — this show will be a huge inspiration.
My favorite episode: SHAIR 173: She Recovers with Dawn Nickel
StoryCorps by NPR
While it’s not specifically a recovery podcast, StoryCorps is such a beautiful collection of human stories and it’s created by NPR so you know it’s top notch. The reason I wanted to include it is that it’s a great way to experience other people’s struggles and triumphs. They are all about compassion — an essential tool in recovery. Just take a look at their mission:
“We do this to remind one another of our shared humanity, to strengthen and build the connections between people, to teach the value of listening, and to weave into the fabric of our culture the understanding that everyone’s story matters. At the same time, we are creating an invaluable archive for future generations.”
Isn’t that what we all need more of these days?
If you are new to podcasts — start here. Each episode is bite-sized and they do an excellent job of weaving compelling and compassionate stories that remind us that we’re all in this together.
My favorite episodes: Karen Goodwin and Marlene Shay and I Just Look Forward to Learning How to be a Sister
TDH Voice: Perspectives on an Epidemic
I’m more than a little bit biased in this case but TDH Voice is an incredible show #shamelessplug. You get to hear stories from people in recovery AND their loved ones. Not only that but our whole thing is perspectives on the current drug and recovery landscape so we share stories from community leaders, celebrities, influencers, and just people who are doing incredible things to diminish how we approach and talk about addiction in America.
My favorite episodes: Ladies Who Lush and Rebel Rebel: Chelsea’s Story
Recovery Rocks Podcast
This one is hosted by two powerhouse ladies in recovery, Tawny Lara of Sobrietea Party and Lisa Smith, author of Girl Walks Out of a Bar. If their previous works are any inclination, I should have known this show would be a must listen. What I love most about this show is the casual and unapologetically transparent way they talk about recovery.
The two couldn’t be from more different recovery paths but they’ve come together for this show where it honestly just feels like you’re listening to two good friends talk about recovery, music, life and well, anything else that comes up.
My favorite episodes: To 12 Step or Not to 12 Step
Light Hustler: Looking for Light in All the Dark Places
A list of the best podcasts for recovery wouldn’t be complete without a shout out to the one and only Anna David of the Light Hustler podcast. This show has evolved over the years — it was once known as the After Party Pod and then The Recover Girl Podcast.
Despite all the changes, the celebrity interviews (not to mention Anna’s stellar interviewing skills and personality) that put the original show on the map are still a mainstay. Plus, Anna’s energy is just so electric which makes her an entertaining interviewer and hostess.
My favorite episodes: SheRecovers Co-Founder Taryn Strong, Drinking After Years of Sobriety with Jemima Kirk
What is so great about podcasts is there is literally a show for any and every interest out there. People are incredibly creative and specific which makes it so easy to find something you’ll love. I’d love to know — what are some of your favorite podcast shows? If you don’t have one yet, I hope this list helps you with your discovery. Happy hunting!
