Six months into recovery, Teri Busse learned that her 21-year-old son, Rylee, had been murdered. She was already carrying the loss of her husband, years of trauma from her career as a paramedic, and the consequences of an alcohol addiction that had taken over her life.

In this episode of Recovery Unfiltered with Nick and Will, Teri shares her story with honesty, humor, and a willingness to talk about the parts that are difficult to admit. We discuss the emotional toll of emergency services, drinking to shut off your brain, abusive relationships, motherhood, and accepting help. Teri also opens up about staying sober through devastating grief, living with PTSD, and finding support that helped her keep going.

Teri leaves us with a message of hope: “Your worst day doesn’t have to define the rest of your life.”

CONNECT WITH TERI BUSSE

Teri’s website:
https://teribusse.com/

Purchase 13 Days of Silence: The Murder of Rylee James:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4V2NQ8D

Purchase When Getting Out of Bed Is the Hardest Part:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GCNW4QFD

Grief Navigation, a resource link shared by Teri:
https://lnkd.in/gf3hM9BJ

Teri’s podcast, 13 Days of Silence: Living in the After:
https://teribusse.com/other-writings/13-days-of-silence-living-in-the-after-podcast

VOTE FOR NICK AND WILL IN TOP HOST!

We’ve been nominated, and we’re grateful for your support!

Vote here:
https://tophost.org/2026/will-cashman

GIVE BACK WITH US: OUR SEASON ONE SPOTLIGHT NONPROFITS

This season, we’re spotlighting Dignity Suds & Duds and Family to the Rescue / Rescuing Families, two organizations whose guests joined us on the show and shared the incredible work they’re doing.

Dignity Suds & Duds serves people experiencing homelessness and others in need in New Jersey. Their work includes free laundry access, clothing, food, hygiene supplies, and connections to community resources, all while respecting the dignity of the people they serve. A $10 donation helps cover washing and drying two loads of laundry.

Donate to Dignity Suds & Duds:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-complete-our-road-map-to-clean-clothes-for-the-unhoused

Follow Dignity Suds & Duds on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DIGNITYSUDNDUDS

Rescuing Families, the nonprofit behind the PBS show Family to the Rescue, helps families facing disabilities and financial hardship by repairing and modifying their homes. Their work helps make everyday life safer and more accessible for families who need support.

Donate to Rescuing Families:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/67605dce-3ee5-448f-8f0d-efd79e184829

Visit Rescuing Families:
https://www.rescuingfamilies.org/

Explore Family to the Rescue:
https://www.familytotherescue.org/