Free Daily Podcast Summary
Veterans 4 Recovery: Daily Summaries Delivered
by John Donovan
All Things Recovery! Join your host, Maj. (Retired) John Donovan, a noted author, lecturer and person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder, as he and his guests will breakdown current trending topics and research along with all things related to increasing recovery resilience and capital within our Veteran and service-member communities.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Jul 16, 202633 min
The Difference Between Sobriety and Recovery: A Conversation with Chad Weisser
In this episode of Veterans for Recovery, host Major John Donovan sits down with Chad Weisser to discuss his deeply personal journey from the depths of alcohol addiction to a fulfilling career as an addiction counselor. Chad shares the realities of his spiral into alcoholism in his 40s, the life-changing intervention that led him to treatment, and how he eventually discovered the profound difference between simply being sober and living a life in recovery.
- Jun 15, 202636 min
Opening the Box: A Vietnam Veteran's Journey of Healing with Larry Berg
In this episode of Veterans 4 Recovery, host retired U.S. Army Major John Donovan sits down with Vietnam veteran Larry Berg to discuss the journey of recovery, the impact of service, and the healing power of storytelling. Larry, who served in Vietnam in 1969, shares his background as a farm kid from Minnesota, his unique experience working with the Army Security Agency, and the life path that led him to teaching and coaching. Together, they explore the concept of "opening the box"—the psychological process of releasing long-held combat memories and experiences to find peace and catharsis. The conversation highlights how the arts, music, and connecting with fellow veterans serve as vital "backdoor entries" to healing, helping veterans move beyond the silence that often follows military service.
- May 11, 202633 min
Family Recovery — Healing the Whole System
John Donovan (retired U.S. Army Major) sits down with Pam Lanhart, Founder & Executive Director of Thrive Family Recovery Resources to shift the focus from the individual struggling with substance use to the family members standing beside them. Pam shares her profound personal journey as a daughter, sister, mother, and aunt to those who have navigated addiction. As the founder of the only certified, family-centered recovery community organization in Minnesota, she provides a roadmap for healing generational trauma. Together, John and Pam discuss how families can move from a place of crisis to a "legacy of recovery," emphasizing that when one person heals, the entire system begins to change. If you found value in this episode please leave a review, share and subscribe.
- Apr 14, 202635 min
Why Golf is the Ultimate Mental Reset for Veterans
In this episode of the Veterans for Recovery podcast, Major John Donovan sits down with U.S. Army veteran Jen Tregarthen to discuss the healing power of community and the "singular focus" of golf. From her experience as a Mental Health Specialist during the 2003 Iraq invasion to her current work with Tee It Up for the Troops, Jen shares how sports rehabilitation is saving lives. Inside This Episode: Combat Mental Health: Jen reflects on providing grassroots stress debriefs at the front lines and the importance of processing trauma early.The Power of the GI Bill: A look at how education benefits serve as a bridge to civilian success for veterans and their families.Why Golf? How the mindfulness and social connection of the fairway provide a mental reset for those struggling with PTSD and transition.Tee It Up for the Troops: An overview of their six pillars of support, including suicide prevention, housing, and employment.The Reunion Weekend: A spotlight on the annual Orlando event where combat veterans and caregivers reconnect, heal, and even write songs with Creative Vets. Connect with the Mission: Learn More/Apply: teeitupforthetroops.orgGet Involved: Explore sponsorship opportunities or find a local fundraising event to support veterans in your community. "Golf mirrors mindfulness. It requires a singular focus that helps quiet the noise of trauma."
- Apr 14, 202635 min
Why Golf is the Ultimate Mental Reset for Veterans | Jen Tregarthen
In this episode of the Veterans for Recovery podcast, Major John Donovan sits down with U.S. Army veteran Jen Tregarthen to discuss the healing power of community and the "singular focus" of golf. From her experience as a Mental Health Specialist during the 2003 Iraq invasion to her current work with Tee It Up for the Troops, Jen shares how sports rehabilitation is saving lives. Inside This Episode: Combat Mental Health: Jen reflects on providing grassroots stress debriefs at the front lines and the importance of processing trauma early.The Power of the GI Bill: A look at how education benefits serve as a bridge to civilian success for veterans and their families.Why Golf? How the mindfulness and social connection of the fairway provide a mental reset for those struggling with PTSD and transition.Tee It Up for the Troops: An overview of their six pillars of support, including suicide prevention, housing, and employment.The Reunion Weekend: A spotlight on the annual Orlando event where combat veterans and caregivers reconnect, heal, and even write songs with Creative Vets. Connect with the Mission: Learn More/Apply: teeitupforthetroops.orgGet Involved: Explore sponsorship opportunities or find a local fundraising event to support veterans in your community. "Golf mirrors mindfulness. It requires a singular focus that helps quiet the noise of trauma."
- Mar 16, 202628 min
The 12-Step Model: A Non-Clinical Approach to Recovery
What if the key to long-term recovery isn't just clinical treatment, but a deep, immersive dive into the 12-step model? In this episode, Major John Donovan (Ret.) sits down with Alex Curtis from The Retreat in Minnesota to discuss their unique, non-clinical approach that has helped over 34,000 people reclaim their lives. We pull back the curtain on how a peer-led model focused on education, community, and the Big Book, is achieving a 76% sobriety rate one year post-program. Whether you are in recovery yourself, supporting a loved one, or a professional in the field, this conversation offers a powerful perspective on how to move from just "getting clean" to building a lifelong foundation of recovery. The Retreat | Improving the quality of life for individuals, families and communities affected by alcohol and drug dependency
- Feb 2, 202634 min
Faith, Recovery, and Finding Purpose
In this episode, host John Donovan sits down with Pastor Ed Treat to explore the profound intersection of faith and addiction. Pastor Ed opens up about his journey from a chaotic childhood in a high-intensity military family to intravenous drug use, and eventually, his transformative 40-year path of recovery and 25 years in the ministry. Together, they discuss the "geographical cures" that never work, the moment Pastor Ed realized he had to "fire" his version of God, and how the Center of Addiction and Faith is now bridging the gap between the pulpit and the 12-step meeting. Resources & Links Center of Addiction and Faith: addictionandfaith.comContact Pastor Ed: pastored@addictionandfaith.comMobile App: Search "Center of Addiction and Faith" in your app store for webinars, courses, and recovery tools.The Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy: Supporting pastors in recovery since 1990.
- Jan 12, 202631 min
Understanding Digital Behavioral Addictions
Major John Donovan (Ret.) welcomes clinical psychologist Dr. Michael Zhang to discuss digital behavioral addictions, including gambling, pornography, and gaming and their growing impact on veterans, service members, and families. Dr. Zhang breaks down the psychology behind these addictions, why they’re so hard to escape, and how technology has accelerated the crisis. The conversation explores the rise of online gambling, cross-addiction patterns, and the lack of real-time recovery support. Dr. Zhang also shares practical tools, resources, and hope for recovery, reminding listeners they are not alone and change is possible. Guest: Dr. Michael Zang, Clinical Psychologist and Co-Founder of Incumental Resources: incumental.com | Gamblers Anonymous | Sex Addicts Anonymous Recovery is possible. Support is available. You don’t have to fight this alone.
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About Veterans 4 Recovery
All Things Recovery! Join your host, Maj. (Retired) John Donovan, a noted author, lecturer and person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder, as he and his guests will breakdown current trending topics and research along with all things related to increasing recovery resilience and capital within our Veteran and service-member communities.
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What topics does Veterans 4 Recovery cover?
Veterans 4 Recovery covers topics including Education, Fitness, Culture, Health & Fitness, Society & Culture, Mental Health, Self-Improvement. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
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