Recorded live at ARC Recovery Fest in Akron, Ohio, Episode 11 features James Osborn, a Certified Peer Recovery Supporter with ARC Recovery Services and a person with more than eight years in recovery.

James shares how relapse, incarceration, treatment, community connection, and a willingness to change shaped his recovery. He also explains what peer support looks like in practice: walking beside someone as they establish goals, navigate recovery services, rebuild everyday life, and regain independence.

Nick, Will, and James discuss the boundaries of peer support, recovery housing, family support without enabling, balancing advocacy with accountability, professional burnout, warm handoffs between organizations, and the gaps that remain in housing, transportation, insurance, mental health services, and continuity of care.

For anyone struggling, James offers a powerful message: “Give yourself a break and give yourself a chance. It’s greater on this side.”

Learn more about ARC Recovery Services in Akron, Ohio:
https://www.arcrecoveryservices.com/

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NEED SUPPORT?

For mental health or substance-use information and treatment referrals, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This free and confidential service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If you’re experiencing emotional distress, a mental health or substance-use crisis, or thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 or visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free, confidential support is available 24/7.

Nick and Will sit down with Brittany Townsend for an honest conversation about addiction, personal growth, and the experiences that shaped her recovery. With more than five years clean, Brittany shares the lessons she’s learned, the strength she discovered along the way, and what it means to build a meaningful life through courage, authenticity, and connection.

This episode is filled with real conversation, hard-earned perspective, and a powerful reminder that every recovery story deserves to be heard.

On a personal note, what an honor it was to have Brittany join us. <3

Connect with Brittany Townsend:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittany.townsend.5686
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boldbrittenergy

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/therecoveryunfilteredpodcast

Recovery: Unfiltered with Nick and Will is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered clinical or medical advice. If you or someone you love needs help with substance use or mental health, please contact a qualified professional or local crisis resource.

Need Help?

For free, confidential treatment referrals and information about mental health or substance use disorders, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Help is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If you’re experiencing emotional distress, a mental health crisis, or thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Free, confidential support is available 24/7. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.

What does an intervention really look like when the cameras aren’t rolling?

In Episode 9, Nick and Will sit down with Pej of Pej Interventions and Peji’s Recovery Corner for an honest conversation about the person behind the work. Pej shares his recovery journey, who he was before recovery, and what inspired him to help individuals and families find a path toward treatment and healing.

Together, they explore the realities of intervention, the myth that someone must hit rock bottom, and the difficult line between supporting a loved one and enabling them. They also discuss boundaries, rebuilding trust, choosing ethical treatment, continuing care, relapse, and the role families play throughout the recovery process.

This is a candid conversation about addiction, family recovery, and holding onto hope during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Learn more about Pej and his work at www.pejinterventions.com.

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Disclaimer: Recovery: Unfiltered with Nick and Will is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The experiences and opinions shared by the hosts and guests do not constitute medical, mental health, substance-use, or other clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client or provider-patient relationship. Always seek guidance from a qualified professional regarding your individual needs.

If you or someone you know needs support, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. For substance-use treatment information and referrals, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit FindTreatment.gov. If there is an immediate danger or medical emergency, call 911.