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Can the endocannabinoid system (ECS) help reshape the future of pain treatment and addiction recovery? In this episode of Recovery Discovery, DeAnn and Craig explore the science behind the body’s endocannabinoid system, a powerful biological network responsible for maintaining balance, pain regulation, inflammation control, and emotional wellbeing. Their guest, Caitlin Krebs, co-founder and CEO of Nalu Bio, explains how researchers are using artificial intelligence and advanced drug discovery technology to design non-addictive cannabinoid-based medicines that target the ECS without intoxication or dependency. The conversation explores how AI-engineered compounds could potentially provide pain relief comparable to opioids without the addiction risk, opening new possibilities for people in recovery who often struggle with limited medical options for pain management. If you have questions or comments or would like to  be a guest on the Recovery Discovery Podcast,  send an email to:    [email protected] More information about our project is available at: https://www.showupandstay.org/ https://www.soberpositiveworkplace.org/ For podcast updates, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupandstayorg/ Music and Audio Production by Katie Hare.    https://www.hare.works

In this episode, hosts DeAnn Knighton and Craig Knighton sit down with James Piacentino co-founder and CEO of Thrive Genetics, to explore how science, genetics, and behavior intersect in addiction risk and prevention. James shares his personal lived experience with intergenerational addiction alongside decades of research and innovation that led to the creation of the Comprehensive Addiction Risk Evaluation System (CARES). The conversation breaks down how addiction risk is not determined by a single gene, but by a complex interaction between genetic predisposition, behavioral patterns, and environmental factors. James explains how CARES combines genome-wide analysis with a sophisticated behavioral questionnaire to create a more complete, clinically meaningful addiction risk profile. Together, the hosts and guest discuss real-world applications of addiction risk testing—particularly in medical settings where opioid prescriptions, pain management, and surgery can unintentionally trigger substance use disorder. The episode also explores ethical considerations, trauma-informed prevention, intergenerational healing, and how early knowledge can empower individuals, families, and healthcare providers to make safer, more informed decisions. This episode offers a hopeful, evidence-based look at how addiction science and responsible innovation can help reduce harm, close gaps in care, and reshape the future of addiction prevention and recovery. If you have questions or comments or would like to  be a guest on the Recovery Discovery Podcast,  send an email to:    [email protected] More information about our project is available at: https://www.showupandstay.org/ https://www.soberpositiveworkplace.org/ For podcast updates, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupandstayorg/ Music and Audio Production by Katie Hare.    https://www.hare.works

Understanding the Real Risks of Alcohol, THC, and Gas-Station Drugs In this episode of Show Up and Stay: Recovery Discovery, hosts DeAnn Knighton and Craig Knighton sit down with Dr. Aaron Weiner — board-certified psychologist and Executive Vice President at the Prevention Research Institute — to unpack a truth many people still don’t realize: just because a substance is legal doesn’t mean it’s safe. Dr. Weiner breaks down how alcohol, high-potency THC, nicotine, kratom, and even so-called “gas-station drugs” interact with the brain and body. Through science, compassion, and real-world experience, he explains why legality, availability, and marketing often distort public perception — especially for young people and those in recovery. Listeners will learn: Why alcohol remains one of the most harmful substances sold over the counterHow modern THC potency is 6–10x higher than in past decadesWhy daily THC use among young adults has now surpassed alcoholThe rise of unregulated “legal highs” and why some are actually opioids in disguiseWhy addiction is biology, not moral failureHow policy, profit, and public health collide in ways the public rarely seesWhat truly supports recovery — and why swapping substances doesn’t workThis conversation offers clarity instead of judgment, science instead of fear, and hope instead of stigma. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or just trying to navigate a world full of mixed messages, this episode gives you what most people never get: the facts. If you have questions or comments or would like to  be a guest on the Recovery Discovery Podcast,  send an email to:    [email protected] More information about our project is available at: https://www.showupandstay.org/ https://www.soberpositiveworkplace.org/ For podcast updates, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupandstayorg/ Music and Audio Production by Katie Hare.    https://www.hare.works

In this episode of Recovery Discovery, hosts DeAnn and Craig talk with Dr. Quyen Ngo, clinical psychologist and Director of the Butler Center for Research at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Together, they explore the science behind addiction treatment, why recovery support must extend far beyond discharge, and how technology—from wearables to AI—might shape the future of long-term recovery. Dr. Ngo breaks down: Why addiction is a chronic brain disease, not a moral failingThe “danger zones” at 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatmentHow Hazelden Betty Ford redesigned long-term support through the Lifelong Recovery ProgramChallenges of collecting real-world outcomes data across systemsEthical considerations of third-party platforms and patient privacyThe promise and risks of AI in behavioral healthWhy standardizing treatment increases—not decreases—personalized careThis episode offers a rare inside look at modern addiction science, emerging technology, and the human work of supporting lasting change. It’s a conversation that bridges research, lived experience, and innovation — from the Butler Center for Research to the therapist’s office and beyond. If you have questions or comments or would like to  be a guest on the Recovery Discovery Podcast,  send an email to:    [email protected] More information about our project is available at: https://www.showupandstay.org/ https://www.soberpositiveworkplace.org/ For podcast updates, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupandstayorg/ Music and Audio Production by Katie Hare.    https://www.hare.works

In this illuminating episode of Recovery Discovery, host DeAnn Knighton and co-host Craig sit down with Dr. Jorja Jamison, psychologist, professor, and author at the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies, to explore how modern neuroscience and psychology shed new light on the 12 Steps of recovery. Dr. Jamison shares her personal journey — from training as an addiction psychologist while secretly battling her own substance use, to finding long-term recovery and discovering how the science of the brain validates what the 12 Steps have taught for decades: that healing happens through connection, meaning-making, and change. Together, they unpack how each step reflects a core psychological or biological process — from the brain’s wiring and reward circuitry to the emotional release that comes from vulnerability and community. Listeners will gain a robust new understanding of how surrender, honesty, and service are not only spiritual concepts but also neurochemical and psychological realities that support lasting transformation. Jorja's Website Jorga's Book: Wounded Healing  If you have questions or comments or would like to  be a guest on the Recovery Discovery Podcast,  send an email to:    [email protected] More information about our project is available at: https://www.showupandstay.org/ https://www.soberpositiveworkplace.org/ For podcast updates, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupandstayorg/ Music and Audio Production by Katie Hare.    https://www.hare.works

What if a short snippet of conversation could reveal insights into your emotional, behavioral, and cognitive health and signal risk factors for Substance Use Disorder? In this episode of Recovery Discovery, hosts' DeAnn Knighton and Craig Knighton sit down with Henry O’Connell, Co-Founder and CEO of Canary Speech, to explore how artificial intelligence and voice biomarkers are transforming the way clinicians understand human well-being. From its origin story in a Utah bagel shop to its deployment in primary care and behavioral health settings, Canary Speech’s “ambient listening” technology captures subtle, subconscious vocal patterns — helping clinicians identify indicators of anxiety, depression, pain, mild cognitive impairment, and even Alzheimer’s disease. The three discuss: The science of voice biomarkers and clinical decision supportHow Canary’s non-intrusive AI assists rather than replaces cliniciansApplication to substance use disorder Real stories from patients and practitioners using the toolThe ethical and emotional dimensions of integrating AI into mental health care and substance use disorderThis conversation is equal parts innovation, empathy, and inspiration — a look at how technology can help us listen better to ourselves and one another If you have questions or comments or would like to  be a guest on the Recovery Discovery Podcast,  send an email to:    [email protected] More information about our project is available at: https://www.showupandstay.org/ https://www.soberpositiveworkplace.org/ For podcast updates, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupandstayorg/ Music and Audio Production by Katie Hare.    https://www.hare.works

In this episode of Show Up and Stay, host DeAnn Knighton and co-host Craig Knighton speak with Tamar Blue, founder and CEO of MentalHappy, about how technology is reshaping access to mental-health and recovery-focused support groups. Tamar shares her personal journey and the inspiration behind building a platform designed to connect individuals with the right group and facilitator—removing barriers of geography, stigma, and safety concerns. Listeners will learn how MentalHappy creates a secure, stigma-free environment for healing through features such as facilitator vetting, trigger warnings, guided anonymity, and innovative tools like the new “Coming Soon” waitlist for groups in development. The conversation highlights: The power of peer connection in recovery and survivorship beyond traditional clinical care.The technology gap leaves many people unsupported and strains the healthcare system.Practical advice for facilitators to launch and grow successful groups—including clear guidelines, transparent group descriptions, and accessible pricing models.The importance of designing inclusive spaces that respect safety, privacy, and cultural context while fostering trust and belonging.Whether you’re a mental-health professional, a survivor seeking connection, or a healthcare innovator, this episode sheds light on the evolving landscape of digital group support and how technology, when thoughtfully built, can strengthen—not replace—human connection. If you have questions or comments or would like to  be a guest on the Recovery Discovery Podcast,  send an email to:    [email protected] More information about our project is available at: https://www.showupandstay.org/ https://www.soberpositiveworkplace.org/ For podcast updates, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupandstayorg/ Music and Audio Production by Katie Hare.    https://www.hare.works

Topics:  Impact of Gut Health on AddictionBalancing Body, Mind, and HeartFuture Directions and Stop CircuitIn this week's episode, DeAnn and Craig record a follow-up to our last episode featuring Adam Sud and the power of nutrition as a tool for sustainable recovery. They discuss the impact of diet and exercise on recovery. Craig emphasizes the importance of a balanced caloric environment, encompassing the types of food consumed and the utilization of calories. They explore the role of the microbiome in health, noting studies on cocaine's effect on glycine levels and how gut bacteria can influence addiction. DeAnn shares her personal recovery journey, emphasizing the significance of the balance of heart, mind, and body and the role the enneagram played in building this understanding. If you have questions or comments or would like to  be a guest on the Recovery Discovery Podcast,  send an email to:    [email protected] More information about our project is available at: https://www.showupandstay.org/ https://www.soberpositiveworkplace.org/ For podcast updates, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupandstayorg/ Music and Audio Production by Katie Hare.    https://www.hare.works

Adam Sud, a behavioral wellness and nutrition expert, joins DeAnn to discuss the impact of nutrition on addiction recovery. He shares his personal journey from severe health issues and addiction to recovery through a plant-based diet, reversing diabetes and losing 150 pounds in 10 months. Adam highlights the Infinite Study, the first controlled trial on nutrition's effect on addiction recovery, which showed significant improvements in resilience, self-esteem, and self-compassion. He emphasizes the importance of a nutrient-dense diet, particularly high fiber intake, in treatment facilities to enhance recovery outcomes. Link to Forbes article about The Infinite Study Adam's Website If you have questions or comments or would like to  be a guest on the Recovery Discovery Podcast,  send an email to:    [email protected] More information about our project is available at: https://www.showupandstay.org/ https://www.soberpositiveworkplace.org/ For podcast updates, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupandstayorg/ Music and Audio Production by Katie Hare.    https://www.hare.works

Why do achievements often leave us feeling unsatisfied? Why does FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) persist? Why do people do things they know will harm them?  DeAnn and Craig Knighton discuss the role of dopamine in substance use disorder, referencing "The Molecule of More" by Lieberman and Long and "Dopamine Nation" by Dr. Anna Lembke. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward, plays a crucial role in addiction and recovery. The conversation explores dopamine's impact on behavior, motivation, and cravings, and how it influences addiction cycles. They also discuss the concept of homeostasis, the importance of willpower, and the potential for future scientific advancements in dopamine research to aid in addiction treatment. Craig and DeAnn share personal anecdotes about dopamine's influence on behavior and the challenges of maintaining control. If you have questions or comments or would like to  be a guest on the Recovery Discovery Podcast,  send an email to:    [email protected] More information about our project is available at: https://www.showupandstay.org/ https://www.soberpositiveworkplace.org/ For podcast updates, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupandstayorg/ Music and Audio Production by Katie Hare.    https://www.hare.works

DeAnn and Craig speak with Joe Caravella, author of "The Disease of Addiction - A Twenty-First Century Understanding and Beyond" and a fellow Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School alum. Joe steps us through the evolution of addiction treatment, emphasizing the neurobiological aspects and the role of resilience. Joe explains addiction as a brain disease and describes the severing of communication between the prefrontal cortex and survival mechanisms, leading to compulsive behavior. Craig reflects on the progress in destigmatizing addiction and the importance of understanding addiction as a disease. They also explore the integration of science and spirituality in recovery, noting the significance of community and connection in overcoming addiction. Some personal perspectives and stories are shared.   Link to FREE PDF of Joe's book:  "The Disease of Addiction - A Twenty-First Century Understanding and Beyond" Additional recommendations from Joe: The Awakened Brain Uppers, Downers, All Arounders: Physical and Mental Effects of Psychoactive Drugs If you have questions or comments or would like to  be a guest on the Recovery Discovery Podcast,  send an email to:    [email protected] More information about our project is available at: https://www.showupandstay.org/ https://www.soberpositiveworkplace.org/ For podcast updates, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupandstayorg/ Music and Audio Production by Katie Hare.    https://www.hare.works

In our follow-up to our "Noble Nematode" episode, we move into part 2 of our conversation on the origins of addiction. Craig brings in Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking Fast and Slow," which differentiates between the subconscious (System 1) and conscious (System 2) mind as a framework. Craig admits to his compulsive behavior around sweets, even when he tries to resist. They explore how trauma and emotional states can trigger addictive behaviors, and how understanding these mechanisms can aid in recovery. DeAnn mentions a colleague's focus on food addiction utilizing the substance use treatment behavioral understanding as a tool. And of course, DeAnn finds a reasonable, albeit loose connection to her recent binge-watch of "Murderbot".  Episode Reference List:  Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.  https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/murderbots-cyborg-brain-explained-by-neuroscience/ Craig's Blog Post: https://www.showupandstay.org/blog/origins-of-addiction-part-2-sugar-systems-1-and-2-and-self-sabotage If you have questions or comments or would like to  be a guest on the Recovery Discovery Podcast,  send an email to:    [email protected] More information about our project is available at: https://www.showupandstay.org/ https://www.soberpositiveworkplace.org/ For podcast updates, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupandstayorg/ Music and Audio Production by Katie Hare.    https://www.hare.works

Jason Schwartz, a social worker since 1994 and Director of Social Work and Spiritual Care at a Michigan healthcare system, discussed his career at Dawn Farm and highlighted the potential of AI in addiction treatment, noting its use in training and electronic medical records.  Jason shares a troubling case study from an article in Futurism, where an AI chatbot advised a person with methamphetamine addiction to use the drug to stay awake. Jason highlights the challenges of balancing engagement and providing accurate information, using the example of a cancer patient who believes Vitamin C is an effective treatment. One key takeaway includes the importance of defining and measuring quality of life and long-term recovery trajectories, as well as exploring the role of AI in tracking and analyzing these factors. Additionally, Jason explains his initial curiosity with AI, seeing potential in training and electronic medical records for identifying themes and high-risk periods. The AI Mirror Blog Post:  https://recoveryreview.blog/2025/06/08/the-ai-mirror-take-that-small-hit-and-youll-be-fine/ https://recoveryreview.blog/ If you have questions or comments or would like to  be a guest on the Recovery Discovery Podcast,  send an email to:    [email protected] More information about our project is available at: https://www.showupandstay.org/ https://www.soberpositiveworkplace.org/ For podcast updates, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupandstayorg/ Music and Audio Production by Katie Hare.    https://www.hare.works

DeAnn and Craig discuss the potential of AI in therapy, specifically in the context of motivational interviewing (MI). They recap their previous experiment with a chatbot helping a character with alcohol consumption issues. Craig suggests using AI to practice MI, which DeAnn agrees on, given her recent research. DeAnn explains MI's principles, including empathy, rolling with resistance, and addressing ambivalence. They test the AI's MI skills, with DeAnn simulating a struggle with drinking. The AI demonstrates effective MI techniques, though it sometimes feels mechanical. They conclude that while AI can adapt to MI principles, there is more to explore surrounding the potential for cultural adaptations and effective development of a therapeutic alliance built over time. If you have questions or comments or would like to  be a guest on the Recovery Discovery Podcast,  send an email to:    [email protected] More information about our project is available at: https://www.showupandstay.org/ https://www.soberpositiveworkplace.org/ For podcast updates, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupandstayorg/ Music and Audio Production by Katie Hare.    https://www.hare.works

Luke Wendlandt joins Craig and DeAnn to discuss Cadre, a mental health platform inspired by social media, aiming to support employees' mental well-being. He highlights that 83% of employees have experienced a depressive episode in the past year. Luke shares personal stories, including missing a job opportunity, which led to a transformative role at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. He emphasizes the importance of addressing stigmatized topics like substance use and mental health through community support and preventative care. Cadre integrates mental health and substance use, offering content, live streaming, and community features to foster recovery and well-being. https://cadre.io/ *Download the Cadre app and use the access code "inspired" to get free access. If you have questions or comments or would like to  be a guest on the Recovery Discovery Podcast,  send an email to:    [email protected] More information about our project is available at: https://www.showupandstay.org/ https://www.soberpositiveworkplace.org/ For podcast updates, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupandstayorg/ Music and Audio Production by Katie Hare.    https://www.hare.works