We Do Recover With Jared Miller

Ep. 169 - A Doctor's Prescription Became My Prison: A Conversation with Brad McCorkle

What happens when a doctor's prescription becomes your prison? Former all-American quarterback Brad McCorkle thought he had the perfect life—until a sports injury led to a medical crisis that changed everything. When doctors prescribed opioids for excruciating pain without an exit strategy, Brad discovered the terrifying moment every person in recovery recognizes: waking up in withdrawal, his brain instantly calculating not how to get help, but how to get more pills.

If you're struggling with addiction or watching someone you love disappear into it, this conversation will give you the clarity you've been searching for.

Brad doesn't sugarcoat the progression from prescribed medications to creating fake prescriptions, buying pills off Craigslist, and ultimately shooting heroin—all while maintaining the facade of a functioning adult. His rock bottom moment came looking in his rearview mirror, uttering the words: "I guess we're just going to do this forever." But more importantly, he reveals the specific interventions that failed and the one that finally worked.

What You'll Learn:

• The exact moment you'll recognize if you're physically dependent
• How addiction transforms decision-making in someone with no criminal background
• Why multiple treatment attempts failed including a chaotic sober living house where roommates used openly
• How families can intervene effectively (his grandfather's "work gloves" approach that saved his life)
• The mindset shifts that turn external motivation into internal drive
• How to find your path when conventional recovery fails you
• Why shame dies when shared in truly safe spaces

Unlike typical recovery stories, Brad's path included finding purpose through entrepreneurship and accountability through business groups rather than traditional programs. Now 14 years clean, he's built multiple businesses and treasures simple moments with his daughters—moments addiction would have stolen forever.

For anyone struggling: Brad's message is clear—reach out today. Your recovery journey starts with a single conversation, and transformation is possible even in your darkest moments.

For families: Learn the difference between enabling and the tough love that actually works.

This isn't just another recovery story—it's a roadmap for anyone who feels trapped and doesn't know where to turn.

EP 168 - Rethink Firing For Addiction: A Conversation with Sean Morris

Substance abuse shouldn't cost your career. In this eye-opening conversation with marriage and family therapist Sean Morris, we explore how outdated workplace policies around addiction continue to punish rather than help employees struggling with substance use disorders.

 

When companies discover an employee has an addiction, the default response is often immediate termination. But what if there was a more compassionate, effective, and even economically advantageous approach? Drawing from decades of combined experience in addiction medicine and workplace interventions, our guests reveal how "recovery-friendly workplaces" can transform lives while retaining valuable employees.

Dr. Terry Sellers shares his powerful personal journey of facing addiction as a physician, describing how punitive measures like salary reduction only deepened his struggles rather than supporting recovery. We examine how industries like aviation and healthcare have already developed successful models for maintaining safety while supporting recovery—models that any business can adapt.

The conversation highlights a troubling contradiction: companies readily support employees facing cancer or diabetes but often respond to addiction with termination. This approach ignores the medical reality that addiction is a disease, not a moral failing. As Sean explains, "That compassion that is there for these other conditions is needed in this type of struggle as well."

Whether you're an HR professional looking to update outdated policies, someone in recovery concerned about workplace disclosure, or a manager wanting to better support your team, this episode offers practical insights into creating environments where people can heal without losing their livelihoods. Ready to transform how your workplace approaches addiction? Call 385-644-1500 to learn more about implementing recovery-friendly policies that benefit everyone.

We Do Recover Podcast is on Instagram  ⁨@wedorecoverwithjaredmiller9859⁩ 

Link: https://www.instagram.com/wedorecoverwithjaredmiller/?hl=en

Find our sponsors here! Wasatch Crest Treatment https://wasatchcresttreatment.com/

Diamond Detox https://diamonddtx.com/

Rise Up Supplements https://riseupsups.com/

Team Recovery https://www.teamrecovery.io/

#addictionhelp #recoverychallenge #podcast #addictiontreatment #addictionrecovery

[00:00:00] Intro/The Problem with Zero Tolerance Policies.

[00:08:16] Episode Introduction and Guest Introductions.

[00:22:11] Wasatch Crest Treatment Options.

[00:39:02] HR Policies and Employee Addiction.

[00:55:36] Recovery-Friendly Workplace Approach.

[01:08:22] Creating Compassionate Workplace Cultures.

EP 167 - Choose Your Hard: A Conversation with Preston Dixon

What happens when you stare death in the face and ask yourself what truly matters? For Preston Dixon, co-owner of Renaissance Ranch and founder of Team Recovery, this powerful exercise revealed what his heart already knew—family, service, and spiritual connection form the bedrock of a meaningful life.

Preston's journey takes us through the darkest corridors of addiction, beginning with the seemingly innocent experimentation of adolescence and spiraling into the grip of opioids and heroin. With raw honesty, he shares the moment he realized substances had moved from recreational use to full-blown dependency: waking in the night, sweating, consumed by a single thought—"I need to find more."

The conversation peels back the layers of what makes recovery sustainable. As Preston reveals, it wasn't simply about stopping the substances—it was about confronting the perfectionism, self-criticism, and emotional numbness that drove him to use in the first place. His spiritual awakening two weeks into treatment, described as feeling "like a warm blanket" descending during prayer, marks the moment his recovery truly began.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the discussion about building recovery infrastructure that works. Team Recovery's app emerged from Preston's recognition that connection serves as the antidote to addiction. The technology, designed by people in recovery for people in recovery, offers tools ranging from sobriety tracking to meeting locators, creating a digital lifeline for those navigating the challenging path of recovery.

The hosts and guest share a beautiful moment discussing how confronting mortality clarifies priorities. Through Jordan's "death meditation" exercise, they unpack how imagining your final moments reveals what you'll truly regret not accomplishing—a powerful technique for anyone seeking clarity about their life's purpose.

Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in how technology and human connection intertwine to create healing, this conversation offers wisdom, practical tools, and the reassurance that no matter how far into addiction someone has gone, lasting recovery remains possible.

Guest: Preston Dixon is a powerful leader in the Renaissance Ranch family and has unrelenting compassion and love for those whose lives are impacted by the disease of addiction. He has first-hand experience and can empathize directly with clients, as he was once in their shoes, and he has the unique ability to help others. With many years of experience in sobriety, combined with high level management, Preston is equipped with many specific skills as a leader that make him a very loved and respected member in the Ranch family. His values and morals, honesty, integrity and brotherly kindness reflect those values as well as the treatment approach of Renaissance Ranch.

Webpage: https://renaissanceranch.net/our-utah-drug-treatment-team/preston-dixon/

 

Find our sponsors here!

Wasatch Crest Treatment https://wasatchcresttreatment.com/

Diamond Detox https://diamonddtx.com/

Rise Up Supplements https://riseupsups.com/

Team Recovery https://www.teamrecovery.io/

#addictionhelp #recoverychallenge #podcast #addictiontreatment

[00:00:00] Intro.

[00:07:45] Early Addiction: The Slippery Slope.

[00:19:10] The Wake-Up Call and Treatment Journey.

[00:32:34] Finding Recovery and Building Self-Esteem.

[00:50:20] Team Recovery: Building Connection Through Technology.

[01:06:37] The Power of Alumni Programs in Recovery.

EP 166 - The Recovery Roadmap: From Detox to Long-Term Sobriety

Welcome to the new and improved We Do Recover! Three recovery experts—Dr. Terry Sellers (addiction medicine physician), Jared Miller (interventionist and clinical specialist), and Jordan Burningham (treatment center owner)—break down the critical stages of addiction recovery. They explain why detox alone isn't enough, why residential treatment is just the beginning, and the danger of stopping treatment too soon. The conversation flows through each level of care—from detox to residential treatment, day treatment, intensive outpatient, and finally to general outpatient/alumni programs. They share both clinical insights and personal experiences about what makes each stage essential for long-term recovery success. Statistics show less than 10% of people maintain sobriety after only completing detox and residential treatment, underscoring why the full continuum of care matters so much. Find our sponsors here! Wasatch Crest Treatment https://wasatchcresttreatment.com/ Diamond Detox https://diamonddtx.com/ Rise Up Supplements https://riseupsups.com/ Team Recovery https://www.teamrecovery.io/

[00:00:00] Intro.

[00:14:22] Understanding Residential Treatment.

[00:34:02] Dangers of Detoxing Alone.

[00:41:09] Stabilization in Day Treatment (PHP).

[00:52:25] The Value of Outpatient Programs (IOP).

[00:59:31] Finding Joy in Recovery.

EP 165 - A Conversation with Tyson Dixon

We Do Recover with Jared Miller - EP 165 - A Conversation with Tyson Dixon

EP 164 - A Conversation with Travis and Nancy Whittaker

In this powerful episode of We Do Recover with Jared Miller, host Jared sits down with Travis and Nancy Whitaker to explore their incredible journey through addiction, recovery, and rebuilding a life rooted in purpose. Travis, now 16 years clean and the owner of Diamond Recovery Treatment Center, shares candidly about the lowest points of his addiction and the path that led him to long-term recovery.

Nancy offers her perspective as a partner who stood by Travis through his darkest days. With heartfelt honesty, she opens up about the emotional toll of addiction, the strength it took to stay, and how their relationship has transformed through recovery. Today, Nancy helps with the administrative side of Diamond Recovery and continues to play a vital role in supporting their shared mission.

This episode is full of vulnerability, inspiration, and real talk about love, healing, and second chances. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply need a reminder of what’s possible, this conversation will move you. Listen now on all major podcast platforms by searching We Do Recover with Jared Miller.

EP 163 - A Message from Jared Miller

In this special solo episode of We Do Recover with Jared Miller, host Jared Miller takes a moment to reflect, reconnect, and speak directly to those who need it most. After five years behind the mic, Jared opens up about how the podcast began during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it's evolved into something far more powerful than he ever expected.

With heartfelt vulnerability, Jared shares a personal message for anyone still struggling with addiction, or those who love someone who is. He talks about the importance of making that first phone call, what reaching out for help means, and the different paths that recovery can take. Whether you're new to the show or have been listening since day one, this episode is a reminder of why the podcast exists in the first place: to offer experience, strength, and hope.

In the second half of the episode, Jared responds to various questions and comments from listeners—some heartfelt, some controversial, and all worth the conversation. Don’t miss this honest, reflective, and inspiring episode. Available now on all major podcast platforms.

EP 162 - Black Desert & Real Talk with Jordan Burningham & Tyson Dixon

Fresh off the fairway at the stunning new Black Desert Golf Course in Ivins, Utah, hosts Jared Miller and Dr. Terry Sellers are joined by special guests Jordan Burningham, owner of Diamond Detox, and Tyson Dixon, owner of Renaissance Ranch. What starts as some hilarious back-and-forth banter about their golf game quickly turns into one of the most powerful and heartfelt conversations.

In this episode, all four men get real—sharing not just their love for golf and brotherhood in recovery but also their deepest struggles and highest moments on the journey to healing. From rock bottoms to spiritual breakthroughs, the honesty and vulnerability shared here will hit home for anyone who’s walked the path of recovery or supported someone who has.

This is a must-listen episode packed with experience, strength, hope, and a reminder that recovery is possible—and worth it. Download Episode 162 now by searching We Do Recover with Jared Miller on any major podcast platform, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode!

EP 161 - A Conversation with Keith Hansen

In this episode of We Do Recover with Jared Miller, host Jared and guest Keith Hansen tee things off with some light-hearted banter about their golf game—because nothing displays connection quite like friendly competition on the golf course. But the laughs soon give way to a powerful and inspiring story as Keith opens up about his battle with addiction to alcohol and opioids, which began in high school following a series of surgeries.

Keith shares how, even after becoming a licensed nurse, his addiction escalated—fueled by easy access to medications while working in home healthcare. In a courageous move, he voluntarily surrendered his nursing license and committed to getting clean in 2023. Now walking the path of recovery, Keith brings raw honesty, deep insight, and golden nuggets of wisdom that anyone—whether in recovery or supporting someone who is—can benefit from.

This is a can't-miss episode featuring one of the podcast’s most loyal longtime listeners turned inspiring guest. Hit play on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe or follow We Do Recover with Jared Miller for more real stories, powerful recovery insights, and hope-filled conversations every week.

EP 160 - A Conversation with Curtis Puzey

This episode of We Do Recover with Jared Miller kicks off with laughter as guest Curtis Puzey and host Jared trade jokes about their golf game—showing how something as simple as a round of golf with others in recovery can be a powerful part of the healing process. But the conversation quickly takes a deeper turn as Curtis opens up about the loss of his older brother and how trauma shaped his struggle with addiction.

Curtis shares how his relentless drive for perfection led him down a dangerous path with benzodiazepines, Adderall, and alcohol. His rock bottom? Rolling a FedEx truck into a river while completely blacked out. That moment forced him to confront his reality—and seek help. Now, having turned his life around, Curtis works at the very treatment center that helped save him, using his experience to guide others toward recovery.

This episode is packed with raw honesty, powerful transformation, and a moving testimony of faith and spiritual awakening. Curtis’s story is proof that no matter how far someone falls, recovery is possible. Don’t miss this inspiring and deeply personal conversation—download it now!

EP 159 - A Conversation with Jordan Burningham

In this electrifying episode of We Do Recover with Jared Miller, the charismatic Thurl Bailey, beloved announcer for the Utah Jazz and former NBA star, kicks things off with a heartfelt message of hope. Known affectionately as Big T, Thurl opens up about his deep personal connection to the struggles of addiction and mental health, expressing his dedication to championing recovery and making a lasting impact in the lives of others.

The spotlight then shifts to Jordan Burningham, founder of Diamond Detox and a beacon of hope in the recovery community. With raw honesty, Jordan recounts his tumultuous journey through substance abuse, teasing his upcoming book that promises to delve deeper into his transformative story. The conversation takes a hopeful turn as Jordan advocates for a holistic approach to recovery, emphasizing the power of nutrition—using food as medicine to heal the body and mind.

The energy ramps up as the discussion explores the simple yet profound daily practices that can revolutionize mental health: moderate exercise for 30 minutes, consumption of a variety of fruits and vegetables, and the vital role of sunlight exposure. This episode is packed with educational insights and empowering stories, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the powerful intersection of lifestyle changes and recovery.

Tune in for an episode that's not only high-energy but rich with guidance and inspiration, available on all major podcast platforms. Don't miss this compelling dialogue on We Do Recover with Jared Miller—where recovery, health, and hope converge.

EP 158 - Love Loss and Legacy with Stephanie Anderson

In this heart-wrenching yet inspiring episode of We Do Recover with Jared Miller, Jared sits down with Stephanie Anderson, the widow of William Todd Anderson—a man who fought bravely against addiction and left behind a powerful book that continues to impact lives. Stephanie opens up about the love they shared, the challenges of supporting a partner through addiction, and the grief of losing him to an overdose.

But this isn’t just a story of loss. It’s a story of hope, resilience, and the lasting legacy of a man who wanted to spark change. Stephanie shares the intimate journey of how William’s book came to be, the lessons it offers, and how she’s using his words to advocate for addiction recovery and awareness.

Whether you’ve experienced addiction personally, supported someone in recovery, or are seeking inspiration to overcome life’s greatest challenges, Episode 158 delivers raw emotion, practical advice, and a powerful reminder: love and purpose can turn even the deepest pain into a force for good.

Don’t miss this episode—stream it now on your favorite podcast platform and join us in honoring William’s legacy while spreading hope to those still in the fight.

EP 157 - Overdose Deaths Decline in 2024 with Hosts

In this eye-opening episode of We Do Recover with Jared Miller, the hosts dive into one of the most hopeful developments in recent years: the significant decline in overdose deaths across the United States in 2024. With overdose fatalities dropping by a remarkable 14% from the previous year, the conversation unpacks the "why" behind the numbers.

From groundbreaking public health initiatives to the expanded availability of life-saving tools like naloxone, Jared and his co-hosts explore the policies and people driving this shift. They share state-by-state insights, spotlighting the regions making the biggest strides—and the ones still fighting uphill battles. But it's not all smooth sailing. The episode also takes a sobering look at new challenges, including the alarming rise of ultra-potent synthetic opioids like carfentanil.

Packed with powerful statistics, heartfelt stories, and an optimistic look at the road ahead, this episode is a must-listen for anyone touched by the opioid crisis—or simply rooting for recovery and hope. Tune in and be inspired by the resilience of individuals, families, and communities working to turn the tide.

🎧 Don’t miss it! Available now on all major podcast platforms.

EP 156 - A Conversation with Jim Smith

Jim Smith shares his jaw-dropping journey from darkness to redemption in this compelling episode of We Do Recover with Jared Miller. Plagued by relentless physical pain and medical challenges, Jim fell into the grip of prescription opioid addiction, ultimately leading him to commit a desperate pharmacy robbery for OxyContin. But his story doesn’t end there.

Through resilience, courage, and the support of Steps Recovery Centers, Jim has now achieved years of clean time. He opens up about the pivotal moments in his recovery journey and how he found solace and strength on the golf course, bonding with fellow NA members.

Whether you seek inspiration, a powerful reminder of recovery’s possibilities, or love a good comeback story, this episode is packed with raw honesty, hope, and triumph. Don’t miss Jim’s unforgettable tale—it might change your perspective on what it means to recover.

EP 155 - Evidence of External Motivation

In this thought-provoking episode of We Do Recover with Jared Miller, hosts Jared Miller and Dr. Terry Sellers dive into the controversial topic of involuntary drug treatment. Inspired by a recent CBC News article, "Forcing people into drug treatment is on the political agenda. Here's what the evidence says" (published November 10th, 2024), they explore the pros and cons of mandating treatment for individuals arrested for substance-related crimes.

The hosts weigh in on the U.S. approach, which often offers treatment as an alternative to incarceration, and contrast it with Canada’s current struggle to meet the needs of people voluntarily seeking help. If treatment services are already stretched thin, what would happen if involuntary treatment became law? Jared and Terry dissect the evidence, share their professional insights, and discuss whether external motivation like this could lead to lasting recovery.

This episode challenges listeners to think critically about the intersection of addiction, policy, and public health. Whether you’re in recovery, work in treatment, or are simply curious about the debate, this engaging discussion is one you won’t want to miss.

EP 154 - A Conversation with Micah Niles

In episode 154 of We Do Recover with Jared Miller, Jared sits down with Micah Niles, the General Manager of Steps Recovery Centers and a true testament to the power of transformation. Micah shares his personal definition of recovery, drawing a powerful distinction between mere sobriety and active recovery: "Sobriety is the distance from your last drink, and recovery is the distance to your next." For Micah, being sober and fully embracing life in recovery are two distinct paths.

Listeners are taken on an inspiring journey as Micah recounts his rise from the depths of addiction and the cycles of incarceration that marked his past. His story is one of resilience and relentless dedication to rebuilding his life, ultimately leading him to the role he now holds at Steps Recovery Centers today. His story offers hope, illustrating that no matter how deep one has fallen, a life in recovery is possible.

The conversation shifts to a Q&A session, where Micah discusses what sets Steps Recovery Centers apart in the treatment landscape. He dives into some of the most common barriers people face when starting treatment and how family members can provide meaningful support in that process. For those beginning their treatment journey, Micah shares grounded advice on what to expect and how to make the most of recovery resources.

This episode offers more than insight—it’s an empowering roadmap for those on the path to recovery and for their loved ones seeking ways to help. If you’re looking for a raw, honest conversation about recovery and the realities of addiction, episode 154 with Micah Niles is a must-listen.

EP 153 - Catching Up with Hosts

It’s been a long time since We Do Recover hosts Jared Miller and Dr. Terry Sellers have shared the mic together! In this fun, feel-good episode, the two catch up on everything that’s happened since March. From their friendly college football rivalry—Terry’s diehard for the BYU Cougars and Jared for the Utah Utes—to some lively talk about their upcoming golf battle, the hosts’ lighthearted banter makes this episode a refreshing break.

But their conversation is more than just sports talk. Jared and Terry reflect on how these everyday joys and competitions are tied to their journeys in long-term recovery—over a decade for Jared and more than two decades for Terry. The shared laughter and stories reveal what recovery looks like for them after years of clean time, bringing a personal touch to the ups and downs of life post-addiction.  

This episode is a perfect reminder that recovery isn’t just about staying clean! It’s about rediscovering passions, friendships, and fun. Join Jared and Terry for this laid-back chat that will leave you smiling and inspired.

EP 152 - A Conversation with Dr. Matthew Jackson

In this episode of We Do Recover with Jared Miller, Dr. Matthew Jackson shares his remarkable journey from addiction to becoming a counselor for at-risk youth. Matt opens up about what recovery means to him and how he transformed his life, offering listeners a unique perspective from someone who’s walked the road of addiction and now helps others navigate it.

As a presenter at the Utah Fall Conference on Substance Use 2024, Matt discussed the differences between working with youth, where harm reduction is vital, and working with adults, which focuses more on trauma-informed care and relapse prevention. His insights are invaluable for anyone in the treatment field or those supporting a loved one in recovery.  

Download episode 152 to hear how Matt’s personal experience fuels his passion for helping others and gain practical knowledge on approaching recovery from different angles. This episode is a must-listen for professionals, families, and anyone curious about the complexities of addiction and recovery!

EP 151 - I Dont Know with Emma Moore

On this compelling episode of We Do Recover with Jared Miller, guest Emma Moore shares her powerful story of transformation from addiction to recovery. In a profoundly vulnerable conversation, Emma opens up about the meaning of recovery and reflects on the darkest moments of her addiction. She takes listeners through what it was like to hit rock bottom and answers, "If you could talk to your past self, what would you say?"

Emma also explores the difficult journey of getting clean versus staying clean, offering raw insight into the ongoing challenges of recovery. For those at the beginning of their recovery journey, Emma's heartfelt advice is a beacon of hope. Whether you're in recovery yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to keep fighting. Don’t miss this candid and honest conversation with Emma Moore—her words might be exactly what you need to hear today.

EP 150 - Dirty Details of Drug Testing PT-2 with Anthony Provenza

Dive deep with host Jared Miller, Dr. Terry Sellers, and special guest, scientist Anthony Provenza, as they unravel the complex world of drug testing in the realm of substance abuse and mental health treatment.

In this riveting follow-up episode, they explore beyond the basics—discussing the essential role of drug screenings in monitoring recovery and the crucial aspect of ensuring clients adhere to their prescribed medication regimes. Anthony Provenza sheds light on how precise medication management can significantly impact treatment outcomes.

Host Jared Miller highlights the proactive power of drug testing as a tool in relapse prevention, ensuring that mental health remains stable and treatment progresses effectively.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone with a loved one in a treatment program or healthcare professionals overseeing the delicate balance of mental health and substance recovery.

Discover why drug testing is more than a check-in tool—it's a gateway to better health, precise treatment, and successful recovery. Don't miss out on these insights that could change lives!

Tune in now to Episode 150, "Dirty Details of Drug Testing, Part Two," and arm yourself with the knowledge that empowers!