Whether you’re newly sober, have recently relapsed or want self-help advice for your mental well-being, ongoing education and connection are essential. Support groups, therapy and recovery communities serve the essential purpose of helping people feel less alone.
Podcasts fit within that same niche. While they are not a substitute for professional treatment, they can provide encouragement, insight, practical coping strategies and reminders that recovery is possible.
8 Recovery Podcasts Worth Listening To
Hope by the Sea encourages our clients to build a recovery toolkit that extends beyond formal treatment. For many people, that includes podcasts. Here are eight recovery and mental health podcasts worth adding to your listening queue.
1. The Hopeaholics
The Hopeaholics is an excellent starting point if you’re looking for honest conversations about addiction, mental health and recovery. Co-hosted by Hope by the Sea founder Chad Carlsen, The Hopeaholics raises awareness about addiction and mental illness while reducing the stigma that prevents many people from seeking help.
The show’s mission is simple – to provide hope, education and practical resources to people struggling with addiction, mental illness and the challenges that often accompany them. Episodes feature real stories of recovery, honest discussions about mental health challenges and candid conversations with guests who share their professional expertise and lived experience.
2. The Addicted Mind
Hosted by therapist Duane Osterlind, this podcast explores addiction, trauma, relationships and recovery through a clinical yet accessible lens. Listeners appreciate its practical approach to understanding why addiction develops and how healing occurs.
3. Recovery Elevator
Recovery Elevator focuses primarily on alcohol recovery and long-term sobriety. The show features personal recovery stories and emphasizes the idea that sobriety can be a positive, fulfilling lifestyle rather than something people endure.
4. Sober Powered
This podcast dives into the science of addiction and recovery, particularly alcohol use disorder. Host Gillian Tietz, who has been sober since November 2019, uses her biochemistry background to help people identify and change the default patterns that make alcohol seem like a “solution.” After years of unsuccessful attempts to moderate her drinking, Tietz began a mission to learn everything she could about how alcohol impacts the brain, and now she shares her findings with listeners through this podcast. It’s an excellent resource for people who appreciate evidence-based explanations.
5. The Mental Illness Happy Hour
Mental health struggles can feel extremely isolating, especially if you don’t know anyone who understands what you’ve been through. This long-running podcast tackles depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction and other challenges through candid conversations that normalize challenging experiences.
6. Ten Percent Happier
Stress management, mindfulness and emotional regulation are the building blocks of balanced recovery. Hosted by journalist Dan Harris, this podcast explores practical ways to improve your mental well-being and develop healthier responses to life’s challenges.
7. Inside Mental Health
For listeners who enjoy educational content, Inside Mental Health features discussions with clinicians, researchers and mental health experts. Topics include anxiety, depression, trauma, resilience and emotional health.
8. Therapy for Black Girls
Mental health experiences are not one-size-fits-all. Therapy for Black Girls provides culturally informed discussions about emotional wellness, relationships, trauma and self-care. The podcast has become a valuable resource for many listeners seeking relatable mental health conversations.
Podcasts Are a Tool, Not a Treatment Plan
Recovery requires ongoing growth and learning. Podcasts can help by providing encouragement, reducing feelings of isolation, offering practical coping strategies and reinforcing the lessons you learned in therapy. Try listening to one during your commute, daily workout or other moments when you might otherwise dwell on stress or triggers.
While you can gain valuable advice and insights from podcasts, it’s crucial to remember that they are not a replacement for professional help. Listening to recovery stories may inspire you if you struggle with substance use, anxiety, depression, trauma or other mental health concerns, but lasting change often requires a structured treatment plan that includes therapy and medical care.
Recovery Is Stronger When You Stay Connected
When you complete a stay in a residential addiction treatment program, you start a new chapter of your life. The more connections you have to supportive people, healthy information and positive influences, the more resilient your recovery can become.
Whether you listen to The Hopeaholics or another recovery-focused podcast, the important thing is to keep learning, growing and reminding yourself that help is available. If you struggle with addiction or co-occurring mental health challenges, Hope by the Sea offers comprehensive treatment programs designed to address both. Our experienced team provides personalized care that helps clients build the skills, support systems and confidence needed for long-term recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and begin healing.