Recovery On-Air

William of Desert Cove Recovery, and Christin sit down to talk about how common the story of feeling excluded and lonely as an adolescent leads to substance abuse. William tells a harrowing tale of slipping down a dark path until he found redemption and recovery in Arizona.

Christin and Robert sat down to explore the real challenges of rebuilding a life from the ground up — from navigating societal barriers to embracing the power of transformation and second chances. Their stories highlight what true perseverance looks like and the courage it takes to rewrite your future. This episode offers a powerful perspective on life after prison that you won't want to miss.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Ron Allesi from Desert Recovery Centers as he shares his journey through addiction and the experience, strength, and hope that has shaped his recovery. Ron's story is one of resilience, transformation, and the lessons learned along the way. Tune in for an honest and heartfelt conversation about overcoming addiction and finding a new way forward.

Joel Sutton from New Freedom and Christin discuss Joel's powerful story. He describes how he had a rocky childhood, surrounded by prostitution and drug abuse. Although, through the power of equine therapy, service commitments, and connection with other recovering addicts, Joel turned his life around after prison. He continues to help and advocate for inmates getting out of the prison system and showing them that recovery is possible.

Jeremy, from Sanctuary Recovery and the “Outlaws Podcast”, talks with Christin about “self-imposed destruction.” He also talks about how getting into trouble as a kid was a way to cope with his surroundings, with his first stay at a behavioral health institution at 7 years old. After a tumultuous childhood and young adulthood, Jeremy learned to love himself and others in prison, of all places. Now, he works on bridging the gap between healthcare and corrections and brings relapse prevention classes back into the prisons.

Erik Miller is a co-host of the Formally Intoxicated podcast and fitness enthusiast. Erik and Christin talk about how not everyone recovers the same. Erik initially found recovery through crossfit and advocates programs such as “Barbell Saves” and “The Phoenix.” He currently brings a fitness class into the jails and has set a goal to bring the same classes into Arizona prisons. Tune in to hear about how to get plugged into recovery!

Tracy works at Let's Go Recovery, which is an organization dedicated to helping men and women on their continued sobriety journey, by providing a plethora of resources to those in the relentless pursuit of recovery. He started drinking at a young age and despite appearances, his life was falling apart. He encourages discovering what truly fulfills you in life and embracing the present moment with gratitude and intention.

Alicia is a Crossroads employee and case manager at Crossroads West. Christin and Alicia discuss how not everyone recovers the same. Alicia used MAT services (Medically Assisted Treatment), such as Suboxone, to get her back on the straight and arrow. However, she is a strong advocate of a well-rounded treatment, using such modalities as therapy, 12 step programs, Reiki, MATs, Etc. Alicia is now watching as all “The Promises” of the 12 step program are materializing in her life as she grows in her recovery.

Ryan Thornell, Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR), is a respected and innovative leader with two decades of correctional leadership experience. Christin and Ryan sit down to talk about the positive changes and reimagining of Arizona's correctional and reentry programs. This includes bringing in volunteers for peer support, medically assisted treatment (MAT) regimens, and programs/activities to properly prepare people for life after prison.

100 episodes and we reflect back on the growth of Crossroads and all the changes!

Tune in to hear Christin and Susan talk about their turbulent upbrings and why true addicts oftentimes can't successfully practice “controlled drinking.” Susan became pregnant for the first time at 14 years old and started drinking around the same time. After years of alcohol and drug abuse she started going to church and forming connections with other Christians. Now, Susan is the successful CEO of Beyond Fear To Freedom, which provides to aid to many women in crisis and much needed support.

Ileana sits on Crossroads' board of directors and is a huge advocate of many different types of recovery. Christin and Ileana talk about how recovery is a journey. She struggled with her mental health long after she did the 12 steps but through therapy, energy centering, and other self-improvement techniques, she was able to blossom into the positive individual she is today. No matter how an individual chooses their recovery path, one of the most important things is to “clear the wreckage of the past.”

Blake and Christin talk about how he had a career in entertainment/music and that scene introduced him to drugs and partying at a young age. This started the spiritual warfare within himself. Blake talks about how when he is “selective” about his recovery, he stayed unwell and discontent. Finally, when he made God central to his program he started to successfully recover. Now Blake has gotten back into creating music and art and co-hosts his own podcast called “Formally Intoxicated.”

George and Christin talk about how George struggled to reintegrate into civilian life after his time in the Marine Corp. This eventually led to heavy alcohol and drug use and a prison sentence. At first, he hated his situation and had some of his darkest days. However, eventually George looked within for change and began helping others as well. Now George's true passion is helping others reintegrate after serving a prison sentence. George currently works as an Outreach Manager at New Freedom, who's goal is to advocate for those coming back into society.

Dan has been serving in ministry since 1988 and was ordained in 1995. He joined the staff of Pure Heart in 2000 and has been the Senior Pastor since 2005. Dan is the co-founder of School Connect which serves over 1000 public schools in 7 cities in 6 different states. He is the co-founder of Resilient Church Conference, equipping the local church to be trauma informed. He also is the chairman of Better Together Family of churches, uniting churches across greater Phoenix area and helping pastors finish strong. Crossroads has an outpatient program on Pure Heart's campus and we have a wonderful and productive partnership. Pastor dan is married and has 5 amazing kids, 2 of whom were adopted from parents addicted to Methamphetamine.

Tune in to hear how as the Regional Clinical Director at M.I.K.I.D- Mentally Ill Kids in Distress, Suma oversees the quality of clinical services for children and families affected by mental illness and trauma. M.I.K.I.D. does great work in the community for vulnerable minors and adults, ensuring they have the tools needed for a healthy, successful, and happy life.

Listen in to hear Dominica Rose and Christin talk about how drug addiction and alcoholism is a progressive illness. What first started off being fun and experimental for Dominica, quickly turned into an unstoppable addiction for her. Dominica eventually found the 12 steps and talks about the “HOW” of the program. Meaning, being Honest, Open-Minded, and Willing is one of the pillars to getting and staying sober.

Tune in to hear Tony Johnson's redemption story and complete change of thinking. Growing up, he always thought as a man, he could not show any emotion. After starting AA/NA programming in prison, he realized that recovery means becoming vulnerable and owning up to our past. Tony is now the director of admissions at Apex Recovery Center and according to him, in a “unique position to get people into a safe place.”

Tune in to hear the director of Desert Recovery Centers, Jason Inserra, share his turbulent story. After trying to balance being a collegiate soccer athlete while in active addiction, he started a downward spiral. Eventually, someone taught Jason how to write prescriptions and he was charged with 280 counts of forgery. Listen to how Jason hit rock bottom before he completely turned his life around and become his authentic self with the help of his daughter, wife, and the 12 steps.

Listen in on how Eric Parra shares his story of getting kicked out of the Navy for alcohol and drug related charges off-duty. After that, he started to spiral, trying to relocate to escape his addiction, even telling himself he's not an addict and that he just “parties too hard.” After receiving help Eric totally turned his life around, now working at Plugged-In sober homes and hosting his own podcast called the “Odd or Nod Podcast.” Tune in to hear how connection is the opposite of addiction.

Tune in to hear Megan get emotional about her story of overcoming addiction. Megan got caught in 2018 smuggling drugs over the border. She was discharged to Crossroads as a pre-trial client, did 4 months of treatment, and carried out her prison sentence successfully. She talks about overcoming her addiction and getting her kids back in her life. Megan's message of motivation, hope, and healing resonate deeply, touching the lives of all those she encounters with her compassion, empathy, and unwavering support.

Tune in to hear Marcus Weisbly share his story of addiction, trauma, and eventual triumph. Marcus came all the way from having suicidal ideations and almost giving up, to having multiple years in sobriety and a family. They talk about how sometimes the 12 steps isn't enough to feel good in sobriety, just a good starting point. To deal with past traumas, sometimes therapy or other healing modalities are necessary.

First opened in Seattle, WA. Recovery Café aims to provide free treatment and a supportive environment to those with substance abuse issues. They provide free classes, including: health and wellness, family dysfunction, budgeting, 12 step meetings, plus more. Recovery Café is meant to fill the gap after individuals leave treatment. Typically, people still need help after 30 or 45 days of inpatient treatment. Tune in to hear more about all the great work Recovery Café does!

Listen to these two amazing people talk about how they have been through it all together and in spite of one another. From enabling to supporting one another Kayla and Travis talk about family life before and after. These two have broken the cycle to become good and supportive parents continuing self-care so that they can give the proper care to their child.

Miranda, Danielle, and Greg discuss how good it feels to see the positive transformation in clients when they finish treatment. They come in broken and spiritually drained but leave with a light in their eyes and a restored sense of hope. They also talk about working at Extension's clinic, personal addiction issues, and a mutually love for watching wrestling.

Tune in to hear Barbara Brown talk about her tour from Chi-town, through New York, and then across the country to Phoenix where she found the 12 step program through her family and friends. She has now created her own legacy of helping others through a program of sobriety that includes hugging babies at Hushabye nursery and supporting Arizona Women's Recovery Center through her golf tournament, dedicated to her husband who passed away several years ago. Barbara is a shining example of continued sobriety through acts of service and supporting other addicts in their own journey.

Listen to how Kristen Johnson went from big troubles in small town Arizona to Crossroads to prison and back to Crossroads to share her amazing story of resilience, perseverance, and hope. From hopeless to hopeful to living the dream. Recently released from prison to continue her journey of spreading the word, publishing a newsletter containing stories of success in sobriety and traveling the state forty-eight to inspire others.

Sam is the lead clinician and a chaplain at Crossroads at Pure Heart. Greg and Sam talk about how he goes all in on his faith like some recovering addicts go all out on the 12 steps. After inheriting some money at a young age, Sam started abusing drugs including heroin. He mentions this stunted his emotional growth. However, thanks to his faith and a long-term recovery program, Sam is now a stand-up individual, inspiring other addicts to get clean and sober.

Loren, Amanda, Amber, and Kristin talk with Greg about new programs available at our Extension facility. The East Valley Integrated Care program is an outpatient program that involves a holistic approach to substance abuse treatment. Some treatment modalities include yoga, art therapy, breathwork, sound healing, Reiki, plus more! Listen in to hear how as long as people remain honest, open-minded, and willing, they may be surprised how much they benefit from mind, body, and soul healing.

Listen in as Greg talks with Joey Landin, survivor and CEO of The Sanctuary treatment program. Learn why Joey shows a picture of himself at his worst when he shares his story. Discover how he went from being an addict on the streets to embracing the 12 steps of recovery. Now, he owns two businesses, is a father, and a husband. Joey is truly one of the miracles we need to witness when discussing recovery.

Greg talks with Jarad about going from stealing gas, in a big way, to giving back to others in a bigger way. Jarad has gone from not being present for his family and friends to helping others early in sobriety and becoming a responsible adult. While making life decisions he has relied on those who came before him including his sponsor who opened his eyes to multiple ways of faith.

John and Greg sit down to discuss growing up in Brooklyn, taking care of your mental health, and saying yes to life's opportunities. Oftentimes, people in recovery work hard on their spiritual health but neglect their mental health. Sometimes this can even lead to a relapse! After several years in recovery, John was able to get treatment for his PTSD with EMDR and other therapy modalities. He is now able to say yes to wonderful opportunities in life. Tune in for some amazing stories!

Greg and Steve kick their feet up to talk about their experience, strength, and hope. Steve has been in recovery since 1983 and is a regular hangout at Crossroads East. He mentions how on the outside, his life looked great but he was spiritually sick with a severe drug and alcohol problem. It is quite inspiring that after more than 40 years in AA, he hasn't lost his passion to help other addicts.

We sit down With Estil Wallace to talk about parenting, how different approaches to sobriety are needed because we are all on a different journey, and his own choices in his recovery including the start of Cornerstone Healing center. Estil is thoroughly involved in sponsorship, the 12 steps, and whatever else may help including therapy. Greg and Estil do agree on one thing and that is staying close to those early in recovery and having those conversations that keep us grounded.

Dale tells his story of recovery coming from small town Indiana to Phoenix. Becoming a partner with his wife Susan in his fight to become a better father and husband. Dale and Susan have taken jobs helping others that led them from the east valley to Pennsylvania and back to Phoenix. Once an employee at Crossroads and now with Sanctuary, Dale has immersed himself in the 12 step program and has a better understanding of what recovery means to so many others.

Jay Dow and Greg talk about the blessing to be able to play music in jails, treatment facilities, and institutions. Sober Music Company has been active for 10 years now and Jay mentions he plans on expanding the company in the future by hiring other musicians. However, his aim is to uphold the objective of aiding addicts in their healing journey the best way he knows how, through music.

Chris Lawson talks with Greg about his extensive history with drugs and alcohol, starting at a very young age. They also talk about relationships in recovery, relapses and bounce backs, and changing previous behavior not just getting sober. Chris has a solid recovery program and is the Clinical Coordinator for aftercare services. He has aspirations to be a licensed substance abuse counselor in the future.

Tim Benson is a Crossroads alumni who now facilitates groups and trains others on how to do the same. He affirms that a big part of his job is inspiring clients and getting them excited about recovery, rather than just teaching them the material. Makes sense, considering he used to be a classroom teacher at a high school. Tim also facilitates a group on the weekends for families' of clients going through Crossroads. He shares information, helps make connections, and guides worrying families through their loved ones addiction.

Mike Gelbron shares his experience with the supportive community and family atmosphere of Crossroads. Now the Chief Compliance Officer, Mike started with Crossroads as a volunteer in the kitchen doing community service. As he slowly realized being of service to other struggling addicts and alcoholics was his life's mission, he began to work his way up in the company. Tune in to listen to Mike's inspiring success story of how Crossroads completely changed his life.

* M/A for language * Amber is a Crossroads employee of 3 years who now helps run our brand new art and yoga studio. Initially, she didn't think she could handle working at Crossroads but as she grew in recovery, she learned new positive traits that helped her to be successful in the company. Amber is a high energy individual and engages in recovery the same way. Listen to Amber share her story and recite some big book knowledge in the process!

Brandon Lee from Art of Our Soul, Clay Boettcher, and Bex Cox talk with Greg about Crossroads' awesome new art and yoga studio. They talk about what a holistic approach to treatment looks like. Not only remediation for substance abuse problems but starting to heal childhood trauma and mental health issues as well. To heal the whole person, there should be a mind, body, and soul connection established. That is the mission of these new Crossroads programs.

Ted Gutierrez is an addict and alcoholic who found recovery in 12 step meetings and at Mountain Park Health Clinic. He went on to work for Mountain Park because he felt it was the right thing to do. They like to say they help people from “cradle to the grave” because of the extensive services they offer. Tune in to hear to all the good work Mountain Park Health, the Aris Foundation, Crossroads, and others are doing together.

Aaron manages Crossroads integrated care unit. At Crossroads, we believe it's vital that clients receive comprehensive care that includes physical, mental, and spiritual health. Aaron explains how he went from using heroin and meth to having a great job, a wife, and kids. Aaron also fancies himself a bit of a horror movie buff. Listen until to the end to hear Greg test that knowledge out.

Long time pals Greg and Alvin discuss how the beginning of the recovery process is vital for addicts to make decisions. During early recovery, addicts heads can be cloudy and they often need to be guided on what steps to take next. Sometimes they even help discerning a good decision from a bad one. This is where Alvin steps in to share his experience and hopefully positively affect a newly recovering addict

Lionel first got sober at 27 and relapsed after nine years in AA. He had a house, car, and good job but lost it all due to substance abuse. Greg and Lionel talk about his time at Crossroads East and how he is now a licenced substance abuse counselor. Listen to Lionel share his story of loss and triumph in and out of AA.

Kym is a group facilitator and peer at Crossroads Extension. She hit her bottom after living under a stairwell at her place of work; Now, she and her boyfriend are thinking about buying a house. Greg and Kym talk about the humor in addiction and recovery, albeit sometimes dark. Kym took comedy and acting classes and often performs stand up. She will be performing stand up at the HA convention on Saturday, July 15th.

Christin is an old Crossroads employee with 5 years sober. She currently works at Art of Our Soul which is an art studio that focuses on healing trauma through painting and listening to music. Christin has experienced trauma herself, stemming from her childhood. Greg and Christin talk about how childhood trauma can carry over to the behaviors and chaos in our adult lives, including addiction.

Our new Executive Director Chris Riley and Greg talk about a brief history of Crossroads. Chris is a veteran who picked up a drinking habit in the military. He went to Crossroads in 2005 when it was a halfway house and has been sober since. Chris beat homelessness, drug addiction, and alcoholism all thanks to Crossroads.

Crossroads executive director, Lee Pioske, retires on June 1st. This is a very special episode and Lee's last one as a Crossroads employee. Greg and Lee talk about his time at Crossroads, the upcoming changes, and the overall landscape of addiction and recovery. Thank you for the 25 years of service Lee!!

Wes Tharp has been with Crossroads for 5 years and is the maintenance warehouse manager. He came from a family of addicts and was in and out of prison from 19-27. After getting shot and living at a homeless shelter, he found the recovery community. Greg and Wes discuss Crossroads' peer driven treatment and the benefits of emulating the recovery of someone that has what you want. Wes found a home and a career at Crossroads.

Daniel Banuelos is a Crossroads Community Outpatient navigator. He provides case management for clients, supplying them with resources, life skills, mental health support, and more. Daniel came full circle because it was an outpatient navigator from Crossroads that helped him get back on his feet. Daniel is an ex-gang member, who started with drugs and alcohol at a very early age. Listen to Daniel's incredible story on how he turned his life around with the help from Crossroads.