Rooted Recovery Stories

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 131

Bryan Ruby

On this episode of Rooted Recovery Stories, Patrick sits with pro baseball player turned country singer-songwriter Bryan Ruby. Bryan was the first professional baseball player to come out as gay, and he shares his journey from living a “double life” to being proud of who he is. After transitioning to a career in country music, Bryan founded the non-profit Proud to Be in Baseball, which aims to encourage the next generation of queer baseball players.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 130

Braunwyn & Jennifer Windham-Spinner

Ever wonder whether reality TV is as glamorous behind the scenes as it appears on the screen? Join Patrick Custer and his guests Braunwyn Windham and Jennifer Spinner as they uncover the reality behind reality TV! Patrick, Braunwyn, and Jenn talk about the weird fan interactions they’ve had, what it’s like dating a recovering addict, finding pleasure in simplicity, and fighting the stigma of struggling with addiction.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 129

Walker Hayes

In this week’s episode of Rooted Recovery Stories, we’re very excited to welcome our guest, Walker Hayes, a father, husband, and country music star, shares his story in conversation with Patrick Custer and co-host Brad Schmitt.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 128

Trina Frierson

On this episode of Rooted Recovery Stories Patrick sits with Katrina (Trina) Frierson, the founder of Mending Hearts, as they talk about her shocking stories of hardships and growth over the years. 

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 127

Jason Wahler

TV personality, husband, and board member of the Red Songbird Foundation, Jason Wahler, joins this week’s episode of “Rooted in Recovery” to share his journey from addict and reality TV star to sobriety and mental health advocacy.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 126

Zac Clark

Business owner, Bachelorette contestant and avid Philly sports fan, Zac Clark, is joining this week’s episode of Rooted Recovery Stories to share his road to sobriety. His story goes from a charmed childhood and high school keg parties in the woods, to intense college parties and attempts to hide addiction while maintaining a marriage.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 125

Lauren Maak

Professional interior designer and HGTV star, Lauren Makk, is joining Rooted Recovery Stories this week to share her complex and victorious journey through food addiction, sobriety, and redefining the “party girl” persona, all while navigating the challenges of motherhood during a pandemic.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 124

Mike Rossi

Performer and Outreach Coordinator for Apex Addiction Treatment Center, Mike Rossi, is joining Rooted Recovery Stories this week to discuss his complex and personal journey through life on tour, addiction, and sobriety, all while grappling with his relationships and identity in Los Angeles.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 123

Adam Jablin

Adam Jablin joins Patrick Custer on Rooted Recoveries during the first week of National Recovery Month to discuss identity, spirituality, fitness, and self-care. Jablin, a #1 best selling author and speaker, a Life Coach, recovery mentor, and the creator of THE HERO PROJECT & THE HERO 7 & Wake Up! Discover Recovery. Much like his favorite hero, Superman, Adam’s focus is to help save lives! Bringing enthusiasm and purpose into the lives of others is the motivation behind Adam’s work.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 122

Matthew Jackman

Renowned scholar and social worker, Matt Jackman, joins Rooted Recovery Stories Podcast with Patrick Custer this week to discuss their complex and victorious journey growing up in the Australian foster care system, processing gender dysphoria and sexuality while grappling with trauma and identity and becoming an international mental health advocate with their organization TACFLE (The Australian Centre for Lived Experience).

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 121

Tox Josh

This week, Tox Josh joins Rooted Recovery Stories with Patrick Custer to discuss Josh’s rise in the aesthetics industry, struggle with a near-death experience, the inner and outer battle with body dysmorphia and the tremendously difficult task of trying to overcome shame.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 120

Brad Schmitt

Country Music artist Frank Ray joins Rooted Recovery Stories with Patrick Custer this week to discuss his improbable and tumultuous path into the country music scene, the intense trauma and moral complexities he encountered as a police officer of over 10 years, fulfilling childhood dreams and the release of his major debut album.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 119

Brad Schmitt

Nashville journalist Brad Schmitt joins host, Patrick Custer for this hilariously unhinged episode of laughs, tears, and all the feels as we delve into his journey through childhood trauma, addiction, and ultimate redemption.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 118

Ruthie Lindsey

Join host Patrick Custer in this inspiring episode as he sits down with the incredible author, speaker, and coach, Ruthie Lindsey. Ruthie shares her journey of discovering that belonging is not about performance or perfectionism, and how childhood messages shaped her perspective.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 117

David Hernandez

In this episode, we dive into the life of David Hernandez, musician and Top 12 Finalist of Season 7 of American Idol. We take a deeper look into his musical journey before and after Idol and history of being in the spotlight before coming out. He also shares his story of struggles and road to recovery from addiction.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 116

Corey O’Brien

Corey O’Brien tell his captivating story of addiction and rehabilitation, which started at an early age. Corey discusses how it’s fun until it’s not fun anymore. Everything took a backseat for him when entering rehab, allowing him to have true a realization of what his life could be and focusing on doing what he truly loved…to entertain people.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 115

Andi Marie Tillman

The talented comedian, actress, and singer, Andi Marie Tillman shares her personal journey through addiction and sobriety. Kicking off the episode, we have a surprise visit from Andi’s kookie Aunt Pam, a chronic over-sharer who lives up to her reputation. Get ready for some hilarious anecdotes and unexpected twists as Aunt Pam adds her unique perspective to…well, just about everything! 

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 114

Ester Nicholson

Join Patrick Custer and Ester Nicholson in this thought-provoking episode as they explore the depths of addiction and trauma recovery, shedding light on the importance of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of the human spirit.  

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 113

Chadd Bryant

In this candid conversation, Chadd sheds light on the importance of breaking the cycle of trauma and the power of sharing one’s story. By speaking out, he hopes to empower others who may be silently suffering, encouraging them to seek help and find solace in knowing they are not alone.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 112

Cody Alan

Join us for this deep and vulnerable conversation as Cody shares his personal journey to self-acceptance, embracing his sexuality, coming out publicly after decades of marriage, and the importance of PRIDE! 

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 111

Will Ganss

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Rooted Recovery Stories, we sit down with three-time Emmy award-winning entertainment, lifestyle, and good news journalist for ABC News and Good Morning America, Will Ganss.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 110

Brooke Eden

Country music has a rare force to be reckoned with and her name is Brooke Eden! Watch this episode to find out the full story and passion behind her latest EP, Choosing You! We are so excited to celebrate everything that brings meaning, impact, and uniqueness to PRIDE month with Brooke and you will be too!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 109

Phil Cobucci

This week Patrick sits down with entertainment business expert, pioneer for LGBTQ+ equality, equity, and inclusion, and Executive Director of Inclusion Tennessee, Phil Cobucci. 

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 108

Nikki Leonti

In this episode, we talk to vocal phenom, music industry icon, wife, and mother of 3, Nikki Leonti, about how the intersectionality of her personal life, societal pressures, and stigma took over her career in the Christian music industry. 

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 106

Savannah Chrisley

We are launching National Mental Health Awareness Month with reality TV star, makeup guru, and social media influencer, Savannah Chrisley.

She self admittedly opens up in this interview more than ever before about her journey confronting her mental health and many of the obstacles she’s overcome. 

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 104

Beck Gee

We are celebrating and recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility with a deep and meaningful conversation with Beck Gee. Beck is a master’s level clinician with an undergraduate degree in Sociology with an emphasis on Gender & Sexuality and a master’s degree in Addiction Counseling. Beck has worked in the mental health and substance use field for over 10 years in various capacities. The main focus of his work has been invested in the LGBTQI+ community, adolescents, and families. 

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 103

Amy Brown

We are kicking off National Eating Disorders Awareness (NEDA) week, talking to Amy Brown from the Bobby Bones Show about her journey of healing from disordered eating, trauma, and the tools she used to survive, overcome, and what is helping her to thrive in life now!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 102

Pubali Chakravorty

As 2023 National Eating Disorders Awareness week approaches, Patrick has a candid conversation with Promises Chief Administrative Officer, Pubali Chakravorty, about her own journey through trauma, cultural differences, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, and what her path to a life of healing, joy, and freedom has looked like!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 101

Becca Stevens

We are kicking off 2023 with the theme “Love Heals,” talking to one of our generation’s most impactful world-changers: Author, speaker, priest, social entrepreneur & Thistle Farms Founder/President, Becca Stevens! 

Patrick and Becca have a candid conversation about her faith and circumstances in her personal life that led her on the path of self-discovery, faith & healing that would ultimately be the spark to ignite her worldwide social enterprise, Thistle Farms, that’s been helping women survivors overcome and heal from systems of prostitution and exploitation for over 25 years. 

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 100

Cheryl Burke

We are celebrating this 100th milestone episode with an extra special guest, Cheryl Burke. She is an American dancer and television host and is fondly revered by many for being a professional competitor on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars (now streaming on Disney+). Not only was she the first female professional to win the show, but she was also the first professional to win twice, win twice consecutively, and has participated in 26 seasons! Among her most admirable qualities is how she uses her platform to educate, break stigma, and shine a light on the pathway to hope for those who may be struggling by speaking out about mental health, addiction, and recovery!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 99

Leah McSweeney

She’s an American fashion designer and television personality who founded the women’s streetwear line Married to the Mob (MTTM) in 2004 and has starred on the reality television series The Real Housewives of New York City . However, one of our favorite characteristics about her is that she is out loud and proud about her struggles through and recovery from substance use and mental health disorders. We hope you enjoy this candid and meaningful conversation with beautifully chaotic, Leah McSweeney!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 98

Dedee Pfeiffer

She’s an award-winning actress and producer known for her wide range of dramatic and comedic roles. Currently starring in the gripping ABC mystery “Big Sky,” now filming its third season, the fiery Dedee’s nearly four-decade career has placed her alongside Hollywood’s elite and earned her the respect of masters of the acting craft. Her role in the ABC drama “Big Sky” as Denise Brisbane, a sharp-witted assistant at a private detective agency in Montana, marks her return to Hollywood following a 10-year hiatus in which she earned her Master of Social Work from UCLA.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 97

Zach Noe Towers

He’s one of the funniest humans on this planet and a true hero in the world of comedy due to his openness about his recovery: Writer, actor, and phenomenal comedian, Zach Noe Towers shares about life behind the curtain of laughs! We cover everything from addiction, recovery, breaking stigma, imposter syndrome, coming out, and working in a profession where partying is the norm. You won’t want to miss this extra special episode for National Recovery Month!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 96

Marci Hopkins

She’s an award-winning TV Personality, host and creator of Wake Up with Marci, a Recovery Expert on Fox, CBS, NBC and ABC and the author of ‘Chaos to Clarity: Seeing The Signs and Breaking The Cycles’. In this episode, Marci shares about her journey through addiction and how she found hope and a dynamic life full of joy through the transformation of recovery! 

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 95

Brian Sullivan

Emmy Award-winning producer, beloved PR icon, media, and broadcast journalism expert, Brian Sullivan, has spent much of his career shining a light on the mental health & addiction crisis, overdose, and opioid epidemic plaguing not only Nashville, but the state of Tennessee, and all of the United States. He’s helped countless people tell their stories and used his own voice to break stigma and raise awareness through the full range of news media.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 94

Marti Gould Cummings

Marti Gould Cummings is an NYC drag artist, television personality, and political figure. Throughout their nearly decade-long drag career Marti has been a regular fixture in the drag world performing up to 6 regular shows a week. They have sold out concerts at 54 Below, Lincoln Centers Big Apple Circus, Dixon Place and regularly tour the world with Atlantis Cruises. You can see Marti on Fusion television’s Shade Queens of NYC, on The Marti​Report on LOGO, Dragged on Yahoo! and on The X Change Rate on The Build Series.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 93

Mike Maeshiro

Mike is an LGBTQ+ advocate, a queer theology enthusiast, author, teacher, social media influencer, thought leader & founder, and CEO of Numa, a spiritual intelligence organization that equips people in theology, spirituality, and faith.  Join the conversation as Patrick Custer dives deep with Mike into his own story, struggle, and fight to find peace, authenticity, and freedom. This is a thoughtful discussion around spirituality, the LGBTQIA+ population, trauma, hope, and healing!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 92

Captain Sandy Yawn

She’s a renowned superyacht captain with over 3 decades of international maritime experience, and star of Bravo’s hit TV series Below Deck Mediterranean.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 91

Mackenzie Phillips

Actress, musician, author, and recovery advocate, Mackenzie Phillips, shares an extremely vulnerable and heartfelt interview with host, Patrick Custer, about her story of trauma, addiction, fame, fortune, healing, and recovery.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 90

Braunwyn Windham Burke

Former Real Housewife of the OC, LGBTQ+ & Recovery Activist, Braunwyn Windham Burke returns to our show for a wonderful conversation about her journey dealing with mental health issues and finding solutions that have helped change her and many other people’s lives for the better!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 89

Heather Hayes

Heather Hayes is a nationally & internationally renowned interventionist, author, speaker and respected authority on complex mental health issues and the full spectrum of addictive disorders. She’s also been featured on most major TV networks and serves as an on-air expert and consultant for CNN and Dr. Oz, and last but certainly not least she’s a featured interventionist on past seasons of A&E’s high-profile show Intervention. Heather shares about her journey through recovery and how she helps people access tools to win their own battles!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 88

Ty Herndon

Grammy-nominated and Dove award-winning recording artist, Ty Herndon, joins us to share about his life growing up in the south, navigating a career in the music industry in active addiction, the bravery it took to come out of the closet and surviving multiple relapses on his path to long-term recovery! Ty reveals how his forthcoming album, Jacob (releasing spring 2022), tells these stories for the first time through his music!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 87

Jaime Wyatt

Queer queen of outlaw country music, Jaime Wyatt, joins us to share about her journey growing up on the west coast, navigating a career in the music industry, the bravery it took to come out of the closet and surviving addiction until she ultimately found hope in sobriety!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 86

Logan Slaughter

Logan Slaughter is an Arizona born NYC bred drag queen “Logan Hardcore” who has made waves throughout his career.  From titles like Entertainer of the Year on fire island, to Dance Artist of The Year 4 years in a row at NYC Glam Awards to newly NYC sober queen. Logan has a way of saying what most people are thinking but unwilling to say. In this episode, Logan shares about how gay clubs and venues were a haven of safety for him since coming out and provided him the avenues for human connection we all need for developing and maintaining friendships, romance & artistic professional development. He opens up about the prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse in this community that took him to places he never imagined. Now in long-term recovery, Logan explains his passionate stance on sobriety being for those who need and want it.
No stranger to the spotlight, Logan began using his platform to change lives behind the microphone when he launched his own show during the Covid-19 pandemic, Hardcore SobrieTEA; A podcast focused on tough conversations and critique with guests and topics related to sobriety, the recovery world, Real Housewives and of course all things Rupaul’s Drag Race!
Logan is an active member of the LGBTQIA recovery community and is currently Co-Chair of Fundraising for the non-profit organization, Gay and Sober Inc. which hosts the national Gay and Sober Men’s Conference annually in NYC during Pride weekend.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 85

Lauren Alaina

Multi-platinum selling singer song writer, actress and author, Lauren Alaina, opens up about the obstacles she’s overcome in her career and how excited she is to get out on tour and share her new album Sitting Pretty On Top Of The World with all of her fans. No matter who you are, life has brought new hurtles to our entire world over the past few years. The music and entertainment business has been at the forefront of industries shaken by the pandemic. But Lauren is a fighter, survivor, and hard worker. She shares how surprised she was when this was acknowledged during her recent set at the Grand Ole Opry where Trisha Yearwood stopped the show to present her with the invitation to become a member of the Opry – a most prestigious honor in country music.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 84

Dr. Robert Weiss

Dr. Weiss shares his story recovery from trauma, sex addiction & intimacy disorder. He also shares valuable insight into the current state of human development in this generation as it relates to families and the prevalence of intergenerational trauma.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 83

Dr. Robert Weiss

Dr. Weiss shares his story recovery from trauma, sex addiction & intimacy disorder. He also shares valuable insight into the current state of human development in this generation as it relates to families and the prevalence of intergenerational trauma.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 82

Patrick Custer

The seats have been swapped and roles reversed for this special episode. Guest host, Erica Frances from WKRN News 2, joins the show to interview show host, Patrick Custer, about his journey fighting for his life through brain tumor diagnosis, surgeries, and subsequent medical complications. This is a story of hope, perseverance and resilience that will resonate with anyone needing encouragement – or just wanting to hear a bizarre story!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 81

Dr. Ivan Stoev

We are talking to Dr. Ivan Stoev, the Neurosurgeon who helped our storyteller from last week, Victoria, begin her sudden journey to healing. Dr. Stoev shares from his perspective about what makes Victoria’s case unique in addition to the remarkable adversities he overcame in order to help save her life today!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 80

Victoria Phillips

Can you imagine being states away from home, on a different continent from your family, when the sudden onset of acute-unknown symptoms force you into the emergency room for the first time in your life. You’re young, athletic and have every reason to believe you’re perfectly healthy. But within 24-hours of being admitted to the hospital, you’re in the operating room for brain surgery. This is just the beginning of Victoria’s journey enduring Chiari malformation and fighting a medulloblastoma brain tumor. Tune in to hear her story of hope and resilience!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 79

Darice Spackman

Darice shares her journey of how a life-altering accident forced her to approach life differently. She says that perseverance and a positive perspective was essential for surviving through her pain. However, when it began interfering with her quality of life, ability to show up as a mother and perform at her job, she knew it was time to get help. Tune in to find out about Darice’s special tie to the healing she finally received and how her story ultimately unfolded!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 78

Mike Marjama

Mike Marjama, former Major League Baseball player for the Seattle Mariners, shares his life’s story with host, Patrick Custer, and how he once struggled with disordered eating that threatened his ability to play the sport he loves.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 77

Daniel Henderson

National recovery coach and speaker on addiction, mental heath & traumatic brain injury, and founder of the non-profit Recover Wisely, Daniel Henderson, shares about finding hope and recovery just a few years before a severe hiking accident left his life hanging in the balance.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 76

Ashley Hampton

Trauma survivor, LGBTQIA advocate & licensed mental health therapist, Ashley Hampton, shares her story of healing and trauma recovery from the spiritual abuse she experienced as a result of being raised in a high-control religious movement that she and many other ex-members have since identified as a cult.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 75

Jeremy Jackson (part 2)

Tune in for part 2 of Jeremy Jackson’s story!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 74

Jeremy Jackson (part 1)

From starring in Baywatch & multiple reality TV shows to the fashion world of endorsement and show-hosting, making his own music and touring the country and now most importantly being an advocate and person in long-term recovery, our guest today, Jeremy Jackson, has just about done it all!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 73

Jody McBrayer

Grammy nominated and Dove award winning gospel music artist, Jody McBrayer shares his journey through mental health struggles and trauma to finding hope & healing through his faith and professional mental health services.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 72

Jordan Thomas

Jordan Thomas shares his journey through trauma, addiction to a life of authenticity, hope & recovery!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 71

David Hampton

Recovery Coach, musician & public speaker, David Hampton, CPRC, shares his journey through addiction to a life of authenticity, hope & recovery!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 70

Dawn Nickel

Dawn Nickel, Founder of SHE RECOVERS® Foundation, is a thought leader in the women’s recovery sphere as well as an accomplished leader, dedicated researcher, and visionary in the recovery moment.

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 69

Courtney Grimes

Psychotherapist, person in long-term eating disorder recovery & recovery advocate, Courtney Grimes, LCSW, shares about her journey through trauma and process addiction to a life of authenticity, hope & recovery!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 68

Sean Brock

Celebrity chef, former TV host, New York Times Best-Selling Author & recovery advocate shares about his journey through trauma and addiction to a life of authenticity, hope & recovery!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 67

Braunwyn Windham-Burke

Former actress on Bravo’s Housewive’s of the OC, mother of 7, activist & recovery advocate shares how her journey through trauma, many episodes of addiction, life on TV, a huge family dynamic shift, asking for help and getting second chances has brought her to a life of authenticity, hope & recovery!

Rooted Recovery Stories Episode 66

Duke Rumely

Jordan Thomas shares his journey through trauma, addiction to a life of authenticity, hope & recovery!