No Matter What Club

Season finale! Paulo and Anthony sit down with two Chicago recovery constants, John O and Alley B, for a conversation that's equal parts celebration and real talk. John and Alley share what it took to get sober during the Great Recession and actually build a life on the other side of it, including the wisdom of finishing the work on the inside before diving into dating. They dig into leaning on the sober community when things get hard, and the idea that connection, not sobriety alone is the real opposite of addiction. It's a conversation about what becomes possible when we get sober: the ability to actually show up for life. And in true No Matter What Club fashion, Paulo and Anthony get vulnerable too, sharing a painful twist in their own journey together and the lessons and light that came out of it. Watch and listen wherever you get your podcasts.#RecoveryPodcast #SoberLife #RecoveryJourney #SobrietyMatters #OneDayAtATime #NoMatterWhatClub #RecoveryCommunityHosts: Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryAnthony Arranaga-Grayson Co-Founder, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guests:John O, ChicagoAlley B, Chicago

This week, Paulo, Anthony, and Mell sit down with Ross Mondschain at the Chicago Podcast Studio for a deep dive into chemsex recovery — both during treatment and long after. They talk through doing parts work with Internal Family Systems, learning to settle back into the body in early treatment, and then settling into the mind for the harder work around chemsex itself. Ross shares why safety containers matter so much in those first few months of sobriety, and then we talk about what it actually looks like to come to No Matter What Recovery for chemsex-specific work, and how clients navigate the transition out of treatment — including the sexual recovery plan that helps set people up for lasting success.New episode streaming now on all your favorite podcast platforms.Host:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryAnthony Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCrackenDirector of Chemsex & LGBTQ+ ProgramsSpecial Guest:Ross Mondschain, LCPC CSTAbout Connection Counseling

In this episode of the No Matter What Club podcast, Paulo, Anthony, and Thomas sit down with Chicago Roundup Chair Melissa Young for a conversation that covers a lot of ground — sage advice from old-timers in recovery, the "hocus-pocus theory," the legend of local drag king icon Jackson Masters, and a shared love of Madonna and other muses. Melissa also takes us back to the beginnings of the Chicago Roundup and how it became a safe space for people living with HIV during the early days of the AIDS epidemic.Host:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryAnthony Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryThomas AllenProgram Director, No Matter What Recovery ChicagoSpecial Guest:Melissa YoungChair, Chicago Roundup

This week on the No Matter What Club, Paulo, Anthony, and Thomas sit down with a true Chicago legend — Edna D Mascara, a beloved fixture in the city's drag scene. Out of the wig and lashes, she's Andy Foxhoven, substance use counselor and proud member of the No Matter What Recovery team at our Chicago outpatient location.In this episode, Edna takes us back to where it all began — the origins of her drag journey and how it's been woven into her own personal recovery story. The group digs into how iconic Chicago institutions like the Miss Continental and Serenity pageants became so much more than competitions — they became community. They also get into the real talk around drag as a tool for dismantling internalized homophobia, the ongoing conversation around reclaiming and reframing the word queer, and — as always — how we stay sober today.It's a rich, joyful, and deeply honest conversation. Don't miss it — streaming now on all your favorite podcast platforms.Host:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryAnthony Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryThomas AllenProgram Director, No Matter What Recovery ChicagoSpecial Guest:Edna D Mascara/Andy FoxhovenSubstance Use Counselor #NoMatterWhatClub #RecoveryPodcast #DragCommunity #ChicagoDrag #MissContinental #QueerRecovery #ReclaimingQueer #QueerAndSober #SoberPride #SoberLife #ChicagoRecovery #ChicagoLGBTQ

A new episode just dropped — and this one hits differently. 🎙️🏳️‍🌈Paulo, Anthony, and Mell are coming to you from the Chicago Podcast Studio with the incredible Howard Gelb, and this conversation does *not hold back.Howard takes us inside what it was like living through the AIDS epidemic in the 80s and 90s — the loss, the survival, the drugs used to cope — and how out of all that grief, the circuit party was born. He also opens up about a deeply personal promise he made to his mom, and the early roots of recovery communities right here in Chicago.At the heart of it all? *Community builds resilience* - and in recovery, that's everything!This episode is for anyone who's ever needed their people to get through. 🤍🎧 Streaming now on all your favorite podcast platforms.Hashtags: #NoMatterWhatClub #SoberPodcast #PrideMonth #chicagopride #QueerHistory #AIDSHistory #mentalhealth #communityhealsHost:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryAnthony Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCrackenNational Director of Chemsex and LGBTQ+ Programs, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guest:Howard Gelb, LCSWPsychotherapist

What does hope sound like in early sobriety? This week, Paulo, Mell, and Thomas sit down with Chicago recovery coach Charlie Bray to find out. The conversation goes deep — covering chosen family, family systems, and the quiet miracle that happens when you change the way you see the world. The No Matter What Club Podcast is available on all your favorite streaming platforms.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guest:Mell McCrackenNational Director of Chemsex and LGBTQ+ Programs, No Matter What RecoveryThomas AllenProgram Director, No Matter What Recovery Charlie BrayRecovery Coach

The depths of addiction, the friends we meet while using, dogs and non-profits, resiliency in ourselves and especially the LGBTQ community.This week, Paulo, Anthony, and Mell sit down with Dr. Robert Garofalo — and the conversation does not disappoint. From managing recovery as a working professional in the public eye, to the transformative power of resiliency, to the surprisingly profound impact dogs can have on the healing process, Rob brings wisdom, vulnerability, and heart. Season 3, Episode 3 is available now on all major streaming platforms.Hosts: Paulo Arranaga-Grayson Co-Founder, No Matter What Recovery Special Guest:Anthony Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCrackenNational Director of Chemsex and LGBTQ+ Programs, No Matter What RecoveryDr Robert GarofaloPhysician and AuthorDiscussion topics covered:

On the next episode of The No Matter What Club, hosts Paulo and Mell welcome Jessica Steinman, LMFT, CSAT, and David Fawcett, PhD, CST, CSAT, to the studio for a compelling conversation about chemsex addiction. They explore the history of chemsex, approaches to treatment, the potential benefits of pausing sexual activity during recovery, and the concept of arousal templates. David also shares details about his new workbook, a companion to his book Lust, Men and Meth.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guest:Mell McCrackenNational Director of Chemsex and LGBTQ+ Programs, No Matter What RecoveryJessica SteinmanChief Clinical Officer, No Matter What RecoveryDavid Fawcett, PhD, CST, CSATAuthor

The No Matter What Club is a podcast for the LGBTQ+ community — and everyone who loves them. Hosted by Paulo Arranaga-Grayson and some very special guest hosts, we're here to talk openly and honestly about substance use, mental health, and what healing really looks like. Whether you're in the middle of your own struggle, supporting someone you love, or just trying to understand — you belong here. Through real stories and real voices, we connect our community with the resources, professionals, and hope that too often feel out of reach.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryAnthony Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guest:Mell McCrackenNational Director of Chemsex and LGBTQ+ Programs, No Matter What RecoveryThomas AllenProgram Director, No Matter What Recovery - Chicago

Paulo and Mell share details about the new 90-day chemsex curriculum workbook that is being utilized at No Matter What Recovery. The workbook, authored by Mell, educates the reader on the effectsaffects of the combo of crystal meth and sex on our brain, healing from the fusion, relapse prevention strategies, and sexual health in recovery. Learn more:No Matter What Recovery: www.nomatterwhatrecovery.comNo Matter What Club podcast: https://nomatterwhatrecovery.com/no-matter-what-club-podcast/Tags: #mentalhealth #hope #chemsex #healingHosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCrackenExecutive Director, No Matter What Recovery

In our season finale of the No Matter What Club podcast, Paulo, Anthony, and Mell chat with journalist Sandra Vergara about her journey with sobriety, the pitfalls of using psychedelics therapeutically, and we have a robust discussion on the phrase ‘California Sober’ and the potential harm the lifestyle has done to folks trying to get sober. Sandra Vergara is a journalist, tv/digital series host, and mental health coach known for her ability to bridge entertainment with meaningful conversations.She began her career as a lifestyle correspondent for Yahoo digital, and went on to host for E! Network, working alongside icons like RuPaul.Most recently, she served as the LA correspondent for PEOPLE’S “The TV Show.”Sandra is passionate about emotional healing, recovery, and the power of storytelling. Drawing from her own lived experience, she speaks openly about sobriety, self worth, and the journey to reclaim inner peace. Her mission is to hold space for real transformation with honesty and compassion.Learn more:No Matter What Recovery: www.nomatterwhatrecovery.comNo Matter What Club podcast: https://nomatterwhatrecovery.com/no-matter-what-club-podcast/Tags: #mentalhealth #hope #inspiration

In this episode of the No Matter what club podcast, Paulo, Anthony, and Mell welcome , Jessica Steinman, LMFT  to the show. The four of them dive into the discussion of love and sex addiction, what does it mean to be recovering from it, and what are some signs for those who might be struggling. We also discuss how those struggling with chemsex or sexualized drug use may also be affected. Jessica is the Chief Clinical Officer for No Matter What Recovery and our favorite LGBTQ+ ally. Jessica is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist. She works with individual adults, couples, and families. Jessica has vast knowledge of many facets of mental health issues – but her passion for addiction has been a focus of hers for over a decade, especially with Sex and Love Addiction and Sexualized Drug Use. Jessica trained at The Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and she received her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations!Learn more:No Matter What Recovery: www.nomatterwhatrecovery.comNo Matter What Club podcast: https://nomatterwhatrecovery.com/no-matter-what-club-podcast/Tags: #mentalhealth #hope #inspiration

In this episode of the No Matter What Club podcast Paulo and Anthony welcome Kylon Hooks and Daniel Rubin to the studio to chat about recovering in Chicago, navigating being a newcomer to sobriety, establishing a ‘connection’ as the antidote to addiction, and the special sauce in the Chicago recovery community.As Chicagoans, Kylon and Daniel are long-time mentors in the recovery community, each of them having double digit sobriety, **and** a very special place in Paulo’s personal recovery journey.Professionally, Kylon is a prominent figure in social work and advocacy, particularly known for his dedication to supporting LGBTQ+ youth in Chicago. His professional and sober journeys reflect a strong commitment to social justice and community service.Daniel is a nationally acclaimed hair colorist and the Colorist Director at Paul Rehder Salon in Chicago. He is recognized for his exceptional talent and artistic vision, winning numerous awards and accolades. His work is distinguished by its creativity and technical precision, often drawing inspiration from the world of drag and performance art. Daniel takes great pride in being a returning student, while exploring work in the field of substance abuse and mental health treatment.Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations!Learn more:No Matter What Recovery: www.nomatterwhatrecovery.comNo Matter What Club podcast: https://nomatterwhatrecovery.com/no-matter-what-club-podcast/Tags: #mentalhealth #hope #inspiration

In this episode of the No Matter What Club Podcast, hosts Paulo, Mell, and Jack welcome bestselling author and recovery expert TJ Woodward to the podcast to discuss TJ’s work in healing the healers; dragging toxic shame through life and what we can learn from our experiences; how to tap into spirituality; and, Mell’s most important people in their life.TJ Woodward is a bestselling author, inspirational speaker, and revolutionary recovery expert who has helped countless individuals transform their lives through his simple yet profoundly effective teachings.Recognized as a thought leader in addiction recovery and spiritual awakening, TJ is the creator of The Conscious Recovery Method, a groundbreaking approach that shifts the focus from treating symptoms to healing the root causes of addiction. TJ also recently co-founded San Diego’s first LGBTQ+ outpatient program, Element Q Healing.Learn more:No Matter What Recovery: www.nomatterwhatrecovery.comTJ Woodward: www.tjwoodward.comElement Q Healing:  www.elementqhealingcenter.com#mentalhealth #hope #inspiration

On our final Pride month episode of the No Matter What Club, Paulo, Anthony and Jack welcome international drag artist Kendall Gender to the show to talk about the challenges of sharing sobriety with an international streaming audience; how Kendall incorporated sobriety into her and drag and using the platform for good; navigating recovery in the club scene and workplace; and, what drives our musical taste.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryAnthony Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryJack MollProgram Director, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guest:Kendall GenderDrag Artist

Paulo, Anthony, and Mell host a very special Pride edition of the No Matter What Club podcast, shining the spotlight on Friendly House and its Chief Executive Officer Christina Simos! This week, the group talks about the spiritual practice of expressing joy, and using it to overcome negative feelings; figuring out your journey in life; how to use outrage for good; and, the practice of letting your heart do the talking.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryAnthony Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCrackenExecutive Director, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guest:Christina SimosChief Executive Officer, Friendly House

In our next Pride edition of the No Matter What Club, Paulo, Mell and Anthony welcome Queer Eye creator David Collins to the studio to chat about being a kid from Ohio; the early beginnings of Queer Eye, and how the show got its name; religion in a small town, as well as what it means in sobriety; family dynamics, and breaking the chains of generational burdens; and the importance of reaching out to the LGBTQ community across the country.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCrackenExecutive Director, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guest:David CollinsProducer

The history of HIV/AIDS in the LGBTQ+ community; The convergence of the AIDS and Meth epidemics; the Chemsex crisis, and how people feel compelled to live in the shadows; the repetitive loop in the dating apps; and, how to build impulse control for healthier living in sobriety.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCrackenExecutive Director, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guest:David Fawcett, LMFTAuthor

Paulo and Mell kick off Season 2 with our friends from Gender Wellness of Los Angeles, Casey and Grace, to discuss the evolution of the LGBTQ+ community and resilience, coming out later in life, the grief process associated with coming out, and defining gender affirming care.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCrackenExecutive Director, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guest:Casey Weitzman, LMFTPresident, Gender Wellness of Los AngelesGrace O’Connor, LMFTVice President, Gender Wellness of Los Angeles

In the season finale of the No Matter What Club, Anthony brings Internal Family Systems specialist Adrienne Glasser to the set to talk with Paulo and his brother Stephen about growing up gay, the family dynamics in addiction, and being an ally for the LGBTQ+ community.Hosts:Anthony Arranaga-GraysonCo-founder, No Matter What RecoveryPaulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guests:Stephen GraysonPaulo’s brother, Martial ArtistAdrienne Glasser LCSW

The No Matter What Club welcomes Kathleen Murphy and Brian Stark to the podcast to take a deeper dive into the topic of trauma, how we embrace “the now,” and how families can support their loved ones on the road to recovery.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCrackenExecutive Director, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guest:Kathleen MurphyLMFTBrian Stark Executive Director, Mental Health Professional

This week, Paulo and Anthony welcome Jazzmun Crayton and Joie Gyondla to the Club to chat about the freedom in recovery, taking risks, and our individual evolution.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryAnthony Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guest:Jazzmun CraytonRecovery Community MemberJoie Gyondla Volunteer Coordinator, The Phoenix

Paulo, Mell, and Jack welcome Dr Wesley Detwiler to the Club to discuss returning from a relapse, the magic of sober living, embracing the idea of a dating app holiday in early sobriety, and building self esteem.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCracken, Co-HostExecutive Director, No Matter What RecoveryJack Moll, Co-HostProgram Director, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guest:Wes Detwiler, PhDClinical Psychologist

The No Matter What Club co-hosts Paulo, Mell, and Jack welcome Mike Cativo to the set to chat about harm reduction and medication assisted treatment, the fentanyl epidemic, and Taylor Swift as a higher power.Hosts:Paulo Arranaga-GraysonCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCracken, Co-HostExecutive Director, No Matter What RecoveryJack Moll, Co-HostProgram Director, No Matter What RecoverySpecial Guest:Mike CativoHarm Reduction Specialist, LA CADA

Emmy-winning makeup artist and drag performer 6 joins No Matter What Club hosts Paulo, Mell and Jack to chat about finding hope in sobriety in the rooms of recovery; discovering your voice; and, the panel weighs in on the different perspectives of personal achievements in sobriety.Paulo Arranaga-Grayson, HostCo-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCracken, Co-HostExecutive Director, No Matter What Recovery6Emmy-award winning Makeup ArtistJack Moll, Co-HostProgram Director, No Matter What Recovery

Paulo and Mell welcome twin sisters Vivian and Victoria Rubio to the club! In this latest episode, Victoria shares what it was like to come out as trans during her teens on national television; Vivian fights back on erasing a community; Mell talks about sexualized drug use within the trans population; and, both the sisters send a heartfelt message to trans kids.Guests:Paulo Arranaga-Grayson, Host Co-Founder, No Matter What RecoveryMell McCracken, Co-HostExecutive Director, No Matter What RecoveryVivian Rubio, Program Manager, Friendly HouseVictoria Rubio, SUD Counselor, Friendly House

Paulo Arranaga-Grayson and Mell McCracken welcome Sheku Fofana, the psychiatric nurse practitioner at No Matter What Recovery Detox. The three behavioral health professionals discuss and define Chemsex and its impact on the Queer community. Furthering the discussion, they talk about the complexities of detoxing off of stimulants, the chemical composition of crystal meth, how it affects the mind, body, and spirit, and navigating sober sex in early sobriety. Lastly, they discuss the impact of apps on a Queer person of color, internalized racism, and other timely conversation about community and self acceptance. 

Welcome to the premiere episode of the No Matter What Club! Podcast host Paulo Arranaga-Grayson introduces his regular drop-in co-hosts: Mell teases the chemsexies; a moment of discovery for Jack; and, what turned Anthony’s life around. Guests: Paulo Arranaga-Grayson, Anthony Arranaga-Grayson, Mell McCracken, Jack Moll