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RCVR Stories
RCVR Stories — Real People. Real Recovery. Real Hope.
RCVR Stories is the evolution of what began as The Begin Again Podcast.
Same mission. Same heart. Bigger purpose.
Hosted by Gary Menkes — sober since 2006, founder of the recovery lifestyle brand RCVR, and believer that every comeback story deserves to be heard — this podcast shares unfiltered conversations with people who have rebuilt their lives through recovery.
Each week, we explore stories of addiction, transformation, resilience, mental health, and the powerful truth that you are not alone.
From athletes and artists to entrepreneurs, creators, and everyday heroes, RCVR Stories shines a light on the voices that prove recovery is not just possible — it’s extraordinary.
This is more than a podcast.
This is a movement.
A tribe of a million comebacks.
Welcome to RCVR Stories.
RCVR Stories
🧠Ep93: Lauren White: Breaking Cycles, Finding Purpose
In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes sits down with Lauren White, a motivational speaker, addiction counselor, and fierce mental health advocate, to explore her deeply personal and transformative journey. Lauren opens up about her traumatic upbringing, her battle with substance abuse, and how she turned her pain into purpose. Through raw vulnerability, she discusses the complexities of recovery, including her experience with her mother’s relapse, her own struggles with work addiction, and the emotional avoidance patterns that surfaced in early sobriety.
Lauren shares how she ultimately embraced self-acceptance, community, and authenticity to begin her healing journey—proving that recovery is not just about abstaining from substances, but about rebuilding the self from the inside out. Together, Gary and Lauren delve into the emotional toll of addiction, the impact of societal pressures (especially in the public eye), and the tools that helped them both reconnect with their true selves.
This episode is a heartfelt reminder that the road to healing is not linear, but it is always worth it. Whether you're in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking inspiration, Lauren’s story will move you, challenge you, and fill you with hope.
About Lauren White:
Lauren White is a dynamic motivational speaker, certified addiction counselor, and fierce advocate for mental health and recovery. With a personal journey rooted in overcoming childhood trauma, substance abuse, and emotional turmoil, Lauren has transformed her pain into purpose. She now empowers others to reclaim their lives through honest storytelling, powerful coaching, and compassionate guidance. Her mission is to normalize conversations around addiction, self-worth, and healing—while reminding others that recovery is not only possible, but life-changing.
Follow Lauren and join her community for inspiration and support:
🌐 https://www.laurenwhitespeaker.com
📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlaurenwhite
► Visit our website here: WeAreRCVR.com
🔥 Check Out RCVR Brand! 🔥
Beyond the podcast, Gary is also the founder of We Are RCVR, a movement dedicated to celebrating recovery and resilience through empowering apparel. RCVR is all about breaking the stigma, building community, and wearing your sobriety with pride. Explore the collection and join the movement!
🔗 Shop Now: https://WeAreRCVR.com
🌟 Become a Voice for Recovery – Earn While Inspiring Others
Join the RCVR Affiliate Program and share the message of hope, healing, and living your best life.
★ Let's connect:
Twitter - https://x.com/wearercvr
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wearercvr/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wearercvr
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/wearercvr/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rcvrtribe