The Recovery Guide

Reality TV, Rock Bottom & Eating Disorder Recovery | Julianne Forrest

Julianne Forrest, former star of The Real Housewives of New York, opens up about her deeply personal journey with bulimia, recovery, identity, and healing.
Julianne shares how growing up in a high-pressure environment and struggling with perfectionism contributed to the development of her eating disorder at a young age. She reflects on how the loss of structure in her life triggered the disorder, and how secrecy and shame kept it alive for years.
Julianne discusses her experience in treatment, the importance of honesty in recovery, and the life-changing moment she realized that “secrets keep you sick.”
She also shares what it was like to step into the public spotlight on The Real Housewives of New York, the vulnerability of speaking openly about her struggles on television, and how her recovery journey continues today through meditation, spirituality, and self-awareness.
This episode explores the realities of eating disorders, the power of recovery, and how even life’s most difficult moments can lead to growth, healing, and purpose.
If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder or addiction, this conversation offers insight, hope, and a reminder that recovery is possible.
Follow Guardian: https://www.instagram.com/guardianrecovery/Follow Michael Herbert: https://www.instagram.com/coachmichaelherbert/ Follow Jules: https://www.instagram.com/juleswainstein  This episode is sponsored by Guardian Recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, Guardian can help.
Visit https://www.guardianrecovery.com  or call 888-721-3790 for confidential support and guidance.
00:00 Introduction00:55 Biracial Identity, Family Pressure & Perfectionism03:09 When the Eating Disorder Became Active04:04 Bulimia, Control & Keeping Busy05:25 Shame, Secrecy & Wanting to Stay Small06:53 Treatment, Independence & Recovery08:42 Joining The Real Housewives of New York10:16 Reality TV, Vulnerability & Pressure13:16 “Secrets Keep You Sick”14:34 Building a Support System in Recovery17:19 Divorce, Arrest & Major Life Changes19:39 Moving to Florida & Starting Over20:52 Her Father’s Death & Spiritual Awakening23:05 Meditation, Healing & Energy24:35 A Meditation Trick for Relaxation27:48 Daydreaming, Intuition & Connection29:16 Why Meditation Changed Her Recovery31:04 Future Goals: Just Be Happy33:38 Final Thoughts, Michael’s Book & Recovery Wisdom35:49 Her Mother, Creativity & Healing38:07 The Power of Words & Manifestation42:02 Be Ready When Opportunity Comes42:30 Local Honey, Healing & Closing Thoughts

The Mirror Moment That Saved My Life – Charles Rosa

Charles Rosa’s life could have ended in jail — or worse.After losing two older brothers to drug overdoses, Charles spiraled into addiction, grief, and self-destruction. One day, staring into the mirror, he didn’t recognize the person looking back at him. That moment changed everything.
Charles shares how a spiritual awakening led him to treatment, how a bicycle became the foundation of his discipline, and how a single sparring session at American Top Team lit the fire that would carry him into the UFC.
From riding 9 miles to the gym every day…
To winning 20 amateur fights in a row…
To fighting under the bright lights of the Boston Garden…This is a story of resilience, redemption, and what it truly means when you say:“Every day is a fight you can win.”If you’re struggling, chasing a dream, or rebuilding your life — this episode is for you.
Follow Charles: https://www.instagram.com/charlesrosamma/ Follow Guardian: https://www.instagram.com/guardianrecovery/Follow Michael Herbert: https://www.instagram.com/coachmichaelherbert/ 
This episode is sponsored by Guardian Recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, Guardian can help.Visit https://www.guardianrecovery.com or call 888-721 3790 for confidential support and guidance.
00:00 – Introduction01:42 – Introduction to Charles Rosa03:50 – Growing Up in Boston & Losing Two Brothers to Overdose06:34 – His Father’s Cold Water Ritual & Chucky’s Fight11:04 – “Every Day Is a Fight You Can Win”12:21 – How His Addiction Began15:00 – Bottoming Out in New Hampshire16:22 – The Hotline Call That Changed Everything18:42 – The Police Raid & What Could Have Happened20:00 – Treatment in Pennsylvania & Florida23:30 – The Therapy Directive That Sparked His Career27:00 – Riding a Bicycle to Build a Dream32:00 – Sparring a Top 10 UFC Fighter on Day One35:48 – Meeting Kimbo Slice39:41 – Replacing Addiction with Martial Arts41:06 – 20-0 Amateur Run43:00 – The Fighter’s Mindset: Kill or Be Killed44:30 – Turning Pain Into Power47:56 – Why He Still Has Normal Ears

Welcome to the Recovery Guide Podcast

Host Michael Herbert brings over 35 years of personal recovery experience and 37 years working in addiction and mental health to introduce a broader, more expansive view of recovery.
 
This episode explores what recovery really means — beyond meetings and abstinence. While abstinence gets you in the door, what keeps you there is building a life worth staying sober for.
 
Michael shares his philosophy of trying “a thousand things and finding the five that work,” and why recovery includes perseverance, spirituality, journaling, exercise, diet, purpose, adventure, and even reclaiming dreams you may have abandoned.
 
This podcast is for:
People struggling with addiction
Those in active recovery
Families and loved ones seeking understanding
Anyone looking for hope and direction
Recovery is not about perfection.It’s about consistency.And you don’t have to do it alone.
There is hope — and this is your guide.
 
Follow Guardian: https://www.instagram.com/guardianrecovery/
Follow Michael Herbert: https://www.instagram.com/coachmichaelherbert/
 
This episode is sponsored by Guardian Recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, Guardian can help.
Visit https://www.guardianrecovery.com  or call 888-721-3790 for confidential support and guidance.