Supporting Sobriety Podcast

By: Matt Bair & Ryan Hedrick
  • Summary

  • The Mission

    The Supporting Sobriety Podcast is dedicated to providing hope to the unsung heroes behind those struggling with addiction…their friends and family.

    We will share insights, stories and resources to help listeners support their loved ones and care for themselves on the recovery journey.

    The Hosts

    Matt Bair

    Matt considers himself blessed to be a recovering alcoholic. His lifetime profession as a radio broadcaster has been derailed multiple times by alcohol abuse but he remains alive and employed through the grace of God and help of others.

    Matt lives by the humility introduced in the first step of 12-step recovery, that the alcoholic is truly “powerless over alcohol,” and the alcoholic in use of alcohol possesses a life that is “unmanageable.” He enunciates these beliefs in teaching recovery to alcoholics and addicts, while understanding there’s more to learn from the ones who don’t make it (Keep. Coming. Back). He truly believes everything “always gets better” if you don’t take the next drink or drug. Matt is dedicated to “supporting the supporters” like those who have been critical to his ongoing sobriety.

    Matt is the long-time morning and afternoon traffic reporter for WIBC / Indianapolis.

    Ryan Hedrick

    Ryan Hedrick's life has been a journey of recovery from a challenging battle with addiction spanning nearly 25 years. His struggles with cocaine and methamphetamine led him down a dangerous path, marked by numerous attempts at treatment. However, salvation came in the form of a 12-step program that became his sanctuary.

    To break free from the shackles of addiction, Ryan committed himself to giving back to recovery communities nationwide. He extended his support by bringing 12-step meetings to jails and institutions, sponsoring men on their recovery journeys, and regularly attending meetings. Like his co-host, the clutches of drugs and alcohol jeopardized Ryan's life and his career in radio.

    Ryan is currently a reporter and morning news anchor at WIBC/Indianapolis where he met his podcast co-host Matt Bair. Together they strive to offer a beacon of hope to those grappling with similar struggles. Their podcast aims to reach and assist individuals behind the scenes by sharing personal experiences, strength, and hope with their followers. Through their collective journey, Ryan and Matt seek to inspire and support those supporting loved ones on the path to recovery.

    2024 Urban One
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Episodes
  • Episode 37 | The 10th and 11th Steps Strengthen Relationships
    Sep 25 2024

    Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss the 10th and 11th steps of recovery. They explain how everything in the earlier steps leads to this point, focusing on personal growth and spiritual connection. These steps help someone in recovery become more aware of themselves and reflect on their daily actions. This process helps them build a stronger, healthier relationship with their caregiver, bringing more understanding and support into their lives.

    Timestamps and discussions:

    4:40 - 5:00 - Introduction to episode.

    5:52 - 8:08 - Overview of Steps 1-9 and their significance for Steps 10 and 11.

    8:38 - 9:38 - Surrendering control is part of the struggle that will help set us free.

    9:46 - 11:22 - Addicts often think they’re the only ones going through their struggles, but that’s not true.

    12:09 - 14:45 - Being honest with ourselves and those we care about helps us recognize how our addiction has taken control of our lives. It allows us to face the realities of life.

    17:29 - 22:30 - Recovery is an ongoing journey. Every person in recovery will face a life event that challenges their progress. Steps 10 and 11 focus on spiritual principles that help us re-learn important lessons. This involves using a daily checklist along with prayer and meditation.

    23:16 - 28:22 - Recapping list and closing thoughts.

    Resources:

    You can find us on X and Instagram: @sobriety_pod. Supporting Sobriety is also available on major podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple. Please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast!

    Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org

    AA Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meetings

    NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte

    Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-825

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    29 mins
  • Episode 36 | Steps 8 and 9: The Amends Journey
    Sep 18 2024

    Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss Steps 8 and 9, which focus on making amends and repairing the harm caused by addiction. They explain how to create a list of those who were hurt, the right way to make amends, and why this process is essential for recovery. Caregivers will gain insights into how these steps help rebuild relationships and support their loved ones during this crucial part of the journey.

    Joining the Show:

    Matt Youngblood, who has been in recovery for several years, joins the show to discuss his personal experience. On November 9, 2019, Matt was driving with his father when they were involved in a car accident. He shares the impact of the accident and how it led him to the amends process, especially in rebuilding his relationship with his mother.

    Timestamps and Discussions:

    21:19 - 22:18: Introduction to Matt Youngblood and the accident involving his father.

    22:23 - 23:30: Matt talks about blame and his mom's reaction to his father's death.

    23:38 - 25:50: Did the accident stop Matt's use of drugs and alcohol?

    26:03 - 26:48: Discussion on the amends process, focusing on the "Three R's."

    28:18 - 29:48: The accident resulted from years of disappointment. The amends process began when Matt entered recovery.

    29:51 - 31:40: Matt breaks down the rest of the steps and how they prepared him for the amends process.

    32:03 - 33:54: Matt continues to honor his recovery commitment and the people he has made amends to, introducing the concept of "living amends."

    35:00: Closing thoughts.

    Resources:

    You can find us on X and Instagram: @sobriety_pod. Supporting Sobriety is also available on major podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple. Please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast!

    Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org

    AA Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meetings

    NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte

    Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-825

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Episode 35 | How Steps 6 and 7 Help Create a Better Us for You
    Sep 11 2024

    Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick explore how Steps 6 and 7 of the twelve-step recovery process can help your loved one’s journey and improve their relationship with you. Step 6 is about letting go of what holds you back, while Step 7 is seeking help to make those changes. Together, these steps focus on acceptance and humility, which are key to long-term recovery.

    Timestamps and Discussions:

    3:33 - 5:27
    Matt explains how Steps 6 and 7 go hand-in-hand. Now is the time to stop blaming others and acknowledge your flaws.

    5:28 - 7:11
    Ryan talks about how addiction is like a ticking time bomb. Addicts often sabotage their success, and Ryan shares how his behavior led to setbacks in his radio career. These flaws resurface because they become a crutch.

    7:46 - 10:55
    The discussion dives into different types of flaws that hinder recovery. A key issue for addicts is control—whether it's over conversations, relationships, or outcomes. A higher power is vital to letting go of these control issues.

    12:12 - 13:17
    Flaws are obstacles, but they can be removed. Matt and Ryan discuss how, if an addict works hard, these obstacles can be turned into something positive.

    13:19 - 16:30
    Recovery is about practice, not perfection. Ryan reflects on his three years in recovery, noting that each year brings more self-awareness. Matt explains how flaws can make us sicker and teach us more about our disease.

    18:10 - 19:32


    Matt and Ryan desire more healing. They emphasize the importance of recognizing flaws and praying for their removal.

    21:00 - 24:00

    Closing thoughts


    Resources:

    You can find us on X and Instagram: @sobriety_pod. Supporting Sobriety is also available on major podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple. Please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast!

    Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org

    AA Meetings: aa.intergroup.org/meetings

    NA Meetings: virtual-na.org

    Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-825

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins

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