Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) has revolutionized addiction recovery, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood approaches to treatment. In this episode, Dr. Michael McCormick, Chief Medical Officer at Release Recovery, provides a comprehensive look at MAT, its effectiveness, and the misconceptions surrounding it. Drawing from nearly a decade of experience in addiction medicine—and his own journey through addiction—Dr. McCormick shares how medications like naltrexone are transforming...

The non-alcoholic (NA) beverage industry has seen explosive growth, now valued at over $10 billion globally, with NA breweries and brands popping up across the U.S. as more people explore alternatives to traditional drinking. Beyond full sobriety, many are using NA beverages as a tool for moderation, helping them reduce alcohol consumption without total abstinence. In this episode, we speak with Joe Chura, founder of Go Brewing—one of the country’s fastest-growing and most innovative NA...

Elections challenge us in ways that go far beyond the ballot box—they stress us, divide us, and shape our world. But what about the impact on our children? How do we explain complex choices and values to them without pulling them into the divisive traps of today’s political climate? Let's go deep. - Donate to the family of Jocelyn Nungary here. WHEN YOU'RE READY/ALTUM RESOURCES - Get started with medication to help you drink less | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visit Oar Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Download...

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) affects over 14 million Americans and is the 4th leading cause of preventable death in our nation. However, many remain unaware of a powerful, evidence-based approach that can help: The Sinclair Method. This method, which leverages naltrexone to reduce cravings and dependency, offers a different path to breaking free from alcohol’s grip. In this episode, Claudia Christian, a leading advocate for The Sinclair Method, explains how this treatment works, its...

How do we let go without losing control? In this episode, we explore the "Art of Acquiescence"—a Stoic principle of releasing what we can’t control, not to surrender, but to find freedom. With the election days away, we explore how we can embody this mindset, whether facing national outcomes or navigating personal relationships. Let go to grow. Let go to gain. #LiveDeep WHEN YOU'RE READY/RESOURCES - Download the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Altum Fitness app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. (Free for Veterans) -...

Is there a link between high-performance tendencies and struggles with addiction or mental health? And if so, what steps can you take to overcome it? In this episode, Jesse sits down with James Swanwick of Alcohol-Free Lifestyle to explore how the drive for success can sometimes lead to hidden battles with alcohol. Discover the connection between ambition, lifestyle habits, and mental resilience—and learn actionable strategies to navigate these challenges while achieving a healthy, balanced...

What will you leave behind? Who will remember you? And how do you want to be remembered? In this episode, we confront the questions that define our legacy and challenge us to think beyond the day-to-day. Drawing from personal loss, insights from the book of Ecclesiastes, and Stoic wisdom, we explore how every choice we make shapes our story. Check out ⁠"Living Life Backward,"⁠ by David Gibson. WHEN YOU'RE READY/ALTUM RESOURCES - Download the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Altum Fitness...

Nutrition and supplementation are powerful yet often overlooked tools in substance abuse recovery and mental health. In this episode, Dr. Brooke Scheller, celebrated author and founder of Functional Sobriety, shares how nutrition plays a crucial role in alcohol freedom and moderation. She explains the connection between diet and cravings, how certain nutrients impact mood and energy, and why what we eat can either help or hinder our sobriety goals. We also explore the key dietary supplements...

Elections are important. So is humility. In this episode of Weekly Wisdom, we explore the ancient virtue of Prudence and its relevance in today's polarized political landscape. Learn how to make wise, discerning choices this election season while maintaining respect and compassion for those with differing views. EXPLORE OUR SPONSORS - Get started with medication to help you drink less | ⁠⁠⁠⁠visit Oar Health⁠⁠ - Try the ⁠Sunnyside alcohol moderation app here.⁠ WHEN YOU'RE READY/ALTUM...

It's estimated that 30% of first responders (police, fire, EMS, etc) suffer from behavioral health injuries like PTSD and depression; significantly higher than the general population. Many first responders report struggling with substance use, often turning to alcohol or drugs to cope with the high-stress demands of their jobs. These alarming statistics reveal a deeper crisis within the first responder community, where the pressure to remain strong often prevents seeking help. In this...

Thomas Aquinas taught about the three primary pleasures: food, drink, and sex. And while all of these are good gifts from God, Aquinas warns us that when we indulge in them without moderation or reason, they can harm us—physically, mentally, and spiritually. He taught that temperance is the key to enjoying these pleasures without letting them rule our lives. Let’s use this weekend as an opportunity to practice temperance—not as a restriction, but as a way to reclaim our freedom. **** WHEN...

The Non-Alcoholic (NA) Beverage industry has skyrocketed in the past 4 years, quickly emerging as one of the fastest growing retail segments in the country. Why? In our post-epidemic, health conscious, and uber-connected world, consumers now have access to influential health information and hundreds of new NA options to help them live healthier, sober/soberish lives. To explore this new frontier, we welcomed Deb Podlogar, aka "The Mocktail Mom," on the show. Deb is a popular content creator...

In 2024, a survey revealed that 41% of American adults plan to drink less in the coming year—without giving up alcohol entirely. With traditional sobriety programs like AA focused on total abstinence, the question becomes: how will nearly half the country achieve moderation? Ian Andersen, co-founder of Sunnyside, believes he has the answer. In this episode, I sit down with Ian to explore how Sunnyside is revolutionizing the way people approach alcohol through technology. Ian shares how the...

"You become their inner voice. Don't become their inner critic." Powerful parenting advice spoken by former NFL star wide receiver Dez Bryant. How healthy is YOUR inner voice, and how does it impact your relationships, decisions, and experience of the world around you? Are your words and actions passing down a "generational curse" to your children, loved ones, and friends? Dive deep, discover, and do the work. This is Friday Fortitude. WHEN YOU'RE READY/ALTUM RESOURCES - Download...

It's 2024, and over 30 million people are suffering from alcohol use disorder in the US alone. Can a simple, cost effective pill called Naltrexone instantly help millions of Americans cut back, or cut out, alcohol? Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Yes, but there's a reason people don't know about it... Jonathan Hunt-Glassman is the Founder & CEO of Oar Health, and he is determined to change that. Oar Health is the nation's leading provider of online subscription-based Naltrexone...

"It's not what you've accomplished, it's who you are becoming." - Bishop Barron So: who are you becoming? www.altumfitness.com #LiveDeep

What does it truly mean to be "sober"? In today’s world, we mistakenly limit the definition to alcohol abstinence, but the word’s historical roots paint a broader and more powerful picture. In this episode of Sober Strength, we dive into the forgotten history of the word "sober" and reveal how it originally referred to clarity, moderation, and control—not just with alcohol, but in all areas of life, especially with indulgences. Host Jesse Carrajat uncovers the truth behind the term and...

Don't lose sight of what's at stake. Donate to support the Gaudreau family here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-madeline-and-baby-tripp-after-tragedy #LiveDeep

With the rapid growth of our podcast, we wanted to reintroduce one of our most impactful and important episodes to our expanding audience.  In this episode, we were joined in-person by Kori Turner, LPC, LAC, ADS, a highly respected Licensed Addiction Counselor and therapist-trainer based in Colorado. We sat down with Kori for a deep dive into alcohol use disorder, how to know if we "have it", can problem drinkers be "fixed," and much more. We also unpacked the history of alcohol treatment in...

We think there is a ton you don't know about the history of alcohol: consider this episode from our archive your free Ivy League education on the subject. Dr. Edward Slingerland is a Distinguished University Scholar and Professor of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia. He is one of the world's most sought after experts, authors, and scholars on the history and impact of alcohol consumption. If your curious about alcohol, or exploring your optimal relationship with the...

Dane Palarino is the founder and head coach at Dad Bod Sculptors, the #1 coaching service for “Conquering the Dad Bod” and a leading online coaching platform dedicated to helping men over 35 reclaim their health, confidence, and vitality. On this episode, Dane share’s his redemptive story of battling addiction and emotional decline, and how we won back his life through self examination, personal ownership, discipline, and consistency.  We discuss the ideal resistance training program, how to...

Parenting can be one of the toughest jobs out there, and for many, alcohol can become an easy crutch to lean on when the stress piles up. In this episode, I sit down with two fellow sober dads to explore the challenges and rewards of parenting while moderating or eliminating alcohol. We dive into different perspectives on sobriety and how it intersects with fatherhood, sharing our own experiences and lessons learned along the way.  Whether you’re sober, soberish, or simply curious about the...

Jen Hirst, founder and head sobriety coach at Lighthouse Sobriety, is a leading voice in helping women improve their relationship with alcohol. As a popular content creator, mental health advocate, fitness enthusiast, and sought-after lifestyle speaker, Jen brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. In this episode, Jen shares her inspiring story, explores the different paths to sobriety, and delves into the meaning and challenges of ‘cross addiction.’ She also offers practical steps...

Jeff Byers is the co-founder and CEO of Momentous, an industry leading wellness company offering world-class supplements and nutrition designed for everyday performance. Momentous products are trusted by the US military, elite athletes, and over 200 professional and collegiate sports teams world wide. Prior to starting Momentous, Jeff played offensive line in the National Football League (NFL), was a national champion and football captain at USC, and was named the Gatorade High School...