About Do What You Can Live With: Navigating Through Addiction and Recovery
Do what you can live with: Navigating Through Addiction and Recovery is a podcast that shares the struggles of loving someone with substance use disorder, and explores harm reduction and the lived experiences of those in recovery.
Hosted by Brandi Mac, a critical care nurse practitioner, and mother of an adult daughter with substance use disorder. Each episode provides raw and real lived experience and the struggles we face as loved ones of people who use drugs, the stigma surrounding addiction, harm reduction and the impact generational trauma has on each of us.
Bonus Episode: Navigating Addiction: A Mother-Daughter Journey (Brooke Interview)
Summary
In this episode of the Do What You Can Live With podcast, host Brandi Mac and her daughter Brooke discuss their journey through addiction and recovery. They explore the challenges of aftercare, the importance of support systems, and the personal struggles they faced during recovery. The conversation delves into family dynamics, healing, and the growth they have experienced together. They emphasize the need for accountability and the importance of looking inward to foster better relationships. The episode concludes with reflections on their journey and the hope for future conversations.
Takeaways
Brooke has been in recovery for over two years.
The lack of aftercare support is a significant issue.
Community support is essential for recovery.
Personal struggles can complicate the recovery process.
Family dynamics play a crucial role in healing.
Healing takes time and effort from all parties involved.
Accountability is important in recovery and relationships.
Looking inward can help improve communication.
It's possible to rebuild relationships after addiction.
Gratitude for progress is essential in the recovery journey.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Recovery Journey
05:58 Personal Struggles and Relationships
12:06 Reflections on Growth and Accountability
Contact Brandi: brandi@brandimac.com
Social Media: the_original_brandi_mac
Subscribe to Brandi's Substack: Prescribed Chaos
Purchase Brandi's Book " Do What You Can Live With: A Survivial Guide for Navigating Addiction, Grief and Impossible Choices Here (https://a.co/d/0dZwEb3g)
26 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT
Navigating Long-term Recovery: A Mom's Journey
Summary
In this episode, Brandi Mac discusses the complexities of long-term recovery from addiction, focusing on the challenges faced by families and loved ones. She shares her personal experiences and insights on the lack of resources, the impact of societal expectations, and the importance of support systems. Brandi emphasizes the need for comprehensive aftercare programs and critiques current rehabilitation practices, advocating for harm reduction as a viable approach to addiction treatment. The conversation highlights the struggles of young adults in recovery and the systemic issues that hinder progress, ultimately calling for a more compassionate and informed approach to addiction and recovery.
Takeaways
Long-term recovery is challenging and often lacks support.
Families need to navigate their own feelings while supporting loved ones.
'Shit Life Syndrome' can hinder recovery progress.
Barriers such as lack of resources and societal expectations impact recovery.
Family dynamics play a crucial role in the recovery process.
Comprehensive aftercare programs are essential for successful recovery.
Young adults face unique challenges in the current economy.
Support systems are vital for maintaining recovery.
Current rehabilitation practices often fail to address real-life challenges.
Harm reduction strategies can save lives and promote recovery.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Long-Term Recovery Challenges
06:08 Understanding 'Shit Life Syndrome' and Its Impact
11:58 The Role of Family Dynamics in Recovery
18:03 The Struggles of Young Adults in Recovery
24:00 Critique of Current Rehabilitation Practices
29:58 Government Policies and Their Impact on Recovery
35:53 Conclusion and Call to Action
Sh*t Life Syndrome Video by HealthyGamerGG on YT: Here
Email: brandi@brandimac.com
Purchase "Do What You Can Live: A Survival Guide for Families Navigating Addiction, Grief and Impossible Choices" on Amazon
Social Media: the_original_brandi_mac
Website: Brandimac.com
24 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT
Why I Don't Want a Seat at the Recovery Table
In this episode of the Do What You Can Live With podcast, Brandi Mac shares her personal health struggles, the importance of real human connections, and her experiences in the recovery space. She discusses the ethical responsibilities of advocates, the challenges within the treatment industry, and her reluctance to charge families for help. Brandi emphasizes the need for genuine support and the complexities of navigating the advocacy landscape while remaining true to oneself.
Takeaways
Brandi has been dealing with health issues
Burnout is a significant concern for those in advocacy work.
Real human connections are vital for mental health and support.
Brandi emphasizes the importance of protecting her mental health.
She has been cautious about connecting deeply with others in the recovery space.
The treatment industry often prioritizes profit over patient care.
Brandi is jaded about the rehab industry due to personal experiences.
She believes in the ethical responsibility of advocates to prioritize families.
Brandi struggles with the idea of charging families for help.
She aims to create a supportive community for those affected by addiction.
Chapters
00:00 Brandi's Health Journey and Burnout
05:54 Navigating the Recovery Space
12:01 The Ethical Responsibility in Advocacy
17:52 Challenges in the Treatment Industry
30:04 The Dilemma of Charging for Help
38:54 Final Thoughts and Moving Forward
Website: brandimac.com
Email:brandi@brandimac.com
Do What You Can Live With Book is available on Amazon
Inside a recent episode
Bonus Episode: Navigating Addiction: A Mother-Daughter Journey (Brooke Interview)
Published 29 Apr 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] For a long time. And that was a big fear of mine. I knew I wanted, I wanted to get to this point more than anything, but I... I didn't think it was possible for a while. I had to do a lot of work on me and my healing... You did, for sure, without a doubt. To reach. I'm grateful for the chance to be with my kids. I've really, really tried to put my best foot forward as much as I could for the first time. And I know I've made progress. Like, I might not have been working all this time and making my own money, but I know I've made progress, without a doubt. You have. And I think, for me, one of the most beautiful things has been the sibling dynamic. […]
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
