Recovery in the Middle Ages - Two Middle-Aged Suburban Dads Talk About Recovering From Addiction to Drugs & Alcohol.

13 Subscribers

Podcast hosts

Nathaniel-Kings..
@Nathaniel-Kings..

Recovery in the Middle Ages

Recovery in the Middle Ages - Two Middle-Aged Suburban Dads Talk About Recovering From Addiction to Drugs & Alcohol.

Mike and Nat are two middle-aged suburban dads wrestling with addiction and recovery while trying to juggle home life, work, and staying sober. Listen as they discuss current topics in the recovery community including 12 Step, alternative addiction recovery and the newest medical research . Listen to the guys talk about their daily struggle to maintain their recovery and anonymity in the world of soccer moms and PTA meetings. If the neighbors only knew...

13 Subscribers

Reviews

rf 37

January 17, 2023

5*

Been listening since day one, by chance searching for sobriety podcasts. These guys are the best. Even respond to private messages using their own personal time because they obviously really care about their message. I really appreciate their approach to recovery as it is “all are welcome” and of course- “progress, not perfection.” Thank you guys from the bottom of my heart!

RCB4950

January 11, 2023

New Listener

Just started listening to this Pod cast and absolutely love it! The good thing about starting late is I have 100 episodes to catch up on during my drive in to work! 👏👏 Rosa

Lizbs2002

January 10, 2023

So helpful and fun!

After 2 years I’m still Hanging on every word thanks Mike and Nat!

Greg Brunett

December 9, 2022

New listener

Love this podcast. I just started on my road to recovery in October. The tips to stay sober at thanksgiving episode was a big help. Please don’t pull the plug on this podcast. Most other recovery podcasts I have found are dull, dry, and frankly make me want a drink. You guys are easy enough to listen to that it’s almost like a comedy podcast.

pattyscaddie1998

September 15, 2022

Love this podcast

I love this podcast!! The guys are very humorous and informative. I love to hear their stories and they are so down to earth. Also, I love the guests they have on the show. They don’t think they have many women listeners, this maybe true, but as a woman listener I really enjoy the show. Keep up the great work and I miss you when you take breaks from the podcast.

hmmm yea farout, wow

September 10, 2022

It’s got that dopey feel. I diggit

This podcast reminds of The Dopey podcast in the sense that it’s not a cookie cutter “recovery” podcasts where it’s just a modified 12 step “speaker meeting” where it’s a guest telling their story of how they got started. Then gloss over how it was(fun?) what happened and then what it’s like now and thank god…. That this isn’t that. It’s like hanging out with two friends talking about addiction and recovery. Not 12 step exclusive, and equally important not-not 12 step. Many non-12step podcast spend the majority of the pod on saying how non-12 step they are and just lose everything they may may have had going. R.M.A. Is another breath of fresh air in the recovery podcast community. Come get to know the guys with me. You won’t be disappointed. It’s thst pefect mix of war stories and recovery. Subscribe

Randell (sudstigma)

August 25, 2022

Getting to know you guys.

I will start out by saying that I have never struggled with addiction myself. I have a brother and a sister who has and my mother-in-law lost her struggle with addiction last May. Her death was a turning point for me, I had always judged those that struggled with addiction (including my sister and brother). The problem was, I knew NOTHING about addiction. I didn't know how it affects the brain, never understood why someone couldn't just stop using or anything. However, I was doing some research right before her death, on mental illnesses, and that's when I discovered that addiction, A.K.A. substance use disorder, was a thing. My wife had nothing be resentment towards her mom because of her addiction and my discovery and research after her death, has helped my wife get through the loss of her mom, forgive her, and gave her pain purpose. I've started my own podcast (Stop the Stigma, if you want to know- which I'm relaunching soon) to try and help others and I have been listening to other similar podcasts such as you guys, KDD, and Dopey. Podcasts like you guys, listening to stories, and actually researching, have helped me understand SUD a lot more. So thank you. I've only listened to a couple of episodes so far but will be listening to more. You two work well together and I enjoy what I have heard so far. I do want to mention something, in your most recent episode (90) you guys were talking about enabling. One of you mentioned, Mike I believe, that you needed that love and support to help get clean, not the "tough love." I want to add something to that... From my research, there is no actual proof that enabling keeps addiction alive or anything of the sort. You guys keep it up. I will listen to more episodes when I get the chance. Thank you for what you do for the recovery community. Much love 💜

Sir Guyford

July 13, 2022

Saviors in a small town

I’m from a small town that only has A.A. as a recovery option. I struggled with my recovery and the program until I found RMA. In a non biased way, these two witty and intellectual gentlemen explore many option to a healthy recovery that I would never have been exposed to without them. I appreciate the apparent honesty and willingness to speak about their own experiences. Not only has my recovery blossomed, but I’ve also connected to an amazing community of like minded individuals who only aspire to raise each other up. Much love and respect for all the monksters; around the world, down the street, and across the table.

Love every episode!

June 10, 2022

Just love it!

These gentleman do a fantastic job with this podcast. Entertaining, inspiring and educational…. Thank you!

ia2cagirl

May 12, 2022

I’m HOOKED on this show! 😉

I’m a 50 year old woman who’s been alcohol free for almost 2 years and I am SO glad I stumbled onto this podcast. I usually prefer podcasts with shorter episodes, but the banter between Mike & Nat has really grown on me. Anyone wanting to change their relationship with a substance would benefit from this, but true to the name, those who are middle aged like me will get a real kick out of it.I usually listen to the episodes while I’m out for a walk and often catch myself laughing out loud or smiling nostalgically when they reference things from the 80s. There is such a genuine warmth & relatability about both of them, and I love that they don’t feel the need to agree with each other.Their different perspectives are really helpful in thinking about the different topics they discuss each week. I follow a number of different resources about recovery/sobriety and this has become my favorite due to the awesome way they combine the latest evidence & science with individual human stories. Very grateful for their dedication to this community and the great shows they put out!

dhtijii

May 11, 2022

Thoughtful, provocative and insightful recovery

I’ve reviewed other recovery podcasts and have settled on this one as my go to core support podcast. As co-hosts Mike and Nat are highly intelligent, funny and empathetic. They take you on a journey where you learn about them, yourself and a multitude of metaphysical and science based recovery strategies, ideas and connections to help one stay sober. They don’t condescend or preach down on a spiritual approach but look at it as one component of a broader holistic program. They see each recovery plan as individualized and an ala carte approach is encouraged. The show itself is engaging because there is a plenty of discovery and reflection. The many guests, book/movie reviews, current events and patron feedback keep it fresh and entertaining. Very often you end a show with a greater sense of empowerment, confidence , and belief in oneself because the dots have been connected. Five Stars… Highly recommend.

gclepper

May 9, 2022

Great Recovery Podcast

Truly enjoy Mike and Nat’s weekly deep dive into all things related to addiction and recovery. As a middle-aged person in recovery myself I can really relate to and learn from their stories and experiences. They are open-minded to a variety of different ways to achieve and maintain sobriety and do not just push the dogma of traditional 12-step recovery alone. Greg C

AshleyBOrlando

May 8, 2022

Great fun show

I am a subscriber to many Recovery podcasts and recently discovered this one, through a friend I met that is a RIMA member. I really am enjoying the irreverent and real style as well as the conversation around many taboo subjects in recovery (I’m sure the AA folks are clutching their pearls and awaiting our eventual relapses 🤣) Keep up the good work guys.

TimC*

April 12, 2022

Insightful discussion around recovery

Nat and Mike are relatable and insightful on recovery topics - they have both been there and back again, and it’s great to hear about the day-to-day struggles and victories on the recovery path.

MegParis

March 26, 2022

Favorite show

I look forward to this show every week. Mike and Nat are relatable and funny. I love that they have a trauma informed approach to recovery. I learn something every week.

gmc66

February 25, 2022

Real life discussion

I am really enjoying and learning about recovery from this podcast. The two men tell stories about their past experiences and go in-depth about recovery methods. So far my favorite episode has been about MAT with one of the guys mother in law. She was knowledgeable and easy to listen to . I also like how there’s a wee bit of humor with it lessening the message or going on too long. Bravo, middle aged guys. Ps the episode about all those workers returning with addictions after pandemic was very thought provoking. Maybe that’s why so many people haven’t returned to work??!! Update- still listening. I’m about to meet in the middle of episodes, working my way from oldest forward then from new backward. As I’m typing this you are discussing Gywneth Paltrow v candles but I digress. Bottom line. I learn a lot from this podcast. I get educated in an entertaining way about some very serious topics.

Former Frank the Tank

February 12, 2022

RMA

Thanks guys. Glad to have found you. Doing this mostly myself. There is something about listening to folks in the same situation (40’s-ish w/families) that hits pretty right on for me. I’ve tried many times, and this is by far the longest I’ve been sober. Every other time I feel like I lacked that step of connecting w/others. This does it for me and you guys have kept me sane for the last couple of weeks. Thanks again, glad to be a monkster. Chris L.

Meggie S.

February 9, 2022

RMA

I am 2 1/2 months sober and looking for recovery podcasts when I found RMA. I love the content it’s both informative as well as entertaining. Keep up the great work. I Will be listening. 👍🏻

j.a. ammorilo sky

February 7, 2022

Relatable & Entertaining

I came across this show while scrolling the many podcast options out there. I have listened to many, and still have a few I follow, but Recovery in the Middle Ages by far takes the cake. Nat and Mike are real, relatable, funny, and keep the banter around family and real life entertaining, yet they pull it back down to reality and all seriousness about topics surrounding recovery when needed. Other podcasts can be depressing and hard to follow. This podcast makes recovery, as challenging as it is, fun to be a part of. Have a listen. You will be drawn in and won’t look back. Terry S-Kansas City, Mo.

joseph naus

January 28, 2022

Great multi-perspective recovery banter

I dig this show, especially when they have authors live in studio. ;) My fav is the banter about their personal family lives. That’s why I listen. They are both so human and likable. I’m a 12 step guy 1000% but I learn from critiques and the various modalities, too. I find myself rooting for these guys and the whole RMA community. It’s a lovely and entertaining pod. Keep coming back. It works if you work it.

MaggersNM

January 16, 2022

Recovery for any age

Mike and Nat share recovery with humor, insights, and experience worth a listen for anyone seeking a way forward without alcohol.

EJJ76

January 3, 2022

Help when I needed it most

Like many who started drinking in their early teens, I’ve struggled with alcohol addiction all my adult life. After a series of failed attempts at sobriety, the pandemic forced the issue. My career came to a screeching halt, and I found myself face to face with an unexpected retirement at 62. The prospect of having all the time in the world to drink was frightening, but I decided that this time was to be my time. I vowed not to waste the rest of my life getting wasted. January 6th, 2021 was my last drink and, thankfully, I discovered Recovery in the Middle Ages a month later. Nat and Mike’s first gift to me was to turn me onto Annie Grace’s book This Naked Mind, which redefined my relationship with ethanol and provided me a road map to living without it. I was never interested in AA, so RMA became the weekly leg up that I needed in those first difficult months. Just two suburban guys like me in recovery, trying to keep all the balls in the air while keeping the demons at bay. I was drawn in by their charm, humor and well-spoken intellect, and identified with their tales of excess. I survived the sex, drugs and rock and roll of the late 70’s and early 80’s and have stories of my own after all. As RMA has matured and grown, so has my sobriety. The book reviews, interviews and explorations of recovery topics has been invaluable to my own journey. Ending almost 50 years of addiction is a daunting task and I need all the help I can get. As we enter 2022, I’m grateful for my life and my family and reflect on my many friends who tragically didn’t make it this far. To quote the movie Blade Runner, “The light that burns twice as bright, burns half as long”. With grateful anticipation, I look forward to the continued support of RMA and its like-minded Facebook and Patreon family.

Blueberry503

December 6, 2021

Respect💪🏽

Just wanna say great work on the podcast. I love how honest you guys keep it. Keep up the great work👍🏽

pgl61

December 1, 2021

Evolving Together

Started listening a few months back and always hear a few nuggets of insight wisdom or ideas to ponder. Your banter feels like we are ease dropping at the coffee shop. I really appreciate your open minded approach and being able to form a new perspective in real time (as you are discussing)on whatever is that weeks topic. I believe you are filling a needed niche in the recovery discussion. Thanks so much!

Norm6966

November 30, 2021

Wooohooo

Not sure how I Stumbled onto these guys but thankful I did. Been playing catch up the past month or so now I am up to date. As a solid middle aged man I am definitely pod cast challenged but I am learning and this one definitely is helping me. Three plus years Alcohol Free however still working on getting sober in these difficult times. Thanks Nat and Mike! Norm

Patsi Clownfly 67

November 10, 2021

Not Perfect but Making Great Progress

I love this podcast. Two guys with good humor and insight, learning and sharing all they can about addiction and recovery. I hope this podcast keeps going and growing. Keep it up guys. WARNING: If you play the episodes at x2 speed, it sounds like they're high on coke, which may be a trigger for some.

BostonMussy

November 6, 2021

guff y cuff g to try turf etry try f red r r ur try try red

i try fed up

Censor this

October 31, 2021

Naus??

You can get better guests than this racist rapist. I liked your show and this bummed me out. Won’t ever listen again. Do better.

YupMeToo

October 23, 2021

Good stuff Guys

Keep it up, I do like the stuff before the main topic..#OBEN

12StepBuddy

October 14, 2021

Recovery & Rehab

Hey guys, I have been a RMA listener from the beginning thanks to hearing about you on the Dopey podcast. I’m a 44 year old long time alcohol and drug user. Your podcast didn’t stop me from drinking or drugging, but once I lost everything in my life, it did help me to give rehab a chance. I’m currently 20 days sober in a 30 day rehab program in Califonia. I’ve learned a lot about myself so far and I’ve learned I need help once back in the real world again. Keep on doing what you are doing and thank you for sharing your experiences.

JennEDee3

September 18, 2021

Daily dose

Not even sure how I found this podcast, but so thankful that I did! Love the chemistry between Mike and Nat. They’re hilarious, open with their experiences with addiction, and full of advice (take what you like and leave the rest) and tons of resources to help people find their own path to sobriety - or even if you’re just looking to get back control of your life. Join the RMA private Facebook group. It’s like having a support team/family at your fingertips. No judgment zone and kind, loving people that are there to cheer you on. Loved the show with Grant! Super cool guy 😎 Will be following his Sober Linings Playbook.

Mjleahy01

September 12, 2021

So Relateable

Found this podcast from This Naked Mind. This is the first time I feel like I relate to the authors so well. The conversation flows and I really enjoy listening. The sound quality is great and the show notes are detailed with LINKS.

555Kelly5555

September 5, 2021

Your Biggest Fan

I checked out your podcast after listening to Mike on This Naked Mind podcast. I usually skip the stories on that podcast by men (because I usually relate to the women’s stories because I’m a woman). But… I was driving at the time and couldn’t get to my phone to skip that episode until after I heard Mike talk about his first experience with alcohol drinking gin. Same! I had to listen a little bit more since who would move forward with alcohol after drinking something that tastes like perfume. I was surprised to find how much I connected to Mike’s story minus the drugs. And when I found out he had his own podcast I thought may be I’ll give it a listen. As the title of this review indicates, I am now your biggest fan. Having stop drinking February 2021, I’m finally able to feel the highs and lows of life. One of my highs is listening to your podcast to and from work. While it’s informative and interesting,I surprise myself every time I find myself laughing out loud. Thank you so much, I can’t remember the last time I laughed out loud until I listen to your show.You both have amazing chemistry and I love having your podcast come into my ear holes every day (usually twice a day if I’m lucky).

ScrappyScrapperson

September 1, 2021

Well Worth a Listen

Add this to your line up of recovery podcasts. It’s well worth it, especially if you too are in mid-life. Nat and Mike are relatable, knowledgeable, engaging and funny. I especially like the format. While they occasionally interview guests, they also cover a wide range of topics; from book reviews to aspects of 12 step programs to what did and did not work for them. They have great rapport and offer a lot as it pertains to finding your own path. A unique podcast to compliment your current favorites!

melissksk8

August 30, 2021

Good show!

I even enjoying this show so far- anyone else find the one with the deeper voice to sound just like Peter Krause?? I think it’s him and you can’t tell me otherwise! 🤣🤣

Lowelllass

August 27, 2021

1 Year Sober!!!

August 26rh 2020 was my final final! August 27 2020 was the start of my new life! Coke and booze has been my best bud for too long.. I tried over the years to stop on my own but it didn’t stick.. it took a massive breakdown and a trip to rehab to open my eyes!!! My beautiful daughter and family have been my rock .. also I found your podcast the week I got out of rehab in October and haven’t missed one! I love your family stories and not having the aa program being front and center ..keep up the great work and I’ll will too!! Cara in Seabrook Beach ☘️

Marian1030

August 23, 2021

Amazing!

Just what I needed to break out of my rut in recovery! Love the humor and variety they propose. Keep carrying the message y’all! Thank you!

Schrewm

July 31, 2021

Great for all stages of recovery

I’ve been sober for about nine years and I find this podcast very relevant. Thank you guys, keep up the good work!

ty geren

July 23, 2021

Add it to the list!

Great show to add to your recovery routine. Open minded, yet not too far off the deep end. True to recovery standards, but not afraid to entertain modern concepts.

monk8675309

July 8, 2021

Monk E

A great podcast. Funny. Insightful. Helpful

pterodaxel

June 29, 2021

Love it

I’m a new parent (stepdad) and in recovery and I love this podcast! Especially the open mindedness to all paths towards recovery. Keep it up!!

321grant

June 21, 2021

Grant (Sacramento)

After two years of searching I’ve finally found my “home” recovery podcast. I can learn from anyone in recovery, but we all look for stories, experiences and perspectives similar to our own and take comfort in knowing we are not alone. As a married professional in my 50s (and a suburban dad) with a long trajectory of using, I relate to your stories and enjoy the topics RMA addresses.

Kdog1978----

June 6, 2021

Love these guys

Sitting here watching a Grateful Dead DVD from 7/4/1989 “Truckin up to Buffalo” but I really relate to these fellows and they make me want to tune in every week even tho I haven’t committed yet to recovery yet. I want to tho and this podcast helps planting that seed. Love to all ( ~ );-}

Alittledrunkbuthey

June 4, 2021

Finally, a recovery resource I can relate to

In a society where you’re either “rock bottom” or “normal” it’s refreshing to hear thoughts on addiction and recovery from people with a broad range of experiences with substance abuse. Between Nat, Mike and their guests the show offers a variety of perspectives and so far, there isn’t an inherent bias overpowering the show. For example, when Nat and Mike reference AA they often express opposing viewpoints in a balanced and fair manner. They also don’t gate keep recovery and are honest about what they don’t know. All in all, I couldn’t recommend this show enough to someone in recovery or questioning their own drug use.

dishsoapbar

May 22, 2021

Entertaining and insightful

The podcast is easy to listen to and it’s fun to hear the middle-aged dad humor. Mike and Nat often have different opinions but it’s nice to hear them discuss it in a respectful manner. They provide many options and resources for recovery. I feel they are genuine and want to help others who are struggling. Good work!

white haired ed

March 19, 2021

Big Ed

Had my share of problems with drugs n dinking. I enjoy ur approach to the subject. I still struggle but that’s the way is for now.

ruanjjjjj

February 28, 2021

Ryan jjj Chicago

Honestly , I’m in the midst of a massive struggle with addiction right now . I found you guys a week or so ago and have binged a good 10 episodes . Although a regular attendee at AA I can’t seem to get sober using their model . It began to make me feel unworthy or is if something was wrong with me . To hear you guys talk about alternatives to AA honestly gave me a huge light at the end of the tunnel realizing this recovery deal can be done other ways . Love the show , please keep making it . You have a new every week listener .

Kim Rhodes

February 26, 2021

Not quite middle-aged yet, but loved it anyway

I live a very suburban lifestyle and it’s sometimes hard to find people who can relate to that within the realm of recovery podcasts. Mike and Nat are relatable, likable, and make you feel like you’re right there in the room with them.

Consumer Tom

February 24, 2021

Great pod awesome format

RMA is a fresh change of pace from typical recovery podcasts. Instead of being stuck in the interview format or the long ramble to nowhere format, these guys address a solid topic and deliver humor + purpose while doing it. I appreciate the time they clearly put in to making feel like a drive time hour of radio. It works if you work it- their untraditional approach to recovery is keeping me engaged and exploring.

Sk8 73

February 14, 2021

Recovery on the road.

Stumbled across this podcast and gave it a listen. Glad that I did. I recently have been commuting for work an hour one way. And these podcasts have been the perfect thing for me. It’s a refreshing take on recovery. Have made me feel ok in knowing that recovery doesn’t come in a “one size fits all”type of pattern. Love the podcast!

chefinsobriety

January 25, 2021

Great recovery

Great recovery pod, got into this from listening to dopey. Not quite as edgy but still great nonetheless. They keep asking for member submitted stories but not sure how far down the rabbit hole they want to go with that one. Love you guys.

recoveryKitten

January 4, 2021

I love this podcast!

Mike and Nat have created something here that is truly special. Their humor and intellect get to the heart of what addiction is, and how we can get free of it. They’re insight has saved me many times and the more I listen the stronger my own recovery gets. Thanks for this podcast guys! Keep it up!

jeffmiz

December 11, 2020

Funny, witty, charming and helpful insight to addiction!

Nat and Mike have created something special here with their podcast - they are a couple of guys that any husband or dad can relate to if you're an addict, alcoholic or have an addiction problem. The podcast is as engaging as it is helpful. Bottom line is this podcast helps people stay clean. But here's the catch - you have to listen! Kudos for being creative and unique in your approach to addiction and recovery. The world needs a ton of healing these days and you guys are a part of the solution. Keep up the good work and thank you for helping me stay clean today!

carriemarie13

November 21, 2020

Alt recovery!

You guys have helped me with your percentage analogy. I was beating myself up so hard about a slip... but then I listened and was like 1 day outta 40 isn’t me falling down the whole hill. So instead of going on a run, I went on a walk and forgave myself and continued getting better. Thank you

gumdrop225

October 16, 2020

Not shabby

It’s definitely worth listening too. If you’re looking for an intellectual/kind of comedic show. Interesting topics, so far guests were good. The one host could interrupt less when he is isn’t breathing heavy or laughing after things said. But for a new podcast it’s well done.

Good Old Timer

October 11, 2020

Great chemistry w/ the feminine voice!

I listen to a ton of recovery podcasts and for the most part, they’re a dime a dozen. I thoroughly enjoy this show. Nat and Mike’s chemistry and contrast makes the discussions interesting, but I heard the interview with the woman they had on and they nailed it adding a feminine voice with recovery experience and humor like hers. Please make her or someone with a similar chemistry your cohost!

Wic32

September 22, 2020

They Had me at “Middle aged Dad”

They had me at “Middle aged Dad”!! Great podcast...Really good chemistry!! Very interesting views and angles on recovery and addiction. Well worth a listen!!🙌🏼🙌🏼

nandbrjskxn

September 17, 2020

Thoughtful, open minded, funny

Mike and Nat are very open minded in their discussion of recovery and related topics. They are fair and balanced in their consideration of different approaches, programs, etc. They don’t take themselves too seriously, but are serious about recovery. Good senses of humor all around. I would definitely recommend this podcast for anyone in recovery, but I imagine parents and middle aged adults would definitely relate.

Kynduvme

September 15, 2020

Discussing addictrion Recovery in today's day and age

Recovery in the Middle Ages Podcast covers topics like "Getting Sober without 12 Step", and "Alternative Recovery" so you can learn all the options that are available. Also, learn how the guys got sober and have reclaimed the life almost lost to thier addictions. Being parents and professionals in theor 40s, you can learn from their unique perspective and laugh along with theor personal stories of recovery.

Missmaeg525

September 10, 2020

Entertaining, synergistic, and authentic!

Ok guys...you are knocking it out of the park with this podcast. First of all, the synergy you both have with one another is amazing. I was listening in my headphones on a recent road trip and was cracking up the whole way as my boyfriend looked at me like I was some lunatic. Your banter is great and adds so much entertainment value. It feels like home. Also, I love how you are both sharing your authentic experiences with recovery methods without preaching or aligning with just one avenue. Nat, I loved hearing that you tried campral as well as naltrexone/Vivitrol. Most people know little about these medication options so it’s amazing that you are willing to share that. Don’t worry about endorsing pharma. People want to know what their options are out there so don’t hold back!! Looking forward to much more happy listening. Keep rocking you guys. Only a few episodes in and you already have a solid foundation here. Congrats for all of it! Thanks for creating such a refreshing pod. Sincerely, Your new dedicated fan!

anarekey

August 30, 2020

More than One Way Up The Mountain

I like these guys. They have a good rapport and are willing to consider different approaches to recovery other than just 12 Step. Mike is a recovered grey area drinker and Nat is a recovered heroin addict. The differences in their journeys leads to some entertaining back and forth. Good stories as well!