As someone who is early in recovery, this show is a great listen and I’m excited every time I see a new episode posted. Hoping to see more episodes in 2025.

I’m so glad these guys are back. Stayed up late to listen!! A simple, funny reminder that life is still all of the things, only better (and more funny) in sobriety.

Thank you for this show. i do not drink alcohol because I don’t like it. I do, however, have a family member who has AUD. I listen to this to better understanding of use and recovery processes. Thank You

Live listening to the banter

I’ve been sober now for 4.5 years and it’s great to find a show that is supportive of the this community. I’ve laughed and felt inspired in the same moment. Great work gentlemen with the show it’s an important message to get out into the world and your doing amazing work

I’m a 52 year old woman who’s been alcohol free for 4 years and I am SO glad I stumbled onto this podcast. I usually prefer podcasts with shorter episodes, but the banter between Mike & Nat has really grown on me. Anyone wanting to change their relationship with a substance would benefit from this, but true to the name, those who are middle aged like me will get a real kick out of it.I usually listen to the episodes while I’m out for a walk and often catch myself laughing out loud or smiling nostalgically when they reference things from the 80s. There is such a genuine warmth & relatability about both of them, and I love that they don’t feel the need to agree with each other. Their different perspectives are really helpful in thinking about the different topics they discuss each week. I follow a number of different resources about recovery/sobriety and this has become my favorite due to the awesome way they combine the latest evidence & science with individual human stories. Very grateful for their dedication to this community and the great shows they put out!

I rarely review podcast, but when I heard the host mention a few episodes back that they were thinking of either slowing down or giving up on the show entirely, I felt compelled to review this valuable podcast for anyone in recovery. I’m in the age bracket that this podcast targets and one of the things I discovered early on in recovery was how helpful and encouraging it was to find other people sharing stories about the same challenges, fears, and accomplishments that you experienced and recovery. I also share the hosts uncertainty about trying to decide how much you want to wrap your identity around being “a recovery person. I’m 2 1/2 years into my journey, and I am constantly having similar thoughts. But I am certain there are other middle-age listeners of this podcast who are only days or weeks into their recovery and I have to assume that this podcast is as valuable to them as it was and continues to be for me. TLDR: Keep on truckin guys. You’re doing amazing work.

After three years I’m still Hanging on every word thanks Mike and Nat!

So yeah, two imperfect, middle aged dudes in recovery. Sometimes they say things I do not like or agree with. I just finished listening to their entire catalog and I love their show. Clearly, I felt these guys deserved 5 stars, but I must go further to say I’d put this podcast in the top tier of what’s still in production today. What’s so special about this content? It’s not just what they offer, it’s what they don’t. I personally find most recovery podcast to be predictable, formulaic, and overly perscriptive. Additionally, the hosts share enough about their time using for listeners to identify with, but they don’t play into the whole depths of despair pissing contest which is so common around the scene. The conversations between Nat and Mike are for the most part unremarkable, and that’s perhaps what’s so unique about the show. RMA’s primary focus is recovery, but most episodes feature a lot of friendly banter, current events, and concise explanations of how the hosts approach sobriety. To some, these conversations may seem mundane, but I think they do a lot to demystify recovery and remove barriers to entry for the rest of us. I used to listen to more of the guru types, or AA related podcasts, and I could never seem to access whatever they were promoting. RMA helps make clear that recovery is difficult, rewarding, and attainable for you too. Now, if you listen to this show and you enjoy it, I’d also recommend checking out Since Right Now (still available, but no longer in production), and of course Dopey. Be safe, have fun, enjoy the show!

The guys thread the needle between taking their recovery seriously but not being too serious about it all. A very accomplished person in all areas of his life, I still can’t believe Mike ever smoked crack! Nat could make a living professionally with his golden voice, and ability to improvise & do impressions and accents.

They told me to leave a review so I did… But also, this is a really amazing podcast! Mike and Nat are both hilarious as well as honest which is something that you don’t get nowadays! Not only is it educational, but it’s uplifting to hear other people’s viewpoints on addiction based on their lived experience. Even though I don’t have kids I love listening to them talk about their kids because one day I plan to have children and I’ve always wondered what that conversation would look like when taking about drugs and alcohol. Favorite part is when they sing the recovery in the news song (Motha F***er) 😂😂😂

I honestly love the show. I appreciate the more secular approach to recovery. Mike and Nat do a nice job of off-setting the other persons personality. It’s fun and they give thoughtful and interesting insight on the topics they discuss.

Good evening Nat and Mike Mark, As I’m currently listening to E76 and writing this as 112 just dropped, I’ve been hooked since day one. These gentlemen keep me going. I started checking out different wines about 8 years ago and THOUGHT it was cool. It quickly became uncool and a horrible jagged road. At one point I was easily downing two bottles of Pinot Noir a couple nights a week and definitely at least one. I would wake up feeling awful and just wanting the evening to come so I could do it again and again and again. As of now, I’m making great progress, but shooting for perfection. I’ve been sober 88 of the last 93 days. So yes I’ve had some trips, but haven’t full blown relapsed. This tick we have can be awful, but I’m beating it back. Thanks guys! Ed

Nat and Mike meet in the kitchen once a week and share what’s going on in their lives. They are both in recovery, and hearing how two guys maneuver themselves on a daily basis is so refreshing. Their frankness and honesty, combined with their wit, compassion, and fabulous sense of humor, is something I look forward to every week. It really is unlike any other sobriety podcast I listen to, because they just go where the wind takes them. They both can really go off on a tangent, discussing their families, their grievances, the weather, lost hamsters — you name it. But it all comes back to the purpose of the podcast - to hold themselves accountable, to share their experiences, and to inspire someone like me to stay sober. Great chemistry, great camaraderie, great information, and truly great guys. I’m grateful that I found them.

I found this podcast through the Dopey podcast. I wasn’t sure if it would be for me at first, since I am not a middle-aged man, but it quickly became my new favorite. Nat and Mike are extremely relatable and both always have interesting insight on different topics. I went through and binged all of the episodes in a row while I was at work or at the gym. Anything I like, I like too much! I love the intro song, I love the stories, I love the guests, and I just love hearing about each of their lives. I feel like I have new friends that I’ve never met. Keep up the good work guys!

This addiction recovery podcast is well worth a listen. The hosts Mike and Nat are great together and the show is very easy to get addicted to(haha ba-dum-tish). They are both very intelligent and well spoken without being pretentious, while at the same time really funny and easy to listen to. The topics and guests are always interesting, and I find myself learning and thinking about my own recovery in ways I hadn't necessarily before. I've been listening since the first episode and I really like that I can identify with a lot of what these guys talk about. It's nice to know that I'm not alone with my issues and that there are other people out there who have struggled like I have. A lot of the subject matter discussed on the show has led me down some really helpful and interesting rabbit holes. There's definitely not a shortage of quality entertainment here. It's a really good show and can be helpful for those who have quit or are thinking about quitting drugs and/or alcohol. I highly recommend it

Been listening since day one, by chance searching for sobriety podcasts. These guys are the best. Even respond to private messages using their own personal time because they obviously really care about their message. I really appreciate their approach to recovery as it is “all are welcome” and of course- “progress, not perfection.” Thank you guys from the bottom of my heart!

Just started listening to this Pod cast and absolutely love it! The good thing about starting late is I have 100 episodes to catch up on during my drive in to work! 👏👏 Rosa

Love this podcast. I just started on my road to recovery in October. The tips to stay sober at thanksgiving episode was a big help. Please don’t pull the plug on this podcast. Most other recovery podcasts I have found are dull, dry, and frankly make me want a drink. You guys are easy enough to listen to that it’s almost like a comedy podcast.

I love this podcast!! The guys are very humorous and informative. I love to hear their stories and they are so down to earth. Also, I love the guests they have on the show. They don’t think they have many women listeners, this maybe true, but as a woman listener I really enjoy the show. Keep up the great work and I miss you when you take breaks from the podcast.

This podcast reminds of The Dopey podcast in the sense that it’s not a cookie cutter “recovery” podcasts where it’s just a modified 12 step “speaker meeting” where it’s a guest telling their story of how they got started. Then gloss over how it was(fun?) what happened and then what it’s like now and thank god…. That this isn’t that. It’s like hanging out with two friends talking about addiction and recovery. Not 12 step exclusive, and equally important not-not 12 step. Many non-12step podcast spend the majority of the pod on saying how non-12 step they are and just lose everything they may may have had going. R.M.A. Is another breath of fresh air in the recovery podcast community. Come get to know the guys with me. You won’t be disappointed. It’s thst pefect mix of war stories and recovery. Subscribe

I will start out by saying that I have never struggled with addiction myself. I have a brother and a sister who has and my mother-in-law lost her struggle with addiction last May. Her death was a turning point for me, I had always judged those that struggled with addiction (including my sister and brother). The problem was, I knew NOTHING about addiction. I didn't know how it affects the brain, never understood why someone couldn't just stop using or anything. However, I was doing some research right before her death, on mental illnesses, and that's when I discovered that addiction, A.K.A. substance use disorder, was a thing. My wife had nothing be resentment towards her mom because of her addiction and my discovery and research after her death, has helped my wife get through the loss of her mom, forgive her, and gave her pain purpose. I've started my own podcast (Stop the Stigma, if you want to know- which I'm relaunching soon) to try and help others and I have been listening to other similar podcasts such as you guys, KDD, and Dopey. Podcasts like you guys, listening to stories, and actually researching, have helped me understand SUD a lot more. So thank you. I've only listened to a couple of episodes so far but will be listening to more. You two work well together and I enjoy what I have heard so far. I do want to mention something, in your most recent episode (90) you guys were talking about enabling. One of you mentioned, Mike I believe, that you needed that love and support to help get clean, not the "tough love." I want to add something to that... From my research, there is no actual proof that enabling keeps addiction alive or anything of the sort. You guys keep it up. I will listen to more episodes when I get the chance. Thank you for what you do for the recovery community. Much love 💜

I’m from a small town that only has A.A. as a recovery option. I struggled with my recovery and the program until I found RMA. In a non biased way, these two witty and intellectual gentlemen explore many option to a healthy recovery that I would never have been exposed to without them. I appreciate the apparent honesty and willingness to speak about their own experiences. Not only has my recovery blossomed, but I’ve also connected to an amazing community of like minded individuals who only aspire to raise each other up. Much love and respect for all the monksters; around the world, down the street, and across the table.

These gentleman do a fantastic job with this podcast. Entertaining, inspiring and educational…. Thank you!

I’ve reviewed other recovery podcasts and have settled on this one as my go to core support podcast. As co-hosts Mike and Nat are highly intelligent, funny and empathetic. They take you on a journey where you learn about them, yourself and a multitude of metaphysical and science based recovery strategies, ideas and connections to help one stay sober. They don’t condescend or preach down on a spiritual approach but look at it as one component of a broader holistic program. They see each recovery plan as individualized and an ala carte approach is encouraged. The show itself is engaging because there is a plenty of discovery and reflection. The many guests, book/movie reviews, current events and patron feedback keep it fresh and entertaining. Very often you end a show with a greater sense of empowerment, confidence , and belief in oneself because the dots have been connected. Five Stars… Highly recommend.

Truly enjoy Mike and Nat’s weekly deep dive into all things related to addiction and recovery. As a middle-aged person in recovery myself I can really relate to and learn from their stories and experiences. They are open-minded to a variety of different ways to achieve and maintain sobriety and do not just push the dogma of traditional 12-step recovery alone. Greg C

I am a subscriber to many Recovery podcasts and recently discovered this one, through a friend I met that is a RIMA member. I really am enjoying the irreverent and real style as well as the conversation around many taboo subjects in recovery (I’m sure the AA folks are clutching their pearls and awaiting our eventual relapses 🤣) Keep up the good work guys.

Nat and Mike are relatable and insightful on recovery topics - they have both been there and back again, and it’s great to hear about the day-to-day struggles and victories on the recovery path.

I look forward to this show every week. Mike and Nat are relatable and funny. I love that they have a trauma informed approach to recovery. I learn something every week.

I am really enjoying and learning about recovery from this podcast. The two men tell stories about their past experiences and go in-depth about recovery methods. So far my favorite episode has been about MAT with one of the guys mother in law. She was knowledgeable and easy to listen to . I also like how there’s a wee bit of humor with it lessening the message or going on too long. Bravo, middle aged guys. Ps the episode about all those workers returning with addictions after pandemic was very thought provoking. Maybe that’s why so many people haven’t returned to work??!! Update- still listening. I’m about to meet in the middle of episodes, working my way from oldest forward then from new backward. As I’m typing this you are discussing Gywneth Paltrow v candles but I digress. Bottom line. I learn a lot from this podcast. I get educated in an entertaining way about some very serious topics.

Thanks guys. Glad to have found you. Doing this mostly myself. There is something about listening to folks in the same situation (40’s-ish w/families) that hits pretty right on for me. I’ve tried many times, and this is by far the longest I’ve been sober. Every other time I feel like I lacked that step of connecting w/others. This does it for me and you guys have kept me sane for the last couple of weeks. Thanks again, glad to be a monkster. Chris L.

I am 2 1/2 months sober and looking for recovery podcasts when I found RMA. I love the content it’s both informative as well as entertaining. Keep up the great work. I Will be listening. 👍🏻

I came across this show while scrolling the many podcast options out there. I have listened to many, and still have a few I follow, but Recovery in the Middle Ages by far takes the cake. Nat and Mike are real, relatable, funny, and keep the banter around family and real life entertaining, yet they pull it back down to reality and all seriousness about topics surrounding recovery when needed. Other podcasts can be depressing and hard to follow. This podcast makes recovery, as challenging as it is, fun to be a part of. Have a listen. You will be drawn in and won’t look back. Terry S-Kansas City, Mo.

I dig this show, especially when they have authors live in studio. ;) My fav is the banter about their personal family lives. That’s why I listen. They are both so human and likable. I’m a 12 step guy 1000% but I learn from critiques and the various modalities, too. I find myself rooting for these guys and the whole RMA community. It’s a lovely and entertaining pod. Keep coming back. It works if you work it.

Mike and Nat share recovery with humor, insights, and experience worth a listen for anyone seeking a way forward without alcohol.

Like many who started drinking in their early teens, I’ve struggled with alcohol addiction all my adult life. After a series of failed attempts at sobriety, the pandemic forced the issue. My career came to a screeching halt, and I found myself face to face with an unexpected retirement at 62. The prospect of having all the time in the world to drink was frightening, but I decided that this time was to be my time. I vowed not to waste the rest of my life getting wasted. January 6th, 2021 was my last drink and, thankfully, I discovered Recovery in the Middle Ages a month later. Nat and Mike’s first gift to me was to turn me onto Annie Grace’s book This Naked Mind, which redefined my relationship with ethanol and provided me a road map to living without it. I was never interested in AA, so RMA became the weekly leg up that I needed in those first difficult months. Just two suburban guys like me in recovery, trying to keep all the balls in the air while keeping the demons at bay. I was drawn in by their charm, humor and well-spoken intellect, and identified with their tales of excess. I survived the sex, drugs and rock and roll of the late 70’s and early 80’s and have stories of my own after all. As RMA has matured and grown, so has my sobriety. The book reviews, interviews and explorations of recovery topics has been invaluable to my own journey. Ending almost 50 years of addiction is a daunting task and I need all the help I can get. As we enter 2022, I’m grateful for my life and my family and reflect on my many friends who tragically didn’t make it this far. To quote the movie Blade Runner, “The light that burns twice as bright, burns half as long”. With grateful anticipation, I look forward to the continued support of RMA and its like-minded Facebook and Patreon family.

Just wanna say great work on the podcast. I love how honest you guys keep it. Keep up the great work👍🏽

Started listening a few months back and always hear a few nuggets of insight wisdom or ideas to ponder. Your banter feels like we are ease dropping at the coffee shop. I really appreciate your open minded approach and being able to form a new perspective in real time (as you are discussing)on whatever is that weeks topic. I believe you are filling a needed niche in the recovery discussion. Thanks so much!

Not sure how I Stumbled onto these guys but thankful I did. Been playing catch up the past month or so now I am up to date. As a solid middle aged man I am definitely pod cast challenged but I am learning and this one definitely is helping me. Three plus years Alcohol Free however still working on getting sober in these difficult times. Thanks Nat and Mike! Norm

I love this podcast. Two guys with good humor and insight, learning and sharing all they can about addiction and recovery. I hope this podcast keeps going and growing. Keep it up guys. WARNING: If you play the episodes at x2 speed, it sounds like they're high on coke, which may be a trigger for some.

i try fed up

You can get better guests than this racist rapist. I liked your show and this bummed me out. Won’t ever listen again. Do better.

Keep it up, I do like the stuff before the main topic..#OBEN

Hey guys, I have been a RMA listener from the beginning thanks to hearing about you on the Dopey podcast. I’m a 44 year old long time alcohol and drug user. Your podcast didn’t stop me from drinking or drugging, but once I lost everything in my life, it did help me to give rehab a chance. I’m currently 20 days sober in a 30 day rehab program in Califonia. I’ve learned a lot about myself so far and I’ve learned I need help once back in the real world again. Keep on doing what you are doing and thank you for sharing your experiences.

Not even sure how I found this podcast, but so thankful that I did! Love the chemistry between Mike and Nat. They’re hilarious, open with their experiences with addiction, and full of advice (take what you like and leave the rest) and tons of resources to help people find their own path to sobriety - or even if you’re just looking to get back control of your life. Join the RMA private Facebook group. It’s like having a support team/family at your fingertips. No judgment zone and kind, loving people that are there to cheer you on. Loved the show with Grant! Super cool guy 😎 Will be following his Sober Linings Playbook.

Found this podcast from This Naked Mind. This is the first time I feel like I relate to the authors so well. The conversation flows and I really enjoy listening. The sound quality is great and the show notes are detailed with LINKS.

I checked out your podcast after listening to Mike on This Naked Mind podcast. I usually skip the stories on that podcast by men (because I usually relate to the women’s stories because I’m a woman). But… I was driving at the time and couldn’t get to my phone to skip that episode until after I heard Mike talk about his first experience with alcohol drinking gin. Same! I had to listen a little bit more since who would move forward with alcohol after drinking something that tastes like perfume. I was surprised to find how much I connected to Mike’s story minus the drugs. And when I found out he had his own podcast I thought may be I’ll give it a listen. As the title of this review indicates, I am now your biggest fan. Having stop drinking February 2021, I’m finally able to feel the highs and lows of life. One of my highs is listening to your podcast to and from work. While it’s informative and interesting,I surprise myself every time I find myself laughing out loud. Thank you so much, I can’t remember the last time I laughed out loud until I listen to your show.You both have amazing chemistry and I love having your podcast come into my ear holes every day (usually twice a day if I’m lucky).

Add this to your line up of recovery podcasts. It’s well worth it, especially if you too are in mid-life. Nat and Mike are relatable, knowledgeable, engaging and funny. I especially like the format. While they occasionally interview guests, they also cover a wide range of topics; from book reviews to aspects of 12 step programs to what did and did not work for them. They have great rapport and offer a lot as it pertains to finding your own path. A unique podcast to compliment your current favorites!

I even enjoying this show so far- anyone else find the one with the deeper voice to sound just like Peter Krause?? I think it’s him and you can’t tell me otherwise! 🤣🤣

August 26rh 2020 was my final final! August 27 2020 was the start of my new life! Coke and booze has been my best bud for too long.. I tried over the years to stop on my own but it didn’t stick.. it took a massive breakdown and a trip to rehab to open my eyes!!! My beautiful daughter and family have been my rock .. also I found your podcast the week I got out of rehab in October and haven’t missed one! I love your family stories and not having the aa program being front and center ..keep up the great work and I’ll will too!! Cara in Seabrook Beach ☘️