Podcast by Christopher White and Max Thomas
30 March 2025
What if the key to lasting change wasn’t some grand plan, but simply focusing on today? In this episode, the hosts explore the power of living in the moment, discussing how a "just for today" mindset can help overcome anxiety, break negative habits, and build a more fulfilling life.
A special highlight of this episode is Max’s incredible milestone—six years of clean time. He opens up about his journey, the struggles he has faced, and the lessons that have shaped him along the way. His story is a raw and inspiring reminder that real transformation happens one day at a time. The hosts reflect on the power of personal milestones and why celebrating progress, no matter how small, is essential to long-term success.
The conversation is filled with real-life insights and practical strategies to stay motivated without feeling overwhelmed. Rather than getting lost in the pressure of long-term goals, they discuss how small, consistent actions can create lasting change. With personal stories, humour, and heartfelt reflections, this episode is both inspiring and deeply relatable.
If you're looking for motivation, fresh perspectives, or simple yet powerful ways to make each day count, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Tune in and discover how embracing “just for today” can shift your mindset and transform your life.
00:00
49:22
24 March 2025
In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with Raymond Ramos, a passionate advocate for recovery who has dedicated his life to helping addicts find hope and healing. Having been in recovery for over 34 years, Raymond shares his journey from addiction to a life of service and transformation.
Raymond has been sharing his story in UK and US prisons for over 13 years, emphasizing the importance of hope and transformation. He discusses the impact of his visits, how prisoners react to his Brooklyn accent, and the power of seeing someone who once walked their path now living a fulfilling life in recovery. He stresses that carrying the message to those in dark places is his most meaningful service work.
The role of service in recovery is a central theme in this episode. Raymond emphasizes the importance of H&I (Hospitals & Institutions) service, recalling how he first heard the message of recovery in a similar setting. He encourages consistent service, noting that people often stop doing what worked for them once they get clean, which can lead to relapse. The conversation highlights the significance of simple service commitments, like making coffee at meetings, and how they contribute to stability and responsibility.
Raymond shares his childhood struggles, growing up in Brooklyn as a Nuyorican with a single mother and experiencing deep-seated trauma, including his mother’s grief over losing a child and his own battle with a congenital heart disease. He talks about the emotional pain of an absent father and how early feelings of shame, abandonment, and separation anxiety planted the seeds for addiction. Reflecting on recovery, he discusses how step work helped him uncover and address these underlying wounds.
His addiction began early, starting with alcohol at the age of five and progressing to marijuana by age ten. By 13, he was using cocaine, and at 15, he was smoking crack. He describes how his life quickly spiraled, leading him to crime, violence, and a complete loss of control. His turning point came at 17, when he heard an H&I speaker share the message of recovery, sparking hope and change. Since getting clean, he has dedicated his life to helping others, particularly those who are still suffering in jails and institutions.
Raymond discusses the necessity of a spiritual solution in recovery, sharing that many people relapse because they neglect their spiritual growth. He explains that addiction isn’t just about substances—it’s a disease that affects the mind, body, and soul. The conversation highlights the importance of humility, continued learning, and staying connected to recovery principles.
This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the life-changing potential of recovery. Raymond’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and service, making it an inspiring listen for anyone struggling with addiction or working in the recovery space.
Tune in to Addicted to Recovery for more raw and real conversations about the journey to sobriety.
00:00
01:28:18
17 March 2025
In this powerful episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with Lorraine, a remarkable woman who shares her incredible story of overcoming decades of addiction. Lorraine opens up about her struggles, from early experiences with bulimia and obsessive studying to years of drug and alcohol dependence. She takes us through her darkest moments—three stints in rehab, near-death experiences, and the toll addiction took on her family—before finding lasting recovery.
Now three years clean, Lorraine reflects on the transformation that recovery has brought to her life. She shares insights into the power of the NA and AA fellowships, the importance of service and sponsorship, and how her connection to a higher power helped her rebuild. With humor, honesty, and deep wisdom, Lorraine’s story is a testament to the miracles of recovery.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with hope, resilience, and the message that no matter how far gone you feel, there is always a way back.
00:00
01:07:19
10 March 2025
Hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas welcome Rory, also known as DJ R Squared, to the podcast. Rory, a young recovering addict, shares his journey through addiction and recovery, bringing a fresh perspective on the struggles many young people face today.
At 27, Rory is relatively new to recovery, having been sober for 139 days at the time of recording. He explains how many young people feel trapped in the party culture promoted on social media, unaware that recovery is an option. The hosts emphasise that while social media can provide temporary motivation, long-term recovery requires structured programmes like the 12-step fellowship.
Rory reflects on his early struggles with self-loathing, anxiety, and escapism through gaming, fitness, and later, substance use. His father’s affair and subsequent move to New Zealand deeply affected him, though he buried his emotions at the time. At university, he became immersed in the party scene, starting an events company and DJing while using substances to cope. Eventually, his drug use escalated, leading to a near-fatal overdose on GHB, which served as a wake-up call.
The turning point came when a friend told him, "You’re not well," and connected him with a mentor in recovery. Nervous but determined, Rory attended his first meeting and found solace in hearing others’ experiences. Now actively working the 12 steps, he attends meetings, has a sponsor, and is making amends. He remains committed to his DJ career, proving that sobriety doesn’t mean giving up on passion or social life.
The episode closes with a message of hope: recovery is possible for anyone willing to put in the work. Rory expresses gratitude for his journey and the support he’s received, while the hosts praise his commitment. They remind listeners that prioritising recovery leads to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
00:00
52:29
03 March 2025
In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas are joined by guest Terry to explore the intricate and deeply personal journey of addiction, recovery, and self-growth. The conversation sheds light on the complexities of substance dependence, the underlying emotional struggles, and the pivotal role that connection and fellowship play in the healing process. Through their shared experiences, they emphasise that recovery is not a destination but an ongoing journey—one that requires continuous effort, self-reflection, and support from others.
A key theme that emerges is the contrast between material success and inner fulfilment. The hosts and Terry discuss how external achievements, wealth, and recognition often fail to fill the void left by addiction. Instead, true healing comes from vulnerability, self-acceptance, and meaningful relationships. They highlight the common misconception that personal worth is tied to accomplishments, stressing that addiction is frequently rooted in a deep need for validation and love. By confronting these emotional wounds, individuals in recovery can begin to build a more fulfilling and authentic life.
Throughout the discussion, the importance of vulnerability is underscored as a crucial factor in overcoming the stigma of addiction. By openly sharing struggles, those in recovery can break down barriers, foster deeper connections, and challenge the shame often associated with substance use. The episode also touches on the reality that relapse can be part of the recovery process, but it does not define a person’s journey. Rather than viewing it as failure, relapse can be an opportunity for learning and growth.
Another critical aspect of the conversation is the role of fantasy and escapism as coping mechanisms for deeper emotional pain. Terry reflects on the ways in which acting and creative expression served as outlets, sometimes masking unresolved issues. The discussion extends to food addiction and bulimia, illustrating how addictive behaviours can manifest in various forms beyond substance abuse. Through these stories, the episode highlights the diverse paths addiction can take and the necessity of addressing its underlying causes.
The conversation also delves into the power of spirituality in recovery, emphasising that while spirituality can be deeply personal, it does not have to be tied to religion. Maintaining a sense of spiritual connection—whether through mindfulness, meditation, or a higher power—can help individuals stay grounded and present in their healing journey. Recovery, as the hosts and Terry discuss, is about embracing the present moment, accepting oneself fully, and continuously working towards growth.
Ultimately, this episode serves as a reminder that healing is possible with the right support and mindset. Through candid reflections and powerful insights, Christopher, Max, and Terry offer listeners a deeper understanding of addiction and the transformative potential of recovery. Whether struggling with addiction personally or supporting a loved one, this episode reinforces the message that no one has to navigate this journey alone.
00:00
01:18:31
23 February 2025
In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with Chef Adam Hardiman, a recovering addict, to explore his deeply personal journey through addiction and recovery. Adam opens up about his childhood experiences and the family dynamics that shaped his early years, offering insight into how his struggles with anxiety and self-worth influenced his path. He recounts the pivotal moments that led to his introduction to substances during adolescence, emphasising the role of peer pressure and the search for validation. As the conversation unfolds, Adam details the gradual escalation of his addiction, culminating in a serious health crisis that resulted in hospitalisation. His battle with prescription painkillers and the manipulation tactics he used to sustain his dependency highlight the complexities of addiction and the challenges of seeking help.
Throughout the discussion, Adam reflects on the uncomfortable but necessary process of personal growth, noting how facing difficult emotions has been essential to his recovery. He shares how moving to London marked a continuation of his struggles, but also set the stage for a turning point in his life. A key moment in Adam’s journey was a heart-wrenching confrontation with his mother, whose love and concern forced him to acknowledge the reality of his situation. He discusses the cycle of addiction, including the concept of cross addiction—how he justified replacing one substance with another—and the desperate moments that eventually led him to rehab.
The latter half of the episode shifts focus to the hope and transformation that come with recovery. Adam describes his experience in rehab as a new beginning, a space where he could finally confront his past and start rebuilding his life. He speaks candidly about the challenges of life after rehab, acknowledging that recovery is an ongoing process filled with setbacks but also immense growth. One of the most profound aspects of his journey has been the power of fellowship—sharing his story, embracing support from others in recovery, and finding purpose through fatherhood. His experience serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of change, reinforcing the message that if he can do it, anyone can.
00:00
01:10:28