Don Smith, Phillip Valentine, Sandy Valentine, Melvin Cabrera

Recovery Matters! Podcast

rebecca@ccar.us (Matthew Check, Connecticut Community For Addiction Recovery (CCAR))

  • I Woke Up on an Old Wooden Floor—and Finally Faced My Addiction

I Woke Up on an Old Wooden Floor—and Finally Faced My Addiction

Tuesday 14th October 2025

Explore Matt Check's inspiring journey from addiction to sobriety, creativity, and cultural insights in this engaging podcast episode.
21 minutes
Inspiring
Honest
Engaging
Hopeful
Informative

About this podcast

Recovery Matters! Podcast
Author:
Don Smith, Phillip Valentine, Sandy Valentine, Melvin Cabrera
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Family Recovery from Addiction
Creative Recovery Journeys
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Links:
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From Wooden Floors to New Beginnings: Matt Check's Journey

Episode Overview

  • Matt Check shares his journey from alcoholism to sobriety.
  • The role of AA and its impact on his spiritual life.
  • Insights into recovery within the Jewish community.
  • Creative outlets like music and writing as part of healing.
  • The importance of community support in recovery.
"I woke up on this floor...and it really was like a country song."
Ever wondered what it takes to face addiction head-on and come out stronger on the other side? In this episode of the Recovery Matters! Podcast, Tj hosts a riveting conversation with Matt Check, who shares his journey from the depths of alcoholism to a life of sobriety. Matt recounts his experiences growing up in a middle-upper class Jewish family in Philadelphia, where he started drinking early on, through his college years where alcohol became a constant companion.
His candid narrative includes waking up on an old wooden floor with no recollection of the night before, a moment that marked a turning point in his life. Matt's story is one of resilience and transformation. He talks about his journey to sobriety, which began on August 14th, 2014, and how he found solace in the supportive community of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
The episode delves into the cultural nuances of being in recovery within the Jewish community and how Matt's spirituality shifted from religious traditions to the principles of AA. Listeners will also hear about Matt's creative endeavours, including his music and upcoming book, "What Would Philip Roth Do?" which captures his life as a musician and his struggles with addiction. This episode is not just about overcoming addiction; it's about finding a new identity and purpose beyond alcohol.
Matt's honesty and humour make for an engaging listen, offering hope and encouragement to anyone on their own path to recovery. How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? Tune in to discover Matt's incredible story and perhaps find a bit of your own story in his.
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