In an unprecedented episode, we sit down with music legend Dion (of “The Wanderer” and “Runaround Sue” fame) and his spiritual protégé, Adam. Dion opens up with staggering humility about getting sober on April 1st, 1968—57 years ago—after his father-in-law took him to a meeting and told him, “A sick mind can’t cure a sick mind.”

Adam shares his harrowing entry into recovery, including a profound spiritual experience with a Catholic priest who used a UV light to reveal the “invisible fingerprints” of a Higher Power that had been guiding him all along. Their bond, which began when a 12-year-old Adam met his idol at a school concert, was divinely rekindled in the rooms of recovery, forging a sponsor relationship that changed both their lives. This is a powerful testament to timeless recovery, spiritual connection, and the miracle of one day at a time.

Access our website for the full notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Kiefer, a director at Clear Behavioral Health, joins us for a raw and hopeful episode. With a seemingly ideal suburban upbringing, he traces his path from a 3.9 GPA high school student to a college dropout with a 0.9, all while his addiction to alcohol, benzos, and cocaine progressed from age 14. He shares the terrifying reality of his blackouts, the family interventions he missed, and the moment he "came to" in a treatment center with no memory of how he got there.

His story is one of profound surrender—not something he did, but something that happened to him. A simple conversation with another struggling kid sparked a "white light" experience that shifted him from hopelessness to hope. Now over five years sober, Kiefer discusses the spiritual tools that maintain his recovery, the miraculous restoration of his family relationships, and the urgent advice he has for anyone on the verge of asking for help.

Access our website for the full notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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In this powerful second part of our conversation with trauma therapist Laura Sorte, we dive into the brutal reality of her active addiction. Laura recounts the dangerous "disguises" of being a "wine connoisseur," the horrifying blackouts that led to her being found unconscious on NYC streets and strapped to a hospital bed, and the family intervention that was called off when they collectively decided she'd been "mugged."

Hitting her point of powerlessness at 29, Laura details her journey to detox and a six-month treatment program. She shares the transformative, difficult work she did there—from being banned from using her parents for emotional support to consciously building her first real female friendships—and how this painful process of individuation ultimately built the self-esteem she never had.

Access our website for the full notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Laura Sorte, a therapist and expert in recovery, joins us for a profound and vulnerable conversation. She takes a retrospective look at her seemingly happy childhood to uncover the subtle moments of heartbreak and unmet emotional needs that contributed to her journey with substance use. Laura discusses the impact of learning disabilities, growing up as a twin under constant comparison, and how the identity of "not being smart enough" took root.

Now a parent and trauma-informed clinician, Laura reframes these early experiences not through blame, but through the lens of understanding impact and breaking generational cycles. She explains the crucial difference between responsibility and blame in family systems, and how acknowledging unmet needs is a powerful step toward healing for those struggling with addiction and their families.

Access our website for the full notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Dr. Jeffrey Katzman, Director of the Academy for Research and Education at Silver Hill Hospital, joins Cross Talk to discuss one of the most pressing yet stigmatized issues of our time: the loneliness epidemic. He reveals startling data, including that loneliness is as deadly as smoking 14 cigarettes a day and contributes to a death every three minutes. Dr. Katzman explains how this crisis is deeply intertwined with addiction, mental health, and our over-reliance on digital "connection."

Drawing from his unique background in improvisational theater, Dr. Katzman challenges the manualized, checkbox approach to modern psychotherapy. He argues that the true healing power lies in the spontaneous, empathetic connection between therapist and client—a principle he calls "the common factors." This conversation explores practical solutions, from the grassroots success of "Andy's Man Club" in the UK to the simple, profound power of saying hello to a stranger.

Access our website for the full notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Wendy, a licensed therapist, international speaker, and author, shares her profound 28-year recovery journey that began with a desperate look in the Yellow Pages. She recounts her early life as "Wild Wendy," her codependent family dynamic, and a marriage based on the wrong values. Wendy opens up about the moment her drinking became undeniable in front of her children and the immediate surrender that followed when she walked into her first AA meeting.

This episode delves deep into the real work of recovery that goes beyond abstinence. Wendy discusses how the coin inscribed "To Thine Own Self Be True" became her guidepost, leading her to therapy, Al-Anon, ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics), and ultimately to earning her MSW and building a new life. She explains her "Happiness Recovery System," the importance of healing the entire family, and offers crucial advice on setting boundaries, saying "no," and why caring less about what others think is the ultimate freedom.

Access our website for the full notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Kenny Lansing shares his journey from a successful Wall Street career to a devastating addiction that required five separate rehab attempts. He describes his early days as the "mayor" of the party, the car crash that failed to be a wake-up call, and how losing his job unleashed a two-month spiral that shocked his family. Kenny details the cycle of failed treatments, the lies that piled up, and his physical dependence on prescription drugs.

This episode powerfully illustrates how addiction is a family disease. Kenny recounts the pivotal moment his mother, against the wishes of the rest of the family, sent him to Caron Treatment Centers. He shares the transformative impact of Caron's family program, which led to a profound reconciliation with his father, and the simple, surrendered prayer on the drive there that finally changed everything. Now a long-term employee at Caron, Kenny discusses the gift of helping others and the core lesson he learned: asking for help is the ultimate strength.

Access our website for the full notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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April shares her powerful and raw journey into recovery, which began at 61 years old after a successful career and a life that looked put-together from the outside. She opens up about the insidious nature of her "high-functioning" addiction, describing it as a disease that constantly told her she didn't have one. April details the devastating consequences, including damaging her relationship with her son and destroying the career she loved, and her initial, furtive attempts to seek help by secretly attending AA meetings.

This episode delves into the unique stigma faced by women with addiction and April's passionate plea for it to become as openly discussed as mental health. She describes the life-changing gifts of her recovery, from the profound relief of waking up without shame to the power of her "entourage"—a support system including rehab alumni, AA groups, and a phenomenal sponsor. April’s story is a testament to the idea that it's never too late to start rebuilding, learning to take care of oneself, and finding a new family in the recovery community.

Access our website for the full notes for this episode at crosstalkofficial.com

Video is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSTALKPODCASTS/videos⁠⁠⁠⁠

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𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We’re so grateful for your support each episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please help us reach others by sharing it with someone who’d love it and leaving a review here!