Podcast
Thriving with Addiction with Dr. Jonathan Avery
Hosted by Dr. Jonathan Avery · EN
Thriving with Addiction is a podcast about addiction, recovery, and mental health hosted by addiction psychiatrist Dr. Jonathan Avery. Through conversations with leading experts, people in recovery, families affected by addiction, and clinicians on the front lines, the show explores how individuals and families can better understand addiction and move toward lasting healing.
Topics include addiction and recovery, mental health, the brain and behavior, treatment and healing, the impact of addiction on families, and the evolving science of recovery and wellbeing.
Through his podcast, writing, and clinical work, Dr. Avery helps individuals struggling with substances, their families, and the clinicians who care for them move toward hope and healing.
Dr. Jonathan Avery is the Vice Chair for Addiction Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine and the Medical Director of the NBA’s Anti-Drug Program. His work focuses on improving how healthcare professionals, patients, and families understand substance use disorders and respond with effective treatment, compassion, and evidence-based care.
His expertise has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, and on Next Question with Katie Couric. His upcoming book, Thriving with Addiction: A New Roadmap for Lasting Recovery and Health (Prometheus Books, Fall 2026), is now available for preorder.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Beyond Tough Love: Rethinking Addiction, Recovery, and Family Support with Dr. Carrie Wilkens
Yesterday00:36:30Summary readyIn this episode of Thriving with Addiction, Dr. Carrie Wilkens—psychologist, co-founder of the Center for Motivation and Change, and co-author of Beyond Addiction—discusses why compassion and evidence-based strategies are more effective than tough love, and how families can support meaningful change while strengthening their relationships.Carrie Wilkens, PhD, is a psychologist with over 25 years of experience in the practice and dissemination of evidence-based treatments for substance use and Post-Traumatic Stress. Dr. Wilkens is the Co-President and CEO of the CMC:Foundation for Change, a not-for-profit with the mission of improving the dissemination of evidence-based ideas and strategies to professionals and loved ones of persons struggling with substance use. The CMC:FFC team’s Invitation to Change approach is an accessible set of understandings and practices that empower families to remain engaged and be effective in helping their struggling loved one make positive changes. The approach has been widely used across the country and is utilized in trainings with laypeople and professionals.She is co-author of the award-winning book Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change, a practical guide for families dealing with addiction and substance problems in a loved one based on principles of Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), and co-author of The Beyond Addiction Workbook for Family and Friends: Evidence-Based Skills to Help a Loved-One Make Positive Change.Dr. Wilkens is also the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of the Center for Motivation and Change, a group of clinicians serving all ages in NYC, Long Island, Washington, DC, San Diego, CA, and CMC: Berkshires, a private, inpatient/residential program for adults.Dr. Wilkens has been a Project Director on a large federally-funded Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant addressing the problems associated with binge drinking among college students. She is regularly sought out by the media to discuss issues related to substance use disorders and has been on the CBS Morning Show, Katie Couric Show, frequent NPR segments, and podcasts, including Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris. She is also in the HBO documentary Risky Drinking. Dr. Wilkens is a member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies and the American Association of Addiction Psychiatrists.Follow Thriving with Addiction:www.thrivingwithaddiction.comwww.instagram.com/jonathanaverymdx.com/jonathanaverymdwww.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-avery-md
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From the NBA to Recovery: Growth, Purpose, and Giving Back with Chris Herren
1w ago00:33:13Summary readyChris Herren is a former NBA player, author, and nationally recognized recovery advocate who has become one of the leading voices on addiction, mental wellness, and prevention. Sober since 2008, Herren has shared his story with more than two million students, athletes, and community members through Herren Talks, encouraging honest conversations about substance use, self-esteem, and emotional health. His journey was featured in the memoir Basketball Junkie, the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary Unguarded, and the prevention-focused film The First Day.Herren is also the founder of Herren Project, a nonprofit supporting individuals and families affected by addiction, and Herren Wellness, a residential recovery and wellness program based in Seekonk.Instagram: @c_herren_X/Twitter: @c_herrenFacebook: Chris Herren FacebookFollow Thriving with Addiction:www.thrivingwithaddiction.comwww.instagram.com/jonathanaverymdx.com/jonathanaverymdwww.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-avery-md
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Can Psychedelics Treat Addiction? with Dr. Albert Garcia-Romeu
2w ago00:40:22Summary readyAlbert Garcia-Romeu, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. His research examines the effects of psychedelics in humans, with a focus on psilocybin as an aid in the treatment of addiction. He earned his doctorate in psychology in 2012 from Sofia University in Palo Alto, CA where he studied self-transcendence, spiritual experiences, and their relationship to mental health. Dr. Garcia-Romeu has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, chapters, and commentaries on psychopharmacology and mental health, and has been interviewed widely in popular media. He is Associate Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research.Follow Thriving with Addiction:www.thrivingwithaddiction.comwww.instagram.com/jonathanaverymdx.com/jonathanaverymdwww.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-avery-md
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Bullied, Addicted, Incarcerated — Then Rebuilt: Doug Bopst’s Story
3w ago00:40:46Summary readyDoug Bopst is an award-winning personal trainer, author, and host of the Adversity Advantage Podcast. A former felon who struggled with substances, he was incarcerated for possession with intent to sell. Doug used his time in jail to rebuild his life through faith, family, and fitness. He is the author of From Felony to Fitness to Free, Faith Family Fitness, and The Heart of Recovery, and has helped hundreds of people transform their physical and mental health. Doug has been featured on the Today Show, Men’s Health, Forbes, and major podcasts including Rich Roll and Impact Theory. His story was the subject of a documentary that premiered at the Reel Recovery Film Festival.Follow Thriving with Addiction:www.thrivingwithaddiction.comwww.instagram.com/jonathanaverymdx.com/jonathanaverymdwww.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-avery-md
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July 4th Alcohol Series: Reclaiming Joy Through Alcohol-Free Living with Maxine Linehan
4w ago00:38:03Summary readyMaxine Linehan is an internationally acclaimed Irish singer, writer, and theatrical performer whose deeply personal work reimagines beloved songbooks to explore identity, healing, and emotional truth. Her recordings have earned praise from The New York Times, Billboard, and USA Today, and she has performed sold-out shows around the world. Now, Maxine is the co-host of the new podcast Happy AF: Joyfully Living Alcohol-Free, where she brings her signature honesty, humor, and storytelling to conversations about reclaiming joy and freedom without alcohol.https://maxinelinehan.com/https://www.happyafpodcast.com/Follow Thriving with Addiction:www.thrivingwithaddiction.comwww.instagram.com/jonathanaverymdx.com/jonathanaverymdwww.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-avery-md
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July 4th Alcohol Series: Moderation with Medication with Jonathan Hunt-Glassman
4w ago00:36:05Summary readyJonathan Hunt-Glassman is the co-founder and CEO of Oar Health. Oar Health is a telehealth platform that helps people get started with medication to drink less or quit and provides ongoing support as they work toward their goals. Jonathan started the business after benefitting himself from treatment with medication for alcohol use disorder. Before founding Oar, Jonathan worked in healthcare as a product and strategy leader at Humana, Optum, and Bain & Company.Follow Thriving with Addiction:www.thrivingwithaddiction.comwww.instagram.com/jonathanaverymdx.com/jonathanaverymdwww.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-avery-md
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July 4th Alcohol Series: The Latest Science and Changing Attitudes with Dr. Mashal Khan
4w ago00:40:52Summary readyMashal Khan, M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine and Associate Program Director for the Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship. As the psychiatrist on the Liver Transplant Team, he evaluates organ recipients and donors and provides them with transitionary care. He utilizes his expertise and understanding of addictions to improve outcomes for individuals with Alcohol Liver Disease. His area of interest and clinical focus include technology-assisted interventions for substance use disorders and management of alcohol use disorder in patients with alcohol liver disease.Follow Thriving with Addiction:www.thrivingwithaddiction.comwww.instagram.com/jonathanaverymdx.com/jonathanaverymdwww.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-avery-md
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Carrying the Story Forward: Tom Farley on Addiction, Family, and Healing
Jun 2300:35:27Summary readyTom Farley grew up in Madison, WI, and graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in Marketing. He began his career in banking and finance before running The Chris Farley Foundation (1999–2012), a nationally recognized nonprofit focused on substance abuse prevention. Through humor-based programs, he helped young people build communication skills and create supportive environments.In 2008, Tom co-authored The Chris Farley Show, a New York Times bestseller about his late brother, comedian Chris Farley. He has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, and Larry King Live to discuss addiction and recovery.Now in recovery himself, Tom is a passionate advocate for mental health and addiction treatment. He works at Recovery.com, connecting people with the resources they need to heal. As a speaker, he shares his journey to break stigma, inspire hope, and foster connection. Tom lives in Madison, WI.Follow Thriving with Addiction:www.thrivingwithaddiction.comwww.instagram.com/jonathanaverymdx.com/jonathanaverymdwww.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-avery-md
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Chasing Perfection: Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Addiction with Dr. Katharine Phillips
Jun 1600:42:25Summary readyKatharine Phillips, MD, is internationally known for her expertise in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and related disorders, such as olfactory reference disorder (ORD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). For more than 30 years, Dr. Phillips has conducted ground-breaking scientific research on BDD and has provided expert evaluation and treatment with medication and therapy for people with these and other conditions. She is currently Professor of Psychiatry, DeWitt Wallace Senior Scholar, and Residency Research Director for the Department of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine and Attending Psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Follow Thriving with Addiction:www.thrivingwithaddiction.comwww.instagram.com/jonathanaverymdx.com/jonathanaverymdwww.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-avery-md
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How Parents Discovered JUUL—and Launched a National Movement
Jun 900:38:32Summary readyMeredith Berkman is a co-founder of Parents Against Vaping (PAVe), an advocacy and education nonprofit created in 2018 by three moms as a grassroots response to the youth vaping epidemic. Run and powered by volunteers around the country, PAVe is the first national parent voice in the fight against the tobacco industry’s predatory behavior. Working at the local, state, and federal levels, PAVe supports ending sales of all flavored tobacco products.PAVe’s educational training, materials and resources, available in both Spanish and English, empower parents to educate others in their own communities about the dangers of youth tobacco use and industry targeting of young people and priority populations. Berkman, a mother of four, is a graduate of Brown University, and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. A former journalist, Berkman has written for publications including New York magazine, Entertainment Weekly, and the New York Post.https://www.parentsagainstvaping.org/Follow Thriving with Addiction:www.thrivingwithaddiction.comwww.instagram.com/jonathanaverymdx.com/jonathanaverymdwww.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-avery-md
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