Addiction & Recovery Conversations with Brett Lovins
Real stories. Honest conversations. No judgment. This podcast dives into the raw, personal journeys of people navigating substance use, recovery, and everything in between. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just looking to understand the human side of addiction and healing, these stories offer insight, hope, and a reminder that no one is alone in this. Guests include advocates, Recovery Friendly Workplace experts, HR professionals, healthcare providers, musicians, family members, and friends—each bringing their unique perspective. We also explore how businesses can create Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFW), breaking stigma and building real support for employees and their families. Since most people spend two-thirds of their waking lives at work, we talk about the critical role workplaces play in recovery, well-being, and changing the conversation around substance use.
Addiction & Recovery Conversations with Brett Lovins
Bryce Zimmerman and Brett Talk Sobriety and Recovery - Brett's First Podcast
In this episode, Brett Lovins sits down with Bryce Zimmerman, a recovering alcoholic with a sobriety date of November 7, 2016. Bryce shares his candid journey through addiction, detailing the struggles he faced before finding his path to recovery. The conversation dives deep into the feelings of hopelessness and the challenges of moderation that led Bryce to seek help. He reflects on his experiences with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the bonds he formed, and how hearing the stories of others in recovery gave him hope and inspiration.
As they explore the nuances of addiction, Bryce discusses the importance of community support and the realization that he was not alone in his struggles. The two delve into the concept of insanity in addiction, highlighting the lengths they went to hide their drinking and the lies they told themselves and their loved ones.
With nearly six years of sobriety under his belt, Bryce shares the joys of living a sober life, including the newfound freedom, clarity, and the ability to enjoy life’s simple pleasures without the haze of alcohol. This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of recovery, making it a must-listen for anyone navigating their own journey or supporting a loved one through addiction.
Other useful links from Brett:
- Sober Curious Consulting - Brett's Recovery Friendly Workplace consulting business.
- Brett's YouTube channel
- Washington Recovery Alliance - building the capacity of the recovery community to advance substance use recovery and mental health wellness by catalyzing public understanding and shaping public policy in Washington State.
- Recovery-Ready Workplace Toolkit - providing information, tools, and resources to help employers from all sectors—government, for-profit, non-profit, and not-for-profit—effectively prevent and respond to substance misuse in the workforce from the Department of Labor.
- Data on SUD in the US (2022) - from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Link to my favorite PDF for statistics.
- Addiction 101 - it’s not a moral failing—it’s a treatable illness. Get the facts about this misunderstood medical condition from my friends at Shatterproof.