Faith In Your Recovery

Larry Musselman - Episode 40 Larry Musselman's recovery journey is one of many trials and triumphs. His addiction spawned from an experience of molestation as a child and manifested in adolescent marijuana and alcohol abuse, which eventually led to harder alcohol, pills, and methamphetamines. After a string of arrests for dealing narcotics and prescription pad exploitation, he was sentenced to fourteen years of incarceration. During his five and a half years in prison, he “died to himself” and gave his life over to Christ - marking the beginning of life as a new man. He then became a pastor, served as director for Celebrate Recovery program, and works as a peer support specialist meeting people where they are and helping them along the way.

Bio- Tyler Miller Tyler was a self-avowed weekend warrior that digressed into a daily user. He didn't know a better way to deal with his self-worth and feelings of abandonment. After a 10–15-day total blackout, he committed to a 72-hour hospital stay. After a long period of "white knuckling”, he recently celebrated one year clean from all substance use. He wants other strugglers to know that they are worth it and there is hope.

Chris Kozak - Episode 38 After 29 years in the industry, and 24 years at his current department in Illinois, Chris Kozak shares his battle with not only fires, but also his mental health. After attempting suicide in 2020, he entered rehabilitation at The Center for Excellence and was able to use the tools given to him there, and the help of his wife, to venture on his road to recovery. He was met with overwhelming support when he returned to the department, especially since the year prior they had lost a fellow firefighter. Today, Kozak is associated with the Worldwide Peer Support organization and has plans to retire to Arizona in three years. Helpful Links: https://www.iaffrecoverycenter.com/ https://www.worldwidepeersupport.org/

Michael Murphy of Ravenna, OH has battled fires, the dark web, his mental health, and the demons of addiction for himself and his loved ones. He had to retire from the career that had become his identity after suffering an injury, causing him to lose a part of himself and eventually break. After attending the IAFF Center of Excellence, he began his recovery journey from the traumas he had been stacking up for years. Murphy is now connected with the Worldwide Peer Support organization and works to help other first responders heal their mental health, fight addiction, and grow beyond their PTSD. You can follow him on TikTok @thepersoniamtoday Helpful Links: https://www.iaffrecoverycenter.com/ https://www.worldwidepeersupport.org/

A pastor, firefighter and medical first responder - Joshua Putnam is a man of his word, family, and community. Growing up as a missionary kid, he found himself traveling across the US with his parents to serve various communities and churches. However, most of these small churches didn't have youth groups that could help him connect, which spurred his desire to reach as many people in his community as possible. Putnam has used that desire to serve all areas of his community, not just the church, allowing him to lead more people to Christ, his true mission. He doesn't want to be remembered as a firefighter, a pastor, or any other title, he wants to be remembered, “as one who showed the love of Christ.”

How do you cope when your dad is an alcoholic and you never know “who” he will be when he arrives home from work? How do you cope with being bullied and seeing your mom horribly mistreated? Austin turned to alcohol, weed, pills, meth, heroin, and self-inflicted pain. Can you imagine asking someone to slam the trunk on your hand? Now, Austin turns to God and his recovery family.

Shane has spent a great deal of his life searching for connection and acceptance. Though he drank alcohol and used pot, his struggle escalated when he witnessed a friend take his own life. For much of his life, Shane was in and out of jail and prison. When he was 34, he was facing 45 years of incarceration. He credits drug court/problem solving court with saving his life. On May 1, 2022, Shane will celebrate 3 years of being clean. He readily admits the pain and struggle brought on when chasing recovery.

Jason Sautel - Episode 33 From being rejected by a church, planning his suicide, being saved by a diner breakfast, to nearly dying in a fire, Jason Sautel finally accepted Christ as his savior in this rollercoaster of a podcast. Author of The Rescuer: One Firefighter's Story of Courage, Darkness, and the Relentless Love That Saved Him, Sautel, shares with us a glimpse into his abusive childhood, traumas from firefighting, suicidal ideation, and how it all eventually led him through his self recovery by finding the true rescuer - Christ.

Anthony File - Episode 32 After 2 suicide attempts, years of drinking in secrecy, and spending days at a time with no sleep Anthony File finally acknowledged his addiction and need for recovery. He spent 47 days in a rehab facility before returning to his fire department as a new man – even saying, “They took a part of me and wiped it clean.” File isn't ashamed of his addiction, but he is glad to be beyond it and 20 months (at time of recording) sober now.

Yendy Gonzalez - Episode 31 “My life has been one miracle after another,” states Yendy Gonzalez of Miami, FL. This rafter turned firefighter shares his tumultuous journey across the ocean from Cuba to the U.S. when he was just 5 years old, his time in a refugee camp in Guantanamo Bay, and ultimately, how it all led to his discovery and acceptance of Christ in this first installment of the FDIC series. Although his story of recovery is not traditional, he went from viewing himself as the hero, to seeing Christ as the true hero of his story.

Scott Bronner- bio From “hopeless desperation” to true inspiration, Scott has been there, done that and has the scars to prove it. After 19 years of addiction to alcohol of all types, weed, benzos and various opioids, Scott is now managing a house for men and producing his own podcast, “You're Not Alone.”

Timothy Bunch-bio The passing of his father sent Timothy down a path that required a dirty furnace filter to get him turned around. After 20 years of marijuana and multiple other drugs, Timothy found himself homeless and living under a bridge. There, he met his help and hope. That was followed with someone that loved him when he didn't love himself. From there, he was able to move forward to the person in recovery he is today.

Tara Schlemmer-bio Tara's early life was filled with chaos including sexual abuse, a mom on opiates, and confusion about who her biological father was. Then, there was a pregnancy at a young age and later the loss of a child. To deal with it all, she turned to opiates, meth and more. After her arrest for dealing, she found only a Bible in her cell and came to realize that was all she needed. By her story, you will witness that the Tara of yesterday is not the Tara of today.

Early on, Brandon dealt with emotional issues, a lack of self-confidence, abandonment, and physical challenges. What began with alcohol and marijuana turned into hallucinogens, cocaine, heroin, and meth. Two and a half years in prison got Brandon's attention, as there he connected with Jesus and started to find hope and a future. Now, Brandon is a happily married man with two daughters and is thriving through his work in the field of recovery.

Rachelle's story is a prime example of the damage that can be done due to trauma and adverse childhood experiences. The death of her 4-year-old brother completely changed the dynamics of her childhood. Whether it was marijuana, pills, heroin, bath salts or meth, Rachelle battled it. During one of her many times of incarceration, she first started talking to God during a 68 day stay in isolation. Her pent-up anger was often released on others. This same Rachelle is now a Peer Recovery Coach with a heart that desires to pay it forward by helping others.

Angela Smiley-bio For years, Angela fought her own battle with drugs and alcohol. Now, she and her husband, Brandon, are raising their two grandchildren due to their parents' addiction issues. After failed marriages, marijuana, pills, alcohol, and speed Angela took off for Florida with a plan to end her brokenness. Yet, God intervened and didn't let it happen. After a song on Joy FM radio out of Union City, IN/OH, Angela experienced a stirring that saw her through and continues to do so. Hear how this grandma is raising her grandkids and witnessing God through it all.

Sean Gillim-bio From everyone else's fault to ownership. From separation and isolation to community. Sean shares with us his battle with alcohol and substances but also, he shares his transformation. In his words, he was a drunk tweaker stealing yard gnomes and now he is 9 years clean and sober. Tiktok @ clean_and_sober_dad Connect with Sean on Instagram @g1ll1m and on Snapchat gillim1988 https://www.facebook.com/sirgizzim

Davvin, a self-proclaimed “Daddy's Girl,” first started using in 2012 and did so for the next seven years. What began with pills quickly escalated to meth and led to jail and prison. She had experienced physical and mental abuse and often turned to her drugs for the numbing effect. Davvin is a strong advocate of Drug Court and A Better Life-Brianna's Hope. In this interview, she tells the story of how she was able to help save a life through the use of Narcan.

Joe shares with us wonderful and pertinent information concerning medically assisted treatment or MAT. His explanation gives us a far better understanding of what it is about. He explains that harm reduction model and its strengths. Joe is employed by “Groups-Recover Together,” a national organization with several Indiana offices. He is an advocate for the regulated usage of suboxone and tells us how it works. He is a strong believer in the importance of “winning each day.”

Kevin Oliver-bio How many times can tragedy strike? Ever had a loved one stolen from you by a murder or suicide? Ever lost a son to addiction? When Kevin was 5 years old, his mother was murdered by his stepfather. He then lost a brother to a car accident. His 17-year-old son was shot and killed over a $20 bag of marijuana. Within the same year, another son died of a fentanyl laced overdose. Kevin shares his hurt, his loss, and his heart in a very raw and real way. You will want to hear the phone call Kevin has recorded from his oldest son. Hear how Kevin is dealing with all of this by reaching out to help others. Kevin's groups: https://www.facebook.com/groups/andonsblessings/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/430752438534056/permalink/438369674438999

Jackie Sheridan-bio Jackie weaves this story of sexual abuse, rape, family mental health issues, drugs, and tragic death of her brother into a final moment of peace and hope that will speak to your heart. Drugs affected Jackie from birth. Her mom struggled with addiction and mental health issues; Jackie had her own challenges with about every drug. And she lost a brother to overdose. A brother that was father, a loving person, a veteran and more. Jackie shares her story and the story of trying to reach her brother before it was too late. One of her greatest battles in that was leaving the brother she loved so much to experience homelessness. This story is one you wont soon forget.

Lindsey Rogers-bio Lindsey is the mother of two. She first connected with her husband to be, Daniel, while in third grade. Years later, they were married, became the parents of Lilly, and eventually divorced. Daniel was a self-proclaimed weekend warrior and lost his battle with drugs to an overdose. Following the divorce, Lindsey connected with Justin and together they gave birth to Jamison Watson. Two weeks after the birth, Justin died of an overdose.

When is the last time, if ever, you heard a sixteen-year-old share their story of heartache, heartbreak, and confusion created by a father in addiction? Hear the pain brought by her parent's divorce and the overdose death of her dad. Then, while single, her mom met a man that Lilly wasn't excited about, but later accepted with open arms. Together, he and Lilly's mom had a son. Unfortunately, her stepdad to be also lost his life due to addiction. Lilly's story will humble you as she eloquently shares her losses, her personal pain, as well as her love and forgiveness. (Kleenex warning!)

Here's a sneak peek into our next episode which releases Friday Feb.25th at 6am EST

Hailey is a self-proclaimed “daddy's girl.” They were close beyond close. Out of that grew much anxiety and challenge. Following the use of pills, Dad became an alcoholic and Hailey experienced the struggles and disappointments many children of alcoholics endure. But her prayers never stopped. For more than 10 years, she believed and even put her prayers into “overdrive.” The last ten minutes of this episode shares how for 14 hours she enjoyed the fruits of her commitment. Hailey's story is living proof of why you can't give up on God.

At the age of 12 RJ started with marijuana, by age 14 he was using cocaine, at 16 he dropped out of school and his 18th birthday was spent in jail. He then got into dealing drugs and spent several years in prison. By the age of 30, more than half of his life had been consumed by addiction and the struggles that go with it. Between a supportive probation officer, a strong court team and a renewed faith in God, RJ was able to find his way into recovery. The battle continues, but RJ will tell you, “God's got this.”

Kali is 22 years old, and 3 years clean after using for nearly four years. She grew up with parents that struggled with their own addiction. At the age of 9, her babysitter introduced her to marijuana. By the age of 13, she was drinking alcohol and soon fell prey to pills, heroin, and other substances. Her lights on moment came after agreeing to use with her brother. A brother that would later die an overdose death. Kali shares that recovery is not easy but worth the battle.

After facing the possibility of 46 years to life in prison, Karl decided it was time to change his direction and his life. Out of a need to belong, he found himself making poor choices that included pot, pharmaceuticals, vodka, and dealing drugs. Between someone seeing in him what he didn't see in himself and his mother's no nonsense approach, Karl started believing there was a better life. Today, he offers hope and encouragement to others while making a difference in the lives of many. Karl Lazar is proof that #AddictsDoRecover.

Jolene is a wife and mother of two. She has battled addiction for 20+ years. Her original drug of choice was meth followed by just about any illegal substance you can think of. In Jolene's words, it was when she turned to cocaine that “everything fell apart.” It was while being in jail for battery against a police officer and some loved ones that Jolene decided she, finally, was sick and tired of being sick and tired. Now, more than 3 years clean, she is working hard to mend the relationship with her daughter. This is a story that every parent who has a broken relationship with their child needs to hear. Please share and subscribe.

Though Jason had early exposure to alcohol, his addiction to it and other drugs began during his time as a Marine. It then deepened through his experiences as a commercial fisherman. He went from alcohol, to LSD, to heroin and a love of vodka. His struggles cost him a marriage and distanced him from his daughter. Following a relapse came a moment when “Christianity saved his life.” He is a staunch believer that recovery has multiple pathways. Jason is now happily married with family and is a highly respected member and leader in the recovery community.

Marwin recently had a book released that is a true look at his life. The book is in the process of becoming a movie. Marwin's story started in the projects and led him to God's plan. He was an outstanding high school basketball player with aspirations and opportunities to play college ball. Then, while at a dance, a friend spiked his drink causing him to exist in a coma for two years. More than once his family was told he wouldn't survive. He came out of the coma with a resolve to change his life and to help others change theirs. After much therapy and treatment, he learned once again how to live. He now exists to share God through his personal testimony, hope, encouragement, acceptance, and love.

Together, Skip and Jason play a major role with Turning Point Madison County. Skip has years of experience as a fireman and shares the stresses and not always healthy ways of coping. For him, alcohol was his main drug of choice. He was at a point where he was only a heartbeat away from taking his own life. Jason comes from a background of being a successful athlete and then becoming a paramedic. As he found it difficult to deal with the personal pains of the professional experience, he used drugs and alcohol as his coping mechanisms. He is now at fight for others instead of fighting life. This interview of the two together allows them to play off each other in a way that shows great honesty and peer accountability.

This episode contains stories of two 1st Responders/Firefighters. They both share their own struggles with addiction & those they try to serve. Their struggles have been real and raw. This is one special episode you won't want to miss! This is further proof that addiction can hit anyone. The full episode releases tomorrow morning at 6.

Christmas is an awesome and powerful time. It is a promise fulfilled, the birth of unending hope, and speaks about the impact of our choices. Jesus' birth and life are proof of his ability to identify with the rejected and the neglected, the oppressed and the misunderstood, the outcasts and the poor. You can't tell Jesus, “He doesn't get it.” Isaiah 5:3 makes it clear that He indeed understands suffering and sorrow and struggle and challenge. Join us and hear the story of Wallace Purling and the decision he made as the “Innkeeper” in the local Christmas pageant. Then answer for yourself if you have room in your heart to forgive without understanding, to accept without knowing what the result may be, to forgive those that have doubted and wronged you and ask for forgiveness from those you have wronged? This episode is about far more than addiction. It is about who we are, and all that God created us to be. Every day should have room for a bit of Christmas and a bit of Easter.

Charmin Gabbard is the Program Coordinator for the Fayette County Harm Reduction Alliance. She is a model example of how people can change. After years of poverty, abuse, substance misuse, and incarceration, Charmin came out empowered to make a difference in her hometown and beyond. She has an Associate degree in Human Services and a Bachelor degree in Psychology. Charmin is the mother of one son, and they both enjoy competitive running.

Jack comes from a strong educational background in the field of mental health. Much of this was a search for answers to his earlier life experiences. His work resume includes serving those of all ages as a teacher, mental health counselor, psychotherapist, and more. Jack is currently employed at the Pendleton Reformatory, and his story is one of personal struggle, and the will to overcome.

Eric and his wife run their own non-profit, Two Eight Ministries. They are highly active in the recovery movement. Their God given gifts and talents help them reach strugglers in a unique way. Their commitment to the effort is extremely solid. Eric will share their experiences with us. Two Eight Ministries is one more option. It's one that works. Check out https://www.ericjillian.com/ for more music.

Brian works for Grant Blackford Mental Health as a peer support specialist. He is an open believer in Christ and shares the impact that relationship has done for him. He is 6 years clean from alcohol and drugs. For him, addiction began in high school. His story of loss and recovery will show you how real addiction is. He is married with one child.

Rick and Karen are the co-founders of Turning Point Madison County. Rick had a personal struggle with alcohol and drugs and has one son battling substance use disorder and mental health issues. Karen, a long-time health care employee, has seen the battle first-hand and wants to continue to make a difference. The two are a part of a team that is doing exceptional work in the field of recovery.

After years of addiction to meth and other drugs, Monica found sobriety and peace. The battle was filled with incarceration, broken relationships, losing her children to the system, homelessness, and more. She now gives back to others and pays it forward, being gainfully employed as a peer recovery specialist. She has one college degree and is seeking another. IU Health Addiction Treatment & Recovery Center - IU Health Jay Medical Facility 260-726-1960

Dan is a father of three, having lost a son to overdose. His daughter has fought addiction for several years and is currently incarcerated on drug related charges. He gets the hurt, the struggle, the anger, and the pain of losing a child. On this episode, Dan tells his story for the first time.

Welcome to the second episode. Our guest, Keith Wooden, is definitely a people person with the uncanny skill for not just listening but actually hearing what is being said. Keith has not personally struggled with addiction but has/had a brother that did for years. During this episode, Keith shares some of the challenges that relationship created. He also offers insight on the next best step.

Announcement by Faith In Your Recovery

Please enjoy our first episode with someone who has been there done that with addiction, and is currently the Chaplain for the Madison County Sheriffs Department, Vaughn Walker.

Welcome, we are gearing up to launch our show. Remember, stay in the fight!