The Essence of Recovery

Publicly listed emails

shauna@thecommencementcenter.com

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Jim Hinzman — A Lifetime in Addiction Treatment

August 25, 2026

In this episode of The Essence of Recovery, Shauna Harris sits down with Jim Hinzman, longtime owner and director of the Athens Area Commencement Center.Jim has been part of AACC since its early years, beginning his involvement in 1978 and eventually becoming owner and director in 2003. With decades of experience working in the addiction field, Jim has witnessed enormous changes in treatment, in our understanding of substance use disorders, and in the recovery community itself. Public records...

Dr. Merrill Norton: The Science of Addiction and the Rewired Brain

June 01, 2026

In this episode of The Essence of Recovery, Shauna Harris and Brendan Leahy sit down with Dr. Merrill Norton, Professor Emeritus at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy and a nationally recognized expert in addiction science, psychopharmacology, and recovery.Dr. Norton breaks down the neuroscience of substance use disorders, explaining how addiction changes the brain's reward, memory, motivation, and decision-making systems over time. Together, they explore the roles of dopamine,...

Finding Quiet in the Noise: Dennis T on Recovery, Mental Health, and Daily Practice

April 13, 2026

In this episode of The Essence of Recovery, we sit down with Dennis T, whose story speaks to the deep connection between mental health and alcoholism—and the daily work it takes to live with both.Dennis shares about growing up in Athens, the lasting impact of personal trauma, and the ways fear and intrusive thoughts shaped his experience for years. Through honesty and reflection, he opens up about the practices that help him today—meditation, prayer, and a steady commitment to showing up for ...

How do I get in touch with The Essence of Recovery?

The Essence of Recovery is hosted by Brendan Leahy and Shauna Harris. Its publicly listed email is shauna@thecommencementcenter.com. For guest bookings, the host or producer is usually the best person to reach. Podseeker helps you find direct host and producer contacts and pitch from your own inbox.

What is the email for The Essence of Recovery?

The publicly listed email for The Essence of Recovery: shauna@thecommencementcenter.com.

How many listeners does The Essence of Recovery have?

Podseeker estimates The Essence of Recovery reaches 100 to 1,000 listeners per episode. Only the publisher has exact numbers.

Who is an ideal guest for The Essence of Recovery?

The Essence of Recovery typically books working professionals with real expertise. Typical guest background: Lived-experience speakers in recovery, plus occasionally family members and professionals in recovery/behavioral health (e.g., clinicians, program leaders, and leaders of evidence-informed models). Common among recent guests: Documented recovery journey(s) and/or demonstrable involvement in recovery communities; Professional credentials in behavioral health or recovery programming (for field professionals); Practical expertise with specific recovery approaches (e.g., spirituality-based supports, mental health integration, community/peer support models). Recent guests include Johnette P, Jimmy P, and Bobbie Ray.

How hard is it to get booked on The Essence of Recovery?

Medium. Guests usually need solid credentials in the topic and an idea that fits the show.

What topics does The Essence of Recovery cover?

Recent episodes cover Addiction, Recovery, Mental Health, Spirituality, and Sobriety. Pitch an idea tied to one of these topics and mention a recent episode.