Real Talk about Addiction and Recovery: Eliminating the Whisper
The mission of the American Addiction Recovery Association (AARA) is simple but powerful: To save lives, restore families, and strengthen communities.
AARA is America’s exclusive organization which combines the voices of families and peers together to address the addiction epidemic. Working together, peers and family members will make a difference.
AARA will do for addiction what the Susan G. Komen Foundation has done for breast cancer: shatter stigma and show America that recovery is real.
The number one cause of death in the United States for Americans 18 - 45 is overdose. This is not acceptable. The numbers are at historic highs in terms of cases of active addiction and overdoses. On average, 200 Americans overdose each day which is equivalent to a 737-plane crashing every day.
AARA will work with governments at the federal, state, and local level to advocate for funding and legislation to address the addiction epidemic.
AARA will work with businesses, faith leaders, education leaders, law enforcement, and the medical community to change the culture and offer tools and resources so that those in need of support and help can receive it in a professional and effective manner.
AARA is your trusted leader in improving the lives of individuals and their families impacted by addiction, overdose, and mental health. We support efforts to empower people to live their lives to the fullest in recovery and without the shame and fear associated with stigma.
Episodes
26 episodes
“Under Our Roof”: A Son’s Recovery, A Family’s Fight :with Harry Cunnane
Addiction doesn’t just affect one person—it reshapes an entire family. Harry Cunnane shares the reality of opioid addiction, the turning points that led him toward recovery, and the hard-earned lessons he wishes every family knew sooner. This i...
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Legislating Recovery: Rep. Sharon Cooper on Public Health, Treatment Access, and Accountability
Georgia’s addiction crisis won’t change without policy that actually reaches people where they are.In this episode, State Representative Sharon Cooper breaks down what it means to legislate recovery from strengthening public health stra...
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Roadblocks to Recovery: Christina & Garrett Break the Silence in Georgia
Christina and Garrett speak openly about addiction, the hard realities families face, and the roadblocks to recovery that too many people run into especially when support, treatment access, and real-world resources don’t line up. They unpack wh...
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The Sound That Will Astound: Eric Jennings on Music, Recovery, and Purpose
In this episode, we sit down with Eric Jennings musician and recovery advocate known for bringing the energy with Black Lion Reggaet o talk about how recovery reshapes your life from the inside out. Eric shares what it means to stay grounded, k...
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Policy, Pressure, and Principle: Rep. Esther Panitch Unfiltered
In this episode, we sit down with Georgia State Representative Esther Panitch for a candid conversation about what it takes to lead when the stakes are high. We talk about the realities of public service, the issues hitting families at kitchen-...
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Beyond the Border: Recovery Without the Whisper
In this episode, we’re joined by Elenore Sturko, MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale and a former RCMP officer with years of frontline and public-safety experience. We dig into what British Columbia is seeing on the ground from addiction and mental healt...
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End the Whisper with Michael Mumper: The Conversation We Can’t Afford to Avoid
In this episode, we sit down with Michael Mumper for a direct, honest conversation about addiction, recovery, and what it takes to turn pain into purpose. This isn’t a highlight reel this is the real work: the turning points, the lessons learne...
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End the Whisper: A Candid Conversation with Tom Wolf
In this episode, we sit down with Tom Wolf for a direct, human conversation about addiction, recovery, and what it actually takes to move from awareness to action. We talk about the cost of stigma, the realities families are living through, and...
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From the Capitol to the Community: Matthew Gambill on Addiction & Recovery
Addiction is personal but policy determines whether help is reachable. In this episode, Matthew Gambill joins us for a candid conversation on Georgia’s addiction and recovery landscape, the real-world impact of legislation, and the hard choices...
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Layers of Light: Alexia Jones and the Art of Coming Back
Alexia Jones reveals how art became both her refuge and her revolution. Through painting, movement, storytelling, and creative expression, she discovered a pathway out of darkness that traditional recovery models often overlook. Alexia shares h...
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From Stigma to Solutions: A Conversation with Chris Thrasher on Addiction, Recovery, and Hope
In this powerful episode, Stone sits down with national recovery advocate Chris Thrasher for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about addiction, stigma, and what real solutions look like in the real world. Chris shares what he’s learne...
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The System Within The System: How Peer-Led Recovery is Ending the Revolving Door of Incarceration
In this eye-opening episode, host Jeff Breedlove sits down with Tarusa Stewart, a recovery powerhouse and the founder of IHOPE (Intentional Holistic Opportunities to Promote Empowerment) based in Warner Robins, Georgia. With nearly 24 years of ...
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From Numb to Alive: Mike’s Real Talk on Addiction, Relapse, and Recovery
In this episode, Mike shares a powerful and deeply personal account of his journey through addiction, relapse, and long-term recovery. With honesty and clarity, he reflects on the patterns that kept him stuck, the moments that nearly cost him e...
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Every Life Matters: Nurse Andy Gish on Overdose Response & Recovery
Board-Certified ER nurse and overdose prevention educator Andy Gish, RN, BSN, CEN joins us to unpack what real recovery looks like in the middle of the opioid crisis. From helping pass Georgia’s “Don’t Run, Call 911” Medical Amnesty Law ...
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Breaking the Stigma: How Recovery Residences Save Lives
Discover the untold stories behind addiction recovery with Candace Whitaker, Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Recovery Residencies (GARR). She is a leader in the fight to bring dignity, safety, and hope to those battling addicti...
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Recovery at the Capitol: State Rep. Long Tran on Fighting Addiction in Georgia
In this episode, I sit down with Georgia State Representative Long Tran for a powerful conversation about addiction, recovery, and what real change looks like at the Capitol. Rep. Tran talks about how addiction has touched families and communit...
Breaking the Silence: Cammie Wolf Rice on Grief, Grace, and Fighting the Overdose Epidemic
This episode dives into the story behind the advocate Cammie Wolf Rice a mom who lost her son and refused to let his life be reduced to a statistic. She talks about the hidden side of addiction that families don’t post about, the isolation that...
End the Whisper: Jasmine Turner’s Story
Jasmine Turner opens up about the parts of addiction and recovery that usually stay quiet the shame, the moment everything had to change, and the people who helped her rise. This episode is real, emotional, and full of hope. If you or someone y...
Joey Yak: Reinventing Success: A Story of Growth, Grit, and Self-Mastery
In this raw and eye opening episode, recording artist and entrepreneur Joey Yak shares his deeply personal journey from the chaos of the music industry and drug addiction to a life grounded in purpose, discipline, and authenticity. With unfilte...
Robert’s Journey: From Struggles and Setbacks to Strength and Purpose
In this honest and inspiring episode, Robert shares his journey from tough beginnings to finding strength, success, and a deeper sense of purpose. Through raw stories and hard earned wisdom, he opens up about the battles he’s faced, the lessons...
Shatterproof: Lauren Sisler’s Story of Tragedy, Truth, and Triumph
What if your life changed forever in a single night?In this emotional and deeply personal episode, Lauren Sisler—Emmy-winning sports reporter and author of Shatterproof—shares the devastating loss of both her parents to opioid o...
From Pain to Purpose: Ben Newman’s Journey Through Family, Addiction, and Fire
Before Ben Newman became a top performance coach to NFL teams and Fortune 500 CEOs, he was just a kid growing up in the shadows of addiction. In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Ben opens up about the struggles he faced watching his p...
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Sheila Mendelson: Healing Through Understanding
Sheila Mendelson, a successful entrepreneur, shares personal stories and professional insights into the complex journey of healing, resilience, and recovery from addiction.Her candid conversation offers both inspiration and practical adv...
Britt Reid - From Super Bowl Champion to Recovery Champion Part: 2
Join Coach Scott Cochran and Jeff Breedlove for a powerful conversation with Britt Reid. From Super Bowls to prision Britt Reid has endured the hell of addiction and now is a leader advancing the hope and joy of recovery.This powerful, e...
Britt Reid - From Super Bowl Champion to Recovery Champion
Join Coach Scott Cochran and Jeff Breedlove for a powerful conversation with Britt Reid. From Super Bowls to prision Britt Reid has endured the hell of addiction and now is a leader advancing the hope and joy of recovery.This powerful, e...
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