Recovery Centered Podcast | Real Talk on Recovery & Mental Health

What does it take to change the culture of the fire service?

In this episode of Recovery Centered, Tim Roberto sits down with Captain Jim Heisler, an Army medic, fire captain, and advocate for first responder mental health. Jim shares how the loss of a mentor to suicide transformed the way he thinks about leadership, vulnerability, and supporting those who serve others. Together they discuss: * Why first responder mental health requires cultural change—not just awareness * The lasting impact of losing a colleague to suicide * Building trust before asking firefighters to seek help * Creating wellness programs that address mental, physical, and emotional health * Leading the next generation through curiosity instead of command * Why great leaders invest in people before the mission Jim also reflects on his own commitment to lifelong learning, his pursuit of a PhD, and why leadership is ultimately about leaving the profession—and the people in it—better than you found them. Whether you're a first responder, healthcare professional, leader, or someone supporting a loved one in public service, this conversation offers practical insight into resilience, purpose, and the courage to ask for help. If this conversation resonates with you or someone you know, don't wait to reach out. Sometimes one conversation can change everything.

When Addiction Affects the Whole Family: Hope, Recovery, and Letting Go

When a child struggles with addiction, the entire family is affected. In this episode of Recovery Centered, Tim Roberto sits down with Kim Porter and Michelle, two advocates whose personal experiences with addiction in their families led them to help thousands of other parents navigate similar challenges. Both women share the fear, confusion, and isolation they experienced while trying to save their children, and how learning about addiction, boundaries, and family recovery changed their lives. Kim discusses her son's journey into addiction and his eventual recovery, which inspired her to help launch Be a Part of the Conversation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to education, support, and family recovery. Michelle shares the story of her daughter's battle with alcohol addiction, the toll it took on her family, and the lessons she learned about letting go, setting boundaries, and finding support from other parents who understood what she was going through. Together, they explore why addiction is often called a family disease, how parents can unintentionally protect addiction while trying to protect their loved one, and why recovery is possible not only for the individual, but for the entire family system. Whether you're a parent, spouse, sibling, or friend of someone struggling with substance use, this episode offers practical guidance, hope, and reassurance that you don't have to face it alone.

Three Years Sober: Charles' Journey from Meth Addiction to a Life Beyond His Wildest Dreams

Three years ago, Charles arrived at treatment feeling defeated, ashamed, and uncertain about his future. After decades of alcohol use and a twenty-year meth addiction, he had reached a point where the life he was living was no longer sustainable. In this candid conversation, Charles sits down with host Tim Roberto to reflect on the moments that changed everything—from asking for help and entering treatment, to finding a sponsor, making amends, and rebuilding trust with the people he loves most. Charles shares how recovery taught him accountability, vulnerability, and the importance of doing things he didn't want to do. He discusses sponsorship, the power of community, repairing family relationships, and what life looks like today as a trusted husband, father, grandfather, and mentor to others in recovery. This episode is a reminder that recovery is possible, that people can change, and that sometimes the most important step is surrendering the idea that you can do it alone.

Nutrition, Mental Health, and the Power of Small Habits with Marianne Walsh

In this episode of Recovery Centered, Tim Roberto sits down with registered dietitian and soon-to-be PhD Marianne Walsh for a wide-ranging conversation about nutrition, mental health, recovery, and the small habits that create lasting change. Marianne shares her personal experiences with ADHD, anxiety, motherhood, and burnout, while explaining how proper nourishment can support emotional well-being, recovery from addiction, and overall quality of life. Together, they explore the dangers of nutrition misinformation, the influence of social media "experts," the importance of meeting basic needs before pursuing bigger goals, and why consistency matters more than perfection. The conversation also touches on purpose, self-esteem, relationships, recovery, and learning to build a life based on what truly works for you—not what others say you should be doing. Whether you're navigating recovery, looking to improve your health, or simply trying to find more balance in a noisy world, this episode offers practical wisdom and a refreshing reminder that meaningful change often begins with the smallest steps.

From Rock Bottom to Building Something Real: Recovery, Resilience, and Reinvention with Jared B.

What happens when recovery becomes the foundation for an entirely new life? In this episode of Recovery Centered, Tim Roberto sits down with longtime friend Jared B., a veteran, entrepreneur, father, and person in long-term recovery whose journey is a testament to perseverance and personal growth. Jared shares his experience growing up in a home affected by alcoholism, finding recovery at 23, navigating divorce after a decade of sobriety, confronting unresolved childhood trauma, and ultimately taking the leap to start his own business. The conversation explores the realities of mental health, therapy, fatherhood, entrepreneurship, and the courage it takes to keep showing up when life gets difficult. Jared also discusses helping his father find recovery, breaking generational cycles, and learning that true strength often comes from vulnerability rather than self-reliance. This episode is a powerful reminder that healing isn't about perfection—it's about continuing to move forward, one day at a time