Recorded on location at Stella Maris in Cleveland, this episode of Recovery Unfiltered with Nick and Will welcomes Chelsea Puda, a specialty services counselor celebrating eleven years in recovery.

With humor and remarkable openness, Chelsea shares her experience with heroin addiction, childhood trauma, mental health struggles, and returning to recovery after a relapse. She talks about the moments when getting honest allowed her to accept help, the support of her parents and partner, and the daily practices that continue to sustain her recovery.

Chelsea also takes us inside her work at Stella Maris, where she helps clients understand trauma and develop skills for managing difficult emotions. We discuss the power of connection in group counseling, the emotional weight of losing clients, and the importance of a workplace where staff can ask for support and be themselves.

The conversation extends to families, rebuilding trust through consistent actions, and how Nar-Anon helped Chelsea’s parents find support of their own. Through it all, Chelsea offers a message grounded in experience: honesty can open the door to help, and healing takes continued care, connection, and effort.

Listener discretion is advised. This episode includes explicit language and discussions of childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, heroin use, overdose, suicide attempts, and suicidal thoughts.

STELLA MARIS & FAMILY SUPPORT

Learn about Stella Maris:

https://www.stellamariscleveland.com/

COMING UP: HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

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SEASON ONE NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHTS

Dignity Suds & Duds provides free laundry access for people experiencing homelessness. Donate or share:

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

Rescuing Families, featured in Family to the Rescue, helps families facing disabilities and financial hardship with home repairs and modifications. Learn more or donate:

https://www.rescuingfamilies.org/

Thank you to our listeners and viewers for your continued support. Follow, subscribe, and share this episode to help these conversations reach more people.

Recovery Unfiltered with Nick and Will is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered clinical advice and does not replace professional counseling, diagnosis, or treatment.