Reviews
“People in power taking advantage of people they think they can abuse need to be held to account and justice is needed. Money and threats cannot be used to escape and start a new scam in another location. This crosses the line between white collar crime and violent crime and should be prosecuted...”Read full review »
Blujavelin via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/24/24
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“As a former staff in the addictions field - from an organization accredited by CARF - I want to thank you for publishing this. And for not taking it down.
I know all too well how the addictions field can run unchecked and harm those in recovery, staff, and anyone who dares challenge it.
My...”Read full review »
Red Cat-Bear via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
10/02/24
“Great production and skillfully reported. A story everyone needs to know about. Such bravery to investigate. Congratulations on a job well done.”
Shar 2966 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/17/24
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Amazing and brutal story. A gripping story and stellar display of true journalism. Bravo 👏🏼”
Jkhdsjnjncx via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/24/24
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Story telling and the music and sound effects / cuts where all excellent.
The topic is just being scratched. Personally I would have liked it a little better if it wasn’t so much about the reporter (although that was interesting) but there is so much more about the topic of vulnerability being...”Read full review »
🍎🐑 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/06/24
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“I’m a pod junkie and this is a top tier listen to me. Checks all the boxes. Nice job everyone!”
TreeLV via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/05/24
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Lauren is a really, really gifted storyteller. This is a great podcast you will binge quickly. It goes in some wide ranging directions but all of them are compelling.”
Ricky Automatic via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/24/24
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“So good all around. Binged it in a half day. Subject matter so so gross not sure how these people can sleep”
B Daddy of 2 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/23/24
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Why wouldn’t you block the guy on social media accounts & block their phone number? I don’t understand”
skimare via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/23/24
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“I was enjoying your POD cast until you decided you give an uniformed report on AA.
I have been sober for 17 years.
I was first sent to AA when I was 22 years old. It took me a long time to finally get it. The first step is about powerless . I fought for years. To admit I was an Alcoholic. ...”Read full review »
Dr Bobs freind via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/18/24
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“This show is so well produced! A great listen for those looking for stimulating investigative journalism!”
Cfjffjkj via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
02/17/24
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“The story of exploring people in recovery is not new. The methods of recovery are all like that”
The McCann via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/03/24
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“I spent nearly twenty years in AA. And I left. I didn’t die and I didn’t go to jail. If you like AA, then stay. But if you feel awful, it’s not you. Walk away. Many, many people have left and have never felt better. What we works for you. But you’re not broken. I have never felt better. Leaving...”Read full review »
Priscilla999213 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/01/24
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“I find this podcast timely and needed. Thank you for sharing our stories. 🩷”
Kitsu the cute via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
01/21/24
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Incredible reporting. Lauren is empathetic, thorough, and likeable. Despite the immense odds stacked against her and this story, she perseveres with grace. Very inspired by this podcast.”
tm732 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/30/23
“This podcast truly is next-level journalism, one that shines light on an important issue in a long-misunderstood and underrepresented arena: addiction and recovery.
Not only does “The 13th Step” tell a riveting - and yeah, totally unsettling and disturbing at times - situation regarding sexual...”Read full review »
Ethan from the Ether via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/30/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Terrible to hear about vandalism and threats against the reporter. Nobody deserves that!
My father did the 12 step program in 1990 and it saved his life and my parent’s marriage. Obviously no program is perfect but to blame white males for all of the problems is a joke. My father went through...”Read full review »
Coastie26 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/28/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Amazing work ! Captivating , mind opening on the world that is so secret and unknown . This story throws a light on a dark side of human affairs .”
Layla Mary Littlesister via Apple Podcasts ·
Italy ·
12/26/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“So glad there is finally a voice for so many voiceless. Thank you again Lauren, for your bravery, tenacity and willingness.
If you are sober or love someone who is sober and in recovery please listen.”
De'LaceFace via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/24/23
“Finally, this story is being told. Very grateful for this podcast.”
Heidi6yrsclean via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/17/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“One of the best I’ve listened to all year.”
Rockfrog26 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/10/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Superb reporting, just good old excellent journalism.”
StopppBrexxxitttt via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
11/13/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Bravo. Excellent job. Highly recommend!!”
237s$$ via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/20/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Profoundly deep and thought provoking!”
Redfan7 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/02/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“This is an engrossing account of the addiction treatment industry in the US, produced by a courageous team of reporters. The subject is handled with care and compassion, mixed with great story telling and solid research. Even more courageous are the people who blew the whistle on some of the...”Read full review »
Wendy, Sydney via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
08/21/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Amazing podcast! 10 stars!!!”
LJ N via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/12/23
“Another really well done podcast by an NHPR journalist. Binge worthy, thought provoking, & well done.”
🐞🐌🐝🐮🐽🐷 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/12/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“It’s an infuriating binge-worthy story.
Right wing media are attempting to discredit the story, saying Spofford wanted to share his side and was denied. Somehow I doubt that—I’ll keep listening to find out.”
Callihj987654321 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/08/23
“This is precisely why the first amendment exists. This story, unflinchingly, speaks truth to power. A must listen, especially for those who work a solid program. 13th stepping is not what true self healing is about.”
Danielle98765 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/03/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“I’m not sure what scares me more in this podcast. That these purveyors of so-called treatment centers can run with such minimal oversight and/ or licensing or that the states chose to amply fund them regardless. The outcomes should surprise no one. It took a few brave women to pursue this story,...”Read full review »
ccm&co via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/02/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Superbly crafted and meticulously researched. Another story about hubris, abuse, and manipulation—all too common in our culture of relentless pursuit of fame, money, and power.”
GianCarloDeCarlo via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/01/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“I’m only on Episode 3 but am greatly moved by the truth of the 13th Step podcast. I experienced lesser degrees of the 13th step in an AA “recovery program”. I was immediately out of jail for a 2nd DUI in first time recovery.I was older (39), so I think I spotted predators through previous...”Read full review »
slysxxx via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/31/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Amazingly informative and well done.”
Orion391 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/31/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Eric sounds like a typical uneducated addict who gets clean, reads one book and becomes a genius. The 12 steps aren’t a cure for narcissism.”
marlon renfro via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
07/28/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Excellent podcast. The journalist does an excellent and careful job reporting on a sensitive topic. Her investigation is sensitive, brave and thorough. Thank you for bringing this tough topic to light.”
Laura KS via Apple Podcasts ·
Poland ·
07/25/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Do yourself a favor and listen this unflinching look at a grotesque abuse of power in a largely unregulated industry.”
BeeSnacks via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/24/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Enjoyed every minute of it!”
slizzardlizard via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/21/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Thank you for bringing this issue to light. Incredible that people take advantage of others who are at their lowest point. Keep advocating!”
Ilovethisgame1999 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/20/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Responsible and important to hear.
Advocacy for people with substance use disorder is vital, Lauren does this.”
Hershel's Mom via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/17/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Very dangerous to paint this as an epidemic and a reason to avoid AA and twelve step. Any reasonable investigation within the program would uncover that 13 stepping is frowned upon and actively discouraged within the rooms. Linking one individual’s alleged conduct to 12 step and AA in general may...”Read full review »
Walt3644 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/13/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“This was an enlightening listen. As a mental health provider I have long known the troubles in recovery treatment. This podcast highlights particularly criminal elements of it and areas of danger, especially for women seeking treatment. I am amazed, inspired and so grateful to Lauren for...”Read full review »
kjnc510 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/12/23
“If you or a loved one have any interest in the quality of addiction treatment, this is priceless. Not all 12 step groups or recovery centers have these problems-most can be life savers & safe places. But unethical & untrained “counselors” or CEO’s do exist. Lots depends on state...”Read full review »
Tune inner via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/09/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Couldn’t stop listening”
rudytutes via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/03/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Wow. I couldn’t stop listening to this story. Thank you for bringing light to the situation.”
anothermansgold55 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/01/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“I lost too many friends due to addiction in the combination of ways someone can fall into this lifestyle. I was one of them and luckily I had my family that didn’t give up on me but too many are not as fortunate. And now to discovered that someone had a chance to do this important work for...”Read full review »
Fig1959 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/01/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“In episode 3 the use of legal processes to defend accused (but not yet found guilty) defendants was overly sensationalized which undermined a generally interesting podcast about a clearly problematic industry. Litigation holds are standard process for people accused of wrongdoing, especially in...”Read full review »
thebestrob via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/30/23
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“I have been sober 17 years and early on I felt so out of place in AA. Everything that was said in this podcast validates that feeling and why I quietly went my own way to figure out how to stay sober.
Thank you for this. Excellent podcast.”
tmp765 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/30/23
Do you host a podcast?
Track your ranks and reviews from Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more.
Listen now
Links
Genres
Artwork or description wrong?
Request an update »
Updates may take a few minutes.
Do you host a podcast?
Track your ranks and reviews from Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more.
