

Sobertown Podcast
Drifter
Addiction/Recovery
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 13, 2026 • 30min
EP 394: Interview with Marci Hopkins
Welcome to 2026! Host Dana (Peanut) interviews Marci H, a 10-year sober recovery leader and host of "Wake Up with Marci." Marci shares her journey from a rock-bottom DUI at age 45 to finding spiritual awakening and unconditional love in sobriety. We discuss perimenopause and drinking, the difference between court-ordered and chosen recovery, and how sobriety means reconnecting with your true self. Marci reveals her daily spiritual practices and mission to help others through her books "Chaos to Clarity" and the upcoming "Wake Up, You Are Not Broken." A moving conversation about vulnerability, transformation, and the endless possibilities of sober life. Find Marci at wakeupwithmarci.com.
Marci’s morning meditation to connect with Higher Power:
https://youtu.be/t-3QQDfxwl4?si=tsbJ_oPsrq2qybXX

Nov 25, 2025 • 45min
EP 393: Dr. Amy on Neurofeedback and Addiction
Dr. Amy Albright, a human potential expert and CEO of Holon, dives into the transformative world of neurofeedback therapy. She explains how this innovative approach addresses the roots of addiction, combining mental health strategies with elements of spirituality and community support. Dr. Amy shares real-life success stories, illustrates the brain's capacity for change, and discusses the challenges of overcoming shame around addiction. Her practical advice offers hope and encourages listeners to explore neurofeedback as a path to recovery and personal growth.

Nov 11, 2025 • 31min
EP 392: The bridge between sobriety and spirituality
In this powerful episode, host Peanut interviews Emma, a psychic medium and grief alchemist approaching four years of sobriety. Emma shares how she used alcohol to cope with overwhelming psychic abilities from a young age, and how sobriety became essential for her spiritual gifts to flourish. She opens up about the devastating loss of her daughter Magnolia, breaking generational patterns, and her mission to help others heal grief while living authentically and alcohol-free.
Connect with Emma: Instagram @the_psychic_grief_alchemist

Oct 28, 2025 • 34min
EP 391: Big Sober Energy - Adrienne van der Valk
Join the Sobertown Podcast as host Peanut talks with author and meditation teacher Adrian van der Valk about her journey to sobriety. Adrian shares honest insights on overcoming addiction, the power of mindfulness, and building a life of purpose and “Big Sober Energy.” Discover practical tips for navigating challenges, setting boundaries, and finding hope on the path to recovery.

Oct 21, 2025 • 30min
EP 390: The Intelligence of Addiction - Jason Shiers
Join host Peanut on the Sobertown Podcast for a deeply honest conversation with psychotherapist and author Jason Shiers. Jason shares his powerful journey from childhood trauma and addiction to recovery and helping others heal.
Explore the roots of addiction, the importance of addressing underlying pain, and finding peace within. Jason discusses the limitations of traditional recovery models and the value of spirituality, self-awareness, and holistic approaches to healing.
Whether you're in recovery, sober-curious, or supporting someone's journey, this episode offers hope, practical insights, and a reminder that true healing comes from reconnecting with your authentic self.
Learn more at Infinite Recovery Project and Sobertown Podcast.

Oct 14, 2025 • 42min
EP 389: Interview with Dr. Adi Jaffe
Adi Jaffe, who shares his journey from addiction to recovery and discusses the founding of Ignited Recovery. Dr. Jaffe talks about his books, "The Abstinence Myth" and "Unhooked," and offers insights on alternative recovery paths, harm reduction, and the importance of honesty in healing.

Oct 7, 2025 • 24min
EP 388: Interview with Beth - BEYOND THE BOTTLE
Beth, founder of "Beyond the Bottle" TikTok, shares how growing up with an alcoholic mother who died at 49 in 2019 despite multiple rehab attempts led her to create a support community for families affected by addiction. Despite childhood trauma including instability, stigma, and having to lock her bedroom door to protect belongings from her mother's theft, Beth earned a first-class university degree and now helps others understand that addiction stems from unhealed trauma, affects entire families, and requires community support rather than judgment. Her message emphasizes that people facing trauma have two paths - seek help or self-medicate - and that recovery isn't perfect but every attempt at sobriety matters, encouraging others that their traumatic background doesn't define their future.

Sep 30, 2025 • 33min
EP 387: And Sobriety - Spirituality Gary Menkes
This Sober Town Podcast episode features Gary Menkes (19 years sober) discussing spirituality in recovery. Both Gary and host Peanut, raised Catholic, explore how surrendering to a higher power became essential to their sobriety. Gary emphasizes there's no single "right way" to approach spirituality in recovery and advocates for unity among different recovery methods. He shares his daily prayer practice and describes his transformation from expecting an early death to having more dreams and ambitions at 51 than ever before, crediting his spiritual growth and recovery work for opening doors to personal development and a purpose-driven life focused on helping others.

Sep 23, 2025 • 32min
EP 386: Kids And Sobriety - Bear Cub and Bug
Kids And Sobriety is a heartfelt and honest podcast exploring the intersection of parenting and the sober journey. Whether you're newly sober, sober-curious, or maintaining long-term recovery, this podcast offers real conversations, practical tools, and shared experiences from parents who are navigating the highs and lows of raising kids without relying on alcohol or substances. From managing stress and setting boundaries to building connection and breaking generational cycles, Kids And Sobriety is your companion in creating a more present, conscious, and empowered parenting experience.

Jun 3, 2025 • 39min
EP 385: Interview with Jonathan Schwartz
Host: Michal Charles aka MMC13
Guest: Jonathan Schwartz
In this episode of Sobertown Podcast, host Michal interviews Jonathan Schwartz, former Hollywood financial advisor turned addiction advocate and sober warrior. Jonathan shares his journey from managing the wealth of celebrities like Beyoncé, Linkin Park and Alanis Morissette to battling his own addictions with gambling and drugs, which led to embezzlement of millions of dollars and eventual imprisonment. He discusses his childhood trauma, the impact of addiction on his life, and his path to redemption through recovery. Now a licensed therapist, Jonathan focuses on helping others overcome addiction by connecting with their emotions and resolving past traumas. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, accountability, and community support in achieving and maintaining sobriety.
Jonathan Todd Schwartz, once a towering figure in Hollywood's elite financial circles, lived a life that many could only dream of. As a power entertainment business manager at GSO Business Management, Schwartz was entrusted with managing the wealth of some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Alanis Morissette, Linkin Park, Halsey, and Gwyneth Paltrow. His reputation as one of Hollywood's most "trusted" financial advisors earned him the moniker "diva whisperer," a reflection of his ability to cater to the unique needs of his high-profile clients.
However, beneath the surface of this seemingly perfect life, Schwartz was hiding a dark secret. Consumed by a monstrous drug habit and an uncontrollable gambling addiction, Schwartz began to embezzle millions from his clients to fund his destructive lifestyle. His double life was a carefully constructed house of cards, built on lies and deceit, which ultimately came crashing down in 2016 when Alanis Morissette discovered that Schwartz had stolen over $4.7 million from her accounts.
The fallout was swift and brutal. Schwartz's crimes were exposed, leading to his arrest and subsequent conviction. The once-celebrated financial guru was now a disgraced criminal, reviled by the very industry that once revered him. His actions not only ruined his own life but also brought significant financial losses and reputational damage to GSO Business Management.
But Schwartz's story doesn't end with his fall from grace. Since his release from prison in 2020, Schwartz has embarked on a journey of redemption. Sober and a co-chair of his local Gambler's Anonymous, he is determined to make amends for his past wrongdoings. Schwartz is now dedicated to proving that he is no longer the "defrauding monster" he once was, and is desperate to clear his name, particularly with his ex-wife and children, who continue to harbor doubts about his sincerity.
Schwartz's life is a tale of extremes— from the heights of Hollywood success to the depths of criminal infamy. It raises the question: Can Jonathan truly change, or is this just another act in a long-running con? Schwartz's story is a compelling exploration of human nature, redemption, and the thin line between good and evil.
In his own words, Schwartz acknowledges his flaws and the damage he has caused, but he remains committed to telling his story, hoping that it will serve as a cautionary tale for others and perhaps, one day, lead to his own redemption. His story is a modern-day parable, echoing the themes of the latest viral scammer tales like Inventing Anna, Tinder Swindler, and Bad Vegan—a once-in-a-
lifetime narrative that promises to captivate and dominate public consciousness.
Altus Rehab
Instagram: @therealjonathanschwartz
About Michal:
Michal is an American podcaster and sober warrior who believes every recovery journey is as unique as the individual traveling it. With over a decade of sobriety garnered through various systems, programs, and support networks, she's passionate about breaking down stereotypes and smashing through the guilt and shame that can keep those suffering with addiction in the dark. Michal is an animal lover, rescue enthusiast, and motorcycle chick who loves helping others, whether in her personal or professional life.
Contact Michal at:EarlydaysPC@gmail.com
Other Sober Resources:
I Am Sober App
Getting Sober ...Again
Boom Rethink The Drink


