World and international boxing champion Mia St. John on the isolation of relapse, recovery as connection and her fight through grief and loss - Heart of the Matter

Topics in this episode

Alcoholics Anonymous mental health Elizabeth vargas boxing Mia St. John

Episode notes

A fighter in every sense of the word, boxing champion Mia St. John encountered addiction from a young age, growing up with a father who struggled with drinking and attending her first Alcoholics Anonymous group when she was just twelve years old. Years later, she witnessed her son's struggle with mental illness and a cycle of substance use as self-medication. Tune in as Mia opens up to Elizabeth about enduring the loneliness of relapse, finding a home in Alcoholics Anonymous and weathering the losses of her son, Julian, and her former husband, Kristoff St. John. Content warning: This episode discusses topics of suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Both programs provide free, confidential support 24/7. You are not alone. Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode: Grief Resources for Families Recovery Support Groups for Addiction: One Size Does Not Fit All Does Relapse Mean Failure?