It Almost Took Everything:
Chad Womack on Kratom, Shame, and Recovery

Some addictions don’t begin with a warning sign.
They begin quietly—often with something that feels manageable, accessible, and even harmless.

In this episode, Chad Womack shares how a legal, widely available “wellness tonic” containing kratom and kava gradually became something that nearly cost him everything. From the outside, life appeared stable. But behind the scenes, a slow shift was taking place—one that affected his identity, his relationships, and his ability to be fully present.

What makes Chad’s story so powerful is not just what happened—but how easy it was to miss.

🎙️ This powerful and timely conversation explores:

  • The hidden nature of addiction in everyday life

  • The emotional weight of secrecy and shame

  • The impact on family, trust, and identity

  • The courage it takes to face the truth and begin again


But more than anything, this is a story about awareness. About recognizing the moments that matter—before they become turning points we can’t undo. And about choosing honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable.

If even a part of this story feels familiar, let it be a reminder: You are not alone. And it’s never too early—or too late—to choose something different.


Resources & Support

If this episode raises questions or concerns for you or someone you love, support is available:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

  • National Institute on Drug Abuse: nida.nih.gov

  • American Addiction Centers: americanaddictioncenters.org

Educational resources:

  • Kratom overview: nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom

  • Kava safety information: fda.gov

Seeking support is a sign of strength—not weakness.


💗 From Our Hearts to Yours…

The P-I-G is a heartfelt, purpose-driven podcast exploring life, love, loss, and legacy through real conversations and meaningful stories. Together, we unpack the moments that shape us—the stories we carry, the messiness of being human, and what it means to leave something meaningful behind.

Each episode invites us to honor what matters most, remember that grief isn’t linear, navigate life’s hardest moments with PURPOSE, INTENTION, and GRATITUDE, and to be reminded that legacy isn’t just what we leave… it’s how we live—right now.

“Hearing the stories of others helps us create a more meaningful connection to our own—because legacy isn’t just what we leave behind, it’s how we live right now.”

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The P-I-G Podcast is 100% self-funded and ad-free. Each episode is a true labor of love and we couldn’t do this work without the support of our listening audience. If you have feedback, a story to tell, or expertise to share, we’d love to hear from you.

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The P-I-G: Episode 31