⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses suicide, cyberbullying, and mental health struggles.

If these topics are difficult for you, please listen with care. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available—don’t hesitate to reach out.

This one’s a tough conversation, but it’s one that needs to be had. We sit down with Tina Meier, the unstoppable force behind the Megan Meier Foundation, a foundation born from tragedy after the unthinkable happened to her daughter, Megan. At just 13 years old, Megan took her own life after being the target of a cruel and calculated cyberbullying scheme, and what followed was a gut-wrenching battle for justice, awareness, and change.

Tina walks us through the unimaginable grief of losing a child, the frustrating fight to find mental health resources, and the hidden dangers of social media that most parents don’t see until it’s too late. We dig into the psychological toll of bullying, the ugly reality of teenage friendships, and the vicious cycle of self-medication and depression that too many people fall into. The legal system wasn’t built for tragedies like Megan’s, and Tina breaks down the infuriating loopholes that left her family searching for accountability.

But this isn’t just about loss—it’s about turning pain into purpose. Out of the darkest chapter of her life, Tina built a foundation to educate, support, and fight for kids and families who are struggling with the same nightmare. We talk about what needs to change, why spring is often the hardest time for students dealing with bullying, and how asking for help can be the hardest but most important thing anyone can do.

This episode hits hard, but it matters. Cyberbullying isn’t some distant issue—it’s happening right now, and the consequences are very real. If you’re a parent, a teacher, or just someone who gives a damn about the next generation, listen up. It’s time to start having the tough conversations before it’s too late.

Resources

• 🔗 Megan Meier Foundation

Shoutout to Our Sponsors

• 💉 Illinois Recovery Center
• 🔪 Bertarelli Cutlery

This one stays with you. Listen, learn, and let’s do better.

Pondoff's Anonymous - Recovery, Relapse, and Real Talk with Eric Conley

Chris, Jakob, and Jeff sit down with Eric Conley, CEO of Illinois Recovery Center, for a no-BS deep dive into addiction, recovery, and the brutal reality of getting clean. If you're looking for sugarcoated platitudes, go somewhere else—this one’s raw, real, and straight from the trenches.

🔥 Recovery is a journey—support and community make all the difference.
🔥 The pain of addiction has to hit a breaking point before change happens.
🔥 Empathy isn’t optional—it’s a key ingredient in the recovery process.
🔥 Nutrition and wellness play a huge role in getting and staying clean.
🔥 Personal stories of struggle aren’t just stories—they inspire real hope.
🔥 Building a strong team is everything in the world of treatment.
🔥 Relapse happens, but it can be a lesson instead of a setback.
🔥 Listening and being open to advice can be the difference between failure and success.
🔥 A safe, nurturing environment is crucial for true healing.
🔥 The fear of losing a job keeps too many people from seeking help.
🔥 Addiction is an exhausting cycle that keeps people trapped.
🔥 Holidays can be a trigger—family gatherings bring people to the breaking point.
🔥 Scholarships open doors for those who desperately need treatment.
🔥 Recovery requires a real financial commitment—but it’s worth it.
🔥 Gratitude is tough to cultivate in active addiction, but it’s a game-changer.
🔥 Humiliation can be the moment that sparks change.
🔥 Tough love is sometimes the only way to push someone into treatment.
🔥 Addiction warps judgment—it takes a support system to break through.
🔥 Family and friends are lifelines in the recovery process.
🔥 Every employee at Illinois Recovery Center knows every client’s name—because community matters.
🔥 Respect is non-negotiable—you treat the team right, they fight for you.
🔥 “I will die on this sword”—Eric is all in for every client’s success.
🔥 Recovery is 100% possible—if you’re willing to do the work.
🔥 That breaking point—day three of withdrawal—is where the real fight begins.
🔥 Recovery means surrendering the wheel—you’re not running the show anymore.
🔥 Learning doesn’t happen where you sleep—transparency and accountability matter.
🔥 The right environment feels like home, not a hospital.
🔥 Trust is built through honesty, care, and community support.
🔥 Sharing stories isn’t just talk—it’s a lifeline for others looking for hope.
🔥 Overcoming stigma is crucial—acceptance starts with conversation.
🔥 Love, relationships, and transformation can thrive in recovery.
🔥 Hope is a weapon—wield it wisely.

Eric and the crew don’t pull punches in this one. If you or someone you love is struggling, listen up. You might hear exactly what you need to finally make a change.

💉 Illinois Recovery Center – If you or someone you know needs help, check them out: illinoisrecoverycenter.com
🔪 Bertarelli Cutlery – Keeping blades sharp and kitchens dangerous: bertarellico.com

Subscribe, share, and stay anonymous. Or don’t. Just don’t keep suffering in silence. 🤘

What’s Inside?Shoutout to Our Sponsors

Jakob was MIA, playing nurse for his sick girlfriend, so Chris and Jeff held it down.

But don’t worry, this episode still packs a punch.

Guest: Cristina Preston

Ministry Leader at Celebrate Recovery at Connect Church in Fenton, MO. But don’t let the “ministry leader” title fool you—this ain't some holier-than-thou sermon. Cristina's been through the trenches: heroin, crack, drug dealing, debts, and even surviving sex trafficking. Rock bottom wasn’t just a place; it was her reality. But she clawed her way back and now helps others do the same.

Topics Covered:

• The loneliness and shame that fuel addiction
• How childhood trauma shapes mental health
• The insane journey from prescription meds to heroin
• What happens when you completely lose control—and how to get it back
• The grind of the fitness industry, and how self-worth gets twisted
• Finding love, navigating blended families, and why forgiveness is a damn superpower

Cristina’s Message:

Your past does NOT define you. You’ve got a purpose, and your worst moments can be the key to helping someone else.

For more on

Celebrate Recovery

https://www.connectchurchstl.com/celebraterecovery

Shoutout to Our Sponsors:

• 🔪 Bertarelli Cutlery – Keeping your blades sharper than your mother-in-law’s tongue. BertarelliCo.com
• 🏥 Illinois Recovery Center – If you’re struggling, get help. No BS, just real recovery. IllinoisRecoveryCenter.com

Strap in, folks—this episode gets raw. Chris, Jeff, and special “guest” (aka their own co-host) Jakob Miller get brutally honest about addiction, recovery, and the wild ride in between. They dive deep into childhood chaos, learning disabilities, and that nagging feeling of being different. No sugarcoating here—just real talk about alcohol, weed, and the slippery slope into harder stuff like heroin.

The guys break down the mind games of addiction: denial, relapse, and the struggle to claw your way back. They go headfirst into fatherhood, how becoming a dad changes everything (or doesn’t, until you’re ready to face your demons), and the role of community in making it out alive. They also tackle the debate around marijuana in recovery—lifeline or slippery slope?

Through all the dark moments, this one is about hope, resilience, and the grind of rebuilding your life. Whether you’re in recovery, love someone who is, or just want to hear a damn good story, this episode brings the heat.

Shoutout to our sponsors:

🔥Illinois Recovery Center –illinoisrecoverycenter.com

🔪Bertarelli Cutlery –bertarellico.com

Pondoff’s Anonymous – Family, Recovery & The Hard Truth with Kevin BuntenPondoff’s Anonymous – Family, Recovery & The Hard Truth with Kevin Bunten

This episode dives deep into theraw, messy, and real side of addiction recovery—because let’s be honest, it’s never just about the addict. The family plays a massive role, and sometimes, they’re just as deep in the chaos as the one struggling.

We sit down withKevin Bunten, aLicensed Clinical Professional Counselor, family therapist at Illinois Recovery Center, and a guy who’s been through the trenches himself. Withover 22 years in the field and his own recovery journey, Kevin brings straight-shooting wisdom on what really helps families and what just makes things worse.

What’s Inside This Episode?

• Why family support can make or break recovery
• The fine line betweenhelping and enabling
• Hard truths aboutintervention, tough love, and when to let go
• Al-Anon & family programs—lifesavers or just another meeting?
• The emotional war zone of loving an addict
• Kevin’s personal journey—from hitting rock bottom to helping others climb out

Kevin’s lived it, studied it, and worked with countless families caught in addiction’s grip. His advice?Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Recovery isn’t easy—it’s brutal, beautiful, and absolutely worth it.

Sponsors That Keep This Show Rolling:

• Illinois Recovery Center – Real help, real recovery .Visit IRC
• Bertarelli Cutlery – The sharpest blades in the game.Check them out

Got thoughts on this episode? Hit us up and let us know what resonated. Stay tuned for moreunfiltered conversations on addiction, recovery, and life’s wild ride.

Brought to you by:

Bertarelli Cutlery

&

Illinois Recovery Center

In this episode, hosts Chris, Jakob, and Jeff welcome Nathaniel Carpenter, who shares his journey of recovery from addiction. The conversation explores Nathaniel's early life in Washington, Missouri, the impact of his environment on his choices, and his transition from casual drug use to addiction. The episode highlights the importance of community, support, and the challenges faced in recovery.

Nathaniel opens up about his introduction to opiates after a severe injury, his experiences with childhood trauma, rebellion, and the influence of sports on his life. As he navigates the struggles of addiction—including the consequences of his actions and the difficulties of early recovery—he emphasizes the power of vulnerability and storytelling as tools for healing and hope.

Reflecting on his journey through addiction, fatherhood, and recovery, Nathaniel shares the spiritual awakening he experienced as he confronted his past and the role of divine intervention in his life. He discusses the fear of withdrawal, the importance of community support and 12-step programs, and the pivotal role Vivitrol played in helping him regain control of his life. His story is one of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of faith and support.

Nathaniel also speaks candidly about the challenges of parenting a child with a serious health condition and the strength he found in his recovery journey. He recounts the painful experience of losing custody of his son, the fight to regain it, and the joy of recent milestones in his son's health. He underscores the importance of showing up, the role of faith and hard work in rebuilding his life, and the hope that comes from sharing his story. His journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of transformation after addiction.

-In this episode of Pondoff’s Anonymous, Chris Pondoff, Jeff Allen, and new co-host Jakob Miller discuss their return after a long hiatus, reflecting on personal growth and the establishment of the Illinois Recovery Center.

-They delve into the importance of community support, family dynamics in recovery, and the realities of functioning addicts. The conversation highlights the dangers of modern substance use, particularly the prevalence of fentanyl, and emphasizes the need for comprehensive treatment options.

-The hosts share personal experiences and insights into the recovery process, aiming to spread hope and understanding.

-In this conversation, Chris discusses the multifaceted journey of recovery from addiction, emphasizing the importance of willingness, structured programs, humility, and community support. He shares personal experiences and insights on how recovery is not just about abstaining from substances but also about finding joy, healing from grief, and the significance of honesty in the process.

-The conversation culminates in a heartfelt dedication to a lost friend, highlighting the emotional connections formed in recovery.

*RIP Cliff Gilmer. Fly high, brother. And Godspeed. Let us Pray.

_____________________

Illinois Recovery Center: https://illinoisrecoverycenter.com/

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, & YouTube.

https://www.facebook.com/pondoffsanonymous

https://www.instagram.com/pondoffsanonymous

https://www.youtube.com/@pondoffsanonymous

For Episode 38’s show notes, I’ll leave it to the words from a girl I know…

“We gathered to remember Randy Hoff, a life that ended way too early. I never knew Randy but I know those that love him dearly. It is inspiring to see their commitment to talk about something that has been stigmatized for so long - suicide and mental health. The only way to save lives is to talk about this. Pain is what people are trying to end, unbearable pain, not their lives. We have to keep this conversation going - to bring into the light what has hid in the darkness for way too long. And, if you are one who is suffering unbearable pain right now - reach out. We need you in this world. Let us help you find a way out of the pain.” -Ashley Pondoff

Please tune in to hear from Randy’s mother and daughter as they honor him and continue the conversation on suicide prevention, grief recovery, and how to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health and those that die by suicide.

Stigma…

Man.

F*** stigma.

Let us pray.

-Chris

*I would like to personally dedicate this episode to Weston Randy Hoff, Randy’s nearly two-year-old nephew, who, by no coincidence, is identically equipped with Randy’s bright blue eyes.

Pondoff's Anonymous (Podcast and ZeroProof Journal) cpondoff@pondoffsanonymous.com www.pondoffsanonymous.com IG: @pondoffsanonymous FB: Pondoff's Anonymous YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtnYAJ-jbjcn5Uct4I5Ifrw Podcast Access: https://linktr.ee/pondoff