Recovering From Reality
by Dear Media, Alexis Haines
Hosted by mental health advocate and former reality television star Alexis Haines, Recovering from Reality illuminates the messy and magical path of coming home to yourself. Whether you’re on the road to recovery, seeking self-care techniques for surviving the capitalist machine, or just need a moment to remember that you’re not alone in your loneliness, we’re serving up the ultimate truth: your trauma doesn’t define you - your decision to deal with it does. Razor sharp, modern, and culturally resonant, Alexis delivers intimate conversations and expert insights to empower you on the road to authentic wellness. Are you ready to recover from reality?Produced by Dear Media.
Episodes
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Dear Media
Welcome to Dear Media
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Ep. 153 Reflections + Gratitude for Recovering From Reality
In this week’s mini episode, I wanted to give you an update on the upcoming tell-all episodes with my Mom and sister, express my appreciation for each and everyone of you, reflect on the past 3 years of Recovering From Reality, and say one last goodbye! If you or someone you know needs addiction...
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Ep. 152 AMA with Serena F*cking Kerrigan on Dating App Prompts, Perfecting Banter, and Making Yourself Unavailable
Today’s episode is icon, influencer, and confidence queen Serena Fucking Kerrigan — otherwise known as SFK. After graduating from Duke University, Serena was hired as a producer at Refinery29. In February 2020, she quit her job to launch her own company that would empower women to live their…
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Ep. 151 Bekah Martinez on Becoming Pro-Choice, Politics + Parenting, and Performative Activism
In this week’s episode, I am sitting down with Bekah Martinez—cohost of Chatty Broads and founder of Good Alma! We discuss performative activism in the influencer community, where we go now post-Roe society, how growing up in a Conservative Christina home has impacted Bekah’s political views…
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Ep. 150 My Last Solo Episode
This week’s episode is my last solo episode on the podcast. I’m choosing to listen to the signals my body is sending me and take a step back and slow down. In this episode, I dive into the Roe v. Wade reversal, the trauma of Covid, and answer your questions about what I wish I saw in the wellness...
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PRIDE HIGHLIGHT: Ep. 62 Becoming the Messenger That You’ve Been Waiting For with Ashlee Marie Preston
This week, I had a profound conversation with activist Ashlee Marie Preston. Ashlee is a proud black, transgender woman who is constantly advocating for LGBTQ+ youth and those who are struggling. She is now 8 years sober, and has the humility and kindness to share her story of recovery from...
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Ep. 149 Embracing Parenting and Postpartum as a Season of Change with Brandi Jordan
Today’s guest is Brandi Jordan! Brandi has been helping new families grow, adjust, and find balance for almost two decades. She is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Pediatric Sleep Specialist, Newborn Care Specialist and a Postpartum Doula. (bio via thecradlecompany.com) She’s also the host...
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Ep. 148 Caroline Stanbury on Being a Single & Working Mother, Reality TV Misconceptions, and Navigating a Public Divorce
Today’s guest is Caroline Stanbury—host of Divorced Not Dead and cast member of the brand new Real Housewives of Dubai.We dive into our experiences on reality tv, common misconceptions about being a reality star, being a single and working mother, building the life of your dreams, and going…
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Ep. 147 Happy Fucking Pride with Jeff Epstein
Happy Pride Month! In this week’s episode I am sitting down with one of my closest friends—Jeff Epstein. We dive into my unhinged 30th birthday in Vegas, Grindr vs. lesbian Tinder, what pride means to us, Jeff’s coming out story, queer terminology, why you shouldn’t go to your family to vent…
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Ep. 146 Navigating Divorce and Co-Parenting with Attorney Nicole Sodoma
In this week’s episode I am sitting down with Nicole Sodoma—a Marriage-loving Divorce Attorney and Author. We discuss our shared backgrounds of growing up in divorced households, the importance of dual devotion in a partnership, what you should know about prenups, why you shouldn’t say “I’m…
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Ep. 145 Planned Parenthood’s Dr. Meera Shah on the Rode v. Wade Reversal, Reproductive Rights, and Action Steps to Take
In this week’s episode I am sitting down with Planned Parenthood’s Dr. Meera Shah—a board certified family medicine physician specializing in sexual and reproductive healthcare for all genders. Dr. Shah is the chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic in New York and the medical...
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Ep. 144 Parenting a Special Needs Child While in Recovery with Ashley Montano
In this week’s episode I am joined by my good friend Ashley Montano. Ashley has two special needs children and as you know, we’ve been on a journey of getting Dakota a diagnosis and professional support. We talk our experiences raising special needs children while sober, our opinions on ABA,...
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Ep. 143 Unpacking Aging, Femininity, and Movement with Dr. Amanda Hanson
In this week’s episode I am joined by Dr. Amanda Hanson—a clinical psychologist and coach working to reimagine Midlife & reclaim the glory of being women. We discuss the benefits of movement, the societal narrative surrounding aging, Amanda’s choice to age naturally, how our lifestyles are...
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Ep. 142 Q+A: Your May Reading, My New Relationship, and Working Through Abandonment
In this month’s solo episode we begin with an oracle card reading (answered prayers and divine guidance lie ahead), I address the new man in my life, this new season of monogamy, how to regulate your nervous system, the importance of breath work, and how I’ve been working through abandonment...
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Ep. 141 Empowering ourselves with knowledge about our reproductive health with Dr.Ghadir
In this week's episode I am sitting down with Dr. Ghadir from the Fertile Life Podcast. As a founding partner of Southern California Reproductive Center, Dr. Ghadir is board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He is currently an assistant...
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Ep. 140 Rachel Slawson on being the first openly LGBTQ Miss USA
In this week's episode I am joined by my friend Rachel Slawson. Rachel was the first openly queer Miss USA representing Utah. She joins me on the podcast today to talk about her mental health journey, what it was like growing up in the Mormon church and coming out as Bi while competing for Miss...
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Ep. 139 Understanding our different parts using Internal Family Systems with my mom, Andrea Arlington
In this week's episode I am joined by my mom, Andrea! We are discussing a new healing modality that we have both been using to heal our inner children, called Internal Family Systems (IFS). Do you ever wonder why you can’t get the voices in your head to stop repeating the same things to you over...
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Ep. 138 An Update on My Marriage
In the last episode I briefly opened up about the struggles that I was facing in my marriage. At the time I wasn't ready to disclose the details about what had transpired or how Evan and I would be moving forward. As always, I feel that it is necessary for me to live authentically and vulnerably,...
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Ep. 137 Turning our adversities into our advantages with Doug Bopst
In this week's episode I am joined by my friend, and fellow podcast host Doug Bopst. I celebrated my 11 years in recovery on March 8th and I thought that doing an episode on recovery was only fitting. This episode will leave you feeling inspired even if you don't deal with substance issues as...
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Ep. 136 Using manifestation for the greater good with Gabby Bernstein
In this week's episode I am joined by NY Times best selling Author Gabrielle Bernstein. While yes, we are discussing manifestation, we are taking a deeper dive into the bigger systemic issues in the wellness and self help community. I asked her the tough questions like, "Is manifesting under...
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Ep. 135 March Q&A
This week I am doing a solo Q&A on spirituality and manifestation. As we go into March I want to support you all on your path towards reclaiming your power and healing your limiting belief systems. We are talking about clearing out limiting belief systems, healing generational trauma to set us…
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Ep. 134 What's blocking you from love? with Liz Marz
This week I am sitting down with Liz Marz who is a relationship coach. I was introduced to Liz through our mutual friend Angel, who has joined me on the pod a few times. In this episode we are taking a deep dive into the topic of how to cultivate healthy love in your life and looking at the…
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Ep. 133 Your Worst Date Stories feat. Ali Kolbert
This week I am sitting down with Ali Kolbert (my lesbian wing-woman) for the second half of our swap—listen to me on Ali’s show here. We dive into Ali’s relationship advice, your disastrous dating stories, and discuss everything from titty pics to dating app lines. Upstart is the fast and easy…
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Ep. 132 Sofia Franklyn on Public Scandals, Attachment Issues, Healing, and Manifestations
Today I am sitting down with Sofia Franklyn—one of my most requested guests of all time! Sofia and I discuss everything in this interview including childhood traumas, experiencing a public scandal, growing up with a single mom, abandonment issues, how she healed, current manifestations, and…
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Ep. 131 Manifesting Your Perfect Partner, Dating Conversation Starters, Navigating Ghosting
It’s February! This month we are talking all things love and relationships. In this solo, I discuss my recent miscarriage and the work that’s brought up, marriage and lifelong relationships, my thoughts on love languages and attachment styles, ghosting, the importance of dating yourself, and...
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Ep. 130 Deconstructing Polyamory, Jealousy, and Cheating with Morgan, Creator of Chillpolyamory
In today's episode, I am joined by Morgan—a Queer Polyamory Mentor and the creator of Chillpolyamory. She’s been consensually non-monogamous since 2012, and coaching others on their journeys since 2018. We discuss the western narrative surrounding monogamy, exploring polyamory, the negative...
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Ep. 129 Creating Authentic Friendships in Adulthood with Danielle Bayard Jackson
In today's episode, I am joined by Danielle Bayard Jackson a certified friendship coach, PR agency owner, licensed educator, and author. We discuss how lacking friendship education is, making friends in adulthood, losing friends as you grow, how friendships are a need not a want, and working to...
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Ep. 128 Supporting Addicts with Connection Not Control with Tarah Dowling
In today's episode, I am joined by Tarah Dowling a model, daughter of an addict, former foster child, and creator of the documentary To the Moon and Back. We discuss Tarah’s journey experience during her mom’s active addiction, her time in foster care, how their relationship evolved as showcased…
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Ep. 127 Johann Hari on Reclaiming Your Stolen Focus
Johann Hari—bestselling author Chasing the Scream and Lost Connections—joins me on RFR for the second time to discuss his new book, Stolen Focus. In this phenomenal episode, we discuss the environmental shifts that have caused focus to deteriorate, how to improve your attention, and inspiring...
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Ep. 126 Doja Cat, the Devine Feminine, and Radical Acceptance
In this month’s solo episode I answer your questions about babysitting Doja Cat, sex kinks, identity development, my wedding day, new tattoos, navigating tough days, and using routine to maintain your mood. Mentioned in this week’s episode… - Ep. 120 Pecan Pies, Panties, and Parenting with my…
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Ep. 125 Spiritual Trauma, Being Addicted to Emotions, and Innate Worthiness with Scout Sobel
Today I am joined by Scout Sobel. Scout is the founder of Scout’s Agency a PR agency that gets women as guests on podcasts, the co-host of Okay Sis Podcast and the host of SCOUT Podcast. We discuss… - Using your emotions to guide you in balancing mental health and professional goals - Scout’s...
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Ep. 124 Lala Kent on Insecurities, California Sober, and Mocktails
Today I am joined by the sober queen herself—Vanderpump Rules star Lala Kent! We discuss… - Lala’s upbringing—family dynamics, childhood insecurities, bullying, and how this impacted her addiction - The addiction cycle and Lala’s experience navigating it in Hollywood - Navigating the guilt of...
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Ep. 123 To My Younger Self—
In today’s solo episode I reflect on my younger self and how she helped me become the woman I am today. I discuss coming home to my true self in the past year, going to jail 11 years ago, my time in active addiction, and subconscious belief systems. Watch Redeeming Love in theaters on January…
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Ep. 122 Shifting the Recovery Narrative with Evan Haines
In today’s episode I’m joined by my husband, Evan Haines. Evan is not only the co-founder of Oro House but now an author of Can America Recover: Reimagining the Drug Problem. We discuss… - How Evan’s early sobriety journey led him to found Oro House - Why non-traditional 12 step treatment can be...
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Ep. 121 Asexuality, Kinks, and Sensuality with Ev’Yan Whitney
In today’s episode I’m joined by Ev’Yan Whitney—a sexuality doula, writer, facilitator, and sensualist. We discuss… - What led Ev’Yan to the work they are doing now—origins in purity culture, childhood sexual exploration, and their journey to sexual healing and liberation - How the same messaging...
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Ep. 120 Pecan Pie, Panties, and Parenting with my Mom, Andrea Arlington
In today’s episode I’m joined by my Mom—Andrea Arlington to dive into challenging family dynamics during the holiday season. We discuss… - Setting boundaries with parents in active addiction - Relapsing during the holidays—common causes and supporting a loved one using again - Having a loved one...
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Ep. 119 Normalizing Suicidal Ideation with Tara Bixby
In today’s episode I’m joined by Tara Bixby, LPC a therapist, activist, and anxiety coach working to change the mental health narrative. We discuss… - Tara’s journey from cosmetologist, to 911 dispatcher, to clinician in an all male prison, to an anxiety coach and therapist - The prevalence of...
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Ep. 118 Q+A: Supporting Someone Who is Suicidal & Natural Depression Remedies
In honor of the upcoming holiday season and November being Suicide Survivor’s Month I answer your questions on natural remedies for depression, spiritual bypassing, pharmaceutical medications for mental health, Evan’s advice on supporting someone through suicidal depression, if depression is...
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Ep. 117 Meet My Girlfriend Kris
In this week's episode I am joined by my girlfriend, Kris! Y'all have been asking for this podcast to happen and I finally begged enough to make it happen. I will preface this episode by saying that Kris is a very introverted and private person with an avoidant attachment style, so to say that...
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Ep. 116 Exploring and Understanding Sexual Desires with Angelika Alana
Today I am joined by Angelika Alana a love, sex, and relationship coach specializing in body based healing for spiritual women and gender non-conforming people. We dive into sexual exploration, sitting in discomfort rather diving into desires, how to establish safety in your nervous system,...
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Ep. 115 Our Open Marriage with Evan Haines
In this week's episode of Recovering From Reality, I am joined by my wonderful partner, Evan Haines. We take a deep dive into our relationships and how we came to the decision to open up our marriage after 10 years of monogamy. We are answering your questions from the ask me anything I posted a…
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Ep. 114 Welcome Home
Hi family. Welcome home to Recovering From Reality. In the first episode of this new season, I dive into why I took a step back from the podcast, stepping into my sexuality, navigating this new season in my marriage, and what’s coming on the podcast. If you or someone you know needs addiction...
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Ep. 113 Bye for now...
After immense contemplation and reflection, I’ve decided to take a step back from the podcast for the time reason. Listen to hear my thought process on this decision... This episode is brought to you by Beekeeper’s Naturals. Head to beekeepersnaturals.com/reality for 15% off your first order!…
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Ep. 112 Unpacking Britney with Evan Haines
Today I am sitting down with my husband Evan Haines. Evan Haines is a Co-Founder of Alo House, and specializes in admissions, and marketing and business development. An active participant in the recovery world, it felt natural for Evan to transition into the sober living business, and help others...
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Ep. 111 Your Quality of Life Matters with Dr. Will Cole
Today I am sitting down with Dr. Will Cole. Dr. Cole is a leading functional-medicine expert, consulting with people around the world via webcam and locally in Pittsburgh. He specializes in clinically investigating underlying factors of chronic disease and customizing health programs for thyroid...
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Ep. 110 Ego States and Setting Boundaries in Family Systems with Andrea Arlington
Today I am sitting down with my Mom, Andrea Arlington. Andrea's journey led her through decades of living with loved ones who suffered with addictive patterns from heroin and alcohol to sex and other substance use disorders, she also suffered with multiple forms of both addictive and co-addictive...
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Ep. 109 Q+A: Why I Got Vaccinated, Processing Emotional Eating, Adoption Updates, and more!
Today I am sitting down for a solo episode where I answer your questions. In this Q+A, I dive into the following topics… - Why I decided to get the Pfizer COVID vaccination and taking a balanced, holistic approach to medical care - How to navigate relationships when you are at different places of...
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Ep. 108 Politics and Spirituality Are Not Mutually Exclusive with Marianne Williamson
In today's episode, I am joined by Marianne Williamson. Marianne is a bestselling author, political activist and spiritual thought leader. For over three decades Marianne has been a leader in spiritual and religiously progressive circles. She is the author of 14 books, four of which have been #1...
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Ep. 107 Using Food as Empowerment with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
In today's episode, I am joined by Dr. Will Bulsiewicz (@theguthealthmd). Dr. Bulsiewicz, MD MSCI, is a graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine. He trained in internal medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and gastroenterology at The University of North Carolina Hospitals. He…
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Ep. 106 Behind the Backstreet Boy with AJ McLean
In today's episode, I am joined by AJ McLean. AJ is a close personal friend as well as a songwriter, actor, dancer, model, and member of the Backstreet Boys. We dive into the following topics… - AJ’s family life, parental relationships, and - His first stint of sobriety from 2001-2007 and...
About this show
Hosted by mental health advocate and former reality television star Alexis Haines, Recovering from Reality illuminates the messy and magical path of coming home to yourself. Whether you’re on the road to recovery, seeking self-care techniques for surviving the capitalist machine, or just need a moment to remember that you’re not alone in your loneliness, we’re serving up the ultimate truth: your trauma doesn’t define you - your decision to deal with it does. Razor sharp, modern, and culturally resonant, Alexis delivers intimate conversations and expert insights to empower you on the road to authentic wellness. Are you ready to recover from reality?Produced by Dear Media.
Hosted by
Dear Media, Alexis Haines