
Recovery Matters! Podcast
A podcast from one of the nation's original Recovery Community Organizations - CCAR. CCAR envisions a world where the power, hope, and healing of Recovery from addiction is thoroughly understood and embraced. We invite guests from all areas of the Recovery Movement to explore the concept of recovery with us, share their stories, and have real discussions that move us toward that world which we envision.
Show episodes
Host TJ sits down with author Ian Fee, who shares his raw and unfiltered journey through addiction, family struggles, and the path to lasting recovery. From taking his first sip of alcohol at just one year old, to believing booze was his “superpower,” Ian’s story is filled with both chaos and redemption. He opens up ab
In this episode of Recovery Matters, TJ sits down with Matt, a young person in recovery who now works as a Young People and Family Services Coordinator with CCAR. Matt opens up about his journey, beginning with his first treatment at just 13 years old. Despite having parents in recovery, he struggled deeply with drugs,
Victor Reynolds shares his powerful recovery journey on the Recovery Matters Podcast. Raised in an environment of violence and addiction, he was taught to be heartless from a young age. By nine, he was on the streets, caught up in crime, substances, and chaos. Years of dust, drinking, robberies, and prison time left hi
In this episode of Recovery Matters, Brian shares his powerful journey from sports and college life to struggling with alcohol, cocaine, and compulsive gambling. He opens up about the chaos of addiction, the turning points that led him into treatment, and how community and recovery gave him a new life. Today, Brian wor
Dr. Chad McDonald is the Chief Medical Officer at InterCommunity (a not-for-profit, addiction and behavioral health leaning FQHC-LA in the Greater Hartford, CT area), where he has the privilege of helping people find hope and healing through recovery. Initially a family physician by training, Dr. McDonald became board-

Boxing Champion’s Fight Against Gambling Addiction: Elizabeth Thielen's Recovery Story
TJ sits down with Elizabeth, a former Golden Gloves boxing champion, to talk about her journey through gambling addiction and long-term recovery. Elizabeth shares how her upbringing, athletic drive, and devastating losses fueled her compulsive gambling, and how she eventually found hope, healing, and connection through