On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund welcomed siblings Jamila Winder, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Chair of the Board of Commissioners, and her brother Randy Winder, who is several years into recovery and works at the University of Pennsylvania. Gary and Mark explored the complex relationship between family, addiction, and recovery as Jamila and Randy shared their perspectives on what it was like to have addiction affect their family. The discussion examined the reality that addiction can affect people from loving, supportive, and successful families, regardless of the opportunities or advantages they had been given. This episode offers a candid look at addiction from both sides of the sibling relationship and the challenges, emotions, and lessons that families experienced when one of their own struggled with substance use.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund explored an honest and often difficult question: Why did you seek sobriety? They discussed the different circumstances that can lead someone into recovery, whether it was a family member delivering an ultimatum, an employer demanding treatment, a court-ordered program, or simply reaching a point where the consequences and chaos of addiction had become too much to bear. Gary and Mark examined the motivations behind seeking recovery and considered whether lasting sobriety ultimately began when a person truly wanted a better life for themselves. The conversation encouraged listeners to reflect on their own journey and the moment when they decided they had had enough and were ready to change.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund welcomed Steve Leckerman and Denise Leckerman, who shared their inspiring story of recovery, resilience, and hope in the face of unimaginable loss. The couple reflected on the tragic death of their daughter, Leigh, who was killed by a drunk driver more than two decades ago, and how they found the strength to continue their own recovery while honoring her memory. They discussed the creation of the Leigh Leckerman Foundation, which is dedicated to educating the public about addiction and raising funds to help individuals and families affected by substance use disorder. Their heartfelt conversation demonstrated how profound grief can be transformed into a lifelong mission of service, healing, and hope for others.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund examined how addiction and recovery are portrayed in the news media and across social media. The discussion explored the highs and lows, challenges and triumphs, and often complicated realities experienced by people in active addiction and those in recovery. Gary and Mark considered how media coverage could shape public understanding of addiction, while emphasizing the importance of presenting accurate information and recognizing the human stories behind the disease. The episode highlighted the need for greater public awareness, compassion, and understanding of the facts surrounding addiction and recovery.

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler and cohost Mark Sigmund explored the question of what is truly necessary to achieve sobriety and maintain long-term recovery. The discussion examined whether following the teachings of the “Big Book,” attending AA or NA meetings, finding a sponsor, surrounding oneself with responsible and supportive people, and making sobriety a top priority were essential elements of a successful recovery program. Gary and Mark shared their perspective that these tools and practices could provide valuable structure, accountability, and support, while inviting listeners to consider what they believed was truly necessary to achieve and sustain lasting recovery.