In this compelling episode of Overcoming Adversity, powered by Next Level Recovery Associates, hosts Amanda Marino and Sarah Frias, alongside producer Janine, dive into the struggles of two women who have lived vastly different yet equally scrutinized lives—Britney Spears and Lily Phillips. They explore Britney’s rise to superstardom, the heartbreaking realities of her conservatorship, and her ongoing fight for autonomy. The conversation then shifts to Lily Phillips, a young woman who built a massive following on OnlyFans, raising questions about empowerment, exploitation, and the pressures of today’s digital age. With personal insights and raw honesty, the hosts unpack the deeper layers behind their stories, reflecting on the broader themes of control, choice, and healing. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on the cost of fame, personal freedom, and the resilience required to reclaim one’s own narrative.

Next Level Recovery Associates:
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Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias

Join hosts Amanda Marino and Sarah Frias on the Overcoming Adversity Podcast, powered by Next Level Recovery Associates, for a heartfelt and relatable conversation with Jessica Ponn, a licensed clinical social worker and parenting coach. Jessica opens up about her journey from therapy to coaching, sharing honest insights and real-life advice for parents supporting adult children through addiction recovery. This episode is filled with laughs, personal stories, and practical tips to help families navigate the tough moments with love, clarity, and resilience. If you're looking for a real talk about parenting, recovery, and everything in between, this one’s for you!

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube: Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias

In this lively and heartfelt episode of Overcoming Adversity, Amanda Marino and co-host Sarah Frias dive into the real meaning of independence. From personal growth to leadership, relationships, and running a business, they explore the fine line between true independence and the need for control. Can you be independent while still asking for help? How does letting go of control lead to greater success? They share candid stories, personal challenges, and even a little bathroom wisdom (yes, really!) to bring you an episode packed with insight, laughs, and inspiration. Tune in for honest conversations, a few unexpected revelations, and a reminder to embrace life—messy moments and all!

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube: Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias

This episode has been a long time coming, and trust us—it was worth the wait. Amanda and Sarah finally sit down with therapist Ben Taratuta, LMHC, to talk about trauma, healing, and how our past shapes us in ways we don’t always realize.

Ben gets personal about the moment his life changed forever—when his father suffered a traumatic brain injury—and how that experience led him to question everything, from his own emotions to the meaning of resilience. They dive into the connection between childhood trauma, addiction, and mental health, why so many people minimize their struggles, and what real healing actually looks like.

It’s an open, honest, and sometimes hilarious conversation about growth, therapy, and learning to shift from blame to understanding. If you’ve ever struggled with your past or wondered how to move forward, this episode is for you.

In This Episode:
🔹 How childhood trauma shapes identity, relationships, and mental health
🔹 Ben’s personal journey—from questioning everything to becoming a therapist
🔹 Why people minimize trauma & how to break free from that mindset
🔹 The link between trauma, addiction, and emotional regulation
🔹 How shifting from blame to understanding can change everything

Find Ben at Taratuta Counseling and connect with Amanda & Sarah:

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube: Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias

In this episode of Overcoming Adversity, Amanda, Sarah, and Matt sit down with therapist Esin Pinarli for a look into narcissism, trauma, and the stuff we rarely talk about. Esin keeps it real, sharing how everything from somatic therapy to brain spotting and internal family systems (IFS) can help us break free from the emotional junk holding us back.

Ever wondered why some relationships drain the life out of you? Or why setting boundaries feels so damn hard? Esin breaks it all down in a way that makes sense—and yes, we even touch on those awkward moments when you just want to cry but end up laughing instead. It’s not just therapy talk; it's real life, real struggles, and real healing. If you’ve ever dealt with narcissism or just need some honest advice on reconnecting with yourself, this episode's got you covered. Expect a few laughs, some eye-openers, and tips you can actually use in your day-to-day.

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube: Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Expect laughs (especially from our producer) and a much-needed insight on this subject. Whether you want to improve your relationships or are just curious, tune in!

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube: Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

In this episode, we dive into the beauty of balancing planned and unplanned moments in life and work. Join Amanda, Sarah, and Matt as they share personal stories about helping families and individuals navigate the challenges of recovery, sobriety, and personal growth. From breakthrough moments with clients to the incredible progress they witness, it's all about celebrating the small wins and the unexpected joys that come with working in behavioral health. Plus, stick around for some lighthearted pet peeves with airlines and driving, and a reminder to stay in your lane—literally!

Tune in for insightful conversations, a few laughs, and some feel-good moments that will leave you inspired and ready to tackle your day.

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube: Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube: Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery