Nick Casaccio joins us to talk about Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine and its twin dynamics of alcoholism and codependency, relating Mark Kerr’s struggles to our own recoveries. Addiction has a habit of migrating, and we discuss how gambling, shopping, and relationships have taken our stories down new rabbit holes. Nick finished school while he was in treatment more than thirteen years ago, and through Covid, bodybuilding, relationship struggles and physical ailments has continually offered himself in fellowship.

The ultimate purpose of celebrating recovery milestones is to inspire newcomers and share our experience strength and hope to those who still suffer.

Opening clip by Mark Kerr, from a 2009 interview

Episode cover art by Perry Kneisel

Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms

Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck

Music and production by Max Foreman

Mastering by Little Castle Sound

Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify!

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A

Main logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram)

• (00:00:00) - A Men's Stag Birthday Bash
• (00:05:42) - How I Learned To Stop Drinking Alcohol During My Dark Times
• (00:11:08) - Gambling Helped Me Finish High School
• (00:17:18) - Casinos are a Bad Place for Gambling Stars
• (00:22:36) - Bipolar Patient Nick On His Spending Sprees
• (00:26:19) - The Smashing Machine: Ending Explained
• (00:27:13) - The Importance of 'The Codependent'
• (00:34:16) - Bipolar patient celebrates her 10th birthday