Best The Phoenix Sober Active Community Podcasts (2025)

1
Anxiety’s at the Wheel, But I’ve Got the Map: Liz McKean on slowing down, breathing deep, and finding our way back to ourselves. 23:12

6d ago23:12

23:12

Send us a text #34: This week on Rise Recover Live, Liz takes the mic for her first-ever solo episode—connecting one-on-one with listeners in a heartfelt, snack-sized reflection. She opens up about her lifelong relationship with anxiety—her ever-present companion through addiction, recovery, and growth. From white-knuckling through early sobriety t…

1
Sharon Donnelly: Meet People Where They Are 56:45

13d ago56:45

56:45

Send us a text #33: This week on Rise, Recover, Live, Bryce The Third sits down with Sharon Donnelly (she/her), President of the Teddy Kradzinski Foundation, registered nurse and Certified Case Manager (CCM). Sharon shares a deeply personal story as a mother navigating her son Teddy's battle with substance use disorder. She reflects on the challeng…

1
Scott Strode: Rise Recover Thrive 50:47

20d ago50:47

50:47

Send us a text #32: This week on Rise, Recover, Live, Liz and Bryce The Third welcome back Scott Strode, Founder and Executive Director of The Phoenix, for a long-awaited conversation. Since his last appearance on the show, a lot has changed—most notably, Scott has written and published his first book. In Rise. Recover. Thrive. he opens up about th…

1
Healing, Humor & Hot Takes: A Rapid Fire Recovery Round with Your Hosts 29:09

27d ago29:09

29:09

Send us a text #31: This week on Rise, Recover, Live, things get playful—and a little personal. Liz and Bryce The Third go off the cuff in a rapid-fire Q&A that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. From comfort foods and guilty pleasure shows to recovery myths and mantras, no question is off-limits. Liz drops gems on what surprised her most about…

1
The Mentor Hunt: Confusing, Critical, and (Apparently) Optional if You’re Liz 35:39

1M ago35:39

35:39

Send us a text #30: This week on Rise, Recover, Live, Liz and Bryce The Third sink back into the couch for a real one on mentorship—why we chase it, when we need it, and when it might actually be okay to skip it. For Bryce, mentorship has been non-negotiable. Whether it’s recovery, business, or just becoming a better human, he sees guidance as a li…

1
Rebuilding Confidence in Early Recovery: A Conversation with Bryce The Third 16:06

1M ago16:06

16:06

Send us a text #29: Bryce The Third returns this week to reconnect with our podcast community and respond to questions from our listeners. One powerful question comes from Jim in New Jersey: "After a life of addiction, how do I rebuild my confidence?" While Bryce reminds us he's no expert, except in his own experience, he offers honest insight into…

1
Calli Nguyen on Sobriety in Your 20s, Losing Loved Ones To Addiction and Showing Up REAL on TikTok 39:24

2M ago39:24

39:24

Send us a text #28: This week, Liz and Bryce The Third sit down with Calli Nguyen (she/her) — a 24 year old first-generation graduate student and full-time content creator. In addition to recently earning her Master’s in Health Administration, Calli pursues a variety of creative endeavors as an influencer, actor, model, entrepreneur, and passionate…

1
Recovery Doesn’t Mean the Feelings Disappear: Perseverance and “feeling it all” in recovery and beyond 40:52

2M ago40:52

40:52

Send us a text #27: Liz and Bryce The Third are back this week for a deeply personal and meaningful conversation, exploring topics like the human condition, perseverance, and cravings. Liz opens up about her lifelong battle with anxiety and the "Sunday Scaries," a struggle that dates back to her childhood. For Bryce, similar emotions were tied to t…

1
Kaley Jones: A Leap of Faith 44:20

2M ago44:20

44:20

Send us a text #26: At 19, Kaley Jones (she/her) found herself at a crossroads: one path led her to Mexico, where she could continue a life gripped by substance use disorder and dangerous circumstances; the other was the long, daunting journey toward sobriety — a journey that felt not only impossible, but one she didn't think she wanted. Over 10 ye…

1
Vulnerability Hangovers: A Couch Conversation with Liz & Bryce The Third 19:34

2M ago19:34

19:34

Send us a text #25: This week, Liz and Bryce The Third return for another 'couch conversation' — those intimate, casual chats that naturally happen when you're with someone you know and trust. Now, a couple hundred episodes in, they reflect on how much the show has evolved and how their friendship has grown along the way. Liz opens up about her dis…

1
A new FREE comprehensive behavioral health resource for all: Introducing NewForm! 25:29

3M ago25:29

25:29

Send us a text #24: Liz and Bryce The Third are back this week to dive into a crucial topic in their recoveries: resources and community. For Bryce, having his community and his people around him is essential. He reflects on his early days of seeking sobriety and the challenges he faced in finding and accessing the right recovery resources. Liz, fo…

1
Mentorship, Accountability, and Community: A Conversation with Redemption Road President Nick Wells 38:44

3M ago38:44

38:44

Send us a text #23: This week, we're thrilled to welcome back our friend and podcast alum Nick Wells (he/him), President of Redemption Road Fitness Foundation (RF2) and The Phoenix Volunteer Manager in Colorado Springs. A lot has changed since Nick's first appearance in 2023. At the time, he had recently been granted clemency after serving 14 years…

1
Gail Taylor Music: Reinvention at Any Stage 53:04

3M ago53:04

53:04

Send us a text #22: Gail Taylor's journey is a powerful story of reinvention and embracing new passions at any stage of life. A successful Investment Advisor, Gail (she/her) embarked on a second act that transformed her into a songwriter, author, motivational speaker, and philanthropist. Having faced addiction personally and within her family, Gail…

1
Taking Back Your Power: A Conversation with Fronting Life Founder Travis Mickel 38:46

3M ago38:46

38:46

Send us a text #21: This week Liz and Bryce The Third sit down with Travis Mickel (he/him), Founder of Fronting Life, an organization dedicated to supporting all individuals on their healing journeys through a community-centered approach. Focused on meditation, mindfulness, creativity, and connection, Fronting Life promotes personal growth and enco…

1
Erin McIntosh: WOOP Life, Community, and Sober Fun 39:53

3M ago39:53

39:53

Send us a text #20: Erin McIntosh (she/her) has been sober for 12 years and is passionate about bringing commUNITY together to have fun without the use of drugs or alcohol. After leaving a 12-year career, Erin launched her own business, WOOP Life, where she hosts sober silent disco dance parties combined with Authentic Relating Connection Games. A …

1
Recovery and Self-Expression Through Music: Healing Through Creativity with Bryce & Liz 50:24

4M ago50:24

50:24

Send us a text #19: This week, Liz and Bryce The Third dive into a very special and personal conversation about music, something that has always been close to Bryce's heart. For Bryce, music is an art form for self-expression, and it has helped him build a relationship with himself. When he got sober, Bryce thought he might never be able to experie…

1
Chris Clemens: Creator of NonROCaholic and the Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beverages 49:33

4M ago49:33

49:33

Send us a text #18: Chris Clemens (he/him) is a born-and-raised resident of Rochester, New York, who got sober just one month before his 17th birthday in May 1996. For many years in early recovery Chris followed a practice of total abstinence. But nearly 30 years later, his approach to recovery has evolved. Today, Chris is a passionate advocate for…

1
Amanda Uphoff: Peeling Back the Masks and Living Authentically 57:57

4M ago57:57

57:57

Send us a text #17: Amanda Uphoff (she/her) is a woman living in long-term recovery from anorexia and alcohol use disorder. She serves as the Chief of Staff at Recovery.com, is a certified yoga teacher, and mentors women in early recovery. Amanda believes in the possibility of recovery for everyone and is deeply committed to reaching out her hand t…

1
Grounding Ourselves: A Conversation with Shimi, Founder of HoliHub 1:12:26

5M ago1:12:26

1:12:26

Send us a text #16: Shimi is the founder and executive director of HoliHub, a Denver-based non-profit dedicated to holistic recovery. As an adolescent, Shimi fell into a struggle with addiction that took over a decade of his life. His addiction caused him to lose his community and fracture his relationships with his family and himself. He dropped o…

1
Melissa Pagan: Navigating Family, Boundaries, and Supporting the Supporters 47:33

5M ago47:33

47:33

Send us a text #15: Melissa Pagan (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She specializes in a range of therapeutic approaches, with an expertise in behavioral health, PTSD care, and treating substance use disorders alongside co-occurring mental health conditions. Having wi…

1
Rob Baumgartner: Climbing, Challenge, and the Power of People 47:28

5M ago47:28

47:28

Send us a text #14: This week Liz and Bryce The Third are joined by Rob Baumgartner (he/him), a long-time team member, volunteer, and staff member with The Phoenix. Rob first joined The Phoenix in 2007, when the newly-formed organization had about 160 members. Today, he serves as the Regional Manager for the Mountains & Plains states. For Rob, his …

1
Navigating the Holidays with Self-Compassion: A Conversation with Liz and Bryce The Third 41:58

5M ago41:58

41:58

Send us a text #13: This week, Liz and Bryce The Third reflect on the evolution of their relationships with the holidays and check in on how they're both feeling this season. For Liz, this holiday season feels different from years past—stirring up both joy and grief, and reminding her that recovery is an ongoing, non-linear journey. While intense f…

1
Flexing Your Sobriety with Soberflex Founder Kevin Beaufrand 42:16

6M ago42:16

42:16

Send us a text #12: This week, Liz is joined by Kevin Beaufrand (he/him), found of Soberflex and a person in recovery. Kevin shares his story of active addiction and his journey to find sobriety and recovery. From the age of thirteen to thirty-one years old, active addiction took hold of Kevin's life. In May 2019, Kevin decided enough was enough. H…

1
Dr David Patton: Dismantling the Academic Hierarchies around Recovery 49:03

6M ago49:03

49:03

Send us a text #11: This week, Liz and Bryce The Third are joined by David Patton, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of Derby's Social, Cultural and Legal Research Centre. His work concentrates on amplifying the often-marginalized voices of folks in recovery, particularly in academic settings. At New Central Media, his missi…

1
Redefining Sobriety: Jesse Carrajat on Recovery within the Veteran Community 58:02

6M ago58:02

58:02

Send us a text #10: This week Liz and Bryce The Third are joined by Jesse Carrajat (he/him), Host of the Sober Strength podcast and Founder of Altum Fitness. Jesse opens up about his own recovery, the wisdom he's learned throughout the journey, and how he redefines sobriety. He discusses his acceptance of life's unpredictability and how he has lear…

1
Grace in the Journey: Healing, Growth, and Life After Addiction 37:28

6M ago37:28

37:28

Send us a text #9: This week on Rise Recover Live, Liz and Bryce The Third team up for a candid and thought-provoking episode about navigating life’s seasons, embracing intentional living, and mastering the art of giving yourself grace. Liz opens up about her journey of breaking free from society’s timelines. After years of struggling with the pres…

1
Singer-Songwriter Josh Lovelace of NEEDTOBREATHE on Recovery and Resilience 42:21

7M ago42:21

42:21

Send us a text #8: Josh Lovelace (he/him) is a proud work in progress: whether it’s quitting drinking to be more present for his kids, quelling panic attacks before stepping on stage, or just figuring out what he believes after a childhood of being told that there’s only one way to pray. Through all this turmoil, he’s had his touchstones, his shelt…

1
Stephen McCorry: Now is the time to Rise 1:01:12

7M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

Send us a text #7: Stephen McCorry is recovery coach, author, father of two sons, and person in recovery from Lansing, Michigan. Recently while on the phone chatting with a friend in his car, something clicked in Stephen's mind. What he affectionately calls a 'moment of lucidity,' Stephen had the realization and appreciation of how far he had come …

1
Liz & Bryce The Third: Diving Into Questions From The Community 51:24

7M ago51:24

51:24

Send us a text #6: This week Liz and Bryce The Third tapped into the Podcast Space on the Phoenix Mobile App, inviting the podcast community to ask questions and guide this episode's conversation. From sharing about their summers to what made both of them seek out recovery and what steps they take to show up for life's challenges, Liz and Bryce sha…

1
Randall Hall: Recovery Dharma and Empowering All Pathways 57:27

7M ago57:27

57:27

Send us a text #5: This week, Liz and Bryce The Third sit down with Randall Hall (he/him), the former President of Recovery Dharma Global and SMART Recovery Facilitator. They dive into Randall's recovery story and the different paths he practiced before finding the pathway that's right for him. For Randall, having choices empowers us, and recovery …

1
Liz & Bryce The Third: Taking Up Space 27:53

7M ago27:53

27:53

Send us a text #4: This week Liz and Bryce sit down for a solo episode, exploring what it means to take up space and be willing to show up as ourselves. Liz emphasizes the various versions of herself that shine through depending on the situation. While she has different sides, they all make up her authentic self and the skill is to bring them out a…

1
Sacha Goolsby: Finding Community in Virtual Recovery Spaces 34:10

8M ago34:10

34:10

Send us a text #3: Sacha Goolsby (she/her) found recovery during the Covid-19 lockdown. Although she had known for awhile she wanted to end her dependency on alcohol, Sacha decided to prioritize sobriety after Halloween 2020 and hasn't looked back ever since. Within the confines of her home, Sacha spent her evenings practicing yoga and connecting w…

1
Rediscovering Yourself…again? a chat with Liz & Bryce The Third 23:54

8M ago23:54

23:54

Send us a text #2: This week Liz and Bryce sit down for a conversation exploring identity, their approaches to routines and life, and how non-linear this whole journey is. From working through anxiety to shaking up who we think we are, recovery gave both Liz and Bryce the space and time to evolve, question and grow. Check out the episode to dive in…

1
Changing of the Seasons 20:14

8M ago20:14

20:14

Send us a text #1: Welcome to Season 2 of the Rise Recover Live Podcast! Liz McKean and Bryce III are back for a brand new season of storytelling and building real life connection and community. Hear from Bryce and Liz on what they have been up to since Season 1 and how the seasons have changed for them -- both in life and in recovery. With this ne…

1
Dating While Sober: an Honest Conversation Between Two Friends 47:34

8M ago47:34

47:34

Send us a text #130: This week we revisit episode #21 with Bryce and Liz. This honest and unfiltered conversation between two friends might not have happened if Bryce hadn't spontaneously hit "record". As a result, today's show is an unfiltered, "fly on the wall" perspective of Bryce and Liz chatting about dating and relationships in sobriety. Bryc…

1
Andy Short: Stories, Shame and the Gift of Clarity 1:10:01

9M ago1:10:01

1:10:01

Send us a text #129: This week we revisit episode #34 with Andy Short. Andy joined us to break down the many stories that make up his life and recovery. With humor and wisdom, he shares the journey that led to his recovery... and the wild ride that came next. We discuss his story and more, including: Content Warning: Discussion of suicidal ideation…

1
Billy and Liz: From the Perspective of a Supporter 51:11

9M ago51:11

51:11

Send us a text #128: This week we revisit an extra special episode featuring the story of a supporter of recovery, who also happens to be Liz's biggest supporter: her husband Billy. Billy and Liz take us through their journey as a couple during the hardest years of her alcohol addiction, and some of the challenges that arose in recovery. This episo…

1
Alison Jones Webb: Who are Allies and How Do We Support the Recovery Community? 45:54

9M ago45:54

45:54

Send us a text #127: Alison Jones Webb found her home in the recovery community through a career in public health. Her work related to prevention, treatment, and harm reduction introduced her to folks in recovery and their incredible stories, ultimately inspiring her to write “Recovery Allies: How to Support Addiction Recovery and Build Recovery-Fr…

1
Gavin Young: Seasons of Recovery 53:01

9M ago53:01

53:01

Send us a text #126: This week we revisit one of the first episodes of the Rise Recover Live Podcast: Episode #9 with Gavin Young. As someone who got sober in his 20s, Gavin shares all the lessons he still had to learn after he put the drink down. From facing the pain that substances had covered up, to learning that sobriety is only one facet of re…

1
Kelvin Young: Sound Healing and Racism in Healing Communities 53:31

10M ago53:31

53:31

Send us a text #125: This week we revisit episode #22 with healer and a person in recovery, Kelvin Young. After growing up in an environment that encouraged suppressing emotions, Kelvin's first experience with sound healing was "a sip of healing in a sea of chaos." He knew if he could feel that level of peace while behind bars, then the possibiliti…

1
Kaley Jones: A Leap of Faith 45:30

10M ago45:30

45:30

Send us a text #124: At 19 years old Kaley Jones’ (she/her) life came to a crossroads: on one path, she could move to Mexico and continue a life that was gripped by substance use disorder. Alternatively, she could begin the long and arduous journey of sobriety; an existence that not only seemed impossible, but one she didn’t think she wanted. Over …

1
Tiffany Foster: Fixing the Wreckage of the Past 51:47

10M ago51:47

51:47

Send us a text #123: This week we revisit the conversation with Tiffany Foster (she/her). Tiffany is a proud woman in recovery, former substance abuse counselor, and newly CFL2 and Senior Program manager. Wisely advised in the infancy of her recovery to “speak even if your voice shakes,” Tiffany describes some of the darkest moments of her addictio…

1
Joie Gyondla: Inclusive Spaces, & the Non-linear Road to Recovery 1:00:18

10M ago1:00:18

1:00:18

Send us a text #122: Joie Gyondla (she/her) is a queer, sober, activist and advocate that works to normalize folks in the world that are often times "othered." She uses her own lived experiences to help give voice to those that sometimes don't know how, or aren't given the chance to speak up. Tune into the episode to hear Joie's story and more, inc…

1
Don Fertman: Redemption, Storytelling, and Jelly Donuts 59:57

10M ago59:57

59:57

Send us a text #121: This week we revisit episode #62 with Don Fertman (he/him). Don is the former Chief Development Officer of Subway, as well as Board Chair Emeritus of The Phoenix and current member of The Phoenix Impact Board. When Don first got sober, the last thing he wanted to do was allow people to know his story. Now decades into recovery,…

1
Nick Wells: The Road to Redemption 50:23

11M ago50:23

50:23

Send us a text #120: This week we revisit episode number #44 with the incredible Nick Wells. When Nick went to prison, he had no reason to think he would see freedom again in his lifetime. With 14 years of addiction and a 60-year sentence looming ahead, his life seemed to be over. After being granted clemency 14 years into incarceration, Nick is mo…

1
Sophie Lyons: Belonging, Yoga and Queerness in Recovery 45:31

11M ago45:31

45:31

Send us a text #119: As Liz and Bryce gear up for Season 2 of the Podcast, we are taking a brief hiatus from recording new podcast episodes. In the interim, we've chosen some of our favorite episodes to re-share with you. Check out episode #30 with Sophie Lyons to hear her story and learn something you didn't catch the first time around. *Please no…

1
Liz & Bryce: Taking a Moment to Rest 24:20

11M ago24:20

24:20

Send us a text #118: As Liz and Bryce wrap up Season 1 of the Rise Recover Live Podcast, what better topic to discuss than rest! Taking a moment to pause allows us to connect back to our "why" and our creativity. Although this can be daunting when you're in a groove, it's vital to breathe and reset. Tune into the episode to hear the conversation, i…

1
Andre Peart: Serving Untapped Communities with Untapped Solutions 35:11

11M ago35:11

35:11

Send us a text #117: Andre Peart is the CEO of Untapped Solutions, a community-driven network empowering folks who are formerly incarcerated, homeless, or from marginalized communities. The digital platform champions each individual's potential and strengths, creating pathways for professional and personal growth. Tune into the conversation to lear…

1
Tom Coyne: Teeing Up for Recovery 47:49

12M ago47:49

47:49

Send us a text #116: When Tom Coyne (he/him) got sober 12 years ago, he thought he would never be able to play golf again. As a sport that revolves quite a bit around alcohol, he thought that if he quit drinking then he would have to walk away from the fairway too. However, in recovery Tom found a deeper love and appreciation for the sport. Now gol…

1
Bryan Wempen: Ugly Grace, Messy Resilience and Connecting with the Opposite 1:04:11

12M ago1:04:11

1:04:11

Send us a text #115: Bryan Wempen (he/him) is an acclaimed author and speaker, fearlessly redefining normal and inspiring personal growth. With his new groundbreaking book, "F**K My Demons Redefining Normal," Bryan challenges stigmas, empowering audiences to embrace imperfections and reclaim their power. Tune into the episode to hear the conversati…

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The Phoenix Sober Active Community Podcasts

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