S02E08 | Addiction, The Brain & A Parent’s Perspective

S02E10 | The Season Finale Live

Mark and Ben return for the final episode of Season 2 of Over The Counter and this one was recorded completely live on TikTok. No edits, no safety net and no idea where the conversation would end up. After the weekly check in, the lads are joined live by Ange, Aish, Raj the Pharmacist and Judas for chats covering recovery, social media, life updates and plenty of unpredictable moments along the way. To finish off the season, things take a turn with a game of “Would You Rather: Mark or Ben” as the live audience gets involved in the final moments of Season 2. If you joined live, you were part of the episode. Follow us on: TikTok Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otc Mark: @markbyfearo Ben: @stageoversubstance Instagram Mark: @markfearo Ben: @thec0deinediaries Facebook Mark: www.facebook.com/markbyfearo

S02E09 | One Year Close & Abby’s Next Chapter

It’s the penultimate episode of the season, and things are starting to come full circle. Mark and Ben talk through the build-up to Ben reaching one year off codeine, reflecting on where their journeys first began to overlap and how that connection has shaped everything since. Ben also brings in a piece of audio he’s chosen himself, which takes the conversation in a direction Mark wasn’t expecting. They’re then joined by Abby, who returns to the podcast after previously sharing her recovery from codeine. This time, she opens up further about other substances she struggled with, and where life is heading now both personally and within the recovery and social media space. An honest check-in, a few surprises, and a look at what comes next as the season draws to a close. Follow us on: TikTok Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otc Mark: @markrebuilds Ben: @stageoversubstance Instagram Mark: @markfearo Ben: @thec0deinediaries Facebook Mark: www.facebook.com/markswellness

S02E08 | Addiction, The Brain & A Parent’s Perspective

Mark and Ben kick things off with a proper check-in on where life is at right now, what’s been going well, and what’s been challenging. They then dive into a recent article that breaks down how addiction actually affects the brain, and why it goes far beyond just “choice” or willpower. It leads into an honest conversation about their own experiences and when things shifted from control to compulsion. In the second half of the episode, Ben’s mum joins the conversation to share what it was like from a parent’s perspective. From the early signs to the hardest moments, and what recovery has looked like through her eyes. A real and important episode that looks at addiction from both sides. Article mentioned in episode: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260305223211.htm [https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260305223211.htm] You can follow us on: TikTok Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otc Mark: @markrebuilds Ben: @stageoversubstance Instagram Mark: @markfearo Ben: @thec0deinediaries Facebook Mark: www.facebook.com/markswellness

S02E07 | Beyond Recovery & Marcus’ Journey with Mean and Clean

After a short break since Episode 6, we’re back with a proper check-in and an honest conversation about where things are heading next. Recovery will always be part of our story, but it’s no longer the whole story. In this episode, we talk about moving forward, what that looks like for us, and what it means for the future of the podcast. We also dive into a recent Guardian article on exercise addiction and ask a real question. When does something that helped your recovery start to become another problem? To round things off, we’re joined by Marcus from Mean and Clean. Marcus shares his own experience with addiction and how he’s now helping others through it with his programme. If you’ve ever questioned what comes after recovery, or where the line is between discipline and obsession, this one’s worth a listen. You can follow us on: TikTok Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otc Mark: @markrebuilds Ben: @stageoversubstance Marcus: @meanandcleanuk Instagram Mark: @markfearo Ben: @thec0deinediaries Marcus: @meanandcleanuk Facebook Mark: www.facebook.com/markswellness [http://www.facebook.com/markswellness] Guardian article mentioned in the podcast: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/mar/29/working-out-exercise-addiction-signs [https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/mar/29/working-out-exercise-addiction-signs] Email markandbenotc@gmail.com

S02E06 | Mark and Ben Go Deep | Recovery Games

Episode 6 is a different one. No guest, no holding back. Just Mark and Ben going deeper than they ever have before. From the reality of online dating in recovery to the weight of low self belief, this conversation goes into the places that are usually kept quiet. Mark opens up in a way that might surprise people, and Ben does what Ben does best by asking the questions that matter. There is also a first for the podcast as Mark takes on the Addiction Recovery Olympic Games. Let’s just say it does not go exactly how he imagined. The lads also react to an audio clip from a TikTok video Mark came across by @healingwithzach, which sparks a raw and honest discussion around healing, ego, and what recovery really looks like behind closed doors. This episode is funny in parts, uncomfortable in others, but completely real throughout. If you have ever struggled with confidence, dating, identity, or just figuring out who you are without substances, this one will hit home. As always, this is recovery over the counter. You can follow us on: Tiktok Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otc Mark: @markrebuilds Ben: @stageoversubstance Instagram Mark: @markfearo Ben: @thec0deinediaries Email markandbenotc@gmail.com