Recovery in the Middle Ages - Two Middle-Aged Suburban Dads Talk About Recovering From Addiction to Drugs & Alcohol.
Mike and Nat are two middle-aged suburban dads wrestling with addiction and recovery while trying to juggle home life, work, and staying sober. Listen as they discuss current topics in the recovery community including 12 Step, alternative addiction recovery and the newest medical research . Listen to the guys talk about their daily struggle to maintain their recovery and anonymity in the world of soccer moms and PTA meetings. If the neighbors only knew...
Episodes

Tuesday May 23, 2023
Tuesday May 23, 2023
RMA-Episode 113: From Addiction’s Trance to Recovery’s Dance: A Discussion of Alcohol, Addiction and Public Policy with Grant Boyken
Grant is back! Join us as the OG Monkster and creator of the popular website, soberliningsplaybook.com, shares his insights on the current public policy issues surrounding drug and alcohol addiction, and catches us up on what’s been going on in his life.
In this week’s far ranging interview, Mike and Grant explore multiple aspects of current addiction policy, including the controversial topic of forced treatment. Don't miss this episode if you're interested in the crossroads of policy, addiction, and recovery.
Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.
LINKS:
Recovery in the News
WSJ Article-Why Is Alcohol in Wine Such a Taboo Topic?
www.soberliningsplaybook.com
We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON
Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on.
https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges
Visit www.soberlink.com/middle-ages to sign up and receive $50 off your device.
As always, we thank you for your support.
LISTEN TO RMA ON YOUTUBE
PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes.
You can reach us by email at:
MikeR@middleagesrecovery.com
Natx@middleagesrecovery.com
Send comments, complaints, death threats, ideas and requests to be interviewed. We’ll talk to anyone!
Check out the website:
Www.middleagesrecovery.com
While you’re there, buy a T-Shirt and support your favorite recovery podcast.
We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!
E-Mail your story to miker@middleagesrecovery.com
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
Join the Facebook Page! Exciting things are happening there!
We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.
If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.
https://www.aa.org/
https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/
Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):
This Naked Mind

Tuesday May 02, 2023
Tuesday May 02, 2023
RMA-Episode 112: Is Addiction a Conscious Choice?
Do we choose to use? In this week’s episode of RMA, Mike and Nat delve into the complex and often contentious debate surrounding addiction: Is it a choice? A disease? Something else? They'll explore the arguments on both sides, drawing on scientific studies, insights from addiction research, and a close read of Maia Szalavitz’s latest New York Time Op-Ed, This is What Neuroscientists and Philosophers Know About Addiction.
Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.
We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON
Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on.
https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges
Visit www.soberlink.com/middle-ages to sign up and receive $50 off your device.
As always, we thank you for your support.
LINKS:
This is What Neuroscientists and Philosophers Know About Addiction
Recovery in the News
The Week in Weird
www.soberliningsplaybook.com
LISTEN TO RMA ON YOUTUBE
PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes.
You can reach us by email at:
MikeR@middleagesrecovery.com
Natx@middleagesrecovery.com
Send comments, complaints, death threats, ideas and requests to be interviewed. We’ll talk to anyone!
Check out the website:
Www.middleagesrecovery.com
While you’re there, buy a T-Shirt and support your favorite recovery podcast.
We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!
E-Mail your story to miker@middleagesrecovery.com
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
Join the Facebook Page! Exciting things are happening there!
We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.
If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.
https://www.aa.org/
https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/
Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):
This Naked Mind

Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
RMA-Episode 111: From Frazzled to Balanced: A Guide to Finding Serenity in Sobriety
In this week’s episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, we explore Nat's harrowing tale of experiencing a seizure on his journey to Washington, prompting an urgent evaluation of his diet and stress levels by his doctor. Join us as we delve into practical tips and tricks for managing stress in recovery, optimizing your diet for sobriety, and steering clear of the addiction transfer trap. Draw inspiration from Nat's courageous journey and lay the foundation for your own harmonious path to a healthy recovery.
Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.
We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON
Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on.
https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges
Visit www.soberlink.com/middle-ages to sign up and receive $50 off your device.
As always, we thank you for your support.
LINKS:
Recovery in the News
www.soberliningsplaybook.com
LISTEN TO RMA ON YOUTUBE
PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes.
You can reach us by email at:
MikeR@middleagesrecovery.com
Natx@middleagesrecovery.com
Send comments, complaints, death threats, ideas and requests to be interviewed. We’ll talk to anyone!
Check out the website:
Www.middleagesrecovery.com
While you’re there, buy a T-Shirt and support your favorite recovery podcast.
We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!
E-Mail your story to miker@middleagesrecovery.com
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
Join the Facebook Page! Exciting things are happening there!
We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.
If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.
https://www.aa.org/
https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/
Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):
This Naked Mind

Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Fentanyl Follies: The Not-So-Funny Side of Misguided Drug Policies
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
RMA-Episode 110: Fentanyl Follies: The Not-So-Funny Side of Misguided Drug Policies
In this action-packed episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, we delve into the perplexing world of recent legislation that's beefing up criminal penalties for fentanyl dealers. But are these laws actually helpful, or are they just a rehash of the failed War on Drugs? We'll also discuss public policy on addiction in general, navigating the maze of mixed messages and contradictory approaches that can leave even the experts scratching their heads.
Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.
We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON
Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on.
https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges
Visit www.soberlink.com/middle-ages to sign up and receive $50 off your device.
As always, we thank you for your support.
LINKS:
Recovery in the News
The Week in Weird
www.soberliningsplaybook.com
LISTEN TO RMA ON YOUTUBE
PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes.
You can reach us by email at:
MikeR@middleagesrecovery.com
Natx@middleagesrecovery.com
Send comments, complaints, death threats, ideas and requests to be interviewed. We’ll talk to anyone!
Check out the website:
Www.middleagesrecovery.com
While you’re there, buy a T-Shirt and support your favorite recovery podcast.
We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!
E-Mail your story to miker@middleagesrecovery.com
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
Join the Facebook Page! Exciting things are happening there!
We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.
If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.
https://www.aa.org/
https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/
Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):
This Naked Mind

Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
RMA-Episode 109: Xanax Shenanigans: A Prescription for Disaster
This week on RMA, we review the 2022 documentary film Take your Pills: Xanax, currently streaming on Netflix. We also dive deep into the world of Xanax and benzodiazepine abuse, discussing the history, widespread use, and the challenges presented by aggressive pharmaceutical marketing and overprescription of these drugs.
Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.
We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON
Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on.
https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges
Visit www.soberlink.com/middle-ages to sign up and receive $50 off your device.
As always, we thank you for your support.
LINKS:
Recovery in the News
www.soberliningsplaybook.com
LISTEN TO RMA ON YOUTUBE
PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes.
You can reach us by email at:
MikeR@middleagesrecovery.com
Natx@middleagesrecovery.com
Send comments, complaints, death threats, ideas and requests to be interviewed. We’ll talk to anyone!
Check out the website:
Www.middleagesrecovery.com
While you’re there, buy a T-Shirt and support your favorite recovery podcast.
We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!
E-Mail your story to miker@middleagesrecovery.com
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
Join the Facebook Page! Exciting things are happening there!
We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.
If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.
https://www.aa.org/
https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/
Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):
This Naked Mind

Thursday Mar 30, 2023
Even Retired Presidents Are Pissed At Us! A Special Message About RMA....
Thursday Mar 30, 2023
Thursday Mar 30, 2023
We will be back next week!

Tuesday Mar 21, 2023
Jiva G’s Journey: Bhakti Recovery and the Power of Spiritual Transformation
Tuesday Mar 21, 2023
Tuesday Mar 21, 2023
RMA-Episode 108 Show Notes:
RMA-Episode 108: Jiva G's Journey: Bhakti Recovery and the Power of Spiritual Transformation.
Hare Krishna! In this week’s episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, Mike and Nat are joined by Jiva G, creator of the Bhakti Recovery movement. Jiva shares her story of growing up in New York in the punk rock era, her addiction, recovery, and spiritual transformation, as well as her insights on the Bhakti Recovery program.
Bhakti Recovery combines the principles of Bhakti Yoga with the traditional 12-step approach to recovery. It emphasizes the importance of spirituality in the recovery process, using the transformative power of devotion and love to help individuals overcome addiction.
Interview starts at 31:00
You can get in touch with Jiva and the Bhakti Recovery movement at
https://www.bhaktirecoverygroup.com/
If you're interested in finding out more about Bhakti, you can find Wisdom of the Sages, Rhagunath and Kaustubha's podcast
here:
https://www.wisdomofthesages.com/
Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.
We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON
Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on.
https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges
As always, we thank you for your support.
LINKS:
Recovery News You Can Use, Any Day of the Week:
www.soberliningsplaybook.com
LISTEN TO RMA ON YOUTUBE
PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes.
You can reach us by email at:
MikeR@middleagesrecovery.com
Natx@middleagesrecovery.com
Send comments, complaints, death threats, ideas and requests to be interviewed. We’ll talk to anyone!
Check out the website:
Www.middleagesrecovery.com
While you’re there, buy a T-Shirt and support your favorite recovery podcast.
We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!
E-Mail your story to miker@middleagesrecovery.com
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
Join the Facebook Page! Exciting things are happening there!
We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.
If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.
https://www.aa.org/
https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/
Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):
This Naked Mind

Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
RMA-Episode 107 Show Notes:
RMA-Episode 107: To Live and Die in LA-This week Mike and Nat review the recovery memoirs The Los Angeles Diaries and This River by author James Brown. Plagued by the suicides of both his siblings, and heir to alcohol and drug abuse, divorce, and economic ruin, James Brown lived a life clouded by addiction, broken promises, and despair. In the first two books of his recovery trilogy, he reveals his struggle for survival, mining his past to present the inspiring story of his redemption.
Also, Mike talks about his trip to Savannah, and Nat explains what he does when his wife goes out of town. But wait, THERE’S MORE! Bigfoot returns to the Week in Weird and RITN looks at toilet paper eating and how the opioid settlement may have the effect of making ADHD and anxiety drugs harder to get. (Those things are not related).
Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.
We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON
Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on.
https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges
As always, we thank you for your support.
LINKS:
Recovery in the News
Also Recovery in the News
The Week in Weird
Recovery News You Can Use, Any Day of the Week:
www.soberliningsplaybook.com
LISTEN TO RMA ON YOUTUBE
PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes.
You can reach us by email at:
MikeR@middleagesrecovery.com
Natx@middleagesrecovery.com
Send comments, complaints, death threats, ideas and requests to be interviewed. We’ll talk to anyone!
Check out the website:
Www.middleagesrecovery.com
While you’re there, buy a T-Shirt and support your favorite recovery podcast.
We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!
E-Mail your story to miker@middleagesrecovery.com
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
Join the Facebook Page! Exciting things are happening there!
We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.
If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.
https://www.aa.org/
https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/
Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):
This Naked Mind

Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
RMA-Episode 106 Show Notes:
RMA-Episode 106: The Mysterious Disappearance of Beau Mann. Beau Mann, the 38 year-old founder of Sober Grid, disappeared from a Los Angeles neighborhood on November 30, 2021 and hasn’t been seen since. Mike and Nat go over the case and discuss what is known about Mann’s movements in the hours prior to his disappearance. Sober Grid, the company Mann founded, combines peer support coaching, an online community, digital therapeutics, and a digital library of mental health resources to help individuals achieve long term recovery.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Beau Mann is asked to contact the LAPD Missing Persons Unit at 213-486-0260. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
Also, Recovery in the News this week takes a look at the city of Camden’s holistic approach to helping opioid addicts re enter society after their sentences are up, Mike talks about dodging bullets (or tacos), in California, and Nat goes to the Met!
Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.
We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON
Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on.
https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges
As always, we thank you for your support.
LINKS:
You can find Dopey on Apple I-Tunes, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts, or you can go to:
Recovery in the News
Recovery News You Can Use, Any Day of the Week:
www.soberliningsplaybook.com
LISTEN TO RMA ON YOUTUBE
PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes.
You can reach us by email at:
MikeR@middleagesrecovery.com
Natx@middleagesrecovery.com
Send comments, complaints, death threats, ideas and requests to be interviewed. We’ll talk to anyone!
Check out the website:
Www.middleagesrecovery.com
While you’re there, buy a T-Shirt and support your favorite recovery podcast.
We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!
E-Mail your story to miker@middleagesrecovery.com
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
Join the Facebook Page! Exciting things are happening there!
We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.
If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.
https://www.aa.org/
https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/
Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):
This Naked Mind

Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
RMA-Episode 105 Show Notes:
RMA-Episode 105: Skid Row Recovery. If you find yourself using drugs in a place like the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, a guy like Scott Mannheimer is someone you want in your corner. Kensington is a notorious skid row, where it is common to find addicts shooting up in broad daylight, hunched over in a stupor or passed out on the streets. Needles, syringes and garbage are littered across the sidewalks. Into this scene of urban desperation walks Scott, a former addict who had a spiritual awakening in front of a cheesesteak restaurant and decided to dedicate his life to helping addicts get clean. This week he sits down with Mike and Nat and shares his story.
Also, the Week in Weird returns with a fresh bigfoot sighting (!) and Recovery in the News asks, are you ready to be assimilated by the Borg collective?
You can find Scott at his website: Kensington Hope
Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.
We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON
Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on.
https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges
As always, we thank you for your support.
LINKS:
You can find Dopey on Apple I-Tunes, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts, or you can go to:
Recovery in the News
The Week in Weird
Recovery News You Can Use, Any Day of the Week:
www.soberliningsplaybook.com
LISTEN TO RMA ON YOUTUBE
PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes.
You can reach us by email at:
MikeR@middleagesrecovery.com
Natx@middleagesrecovery.com
Send comments, complaints, death threats, ideas and requests to be interviewed. We’ll talk to anyone!
Check out the website:
Www.middleagesrecovery.com
While you’re there, buy a T-Shirt and support your favorite recovery podcast.
We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!
E-Mail your story to miker@middleagesrecovery.com
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
Join the Facebook Page! Exciting things are happening there!
We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.
If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.
https://www.aa.org/
https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/
Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):
This Naked Mind