Skip to main content
Tapping Into The Human - A Podcast On Addiction, Recovery and Mental Health

Tapping Into The Human - A Podcast On Addiction, Recovery and Mental Health

By Albertus Project

Tapping Into The Human is a podcast on addiction, recovery and mental health, hosted by Alex Colyer, Founder and President of the Albertus Project non-profit. Weekly, listeners will hear powerful stories from people about their journey with recovery and be inspired by individuals and organizations that are leading the charge in decreasing the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. By tapping into the human behind addiction and mental health, we can empower those suffering by creating a culture of empathy and support.
Available on
Google Podcasts Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Episode 6 - The Drug War in Canada & Harm Reduction

Tapping Into The Human - A Podcast On Addiction, Recovery and Mental HealthOct 07, 2021

00:00
24:42
Episode 27 - Women for Sobriety (WFS) - An Alternative to the 12 Steps

Episode 27 - Women for Sobriety (WFS) - An Alternative to the 12 Steps

In this episode, Alex chats with Adrienne Miller of WFS about what the recovery group has to offer and how women can discover a happy 'New Life' in recovery.

May 12, 202224:30
Episode 26 - Chatting with my Former Therapist on Mental Health & Addiction

Episode 26 - Chatting with my Former Therapist on Mental Health & Addiction

On this special episode, Alex chats with Cindy Smolkin, her former therapist, on how much she has grown and benefitted from Cindy's counseling, what it's like to be a therapist, and how parents can become an ally to their child.
Apr 28, 202225:15
Episode 25 - Recovery at the Local and State Policy Level

Episode 25 - Recovery at the Local and State Policy Level

Join Alex as she sits down with Brendan Little who serves as the First Policy Director at Boston Mayor’s Office of Recovery Services to discuss his experience establishing the office, what he is up to now, and how Massachusetts may spend the millions of dollars from the state’s lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors.

Apr 21, 202230:05
Episode 24 - Being an Addiction Medicine Doctor Feat. Dr. Jeff Ripperda

Episode 24 - Being an Addiction Medicine Doctor Feat. Dr. Jeff Ripperda

Dr. Ripperda, Addiction Medicine & Family Medicine Doctor, joins Alex to discuss his experience in the field, why he chose this path, and how medication-assisted treatment is saving lives.

Apr 14, 202239:22
Episode 23 - Undoing Drugs - Harm Reduction & More with Maia Szalavitz

Episode 23 - Undoing Drugs - Harm Reduction & More with Maia Szalavitz

Join Alex as she dives into a conversation with Maia Szalavitz on harm reduction, some truths and myths about addiction, and what we can do to combat disinformation.

Apr 07, 202243:21
Episode 22 - How to Support a Loved One with Addiction (CRAFT) ft. Patrick Doyle

Episode 22 - How to Support a Loved One with Addiction (CRAFT) ft. Patrick Doyle

In this episode, Alex talks with Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) certified clinician, Patrick Doyle, about how you can best support a loved one suffering from addiction by changing your behavior and attitudes. Alex and Patrick also collaborated on a CRAFT resource available on albertusprooject.org.

Mar 31, 202228:17
Episode 21 - Living a Life in Recovery Authentic to Who You Are

Episode 21 - Living a Life in Recovery Authentic to Who You Are

<strong>In this episode, Alex chats with Casey Cannizzaro who is counselor at a treatment program in San Diego about his discovery of who he was, how he supports his lgtbqia+ clients, and harm reduction (amongst many other topics). </strong>
Mar 24, 202230:38
Episode 20 - From Under the Influence to TikTok Influencer and Recovery Advocate

Episode 20 - From Under the Influence to TikTok Influencer and Recovery Advocate

On this episode, Alex chats with Donnie Otero, better known as 'thatcrazysubguy' on TikTok, who shares his story of addiction and recovery and how is using his platform to inspire others to make a change.

Mar 17, 202234:15
Episode 19 - The Duality of Addiction with Pro Hockey Player Rich Clune

Episode 19 - The Duality of Addiction with Pro Hockey Player Rich Clune

In this episode, Alex sits down with Rich Clune, Captain of the Toronto Marlies hockey team to discuss his documentary 'Hi, My Name is Dicky' which discusses his life on and off the ice and his battle with addiction. You can stream his documentary on 'Prime'now!

Mar 10, 202227:38
Episode 18 - The War on Drugs with Dr. Junkie

Episode 18 - The War on Drugs with Dr. Junkie

Join Alex as she chats with Dr. Ben Boyce, host of the Dr. Junkie podcast and author of 'Dr. Junkie: One Man's Story Addiction & Crime That Will Change Everything You Know About the War on Drugs'. The two discuss some of the science behind addiction, addiction education, and more!

Mar 03, 202230:17
Episode 17 - Navigating Life After Losing a Loved One to Alcoholism

Episode 17 - Navigating Life After Losing a Loved One to Alcoholism

Alex chats with her friend, Chelsea Pegues, host of the Stiicky Eddie podcast on the special relationship she shared with her father and the real life implications of losing him to addiction. The two discuss creating podcasts in honor of their loved ones in an effort to educate others. Check out the Stiicky Eddie podcast, where Chelsea talks about the duality addiction creates and how to navigate this landscape, on any of your streaming platforms now!

Feb 24, 202244:20
Episode 16 - How to Thrive in Recovery

Episode 16 - How to Thrive in Recovery

Join Alex as she chats with Amy Guerrero, Founder of Thrive in Recovery, where she provides personalized coaching to help heal your relationships, love your work, and live sober with confidence.

Feb 17, 202228:52
Episode 15 - SMART Recovery - An Alternative to the 12 Steps

Episode 15 - SMART Recovery - An Alternative to the 12 Steps

Join Alex as she speaks to State Outreach Director, Michael Hooper, to learn more about what SMART Recovery is, what is has to offer, and how it differs from 12 step programs.

Feb 10, 202223:43
Episode 14- LifeRing - An Alternative to the 12 Steps

Episode 14- LifeRing - An Alternative to the 12 Steps

Join Alex as she speaks to one of LifeRing's Board Members, Mary Beth O'Connor to learn more about what LifeRing Secular Recovery is, what is has to offer, and how it differs from 12 step programs.

Feb 03, 202219:38
Episode 13 - Two Sisters Chatting on Depression & Family

Episode 13 - Two Sisters Chatting on Depression & Family

On this special episode of Tapping into the Human, Alex's sister, Jara joins the podcast to talk about her struggles with depression and anxiety and how family members can best support their loved ones.

Jan 27, 202225:42
Episode 12 - Music, Fame, and Sobriety Ft. Award Winning Composer Russell Howard

Episode 12 - Music, Fame, and Sobriety Ft. Award Winning Composer Russell Howard

Join Alex as she chats with Grammy-nominated composer, Russell Howard on music, fame, and his recovery journey.

Jan 17, 202235:03
Episode 11: Real-Life Policy Implications of Treating Addiction as a Moral Failure Ft. Jessie Dunleavy
Dec 23, 202146:56
Episode 10: An Addiction People Joke About - Food Addiction Ft. Dr. Tarman

Episode 10: An Addiction People Joke About - Food Addiction Ft. Dr. Tarman

Join Alex and Dr. Vera Tarman on the science of food addiction and why we use food for comfort. Learn more about how and why this addiction is not perceived the same way as other addictions. 

Dec 09, 202123:18
Episode 9: The Non-Linear Line of Recovery Feat. Sam Anthony

Episode 9: The Non-Linear Line of Recovery Feat. Sam Anthony

Alex talks with Sam Anthony, a professional speaker, personal trainer and lifestyle coach about his journey with recovery and the hard truths of his setbacks. The two also discuss his new book and the process of writing it with his wife. Look for Sam's book, Just Don't Die: One Couple's True Story of Overcoming A Battle With Depression, Addiction and Suicidal Behavior on Amazon today!

Nov 20, 202121:20
Episode 8: Deep Conversations about Mental Health & Friendship Ft. Annalisa Turner

Episode 8: Deep Conversations about Mental Health & Friendship Ft. Annalisa Turner

On this special episode, Alex and one of her best friends, Annalisa Turner, tell all about growing up, friendships, and mental health. 

Nov 05, 202138:25
Episode 7: Tackling Recovery, Spirituality, and Punitive Action with Nick Messikh

Episode 7: Tackling Recovery, Spirituality, and Punitive Action with Nick Messikh

Join Alex as she speaks to Nick Messikh, founder of Transitions Bali, on his journey starting his own recovery program, his work in the jail system, and spirituality. P.S. - Nick might have the most likeable/listenable voice in all of podcast land!

Oct 26, 202139:43
Episode 6 - The Drug War in Canada & Harm Reduction

Episode 6 - The Drug War in Canada & Harm Reduction

Join Alex as she speaks to Garth Mullins, a Canadian activist, writer, and broadcaster about the Drug War in Canada, harm reduction measures, and his podcast, Crackdown. 

Oct 07, 202124:42
Episode 5 - The Criminalization of Drugs & Drug Users feat. Drug Policy Alliance

Episode 5 - The Criminalization of Drugs & Drug Users feat. Drug Policy Alliance

Join Alex as she speaks to Aliza Cohen, from Drug Policy Alliance on the mass incarceration and criminalization of drugs and how grass roots movements are critical to catalyzing change in this space.
Sep 23, 202119:14
Episode 4: Finding Your Meaning & Purpose After Addiction

Episode 4: Finding Your Meaning & Purpose After Addiction

Alex speaks with Garret Biss, a former US Marine Corps Pilot who is now an author and professional speaker who helps people thrive in recovery. The two discuss the facades of "being ok" especially in the military and how you can find your authentic joy and purpose.

Sep 09, 202122:19
Challenging Conventional Addiction Wisdom Feat. David Poses

Challenging Conventional Addiction Wisdom Feat. David Poses

Alex interviews writer, speaker, and activist, David Poses on his book, the Weight of Air. His story exposes the danger in traditional recovery models and the importance of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). 

Aug 26, 202140:13
Episode 3: Supporting Families of Those in Active Addiction & Recovery

Episode 3: Supporting Families of Those in Active Addiction & Recovery

Featuring Angie Hamilton from Families for Addiction Recovery (FAR). Learn more about how addiction is a family disease and how we can best support family members in active addiction and recovery.

Aug 12, 202127:56
Episode 2: The Importance of Mental Health Literacy For Youth

Episode 2: The Importance of Mental Health Literacy For Youth

Episode 2 features Adam's Apples' Director of the Youth Council, Ally MacLachlan, who discusses her family's story with addiction and the importance of mental health literacy.

Aug 05, 202126:43
Addiction: Understanding the disease that changed my life forever

Addiction: Understanding the disease that changed my life forever

Episode 1 kicks off by Alex exploring how she can best continue her friend’s legacy and how to process losing a loved one from addiction.

Aug 05, 202115:21