Heart of the Matter
Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas is a production from Partnership to End Addiction. Heart of the Matter is an interview series that gives guests the opportunity to share their personal, candid stories about addiction. This podcast offers a space to open up about addiction, substance use and mental health, to share the ways in which people are shifting their narrative – in their own relationships and across communities – to support the cause of ending addiction in our country. Worried about your child or loved one? Partnership to End Addiction's helpline is here for you and anyone else playing a supportive role in the life of a person struggling with substance use. Get one on one support by texting JOIN to 55753 or visit https://helphope.net/3koi6Kh to learn more. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help or STOP to opt out. Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on Heart of the Matter are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from the following link. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion. https://drugfree.org/article/shouldnt-use-word-addict/
Show episodes
Patrick Kennedy and Tonie Dreher on the importance of sharing stories of mental health and addiction
Former U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy discusses his book "Profiles in Mental Health Courage," spotlighting a diverse group of people who have struggled with their mental health – many of whom are sharing their stories for the first time. Tonie “Miss Tonie” Dreher, who is featured in this book, also talks about her
Sports reporter and author Lauren Sisler opens up to Elizabeth Vargas this week on Heart of the Matter about her parents" hidden struggles with addiction and the tragic loss that changed her life. Lauren promotes prevention education and shares insights from her new book, Shatterproof, aiming to break the stigma surrou
Stefanie Wilder-Taylor on navigating parenthood and celebrating 15 years in recovery with new book “Drunk-ish”
In this episode of “Heart of the Matter,” author and comedian Stefanie Wilder-Taylor opens up to Elizabeth Vargas about her struggle with alcohol, which intensified after becoming a parent, and how her blog provided a crucial connection with other moms. Now 15 years in recovery, Stefanie reflects on the pivotal moment
Randy Grimes, former starting center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, silently struggled with an addiction to prescription pills during his tenure. On this week’s “Heart of the Matter,” he talks with Elizabeth Vargas about the impact of his addiction during and after his football career, and his work helping current and r
Braunwyn Windham-Burke on quitting alcohol while on “The Real Housewives of Orange County"
Braunwyn Windham-Burke, who starred in two seasons of the hit Bravo TV show “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” joins Elizabeth Vargas for the season 6 premiere episode of “Heart of the Matter.” Braunwyn talks about her long-term struggle with substance use disorder, what it was like to quit alcohol while being on
For the season 5 finale of Heart of the Matter, Captain Sandy Yawn from the hit Bravo TV show “Below Deck” joins Elizabeth Vargas to discuss how years of substance use eventually led to more than 30 years in recovery. Sandy also gives advice to anyone struggling – especially those who’ve relapsed – as well as their fam